Ex Umbris Et Imaginibus: The Voice of Clarity

Monday, November 10, 2014

The Voice of Clarity

I love this cartoon, and I'm sure Pope St Leo the Great would probably like it too.

St Leo is of course one of our most extraordinary popes, hence the rare title of "the Great" was given to him. Renowned for his strong and wise pontificate, he was an insightful and brilliant theologian - hence his being numbered among the Doctors of the Church. His famous "Tome" written for, and read at, the Council of Chalcedon sought to settle the Christological question of his time, that of Jesus' divinity and humanity. Leo taught with the authority of the successor of St Peter and as Vicar of Christ that the Lord was fully divine and fully human. The response from the Council Fathers was simple: "Peter has spoken". For this we can honour Leo as "the voice of clarity" in the midst of confusion, and in this we can see one of the responsibilities of the popes.

Whenever I think of Leo my mind always turns to Pope Benedict XVI whose theology and teaching was clear, insightful and beautiful. So we must thank God that we had the joy of, perhaps, experiencing in some way what the people in Leo's time experienced.

May Pope St Leo watch over the Pope and the Pope Emeritus, intercede for them and help them fulfill the call of God.

Tomb of Pope St Leo the Great in St Peter's Basilica (in the altar)

above it a marble relief depicting Leo with Attila the Hun

1 comment:

AnonymousNovember 11, 2014 at 2:04 AM
Pope Leo St. the Great would never have publicly supported a cardinal like Walter Kasper in todays church who is openly promoting heresy in relation to the sacrament of matrimony.

There is enormous confusion and dismay in many catholic families to see clear catholic teaching and morals shunted aside at this recent Synod on the Family.
At that Synod the enemies of everything our forefathers held sacred were shameless enough to say so openly.

Pope Francis is the instigator of, and driving force behind, all that
has happening, is happening and might happen, schism not excluded.

Cardinal Burke is entirely correct in stating that the catholic church in late 2014 has become a ship without a rudder.

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Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

we bless and venerate you.

We commend to your care and protection

the cause of marriage and family life.

May the peace which reigned in your home

take possession of all hearts and abide in all families.

Confirm all men and women in the truth

so we may recognise what is good and right

and reject all that hinders life

and the true flourishing of humanity.

Guide the hearts of all citizens

that we may witness to the truth

in forming the laws governing our society.

Bless those who work for the protection

of marriage, family and life.

O Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Holy Family of Nazareth,

We entrust our hearts and our lives to you.

Amen

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the witness of your Servant, Blessed Paul VI, who served you and the Church as Universal Pastor in difficult times.

As a pilgrim among pilgrims he sought to reveal the beauty and joy of the Gospel to the men and women of his time, choosing the way of gentleness and forbearance.

As Shepherd of the flock he sought to proclaim the truth in a time of great confusion in imitation of his patron the Apostle to the Gentiles.

As Servant he proclaimed the Gospel of Life and in doing so bore the cross of suffering and isolation in union with your Crucified Son becoming a Prophet in the midst of the growing culture of death.

As we beseech you to raise your Servant to be numbered among the Saints, may his example of faith, courage and patient endurance inspire us in our daily living of the Gospel and in our witness to Jesus Christ.

May we too be Prophets of life, respecting, protecting and cherishing the gift of life, most especially in its most vulnerable moments.

May we too be your missionaries at this time, seeking to transform the hearts of all men and women through the joy we find in Christ.

Hear our prayers, most Merciful Father, and grant us through the intercession of Blessed Paul the graces we now ask that you may grant a healing of baby Paul.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

Blessed Paul VI, pray for him

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour of the world, look upon our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who proclaim your Name and live your Gospel in the midst of persecution, strive and martyrdom. Save them, we pray, protect them, and hear our prayer that peace may come to the Land you graced with your presence.

Sweet Jesus of Nazareth, our Christ, Incarnate Son of God, Redeemer, heed your people’s prayers. Amen.

Holy Mother Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace, pray for your suffering children.

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Monday, November 10, 2014

The Voice of Clarity

1 comment: