Welcome to the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.
The newly elected Pope John XXIII had convoked the Council with the Holy Spirit, that is, "a sudden flash of inspiration" as he called it.
On October 11, 1962, the so-called "caretaker Pope" challenged the "prophets of doom" to shake up their hope and realize that the human family and Church were embarked on "the threshold of a new era."
"What is needed at the present time is a new enthusiasm, a new joy and serenity of mind..."
John the XXIII ushered in "a new day dawning on the Church, bathing her in radiant splendor. It is yet the dawn," he shouted, "but the sun in its rising has already set our hearts aglow."
Some have concluded that the reforms of Vatican II were the start of chaos.
Some want a more tranquil time.
Yes, the "prophets of doom" were wrong.
Vatican II should have settled the personnel problem also.
It could have, but didn't address the implosion that seems to be rocking the Roman Church today as "stuff" and edifaces shutter left and right, multiple numbers at a time in dioceses across the globe.
Bankrupcy faces many.
Yet,one people of God are called to holiness, the Council proclaimed.
Hearts are set aglow.
As some hierarchs aim to turn back and ruin what Vatican II, the Spirit sends forth winds of wonder yet to be implemented.
Far more expansive and visionary documents were produced here than any of the previous Councils
with other Christians outside the Catholic Church present from 1962-65.
Liturgy, Revelation, the Church, and, the Church in the Modern World, the Laity, Religous Life, and Non-Christian Religions, and Religious Freedom. They are all there as fruits.
We would get nowhere condemning the world, John the XXIII said.
Rather, the Church must be open to it.
After all, living organisms must grow or they will die.
Grow more, we must with "fresh air."
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