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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Catholics and the Abortion Issue Christian Friday, January 23, 2009

Question:

Dear Brother,

I want to keep this short. I am a college student who was previously a member of a Catholic Church on Campus that was run by the Dominican Order on the West Coast. I have since moved away not just from the particular school, but from the that church in particular and the whole Church as a whole, because of the toleration and open support for political movements that represent anti-Catholic values. I guess, what I mean is that I feel heart-broken and very saddened by the high amount of Catholics that voted for our current U.S. President, considering his open endorsement of pro-abortion policies. My brothers and sisters openly support this individual, without apology and feel they are doing the work of God by doing so. I was taught there, that one's actions can scandalize a brother or sister, if we demonstrate un-Christian behavior and can become a "stumbling block" to one another by doing so. By the way the priests and nuns are more enthusiastic then some of the lay people when it comes to this. Now I feel that these people, by their actions have become a stumbling block on my faith. How can one show concern for poor, the needy, the alien in our country, and not the unborn? .....I have lost much faith in the Church, not as an institution, but as a body; the so called Body of Christ. Maybe Christ is all we have left.

Christian

P.S. I know I probably need spiritual counsel, but maybe a short answer from you and some advise might suffice.
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Christian:

The Church is not an institution. Christ is the Church. Without the Church you have abandoned Christ. The Body of Christ, which is the Church is perfect and holy. It is "members" of that body that let us down.

Why are you letting sinful people cause you to doubt your faith? What has your faith to do with them? It is not the Church's fault, or God's, that some people are a disgrace.

Hold fast to the faith of Jesus Christ and His Church. In the midst of the storms Jesus and his Church are still there.

Remember the story of St. Peter when he walked on water? As long as he was looking at Jesus he actually walked on water. But, as soon as he noticed the raging storms around him he began to sink. Jesus said to him, "you of little faith."

Keep your eyes on Jesus and His Church. Ignore the priests or laymen who disgrace the Church with their rebellion. They do not represent the Church.

These people are a stumblingblock to you only if you let them. Gird up and fortify your faith and remember who you are in Christ. Rather, be a model of a loyal and obedient Catholic to them. Show them what Catholicism is really about.

You have a great opportunity, Christian. You have the opportunity to practice your faith in the quagmire of liberalism. You have the opportunity to witness to Christ to those who think of themselves more than they do of Christ.

Jesus himself said, "If you love me follow my commandments." These people who rebel against the faith and the Church do not love Jesus, they love themselves. You have the privilege of show them what it is like to truly love our Lord and Savior and His Church.

Do not despair. Put on the armor of God (Eph. 6) and accept the privilege God is giving you to witness to His Love.

This not a time to fall back, this is a time to celebrate and to charge forward -- Onward Christian Soldiers. You have such a wonderful opportunity. God has really graced you.

Listen to the song, Onward Christian Soldiers:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Refrain

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Refrain

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believed, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

Refrain

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Refrain

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Refrain

 

Be a soldier, Christian. Take up the Sword of the Spirit, with the helmet of Salvation, and the shield of faith with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of the gospel of peace.

Do not let our King down, Christian. Return to Him, fight for Him, lay down your life for Him.

If you are heart-broken by the Catholics who have lost their faith or abuse they faith, then FIGHT FOR THEM. Pray for them, model Christ to them, instruct them and admonish them. This is what God calls us to do.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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