I have really mixed feelings about this reflection. On one hand, I very much agree with all of it and was nodding along as I read. On the other hand, it so obviously doesn’t reflect the reality of the Church.
The pope’s title is Servant of the Servants of God, but in reality he can, and does, make unilateral decisions that pay people have no recourse against. Likewise, if my bishop promulgates a new policy, he doesn’t need my input nor is there anything I can do to change it.
Hey, Paul. Thanks for reading and commenting! I think I hear you. I think your point is what Delbende’s comments are meant to represent in the essay. When the lived life of the hierarchy becomes abusive (and it often has) we have “gone and betrayed that Christ of ours.” Addressing the specifics of clericalism wasn’t really my intention here. I was just trying to map a vision of hierarchy from the perspective of Jesus.
And laying that out is important! At this point in my faith I definitely resonate more with Delbende’s comments here more than I ever expected I would. I now experience the difference between the lived reality and the Gospel in this regard as scandal.
I have really mixed feelings about this reflection. On one hand, I very much agree with all of it and was nodding along as I read. On the other hand, it so obviously doesn’t reflect the reality of the Church.
The pope’s title is Servant of the Servants of God, but in reality he can, and does, make unilateral decisions that pay people have no recourse against. Likewise, if my bishop promulgates a new policy, he doesn’t need my input nor is there anything I can do to change it.
Hey, Paul. Thanks for reading and commenting! I think I hear you. I think your point is what Delbende’s comments are meant to represent in the essay. When the lived life of the hierarchy becomes abusive (and it often has) we have “gone and betrayed that Christ of ours.” Addressing the specifics of clericalism wasn’t really my intention here. I was just trying to map a vision of hierarchy from the perspective of Jesus.
And laying that out is important! At this point in my faith I definitely resonate more with Delbende’s comments here more than I ever expected I would. I now experience the difference between the lived reality and the Gospel in this regard as scandal.