Scott - I don't know why it is so hard, but then, I am not one who has to do the work.  I think John XXIII opened a door and JPII and BXVI fearfully did all they could to close it, shutting down voices that dared imagine a different understanding.  We have made an idol of the church and its teachings, thinking past and current theologians and popes can create an understanding that will last for all time.  

The Church needs the minds of people of today, especially women (as CAEL noted in her comment), but they need to listen to the lived experience of people of today.  And they need courageous minds such as Teilhard de Chardin, who dared to reimagine so much about God, creation, faith, what Jesus means in a world 2000 years away from Jewish and Roman culture and knowledge.  

The old rituals and sacraments do not keep faith fed and alive any more, do not allow the presence of Jesus to be realized in many lives and hearts today.  I think that is what is needed.