IT'S NOT THE DYING, LORD, -- IT'S THE "GOODBYE-ING"
The Importance of Loving the Sinner and Hating the Sin
With the recent efforts of our bishops to decide on whether to give Communion to those who promote abortion or differences in sexuality or genders: it is time to see what Jesus would have said or done.
He would be merciful, forgiving, understanding, compassionate and accepting to all who sin and fail to be true to His commandment to love as I have loved you.
However - Jesus would not say, "keep on keepin' on in that lifestyle you are in!" His words in Matthew 3:2 were very specific. He said:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”“Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He also told us to take up our cross if we want to follow Him in His footsteps. He went to Calvary to die for our sins. When we take up our Cross, we accept our life and all that is a part of it. We are molded and shaped by the Potter's Hands. All of who we are includes our past hurts and struggles, tears of joy, tears of pain. We die to our ego self and surrender all to God to be a living sacrifice for the sake of others.
When we take up our Cross, we accept our life and all that is a part of it. We are molded and shaped by the Potter's Hands.
So, as much as we are to accept and love as Jesus loves the sinner, we cannot change the Words of the Bible because our society has deemed it is okay to live in sin. Especially if we are leaders of our country and the Holy Catholic Church - or any church.
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. 21Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." - Isaiah 5:2
Woe to us indeed if we do not repent and lead by the example Jesus gave. And let us not forget these Words spoken in Matthew 18:6:
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
So, our dear beloved leaders - our shepherds we are to follow - what is the answer?
Should a person be allowed to continue to receive the Holy Eucharist as long as they continue to live in sin?
The answer comes straight from here:
"The practice of excommunication arose in the early Church. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul castigated that community for tolerating the practice of incest: “a man living with his father’s wife” (I Corinthians 5:1). He admonished the Corinthians for not removing the offender from their midst. St. Paul said, “I hand him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (5:5). St. Paul further warned against associating with anyone who bears the title “brother” (indicating being a believer and part of the Church) but who is immoral, covetous, an idolater, an abusive person, a drunkard, or a thief. He then closed the passage by quoting from the Torah, “Expel the wicked man from your midst” (Deuteronomy 6:13).
Note, however, that St. Paul also expresses hope. He imposes the sanction upon the offender “so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”
This is not an easy task for our Pope or our Bishops, but you were told to be bold and courageous, were you not?
Proclaim the Word of God as spoken to you and all of us. Priests and Christians are dying everyday because they refuse to speak the words mankind is telling them to say. Should we deny our faith?
Well you should know the answer to that question.
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 52 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
