No one writes or talks about this subject-when friends reel off into sin and cut off relationships by not talking.
This phenomenon happens when close friends decide to leave the Church or the path of righteousness and live in sin. Of course, irregular marriages make up the most common way people choose to leave the Church. Contraception is another way.
But, there are other paths to perdition. Recently, a close friend of mine told me two of her best friends are now into the occult via goofy alien ancestor websites. These Catholics now believe we are descended from aliens. They have completely thrown over Catholic teaching regarding Genesis and the unique dignity of human creation. She asked me for advice on how to speak with the couple.
These two middle-aged people are upper class, comfortable and now, confused, but choosing to be so.
They are not open to discussion, and are, in fact, proselytizing their own absurd New Age notions.
Another two ladies have left the TLM to follow Bayside. Another person has become involved in the occult.
All of these people are highly intelligent and have been Catholics for a long time. Some go to Mass and Communion.
But, they have chosen to cut themselves off from mainstream Catholic teaching. All have been told by their close friends that their souls are in danger, but they carry on moving farther and farther from the Truth. Then, they stopped listening and being with practicing Catholic friends, who are trying to cooperate with grace and truth.
I wish priests in the pulpit would address the congregations on how to re-evangelize adults who have veered off the path of salvation. We need talks on the dangers of the occult. When was the last time you heard a sermon on this subject, or on the subject of being absolutely obedient to the Teaching Magisterium of the Church? When was the last time you heard a sermon on all the temptations in the world which can take us away from God? There are many ways to darkness besides sexual relationships, and intellectual dishonesty is one big way.
Those of us who are faced with broken friendships can only pray for miracles of enlightenment when those friends no longer listen to reason.
