Love is not rude"Love is not harsh", "Its actions, words and gestures are pleasing and not abrasive or rigid." "live agreeably with those around [us]." It's a bold new approach to the world outside the Church. Gone are the days with St John Paul II and Benedict XVI would publicly scold a poor soul in Latin while the rest of the Cardinals would giggle at his perplexity and shame. No more will the USCCB post cruel caricatures of President Obama on its website. The windows have been thrown open to the world! A new era of engagement built on mutual respect!
99. To love is also to be gentle and thoughtful, and this is conveyed by the next word, aschemonéi. It indicates that love is not rude or impolite; it is not harsh. Its actions, words and gestures are pleasing and not abrasive or rigid. Love abhors making others suffer. Courtesy “is a school of sensitivity and disinterestedness” which requires a person “to develop his or her mind and feelings, learning how to listen, to speak and, at certain times, to keep quiet”.107 It is not something that a Christian may accept or reject. As an essential requirement of love, “every human being is bound to live agreeably with those around him”.108 Every day, “entering into the life of another, even when that person already has a part to play in our life, demands the sensitivity and restraint which can renew trust and respect. Indeed, the deeper love is, the more it calls for respect for the other’s freedom and the ability to wait until the other opens the door to his or her heart”.109
Our Pontiff is certainly trying to reach out to those separated from us. And let's not forget that "pontiff" means "bridge builder". Now the Protestants, Muslims, secularists and -- possibly! -- even the Jesuits will come around to embracing Church Teaching due to the gentle words of our Pope and those that emulate him.
Today's Gospel reading is particularly challenging to the modern skeptic. In today's reading (John 14:6-14), Jesus not only says that he is identical with The Father (affirming the Trinity, at least in part), but Jesus also claims that He is the sole means to gain access to The Father. No goofy indifferentialism or syncretism here! How will our pontiff build bridges to those that don't see eye to eye with us with regards to this challenging passage?
By insulting people.
Pope Francis: Many ‘mummified’ or ‘vagabond’ Christians.
We'll have to rent out the Convention Center for our next RCIA class given the mannerly ecumenical outreach here.
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