Navigating Catholic Life - Part 7: Start Now, Tomorrow is a Wish, Not a Promise

JMJ

A decade ago, in the height of the 'will the SSPX be regularized' discussion, I was called many things by denizens of various forums (Cathinfo, Ignis Ardens and Angel Queen) this included Mezingite and Tragical. Periodically, I was thanked for being a voice of reason amongst all the screaming of the 'resistors' warning of dire consequences if the SSPX accepted a no-compromise regularization.

When that compromise failed to materialize at their magic words, they concocted examples of a compromise within the SSPX ranks. One resistor even wrote a 'book' of the 101 compromises - including a reference from this blog.

That all seemed so important back then. I'm a decade older and, while not regretting the combat and spiritual fatigue that it engendered, it was a great learning opportunity. This set the stage for in person argumentation - I got a lot of practice there and had led me to today's thought.

Start now, tomorrow is a wish, not a promise.

There are things that we need to do, especially those related to the salvation of our souls (see https://tradicat.blogspot.com/2022/10/navigating-catholic-life-part-3.html).

We need to start now, take the initiative because there are no guarantee's that we will live to see tomorrow, let along the next hour or minute.

I'm trying to put all my cares in this type of perspective - maybe because I crossed the 'mid-life' line some years ago - the salvation of 'resistors' and others is important, but it really isn't my responsibility. My duty to God, responsibility to my family, my employer. Those are really my top three because they are all linked together far more tightly than persons using the pseudonym 'Catholicam', 'hollingsworth', or 'Tradfly'. For those who are concerned, Top 3 does not preclude 4,5,6,7 ... priorities :-).

Last thought on this, my Dad used to say: Live as if you will live forever, pray as if you will die tomorrow. He didn't seem to let the thought of death impede his ability to live a moral life and in my minds eye, I can still remember see him, a few days before he died, kneeling, looking at the crucifix, praying by his bed.

When I have gone on to my eternal judgement, I hope my children remember me the same way.

P^3

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

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...

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.

Tradicat

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