Servants, not masters.

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I have been having difficulty with one of those who was given the reins of my most important associations.  Some forget that they are servants.  A lord, a prince, even a king, has some grant.  But that grant is extremely, and precisely, limited.  I have written of it, much as I have written of lessor associated princes failing, and the whole system just allowing it.  Thankfully, unlike the US system, it seems the Catholic system is not without checks and balances.  The pope is not getting his way in secularizing and humanizing the church.  I have feet in every grave, and yet I put my faith in the foot I have in life.  It seems I am not alone, regardless of the leadership, in all sectors currently.

Those who divorce, gays, and everyone else has a place in the church.  Much as beggars of all stripes.  To some extent we are all beggars, of forgiveness.  However, we have no right to advocacy for our particular faults.  As a fact, those are only allowed if denied.  A particular sin does not give one special rights.  It actually gives that particular sinner special prohibitions.  I approach the church with this, distinctly, in mind.  I have sinned with many women.  As such, I come to the church in debt for that.  I... love the taste of war.  I crave it.  And, so, I come to the church in suffering, and pleading.  I look for mercy and guidance, not... acceptance.  I bleed, in the church, for my sins.  I know each has cost Christ.  Hell, even if I am called to dark things, even then, I would do so reluctantly, cautiously, prayerfully.  So well taught that I don't want even what I greatly desire.  I will hurt for want of not doing what may be required of me.

Thankfully, unlike broken democratic republics, the church refuses to ignore truths.  Some still know what a servant is, and how that differs from being a master.  Even Christ suffered when He could have chosen otherwise.  He certainly did not want what He knew was His to bear, asked that His price be recanted, but then accepted what had to be.  This pope doesn't understand that.  Oh, it's sliding.  From top to bottom, as communards says and devise.  But it hasn't completely fallen yet.  And... don't just look to my church.  Look very closely into your own, and your heart, and God's words.  Thankfully, no pope, bishop, priest, or layman, alone or possibly together, is the faith.  Know that for yourself.

I will review the new writ, see if the church is salvageable.  My faith is beyond doubt, it just may have to exclude liars, thieves, cheats, and despots, but more... sinners who choose sin over truth.  What is odd to me, is that the so called conservative bishop is the one, and from the nation, that pushed for this... egalitarian pope.  Thrown out on his ear.  An abject lesson in politicizing faith.  Just deserts and whatnot.  Woke grumpy, you ask?  Nah.  I was born grumpy.  I enjoy it when I'm not ranting... well, okay, some rants are quite a pleasing thing, when righteous.

Later.