SPEAKING OF THE RIGHTS OF THE FAITHFUL

Speaking to some 10,000 or so pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square on Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis continued his recent catechesis on the celebration of the Mass.

The Holy Father repeated his earlier reflections regarding the Liturgy of the Word insisting that the faithful  who attend Mass are denied a fundamental “right” if they do not receive a well-prepared and well-preached homily.

In the Liturgy of the Word, the Lord speaks for both pastors and faithful, and he “knocks on the door of those who participate in Mass, each one in their condition of life, age and situation,” Pope Francis stated.

He continued:  “Because of this, after the readings are done, people in the pews are entitled to a well-written, well-preached homily. We have the right to hear the word of God.”

Who wouldn’t agree with that?

But speaking of the rights of the faithful, don’t they (we) also have a right to Papal statements and pronouncements that are equally well-prepared and which clearly (and without doubt or confusion) enunciate the fundamental teachings of Catholic faith and morals?

Speaking of the rights of the faithful, don’t they (we) have a right to expect that the Vicar of Christ will resist the temptation to make impromptu, off-the-cuff remarks which could easily be misinterpreted or considered hurtful or insulting?

Now, anyone familiar with this blog knows what a fan I am and continue to be of Pope Francis.

He has certainly challenged some long-held (and I confess stuffy) opinions I have harbored for many years without a great deal of reflection.  I welcome the breath of fresh air Pope Francis has introduced into the dark and dank halls of the Vatican and elsewhere in the Church (like my mind and soul).

I love this Pope, but he does consternate me at times, especially when he is so quick to criticize Clergy and then turn right around and do what he has criticized his Priestly brothers of doing.

Priests should seriously and assiduously prepare their homilies.  But let’s face it, not everyone is a good, let alone effective preacher.

And while the faithful have a right to a “good homily”, they (we) have an equal obligation of continuing their (our) Catholic formation by reading, studying, and reflecting upon the Sacred Scriptures themselves.  And then, inspired by God’s Word, they (all of us) should bring those inspirations before the Lord in prayer and supplications.

Pope Francis remarks to the crowds on Ash Wednesday were appropriate, but incomplete.

Let Priests take their preaching duties seriously, and let the faithful take their responsibilities in like fashion.

And along the way, let Popes be a bit more circumspect in the impromptu remarks they make, especially to the media on airplanes.