"Human beings are not the authors of their own vocation, but respond to a divine call. Human weakness should not lead us to fear God's call. It is necessary to be confident in His strength, which acts precisely in our weakness." (Benedict XVI, General Audience 10 February 2013)
"I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me." (Benedict XVI, Declaration 11 February 2013)
The point is not to beleaguer a tired old man, but simply to observe the interesting contrast of comments in the course of a day. There are also some troubling implications to Benedict's statements regarding incapacity. Then again, he hasn't pretended to infallibly define any dogmas, so perhaps it's not of any great to concern to the minimalists who feel obliged only to follow the pope on those points where he solemnly defines dogma.
-TurretinFan
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