Over the past few months, since I wrote and published my book, and appeared on a few secular radio shows, I have been given some insight into the current state of the Catholic media, and the Catholic faithful, in the US. I see it wavering between extremes of all-accepting indifference and hardened orthodox uncharity. Both are equally un-Christ-like. First, those that spout some lazy form of false egalitarianism, support a sort-of status-quo; a real unwillingness to witness to the Truth of Christ. This is a dishonest tolerance; as it fears the reaction of others, wishing to stay in the safety of the calm platitude, while watching calmly as our fellow Christians slid deeper into sin and despair. Second, are the Catholic conservatives, who rest self-assured in their own salvation because they have kept the Laws of God. Only, they often disdain those who have fallen into corruption. Like their liberal counterparts, they turn their backs on those in need. As a child, during the swinging-70s, I found the post-Vatican II Church hopelessly irrelevant and offering little to no guidance. Later, in the 90s, as a sinner looking in, it appeared to be self-righteous and quick to condemn. Now, I know, that what I saw was not the Church, but those who often misguidedly represent the Church. Here, all of us, including myself, must make a more concerted effort: to Love; to accept people, where they are on their journey to Our Lord; to guide them along with compassion and understanding; and to never forget: there but for the Grace of God go I.
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