ARCC spot LIGHT (analysis of Church issues offered by the ARCC Publications Committee, R. Schutzius, ed.)
Underestimating Your Bishop
Aug 15, 2009
It might be a big mistake! He is a powerful, unaccountable, unelected Prince, appointed by the one remaining absolute monarch and reigns over his principality/diocese and its portfolio funded by you and your ancestors. By manipulating civil incorporation laws he legally denies ownership, yet, rising above them, he wields absolute power and control over all Catholic parishes, property, employees, and diocesan institutions. If it is not under his control, it is not considered "Catholic"! He is a civil, economic, and political power to be reckoned with, and not up for re-election.
Questioning his particular interpretation of Church teachings or Church laws tends to be considered as arrogant. He was appointed/elevated for his loyalty to Rome, knowledge and adherence to rules, devotion to duty, and administrative/political acumen. He probably was singled out early in his priesthood, perhaps even before ordination, for trained in Rome, and eventually assigned to an administrative position.
If he knows and speaks from his experience of the everyday life of his people and does not sweat the small stuff, he is better qualified than most. If he listens to, and is taught by, the faith and wisdom of his people, he is a rare bird. If he follows the advice of Pope Gregory the Great,"It is better that scandal arise than that truth be concealed", he has integrity. If he acts like a good servant to those who make his office possible, he just might be one. If he has these qualities, it would be a mistake to ignore him. If he doesn't, it would be a mistake not to.
3/23, 21st Sunday, 1 Kings, 1:11-19, 29-31 & Wisdom of Solomon 9:9-18
3/30, 22nd Sunday, 1 Kings 3:16-28
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