Whatever happens in the future, I pray that God gives strength to my children and their families. I wish I were like the mother of the seven sons in the Old Testament who told her boys to die courageously and watched their torture and execution, but I'm a coward who hopes I don't live to see my grandchildren suffer. I'm not like the saints who asked for martyrs' crowns. I don't have that much confidence that I'd hold out. And so I only pray that God gives me the grace to be faithful to the end. But please, Lord, spare me Mary's agony. I don't want to see my children and grandchildren suffer.
Mary Ann, you're not a coward. Although I now just posted the same video, I think Voris went a bit over the top with that "bring it on" remark. It's one thing to acknowledge that persecution will probably occur. But to cheer its impending approach I think is frowned upon by God; see Jonah chapter 4. I don't think we can wish for evil without crossing an impermissible line.
ReplyDeleteWe need to pray for final perseverance in the faith. God will give us the courage and strength when and if we need it. Also Our Blessed Mother will be there for us as well. I say this prayer every morning: http://olrl.org/pray/resignation.shtml
ReplyDeleteI didn't get the impression that Voris meant "bring on the persecution" so much as he meant "bring on the purification." True, in the absence of some special calling from God, we should not deliberately seek out persecution; but I don't see a problem with longing for purification, even though it entails persecution. I think that's more what Voris meant. Jesus Himself longed for the consummation of His work, even though it entailed His gruesome, violent death on the cross. Luke 12:49-50: I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I, but that it be kindled? And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized: and how am I straitened until it be accomplished?
ReplyDeleteOf course we must have recourse to the Sacraments for grace, and always pray for perseverance, both in times of persecution and out of them. It is always foolish for us to try to rely on our own strength to gain salvation.
Anita, if such was his intent, why didn't he say so? I've actually seen that thought manifest itself in some facebook discussions regarding the elections, whereby folks who are concerned with the "lesser of two evils" stuff are ok with Obama winning reelection for "we are overdue for chastisement". This was on the Church Militant wall, although I think it was just another reader.
ReplyDeleteAnita, if such was his intent, why didn't he say so?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible to try to say something, and fail to do so with precision. I think my interpretation of his words can reasonably be inferred from the context. Of course, I am always subject to being proved wrong.
I for one am not willing to cut him slack on this. He's experienced enough to:
ReplyDelete1) know that words have precise meanings and to use them correctly and
2) if an error was made, then clarifications should be issued asap
You may well be correct on this, Anita, but where's the clarifying statement from him?
Actually, I wouldn't say Voris is an English major: he could stand to brush up on his linguistic precision. He is in fact guilty of the occasional malapropism. But maybe he doesn't realize he has created any controversy. If you want a clarifying statement, why not ask him?
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm not an English major, but I play one in my homeschool. Voris was using figurative speech to convey the desire for the purification that would result from the (invevitable, and not HIS fault) persecution. I am sure he'll be happy to explain that to you after Cardinal Dolan explains the much trickier message he put out by honoring Barack Obama, abortocrat.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't criticizing Mike Voris, just reflecting a mother's heart when I think of the persecution of my children. Certainly, if persecution can convert those who would otherwise be lost, we must all desire it. But the thought of my precious little ones being caught up in it makes me tremble.
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