I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD, the remnant of Israel. The idea of a “faithful remnant” was attractive to Pope Benedict XVI. When he saw the situation of the Church in the world today he believed it would be better to have a purer church, a more faithful church even if that meant a diminishment of numbers. The Church would be better served, in his opinion, by focusing on the genuine conversion of those who claimed membership. Pope Francis had a different approach. He urged the Church to “go out to the peripheries,” not to be self-referential but instead to break out of a defensive crouch and extend a hand toward others. God can deal with the fact that we are a collection of sinners. The important thing in Pope Francis’ opinion was to spread the “gospel of joy” so that every creature under heaven falls under the blanket of Divine Love. The sacrament of reconciliation was given to the Church precisely because we needed it — we need to be able to confess where we messed up and resolve to do better. The Church not only provides reward for the good but also medicine for those hurting. As the song goes, all are welcome.
