THE PROBLEM WITH NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

“Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral, and spiritual difference and complementarity are oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life. The harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which the complementarity, needs, and mutual support between the sexes are lived out.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 2333

Every October 11th, the LGBTQ (whatever the letters are in their movement) celebrate a day when people who struggle with their sexual orientation with letting people know that they are gay or lesbian, often queer or bisexual. It is often responded with either hatred from those who are against the lifestyle or love from allies.

Since the beginning, the Catholic Church has defended marriage as between one man and woman. Unfortunately, the movement celebrates sin with this annual event. Often, we will not be sure how we can approach this annual event or whenever someone we know disclose their same sex struggle. Likewise, we will be afraid to tell the truth. Don’t be. The truth will set one free.

As we have heard in basic apologetics, we Catholics are called to love the sinner while despising the actions. It’s more than just saying that they’re wrong. Instead, we must approach them in a concrete way to say, “I don’t agree with your lifestyle.” At the same time, we must remind them what the church says about homosexuality. Yes, we will encounter resistance.

The most important thing to do when having this discussion with either a family member, friend, or co-worker is to be charitable with truth. Our job is to plant the seeds for them to repent of their actions and to follow Christ.

The good news is the Catholic Church does welcome those with same sex attraction. At the same time, they must embrace the virtue of chastity. As the catechism again reminds us, “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” 2359.

Like heterosexuals, homosexuals must also embrace chastity. Everyone is called to live a pure. Even St. Teresa of Calcutta knew that homosexuals are “God’s special people”.

To those who struggle with same-sex attractions, your identity first off is in Christ. Like those who are straight, there is a place in the church for you. Live it in the eyes of God. It will be a heavy cross for you, yet when it is embraced, it will be worthwhile.

Sadly, two German bishops want to encourage the grave sin of homosexuality. In an open letter to them, Father Philip Bochanski stated that bishops like them are causing confusion in the church when they allow sin. Read the full letter here.

Be sure to visit Courage International to learn more about how they are helping those with same-sex attractions.

Check out his interview with Catholic Answers on the topic of Same-Sex Attractions

Resist the temptation to commit the grave sin of the flesh.