Sunday Meditation: Don't Let the Priest Pirates Steal the Treasures of the Church!

Pirate in priest's clothing.

Today at our SSPX chapel in Linden, VA we celebrated the Feast of St. Pius X from September 3rd in the traditional calendar. As patron saint of the Society, that was appropriate. St. Pius X certainly represents a man for our season in the Church when modernism has perverted so many Catholics and is bringing many to the brink of hell.

In his encyclical Pascendi, Pius X called modernism the "synthesis of all heresies." Compared to the numerous documents by Francis he was concise, describing modernism and its errors in only 57 paragraphs. Compare that to the long-winded documents by Francis filled with ambiguity, confusion, and error: Amoris Laetitia -- 325, Laudato si -- 246, Fratelli Tutti -- 287, Querida Amazonia -- 111,  Christus Vivit -- 299, etc. 

Bitter Zeal: A Temptation for All of Us!

Yesterday's Mass homily focused on sins of the tongue. St. James in his epistle has plenty to say about that, comparing the tongue to the rudder of a mighty ship. The rudder may be small, but bears a large impact on the ship's movement and position. So does the tongue which may very well be responsible for more sins than any other organ in the body. 

Déjà Vu in the World and the Church! Part 2

Pope St. Pius X, pray for us. 

See Part 1 here.

But wait! The bride of Christ is also being persecuted, not only by the secular state, but by those who claim to defend her. It’s déjà vu once again. We are repeating the early 20th century as Pope Pius X confronted modernism, the “synthesis of all heresies.” But this time the gravest threat comes, not only from theologians and scholars, but from the highest echelons in the Church, especially the pope and his Vatican offices. 

The Synodal movement has been the vehicle used to introduce novelties into the Church that undermine both dogma and discipline. Amoris Laetitia, the post synodal document from the Synod on the Family, was interpreted by the Argentine bishops, affirmed by Pope Francis, to allow Communion for couples in invalid marriages. The Amazonian Synod advanced paganism and syncretism by honoring the idol Pachamama and allowing pagan rituals in Rome’s churches. At the closing Mass a plant signifying Pachamama was even placed on the altar. The Assisi meetings and the Abu Dhabi statement magnify syncretism by treating false religions as equal to the Catholic faith which violates the First Commandment.

Queen Elizabeth was a Woman of Strength and Discipline Who Gave Us an Example of Dignity....

...and dedication to duty. May she rest in peace. 

In this television broadcast Queen Elizabeth expressed appreciation for the "ageless ideals" that many were throwing  aside "as if they were old and outworn machinery." 

She also said, "I am not surprised that many people feel lost and unable to decide what to hold onto and what to discard." She warned that thoughtless people “would have religion thrown aside, morality in personal and public life made meaningless, honesty counted as foolishness and self-interest set up in place of self-restraint.” Those words are as timely today as when they were spoken. 

The Need for Supernatural Perspective

Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven earth

As is immediately evident, our world is absorbed by political and secular concerns which seek as an ultimate goal a human utopia on earth, failing to recognize that this life is merely a way-station to eternal life and supernatural happiness in the next. This warped perspective ignores the character of God and the nature of ultimate reality professed by the Roman Catholic Church. It gives scant recognition to the divine and spiritual life. Implicit is a lost vision of Christ, extraordinary naivete, and a complete lack of logic. 

A true Catholic perspective comprehends that our current natural, physical and material existence is only a part of reality, and a minor part at that. The essence of reality lies in the supernatural realm. As our Roman Catholic Church constantly emphasizes, we are on earth "to know, love and serve God in this world so that we may be happy with Him forever in heaven." We are human beings destined for eternal life.

Is "Personal Relationship with Jesus" Truly Catholic?

A friend told me recently that her Bible Study group on Wednesday mornings at her parish in Connecticut had over a hundred women in it.  I was pretty amazed and when she told me about the program they followed, I naturally wanted to find out more about it.  We should all be glad when Catholic's enthusiasm for the faith is raised.   Bringing women together who have not previously been involved in their parishes is a really good thing.  My hesitation to get on board with this program, however, stems from its embrace of the concept of "getting to know Jesus personally."  Of "having a personal relationship with Jesus."  This is part of the message or plan in the materials written by Lisa Brennickmeyer in her program called Walking With Purpose. 

This "Scripture-based" program, I have discovered, is growing in popularity among Catholic women around the country.  I have not read the Brennickmeyer material and I could be very wrong but I would encourage all to tread with caution on any path not based on solid, historical, Catholic concepts of our relationship and knowledge of God.