"In Einheit mit dem Willen des Vaters leben" - Predigt von Weihbischof Dominikus Schwaderlapp

In his homily on Thursday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time at the Chapter Mass in Cologne Cathedral, Auxiliary Bishop Dominikus Schwaderlapp emphasized that the foundation of Christianity must be built firmly on rock, not on sand. This means, above all, consistently fulfilling God's will, since no ecclesiastical status or office protects against the accusation of lawlessness. He stated unequivocally: "No, no one, from the Pope to the last believer, can invoke their lineage or anything else in their office; rather, it is about living in unity with the Father's will." To put this divine will into practice in everyday life, he referred to the classic rules of prudence: "see, judge, act." In seeing, one should deliberately seek out small moments to make God present in the world, instead of merely avoiding sin. For judging everyday situations, the simple question of how one stands before God in this moment is helpful. Finally, the subsequent action requires a love that manifests itself in deed and truth. In conclusion, he recalls a seminal statement by Pope John Paul II: "To be a Christian means to love Christ and to live in such a way that Christ is loved."