It seems to me that Our Lords Words to me many years ago are now what we are seeing in the Church, “As the veil in the temple was rent in two, so will My Church be.” Please read this latest writing from Mark: https://www.markmallett.com/blog/the-body-breaking/
Well, lynnfiat, I believe you are correct and respect what Mark has shared, but I'm not even going to try and prove whose side I'm on. This drama that has been going on over the last seven years reminds me of Jesus saying, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting!" I do not mean that Pope Francis is possessed, only that pointing fingers is an empty gesture. We must get down to work on our knees and in our stomachs. I will strive to no longer dwell on what drags us down. When necessary I'll follow Paul's admonition: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!" O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Some good research by Mark but is this opinion taken as fact by the author in any way verifiable? 'The message of love and mercy that Francis has tried to convey to those far from the Church has, for a fact, drawn many back to the confessional and to Christ'. Where did Mark pluck this from?
I can confirm this statement about the pope and know people who have been marked by the pope's words. Instead of critiquing Mark's work, I think the role of Christian's would be to be ready for those people who are genuinely drawn to the Church in these days to welcome them with the right words. As the Vicar of Christ, Jesus is with Pope Francis and more than the pope's words, it could be Christ's love and mercy that is working through him to reach people. The question is not to dissect Mark's every word, but to be ready with love to welcome brothers & sisters who come our way in these times. Everyone has their role. The Pope has his and will be judged for his, but we have ours too let's not forget. If our focus is on critiquing others for their strict adherence to the law etc, we won't be able to help anyone because talking right away about the law to someone coming in from the cold is like throwing a bucket of cold water on them and could send them right back out there looking for the mercy and compassion they seek. Mark's writings are a blessing for our Church and I certainly view him as a light.
You read too much into my post. I am asking for evidence that backs up his statement. I am interested in hard facts about Mark's statement. How many have come into the Church because of Pope Francis. Is there evidence that can back up his statement? Is it true? Or is it merely a sentiment? You may know people who have been marked by the Pope's words but equally there may well be people who have left the Church because of some of the Pope's statements. Where's the evidence that the Pope 'has drawn many back to the confessional'?
OK sorry if it seemed like it, but I find that Mark's articles are worthy of contemplation and should lead us to prayer. When I read his article last night, it sent me immediately to pray the rosary because I felt the need to do this for the Church. Perhaps Mark's style is not for everyone, and in which case, people should ignore his work and read other things. Prayer, penance is what matters now, no? Why waste time chasing after this data point which we'll never be able to know while on earth. His article says so much more and raises awareness of the real danger the Church is in right now, which is the reason that Lynn posted it in the first place.
Andree -- I liked and enjoyed the article -- I already stated it was well researched and Mark provides many footnotes, which I really like. But I was interested in that particular statement about 'many' Catholics being brought back to the confessional because of Pope Francis. It was not footnoted. So I assume it is a sentiment/feeling of Mark's because it is not verifiable. As you say 'we will never be able to know while on this earth'. Over and out. No need to respond again.
