How can I reconcile the profound call of Saint Anthony, Abbot, to embrace humility and dialogue with the expectation that a priest, sharing the saint’s name, who wishes to apologize and address significant matters—whether about faith, care for creation, or Bishop Zurek’s accountability in the Church—should do so openly and transparently here “in the sight of #everyone“❓
Gospel
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days,
it became known that he was at home.
Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them,
not even around the door,
and he preached the word to them.
They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd,
they opened up the roof above him.
After they had broken through,
they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him,
“Child, your sins are forgiven.”
Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves,
“Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.
Who but God alone can forgive sins?”
Jesus immediately knew in his mind what
they were thinking to themselves,
so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,
‘Your sins are forgiven,’
or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?
But that you may know
that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”
–he said to the paralytic,
“I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”
He rose, picked up his mat at once,
and went away in the sight of everyone.
They were all astounded
and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Lectio Divina Reflection
The call to humility and dialogue, as exemplified by Saint Anthony, Abbot, resonates deeply with the idea of accountability within the Church. Humility invites us to recognize our shared humanity, and dialogue calls us to engage openly and honestly. In these moments, it seems essential that everyone, not just a select few, bears witness to such conversations to ensure trust and understanding. Without the inclusion of everyone, how can transparency truly exist❓
The teachings of Saint Anthony also challenge us to consider our relationships with creation and one another. When we embrace the stewardship of the earth and extend care to the most vulnerable, we engage in a dialogue that impacts everyone. The interconnectedness of our world demands that our actions reflect the shared responsibility we have for one another. But how can this responsibility be fully realized if everyone is not invited to the conversation❓
“…Life Mass on Saturday January 25th at 10: a.m. and he also encourages everyone in the diocese of Amarillo to attend and…”
Faith calls us to live in community and seek reconciliation, especially when divisions arise. A priest addressing matters of faith, creation, or leadership accountability carries an opportunity for healing and unity. Yet, these efforts lose their potency when confined to private discussions, leaving everyone else uncertain about the outcomes. Shouldn’t everyone have the chance to witness and participate in such reconciliation❓
Even Christ’s actions often occurred publicly, inspiring faith and transparency. Whether feeding the multitudes or forgiving sins, He demonstrated His love and authority openly, offering hope to everyone. The Gospel reminds us that faith grows when everyone can see and experience its truth. If we are to model Christ’s example, why wouldn’t significant Church matters also be handled “in the sight of everyone“❓
capable of sharing with everyone the forgiveness and reconciliation that come from God: the
pure grace of which we are not masters but only witnesses.”
Ultimately, I must ask myself: How can I uphold the values of humility, dialogue, and accountability in a way that respects the faith of everyone, fostering trust and unity, just as Saint Anthony’s example inspires me to do, so that no one goes away wondering
Furthermore, although this Encyclical welcomes dialogue with everyone so that together we can seek paths of liberation, I would like from the outset to show how faith convictions can offer Christians, and some other believers as well, ample motivation to care for nature and for the most vulnerable of their brothers and sisters.
FROM PARAGRAPH 64 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME