Why do so many Catholics shun the Truth?

Why do so many Catholics shun the Truth?

Perhaps because when they hear the truth being mentioned they don’t understand what truth is all about.  As mentioned before when Pilate asked Jesus what is truth, he was left with a blank answer.  (Jn 18: 37).  If you happen to be a witness in a trial you are told to place your right hand on the bible and then asked; “will you testify to the truth so help you God?”  Truth is the basic pronouncement that assures those around you that you first understand it and then you will abide by its relevance.  

So when we as Catholics say yes to the questions during our baptism (as an infant our god-parents are supposed to speak for us).  During each sacrament the promise to abide by God’s will we attest to the truth.  Unfortunately the truth for too many people eager to move ahead in any endeavor will answer yes to what the questioning person wants to hear, and not what we expect them to approve of  us.

When the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) was published, the first proclamation was mentioned thus:  “This work is intended for those responsible for catechesis:  first of all the bishops, as teachers of the faith and pastors of the Church.  It is offered to them as an instrument in fulfilling their responsibility of teaching the People of God.  Through the bishops, it is addressed to redactors of catechisms, priests, and to catechists.  It will also be useful reading for all other Christian faithful.”  (taken from the prologue of the CCC section III  # 12). 

Originally the Church wanted its bishops to have a resource to fall back on when questions of faith and doctrine became an issue.  However, the last sentence also states that the Christian faithful should avail themselves to the written essentials which encompass the truth as taught by the Catholic Church.

Obviously not many people will look into the specific doctrines as promulgated with the pages of this complete work for our understanding of what truth really entails.  Anyone who wants to  get a better understanding of the workings of our doctrines should purchase a copy.  When opening the pages, choose areas that are questionable to you and read as a scientific work would be studied.  Do not try to ascertain or make your own decisions on an article that appears to be questionable.  At that point seek a priest that is knowledgeable in the text.

Some of the issues that might be interesting are the Eucharist (and the real presence of Christ therein), Purgatory and the need for expiations before the soul may enter heaven completely purified, Sin in its division of venial and mortal.  Also, before undertaking a search through the text, read the prologue in its entirety to get a better grasp of the entire work.  

This CCC does not denounce or do away with any previous catechisms, it just makes a better understanding of the previous works.  “This catechism is not intended to replace the local catechisms duly approved by the ecclesiastical authorities, the diocesan Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, especially if they have been approved by rh Apostolic See.  It is meant to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account various situations and cultures, while preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic doctrine.”  (taken from the letter by John Paul, Bishop at the beginning of the text).

The truth in regarding the text throughout the CCC is Catholic doctrines and is the truth that Jesus spoke of to Pilate.  It also is the Truth that through his Incarnation, life, crucifixion/resurrection and ascension are composed of.  It would behoove all of us to learn as much doctrine that we can so that when teaching from books, articles, and from the pulpit will enhance our understanding regarding God and his plan for our salvation.

Ralph B.Hathaway