If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be 'devout' and to perform my 'religious duties', then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely 'proper', but loveless.
Pope Benedict XviRead
The ecclesial communities which have not preserved the valid Episcopate and the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic mystery, are not Churches in the proper sense; however, those who are baptized in these communities are, by Baptism, incorporated in Christ and thus are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Church.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote discusses the validity of certain ecclesial communities in relation to the Christian Church and the significance of Baptism.
Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes that while some communities may lack the fundamental elements of a true Church, such as the valid Episcopate and the authentic Eucharistic mystery, individuals baptized within them still possess a degree of connection to Christ and the broader Church. This imperfect communion highlights the importance of Baptism in uniting believers, despite the structural shortcomings of their communities.
Themes
EcclesialCommunitiesBaptismEpiscopateEucharistChurchCommunion
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on church unity, this quote can highlight the importance of understanding Baptism beyond denominational boundaries.
More from Pope Benedict Xvi
All quotes →The life of the community, both domestically and internationally, clearly demonstrates that respect for rights, and the guarantees that follow from them, are measures of the common good that serve to evaluate the relationship between justice and injustice, development and poverty, security and conflict.
Pope Benedict XviRead
If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One that loves you.
Pope Benedict XviRead
I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools.
Pope Benedict XviRead
Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience [His] closeness, [His] friendship, [His] Love; only in this way does one learn to know [Him] ever more, and to love and follow [Him] ever more. May this happen to each one of us.
Pope Benedict XviRead
Do not be afraid of seeming different and being criticized for what might seem to be losing or out of fashion; your peers but adults too, especially those who seem more distant from the mindset and values of the Gospel, are crying out to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humanity revealed by Jesus Christ.
Pope Benedict XviRead
Similar quotes
There's a moon in my body, but I can't see it! A moon and a sun._x000D_ A drum never touched by hands, beating, and I can't hear it!
KabirRead
I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.
Virginia WoolfRead
The disappearance of a sense of responsibility is the most far-reaching consequence of submission to authority.
Stanley MilgramRead
To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one's own nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat.
PlatoRead
The grandchildren should not bear the debts of the grandparents.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!
Samuel AdamsRead