compared the Church  to a large ship at sea.

The people safely on board had the hope

of heaven,  but those swimming by would be

heading for hell if they refused the rope,

the lifeline from above.

Hans Kung, the Catholic theologian, wrote

The Church, 800 pages saying, “No!”

Kung quoted chapter 10 of John who wrote

that Jesus said, “Other sheep I have not

of this fold…”  For the Good Shepherd was sent

to all to show God’s love.

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, Jan. 14, 2013.

Steve and I cut our eye teeth on the likes of Hans Kung during the Second Vatican Council. Our teeth are long now, but they are essentially the same.