"Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"?
Is Your Compassion a Cover for Your Hypocrisy?
Photo By: Flickr/ideacreamanuela2
Is sin, blasphemy, sacrilege, lukewarm faith and indifference, all very prevalent in today’s world, in our societies and in our hearts?
We attend Mass on Sunday out of obligation and “go through the motions”. We receive the Eucharist with a heart not pure and in a “state of Grace”, free from mortal sin. We decide which teachings of the Church will be believed and practiced, disregarding the Authority handed down to the Church through her apostles and Christ himself. We use the Lord or Savior’s name as a blasphemy, to express outrage frustration, and anger.
In the name of “Love” we are tolerant and accepting of sin, even grave sin, because we don’t want to admit that our friends and loved ones are falling into an abyss of darkness and evil. We find it easier to decide and proclaim that the Church and her teaching are the wrong one. We think this will somehow relieve us of any guilt and punishment from sin and disobedience. How can a loving God send anyone to Hell, after all? It really is amazing what we, or rather what Satan, can convince us of, isn’t it? He has convinced many of us that he doesn’t even exist, and neither does Hell. It is much easier to remain in the darkness, go with the flow, and to not make any waves, than it is to step out into the light, where the brightness may hurt our eyes and expose us and the Truth, which will be unpopular, and not trendy or relevant.
The Truth can be difficult to hear. In our desire to be kind and compassionate we must not hold back on Truth. Saving souls is the truly compassionate and merciful act. We cannot tolerate and allow heresy, sacrilege, disobedience, and sin to rule in the name of peace and tranquility. Love should not let another loose his way. Love is difficult, it means standing with God, and not the things of this World, it has an Earthly cost. We must take our stand, because we can change the World if we do.
Paul explains the necessity of proclaiming Truth and not associating with heresy and the one who proclaim false teachings and tolerance in his letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians):
‘If anyone refuses to obey what is in this letter, notice who he is and stay away from him so that he may be ashamed of himself. Don’t think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would a brother who needs to be warned” 2 Thessalonians 14-16
I think he speaks in a spiritual sense when he speak of staying away from them, we must separate ourselves from the evils that will so easily draw us toward darkness. It is easy to be swayed toward the worldly. We must set ourselves apart from the the things of this life and always be focused on the life to come, the eternal one.
This is the Love of the Gospels, the Gospels we are commissioned to proclaim to all the Earth! Jesus never said that it would be easy or popular, but it is what we are commanded and expended to do, at any cost. No cost here on Earth is too expensive and not worthy of spending on the treasures of Heaven.
About the Author
I am a 57 year old, wife and mother of two grown sons. I am Cradle Catholic and experienced a reversion to the faith several year ago that moved me to dive more deeply into an understanding of the church and it’s doctrines and dogmas. The more I read, and discover, the deeper my love of the Catholic Church and her teachings becomes.
I become the Executive Director of a very active and busy Crisis Pregnancy Center on the West side of Cincinnati in October 2021. God is so good and answers prayers even though He knows at times, we have no idea what we are asking for. I left this job a few days ago, after having my heart broken and idea of working for a Catholic institution disallusioned. I am so honored and humbled to have had the experience to serve women and the unborn in this capacity! I am also very grateful for God, allowing me to see for myself, that perhaps such a calling was not His long term plan for me. Perhapos returning to Catholic 365 is more to his liking and fits more into his plan for me. I hopefully can once again be more active with content to this wonderful website.
I live in Cincinnati, Ohio where I attended the same parochial grade school and public high school that my two boys attend. I sang in the choir for 35 years and have also been a cantor. I recently left singing in church because i found it to be a grave distraction to the awesome significance of the Liturgy. I haven't looked back, and love the Mass now more than ever! I have been a past member of the Education Commission and have devoted many hours to the well being of St. Ann Church and School (now Our Lady of Grace).
I look forwad to being back and submitting more articles and content. I love being able to share my faith and use this platform as a way to express my deep love and devotion to our Lord. We need each other, and what a wonderful way to connect with others!
