[Ordinary of the Mass]
[English Mass Text]
[Latin Mass Text]
[Lenten Observance]
“Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the
anger of God upon the children of unbelief.”
Perhaps the
most vexing moral problem of the twentieth century is the number of people who
not only want to do evil, but want to have their evil behavior accepted, and
even praised, by the people around them. This tendency is worsened by the
attitude of “political correctness,” which, precisely, demands that no one have
anything negative to say about anyone’s bad behavior or detachment from reality.
That term,
“politically correct” seems to have its origins in the Soviet Communist Party,
where it denoted someone who was completely imbued with Communist ideology, so
that he instinctively knew and articulated the Party’s position on everything.
He could be counted upon to speak like a good Marxist, no matter what the
subject. As Marxism changed from a political to a cultural phenomenon—the
so-called “long march through the institutions”—political correctness became a
weapon for intimidating non-Marxists by casting them as bigots. Institutions
like the arts, theatre and movies, schools, colleges, and seminaries,
legislatures and courts, newspapers, magazines, radio and television and now the
Internet had to be taken over and controlled by the forces of evil.
They are controlling them in order to dismantle Western Civilization—a bloodless
revolution that will facilitate Communism—the rule of the devil.
The fact
that Saint Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians, warning them not to be deceived
into sinning with “vain words” suggests that the problem is not new, but has
been with us for centuries. People who sin like to be in sinful company. The
serious sinner, like the devil in the Gospel “takes with him seven other spirits
more wicked than himself….”
He takes delight in converting innocent souls to his sinful ways, rejoicing in
their tacit approval of his sinful behavior.
The
antidote to this poison of cultural Marxism is three-fold. Catholics, and
indeed, all people of good will, must know the moral law, must live the moral
law, and not be afraid to challenge the public misbehavior of others
(particularly when silence would seem like approval).
First of
all, remember that the moral law is unchanging. Morality depends upon the
designs of Almighty God for the intelligent beings He created—and He “is without
change or shadow of alteration.”
What you learned as a child was very
likely correct. And if it was then, it still is now. Be very suspicious and
careful of anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. “Let no man deceive you with
vain words,” as Saint Paul wrote. If you are unsure of some point of morality,
be sure not to consult someone who is into all of the
latest fads. If you want to consult a book, it should probably be the oldest
one you can find. I have a
suggested reading list on the parish website, with some of the recommended
books being on line so you can read them for free and without having to obtain
scarce copies.
For most of us, one of the #3 or #4 Baltimore Catechisms is more lucid
than all the rest.
Secondly,
it is of utmost importance that we live the moral law. It
is not enough to know it if we don’t practice it. It is important for the
salvation of our own souls—and that is the most important thing you will ever do
in this life. By living the moral law, we will also give good example to the
people around us. You will be a demonstration that goodness is possible and a
reproach to those who say that it is not. Good behavior is the best way to show
disapproval of bad behavior.
And
disapprove we should. If asked for charitable or political contributions—or for
our votes—we must make a point of inquiring about the principles that guide the
charity or the politician, A lot of the things people seek support for have
important moral dimensions to them. Politicians should forever be reminded that
governments and the laws they make are illegitimate if they
are not in close conformity with the laws of God. The teachings of our Holy
Faith are ancient, but they are also ever new, and current, and applicable to
the problems of all times.
The moral
laws are, so to speak, “the manufacturer’s instructions” for the world which He
brought into existence. People living in society have a right and a duty to see
that those instructions are followed—for failure to follow them will bring
trials and tribulations to every member of that society.
Ignoring the moral law will harm you, and me, and everyone else in society
including the fellow who is so concerned with gaining approval
for his sins.
“Let no man
deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the anger of God
upon the children of unbelief.” Consider Saint Paul’s words—the anger of God
comes upon all who are deceived—perhaps, most of all upon those who are in
unbelief, and who strive to deceive the children of God by undermining His moral
law and requiring the approval of believers for their sinful acts.
“Let no man deceive you with vain words….”
