Catholic Church Teaching - Still Roman Catholic After All These Years

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN UNTO ME…US BORDER SEPARATION OF CHILDREN?

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, SOCIAL JUSTICE

MATTHEW 19:14

Parents were bringing their children to Jesus for His blessing. Jesus’ disciples rebuked them. Disciples were making a judgment thinking they were protecting Jesus from an intrusion/invasion of unwanted guests. The Master had better things to do. Back in Jesus’ day, children were pretty much dismissed as only future heirs or as someone who would help in a family business one day. Jesus turns the table and describes the children as those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive only Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:36-37 Jesus’ message is always counter cultural.He came as representative of His Father to build a kingdom of heaven on earth. The prayer Jesus taught us includes, “thy kingdome come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.

TODAY’S IMAGE IN THE NEWS OF CHILD SEPARATED FROM MOTHER

MCALLEN, TX – JUNE 12: A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the U.S.-Mexico by John MoorA Honduran woman and her 2-year-old daughter had just crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico and were to be transported to a US Customs and Border Protection processing center. The Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy for undocumented immigrants calls for the separation of parents and children while their cases for political asylum are adjudicated, a process that can take months – or years. Jesus, Marry and Joseph were themselves refugees fleeing into Egypt to avoid the infanticide of Herod. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come into me…” Jesus desires mercy not judgment! Man-made laws are ALWAYS subordinate to God’s laws.

FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20). Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, was born in a borrowed manger, had no fixed address once he began his public ministry, and was buried in another man’s grave. It is quite an irony: He, who made the universe, became a homeless person.

The Letter to the Hebrews urges us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). Jesus comes to us in disguises. Remember his last judgment discourse in Matthew 23, “Whatever you do to one of these least of my brethren, you do to me.”

Jesus, Son of God, is the fullest revelation of God. But it is not only the New Testament that talks about hospitable and charitable behavior to our neighbor. Jesus’ message of love everyone, treat everyone as you wish to be treated is certainly foretold in the Old Testament.

Numerous passages in the Old Testament show how visitors are to be treated: “You shall not oppress or afflict a resident alien, for you were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt Exodus 22:20. Isaiah 58:7 declares that the fast God requires is “bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house.” “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt” Leviticus 19:33-34.

BORDER DETENTION CENTER

US CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE

“Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral.”

Pope Francis recently said, “countries “must move from considering others as threats to our comfort to valuing them as persons whose life experience and values can contribute greatly to the enrichment of our society.”

In past posts, I have discussed all the corporal works of mercy. Today I remind my readers of the corporal work of mercy, shelter the homeless.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: 2447. “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.

How do we feel about immigrants who come to our shores for safety? Down through history, there have always been a certain number of people who were homeless and harbor less, more than likely our own ancestors.. We as Christians need to treat the immigrants with respect and according to their human dignity, as we would want to be treated ourselves.

The plight of millions of refugees driven from their homes by war may seem far away from our nation, but homelessness is also right on our doorstep. There is a danger that, like the rich man in the parable, we no longer see the Lazarus we practically have to step over.

This corporal work of mercy forces us to open our eyes to the misery of those who, for a variety of reasons, have no place they can call home. We often show more empathy for stray dogs or cats than human beings.

Pro-Life is more than anti-abortion! Let’s give the same fervor to those already born!

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PALLIATIVE CARE VS EUTHANASIA

1 Comment / CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

“God’s love requires that we give our best
to each and every one of our brothers and sisters,
even those who are in the final stage of their life. “
Pope Francis REGINA CAELI address May 6, 2018 Vatican City

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia, called by the secular state euphemistically “Death with Dignity” is always immoral. Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston, chairman of Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), reported, “A government that legalizes assisted suicide sends the terrible message that there is such a thing as disposable people.

Abortion is already legal which means if you don’t want the child you can get rid of it before birth. Now that Abortion is legal, some human life is established legally as disposable. There are now, some people who want to take it to the end of life, people too frail, too mentally disabled to work and contribute to society. Leaders of the “aid in dying” movement have also voiced support for ending the lives of people who never asked for death, whose lives they see as meaningless or as a costly burden on the community.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states it this way, 2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

Compare the language of doctor assisted suicide protocol and Catholic directive for end of life health care. You can compare man-made law with a follower of God-made law. Many states already have established “Death with Dignity” laws. You be the judge of where you fit in.

DEATH WITH DIGNITY REQUEST (STATE OF OREGON
I, __________ am an adult of sound mind. I am suffering from_________________ which my attending/prescribing physician has determined is a terminal disease and which has been medically confirmed by a consulting physician. I have been fully informed of: my diagnosis; prognosis…. I request that my attending/prescribing physician prescribe medication that will end my life in a humane and dignified manner.

EXAMPLE OF CATHOLIC DIRECTIVE REGARDING MY HEALTH CARE

My Catholic faith teaches that all human life is a precious gift from God from the first moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and that euthanasia and assisted suicide are not morally permissible. Therefore, I oppose any action or inaction that is intended to cause my death. I always wish to receive basic care, which will allow me to be most comfortable including food, water, and pain control.

I wish to receive medical care and treatment appropriate to my condition as long as it is useful and offers a reasonable hope of benefit and is not excessively burdensome to me, i.e., does not impose serious risk, or some other extreme burden. If I am unable to eat and drink on my own, nutrition and hydration administered by medical means should be provided to me unless death is inevitable and imminent so that the effort to sustain my life is futile, or unless I am unable to assimilate food or fluids.

I request and direct that medical treatment and care be provided to me to preserve my life without discrimination based on my age, physical or mental disability, or the “quality” of my life. If my death from a terminal illness is imminent, I wish to refuse treatment that would only secure a precarious and burdensome prolongation of my life. I wish to be attended by a Catholic priest, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum.

PALLIATIVE CARE

The World Health Organization defines palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.” The intention of palliative care is neither to hasten nor delay death and acknowledges that dying is a normal process.

Effective palliative care allows patients to devote their attention to the unfinished business of their lives, to arrive at a sense of peace with God, with loved ones, and with themselves. Learning how to face this last stage of our earthly lives is one of the most important and meaningful things each of us will do, and caregivers who help people through this process are also doing enormously important work.

Suffering need not be meaningless but can bring us closer to the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of the world. The Catholic View is best expressed by Saint John Paul II when showed us all in public what it meant to die with dignity and suffer the pain and humiliation of a diminishing human life right before the very eyes of the whole Church of the faithful. St. John Paul explains suffering brought on by natural aging below:

“Suffering is part of human existence from birth until death, and every human person suffers in a variety of ways: physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Suffering in one form or another accompanies each of us every day. It is an inescapable feature of human existence”…The suffering of Christ leads to his glory; so, too, does the suffering of Christians”.

Below is a quote from Fr. Robert Spitzer S.J. regarding suffering with Jesus. “Jesus taught us that suffering can be offered to the Father as a loving self-sacrifice for the salvation of souls and the strength of the Mystical Body of Christ. This purpose of suffering also derives its remarkably positive power from the Resurrection and the risen Christ, who is the body through which all Christians, in this world and the next, are unified and nourished (see 1 Cor 12:27 and Rom 12:5). When we offer our sufferings to God in loving self-sacrifice, we strengthen every part of the risen body of Christ (see Col 1:24), which has exceedingly positive value. The greater our suffering—offered as loving self-sacrifice in imitation of Jesus—the more positive the effects upon the Mystical Body of Christ.” (Spitzer, Robert J, The Light Shines On in the Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith)

When patients and their families are faced with a terminal illness such as cancer or other progressive, non-malignant conditions, pain management is paramount. Pain is subjective; each person’s experience is unique. Moreover, physical pain can cause depression, anxiety, and may negatively affect relationships.

Catholic moral teaching accepts that although pain management can relieve physical suffering, it can also result in the patient’s loss of consciousness. If unconsciousness or a shortened life is not the intention of the pain medication, administering high doses is morally permissible.

In Evangelium Vitae, Pope St. John Paul II reiterated: “In such a case (use of painkillers and sedatives), death is not willed or sought, even though for reasonable motives one runs the risk of it: there is simply a desire to ease pain effectively by using the analgesics which medicine provides” (65).

Since nutrition and hydration are basic human needs, we often feel an overwhelming desire to give our dying loved ones food and water. However, when death is imminent, food and water are unnecessary and may even add to the person’s suffering. Saint John Paul said in 2004, “nutrition and hydration should be considered, in principle, ordinary and proportionate, and as such morally obligatory, insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, providing nutrition and hydration is not always prudent.”

If a medical treatment is physically painful, unlikely to be successful, is experimental, has severe side effects, causes a financial burden, or is psychologically difficult, it is deemed extraordinary and there is no moral obligation to accept it. While the Church upholds that all life is sacred and must be protected, patients and their families are not obligated to undergo treatments where the burden outweighs the benefit.

Fear is natural and intense in the case of the terminally ill, afraid of being kept alive by burdensome medical technology, of spending the inheritance you have targeted for your family, the fear of experiencing intolerable pain, of lingering with severe dementia. When people are tempted to see their own lives as diminished in value or meaning, they most need the love and assistance of others to assure them of their inherent worth.

Our hope and prayer is that when we grow old or sick that we be surrounded by people who care and respect each and every human life. We deserve to grow old in a society that views our cares and needs with a compassion grounded in respect, offering genuine support in our final days.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH
PRAY FOR ME AT THE HOUR OF MY DEATH!

CALL TO HOLINESS APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

“TO BE SAINTS IS NOTA PRIVILEGE FOR A FEW
BUT A VOCATION FOR EVERYONE” POPE FRANCIS

INTRODUCTION

On Monday, April 9, Feast of Annunciation, Pope Francis issued his third Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Over the next few weeks I will be blogging on each Chapter. Today’s blog is on Chapter One, The Call to Holiness. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized. Unfortunately, the secular press will cover this Exhortation with controversial sound bites to stir controversy and make some even uncomfortable with their Holy Father

But let me assure you that no doctrine changes are contained here and no potential heresy or schism is contained in Pope Francis’ exhortation to holiness. It is extremely pastoral to assist his flock to make their way home to what has always been intended by God that is: saints that enjoy the beatific vision forever and ever.

COMMENTARY

CHAPTER ONE
THE CALL TO HOLINESS

In paragraph 3, Pope Francis reminds us of the great “cloud of witnesses” already in heaven assisting and praying for us. “These witnesses may include our own mothers, grandmothers or other loved ones (2 Tim 1:5). Their lives may not always have been perfect, yet even amid their faults and failings they kept moving forward and proved pleasing to the Lord.”

Pope Francis encourages us to think beyond those beatified and canonized, to think of our family members and friends that have gone before us that modeled faith and discipleship in such a way as to directly influence us “to run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” God wishes all of us to be holy and has sent His Spirit to make that possible. “Let us be spurred on by the signs of holiness that the Lord shows us through the humblest of people.”

In paragraph 10 Pope Francis makes clear his most important purpose of this exhortation is the focus on our individual call to holiness. God addresses us in the Book of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy for I am holy.”

“The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (1 Cor12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them to embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5)”

In paragraph 14, Pope Francis makes some concrete suggestion how we can be holy no matter what walk of life we may be taking. “Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by laboring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Are you in a position of authority? Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain”.

In paragraph 15, Pope Francis encourages us to turn our eyes to Christ crucified when we feel discouraged. We can’t do it on our own but just a short prayer like, Lord I am a poor sinner, but you can work the miracle of making me a little bit better. Thank you, Jesus. Pope Francis also encourages us to avail ourselves of the Sacraments, the Eucharist and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Everyone’s mission is to be a saint one day in heaven, “for this is the will of God your sanctification,” (I Thess. 4:3). Our mission in general is to be a saint but the Father who knit us in our Mother’s womb has a special plan for us. How that is embodied at a specific moment in history we may have no idea who is yet out there waiting for our example, our words and actions that lead them to Jesus Christ.

“This is a powerful summons to all of us. You too need to see the entirety of your life as a mission. Try to do so by listening to God in prayer and recognizing the signs that he gives you. Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received.”

In conclusion, Pope Francis again encourages us to persevere in our mission despite setbacks, mistakes, and missteps. The Lord will bring it to fulfillment, provided you do not abandon the path of love but remain ever open to sanctifying grace. Be wary of the noise of this world, endless gadgets, consumer goods, superficial pleasures. The din of this world can muffle the voice of God, be on guard!

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.”For in the words of León Bloy, when all is said and done, “the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint”

SUMMARY

I am reminded in this chapter of the faith I received first was from family members, parents, grandparents, witnesses that have gone before me and now part of that cloud of witnesses watching over me as I complete my journey home. It was in the silence of family life that most of us learned to pray, love, and to serve others.

God has given us all abilities to use in ministry, all different sorts of gifts for all sorts of missions. Our gifts are given for the community and we are called to use them in response to the needs of the community. I pray with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I may discern my path to holiness.

How exactly am I called to pass on the faith to others so that others may know Jesus in their hearts, worship Jesus in Liturgy, follow Jesus’ moral teachings in their daily lives, and support one another in a community of believers.. Ultimately, we are sowers of seeds and harvester of some and the Spirit will “blow where it may.” John 3:8

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GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 2 SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION

As I began last week, I am continuing a discussion of Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Today’s blog is on Chapter Two. In this section Pope Francis takes up two very old heresies of first century Christianity that have begun to raise their ugly heads in modern times in new forms and disguises. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized.

These ancient heresies that continue to pop up from time to time are Gnosticism and Pelagianism. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Gnosticism: The thought and practice especially of various cults of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries distinguished by the conviction that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis or “knowledge.”

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Pelagianism as those denying original sin and its consequences. It holds that individuals have perfect freedom to do either right or wrong. I hope to demonstrate with Pope Francis in my commentary how these two insidious falsehoods may affect our faith and cause a stumble on the way to holiness.

CHAPTER TWO
TWO SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS

COMMENTARY

CONTEMPORARY GNOSTICISM
In paragraph 37 Pope Francis reminds us, “throughout the history of the Church it has always been clear that a person’s perfection is measured not by the information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth of their charity. “Gnostics” do not understand this, because they judge others based on their ability to understand the complexity of certain doctrines”

Gnostics think that their explanations can make the entirety of the faith and the Gospel perfectly comprehensible.” Gnostics deny mysteries and faith. They tend to judge who is saved and who is out of favor with God based on knowledge only they possess. They lack any flexibility and mercy as well. Rather than working for unity and conversion for all, their practices are divisive and reject God’s universal call to holiness.
God did not come into this world that only a few so called “enlightened ones” be saved. One with Gnostic tendencies can tend to feel and act like they are superior to the masses. Reminds me of the parable of the Pharisee and Publican in the temple (Luke 19:1-9) The Pharisee thanked God he was not like the publican beating his breast and declaring to God to have mercy on him a sinner.

In paragraphs 41and 42 Pope Francis writes, “God infinitely transcends us; he is full of surprises. We are not the ones to determine when and how we will encounter him; the exact times and places of that encounter are not up to us. God is mysteriously present in the life of every person.

Even when someone’s life appears completely wrecked, even when we see it devastated by vices or addictions, God is present there. We can and must try to find the Lord in every human life. This is part of the mystery that a gnostic mentality cannot accept, since it is beyond its control and mastery.”

Pope Francis concludes, “In point of fact, what we think we know should always motivate us to respond more fully to God’s love. Indeed, “you learn so as to live: theology and holiness are inseparable” Pope Francis notes, that when St. Francis saw some of his disciples were teaching, he wrote to them, ” I am pleased that you teach sacred theology to the brothers, provided that… you do not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotion during study of this kind”.

CONTEMPORARY PELAGIANISM

It is not intelligence that takes place of mystery and grace in the case of pelagianism but the human will is placed first. A believer in pelagianism places the human will above God’s mercy. “They have forgotten that everything “depends not on human will or its exertion, but on “God who shows mercy” (Rom 9:16)

In paragraph 49 Pope Francis writes, “Those who yield to this pelagian mindset, “ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style”.

We cannot do it alone. We must depend on God’s mercy and grace. I know this is tough in a society that encourages us still to just pull ourselves up by the “boot straps.” Pope Francis writes, “Only on the basis of God’s gift, freely accepted and humbly received, can we cooperate by our own efforts in our progressive transformation.”

Pope Francis notes in paragraph 57 that some Christians will still insist on taking another path. Pope Francis says “this results in self justification by their own efforts, the worship of the human will and their own abilities. The result is a self-centered and elitist complacency, bereft of true love.”

Once we believe that everything depends on human effort as channeled by ecclesial rules and structures, we unconsciously complicate the Gospel.

St.Thomas Aquinas warned that any precepts added to the Gospel by the Church should be imposed with moderation . “lest the conduct of the faithful become burdensome”, for then our religion would become a form of servitude

To avoid this, Pope Francis warns that charity must be at the center. “Saint Paul says that what truly counts is “faith working through love” (Gal5:6). We are called to make every effort to preserve charity: “The one who loves another has fulfilled the law… for love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13:8.10). The whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’” (Gal 5:14).

“May the Lord set the Church free from these new forms of gnosticism and pelagianism that weigh her down and block her progress along the path to holiness! These aberrations take various shapes, according to the temperament and character of each person. So I encourage everyone to reflect and discern before God whether they may be present in their lives.”

SUMMARY

As I reflect on the two contemporary enemies to our call to holiness in this chapter, I see them as stumbling blocks for me and maybe others in this way. If I believe knowledge is going to lead me to the promised land alone, I am going to become very smug and also tend to make judgments of others on the way.

Others, even in your own family may feel threatened if they don’t believe exactly what you do that they may be in danger of a bad end (hell). They may begin to view you as a threat and resent you. Do not forget mercy and love and God’s will that all will be saved, God knows best how to reach everyone where they are. Have faith in God. Don’t forget those nuances of God’s mercy in any preaching you do.

The idea that we can get to heaven (Pelagian) by our human will alone will drive us into scruples, discouragement, despair all fueled by our pride believing, we can do it our way. God’s friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works, it is a free gift born of God’s initiative. God loved us first! Turn to God and ask Him to give us what we need to be holy.

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GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 3 IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION
Today’s blog deals with the third chapter of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Et Exsultatate, a Call to Holiness. Today we will see that Jesus is The Example of Holiness. There is no other that captures all the elements of what it means to be holy as our Heavenly Father is Holy. Those who see Jesus see the Father. Quotation marks and italics are used for direct quotes of Pope Francis.

SUMMARY CHAPTER THREE
IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER

COMMENTARY
Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12). “The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So if anyone asks: “What must one do to be a good Christian?”, the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives. The word “happy” or “blessed” thus becomes a synonym for “holy”.
Let us listen once more to Jesus, with all the love and respect that the Master deserves.

Let us allow his words to unsettle us, to challenge us and to demand a real change in the way we live.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Pope Francis suggests that wealth ensures nothing. Remember that fool building bigger barns for bigger harvests that would never come because his soul was called home that evening. In fact wealth can leave little room in our hearts for God’s word nor for others of this world, We need to discipline ourselves that we are not attached to any created thing, that we are poor in spirit and poor in heart so that God can enter our hearts and refresh them with new life and spirit.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
In a world that embraces conflict, winning over losing, dominating over others, Jesus proposes a different way of doing things, the way of meekness. “Christ says: “Learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29 “Meekness is yet another expression of the interior poverty of those who put their trust in God alone. In every situation, the meek put their hope in the Lord, and those who hope for him shall possess the land… “This is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word” (Is 66:2).

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
“The world tells us exactly the opposite: entertainment, pleasure, diversion and escape make for the good life. The worldly person ignores problems of sickness or sorrow in the family or all around him; Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed. But the cross can never be absent. A person who sees things as they truly are is capable of touching life’s depths and finding authentic happiness. Such persons discover the meaning of life by coming to the aid of those who suffer. Knowing how to mourn with others: that is holiness”.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
“Jesus offers a justice other than that of the world, so often marred by petty interests and manipulated in various ways and corrupt practices. True justice comes about in people’s lives when they themselves are just in their decisions; especially to the poor, oppressed and marginalized. “Seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Is 1:17).

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”
“Mercy has two aspects. It involves giving, helping and serving others, but it also includes forgiveness and understanding. Matthew sums it up in one golden rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (7:12). .In Luke’s Gospel 6:36-38 Jesus tells us how to be holy as the Heavenly Father is Holy. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you” (6:36-38). Luke then adds something not to be overlooked: “The measure you give will be the measure you get back” (6:38). Acting with mercy, that is holiness.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”
“This Beatitude speaks of those whose hearts are simple, pure and undefiled, for a heart capable of love admits nothing that might harm, weaken or endanger that love. God wants to speak to our hearts ( Hos2:16); there he desires to write his law (Jer 31:33). In a word, he wants to give us a new heart (Ezek 36:26) A heart that loves God and neighbour (Mt 22:36-40), genuinely and not merely in words, is a pure heart; it can see God. Jesus promises that those who are pure in heart “will see God”.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
This Beatitude makes us think of the many endless situations of war in our world. Yet we ourselves are often a cause of conflict. For example, I may hear something about someone and I go off and repeat it. I may even embellish it the second time around and keep spreading it… The world of gossip, inhabited by negative and destructive people, does not bring peace.

To those who sow peace Jesus makes this magnificent promise: “They will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). It is not easy to “make” this evangelical peace, which excludes no one. It is hard work; it calls for great openness of mind and heart, We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Jesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for “whoever would save his life will lose it” (Mt 16:25).

Whatever weariness and pain we may experience in living the commandment of love and following the way of justice, the cross remains the source of our growth and sanctification. Persecution exists today whether it is by the shedding of blood in some parts of the world or by more subtle means like lies and slander or ridicule of our faith in the public media. Jesus calls us blessed when people “utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Mt5:11). Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.

CHALLENGES TO THE CALL TO HOLINESS
Pope Francis concludes this chapter with discussion of challenges to the call to holiness and the kind of worship God desires from his people. Jesus’ demands are demanding, a challenge to us all. He wasn’t kidding, no if’s, and’s, or but’s. Pope Francis goes on to say that, “mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”

“If I encounter a person sleeping outdoors on a cold night, I can view him or her as an annoyance, an idler, an obstacle in my path, a troubling sight, a problem for politicians to sort out, or even a piece of refuse cluttering a public space. Or I can respond with faith and charity, and see in this person a human being with a dignity identical to my own, a creature infinitely loved by the Father, an image of God, a brother or sister redeemed by Jesus Christ. That is what it is to be a Christian”

Pope Francis writes about some of the distractions or excuses to avoid the heart of the Gospel. Some will say all this social justice stuff is secular, materialistic, even communist propaganda. Others will relativize it by claiming that only one thing counts most ie. opposition to abortion. That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian, for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters in need.

Pope Francis clearly states, “Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development.” Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, world situation on migrants, and every form of rejection.

THE WORSHIP MOST ACCEPTABLE TO GOD

We may think that we give glory to God only by our worship and prayer, but we cannot forget that the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others. . “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.(Matthew 9:13) Mercy “is the very foundation of the Church’s life”.

“Hedonism and consumerism can prove our downfall, for when we are obsessed with our own pleasure, we end up being all too concerned about ourselves and our rights and ignore those in need…We must resist the feverish demands of a consumer society, which leave us impoverished, unsatisfied, and anxious to have it all now.”

Pope Francis concludes chapter 3 by encouraging us to read the lives of the saints who did take their Master seriously in conforming their lives to Jesus and His Beatitudes. The saints in heaven are blessed and sharing now in the Beatific Vision.”The powerful witness of the saints is revealed in their lives, shaped by the Beatitudes and the criterion of the final judgment. For Christianity is meant above all to be put into practice.”

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Mahatma Ghandi’s Lament

“I like your Christ,
I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 4 SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION
In chapter 4 of Apostolic Exortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate, Rejoice and Be Glad, Call to Holiness, Pope Francis notes some of the signs of holiness in today’s world despite all the secular and pagan influence. Direct quotes of Pope Francis are italicized and in quotation marks.

CHAPTER FOUR
SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN TODAY’S WORLD

PERSEVERANCE, PATIENCE AND MEEKNESS

The first of these great signs is solid grounding in the God who loves and sustains us. This source of inner strength enables us to persevere amid life’s ups and downs,….to endure hostility, betrayal and failings on the part of others. “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31):

Saint Paul bade the Romans not to repay evil for evil (cf. Rom 12:17), not to seek revenge (v. 19), and not to be overcome by evil, but instead to “overcome evil with good” (v. 21).

We need to recognize and combat our aggressive and selfish inclinations, and not let them take root. “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). Have no anxiety about anything… let your requests be made known to God. And “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts”…” (Phil 4:6-7).

Saints do not waste energy complaining about the failings of others; they hold their tongue before the faults of their brothers and sisters, and avoid the verbal violence that demeans and mistreats others. The world may mock such behavior but Christ encourages us to follow in His footsteps, not the world. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21).
JOY AND A SENSE OF HUMOUR

The saints are joyful and full of good humour. The Christian life is “joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17), for “the necessary result of the love of charity is joy. Having received the beautiful gift of God’s word, we embrace it “in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6) “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it again, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4).

After his resurrection, wherever the disciples went, there was “much joy” (Acts 8:8). Jesus assures us: “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy… I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (Jn 16:20.22).

Hard times may come, when the cross casts its shadow, yet nothing can destroy the supernatural joy that always endures, even as a flicker of light, born of our personal certainty. that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved” Joy brings deep security, serene hope and a spiritual fulfilment that the world cannot understand or appreciate.

Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense of humour. Ill humour is no sign of holiness. We receive so much from the Lord “for our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6:17), that sadness can be a sign of ingratitude.

We can get so caught up in ourselves that we are unable to recognize God’s gifts. Let us rather imitate St. Paul,” “I have learned to be content with what I have” (Phil 4:11).

Joy in communion with others that shares and is shared in giving and receiving, increases our capacity for Joy since it makes us capable of rejoicing in the good of others. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom12:15).
BOLDNESS AND PASSION

Holiness is also boldness and passion, an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world.. How often we are tempted to keep close to the shore! Yet the Lord calls us to put out into the deep and let down our nets (cf. Lk 5:4). He bids us spend our lives in his service. Clinging to him, we are inspired to put all our charisms (gifts) at the service of others. “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16).

God is eternal newness. He impels us constantly to set out anew, to pass beyond what is familiar, to the fringes and beyond. He takes us to where humanity is most wounded, where men and women, continue to seek an answer to the question of life’s meaning. God is fearless! He is always greater than our plans and schemes.

Complacency is seductive; it tells us that there is no point in trying to change things….because this is the way things have always been…. By force of habit we no longer stand up to evil. We “let things be”, or as others have decided they ought to be…. let us allow the Lord to rouse us from our torpor…, Let us rethink our usual way of doing things; let us open our eyes and ears, and above all our hearts, so as not to be complacent…

Let us ask the Lord for the grace to respond eagerly and positively when the Spirit calls us to take a step forward. Let us ask for the apostolic courage to share the Gospel with others, stop trying to make our Christian life a museum of memories. In this way, the Church will not stand still, but constantly welcome the Lord’s surprises.
IN COMMUNITY

Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others. We learn from others. We receive support and affirmation and we support others along the Way. Some are religious communities. Some are married couples and their families. Living and working alongside others is surely a means of developing and practicing holiness, surely a path of spiritual growth.

St. John of the Cross told his followers, “.You are living with others in order to be fashioned and tried”. We all need a little pruning, some more than others.

Contrary to the growing consumerist individualism that tends to isolate us in a quest for well-being apart from others, our path to holiness can only make us identify all the more with Jesus’ prayer “that all may be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you” (Jn 17:21). Living holiness in community is made up of small everyday things. It was also true in the time of Jesus.

Here are just a few examples of Jesus paying attention to small details of needs of those around him.
The little detail that wine was running out at a party.
The little detail that one sheep was missing.
The little detail of noticing the widow who offered her two small coins.
The little detail of having spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom delay.
The little detail of asking the disciples how many loaves of bread they had.
The little detail of having a fire burning and a fish cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak.
IN CONSTANT PRAYER

In this section, Pope Francis urges us to be people of constant prayer, echoing St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, “We urge you, brothers… support the weak, be patient with all…always seek what is good for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.” (I Thes: 17)

Pope Francis quotes St. John of the Cross, ” Try to be continuous in prayer, Whether you eat, drink, talk with others, or do anything, always go to God and attach your heart to him” Being in this frame of mindset, we will always form our world view and choices with the mind of God. In the end our desire for God will find its expression in our daily lives.

Pope Francis then notes, “For this to happen, however, some moments spent alone with God are also necessary. Trust-filled prayer is a response of a heart open to encountering God face to face, where all is peaceful and the quiet voice of the Lord can be heard in the midst of silence….

So let me ask you: Are there moments when you place yourself quietly in the Lord’s presence, when you calmly spend time with him, when you bask in his gaze? Do you let his fire inflame your heart? Unless you let him warm you more and more with his love and tenderness, you will not catch fire. How will you then be able to set the hearts of others on fire by your words and witness?

In addition to prayers of adoration and thanksgiving, Pope Francis encourages prayers of supplication. “These prayers are also welcomed by God and acknowledges our complete trust and dependence on our Creator.”

“Let us not downplay prayer of petition, which so often calms our hearts and helps us persevere in hope. Prayer of intercession has particular value, for it is an act of trust in God and, at the same time, an expression of love for our neighbour. Intercessory prayer is an expression of our fraternal concern for others, since we are able to embrace their lives, their deepest troubles, and their loftiest dreams.”

As soon as I believed that there was a God,
I understood that I could do nothing
other than to live for him”.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld,

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GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 5 SPIRITUAL COMBAT, VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION
Today’s blog brings us to the conclusion of my summary/commentary on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate. There are five chapters and five posts in month of April which can be reviewed on left hand side of blog in archives. In this final chapter Pope Francis warns that Satan is a strong adversary to our path to holiness and we should make sure we are prepared to defend ourselves. Direct quotes of Pope Francis are italicized and in quotation marks.
CHAPTER FIVE
SPIRITUAL COMBAT, VIGILANCE AND DISCERNMENT
The Christian life is a constant battle. We need strength and courage to withstand the temptations of the devil and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each time the Lord triumphs in our lives.
COMBAT AND VIGILANCE
This battle cannot be reduced to the struggle against our human weaknesses and proclivities, be they laziness, lust, envy, jealousy or any others. It is also a constant struggle against the devil, the prince of evil. Jesus himself celebrates our victories over Satan. “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:18).

The devil is more than a myth. He is present in the very first pages of the Scriptures, which end with God’s victory over the devil. Indeed, in leaving us the Our Father, Jesus wanted us to conclude by asking the Father to “deliver us from evil”. That final word does not refer to evil in the abstract; a more exact translation would be “the evil one”. It indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us.

It would be a mistake to view the devil as some kind of symbol or figure of speech. That mistake would allow us to let down our guard against a very tough adversary, smarter than us. The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice. When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities. “Like a roaring lion, he prowls around, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8).

Along this journey, the cultivation of all that is good, progress in the spiritual life and growth in love are the best counterbalance to evil. Those who choose to remain neutral, who are satisfied with little, who renounce the ideal of giving themselves generously to the Lord, will never hold out. If we become careless, the false promises of evil will easily seduce us.

The path of holiness is a source of peace and joy, given to us by the Spirit. At the same time, it demands that we keep “our lamps lit” (Lk 12:35) and be attentive. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess 5:22). “Keep awake” (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). “Let us not fall asleep” (1 Thess 5:6).

Beware of Spiritual corruption where we become so complacent and not acknowledging any sin on our behalf that our conscience is frayed and distorted. Spiritual corruption can be worse than the fall of a sinner. Everything then appears acceptable: deception, slander, egotism and other subtle forms of self-centredness, for “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14).

DISCERNMENT

How can we know if something comes from the Holy Spirit or if it stems from the spirit of the world or the spirit of the devil? The only way is through discernment, which calls for something more than intelligence or common sense. It is a gift which we must implore. If we ask with confidence that the Holy Spirit grant us this gift, and then seek to develop it through prayer, reflection, reading and good counsel, then surely we will grow in this spiritual endowment.

The gift of discernment has become all the more necessary today, since contemporary life offers immense possibilities for action and distraction, and the world presents all of them as valid and good. This is all the more important when some novelty presents itself in our lives. Then we have to decide whether it is new wine brought by God or an illusion created by the spirit of this world or the spirit of the devil.

We must examine ourselves closely….what is within us…our desires, anxieties, fears….what takes place around us….the signs of the times. Test everything, hold fast to what is good. (I Thess 5:21) Always in the light of the Lord!

Discernment is necessary not only at extraordinary times, when we need to resolve grave problems and make crucial decisions…We need it at all times, to help us recognize God’s timetable, lest we fail to heed the promptings of his grace. For this reason, I ask all Christians not to omit, in dialogue with the Lord, a sincere daily “examination of conscience”.

Discernment leads us to knowledge of the purpose of our life. Nobody knows that purpose better than God who knows me and loves me. The Lord speaks to us in a variety of ways, at work, through others and at every moment. Speak Lord, your servant listens!

We must remember that prayerful discernment must be born of a readiness to listen: to the Lord and to others, and to reality itself, which always challenges us in new ways. Only if we are prepared to listen, do we have the freedom to set aside our own partial or insufficient ideas, our usual habits and ways of seeing things.

In this way, we become truly open to accepting a call that can shatter our security, but lead us to a better life. It is not enough that everything be calm and peaceful. God may be offering us something more, but in our comfortable inadvertence, we do not recognize it.

We are blessed in our discernment with guides like Holy Scriptures, the Church, Jesus founded that protects and preserves Jesus’ teachings. The Holy Spirit is not to be forgotten either. The Spirit alone can penetrate what is obscure and hidden in every situation and grasp every nuance so the newness of the Gospel is always relevant to us even today.

Discernment is not about discovering what more we can get out of this life, but about recognizing how we can better accomplish the mission entrusted to us at our baptism according to God’s time-table. This entails a readiness to make sacrifices, even to sacrificing everything.

When, in God’s presence, we examine our life’s journey, no areas can be off limits. In all aspects of life we can continue to grow and offer something greater to God, even in those areas we find most difficult. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to liberate us and to expel the fear that makes us ban him from certain parts of our lives.

God asks everything of us, yet he also gives everything to us. He does not want to enter our lives to diminish them, but to bring them to fulfillment. Discernment leaves ourselves behind as we rush into the loving arms of God in order to approach the mystery of God and his benevolence to us and our neighbor. Our mission is not for ourselves alone but also for all those, a loving God has placed in our path.

I would like these reflections to be crowned by Mary because She is that woman who treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints. She lived the Beatitudes of Jesus as none other. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side…Mary our Mother does not need a flood of words. She does not need us to tell her what is happening in our lives. All we need do is whisper, time and time again: “Hail Mary…”

It is my hope that these pages will prove helpful by enabling the whole Church to devote herself anew to promoting the desire for holiness. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us a fervent longing to be saints for God’s greater glory, and let us encourage one another in this effort. In this way, we will share a happiness that the world will not be able to take from us.

(Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on 19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, in the year 2018, the sixth of my Pontificate.)

Francis

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FRUITS OF CONTRACEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

1 Comment / CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

“You will know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:16

COMMENTARY
July 25, 2018 is 5Y0th anniversary of Blessed Paul VI encyclical Humanae Vitae. Recently one of our prominent Catholic Colleges, Notre Dame, made a decision to include contraceptives in their health insurance packages to be more in keeping with diversity. It used to be tolerance but now the latest word is DIVERSITY to bash those that hold on to God made laws over man-made laws.

Two generations have passed since the publication of the boldly pastoral and prophetic encyclical Humanae Vitae, which upheld the ancient ban on the use of artificial contraception. Perhaps no teaching of the Church causes more scoffing (even from Catholics) than our teaching against artificial contraception

Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, the diocese where Notre Dame resides, condemned Notre Dame’s decision by citing Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2370), “every action which intends to render procreation impossible” is intrinsically evil”

Nowhere in Scripture will you find a teaching of Jesus that says sexual activity is recreational outside the marriage covenant. Did Jesus ever recommend to a prostitute she continue in her occupation? NO! Did Jesus ever encourage marriage and divorce? No! Did Jesus ever find children bothersome or inconvenient? No!

In fact, in Matthew 19, Jesus welcomes children. After His discourse on marriage and divorce, Jesus told his disciples not everyone may accept his teaching on marriage, “Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage* for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. Matthew 19:12

HUMANAE VITAE BLESSED POPE PAUL VI
“Each and every marriage act must remain open to the transmission of life (No. 11). The Holy Father continued, “This particular doctrine, expounded on numerous occasions by the Magisterium, is based on the inseparable connection, established by God, which man on his own initiative may not break, between the unitive significance and the procreative significance which are both inherent to the marriage pact” (“Humanae Vitae,” No. 12). We acknowledge God’s design by “respecting the laws of conception…,”Therefore, artificial birth control, sterilization, and abortion “are to be absolutely excluded as lawful means of regulating the number of children.” NOTE: Pope Francis has announced Pope Paul VI will be canonized a saint this year.
PROMISES BIRTH CONTROL ADVOCATES MADE:
Happier marriages and a lower divorce rates, because couples will be able to have all the sex they wanted without the “fear” of pregnancy. Lower abortion rates because there will be far fewer “unwanted” children.
Greater dignity for women because they will no longer be “bound” by their reproductive system. .Reduction in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS.

PREDICTIONS OF POPE PAUL VI (HUMANAE VITAE)
AN INCREASE IN MARITAL INFIDELITY AND A GENERAL LOWERING OF MORALITY
The Pope first noted that the widespread use of contraception would “lead to conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality.”
OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMEN
a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection. (HV # 17)
GOVERNMENTS WOULD IMPOSE CONTRACEPTION ON THEIR POPULATIONS
Who will prevent public authorities from imposing their use on everyone. (HV # 17)
PEOPLE WOULD BEGIN THINKING THEY HAVE TOTAL DOMINION OVER THEIR BODIES
Contraception would lead man to think that he had unlimited dominion over his own body; test tube babies and the like…Individuals convinced they can alter their own physical make-up and gender.
COMMENTARY “FRUITS” OF CONTRACEPTION
Since the birth control was introduced, legalized divorce has sky rocketed, almost half of marriages now end in divorce. Abortion rates did not decline; they skyrocketed as well. It has been well argued that far from decreasing the abortion rate, contraception actually increased it. Because contraception routinely fails, especially in the hands of the youth, abortion has become the contraception of last resort.

Goverments, like China, have imposed contraception on their citizens. In Obama care there was a mandate that insisted that every insurance plan cover contraception. Our country as well as others insist contraception be part of any aid to poorer third world countries.. “Pale” countries are insisting people of color limit their population. Talk about genocide!

Objectification of women has run rampant as seen in charges against well known celebrities like Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and Bill O’Reilly. A woman’s dignity as wives, mothers, and daughters is ignored and spoiled by men who take what they want for their own sexual perversity. Pornography is rampant on the internet available even to children, objectifying women in the most disgusting manner..

Sexual immorality has become widespread; huge increases in promiscuity, cohabitation, pornography, child abuse, human trafficking and the like. Youthful pregnancy often leads to single motherhood (absent fathers). Single motherhood often leads to welfare dependence and poverty.

As for preventing/reducing STDs and AIDS: again, big failure. STDs were not prevented, nor did they decrease. Infection rates skyrocketed through the 1970s and 1980s. AIDS, which appeared on the scene in the 1980s continues to show terribly high rates. It seems that contraceptives do not prevent anything. Rather, they encourage the spread of these diseases by encouraging the bad behavior that causes them.

Have women really benefited under this new morality, which contraception helped to usher in? I think NOT! We have learned artificial contraception is a huge failure in meeting its promises; Marriage, families, and children have all taken a huge hit. Bad behavior has been encouraged and all the bad consequences that flow from it are flourishing.

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THE STATE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE ERA OF TRUMP

1 Comment / CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, SOCIAL JUSTICE

Last night, President Trump gave his State of the Union address. I thought it only appropriate to follow up with a blog on the State of Catholic Social Justice issues that the Church of Jesus teaches and people of God care about and bear witness to. Social Justice teaching calls on us the “people of God” to minister to our neighbor’s needs, to speak out against injustice, and to work for peace.

“If a brother or sister is in need of food or shelter and you say to them I wish you well, good luck, keep yourself warm and eat plenty without giving them the necessities of life, how is your faith going to save you or your hungry neighbor. Faith without works is dead” James 2:14-17

THE RIGHT TO LIFE IS THE FUNDAMENTAL SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE

The fundamental human right is right to life—from the moment of conception until death. It is the source of all other rights…Those who defend the right to life of the weakest among us must be equally visible in support of the quality of life of the powerless among us: the old and the young, the hungry and the homeless, the undocumented immigrant and the unemployed worker…When human life is considered easily expendable or dismissed in one area, eventually no human life is held sacred and all lives are in jeopardy.

I grant you that President Trump has done more than most politicians who claim to be pro life. I know, like me, you have been disappointed in supporting a candidate in the past who says he/she is pro life and has done nothing to further the cause and in fact cooperates in the culture of death with their support of Planned Parenthood the greatest supporter of abortion on demand.

President Trump has supported the cause of those who are anti abortion in so far as he has appointed a conservative Supreme Court Judge, supports overturning Roe V Wade, supports the defunding of Planned parenthood, and supports limits to late term abortions.

I had my concerns about President Trump who claimed to be Pro Life in his campaign because of past statements of President Trump. In October 1999 he told Tim Russert, Meet the Press, I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion… I am strongly for choice and, yet, I hate the concept of abortion. Then in 2011 when considering a run for President, Trump told the Des Moines Register, “abortion should only be legal in the very rare cases when a woman is pregnant by rape or incest or when the life of the mother is jeopardized by the pregnancy.”

For Mr. Trump, it was a late term “conversion;” but of course conversion is welcome any time. Still, President Trump continues to demean and dismiss people who are not like him. He seems to think he decides on which human life is worthy or not.

Trump spent his whole life prior to presidency creating a culture that encourages irresponsible and recreational sex which supports the culture of abortion He has profited off the exploitation of women and brags about his own sexual assault in the Access Hollywood tape. Trump is accused by at least 19 women of sexual assault.

The reason I bring this to your attention is to caution the Pro Life movement not to wrap their arms too closely around President Trump. President Trump should be given credit where credit is due but do not elevate him to Pro Life spokesperson or Pro Life advocate in chief…..a bridge too far
The late Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago said Pro Life was a “seamless garment” and includes more than abortion and should also cover the already born.
HOW IS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOING IN REGARDS SOCIAL JUSTIC FOR THE ALREADY BORN

A few of the Social Justice issues prioritized by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops are: Immigration Refugees; Civil Rights; Racism; ; Affordable Health Care; Affordable Housing; Living Wage for Work, Criminal Reform; Death Penalty; Stewardship of Creation; Promotion of Peace….

You can look up President Trump positions but many are already well known. I will comment on a few. Trump favors deportation, separating families, and limiting immigration; Trump makes racist statements and was sued in the 70’s for racial discrimination in Trump housing, renting to whites not blacks; Trump led the fight to repeal Affordable Health Care Act and has replaced it with nothing; Trump supports states setting minimum wage without any Federal Minimum wage change as bottom line.

In Central Park 5 when 5 black teenagers were exhonerated by DNA evidence Trump called for restoration of Death Penalty in New York and to execute the Central Park 5; (Stewardship)Trump has withdrawn from Paris accords on global warming and opened Federal Lands to more mineral exploration and exploitation. Trump has repealed regulations that protect our health and safety Trump supports “clean coal”, an oxymoron. Promotion of Peace Trump renewed the continued use of Guantanomo, a symbol of torture and indefinite detentions throughout the world; Trump likes to rattle sabres, has threatened preemptive strikes on our adversaries and even nuclear annihilation of total country. Trump in violation of Nuclear Treaty signed by President Reagan and Russia wants to up our nuclear missile capability. (some peacemaker)

Social Justice always has the common good at its core as found in Scriptures and in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Common Good is understood as the sum total of social conditions which allow people as groups or individuals to reach their ultimate fulfillment more fully and more easily.

What is a human being? What is his role in the world? Where is he headed? How does he get there? If a human being is not yet perfected, what will perfect him? How does he become whole without division or estrangement?

The fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching focus on the dignity and sacredness of each human life, the promotion of the common good and the proper use and distribution of the goods of this world. (CCC 1928-1942, 2419-2449)

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC #1907) states that the Common Good requires the social well being and development of everyone, including food, clothing, shelter, health care, work, education etc. It requires peace and justice for security of a just order.

CCC #1936 On coming into this world, a person is not equipped with everything he/she needs for developing their bodily and spiritual life. They need others. Talents and gifts are not distributed equally.

CCC #1937 These differences belong to God’s divine plan which wills that each receives what he needs from others and those endowed with particular talents share them with those who need them. These differences encourage and sometimes oblige persons to practice generosity, kindness, and sharing of goods.

As a practicing Catholic, we must not be assimilated into a society that promotes the “culture of death” and worship pagan idols of sex, wealth, and power. But rather be “leaven” for the world.

We must minister to others especially those in need. Our blessings are not just for ourselves but to share with the Body of Christ. There is one Body but many members. All our talents and treasure must be compassionately shared with our neighbors just as Jesus did moving from village to village to teach and heal. We must pick up where Jesus left off in building the kingdom of God.

“WHATEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN,
YOU DO TO ME”
JESUS
Matthew 25:31 Last Judgment Discourse

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SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE THE GOODS OF MARRIAGE

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

Last week I wrote a blog reflecting on the Feast of the Holy Family including trust, fidelity, and the importance of parenting. Today I want to extend those reflections supported by Catholic Church Teaching on the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage.

Marriage was one of the first gifts to mankind when God presented Adam with his wife, Eve, flesh of his flesh and they would become one flesh and produce and fill God’s kingdom with the fruit of their love. Marriage is probably the greatest human metaphor for the Most Holy Trinity, God in relationship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirity.

MARRIAGE FEAST AT CANA

At the Marriage feast in Cana, John 2:1-12, Jesus raised marriage to a sacrament that gives grace. We are now in the midst of a heated debate about what marriage is. When Jesus was asked by some Pharisees about whether divorce was possible, in Matthew chapter 9, Jesus gave a clear teaching about the real meaning of marriage that is as relevant to the debate about whether homosexuals can marry as it was to the subject of divorce-and-remarriage.

“Have you not read that in the beginning God ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:3-12

Later His disciples asked Jesus, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” Jesus answered, “Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

Wow! Even Jesus says marriage is not for everyone, some may even be born not able to fulfill the procreative and unitive requirements of marriage. The Catechism of the Catholic Church continues to expound on God’s awesome plan for mankind with emphasis on the unitive and procreative role of Marriage, neither of which can be fulfilled by a homosexual couple.

“In the beginning, God made them male and female.” There is great meaning to our masculinity and femininity in God’s plan. God didn’t clone Adam, but made Eve, who was equal to him in dignity, but complementary. God’s plan is not that a man leave his parents and cling to whomever he wants, but to cling to a wife.

ROMAN CATHOLIC BELIEFS ROMAN CATHOLIC TEACHINGS

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH #601

THE GOODS OF MARRIAGE
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1643), there are three goods of marriage. They are: unity, fidelity, and openness to children

The choice of contraception denies the intrinsic meaning of giving and receiving which is proper to the conjugal sexual act and closes it arbitrarily to the dynamics of transmitting a new human life. “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife and they become one body.” (Genesis 2:24)

This unity is beyond mere unity of the flesh; it demands permanence (indissolubility) for the entire life of the married couple. The union is so profound and total that only death can dissolve it.

The very nature of conjugal love, total union for life of a married couple, demands fidelity and prohibits any disorder such as adultery. This “good” of married fidelity is a sign of the faithful union between Christ and His Church.

The good of “openness to children” is the fruit of total self-giving love. Accepting children and nurturing them leads the married couple to a deeper union and exclusive commitment to one another.

The conception of new life is the ultimate perfection of marital union itself. Contraception renders this perfection impossible. One aspect of man in the image and likeness of God is procreator, sharing in God’s creative work, the completion of the human race.
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