FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
MODERNISM
(Part 21)
SEEK GOD’S AND NOT MAN’S WISDOM
November 10, 2021
Today’s readings:
Wisdom 6:1-11
Psalm 82:3-7
Luke 17:11-19
God loves the poor. Per today’s psalm, He rebukes subordinate “gods” to whom oversight of countries has been given. “Defend the lowly and fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and needy. Rescue the lowly and poor; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Ps 82:3-4).
In a similar way, God has entrusted to Church authorities the well-being of the flock and the Church herself. They are to have a preferential option for the poor. Thus our Church leads in social justice initiatives—serving the poor, providing for the needy, defending the oppressed, comforting the afflicted. Well and good.
Jesus himself healed the sick and cleansed the lepers. He was merciful, responding to the lepers’ plea, “Master! Have pity on us!” (Lk 17:13). Jesus told them, “‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ As they were going they were cleansed.” (Lk 17:14). Who brought the lepers out of their sorry situation? It was Jesus, who later told the one grateful leper, “your faith has saved you.” (Lk 17:19b). His faith brought healing, and more importantly, salvation.
Interestingly, Jesus told the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests. It was the priests who would certify that they were already cleansed and so could rejoin the community. Today, God has entrusted the Church to His ordained ministers. How have they cared for the flock? How have they cared for the poor?
Unfortunately, there are many clerics, and even bishops, who say they look to the well-being of the people, but lose sight of what is authentic care and healing. These are the liberals and modernists who advance social justice but in the process neglect the righteousness of God. They accept sinners but do not rebuke them for their sin. They give Holy Communion to grave sinners such as pro-aborts and active LGBTs. They look to the human but neglect the divine.
God has strong words for them. To the hierarchs in our Church: “Hear, therefore, kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! Give ear, you who have power over multitudes and lord it over throngs of peoples!” (Wis 6:1-2). They are reminded that “authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels!” (Wis 6:3).
Who then are those God will strongly rebuke? They would be the “ministers of His kingdom” (Wis 6:4a) who acted wrongly. They are those who:
- “did not judge rightly” (Wis 6:4b).
- Those who deceive the flock with wrong teaching, such as accepting abortion as healthcare, telling gays they are born that way, saying all religions lead to the divine.
- Those who demean authentic Catholics by calling them “rigid” or too “traditional.”
- Those who look to a Freemasonic international brotherhood of all men rather than authentic brotherhood only in Christ.
- “did not keep the law” (Wis 6:4c).
- Those who give Communion to known public sinners in violation of Christ’s teachings and precepts of our Church.
- Those who say we should not proselytize (that is, make converts), in violation of Jesus’ final instructions or Great Commission.
- Those who allow idols like the Pachamama in the sanctuary, in violation of God’s commandment and God’s house.
- did not “walk according to the will of God” (Wis 6:4d).
- Those who coddle and condone grave sinners such as pro-aborts and LGBTs.
- Those who approve of same-sex unions.
- Those who accept many genders and not just the created sex of male and female.
What will happen to them? “Terribly and swiftly he shall come against you, because severe judgment awaits the exalted” (Wis 6:5). Rightly so. Our Church pastors are those who teach us, guide us, tell us what is sinful, forgive us in confession, help bring us to heaven. If they neglect these, and in fact bring us to the wrong paths, they are greatly accountable, not just for their own souls but also for those they led astray. “For those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.” (Wis 6:8).
Dear pastors, heed the words of our God. “To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not fall away.” (Wis 6:9). Do not embrace the wisdom of the world or the culture of the age. Do not bow to the unholy and violate the righteousness of God. You yourselves are to be holy. “For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed will be found holy” (Wis 6:10a). Know and teach the commandments of God. Then you will know what to teach the flock. “And those learned in them will have ready a response.” (Wis 6:10b).
We build our house on rock by listening to and acting on God’s words, not the words of the enemy. “Desire therefore my words; long for them and you will be instructed.” (Wis 6:11).