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Friday, December 9, 2016

The Catholic Vision of a Sacramental Universe embraces the Development of Doctrine-- including the lived experience of women priests serving inclusive faith communities

http://newtheologyreview.org/index.php/ntr/article/download/1219/2158

Conclusion "This article extends the Catholic vision of a sacramental universe to the question of the development of doctrine. If we truly believe that creation is infused with grace, then reason, experience, and process of communication, interpretation and development, as part of creation, are infused with potential to mediate the divine. The Second Vatican Council mandated a dialogical stance on the part of the Church in relation to the modern world. As such, it recognizes the capacity of progress in the various sciences, and the perspective of modern people more generally to serve as conduits of truth and of grace. In closing, it might be observed that the modes of the Risen Christ’s presence in the Mass liturgically signify the conversation between various manifestations of grace that can contribute to the development of doctrine. The Church teaches that Christ becomes present in a unique way in the Eucharistic elements, and that Christ is present in the scriptures.60 It also teaches that Christ is present in the person of the presider and in the assembly.61 In the Mass, therefore, the Word of God addresses the assembly not a profane audience but as the Mystical Body of the Risen Christ present in a particular time and place. In life as in the Mass, do not scripture and Tradition address the Mystical Body of Christ that includes lay and ordained members who have theological, exegetical, and experiential insights to offer? Is not the development of doctrine a graced dialogue between the Word of God and the People of God?"
Bridget Mary's Response: Therefore, according to this perspective,  Roman Catholic Women Priests and our egalitarian, inclusive communities are "manifestations of grace." This blessed evolution is a growing reality, now is  the time for the hierarchy to join the dialogue. Pope Francis, are you ready for conversation?
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP, www.arcwp.org

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