On Being Catholic (2)

The following is borrowed largely from the article “This is Why We Are Catholic” by Patti Armstrong, The National Catholic Register. (4/16/2017)

...We pray for those in purgatory going through purification because nothing unclean will enter Heaven (Revelation 21:27). Jesus let us know that they will not leave until they “have paid the last penny” (Matthew 5:26).

We preach good works as the necessary response to being saved by the death of Jesus Christ. “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  We know we cannot save ourselves, but we have the hope — though not the assurance — of salvation. “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus: 5-7).

While we do not judge individuals we discern good and evil; we hate the sin and yet love the sinner. And we defend life because it is God’s to create and to terminate in his perfect timing. Scandals we know. The misguided blame the Church rather than recognizing scandal as the antithesis of Catholic teaching. Thus, there is never just one victim, for the Church always suffers alongside, betrayed and defiled. (To be continued)