Reactions (& Overreactions)

John da Fiesole over at Disputations has an entry titled, "First fruits can be sour," in which he examines the negative reaction of so many people to the choice of Ratzinger and the implications of that reaction for those who support the decision. Compelling stuff, especially on the heels of my "Prescience" posting.

I've found it fascinating to survey the reactions of so many bloggers, such as Caelum et Terra. Amy Welborn's blog is a constant supply of editorials from many quarters. I see evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in all this. People's hearts are being changed in reaction to the Conclave. If they favor the choice, their hearts are turning towards those who don't. And if they don't favor the choice, they're asking themselves why they don't, and their hearts are turning within.

How can I not stand in awe of such a groundswell of little, momentous conversions? And they're not all little conversions either; immediately after EWTN broadcast the appearance of Benedict XVI on the loggia, callers-in were asking how they could convert to Catholicism. Likewise, many people are regrettably announcing that this is the final straw. They're leaving the Church.

How can this elicit anything but praise and awe of the Greatness and Wisdom of God? The reactions are genuine. They are true. And they will cleave or be rent asunder. And that is not a thing to overlook or downplay or regret. We stand on the threshold of a New Springtime. Bold and decisive acts will be coupled with quiet denouements, as has always been the case for those who follow the Lord. This is the drama of the Church Universal, and it always and everywhere has been like this in the Church. What a privelege to be a part of this!