Legalism reigns….
Here's another example of biblical literalism run amok where Phariseeism (legalism) raises it’s ugly head once again. This is not a slam on the Catholic Church. It is the principle of ‘the norms’ (law) overriding the Spirit which is prevalent throughout the Church of whatever denomination or even most other major traditions around the world. As usual it’s about power and control. Here’s an excerpt. The link to the story, which will remain for a limited time, is here
Bishop: Foot-washing for men onlySome parishioners, priests question
why women being left out
KEN GARFIELD
Religion Editor
The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is reminding priests that only men’s feet are to be washed at Holy Thursday services, a move creating a buzz among many N.C. Catholics this Lenten season.
“I have vowed respect and obedience to my bishop. With sadness, I will obey Bishop (Peter) Jugis, with apologies to the women of St. Ann’s parish,” the Rev. Conrad Hoover of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte said Thursday.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Jenifer Register, a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, who describes herself as “fired up” over the issue. “I feel that women are a huge part of the church. The church would not survive without women.”
Jugis on Thursday designated diocesan spokesman David Hains to explain his position.
Hains said Jugis is following Vatican guidelines in reminding priests that foot-washing is for men only on Holy Thursday, (italics mine) this year on April 13. Holy Thursday, he added, reflects what happened at the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of the 12 disciples, all men, as a symbol of servanthood.
Hains said Jugis issued the policy to the 46-county diocese for the first time under his leadership last year. This Lenten season, though, the reaction among many Catholics has been more pronounced with many priests and parishioners questioning the policy.
Asked if there is a mechanism in place for priests who choose not to follow the reminder, Hains said, “There is an assumption that the priests will follow the norms.”
The norms vary from one diocese to another. (Click here for the rest of the story while it remains up)
There are so many ways to say that someone is infallible, but if we see Christ as the pattern to strive for, then we know you can NOT separate Impeccible from Infallible.
(1Co 15:2 NIV) By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
(Mat 7:15 rsv) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
(Mat 7:16 rsv) You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?
(Mat 7:17 rsv) So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit.