Fr. Jerry Pokorsky: Papal Participation Trophies

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture, Aug. 28, 2023

Most of us could do without the absurdity of a sports participation trophy. However, there is nothing absurd about spiritual “participation trophies” awarded to teachers, fathers, priests, and popes for protecting the integrity of their offices.

Jesus says: “You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.” (Mt. 23:8) Jesus is the source of all teaching authority. A teacher’s purpose is to instruct students with the truth. Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” (Jn. 14:6) A teacher who does not participate in the truth of Jesus – human and divine – relinquishes his right to the title of “teacher.”

Jesus says: “Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.” (Mt. 23:9) God the Father is the source of fatherhood. A father’s purpose is to be a good husband to his wife and a virtuous father to his children. A father who abuses his wife and neglects his children does not participate in the Fatherhood of God. He relinquishes his right to the title “father.” …

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