[Greek] ἐπισκοπή (episkopē), [Latin] vistatio, [Latin] episcopatum: an overseeing, a visitation, a looking upon, office of an overseer This is related to episkopos (bishop); Lk. 19:44, 1 Pet.2:12, 1 Tim.3:1, Act.1:20
Background Information:
Old Testament: This term means visit, a looking, glance, care, prophetic intervention, investigation, examination, punishment, and office. This visitation may lead to condemnation and punishment or pardon and remission. This term can take on the sense of office, position, and authority.
Sir.16:18: “Look, the heavens, the abyss, and the earth tremble at His visitation.”
Wis.14:11: “Therefore upon even the idols of the nations shall a judgment come, since they became abominable among God’s works.”
Isa.22:19,22: “I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder.”
Psa.109:8: “May his days be few; may another take his office.”
New Testament: This term means visitation and office.
Scripture:
Lk.19:44: “They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Jerusalem experiences lament and destruction in failing to accept Jesus who mediates peace. Jerusalem will not find peace but will be the victim of devastation. Jesus, lamenting for Jerusalem, may also be alluding to the Jerusalem revolt in 70. A.D.).
Acts 1:20: “May another take his office.” (This scripture passages prophecies the need to replace Judas’s position as apostle. This will require the Apostles help of the Holy Spirit to find a suitable replacement.)
1Tim.3:1: “This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.” (This is an office uniquely found in the New Testament, requiring noble human qualities and characteristics. This bishop must be experienced. This bishop must not become conceited [puffed up ] with pride and vanity and thus incur punishment.)
1Pet.2:12: “Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that if they speak of you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (Pagans, often out of ignorance or malice, have spoken evil about Christians. It is important that one uphold Christian principles in front of these opponents. This will enable them to think more favorably of you and your faith in God.)
Pope Francis reveals a plan to diminish papal authority in creating a synodal papacy:
- This would crate a global ecumenical church without doctrine and discipline. The hierarchical structure of the Church must be undermined and overturned.
- This would intend to abolish the papacy. This position will have no real authority over Protestant and Orthodox believers.
- The synodal Church will no longer be subject authority to a figurehead leader.
- There will be selected referencing of Church fathers to support a new understanding of the papacy.
- A new hermeneutical approach will be used to reinterpret papal jurisdiction and papal infallibility.
Conclusion:
Episcopal, visit, visitation, episcopal
From this comes the word episcopal. This has become associated with the office of bishop. The [Greek] dioikesis (diocese) becomes the geographical unit entrusted to the pastoral care of a bishop.
Update: Pope Francis and his inner circle are seeking to diminish and decrease the influence of papal authority in order for it to be acceptable to other churches and the world.
Pope Francis truly believes that he was called to complete what Vatican II intended to do: to create a worldly synodal Church in the image of man.
Bishop Strickland, because he had the audacity to state traditional Church teachings, received a visitation from the Vatican. Bishop Strickland was removed because he was divisive and not a “team” player.
Archbishop Vigano, pointing out the heresies of Pope Francis, is now being called to report to the Vatican. What do you think will happen next?
Father Jesus Mary Missigbeto, calling out heresies of Pope Francis, is now being called to report to the Vatican. What do you think will happen next.
The legion of “pope-splainers” and papal sycophants are out in full force defending and using “verbal gymnastics” for Pope Francis.
Hyper-papalism, the modern version the Montanism heresy is permeating this papacy. If you disagree with Pope Francis, then you are divisive. This is now being called the “doctrine of the holy father”.
The Vatican, Pope Francis and his inner circle will experience lament for downplaying the serious warnings of chastisement and punishment from the Marian apparitions.
Pope Francis and his inner circle will experience spiritual destruction in failing to point out the serious and serious nature of homosexuality and same sex unions. Many are being mislead in believing that this is an acceptable lifestyle. Many souls are being led into eternal moral peril. These clergy are failing in their responsibilities to bring souls into heaven.
During these difficult times of liturgical chaos and confusion, we need more courageous cardinals, bishops, and priests to stand up and speak against serious doctrinal issues and heresy. We need bishops who will become voices of contradiction and not clergy who seek favor and status in the world.