The Sanctity of Negotiations
It appears that Francis believes himself to be a prophet of the ‘fresh air’ of Vatican II.
Francis...
“In addition, these people had seen the rigidity of those scribes and Pharisees and when a prophet came to give them a bit of joy, they (the scribes and Pharisees) persecuted them and even murdered them; there was no place for prophets there. And Jesus said to them, to the Pharisees: ‘you have killed the prophets, you have persecuted the prophets: those who were bringing fresh air.’”
Reality...
“The same day, there came some of the Pharisees, saying to him: Depart, and get thee hence, for Herod hath a mind to kill thee. And he said to them: Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am consummated. Nevertheless I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day following, because it cannot be that a prophet perish, out of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee, how often would I have gathered thy children as the bird doth her brood under her wings, and thou wouldest not? Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. And I say to you, that you shall not see me till the time come, when you shall say: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
Was Christ flexible with Pilate? We think not!
Francis...
“This (is the) healthy realism of the Catholic Church: the church never
teaches us ‘this or that.’ That is not Catholic. The church says to us:
‘this and that.’ ‘Strive for perfectionism: reconcile with your brother.
Do not insult him. Love him. And if there is a problem, at the very
least settle your differences so that war doesn’t break out.’ This [is]
the healthy realism of Catholicism. It is not Catholic [to say] ‘this or
nothing:’ This is not Catholic, this is heretical. Jesus always knows
how to accompany us, he gives us the ideal, he accompanies us towards
the ideal, He frees us from the chains of the laws' rigidity and tells
us: ‘But do that up to the point that you are capable.’ And he
understands us very well. He is our Lord and this is what he teaches
us.”
Reality...
“And he entered into the hall again, and he said to Jesus: Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore saith to him: Speakest thou not to me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and I have power to release thee? Jesus answered: Thou shouldst not have any power against me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered me to thee, hath the greater sin.”
— Gospel According to Saint John 19, 9-11 —
— Gospel According to Saint John 19, 9-11 —
Did Christ negotiate with Herod? Nope, he remained silent.
Francis...
“And allow me to use this word that seems a bit strange: it’s the tiny
sanctity of negotiations. ‘So, I can’t do everything but I want to do
everything, therefore I reach an agreement with you, at least we don’t
trade insults, we don’t wage a war and we can all live in peace.’ Jesus
is a great person! He frees us from all our miseries and also from that
idealism which is not Catholic. Let us implore our Lord to teach us,
first to escape from all rigidity but also to go out beyond ourselves,
so we can adore and praise God who teaches us to be reconciled amongst
ourselves and who also teaches us to reach an agreement up to the point
that we are able to do so.”
Reality...
“And Herod, seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous of a long
time to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped
to see some sign wrought by him. And he questioned him in many words.
But he answered him nothing.”
— Gospel According to Saint Luke 23, 8-9 —
— Gospel According to Saint Luke 23, 8-9 —
Francis...
“It is not Catholic [to say] ‘this or nothing:’ This is not Catholic, this is heretical.”
“He that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.”
