In spite of how inspiring Pope Francis is and can be, and in spite of the enormous contribution of ordinary Catholics to charitable causes and works of mercy, there remains a huge shadow over the Church, people and institution.

It is all to do with how the Church is organized. Major decisions are made at the top, with little or no consultation with those of us who sit in the pews. Yes, Rome did assemble a survey for the people for the Synod on the Family, but, it was their idea, their survey, and they were probably looking to affirm their agenda. I have to wonder how much longer this form of leadership can remain in command. I had thought that the "sleeping giant", the laity, were awake, but are they?

You might not agree that Martha and Gert Heizer had any ecclesial right to have liturgies in their home, without an ordained priest, but, it probably does indicate that they are awake. For people, who might not be aware, Martha and Gert Heizer of Austria were excommunicated for hosting "Eucharistic" celebrations in their home without a legitimate priest. There appears to be confusion about whether the Vatican actually issued an excommunication order, but, it is my understanding, that that was inevitable, since the Heizers were not going to cease and desist. They agreed to be excommunicated, rather than surrender their theological position and subsequent practise.

I cannot comment about what happened, as I was never in attendance at their celebrations, but, what I do ascertain is that they are laity who are "awake". What does that mean? They have probably taken the Vatican II assertion, that "the laity are just as central to the Church as the institution", at the Church’s Word. They are awake because they have embraced their baptismal vocation not only as disciples of Christ, but as involved, dedicated, talented, intelligent, responsible, members of the Royal Priesthood of God. They are awake because they understand that they are members of the Body of Christ, the Church. They are awake because they are not prepared to nurture a "parent-child" relationship with the Church institution.

More than likely, the Institution and perhaps many Catholic people around the Globe think that Martha and Gert are horribly disobedient and rebellious. That they should be considered disobedient and rebellious is something, only God can truly ascertain, as God says, "only He knows what is in people’s hearts."

I doubt that they consider themselves disobedient and rebellious. I am quite sure that they did what they did, and do what they do, because of their conviction, that the "People of God" have a right to self-determination, and an inalienable right to challenge the status quo, and a God Given right to stand up and be counted as members of the Body of Christ.

They may or may not be modern Church prophets and martyrs, but, they are members of the Body of Christ, in the Catholic context. They have a right to be heard and heeded. Their situation is prophetic, because, given the Church’s current shortage of priests, there is much to be learned about the future of the Church, with the laity leading Eucharistic celebrations!

Slamming the door on Martha and Gert Heizer is tantamount to SLAMMING THE DOOR on change, renewal, vision, the laity, collegiality, and consequently SLAMMING THE DOOR ON VATICAN II.

If Pope Francis just wants to discard some things, but, not really address the need for systemic change, in how the Church is envisioned, practised, and governed, then, we, as an awakened laity, are likely to experience continued suppression and oppression. It would seem that it continues to be the Church Institutions Way or the Highway! The Vatican appears to stubbornly refuse the awakened laity any equal footing in the Church.

Ironically, it is Pope Francis who asserted that "clericalism is a problem". I am definitely confused as to what that really means for him.

Another observation I have about Martha and Gert and anyone else who imitates the priest, is that we, the laity, have come to believe in the "clerical" way. Therefore, clericalism is a problem. I wouldn’t see a need to have a lay person conducting liturgy as if they were in a Church. It ought to be no problem for people to come together to read and pray the scriptures, share their stories of faith, and then to break bread. Breaking bread, in the sense, of having a communal meal, which would include bread and wine. I see no need to bless the bread and wine, in the way, we expect from an ordained priest. So, maybe, they, and some of us, are still asleep in this regard.

I pray for the day, when, the phenomenon of the Institution Lording it over the people, especially with the stick of excommunication, gives way to respecting the people of God, the awakened laity, as true partners and equals in Christ. I pray for the day when the people and the Institution can examine problems and issues together, so that the entire Church is not completely stunted in its’ growth and service.

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