From Fr Bryan Storey SIR – We need rapidly to dispel doubts about Pope Benedict’s stance on curing Aids (Report, March 27). It’s vital to pursue spiritual and physical health, not least for Aids sufferers; the cosmetic needs to be strenuously avoided.
Our Saviour confirms insights of some well-known ethical teachers: superficial outward observances are to be rejected; we need sound medicine. St Augustine’s clear vision came after years of painful struggle. Eventually he saw the infinite power of God. It can easily defeat the apparently strong, yet really weaker, power of the sexual urge. The challenge is very great: God’s grace is greater, enormous, infinite.
We need not hold back from supporting the Pope’s crystal-clear evangelical insight. Curbing desires mysteriously yet truly leads to that Sermon on the Mount promise of spiritual and physical health and joy. Encouraging increasing indulgences by the cosmetic, originates and promotes all sorts of problems, especially sexual ones.
Augustine witnesses that we all need that love even when we’re very late responding. How could the Pope possibly preach otherwise?
Yours faithfully, BRYAN STOREY St Paul the Apostle, Tintagel, Cornwall