Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Then as now

Pope says he's consoled by stories of apostles, disciples arguing

By Cindy Wooden | Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said he finds consolation in the New Testament stories of the apostles and first disciples arguing with each other.

Continuing his series of audience talks about the leaders of the early church, Pope Benedict spoke Jan. 31 about St. Paul and St. Barnabas arguing over whether they should take another person with them on a mission.

"So, even among saints there are contrasts, disagreements, controversies," the pope said.

"This appears very consoling to me, because we see that the saints did not drop as saints from heaven. They were men like us with problems and even with sins," the pope said before he was interrupted by applause.

"Holiness consists not in never having made a mistake or sinned," he said, but rather it grows with "conversion, repentance, with a willingness to start over and, especially, with the ability to reconcile and forgive."

"We can all learn this path to holiness," he said...

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3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very often in life there must be discussion and even discourse.

I'm am thrilled with the Pope's words. He blends an academic approach with common sense.

5:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, if only everyone would agree with you, Fr.G, there would be no need for arguements of any kind. And that would make this world kinder and gentler. But also maybe a little bit boring.

8:16 PM  
Blogger Fr LWG said...

The human condition in all its complexity makes life interesting.

9:04 PM  

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