(BY FRENCHIE)
Ever since I reached what is commonly known as the age of reason, I have been haunted by the concept of discernment. Something every Catholic is supposed to thrive for, but that few even attempt to face, or even understand.
Later in life, when I became uneasily conscious about the concept of evil, and how it is an essential determining factor in the saving of our own souls, I started devouring Catholic books on dogma, the concept of right and wrong, of justified wars and many other lofty concepts. I went through the writing of what we term the Doctors of the Church, only to come out of all these well-developed theories and doctrines even more confused and conflicted.
As a teenager, I had, like most boys a crisis of identity, mixed with stages of rebellion and rejection of all what my system of education tried to help me with. Luckily my thirst for knowledge, and my love of history, gave me a window of opportunity, to overcome this early hurdle that is often a high mountain to climb for many young persons.
It is an accidental encounter with an aging missionary who spent most of his Sacerdote in Africa, evangelizing but also being an exorcist which gave me that opened window, which would eventually take years to fully open.
The difficulty in developing a personal relationship with God, is accepting to surrender to his will, and accept that most of our lives are a struggle against evil and temptations that surround us on all sides. how many times have we heard or read " do not fear, I am with you" without really grasping its meaning, and of course the consequences on our lives.
I feel lucky to have been born pre-Vatican II, it gave me a different outlook of what happened post-Vatican II. By the time Vatican II ukases were disseminated, I was already a teenager. My historical studies of the French Revolution, what preceded it and the role of British Masonic lodges in facilitating, organizing, and manipulating events, (not unlike the color revolutions put in place by our alphabet soup intelligence agencies) as so many trojan horses in Catholic French society, also gave me an insight about the constant attacks against the Catholic Church at large, since well before the Reformed movement. There is a constant, a thread, a how-to method to these attacks. They are all demonic in nature and spread through lies, innuendos and false benign alighting theories.
While the USA has not been witnessing, murder, imprisonment, religious cleansing, or genocide, it has been the scene of strong opposition from the White Anglo Saxon Protestant elites from the Northeast as well as violent and murderous actions by the Klan in the post-civil war era, against what they termed Papist followers. It was only over 60 years ago that a large campaign of whispers targeted the Kennedy Brothers, before they were both murdered.
Recently, at the occasion of the conflict between Israel and Iran, in which we foolishly decided to take side, we have witnessed a massive current of anti-Catholicism rearing its ugly head, once more. Key Senators like Cruz from Texas, or Gramm from South Carolina have resorted to the old Klan tactics of denigrating the Catholic faith. The President himself launched open attacks against Pope Leo for opposing what St Augustine of Hippo described as an unjust war. While the Vice President fell into a trap of having to defend his faith by attacking the messenger.
These Talmudic, Masonic old tactics go back centuries, and they target a division between the faithful. Good conservative Catholic who still have not made their mind on Pope Leo, as well as the usual opposition of Popes within the Church have taken that opportunity to deepen the divide, while anti-religious leftists have come to the defense of a Pope they perceive wrongly as a societal warrior. Both sides are wrong, and they demonstrate a lack of discernment that is obvious and very sad.
We should all pray, to get rid of our own respective prides, and surrender to Christ teachings, by trusting in him. While we are at it, we should also pray for the protection of the remaining Christians in the Levant, who are under coordinated attacks by evil forces, of the usual source.
On the ball Frenchie!
ReplyDeleteAre you ex NCW Frenchie? How were you able to discern whether to accept your catechists as your spiritual authority or your bishop? I understand that they claim members have been chosen by God and have to be obedient to them even to the extent of ignoring their bishop!
ReplyDeleteWhile the NCW is using discernment as a mean for their constant brainwashing, discernment is not limited to the NCW. In fact, Jesus encourages us to be discerning at every level. We shall be judged by what we chose to do, or not to do. "Narrow is the gate" we are being told. You obviously did not read my prose, because you would not be asking such question. I digress, but I had to address your deflection. (voluntary or not). Bishop Schneider who knows the NCW better than most, calls it a Judeo protestant sect. I would add that their organization and structure is basically a copy and paste of the Masonic structure.
ReplyDeleteDiscerning is a deeply personal reflection, not a group think. This is part of surrendering to the Lord and trusting in him.
The article on Discernment is very apt for today’s world. Many, including the hierarchy don’t even understand the concept of the discernment and it’s pre-requisites. The Crisis of Discernment has led from Secular Pragmatism to Spiritual Abuse.
ReplyDeleteIn today’s world, the vital concept of discernment has been largely misunderstood or abandoned. In the secular realm, it has been replaced by cold pragmatism; within the Church, a vague call to "be pastoral" has frequently superseded the rigorous demand to "discern." In both cases, respect for Natural Law and justice is often discarded.
The Foundational Requirements
True discernment is rooted in Natural Law, which demands an authentic respect for life, equal human dignity, and personal freedom. Freedom, properly defined, is not the license to do whatever one wishes—which is merely licentiousness—but rather the absence of hindrance to do what is good. Currently, this foundation is under siege. In Islamic and Communist regimes, discernment is outright prohibited for the populace. Meanwhile, in Western societies, the rise of secular atheism and media-driven affluence has fuelled a polarisation that similarly devalues the dignity of the person.
Also, many fear the discernment process because it doesn't just require letting go of sin; it also brings a moral obligation to fully commit to the truth once it is discovered
The Psychological Barrier: The Blame Game
The internal obstacle to discernment remains the "sin of Adam and Eve." This lingers in the human soul as a temptation to claim self-righteousness while blaming others for one's own failings. Because correct discernment requires Wisdom (the Holy Fear of the Lord) and a detachment from sin, it necessitates a willingness to take total responsibility for one’s decisions. Many who sincerely wish to do "God’s will" are, unfortunately, paralysed by the fear of this accountability.
The Rise of Spiritual Abusers
Spiritual abusers, such as Kiko and others who emerged in the post-Vatican II era, have capitalised on this fear. While the Church previously maintained safeguards—such as the directive forbidding Jesuit superiors from mandatorily hearing the confessions of their subjects—modern leaders often circumvent these rules. By promoting public confessions, leaders in the Neocatechumenal Way, create a culture of ‘personal exposure’ that can later be used as blackmail against those wishing to leave. This environment scuttles the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, replacing divine guidance with the leader’s claim of a "hotline to God."
Mass Hysteria vs. Calm Prayer
Further undermining discernment are the mass gatherings of the NCW and certain Charismatic movements. These events often trigger a form of mass hysteria, where people are pressured to make life-altering commitments in a moment of emotional excitement. This directly contradicts the wisdom of the Saints, who warned never to make major decisions during times of high emotion or desolation. Sadly, many bishops remain silent regarding these dangers, sometimes swayed by the significant donations these movements provide.
The Trap of Pride
The result is a large, undiscerning Catholic population that falls prey to "wolves" in sheep's clothing. As the saying goes, "It is common to err, but pride keeps us there." Many who recognise these abuses stay silent or remain in these associations because they are reluctant to admit they were wrong. In doing so, they inadvertently become culpable in perpetrating the very abuses that stifle the soul.
Excellenty put. Thank you Rodney
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