Words
of wisdom from Oscar Romero, of blessed memory. A church that doesn't provoke
any crises, a gospel that doesn't unsettle, a word of God that doesn't get
under anyone's skin, a word of God that doesn't touch the real sin of the
society in which it is being proclaimed--what gospel is that? Very nice, pious
considerations that don't bother anyone, that's the way many would like
preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be
harassed, so as not to have conflicts and difficulties, do not light up the
world they live in.
I would think the martyred saint, Oscar Romero,
ReplyDeletewould be very uncomfortable in the church of the
United States today as I am. Perhaps not but it appears the church is too rich, too comfortable and suffers from a lack of effective leadership.
Leaders are called to enunciate a vision, speak the words of challenge and direction away from being overtaken by materialism and relativism.
I'm sure he would. The church used to be marked by hospitality, welcome, acceptance, and sharing. All sorts of gifts are needed for this complex reality.
DeleteOscar Romero is correct. We are called to be a prophetic voice in society to look after the vulnerable as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 25.
ReplyDeleteThe prophet's voice is one of the many gifts we bring. Leading by example is a terrific way of bringing people along. Jesus did precisely that.
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