In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope spoke on importance of harmony within the Church and the two evils that place it at risk.
POPE FRANCIS
'And how often in our institutions, in the Church, in the parishes, for example, in schools, do we find that, no? Rivalry; the need to be seen; vainglory. We see that there are two worms that eat the fabric of the Church, weakening Her. Rivalry and vainglory go against this harmony, this agreement.â?
He said that a bishop should place his joy in service to others.
The Pope added that Jesus wants charity and agreement within the Church despite different opinions.
EXCERPTS OF POPE'S HOMILY
(Source: Vatican Radio)
'And how often in our institutions, in the Church, in the parish, for example, in schools, do we find that, no? Rivalry; the need to be seen; vainglory. We see that there are two worms that eat the fabric of the Church, weakening her. Rivalry and vainglory go against this harmony, this agreement. Instead of rivalry and vainglory, what does Paul recommend? â??Rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselvesâ??. He felt this himself. He qualifies himself as â??not worthy to be called an apostle,' the least [among others]. He even strongly humbles himself there. This was his sentiment: He thought others were superior to him'.
'Look for the good of others. Serving others. But this is the joy of a bishop, when he sees his Church like this: the same sentiment, the same charity, being in unanimous accord. This is the air that Jesus wants in the Church. You can have a different opinion, thatâ??s fine, but always within this air, this atmosphere: humility, charity, without despising anyone'.
'Itâ??s bad, when we find people who seek their own interests not service, not love, in Church institutions, in dioceses, in parishes. And this is what Jesus says in the Gospel: Do not seek your own interests; do not take the road of seeking repayment. 'Look, I have done this for you, but you have to do this for meâ??. And, with this parable, of inviting to dinner those who cannot repay you with anything. This is gratuity. When there is harmony in a Church, there is unity, no one seeks his or her own interests, and there is an attitude of gratitude. I do good; I don't strike a deal with good'.
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