The wall, symbol of the strident and cold world of communism, is tattered and covered with graffiti. Out of all the beauty I saw I the gardens, this tiny portion of a divided world sits profoundly in my memory. A world that banished religion, or tried to, became an ugly world with little beauty to speak of. But as much as it tried to suppress the spirit of creativity, the more that very spirit found clandestine ways of expression. Writers and artists created but did so under the radar. After the collapse of communism came, their creative spirit was finally allowed expression.
Today, February 22nd is the feast of the chair of St. Peter,celebrating his confession of faith with Jesus making him the "rock" of the church with the authority of the keys. A chair is a symbol of his authority to teach the truths of the gospel.
One of the freedoms we cherish in the Western world is the freedom to believe in God and openly express religious belief. Peter was given the Truth of Jesus' identity by the Father and he is called to be a symbol of our unity of faith throughout the world. Peter and his ministry to teach gospel truth continues through his successor, the bishop of Rome.
Unfortunately, many see the Pope as the maker and enforcer of the law, a sort of human "Berlin wall" with his fellow bishops; an invisible wall that stifles creativity and theological exploration. But everyone is free to say whatever they want in the church. However, if one holds a position of authority, as leader, teacher. or theologian, that individual must expect criticism from the bishop if what is expressed runs counter to the teachings of the church.
The big question: how can we have the creative and freedom to explore the depths of the mysteries of faith if there is a constant fear of reprisal? So many theologians who were condemned for positions taken, e.g., on ecumenism and religious freedom, were completely vindicated when the teaching authority of the church began to "see" things differently.
As I am immersed in the world of Peter's successor, the Pope, I see the importance of his ministry to protect our faith from obvious distortion. But there is a "fine line" between heresy and orthodoxy. When our faith is expressed in new ways, or the envelope is pushed, so to speak, compelling us to deeper insight, we need to reflect and dialogue. When that "fine line" becomes a "wall", the church that Peter's successor loves and serves, will be greatly diminished.
I walked away from the Vatican gardens in the world's smallest of nations, with the hope and prayer that the the 265th successor of Peter will be more open and less fearful. I hope he will be a pastor who will encourage, as well as, protect the faith given to us by Christ. Obedience runs two ways: the people must listen to the church's leaders, those very same leaders must listen to the people. The teaching of doctrine belongs to the bishops but those very doctrines are believed and lived by faithful people.
The expression of doctrine must be developed and encouraged Without the reflection of the people, the church will be seen not as a community of love but an institution with little spirit. This is not the church that Jesus started, the church of Pentecost. Buen camino. Padre
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