So…Pope Francis has made some more comments that are raising
eyebrows and leading to blog posts. There are several news stories out there
about the Pope’s recent statements to the effect that even those who don’t
believe in God can go to Heaven.
Well…we are all aware of how the media likes to jump on this
kind of thing and make the proverbial mountain out of the proverbial mole hill.
On the other hand, it is possible that the media was handed the mountain and
didn’t have to do any work at all on the molehill.
Whatever. I guess I’m just not willing to “go there”. So, whether the Pope uttered heretical remarks, or the media just quoted him out of context, I'm just not going to worry about it, since it was not an official statement of doctrine.
Okay, that's not altogether true...I do worry about it, but there's really no point in that. I think that, instead of worrying, it is better to look at what the Church actually teaches. So, mostly, I don’t read the reports of the Pope’s doings and sayings. Mostly, I
try to steep myself in Church teaching so as to keep my faith intact against
any assault, no matter where it comes from. Mostly, I pray.
That said, I’ll quote directly from SuperTradMum's post, "Putting Out Papal Fires". She has made these excellent points (and please visit her blog if you have not
done so; she posts lots of interesting material on many subjects):
First
of all, remember that Popes are ONLY infallible when making statements in
encyclicals or serious apostolic letters or even motu proprios FROM THE CHAIR
OF PETER.
Having
said that, this Pope really should be more careful as to what he says to the
press, especially the secular press, as the statements are always blown across
the world.
Second
of all, the Doctors of the Church, ALL GREAT SAINTS, make it clear that men and
women cannot get to heaven on their own merits. Living the life of natural
virtues do not gain us heaven-some of these notes are in the perfection series.
Look at that series for details.
It is
clear from the Doctors that these points must be considered:
1)
One, natural law is moral and is given to all people whether baptized or not;
therefore, all people can try and live good lives, not committing mortal sins,
in order to get to heaven.
2)
The Doctors agree that one's own merits do not gain heaven, only grace
3) It
is almost impossible to be good and stay good without grace;
4)
The sacraments give grace.
5)
There is invincible ignorance, but that is rare, very rare, as most
people in the world have access to truth in the teachings of the Catholic
Church-China's rules on Internet prohibitions might cause some not to, but in
the West, no.
6)
Supernatural virtues are not the same as natural virtues. People do not gain
heaven by living in natural virtue.
7)
Can and does God give grace in some cases outside the Church? Yes, but all
people are saved through the merits of the Catholic Church. If they refuse to
follow the Church, that would be the sins of pride, presumption, and
arrogance.
8)
Not even Catholics can presume they are saved.
9)
God is merciful, but also just. He weighs in on both, of course.
10) Is the Lord merciful? Of course, we cannot sin on purpose and ignore knowledge on purpose and expect mercy.
10) Is the Lord merciful? Of course, we cannot sin on purpose and ignore knowledge on purpose and expect mercy.
So, SuperTradMum has given us a nice little catechesis here. Let us focus on that.
And pray. Pray. Fast. Pray. Fast. Pray some more.
And don't forget to pray.
