Theological Flint and Communication - An Article Full of Insight

JMJ

Theological Flint has posted an article on communication and has hit the proverbial nail on the head with an equally proverbial hammer.

One reason is that members of the Magisterium have decided that the world is its first audience, or at least “all theists”, or at least “all Christians”. Or even “just atheists”. But really, most often, the audience they address is the world. Now, since one adapts what one says to one’s audience’s ready capacity to hear, the Magisterium has adapted what it says to a “world audience”. But the world cannot receive many things. Only some things. It can make little progress, slow progress. It is not ready for the Paraclete to stretch its heart wide. (So, at least, in human judgment, with a human prudence. Perhaps not with a divine prudence, a divine calculus.) Thus, this new form of communication has necessarily led to the neglect of the very persons those charged with Magisterial authority are firstly called to serve, Catholics.(source)

The whole article is a worthy read and I heartily recommend it!

In scriptural terms what do we have?

The shepherd has left the 99 in search of the 1 in order to what? Bring him back into the fold? Well, not since the Vatican Council.

When the Shepherd returns from visiting the errant sheep, what does he find? That 98 others have fled the fold.

So, since the Council the Shepherd (Pope, and majority of Bishops) are focused on talking with the heretics, schismatics, and infidels. Their focus is outwards, towards the world.

In the 'versus populum' mode of worship, what happens when the congregation is decimated? The priest casts his glance beyond the faithful to those passing by the open door. Eager to attract their attention by any means at his disposal.

It's not had to see where all this comes from and leads to!

P^3
Prayer
Penance
Patience

Comments

The Curious Case of Steve Skojec and the Dangers of Deep Diving into the Crisis Sub-Titled: The Failings of Others

+ JMJ It's been a while now since Steve Skojec sold 1P5 and abandoned the Catholic Faith. I've been a 'Trad' since 1982 and in those 40+ years I seen this death-spiral before with a similar end point. It seems that anyone who jumps into the fray unprepared for the enormous task of righting wrongs will, eventually, become discouraged by not the task but the people who surround them. I remember when Skojec complained of the treatment his family received from a traditional priest. This seems to have been the start of the end for him. So what can we learn from the likes of Steve Skojec, Michael Voris (maybe?), Louie Verrecchio, Gerry Matatix and other celebrity Catholics? Probably quite a lot about what not to do. First, don't burn out on the crisis? When you burn out, on work or anything else, little things assume a more greater importance than they are due. This is one of my 'canary in the coal mine' signals that I've been stretching myself too th...

Communique about Avrille Dominicans - SSPX.org

+ JMJ Having completed the review of the 'Avrille' perspective, this communique from the French District Superior is perfectly timed. I believe that the 'resistance' has lost rationality and further argumentation simply results in their holding on to their false ideal all the more firmly. Pray much ... First, for them to acquiesce to the grace of humility in order to obtain a clear perspective on the principles involved. Second, that we may remain faithful to the Church, and Her Dogmas, Doctrines and Principles. Lest we become that which against we strove ... P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

Morning and Evening and other sundry Prayers

+ JMJ Along the theme of P^3 (Prayer, Penance, Patience), and for my own reference ... here is a collection of Morning and Evening prayers from the Ideal Daily Missal along with some additional prayers. In this crisis of the Church, I do not think it is possible to do too much prayer, penance and have patience. P^3

Magisterium and Levels of Assent

+ JMJ Understanding the levels of assent to be given to the teachings of the Church is a critical success factor in walking the knife's edge during this crisis of the Church. The levels of assent are generally associated with the theological grades of certainty, which are not surprisingly mirrored by the censures for contravening the teachings of the various levels.

A Reply to Martin Blackshaw’s FLAWED Remnant article titled: FLAWED: SSPX Advice on Abortion-tainted Vaccines

+ JMJ An article has appeared in the Remnant (link to article) and I am afraid that there are a number of flaws in it that need to be addressed. The author, Martin Blackshaw, believes that both the Church and the SSPX are misapplying the principle of Moral Theology called 'Cooperation In Evil'. Unfortunately, Mr. Blackshaw rests most of his arguments on citing authors that support his position, without considering the possibility that they are wrong. This highlights a key factor in this crisis: ignorance of the faith and its application . I don't am not singling out Mr. Blackshaw for this criticism, I have observed that it applies to laity and religious, superior and subject a like. No one seems immune in this enduring crisis, myself included. I further believe that this ignorance is why so many Catholics, both traditional and non, rely on their gut feeling or "Catholic conscience" for charting their way through this crisis of the faith. While...

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