Truth in love

When we first started studying theology, we were given a golden rule to follow in our theological discussions: “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, super omnia charitas”, that is, on questions of principle we have to stand united, in doubt we should feel free to discuss, and always keep united in love.

A priest is bound to adhere to the magisterium and to follow the bishop’s directives on matters of faith and morals- Fr Alphonse Sammut, OFM Conv., Birkirkara

And a second rule of no lesser value was “Sentire cum ecclesia”, in other words, be one with the Church in heart and mind.

I feel that a priest who has promised obedience to his bishop, is bound by that same vow to adhere to the magisterium and to follow the bishop’s directives on matters pertaining to faith and morals.

Acting otherwise he will be fomenting division and sowing doubt and error among the faithful.

Christ never compromised on principles, not even when, after the multiplication of bread and his identifying himself with the bread of life that came down from heaven, the crowds started deserting him.

On that occasion, he turned to the Twelve and said to them: “Do you also want to leave?” And to this, Peter replied: “You alone have the words of life and we believe.”

Yes, Christ did not come to teach the easy way. He always insisted that following Him meant entering through the narrow door and in no unclear terms He said: “Whoever does not gather with me, scatters.” At these words we priests should tremble with fear and be humble enough and play safe, following the magisterium and not our personal opinions, however reasonable they may seem to us.

The Pope, who has at heart the good of the Church, more than once has repeated that, in our age of relativism when all values are being questioned simply to accommodate man’s passions, the Church remains the only beacon which enlightens the way to a new civilisation of love.

As the Church at the beginning was just a small seed, the yeast that leavens the whole batch in a corrupted world, and yet has spread its branches to the four corners of the world and leavened the whole society, so in our days, the Church, small in the number of the uncompromising faithful, can renew once more the face of the earth despite the unworthiness of us priests.