The Synod: What Does It Mean? Part I | National Catholic Reporter

The Synod: What Does It Mean? Part I | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: It seems the Pope was an equal opportunity scold, saying things about not judging by the letter of the law alone - but also not making change for simply the cause of mercy.  Of course, in looking to be surprised, one need only look to gay marrieds, who can model love sometimes more intense in its care in adversity than straights.  Also, some of us liberals are not pleading for mercy in some cases, but are saying mercy is not necessary if there is no sin.  Indeed, the first place we encounter God is in the family, not the Church (to answer Cloutier).  I suspect that the real work of the Synod is for the bishops to listen to us as to how we encounter God in the family (and when we do not).   Sadly, of course, Cloutier is also wrong about the Church staking out positions for politics sake.  It has done so far to often, especially on gay marriage, rather than encountering gay couples to see if, indeed, there is sin present.  Such would be more profound revelation than any prophet (and it takes no credential in Theology to see it or be a prophet).  As for MSW  on consumerism, he needs to know that consumerism is what prevents workers from a Marxist revolution.  The ball is now in the court of the bishops - which in the US is the USCCB, who meets so.  Let us see if they can get one over the net.