Pope Benedict XVI on Truth in Love: Fidelity # 2 of 2

Pope Benedict XVI on Truth in Love: Fidelity # 2 of 2

In pursuit to the truth - cinops be gone - Thursday, June 28, 2012

From Ordinary Correspondence, No. 23, Oct. 25, 1979 - June 26th meditation

But, there are other, more serious, criticisms that must be taken more seriously. We are told, for example, that the Pope is a product of a conservative theology that is appropriate for a conservative country, but that he is obviously not familiar with the West and its quite different situation.

It is said, moreover, that, by reason of his pastoral role, he should not simply decree and decide; he should discuss and convince. But one who truly listens knows that this Pope has not spent his life in a small and narrow world - and not just because he has already traveled widely in the world, because he has always been surrounded by young people whose enthusiasms, problems, and questions about a world that is, in this sense, still undivided are everywhere the same, but also, more especially, because, as a man, he has himself known and endured all the depths of human life and its sufferings.

In the realm of the human heart, he has discovered the world of the human being and has pondered and suffered anew. By reason of such journeying into the adventure of human existence, he can speak with intimate knowledge and can make the word of faith perceptible again in all its permanence - the world that, is that sense, is certainly conservative, for it protects the ground of human nature.

But, precisely in so doing, it is creative because it thus bestows on the individual the possibility of maturity and progress, which cannot exist without a goal. One who listens carefully to the Pope’s words, sees as well that they are not issued as commands, but bear within them the whole history of a life that has been nourished by the centuries-long history of the Faith, and regards humanity anew from this perspective;

That he looks at himself with self-criticism, whereas we usually turn away and do not look at ourselves. Thus the Pope makes visible to why what is permanent is also something new. [Complement the above, read the meditation of the June 27th.]

“He (Pope John Paul II) reminded us that the scarlet robe of the cardinals is a symbol of their readiness to undergo martyrdom… He spoke then of the English cardinal , John Fisher, who received the scarlet robe in the prison… We are reminded here also of a second aspect of this pontificate, which the Holy Father described in the Sistine Chapel in his first address to the world as “fidelitas” - fidelity. In saying this, he opposed to the superficial dichotomy of conservatism and progress the so-often-forgotten other dimension; fidelity, which is creative in its preservation of the Faith.”

George H. Kubeck - Blessed John Paul is the role model not only for U.S. Catholic bishops but for all Christians during this time of prayer in this Fortnight for Religious Freedom.