One Way, Truth and Life

Rosemary Gravenor, Durban- We are all in need of redemption. Jesus redeemed us once and for all, 2000 years ago. We need to tap into that actively every day. We need to be set free from this world’s idols and attractions.

Jesus said: I am the way, the truth, the life. Follow me, my truth will set you free. Everything – prayer, liturgy, scripture, sacraments, mother Church – all are a means to that end: our freedom and our redemption.

The test for all these means is: does it free me to love? If it does, we recognise it because Jesus did not leave us on our own. He gave us the Spirit who works constantly to complete the work. This is a primary reason we believe in the supremacy of conscience.

Our anger is a result of recognising when something is not working towards these promises of Jesus. The response from our bishops to this anger is to say effectively: We will take a part of your anger and lay it before those with authority in these matters.

Papal infallibility concerns matters of faith and morals. It does not include changes in liturgical texts and rituals. I can understand the Church having the goal of unity, uniformity and conformity of language for the Mass. But why have most English-language bishop’s conferences not adopted any changes?

I love the Church – not the Church of 50 years ago but of today.