This morning, a friend of mine went to one of the parishes where the priests are not talking about this decision, and after Mass, three people went up to the priest and asked him why for ten days nothing has been said about this from the pulpit by the four priests who serve that parish.
The three laypeople told the priest that they needed courage and guidance from their pastors and assistants. The priest actually said that nothing bad would happen to Catholics, and that there would be no persecution.
The three lay people could not believe the blindness of this priest.
They tried to explain to him that many people would lose their jobs or businesses, that the Episcopalians and Presbyterians had caved. The priest denied that Catholics would be affected.
My friend talked to me later, as I went to another parish, and he was upset. Of course, and as he said, we are sheep without good shepherds.
Denial reveals a lack of discernment. The priest said that people had walked out of a church in the diocese where the bishops' letter had been read.
So?
Are the priests into numbers games? Those who leave have to answer to God, not the priests, but if the priests are silent. and silence is consent, they are responsible. So, some priests decide not to speak the truth because people will leave the Church. Not to worry, some Episcopalians will join us. The righteous will make up the numbers if the priests are honest and true.
These silent priests are not feeding the good and faithful Catholics, but giving in to the bad ones, who agree with the decision. Why?
Ezekiel 3:18-19
18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you will have saved your life.
Another man in the conversation said that he did not want to go to hell for not upholding the Church's teaching. That second man noted that he may go to hell for other things, but not ignoring the Church's teaching on marriage. The priest responded, "I'll see you in hell."
My friend was so shocked, he became speechless.
This is the state of so many of the clergy-either being flippant about hell, or honestly supporting the gay cause.
Maybe the priest should read this....http://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/christian-bakers-fined-135k-given-gag-order-for-refusing-same-sex-wedding
"Brad Avakian has been outspoken throughout this case about his intent to 'rehabilitate' those whose beliefs do not conform to the state's ideas," said Harmon. "Now he has ruled that the Kleins' simple statement of personal resolve to be true to their faith is unlawful. This is a brazen attack on every American's right to freely speak and imposes government orthodoxy on those who do not agree with government sanctioned ideas."
Pray, readers, we are in for it---here is a repost of the first Denial post.
Friday, 3 July 2015
Denial
They only want to think happy thoughts. Of course, denial is one stage of trauma. Having been through traumas, I recognize the stages. I expected this decision and saw it coming many years ago, so I am not traumatized, merely saddened and righteously angry.
The stages of trauma are:
Emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma:
Shock, denial, or disbelief
Anger, irritability, mood swings
Guilt, shame, self-blame
Feeling sad or hopeless
Confusion, difficulty concentrating
Anxiety and fear
Withdrawing from others
Feeling disconnected or numb
Physical symptoms of trauma:
Insomnia or nightmares
Being startled easily
Racing heartbeat
Aches and pains
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Edginess and agitation
Muscle tension
Many good Catholics have had trouble sleeping this week. Many are still in shock, denial and disbelief. Some are anxious and fearful, Some are agitated.
God is in charge, always. If we truly believe in Providence, we believe that God has allowed sin to triumph, temporarily in order to bring the faithful to perfection, and to punish the evil.
Purification of the Church and this land seems inevitable. Those who are in denial need to move into the various stages and come into reality.
America, like Ireland, like Britain, like Spain, will never be the same again. Christianity will triumph in the end, but I most likely will not see any earthly triumph.
Get ready. Become holy. Pray for me to keep blogging.
Still, nothing from the pulpits where I have been going to Mass. Nothing. I have felt abandoned by the clergy and I am angry that many of the laity in this area have been left in confusion, when clarity could have come from the pulpits.
God, forgive us and forgive these lax priests. As one of my friends said yesterday, a bit sarcastically, "Why should they hunger and thirst after righteousness, or endure persecution for His Name's sake?"
I shall continue to pray for all priests, bishops, cardinals, and seminarians.
God, forgive us and forgive these lax priests. As one of my friends said yesterday, a bit sarcastically, "Why should they hunger and thirst after righteousness, or endure persecution for His Name's sake?"
I shall continue to pray for all priests, bishops, cardinals, and seminarians.
