Some people are asking today why there are people who seem to know the Truth and follow Christ, and why there are some who do not know the Truth, and not only leave the path of Christianity, or spurn it, but choose unnatural ways of life, lifestyles contrary to the essence of being human.
Grace answers the question of the mystery of evil. Thomas Aquinas notes, "Grace, properly speaking, is required that the wounded intellect may be healed."
The intellect moves the will either to good or to evil. Perhaps the subject of grace has been written about on this blog so many times that many people seem weary of the discussion. But, God does give grace for all men, women and children to follow Him, obey His commandments, and make their way, in grace, to heaven,
Yet, the vast majority of people seem to be refusing grace. Yes, refusing that illumination of the intellect, that healing of the intellect which leads to living the life of Christ as much as possible while on earth.
The illumined intellect responds to more and more grace, not passing up opportunities for growth, intimacy with God. Grace builds on grace, just as sin builds on sin.
We reading these words are adults. We need to act like Catholic adults and realize that many of the leaders will leave the Church. We cannot follow the false shepherds into oblivion, into hell.
To appropriate the Catholic Faith as an adult means studying and praying, contemplating and living in as much silence as possible so that God can be heard.
These are not times to pretend that the same old, same old way of living will suffice.
It will not.
The mystery of evil involves free choice on the part of many who choose lust, or greed, or power over the humility of Christ's words, Christ's life.
How sad that so many Catholics are and will even more in the future choose the world's view of sin and death over the Church's teaching of life and light.
I am reminded of the great words of Joshua to the Chosen People of God.
Deuteronomy 30:19Douay-Rheims
19 I call heaven and earth to witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose therefore life, that both thou and thy seed may live: