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The Priestly Ministry of Married Life
In the January-February 2000 issue of U.S. Corpus Reports (pp.36-37),
Tom Geary writes:
One topic for dialogue [outward ministry] could be the "married," part
of "married priesthood." So far the
emphasis seems to have been on the priesthood [a return to sacramental
ministry] with relatively little
focus on marriage itself...
Perhaps CORPUS could attract married couples not only because of its vision
for a married clergy but
also because of its focus on the spirituality of married life. Our wives,
many former nuns, and we priests
have spent years developing our spirituality. Now, after living a married
life for ten, twenty, or more
years, we can speak from experience about both the reality and spirituality
of marriage. In our work with
couples, my wife, Bonnie, and I have seen how hungry people are for this
deeper view of marriage. Who
better than CORPUS couples to address this essential duality of a relationship?
Right on! That's what the present editorial board of The Journal has
felt for some time now. We have presented articles
on Church Reform and Renewal that are oriented toward a Church more
attuned to the Spirit than to the Law, more attuned to
the needs of the planet and, particularly, of the people that inhabit
it; in short, more attuned to the real experience of life lived.
We have stressed the importance of relationships and the Godde given
call to creative intimacy. Thus, we tell stories
illustrating Jesus'; Kingdom (New World Order) of love and compassion,
in private lives and in communities; as well,
we publish articles on Sex and Faith, and, in this issue, Pregnancy
and Spirituality. Hopefully, there is more to come on the
life-giving challenges of married life.
We are all called to be loving, compassionate, creative stewards (priests?)
of Godde's Gifts. According to Jesus,
that's the way we become one with Godde forever.
A Church leadership that reflects this is truly attuned to the Leadership
of Godde's Spirit.
François Brassard, Ladysmith, BC
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