FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
(Part 99)
MODERNISM – 3
April 19, 2021
Today’s readings:
Acts 7:51-8:1
Psalm 31:3b-4,6,7b-8a,17,21a
John 6:30-35
The bane in our Church today is modernism, which upends the truth and is overturning age-old Church teachings. It is letting go of the teachings of Christ and the ancient Church for the sake of the secular well-being of man, conforming more to the zeitgeist. “You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” (Acts 7:53). Modernists look more to the city of man rather than the city of God.
This has been a problem among the people of God. Even in the time of the chosen people of God, there had been such “modernist” focus. Consider the miraculous provision of manna in the desert. Regarding this, the people even quoted scripture: “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” (Jn 6:31). Manna did fall from heaven, but did they attribute it to God, or just to Moses? As Jesus replied, “Amen, amen I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” (Jn 6:32). Modernists no longer look to the supernatural, but try to explain away miracles and do things according to a secular mindset.
For example, some clerics have explained what we understand to be miracles this way:
- The multiplication of the bread and fish was just a matter of sharing among the people.
- Driving out demons was just bringing psychological peace to troubled people.
- Walking on water is a literary device to show overcoming worldly troubles.
- Transubstantiation is just remembrance of Jesus.
- Resurrection is just a way to communicate the belief that Jesus continues to live in our hearts.
Then the people asked Jesus to give them bread always, and Jesus replied that he is the bread of life (Jn 6:34-35). They did not understand, because their minds were focused on earthly things, that is, physical bread, and not on divine things. As what happened then, when Jesus actually told them he is the bread and that they should eat his flesh to gain eternal life, they left him. They could not understand, they could not accept. They eventually called for his crucifixion.
We can expect such modernist outlook for the secular-humanist world, but regrettably, it has seeped into our Church, and even some clerics and prelates have such outlook. It makes a faithful Catholic want to shout out, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors.” (Acts 7:51).
And the modernists in our Church are persecuting faithful Catholics, especially those who dare to speak out. “Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute?” (Acts 7:52).
- Those who speak out against homosexuality are labeled as haters, bigots and homophobes.
- Priests who expose homosexual activity among their fellow priests are persecuted.
- In the Western world, straight and conservative seminarians are being marginalized and even driven out of liberal seminaries.
- Some traditional religious orders are being shut down.
- One top Vatican official even accused conservative critics of coprophilia.
The modernists in authority in the Church do not brook dissent. They have become intolerant. They do not like to hear positions contrary to theirs. Just as in the time of Stephen, “when they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him.” (Acts 7:54). And they stoned him to death. Today conservative voices are cancelled, which is the social media way of killing off someone.
What then is our proper posture? We always look to God.
- In the face of persecution, we look to Jesus and to the eternal life that is our destiny. “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56). Thus we can endure and persevere.
- In the face of great opposition and oppression, we look to God’s protection, salvation and guidance. “Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me. For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.” (Ps 31:3b-4). This is especially apt for holy warriors.
- No matter what happens and what harm we might endure, we put ourselves fully and firmly in the hands of God, and be confident in our redemption. “Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, Lord, God of truth.” (Ps 31:6). We always stick to the truth of God’s word and the age-old teachings of our Church.
- As such, even when things seem to be so bad, we must never sink into hopelessness or despair, but trust in God’s love and mercy. Thus we remain joyful in all circumstances. “I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your mercy, once you have seen my misery” (Ps 31:7b-8a).
- As holy warriors, we continue to fight for what is true, right and just. We have God as our refuge and stronghold. “You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from scheming enemies.” (Ps 31:21a).
When Stephen was accused, maligned, lied about, borne false witness to, in the midst of the maelstrom swirling around him, those in the Sanhedrin saw that his face was like that of an angel. May we be like him, as we plod on in the midst of evil in the world. “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your mercy.” (Ps 31:17).