The Divine Adjustment

I think it was inevitable.  A God who loves us beyond what we can ever imagine could only wait for so long before somehow intervening.  It is said, God’s patience is directed toward our salvation (see 2 Pt. 3: 15).  We should never, however, take God for granted or try His patience.

 

The world’s situation has been out of control, in a downward plunge. Diminished respect for human life. Rampant promiscuity. Materialism. The breakup of the family. Divorce and remarriage.  Redefining gender and traditional marriage. Idolatry and paganism. Contempt for the Catholic Church, Sacred Tradition and natural law.  Spiritual lethargy and indifference began infecting most everyone (except, perhaps, for some very saintly souls or those deemed radical zealots). Through the years, I have referenced many examples of social decline ad nauseam. This moral disease rampant throughout the world is both deadly and malignant—like a virus.

From a spiritual perspective, the core problem is defiance of God—directly or indirectly.  The nature of all sin coalesces in disobedience of Almighty God and His plan for our existence.  May I take a second to remind us all that God is the Creator and we are creatures, not the other way around.

In the meantime, things continue to happen in our world, ever-more rapidly. We are given warnings, signs, disasters and other reminders of the fragility of this world. There have been earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, floods, pestilence, plagues, wars, etc. We are warned of such things in Sacred Scripture (see Mt. 24: 6-8.)  Now there is COVID-19.  Add this to the list of all those reminders of our mortality.  Momento mori.

What this virus has done, no one could imagine could be done so quickly. Many segments of the world’s economy have come to a screeching halt. No bars, meals at restaurants, non-essential businesses, large or small social gatherings of any kind are currently permitted in many locations worldwide. Entire countries are in some form of lock-down or quarantine.

 

Let’s not ignore what the virus has also done to one of the greatest false gods in contemporary culture:  organized sports. Isn’t it interesting how the stadiums and arenas are suddenly empty? Some of these facilities may now be used as make-shift hospitals. The professional sports cash-cow is now without its milk. Paid athletes are not the only ones affected. Many pastors have tried to preach about not having youth sport games or practices on Sunday morning (the Lord’s Day), but it fell mostly on deaf ears. Now there are no Sunday (or any other day) practices or games throughout parts of the entire world. All this happened almost instantly and without much warning.

Take notice how quickly various activities and events we take for granted can rapidly disappear from our lives—temporarily or maybe even completely.

The coronavirus:  Is Almighty God behind it all? 

We may ponder, question, deny, parse, qualify and debate the answer to this thought. Let me answer clearly and directly:  yes. If something happens in our world, then God, at a minimum, has allowed it to happen. God is in charge and always will be. There are no exceptions. Whether it be His direct, active, positive will or His permissive will, God ultimately decides what will and what will not be allowed to occur, now and always.

This is not to say that God desires evil things (such as deadly earthquakes, hurricanes, viruses, etc.) or evil persons, for that matter. Rather, He permits them to exist. He permits Satan to exist. God may allow some things to happen as the result of our own sinfulness, folly or inaction. He allows us, because of free-will, to make bad choices and to sin. Like a good Father, however, He may then choose to discipline or to justly punish His disobedient child/children. In the end, God, who is love, wills the best for each of us—not our downfall and destruction.

. . . We have had our earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them.  Should we not [then] submit all the more to the Father of spirits and live?  They disciplined us for a short time as seemed right to them, but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.  At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.  So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.  Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed. (Heb. 12: 9-13)

Will we learn the proper lesson from any form of the Lord’s discipline to which we may be subjected, now or in the future? Better to accept any and all discipline we are given now, rather than experience eternal punishment and damnation in the future. 

I believe a Divine Adjustment is taking place in our world.  In some mysterious way, God is acting to bring us back to Himself. He seems to be getting our attention through a virus. Whether we all will listen is another story.

What needs to happen in our world?

We began this Lenten season with the reminder that all people need to follow Jesus’ unceasing command:  Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk. 1:15).  I fear that many will not understand what God is doing on our behalf, now or ever. In the end, unless we get down on our knees, turn back to God and beg His forgiveness and mercy, we have entirely missed the boat. We all need conversion. We need to change our lives now. I sadly see people strategizing how to get through this current crisis but without even a shred of acknowledgement of the need for Divine Assistance. Variations of Pelagianism apparently still thrive in society. We don’t need God to get us through this. Stay strong together! Sounds like another Tower of Babel situation. 

Let’s do a collective examination of conscience:  Is there increased prayer in families as we are spending time forced together? Are there any acts of penance and reparation being made? Is there a renunciation of all sinful lifestyles and behavior? Maybe some activities or occasions of sin are being curtailed under this quarantine. Yet, in other places and situations sin is still flourishing. I wonder how much the internet porn business has decreased. Are there more or less cases of domestic violence? I heard that some abortion facilities want to be considered an essential service and remain open. Politicians still hold staunchly to ungodly beliefs and positions. The rebellion against God continues—even with a potentially deadly virus enveloping us rapidly. Sadly, many things still do not change.

Here’s a thought to ponder:  How can we be certain that this current crisis is not just one of a number of future “plagues” “chastisements” or “punishments” still coming, if we fail to heed this particular warning?  Didn’t it take ten plagues finally to get through to the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh (see Ex. 7-12)?  Various prophesies have spoken of coming “days of darkness,” an “illumination of conscience” for all people as well as other possibilities. What if we lose power or the internet in the days ahead? With so many working from home and so dependent on computers and smart phones, what if they all suddenly go down? Perhaps, a solar flare. Then what do we do? Will we pay attention then?

 

One can only imagine the possibilities of what can still happen! I am no prophet. I am just a parish priest trying to interpret the signs of the times through a spiritual, biblical lens. I ask sincerely: Has God gotten our attention yet? Are we paying attention?

What about any innocent victims who may die?  How can a good God allow this to happen?

These same questions have been brought up in practically every disaster known to mankind, natural or man-made. Innocent victims unfortunately die in hit-and-run car accidents, in wars, in earthquakes, in famines, in tornadoes and  because of coronaviruses. God permits it all. Innocent people often have to suffer. 

Does this then mean God is cruel and heartless?  Maybe God will answer this for us in another way, but I think He already has sufficiently spoken: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life (Jn. 3: 16).  No one was more innocent and sinless than Jesus. He is the innocent victim, par excellence. He was scourged, crowned with thorns, mocked, beaten, and crucified for us, for our sin. This life here on earth is not always fair, even for the Son of God.  Justice may not occur until we are before the throne of Almighty God. Then and there, I pray, that it will all make more sense to us.

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”  When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Pt. 2: 22-24)

Why now?  Connecting some dots . . .

Some strange things have been occurring not only in society but in the Catholic Church as well. To me (and others) it seems like the political/cultural world and the ecclesiastical/spiritual world are fighting parallel battles. There is a spiritual warfare occurring over souls—human souls and the collective “souls” of nations and cultures. Sins such as abortion, euthanasia, infanticide, assisted suicide, homosexual acts, (so-called) same-sex “marriages,” pornography and idolatry affect not only individuals but societies and nations as well.

Until most recently, I never doubted that the magisterium of the Catholic Church would do anything but adamantly teach and properly defend all moral issues and matters of faith as it had faithfully and continuously done throughout its history. What happened in recent times? Now there seems to be a profound confusion over permitting Holy Communion for the divorced and re-married, which was never the case. The Amazonian Synod showcased and scandalously celebrated what even the most-simple believer deemed pagan elements and idolatry in the Vatican gardens, in St. Peter’s Basilica and in other churches of Rome. We also hear that God (actively) wills a plurality of religions—not just permits them to exist—in direct contradiction to Jesus proclaiming that He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (see Jn. 14: 6).

Confusion triumphs over clarity. Moral relativism dominates objective morality. False gods find a prominent place among the One, True God. That is, until the brakes were mysteriously pressed. Halt everything! Now!

Profound effects and consequences of a virus:  quarantine, no Mass or sacraments, potential death

This virus has led cities and nations to various levels of quarantine. Social distancing and shelter in place have become familiar phrases. Certainly, we want to stay healthy ourselves and not make other people sick—especially those who may be more vulnerable and susceptible to illness. The spiritual consequences of this virus, however, are extremely serious. To be deprived of the Most Holy Eucharist and Holy Mass at a time of crisis seems unthinkable. Even the thought of not having an opportunity to have our sins forgiven, or not to be anointed if we are seriously ill, never really seemed possible. The unthinkable has morphed into reality. May we come to treasure more fully the sacramental life of the Church, whenever we are able to receive the sacraments regularly again. May a temporary deprivation cause an even greater desire and love for the Most Holy Eucharist and Holy Mass.

We also know people will continue to die from this virus and complications surrounding it. We should pray for them and for their relatives and friends.  Innocent victims, unfortunately, will suffer and die. While physical death is difficult to think about and painful to experience, Jesus reminds his followers of the following:  Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna (Mt. 10: 28).

Final thoughts

Again, I believe God is making a Divine Adjustment on more than one level, mysteriously permitting a virus to get our attention at this time. With this adjustment, there is a need for repentance and conversion of individuals, of societies/nations and of the misdeeds of the Catholic Church.
 

God desires the salvation of all people (see 1 Tim. 2:4).  So, I most urgently exhort the following: 

• Confess your sins sacramentally (as soon as possible). In the meantime, make an act of perfect contrition on a regular basis. Cease any and all sinful behavior. Stay in the state of grace.
• Make a Spiritual Communion with Our Lord frequently—especially since there are no public Masses in so much of the world.
• Undertake acts of reparation and do penance for the personal and societal sins that continue to offend God.
• Pray constantly, especially imploring the intercession of the Holy Mother of God. The rosary is a powerful weapon in this and every battle. Remember, Our Lady told the children of Fatima that in the end her Immaculate Heart will triumph.

I proudly profess I am staunchly loyal to the Catholic Church. I pray for the Holy Father daily. I promised my ordaining bishop (and therefore his successors) that I would teach and defend the truths of the faith and not my personal opinion. This promise certainly means I will not (knowingly) teach heresy, scandalize the faithful or will I ever tolerate any form of idolatry in the presence of the One, True God. Neither should any deacon, priest, bishop or pope.

Finally, I urge my bother priests to proclaim boldly the truths of our faith and fearlessly preach the Gospel in season and out of season, be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching (2 Tm. 4:2).

Years ago, when I was a very young priest, many of the more recently ordained sometimes worried about what they preached from the pulpit so that they would not offend anyone and risk the possibility of getting reprimanded by their superiors for it. The worst thing any of us could ever imagine was getting suspended and being prohibited from saying any public Masses.

Sad to say that almost all of us, through absolutely no fault of our own, are currently there.  

 

Christus Vincit!

March 29, 2020
5th Sunday of Lent

The Devil Made Me Do It (A Theological Editorial)

We live in a time of abundant confusion and controversy.  Politics, the Church, society (in general), all seem to be taking sides and settling into one camp or another.  Is this just a matter of changing times or is there something greater behind it all?  Something cosmic perhaps?  As we see obvious manifestations of heroic good and extreme evil in the world, do we wonder about an ultimate cause or origin of it all?

If God’s essence is love and goodness, then where does evil come from and why is it permitted to exist?  These are questions that have undoubtedly plagued every person or society willing to be reflective and to search for truth.

Coming from a Catholic background, I can sum up the basic perspective of traditional Christianity regarding these matters.  God, a Trinity of Persons who existed for all eternity, created everything out of nothing.  The hierarchy of God’s creation exists at various levels:  the purely spiritual beings (angels), those with body and spirit (humans), other living, moving creatures (animals), other living, growing things (plants) and non-living material (minerals).  Some of God’s creation received both intelligence and free will (angels and humans), attributes elevating them to resemble God.

 

The angels were tested first to ascertain their complete loyalty to God.  Some angels passed the test while others, including Lucifer (Satan), rebelled against God.  One interpretation of the angels’ test speaks of God’s revelation of His plan for humanity to the angels. Jesus was to become a human being (the Incarnation).  The insubordinate response of some angels then followed: Non serviam! “I will not serve [God]! —especially if He were to lower Himself to become a mere man.  Lucifer and his followers, because of their unbridled pride, were banished (yet not obliterated) from God’s presence for all eternity.  This place of banishment from God’s presence is hell.  There is no God, no love there.

 

Humans are also tested to see if we will respond to God and His love for us.  The first human beings also failed with the evil influence (a temptation) from Satan.  Thus, sin entered the world by an act of the will of the first humans.  However, out of love for humanity, redemption for mankind was to follow through Jesus and his salvific death on the cross.  From the very beginning, however, Satan has tried to coerce humanity to rebel, to disobey and to reject their dependence on God as he did.  Ultimately, he seeks the destruction of all humanity.  He and his followers hate us, despise us.

Does this evil intention to devastate all humanity still exit?

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.  (1 Peter 5: 8-9)

Satan is very real.  As God is the essence of love, the devil, in contrast, is pure evil.  Again, he hates humanity.  He tries to destroy it, debase it, confuse it, cause it to abandon the true God and serve false gods.

[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him.  (John 8:44)

If we try to observe how the intended destruction of humanity has played out over the centuries, we can see examples such as the great and lesser wars, child (human) sacrifice to demons and false gods, murder, terrorism, and perhaps the most tragic of them all—abortion.  The number of human pre-born children killed from abortion worldwide (estimated at over 1.5 billion in the last 40 years by Human Life International) has surpassed the number of people killed by all wars throughout history combined.

At least 108 million people were killed in wars in the twentieth century. Estimates for the total number killed in wars throughout all of human history range from 150 million to 1 billion. (July 6, 2003, New York Times)

Not only is there the intention to destroy humanity but also it needs to be debased or denigrated.  We should realize how many influences within our society make us more like animals than human, try to bring us down to a pitiful wretchedness rather than raised to an elevated dignity and holiness.  Pornography—especially with easy and home-penetrating access on the internet—has humans performing the most perverted, disgusting acts that are everything but love-making.  Contrast the “actors” or “performers” in this multi-billion-dollar industry with the concepts of being a true gentleman or being lady-like.   Next, far too many deaths and destroyed lives are occurring from the current opioid crisis, involving both legal and illegal drug sources.  Addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, sex, smoking/vaping, food, internet, etc.) is rampant and illustrates how the shackles of over-indulgence and abuse, many times in conjunction with habitual sin, have enslaved person after person.  (There is indeed too much of a searching for love, happiness and fulfillment in all the wrong places.)  Finally, we should not leave artificial contraception (and abortion as its ultimate backup) out of the equation because this also is a misguided attempt to control—rather, to eliminate—our fertility and to throw it back in the face of God.  No one is going to tell me what I can or cannot do with my own body—not even God!  Non serviam!

The root of the word diabolical (from the Greek) is to “cast apart”—implying that confusion or division is caused.  Do we live in a time of confusion?  “My truth is not your truth”—an expression illustrating Modernism in all its glory.  In society and in the Church there are concerted efforts to redefine family and marriage.  The integrity, motivation and honesty of people is questioned. (Observe closely the recent Supreme Court Justice nomination of Justice Kavanaugh and the battle surrounding it.)  Politics is bitterly divided. The Church is embattled as well.  The Church is plagued with clergy sex-abuse scandals.  Accusations exist of deep-rooted, active homosexuality among clerics.  Cardinals question other cardinals, bishops distrust other bishops, Archbishop Viganò (2) (3) makes charges against Pope Francis, et. al.  The moral credibility of the Church hierarchy is severely undermined.  Confusion?  Division? Diabolical?  You betcha!

I also contend that we live in a time of tragic (silent) apostasy.  Should we not worry when many or most baptized Catholics in this country (and others) no longer practice their faith regularly, see themselves as spiritual but not religious, list their religious practice as none, or are indifferent or apathetic towards all things sacred.  Others outright deny the existence of God or are agnostic. 

The false gods of this day, as in the past, vary in kind from material possessions, to physical pleasure, to worldly power, to narcissistic adulation.  Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die is, perhaps, as common a philosophy of life today as any other more novel perspective.  A lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock and roll might be slightly modified also to include hip-hop, gangsta rap, or some other innovation or variation of “music.”  The almighty golden calf is continually in flux as is the concept of truth.  Our sports venues are our modern cathedrals.  Athletes and actors are paid obscene salaries for their “talents”.  Too often we then suffer from their celebrity, filled with unabashed, moral decadence and extreme, narcissistic, duplicitous babel.

Confusion continues within the modern Church.  Our Church has often become complacent with preaching a watered-down, sugar-coated Gospel.  All are welcome is the current mantra, forgetting, however, that repentance, conversion and picking up your daily cross are all necessary tenets of the call to authentic discipleship.  Look with me, for a moment, at a few passages from Sacred Scripture that sometimes are de-emphasized or omitted in current preaching:

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.  How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.  (Mt. 7: 13-14)

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.  (Mt. 10: 28)

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’  And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.  (Mt. 25: 41-46)

Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  (Eph. 5: 5)

I have not tried to be a strict hell, fire and damnation preacher, but have tried to approach the Sacred Scriptures with a more wholistic approach.  However, my charge as priest has always been the care of souls and their eternal salvation.  (How much more so for bishops and the pope!)  If I take the approach that everybody is going to heaven, why bother urging conversion, repentance/penance, sacrifice, or self-denial?  Is there any real need for our missionary efforts in the world?  Immoral behavior should not concern us.  Martyrdom was a most futile witness.

If you question my train of thought here, pay close attention to the contemporary (Catholic) funeral where the deceased is immediately declared “in heaven with God,” “is in a better place,” or “is looking down on us now.”  I sincerely doubt there will be any reminder of praying for the dead or a mention of (gulp!) purgatory.  The condition of the person’s soul, whether he or she even set foot in a church, prayed, or tried to live a good life, etc. is of little or no concern.

I remember being told years ago about the Marian Apparitions at Fatima and the vision of hell that Lucia and her cousins received and which she later described:

As Our Lady spoke these last words, she opened her hands once more, as she had done during the two previous months. The rays of light seemed to penetrate the earth, and we saw as it were a sea of fire. Plunged in this fire were demons and souls in human form, like transparent burning embers, all blackened or burnished bronze, floating about in the conflagration, now raised into the air by the flames that issued from within themselves together with great clouds of smoke now falling back on every side like sparks in huge fires, without weight or equilibrium, amid shrieks and groans of pain and despair, which horrified us and made us tremble with fear. (It must have been this sight which caused me to cry out, as people say they heard me). The demons could be distinguished by their terrifying and repellent likeness to frightful and unknown animals, black and transparent like burning coals. Terrified and as if to plead for succour, we looked up at Our Lady, who said to us, so kindly and so sadly: You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.

Then there was the description of hell I read in the diary of St. Faustina Kaowalska:

Today, I was led by an Angel to the chasms of hell. It is a place of great torture; how awesomely large and extensive it is! The kinds of tortures I saw: the first torture that constitutes hell is the loss of God; the second is perpetual remorse of conscience; the third is that one’s condition will never change; the fourth is the fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it – a terrible suffering, since it is purely spiritual fire, lit by God’s anger; the fifth torture is continual darkness and a terrible suffocating smell, and despite the darkness, the devils and the souls of the damned see each other and all the evil, both of others and their own; the sixth torture is the constant company of Satan; the seventh torture is horrible despair, hatred of God, vile words, curses and blasphemies. These are the tortures suffered by all the damned together, but that is not the end of the sufferings. There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings, related to the manner in which it has sinned. There are caverns and pits of torture where one form of agony differs from another. I would have died at the very sight of these tortures if the omnipotence of God had not supported me. Let the sinner know that he will be tortured throughout all eternity, in those senses which he made use of to sin. I am writing this at the command of God, so that no soul may find an excuse by saying there is no hell, or that nobody has ever been there, and so no one can say what it is like. I, Sister Faustina, by the order of God, have visited the abysses of hell so that I might tell souls about it and testify to its existence. I cannot speak about it now; but I have received a command from God to leave it in writing. The devils were full of hatred for me, but they had to obey me at the command of God. What I have written is but a pale shadow of the things I saw. But I noticed one thing: that most of the souls there are those who disbelieved that there is a hell. When I came to, I could hardly recover from the fright. How terribly souls suffer there! Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners. I incessantly plead God’s mercy upon them. O my Jesus, I would rather be in agony until the end of the world, amidst the greatest sufferings, than offend You by the least sin. (Diary of Sr. Faustina, 741)

What should a person of faith make of these writings?  Were these people telling the truth?  Were they crazy?  Personally, I think that we should pay very close attention.

My assertion is that the devil and his demons are cleverly, wickedly, hatefully acting and influencing all matters human, very much behind the chaos that we are experiencing today.  Yes, humans absolutely retain their free will.  However, through the various decisions that we make against the will of God (sin), which assuredly damage our spiritual well-being and imperil our eternal salvation, the world is in grave danger spiritually.  Evil can and does penetrate through any chink in our armor, any vulnerable area in which it is permitted to enter.  When a person, a society, a world no longer pursues the one, true God or truth or goodness, and embraces one of the lies spewed out from the Father of Lies, chaos is bound to occur.

Many good people suggest that something notable is happening supernaturally/spiritually at this point in history.  They can sense it.  I am not quite sure of the specifics.  However, I am quite certain of the final outcome: [Jesus Christ] will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. (Nicene Creed)

In the meantime, a battle for souls is still going on daily.  Some words from a former pope and a current saint might be worth considering:

This battle against the devil which characterizes the Archangel Michael is still going on, because the devil is still alive and at work in the world. In fact, the evil that is in it, the disorder we see in society, the infidelity of man, the interior fragmentation of which he is a victim, are not merely the consequences of original sin, but also the effect of the dark and infesting activity of Satan, of this saboteur of man's moral equilibrium.  (St. John Paul II, May 24, 1987, Monte Sant’ Angelo) 

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Memorial of St. John Paul II

October 22, 2018

A Nation Facing Collapse?

I hope and pray I am completely wrong about what I am about to say.  I fear, however, I am not.

Our nation is in a most tragic place right now.  If it were given a medical prognosis I would have to say the current illness is extremely grave but more probably terminal.  Sure, we have pulled through some horrendous times in our history including world wars, natural disasters, and economic collapses.  America can be proud of so many noble accomplishments of its past and present.  Moreover, its many outstanding citizens have contributed to a society that has, at one time or another, led the world in almost every conceivable area.

So what went wrong?  Let me start with two decisions by our government that will be seen as tragically erroneous resulting in most dire consequences.

 

Roe v. Wade and the legalization of abortion in this nation will one day be seen by all before God for what it truly is—the systematic extermination of innocent human life.  Abortion was never and will never be a moral good.  The big lie that a woman has a right to choose [to kill innocent human life] is completely absurd and delusional.  Babies killed legally are nonetheless killed most tragically.  Whether ripped apart surgically or chemically poisoned, such abortions are never safe for the developing baby and leave the victimized mother scarred for life.  The blood of approximately 60 million innocents cries to God for justice since 1973.

Next, the legalization of gay marriage in our nation shows how we have abandoned and replaced the divine institution of marriage—between one man and one woman—for what we “enlightened” humans see as an alternative to God’s design for the human race.  Under the misguided pretext of tolerance and acceptance, we have attempted to counter-establish same-sex relationships as a type of norm.  The complimentary between male and female with its life-giving potential are thus disregarded.  While God’s love for us and the love we must show as Christians for one another (see John 13:34, 15:12) never permit others to be treated uncharitably, humans can never supplant divine wisdom with human "wisdom" and redefine a divinely established institution.  Our declaring something legal and culturally acceptable does not make it so in the sight of God.  We are foolish to think otherwise.

It is obvious that the breakdown of the traditional family has been progressively occurring.  Observe the divorce / remarriage statistics in conjunction with societal acceptance of abandoned commitments.  Multitudes of babies are born out of wedlock.  The varied possibilities defining the concept of “modern” family are as numerous as the random combinations of a slot machine.   Not insignificant to the situation is that artificial contraception and sterilization procedures attempt to allow man to play god and to divorce procreation from the unitive act.  Moreover, the issue of individually chosen sexual identity taking precedence over God-given genetic sexual identity only complicates the entire scenario.  If the building blocks of society are strong families, then our structure is crumbling most rapidly.

Moral values have become relative, truth is up for individual interpretation and debate, and society seems to think that the only grave sin is intolerance.  I am amazed how so many Catholics / Christians have seemingly abandoned the teachings of Jesus Christ and timeless Gospel values as the norm for living, substituting instead ethereal, culturally-driven ethics.  Notably, co-habitation before or in place of marriage is the new standard.  Sex became automatically part of dating and simply a recreational, “feel-good” activity.  Any notion of delayed gratification is considered absurd.  At the same time, the number of people with a sexually transmitted disease (S.T.D.) is staggering.

In place of seeking God, a hedonistic society apparently finds its joy in varied combinations of drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, gambling, material possessions, travel, wealth, power, prestige, and whatever else may feed the insatiable ego and titillate the senses.  As long as it makes me feel good, it must be the path to Nirvana and true, lasting happiness.  In too many instances it appears that we have become a society of narcissistic addicts longing for pleasure and self-gratification.  Multiple generations are now focused on taking selfies, clinging to mobile phones and other technology at every moment and seeking constant recognition and approval on social media.  These trends speak volumes about our society’s priorities and how they are driven.

From an economic standpoint, can a nation continue to survive with an ever-growing $19 trillion national debt?  Are the two best candidates for the 2016 U.S. Presidency really an ever-evolving egotistical, bullying billionaire or a pathological liar of a career politician whose legacy appears to be scandal and corruption?  Unfortunately, in either case, I think we are going to get what we deserve as a nation by electing either one.

Since I am Roman Catholic, I have to state the obvious regarding our faith.  The Church, in many instances, has lost moral authority and the unquestioning loyalty of the faithful.  More people fail to attend Sunday (Saturday evening) Mass weekly than actually do.  The younger generations are consistently and noticeably absent.  People do not take advantage of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (confession) in overwhelming numbers. Church marriages are seemingly less-frequent with a preference for destination or other novel wedding experiences, if at all.  The notion that the Catholic faith be imparted to the next generation of children has taken on an attitude of indifference and possible insignificance.  There is indeed deadly spiritual lethargy in the overall church population.

With all this being said, is there any real hope for our future?  Of course there is.  I am utterly confident that Jesus Christ and God’s plan for humanity will be completely triumphant in the end.  This does not preclude the possibility of a great persecution of the Church and the heroic witness of martyrs in future days.  It also does not mean if we reject God's ever-abundant mercy, we will not experience God's perfect justice.  Again, it does not mean that any great nation—even the United States of America—could not collapse either from internal or external forces or a combination of both.  I am sure that many of those who experienced the fall of the great Roman Empire never thought it would happen or necessarily saw it coming.

My solution is a swift, radical turning back to God.  Repent and believe in the Good News! (Mark 1:15)  It is an acceptance of biblical values as the sole rule and guide of life.  It is through prayer, fasting, self-sacrifice and penance that we might still have a chance.  It is by a fidelity to Jesus Christ and the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church that He established, where we might still have a chance.

I truly hope I am wrong about what I see coming.  I will be glad to retract every word and offer a sincere apology. 

In the meantime, may God have mercy on us all. 

(An editorial, by Edward F. Namiotka)                        

Opinion: A Belief or Judgment that Rests on Grounds Insufficient to Produce Complete Certainty

After reaching my 50^th birthday a few years ago, I dare say I am (reasonably? considerably? certainly? undoubtedly?) past my mid-life point.  If I unknowingly had a mid-life crisis, I guess it was somehow sandwiched in between busyness and turmoil.  I have been around the block a few times and not because of a desire to exercise.  I’ve found, along life's bumpy path, I’m becoming much more opinionated.  Is this a good thing or a bad thing?  I really don’t know.  But I’ve decided to express my opinion on a few issues which are not officially Church teaching or dogmas—just a matter of personal taste.  (Please excuse me if I ramble a bit.  Most people who express opinions tend to do this and I am simply following suit.)

• Beware the Ides of March . . . and the Elections of November

I am sick of politics (and of many high-profile politicians).  Who lies?  Who tells the truth?  Who really represents and tries to assist the average person and who is self-serving?  So often it gets to be a case of choosing the lesser of two evils (can I morally do this?) because I don’t really like any candidate in far too many elections.  I feel sorry for the honest person who enters politics with a noble intention and who is determined to change the system because he or she will probably be surrounded by a cesspool of corruption.  It’s hard to stay untainted when you are immersed in so much garbage and waste.  I have said many times before and I continue to pray that I will never sell my soul to any political party.  (My soul belongs completely to Jesus, thank you very much.)  I usually vote for the person—as opposed to any party—with whom I may agree because of the positions for which he or she officially stands.  And making that decision for a particular candidate isn’t easy.  I compare it to the choice between hanging and the guillotine.  Either one brings various unpleasantries with the same end result.  Gulp!

• The “Boob-Tube” Lives

Most television is a waste of time and energy.  How can we have so many channels and still conclude that “there’s nothing to watch?”  Reality TV is far from my real life.  Talk shows are frequently shared ignorance sessions.  The News is mostly bad, depressing and frequently slanted depending on the network.  Premium cable TV has too much perversion.  Far too many shows push a particular political or social agenda, whatever may be in vogue.  Philadelphia sports teams usually stink.  I’d rather watch that test-pattern from the days when the stations would go off the air in the middle of the night.  At least then they gave us a break and not an infomercial.

• The Hills are Alive with the Sound of ?*!#@

Much of the music today has no enduring quality.  Let me first establish the fact that I really love music.  I’ve listened to it continuously since I was a small child.  I have a rather eclectic taste—from classical to pop. I have dabbled at playing the piano and have even attempted to write some songs as well as liturgical hymns.  Unfortunately, I find that so much of today’s music borders on vulgar (Warning:  explicit contents) or is just really poor quality.  Yes, there are a few very talented people and some good material being written.  I gravitate to that.  But, I think, most of what I hear in contemporary music would unfortunately surround me in Hell for all eternity in unending cacophonous torture (a la Manuel Noriega), if I don’t make it to those Pearly Gates.  The fires of Gehenna pale in comparison!

As a side note, save me from “church music” that is still stuck in the Kumbaya days, sounds like a love song or pop tune, or is something that is more suited for the Broadway stage.  Church music should raise our minds and hearts to God and should be unique (unlike other secular music) for the purpose of Divine worship.  Shouldn’t we give God something that is our ultimate—our very best?  If I can imagine the hymn being “performed” by Patti LuPone from the balcony of the Casa Rosada, if it sounds like I’m ready to propose to someone with ring in hand, or if it’s something longing to come out of the mouths of the boys of One Direction, then maybe it’s not suitable to raise my mind and heart to God.  While I’m at it, if it feels like I am waiting for a Bob Dylan wannabe to lead us in song or for “That ‘70s Show” to appear miraculously on a flat screen TV in front of the altar, please keep it out of the church!  Bring on the Gregorian Chant!  I think that they may have been on to something back then, in my humble opinion.

• The Too-Smart-for-Its-Own-Good Phone

How did we ever exist without a mobile phone?  When I was young, text referred to a book and a tweet came from a bird’s mouth.  There was no such thing as driving while on the mobile phone (we drove on the highway) or while texting.  Phones didn’t go off regularly in churches and other formerly sacrosanct localities.  The fact is we are addicted to our phones and we use them constantly, for everything.  Person to person communication now involves a mobile device which has an app capable of bringing all things to all people.  Just think of it, and there’s probably an app to do it!  Thinking?  Yes, there’s an app for that!

• Bringing It In for a Landing 

I have too many additional concerns and unanswered questions plaguing me right now.  Let me try to make a quick summary of the varied trepidations in my brain, rather than formulate an opinion about each of them.  I've babbled enough already.

I pray that we be delivered from the apathy, indifference, negativism, relativism, secularism, selfishness, rationalizing, perversion, etc., etc., currently permeating much of society.  At the same time, I ask for wisdom and understanding concerning a few troublesome matters in today’s world:  Why is life so cheap that we dispose of it so easily?  How long can we exist as a society with the traditional family unit disintegrating so quickly that it’s becoming unrecognizable?  Why do we infrequently talk to God (pray and worship) and then blame Him for everything disastrous that comes down the pike?  Why do we disregard moral teachings founded on solid biblical principles—principles that have guided peoples for centuries—and make them appear so irrelevant for our “enlightened” society?  How long will God be patient with us as we seem to close our eyes and ears, hearts and minds to Him?

As I said in the beginning, these are some of my opinions (and the various thoughts and worries that accompany them).  I don’t claim to be a sage or scholar.  I am simply reflecting on what I see, continually seeking the Truth and, perhaps, rambling a bit.  Feels a bit therapeutic.

    

I humbly defer, however, to the Almighty for the final say in all matters.

(Rev.) Edward Namiotka