FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE WAY FORWARD IN CHRIST
(Part 187)
ON POLITICAL CORRECTNESS – 8
August 26, 2020
Today’s readings:
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
Psalm 128:1-5
Matthew 23:27-32
Paul was not politically correct. He instructed Christians, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.” (2 Thes 3:6). This is so unlike some pastors today who just want us to accept, welcome and embrace sinners but without talking of their sin because it is offensive. How more offensive can it be than to shun a brother?
Then Paul says, “we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.” (2 Thes 3:10). This is so unlike some pastors today who have misplaced compassion. Liberals today just want to give handouts to the poor, rather than helping them get jobs and work, thus perpetuating their poverty. Political correctness is false mercy, as it keeps people in their sin, or in their state of dependency.
Then Paul says further, “If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame.” (2 Thes 3:14). This is so unlike some pastors today who just want to accept and accompany those who disobey God’s words or laws, but not try to put them back on the right track. They rightly love the sinner but are wrong in not hating the sin. They do not want to offend sinners, when they should be putting such sinners to shame. If they were truly concerned, they would speak the needed words of correction or even rebuke. That is the way of authentic love and friendship in Christ. “Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thes 3:15).
Among these politically-correct pastors today are some of the bishops of our Church. Many of them have been hypocritical in their actions. Jesus condemned the religious hierarchy of his day. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.” (Mt 23:27a). What are hypocrites? They are those who are two-faced. In particular, they display a false appearance of virtue or goodness while concealing real failures in morality or religious beliefs. They “are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.” (Mt 23:27b-28).
That is quite an indictment. In what way are some bishops or priests filled with filth and evil?
* There are those who celebrate Mass and consecrate the bread and wine while living in homosexual sin.
* There are those who are very strong for social justice issues while downplaying or keeping quiet about sexual immorality, abortion and LGBT.
* There are those who are against domestic abuse, but then consider refusing transgender surgery as such abuse.* There are those who want Catholics to be able to avail of Holy Communion, but give Communion to those who are prohibited by the Church from doing so, especially those who are pro-abortion and pro-homosexual sin.
The psalmist tells us, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, and who walk in his ways.” (Ps 128:1). To fear God is to walk in His ways. To walk in His ways is to be in awe of Him, who is the all-powerful Being who knows what is best for us His creation. On the other hand, to be politically correct is to look to the world and to the well-being of man, rather than the righteousness of God. To be politically correct is to impart false mercy. There is no blessing there. Rather, there will only be a continuation of sin and darkness. Want to be blessed? “Just so will the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” (Ps 128:4).
