How to Stay Catholic in Troubled Times – Feb 10 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Feb 10, 2024, on how faithful Catholics are very alert to attacks from the left but are blind or unaware that the devil also attacks from the right; the devil has a right hook as well as a left.

Father discusses the biblical account of King Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship in the northern kingdom of Israel, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges within the Catholic Church. He highlights Jeroboam's actions in setting up golden calves for worship and appointing non-Levitical priests, which led Israel away from true worship in Jerusalem, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:30-32. This historical event serves as a metaphor for modern-day distractions and divisions within the Church, emphasizing the ease with which faithfulness can be compromised.

He warns against the dangers of dissent, criticism, and schism, particularly from within the Church, noting how these can lead believers astray, much like the Israelites were led astray by Jeroboam. He critiques the proliferation of media that fosters a spirit of criticism towards the Church and the Pope, urging Catholics to maintain a supernatural vision of the Church, grounded in humility, charity, and unity with the Holy See. Father encourages faithful Catholics to discern spirits, align with the teachings of the Holy Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:19-23, and foster a personal spiritual life focused on holiness and love for God, as the ultimate means of thriving in the midst of Church challenges.

Father concludes with a call to humility and a reminder of Our Lady's protective role, emphasizing that grace abounds even in times of sin and division, as per Romans 5:20, offering hope and guidance for remaining true to the Catholic faith amidst contemporary challenges.

Bible links:

Bible - 1 Kings 12:30-32 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/12 ?30 and Romans 5:20 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/5?20

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Scholastica - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=240
Readings: Saturday 5th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021024.cfm
1st: 1ki 12:26-32, 13:33-34
Resp: psa 106:6-7, 19-22
Gsp: mar 8:1-10

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1034&r=1594

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