Salvation of souls or salvation of governments...

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die:  but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live.   (Rom 8:12-13)

As a created contingent being, created by God in His image and likeness, and a devout Roman Catholic, born and raised in the United States and in The Church,  it seems there is a vast difference between the beliefs of the founding fathers of United States and teachings of the Catholic Church.  This country was not founded on doctrines of The Church but those of fundamentalist-protestant beliefs.  Example being, sola fidei and sola scriptura, “saved by faith and scripture alone,” meaning all a person has to do in order, “To be saved” is to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and the Bible, with no suffering because Christ suffered once and for all, so we do not have to suffer.  This stands in complete contradiction to Christ and His Church.

And he said to all: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; for he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall save it. (Lk 9:23-24)

Does it not seem to indicate, the term denying one’s self and taking up his cross, indicates suffering and pain, and not giving into one’s one desires and lifestyle in order to avoid suffering and pain to that of the gospel and Christ?  Would that further contradict what United States stands for? 

If the world hates you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master.  If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.  But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake: because they know not him who sent me.  If I had not come, and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He that hateth me, hateth my Father also.  If I had not done among them the works that no other man hath done, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.  But that the word may be fulfilled which is written in their law: They hated me without cause. (Jn 15:18-25)

And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy filled in themselves. I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world; as I also am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. (Jn 17:13-17)

This does not mean that we as citizens of the United States are to hate the world and all that it is, but to not be of the world and only in the world, as we exist.  The world and all of its’ created technology is not evil in and of itself, but rather the use of such technology that leads us away from God and the teachings of His Church, is wrong.  Hence, the idea of freedom as described in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, speaks of a person having the ability to live without being told how to live, what to do, eat, buy or sell, as controlled by the government.  Is that not what Thomas Jefferson wrote to declare the independence of the colonies from Britain? 

Freedom (noun):

1. the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint: He won his freedom after a retrial.
2. exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
3. the power to determine action without restraint.
4. political or national independence.
5. personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery: a slave who bought his freedom.
6. exemption from the presence of anything specified (usually followed by from ): freedom from fear.
7. the absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc.
8. ease or facility of movement or action: to enjoy the freedom of living in the country.
9. frankness of manner or speech.
10. general exemption or immunity: freedom from taxation.
11. the absence of ceremony or reserve.
12. a liberty taken.

However, the freedom that Thomas Jefferson spoke of was not the freedom that Pope John Paul II refereed to as the freedom to act as a creation of God, Our Creator.  The freedom to act, as we should, morally is not the same as having or being given the license to drive.  If we earn the privilege to drive, do we not have to obey rules and laws or do we have the freedom to drive where and how we want, in whatever way makes us feel good?  As God created all that is, was, and will be, do we not have a moral conscious in which to follow, which given to us only by our Creator?   

“Instead, true freedom implies that we are capable of choosing a good without constraint. This is the truly human way of proceeding in the choices--big and small--which life puts before us. The fact that we are also able to choose not to act as we see we should is a necessary condition of our moral freedom. But in that case we must account for the good that we fail to do and for the evil that we commit. This sense of moral accountability needs to be reawakened if society is to survive as a civilization of justice and solidarity.

It is true that our freedom is weakened and conditioned in many ways, not least as a consequence of the mysterious and dramatic history of mankind's original rebellion against the Creator's will, as indicated in the opening pages of the Book of Genesis. But we remain free and responsible beings who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, and we must educate our freedom to recognize and choose what is right and good, and to reject what does not conform to the original truth concerning our nature and our destiny as God's creatures. Truth-beginning with the truth of our redemption through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ-is the root and rule of freedom, the foundation and measure of all liberating action” (cf. Instruction on Christian Freedom and Liberation, 3).
It would be a great tragedy for the entire human family if the United States, which prides itself on its consecration to freedom, were to lose sight of the true meaning of that noble word. America: You cannot insist on the right to choose, without also insisting on the duty to choose well, the duty to choose the truth. Already there is much breakdown and pain in your own society because fundamental values essential to the well-being of individuals, families and the entire nation are being emptied of their real content.”

ADDRESS AT WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM

Pope John Paul II

Given at Columbia, S.C., on 11 September 1987.

“When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society.”   - Pope John Paul II

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/pope_john_paul_ii_2.html#IgtIhiqRh2hlME0p.99

I would assert that if we as Roman Catholics are truly seeking to follow God and not the United States and that of the world, we have the freewill to do what is morally right and to avoid evil regardless.  As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, 

“Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? or distress? or famine? or nakedness? or danger? or persecution? or the sword? (As it is written: For thy sake we are put to death all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.) But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:35-39)

If we as followers of Christ are not called to imitate Him, deny ourselves, take up our cross and suffer to the point of death, what then are we to do, to imitate Him?  Is the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops taking the first step in preparing us for the possibility of suffering for our faith?  Are they going through the proper channels that are put in place in this country in order to prevent the suffering for Christ that awaits us, if we choose with freewill to follow Christ as to that of the U.S. Government telling us how to choose and act by law?  Is the USCCB praying for the right and freedom to live as citizens of the U.S. to allow us to act and do what we freely wish to do, rather than suffer for Christ?  As there are people all over the world dying, tortured and put in jail for the name of Christ, are we any different, living in the U.S. to be above that suffering for Christ?  To pray for the revocation of laws that not allow us to suffer, when we choose to follow Christ and not of the world?  Should we as Catholics be praying for the conversation of souls and working to bring all souls to Christ in, with and through His Church, above and before praying for the freedom to do as we ought?  Would it make more sense to pray for the conversion of President Obama, his family, friends and all those that follow him?   

“You are priests, not social or political leaders. Let us not be under the illusion that we are serving the Gospel through an exaggerated interest in the wide field of temporal problems.”   - Pope John Paul II

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/pope_john_paul_ii_2.html#IgtIhiqRh2hlME0p.99

If we pray for those lost souls of the world, would it not make sense that all political leaders would find Christ in, with, and through His Church on earth?  If we are truly seeking to follow Christ, as St. Paul and St. Peter, would not the salvation of souls be our top priority, next to our own eternal salvation, and be willing to suffer to the point of death?

“If so ye continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and immoveable from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, which is preached in all the creation that is under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister.  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:  Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfill the word of God: The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,  To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory. Whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."  (Col 1:23-28)

So then, it would stand to reason that we are to seek Christ first,

“Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.  Be not therefore solicitous for to morrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself.  Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”  (Mt 6:33-34)

In addition, no human being on this earth can separate us from choosing to follow Christ, which in looking back through history meant certain death.  Which raises the question that if we are to follow and imitate Christ, and those that followed and imitated Him before us, why would the idea of suffering and even death for and in the name of Christ bring us fear, doubt, and confusion?  The only kingdom that will last forever is the Kingdom of God, as this earth is and will pass away regardless of what anyone says or does.

"No one serves, two masters...

How is it a soul can walk this earth and only by the grace of its’ Most Holy Creator see with such simplistic clarity that what is not of the Creator, to that what is.  The closer a soul walks to, and with its’ Creator the darkness encompasses it beyond words.  It is here it sees what the world does not nor cannot see, without the grace of its’ Creator.

How is it that the Creator can bestow upon a soul, while it walks this earth?

How can it be fed only the by the grace of its’ Creator and see with such clarity that what other souls cannot?

How can such grace be felt and given and yet few souls can taste such darkness?

How can souls walk this earth and exist on this earth, feel the joy and happiness of this world, and yet strive to follow Christ and His Church?

How can such a soul not see the depth of its’ Creator and be caught up of this world and yet strive to follow its’ Creator?

While there are many rooms in the kingdom, it is the question of how a soul can taste such grace, while on this earth? 

How is it that two souls can be guided by its’ Creator and one be caught up of the world?

It does not seem any soul that strives to obtain, what is of this world can see its’ Creator.  If a soul uses that of the world and all of its material wealth, how can it see with simplistic clarity, its’ Creator? If a soul walks in the depths of darkness and seeking only its’ Creator, it sees the world as naught, while striving only to obtain what is given by its’ Creator.  If a soul that seeks its’ Creator, how can it feel joy and happiness of the world?  The world and all of its material wealth would deter the soul from seeing and, or seeking its’ Creator.  As it is written (Mt 6:24) “No one serves two masters; or either he will either hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Is it possible for a soul to be lost in its’ Creator and still serve the world in the name of itself and God?  How can a soul feel the joy and happiness of the world and its material wealth, while still seeking its’ Creator?  While it is only known by its’ Creator, the disposition of the soul, it would not give peace to seek its’ Creator, while being of the world?  The soul is either lost in its’ Creator or lost of the world.  While seeing the passing of existence, this side of death, it is only fully seen by God, the disposition of all souls.  It is only known by its’ Creator, when it is called back to its’ Creator, hence judged and placed in either eternal damnation or eternal salvation.

This disposition is known only by its’ Creator, while the grace is given to a soul by its’ Creator, to see with clarity what is of its’ Creator and what is not. The soul walks in darkness while not seeking the world and the happiness, which comes from the word.  This divide brings the confusion to see this side of death, what can only be seen by God.  It is beyond all reason and understanding brought about by the being, itself to grasp and see what is given by its’ Creator.  Its’ Creator grants the soul the light to walk in blind faith, while only in the darkness of its’ Creator.  This darkness, which the souls seeks is not of the world, but that what is given only by God.  Hence, the Creator bestows upon the soul the grace to see such, while the soul walks in the darkness of blind faith.  It does not see what is given of the world, to those souls that do not, nor cannot grasp such depths, of God.  It is this place, which divides or separates those that serve God, and those that serve mammon.

The souls that seek and find such joy, and happiness of the world, do not see or feel to taste such darkness of blind faith.  This place the souls rests, is only known by God, the other side of death and created time.  All souls that claim to seek its’ Creator can by the grace of God see only when it is given, such.  There is nothing the created soul can do to bring about the light in order to turn from the joy and happiness of the word, to that of God.  It would be only given by the grace of God, and only then would a soul see the sin-folly of the world.  Hence, the souls that walk in the blind faith of its’ Creator in such darkness of light can see what others souls cannot, which brings further clarity to beg God for only more darkness in order to turn from the world and its sin-folly.  As it is impossible for the souls of the world to seek its’ Creator to such depths of darkness in, with and through the Creator, the Creator will only feed the soul with divine wisdom in order for it to seek only more such wisdom.  It is this divide that separates those souls that seek only its’ Creator to those that seek that what is of the world.  As it is only known by God, the disposition of all souls, only by His will and grace does a soul walk.  The souls that claim to seek its’ Creator while strive for the wealth of the world, fool only themselves.  As it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle, than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven, it is given only by God to a soul, it is only by God a soul can obtain such.  Hence, all souls are to seek first God and then all things be given.  It is here that a souls is to start and it is here the division of the souls that seek its Creator first, to those that seek the world first. 

The soul that feeds on only its’ Creator, it is in this darkness of light the soul sees with simplistic clarity and knows what is of its’ Creator to what is not.  It is only by its’ Creator that a soul sees such and it is only known by its’ Creator, the final disposition, in the end where that souls is placed.  Hence a soul can and while existing in the state of the depths of darkness and light only by the grace of its’ Creator, in the end by the will of God, what souls walks in bind faith and simplistic clarity to point out the light of God to those that see with new eyes an hear with new ears.

“What we've got here is failure to communicate…”

"What do you actually believe? We know what you don't believe." I mostly preach the doctrine of "I don't know. It doesn't trouble me that much that there are big questions that I can't answer. I've never been able to answer them; I never will. I just kind of let it go. "Where did we all come from?" "What's the meaning of it all?" "What happens when you die?"  Bill Maher., www.imdb.com.

The difficulties of being a human being, struggling with issues that effect life, as in how to think, what to think and speaking coherently, trying to make sure “Yes means yes and no means no.” Often, struggle to understand, whom we are, what decisions to make, when and what are the ramifications of the decisions, short and long term.

“What I do know is that it gets my Irish up, to beg the point of our interview, when people make up stories and sell an invisible product. It's such a scam. I just think people should man-up, suck it up, and just say, "I don't know," instead of closing their eyes very tightly and insisting on believing something that part of them must know is not true. So when people say, "Yeah, but could it be Jesus Christ?" Yes, it could be.  And it could be the lint in my navel. It could be a lot of things. I tend to doubt very strongly [the story of] Jesus Christ or any other story that just smacks of the kind of thing that primitive men would come up with.”  Bill Maher., www.imdb.com.

I mostly preach the doctrine of "I don't know. It doesn't trouble me that much that there are big questions that I can't answer. I've never been able to answer them; I never will. I just kind of let it go. "Where did we all come from?" "What's the meaning of it all?" "What happens when you die?"  Bill Maher., www.imdb.com.

It would seem that Bill Maher is not sure of what he believes or thinks or how to communicate clearly, what he thinks.  He says one thing and then states in the same breath…

"Yeah, but could it be Jesus Christ?" Yes, it could be.  And it could be the lint in my navel. It could be a lot of things. I tend to doubt very strongly [the story of] Jesus Christ or any other story that just smacks of the kind of thing that primitive men would come up with.”  Bill Maher., www.imdb.com.

There seems at best to be a mental disconnect and failure to communicate.  While I understand he is a comedian and earns a living as such, his thought process is at best a mental disconnection.  If a person says, I do not know, I do not care and live their life accordingly that is sound logic.  However if a person states, I do not know, I do not care then asserts what it is not and then attempts to rationalize with mental gymnastics in order to assert “God does not exist…” It is at best a contradiction of thoughts and words, which in turn begs the question, what does he think, how does he think and how can anyone understand what he means or says?  Bill Maher is, as we all are a created contingent human being, unable to possess full and complete knowledge of all that existed, exists now, and will exist.  It is at best absurd on any level to state, “I don’t know” and then in the same breath state, “What I do know is…”  As a devout Roman Catholic, I do not care what Bill Maher thinks but rather what he ought to think.  It would seem that in order to be understood and communicate effectively a person should attempt to understand what and how we think in order to communicate effectively.  If a person says one thing then in the same breath or in action does something opposite, how can anyone understand the person, let alone what or how he or she thinks and in the end believe anything he or she says and put any credence into any words or actions?  It cannot be both; he either does know or does not know.  It is at best absurd yet he actually believes what he asserts based upon what he thinks, he trying to be funny in order to make money?

I tend to doubt very strongly [the story of] Jesus Christ or any other story that just smacks of the kind of thing that primitive men would come up with.”  Bill Maher., www.imdb.com.

It would make sense to assert no one in the history of civilization would term St. Thomas Aquinas as “primitive.” As Thomas Aquinas is quoted and accepted not only in the world of The Catholic Church but throughout the world and cultures.  His “Five Proofs” for the existence of God is deep enough for anyone to ponder the existence of all that exists, did exist and, or will exist.  Would it not stand to reason that technology and the advancement of all that we have in the year 2012 was brought about since the beginning of recorded history, from one generation to the next?  Would it not stand to reason, emperor Caesar Augustus or Julius, if asked during their lives they would dare not deem their Roman Empire as “primitive?”    

Does it not stand to reason Bill Maher and those that agree with his philosophy, have to discard history dating from The Fertile Crescent to whatever period in history, they deem to be NOT primitive?  In turn discard the great philosophers such as Aquinas, Aristotle, Socrates and Plato that fall within what they deem “primitive?”  They would then have to decide what is believable or not believable throughout history, deem it primitive or not primitive in order to fit their own beliefs, in order to justify what they like and dislike?  Then have to assert based on their subjective reason and logic those beliefs in order further advance such beliefs as to come up with a favorable outcome in order to fit and support their own ideology?  In turn, deem those that do not agree with them as crazy, dumb and unintelligent, attempting to define themselves as intelligent and learned...?

Mental Gymnastics:

n. Inventive, complex arguments used to justify unjustifiable decisions, or situations.

http://www.wordnik.com/words/mental%20gymnastics

It would seem the sport of mental gymnastics does not have to make any philosophical sense or logic, as long as they have the money and positions of authority to force tolerance of absurd beliefs with disconnected philosophy, upon everyone, while mocking Christ and bashing His Church, claiming to know beyond doubt, they do not know, but they do know what it is not.  The sport has no limits and can be used in an attempt to support any absurd philosophy in order to further any lifestyle.  As the world deems good, and even encouraged, to say one thing and do another, talk without thinking and without sound philosophical logic and reason, in the name of wealth, money and power, it would seem the majority of the world does not only, not want to hear, see or know the truth but, people like Bill Maher attempt with mental gymnastics to completely remove the truth from existence. 

Does it not stand to reason, as the only method to communicate effectively is to say what we mean and mean what we say, our words should always match our thoughts and vice versa?  Should we not always attempt to make sense, with sound philosophical reason and logic based upon the objective truth.  If not, in the end, “What we've got here is failure to communicate…” regardless if we are comedians, lawyers, doctors, accountants, schoolteachers, janitors and, mothers and fathers. How can anyone believe what we say, stand for or do, if our lives are a complete contradiction.

NOTE:  This blog was written before Bill Maher embarrassed himself further by making vile and crude remarks about Governor Sarah Palin, and donating money to Barak O’Bama.

Staggers the imagination...

It has been throughout history of the human race, a desire to control, be in control and dictate to our environment, based upon our feelings, wants and desires in order to bring us happiness and a feeling of warm and fuzzy, often termed “Love.”  As human beings, we are created and contingent, unable to create ourselves, nor control our daily existence, by simply willing it, let alone create all that was, is and will be, from nothing.  This fact would further support the philosophical proofs for the existence of God, given to us by St. Thomas Aquinas.  However, it seems our culture and world still continues to attempt to control, manipulate and change the natural laws.  The terms, “tolerance” and “bullying” seem to be thrown around, by the ethical/moral relativists, in order to force society to accept same sex unions.  By using such key words, they attempt to force upon us, unnatural acts within the natural law, given to us by Our Creator.  As God is the creator of all that existed, exists now, and will exist it is absurd for someone to assert, “We need to bring the bible, kicking and screaming into the modern world.” As if God could not have known, since the beginning of time, what was going to take place, in 33 AD, 70 AD, in 1863 AD and in 2012 AD?  Would that not indicate God does not have full and complete knowledge of everything?

As put forth in The Catechism of The Catholic Church;

The revelation of the ineffable name “I Am who Am” contains then the truth that Go alone IS.  The Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, and following it the Church’s Tradition, understood the divine name in the sense: God is the fullness of Being and of every perfection, without origin and without end.  All creatures receive all that they are and have from him; but he alone is his very being, and he is of himself everything that he is. (CCC 213)

God’s truth is his wisdom, which commands the whole created order and governs the world.  God, who alone made heaven and earth, can alone impact true knowledge of every created thing in relation to himself. (CCC 216)

God is also truthful when he reveals himself –the teaching that comes from God is “true instruction.”  When he sends his Son into the world it will be “to bear witness to the truth:” “We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know him who is true.” (CCC 217)

As it was said by the lead character which Robin Williams played, in the movie “Good Morning Vietnam,” “It staggers the imagination.”  If such is put forth by God as our creator, how is it possible that we, merely created creatures, existing in time and contingent upon God to exist, can and have full and complete knowledge of everything deem,” We need to bring the bible, kicking and screaming into the modern world?” Does this mean that the laws of God only apply to certain periods of time?  Does this mean God does not exist outside of time and He has to learn from us?  Does this mean that human beings since the dawn of time never had to struggle with same sex attractions and the desires of the flesh in a disordered way?  We all have the freewill to choose to follow God, The Gospel and The Church or not.  However, for created creatures to assert and manipulate God’s natural law, to fit our own desires and wants, because we know ourselves better than whom created us?

Chastity and homosexuality

Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex.  It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures.  Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.  Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.” They are contrary to the natural law.  They close the sexual act to the right of life.  They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity.  Under no circumstances can they be approved. (CCC 2357)

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible.  This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial.  They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.  Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.  These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition. (CCC 1995)

As Catholics we are to judge the action not the person, “Hate the sin but love the sinner.”  To tolerate evil and unjust actions are wrong regardless of the person.  That does not mean the person is somehow evil and worthy of our disdain.  However, the assertion that we as Catholics are forced to accept enacted laws that oppose the natural law of God, in the name of “Tolerance” and “Anti-bullying” is at best wrong, disordered, philosophically and theologically.  It does not matter how badly we want to live a certain lifestyle, we have no authority to manipulate God’s law.  We cannot have both and, if a person accepts God as Creator and that Jesus Christ His only begotten Son lived, died and was raised from the dead, we cannot manipulate His laws because it somehow does not fit our “Modern” culture and “We need to bring the bible, kicking and screaming into the modern world.”

The assertion that the creator of everything, has to somehow change and be brought up to speed in the year 2012, in order to fit a world and culture that exists only in time and was brought into existence by Him, is at best absurd.      

References

(1995). The Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC. New York: DoubleDay.

Jesus spoke these words; "My child, I have need of victims, and strong victims, who by their sufferings, tribulations, and difficulties, make amends for sinners and for their ingratitude." - Saint Gemma Galgani, letters

As it stands to reason we as created and contingent beings, brought into existence not in any random or chaotic way or reason, we exist to love God and follow to serve others in order for all souls to find Christ and in the end obtain eternal salvation.  While it is not easy to understand or imitate Christ of the world, as the world stands in direct contradiction to Christ, His teachings and His Church there are examples of souls that have lived their lives in following Christ in a very austere and direct way, to the point that those people close to them, did not understand them.  While the world quickly attempts to dismisses, with mental gymnastics, the existence of God, Jesus and His Church, one has to look no further than to history and the examples and writings of such souls.  We are brought into existence body, mind/soul composite not by any willing or desire of our own but only by the love of God.  As we are created in the image and likeness of God, our Creator, we are called to follow and imitate His Son.   As this philosophical assertion is not without question and debate, by people that wish to live outside any moral compass or benchmark, it is impossible to dismiss the existence of God, Christ, and His Church and such teachings, with any sound logic and reason.

As the world rejects God and the teachings of The Church, a fundamental issue the world cannot reason with, and struggles with, pain and suffering.  Because the United States was not founded on Catholic teachings but on fundamentalists, protestant beliefs, the idea of “Redemptive Suffering” is foreign and absurd not only to atheists but anyone without a solid Catholic foundational formation. 

As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church on suffering;

The Holy Spirit gives to some, a special charism of healing so as to make manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord.  But even the most intense prayers do not always obtain the healing of all illnesses.  Thus St. Paul must learn from the Lord that “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” and that the sufferings to be endured can mean that “in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His Body that is the Church.” (CCC 1508)

Union with the passion of Christ. By the grace of this sacrament this person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ’s Passion: in a certain way he is consecrated to bear fruit by the configuration to the Savior’s redemptive Passion.  Suffering a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation of the saving work of Jesus. (CCC 1521)

As this teaching reaches beyond any human nature in a normal life, the idea of “Cancer” to anyone that does not accept the existence of God and Christ, causes abject fear and terror, let alone having to endure pain and suffering because of such.  Furthermore, Christ’s Passion and crucifixion is beyond understanding to the world, as it is the core fundamental event, not only to Catholic’s but in history.  Without the crucifixion there would be no reason for, or understanding of suffering or pain, as well as the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.  People would celebrate nothing more than the Spring Solstice.  Using sound reason to assert without the crucifixion, suffering and pain in our lives would make no sense.  Hence, how is it possible for anyone using sound logic and reason, to attempt to dismiss the existence of God and Christ and then in turn explain the existence of pain and suffering?  How can anyone understand pain and suffering if not under the shadow of the cross of Christ? 

As contingent beings and created in the image and likeness of God, we are created in order to find God and do His will, and in the end obtain eternal salvation or eternal damnation.  All human beings have the freewill to choose to follow or to not follow Christ.  It is with and in chosen souls God reveals the deepest mysteries in order for us to see and experience Him.  They are stars shining brightly allowing us to, on some level see and understand such depths.

  

As Christ stated,   

“Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn from me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.” (Mt 11:28-30). The Holy Bible (1966) The Holy Bible - RSV - Catholic Edition.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. Or what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?”  (Mt 16:24-26) The Holy Bible (1966) – RSV – Catholic Edition. (1966)

Only the depths of a soul being enlightened by God can grasp and taste the pain and suffering that one endures which allows one to understand how and why one can endure such.  As the soul journeys with its’ Creator, only by and with His grace, the soul can endure and see that such suffering and pain brings about clarity.  This clarity is not that of the learned soul but the unlearned soul that seeks ONLY Jesus in order to imitate and follow Him.  This clarity is only by the grace of God and by His will that a soul can see with such simplistic clarity.  One such person is Caterina of Siena, a mystic and doctor of the church known for her dialogue with God the Father.  As she was quoted in a biography by Alyce Curtayne, 

“Let us endure, let us endure, dearest brother; for the more pain we suffer down here with Christ crucified, the more glory shall we receive; and no pain will be so much rewarded, as mental pain and labour of the heart; for these are the greatest pains of all and therefore worthy of the greatest fruit.”  Curtayne (1987, p. 48)

As Caterina was one of the youngest of 25 children, she was illiterate and uneducated and with no formal education; she was by the grace of God, raised to heights of simplistic clarity to see and endure such pain and suffering.  She was, for the last several years of her life, unable to eat neither solid food nor drink water, in addition to sleeping only a few hours, every few nights. She was a contradiction to the world and even her own family. The world did not understand her and viewed her as poor and a crazy, lost, little girl.  “The soul cannot live without loving, for we must love either God or the world. And, the soul always unites itself with what it loves and is transformed by it.” Curtayne (1987)  

The following citation from The Diary of Sister Marie “Faustyna” Kowalska, asserts a similar disposition as Caterina.  Her desire to imitate and follow Christ and not the world and all of its’ vain glory and sin-folly, she like Caterina was uneducated, yet without any formal education and training was raised to the heights of simplistic clarity to see God to that of the world.  Would it not stand to reason by the examples of such souls, point us to the existence of God and Christ and give us the knowledge and reason in order to understand pain and suffering.  Does it not make sound philosophical reason and logic that without the Cross of Christ pain and suffering would be meaningless and non-sense?   How is it that the world can attempt to dismiss the existence of God and Christ and people that are in positions of authority and administration be seen as intelligent and to be imitated? 

(22) Act of total abandonment to the will of God, which is for me, love and mercy itself.

Act of Oblation

Jesus-Host, whom I have this very moment received into my heart, through this union with You I offer myself to the heavenly Father as a sacrificial host, abandoning myself totally and completely to the most merciful and holy will of my God.  From today onward, Your will, Lord, is my food.  Take my whole being; dispose of me as You please.  Whatever Your fatherly hand gives me, I will accept with submission, peace and joy.  I fear nothing, no matter in what direction You lead me; helped by Your grace I will carry out everything You demand of me.  I no longer fear any of Your inspirations nor (23) do I probe anxiously to see where they will lead me.  Lead me, O God, along whatever roads You please; I have placed all my trust in Your will which is, for me, love and mercy itself.

Bid me to stay in this convent, I will stay; bid me to undertake the work, I will undertake it; leave me in uncertainty about the work until I die, be blessed; give my death when, humanly speaking, my life seems particularly necessary, be blessed.  Should You take me in my youth, be blessed; should You let me live to a ripe old age, be blessed.  Should You give me health and strength, be blessed; should You confine me to a bed of pain for my whole life, be blessed.  Should you give only failures and disappointments in life, be blessed.  Should You allow my purest intentions to be condemned, be blessed.  Should You enlighten my mind, be blessed.  Should You leave me in darkness and all kinds of (24) torments, be blessed.

From this moment on, I live in the deepest peace, because the Lord himself is carrying me in the hollow of His hand, He Lord of unfathomable mercy, knows that I desire Him alone in all things, always and everywhere.  M.F. Kowalska (1987, para. 1264)

It would stand to reason that pain and suffering is not easy to endure and we must by the grace of God be able to move past all fear and anxiety to a depth of peace and simplistic clarity that can only be given by God.  This disposition of the soul to its’ Creator can only be obtained by the grace of God and not by any willing it on our behalf, can we obtain such heights.  While pain and suffering and understanding the cross of Christ is not easy nor a desire of most souls, it cannot nor does dismiss neither history nor what has been written and, or given to us by God through such souls.  As created and contingent human beings, we are created in the image and likeness of God, in order to love and do His will on this earth.  It is by, with and through His grace that a soul is given such simplistic clarity, which enables us to see on some level more clearly, God.  It is only from, through and with Him that we exist and regardless of the mental gymnastics people attempt, can or will not change this.   

References

(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1995)(Curtayne A 1987 Catherine of Siena)Curtayne, A. (1987). Catherine of Siena. New York: Paulist Press(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1995)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church – (CCC). New York: DoubleDay.

(Holy Bible 1966 Holy Bible - RSV - Catholic Edition)The Holy Bible (1966). The Holy Bible - RSV - Catholic Edition. San Francisco: Ignatius Press.

(Mt  Holy Bible)

We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog posting for a sidebar blog post, “Stop the Madness.”

             It seems The Church that has lasted 2000 plus years, with the ebb and flow of events, between wars, Martin Luther, three men, all claiming to be pope at the same time, as well as the sex abuse scandal has, as Christ spoke, “The gates of hell will not prevail against it…”  The words of Christ to Peter, quoted in and through scripture, dictated by history with all that has taken place, The Church continues, as she has been, is guided by The Holy Spirit.


I know first hand and understand what it is like to be a human being, we are all fallen, not without sin, struggle and often times fail miserably, to follow and imitate Christ.  I cannot understand those in the church, lay people, priests and in religious orders that attempt to defy the doctrines and teachings of The Church.  Such, would indicate a mental disconnect in the thought processes of now retired Arch-Bishop of Los Angeles Roger Mahoney, Arch-Bishop of Miami John Favalora and now auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala?  Was it somehow, when or before they were ordained as priests they believed they were going to change within the clergy, The Church and its’ teachings on sexual conduct, marriage and children?  Were they hiding out, waiting for the church to change such doctrines and then bring about a renewal in the church, to bring Her into the 21st century, sort-a-speak? I know first hand, no one is beyond temptation, sin and concupiscence.  The question that is begging to be asked and needed, were these men not aware and understood what the term “celibacy” means and how it applies to the priesthood in the Roman Rite, Catholic Church?  Would it not stand to reason, that a man that fathered two teen age daughters, serving as an auxiliary bishop falls outside the parameters and teachings of The Church...?  Is it possible that a person can be living such a life and it not occur, not only to him but others around him? 

Father Alberto Cutie, known in the secular world as “Father Oprah,” in Miami, made the mental connection even though he argued to some degree with The Church, after he realized he was in love with a woman, left The Church.  He understood being a Roman Rite Catholic priest, and having a wife and children are mutually exclusive.  It is hard to disagree with his philosophy and mental connection, “If….then…”   While I understand discerning God’s will for our vocational is not easy, fun nor simple and discerning the priesthood and, or religious life can be even more intense and difficult at times.  This further indicates that such discernment should be done with careful guidance and support of those that are learned and understand what it means to serve as such.  While we all are human, no one is perfect, we all must discern and strive to do the will of God, regardless, how difficult and painful it is and may become, even to the point of death.  Our actions and thoughts must always be wholly and fully turned to God in order to follow His will.  We must strive to align our thoughts with our actions, in order to follow Him, "Do good and avoid evil" and let our "Yes mean yes and, no mean no."

The Church has been around since Christ gave the keys to Peter, it has survived many encounters with evil brought about with and through our fallen human nature.  It seems to me, The Church stands as a steadfast sign which contradicts the ideas of people that attempt, with warped philosophies and theologies to infiltrate The Church in order to spear-head an effort to bring about a change from within in order to support their personal ideologies.  There seems to me to be a mental disconnect that if a person does not like what The Church teaches for whatever reason, they attempt to forward a crusade to force the church to change in order to fit their own personal feelings and beliefs rather than Christ’s and His Church... 

"Stop the madness" and simply stop pushing hidden, or in this case, not so hidden agenda’s in The Church.  If you do not agree or like what Christ and His Church teaches, there are a plethora of other beliefs and churches out there to choose from that may fit whatever your personal philosophy and theology is.  The last time I checked there was nothing in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that states we as Catholics must force the teachings of The Church on anyone.  If I am not mistaken, the late Pope, John Paul II in a homily, officially asked for forgiveness and mercy for the crusades of the middle ages. 

 http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20000312_pardon_en.html