Another recent news item, totally relevant, related to the view of the Pope regarding the ordination of women. Pope Francis, quite refreshing in many ways, does not believe in the ordination of women. He believes, I suppose, that he has a divine mandate to express such views. Interestingly, I myself with long training like the Pope had in the Jesuits held this view some years ago. I now hold that such a view has no divine sanction, and that it is based on a bad tradition. Many denials of human rights were based on bad traditions, and subjugation of one sex or race or caste. I do not intend to say that many women in the Catholic world are ready for the change. History also tells us that there were blacks in the USA who were not prepared for the emancipation proclamation from slavery. There is no credible theological support for the Pope’s view. I also like to give my unsolicited view to the Pope as a fellow traveler to find the mind of the Church through a general council.
As we analyze world’s problems and as we examine ourselves, I see only one criterion or one question that is pertinent and inescapable for all. Am I saying and doing everything according to God’s will and my conscience? For a person with a well-formed conscience, there is no difference between one’s conscience and God’s will. All the great teachers of the world ask us to search for the truth, and live a life of the spirit loving and caring for all humans. The way of the world may not be our way or a way that promotes spiritual life.
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