We Want A Modern Pope?

Over the last several days there have been articles and news reports contending that catholics want a 'modern' Pope.  The language used of course is that we as a Church need to move into the 21st century.  To be sure the structure of the Vatican is a tad antiquated, in addition to the fact that using modern technology the Cardinals could have elected a new Pope using Skype, texts, and email.  But this is not exactly what is implied in the news accounts.

The desire is that the Church, like our society today, would be open to the possibility of abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage as an alternate life-style choice, and married clergy.  If we would simply follow along with whatever seems to be popular, right, or good, then we would become more relevant.  Folks like to point out that Jesus loved and accepted everyone, therefore so should the Church.

And yet what is so often forgotten is that the Gospels do spell out a moral lifestyle, which includes embracing the cross, and avoiding  sexual promiscuity,  greed, selfishness, and self-righteousness.  Jesus offers the woman caught in adultery forgiveness, and tells her to avoid this particular sin.  The story of Zacchaeus is a wonderful example of conversion and discipleship.  Jesus kindness and compassion does not advocate dishonesty and injustice, but moves him to change his lifestyle.  More so the Gospel Jesus offers a litany of if part of your body is your downfall, then one should remove it. 

Throughout the centuries the Church has stood with the poor and the anawim.  The radical nature of the Church has challenged the likes of kings and queens to change their policies and politics to allow justice and peace to flourish.  The Thomas Mores, Francis of Assisi's, Dorothy Days, and Oscar Romero's, of the Church not only advocated a counter-culture, but did not back down to popular pressure which recommended going along with the flow of society.

Lumen Gentium, of the Second Vatican Council, reminds us, "This was to be the new People of God.  For, those who believe in Christ, who are reborn ... are finally established as 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation... .'"  This image creates for us a vision that the Church is supposed to be the unfolding and revelation of the Kingdom of God.  The Paschal Mystery challenges us to proclaim good news to the world.  We are not passing out smiling Jesus pictures to everyone, but standing on a conviction to what is true, right, and good.  Our faith is not about being nice or making us feel good about ourselves.  It is about creating a space of justice and peace, standing strong for the weak and vulnerable, and leading people away from oppression and Sin.

More so the Church is to be prophetic in the world today.  Why can't we believe like everyone else?  Because we are not like everyone else.  The Pope is the voice and face of the Gospel.  Standing on the foundation of the Apostles and the holy men and women through the centuries, the Church continues to carry out the mission and ministry of Christ.  In the end one wonders who is really of out of step.  Is it a Church that protects life and liberty, or a society that can look the other way in the face of mass starvation and violence? 

Perhaps we do need a modern man who can challenge the modern Sin and Evil which seeks to harm us.