This Pope Though: How to Discuss The Holy Father with Charity and Clarity
5 minute read
He’s one of the most popular Popes in history.
And depending on which cross section of Catholic culture you happen to nest in, that could be either a really beautiful thing or something very troubling indeed.
The interpretation of, and the public response to Pope Francis' public words, actions, statements, and policies on the part of Catholics worldwide runs the gamut between adoration and appreciation to shock and for some even outright, public dissent.
Wherever you find yourself on this opinion spectrum regarding the actions of the Holy Father, it is the imperative as Catholics who are desirous of fidelity to the Magisterium, that we speak carefully in public forums, and private ones as well.
Here a few simple guidelines (as outlined in 1st Corinthians 13) that can govern our thoughts and words about Pope Francis both privately and most especially in our public exchanges.
Discuss Patiently
Hasty words lead to ruin (insert psalm). You may have some very troubling and very real concerns but it is of the utmost importance that you conduct those thoughts and the development/ discussion of those thoughts PATIENTLY.
Be very mindful of who you are talking to. Do not allow your frustration and your haste to “hash it out” or “be validated” put a very real stumbling block in the path of younger or less informed believers or worse yet, those who actively seek to mis-inform.
Consider the impact your words may have on your audience’s faith life, trust in the church, and spiritual journey. Consider the spiritual maturity of your audience and hold off on commenting if the Holy Spirit alerts you to choose a different venue of discussion. Patiently wait and seek an appropriate audience for your concerns if he leads you away from voicing your opinion.
Discuss Kindly
We are all tasked to conduct ourselves with radical kindness, most especially to those whom we believe have erred or with whom we disagree. If you have issue with any action of the Holy Father, you must first take your thoughts to the Lord Jesus in prayer and let him sift through them, helping you to discard what is not of him. If dissent remains, take special care to think of the Holy Father with kindness and tenderness before discussing him. Pray these words, "Jesus, place a guard over my lips" before entering into any discourse.
Discuss Generously (without envy)
Envy is a sneaky thing these days. In a world where right is wrong and wrong is right, envy, surprisingly, is still seen as something to avoid. This is good of course, but it also means it has to be a lot sneakier in how it invades human hearts, so as to allude us. One way envy creeps in under the radar is when we wish for things to be different than they are. Nostalgically wishing for a different Pope or the "Popes of Old" is a slippery slope. In the quiet of our hearts we need to admit and be settled in the truth that Christ still leads his church. Even if we feel certain statements are erroneous we must thank God for never leaving us and for giving us his dear Holy Spirit. We must choose to believe Jesus when he says that the “gates of hell will not prevail against” us. We must choose to trust him, even as we struggle, and invite his companionship and insight IN to that struggle. We must be generous with our gratitude. Generosity of spirit must govern our thoughts.
Discuss Humbly (not boastful, arrogant, rude)
Take note of your attitudes. Examine your heart to be sure that you are not speaking or thinking of the Holy Father in a way that crosses into disdain or outright disrespect. It is difficult for God to show you HIS truth if you are full of arrogance, opinion, and vitriol. One way to approach public conversations is to pray beforehand. You could prayerfully read this passage and ask God to help you to see HIS truth. That is, after all, what we are seeking aren’t we?
Discuss Openly (not insisting on your own way)
It’s ok if people don’t agree with you. It’s ok if they see things differently. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. St. Bernadette of Lourdes said, “It is not my job to convince, but to inform.” What is our job, however, is being an image of Christ to the world. There is no conversation worth having that will damage that witness.
Discuss Calmly (avoid irritation or resentment)
If you are filled with anxiety about Pope Francis, you have misplaced your hope. Try to remain calm as you process through the things that you read and hear. Practice detachment from this world in a practical way. The easiest way to detach from the world is to detach from our own perceptions and anxieties, instead handing them to God. Be mindful of the tone and stress level you are exhibiting. Consider our call to be joyful always, even in “great-affliction”. You may be “greatly troubled”, but you are still called to trust.
Persistent and indulged anxiety can be sinful because it impairs our ability to ask God to help us or to see his willingness to do so. If you don’t believe that a willfully anxious state is error, you can ask Padre Pio, Mother Teresa, Teresa of Avila, St. Francis De Sales, and Josemaria Escriva, all of whom wrote or spoke extensively on this subject.
Discuss In A Way That Edifies
Some of the most interesting discussions I have observed regarding the actions of Pope Francis have been quite heated, with the participants almost HAPPY to see him say something questionable, leave something undone, or catch him “muddying up the waters” in their opinion. That kind of spirit; a spirit that rejoices in trouble or conflict has NO PLACE in the body of Christ or in our discussions. Don’t anticipate and look eagerly for the fall of a brother in Christ. Ever. If you aren’t praying for him more than you are talking about him, you yourself are in error. Frame your discussions in such a way that other conversants are edified and built up by what you have to say.“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is profitable for the believer…edifying all who listen.” (scripture reference)
Believe all things, Bear all things, Hope all things—Be confident
You may very well have some well documented, valid concerns.
Be sure to place your thoughts and discussions firmly against the backdrop of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Believe, hope, and bear all things-even your anxiety about the modern church-in the same spirit that Jesus bore his own suffering, worry, and sorrow. Your concern and passion for the church no doubt matters to the heart of God. Your desire for truth is part of your spiritual DNA. Ask him to refine and distill this desire and use it for his glory. You might be right dear brother or sister in Christ. You might be wrong. One day we will all see as we are seen.
It is good for those who are well read, well versed, well spoken, and well researched to remember the universal truth applicable to all of us found in the last verses of this beautiful passage.
It is helpful for those of us with many opinions to stop and contemplate the reality that we do not have all the information, or see the whole picture and to let that truth govern our thoughts and dicussions about these vitally important topics.