[Greek] καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), [Latin] contemnere: to show contempt for, to think little of, to despise, to look down upon; Mt.6:24, Mt.18:10, Lk.16:13, Rom.2:4, 1Cor.11:22, 1Tim.4:12, 1Tim.6:2, Heb.12:2, 2Pet.2:10
What is the mission of Jesus’ Church? To make us perfect and to shape us into His image (Mt. 5:48). Yet, Pope Francis and his inner circle are remaking Jesus’ Church into a worldly (humanistic) synodal Church. This “listening” and “welcoming” will inevitably bring in worldly values, sin, and the failure to recognize sin into the Church.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to look down upon, to think slightly of, to despise, to think contemptuously, and to presume.
Herodotus’ The Histories 4.134: “Darius asked about the clamor among the enemy; he said to those who he was accustomed to speak, ‘These mean hold us in deep contempt.'”
Isocrates’ Archidamus 6.108: “Let us therefore challenge one another to pay back to our fatherland the price of our nurture, and not suffer to be outraged or contemned.”
Euripides’ Bacchae 199: “Having been mortal, I do not scorn the gods.”
Plato’s Euthydemus 273d: “I saw they despised me for it, and they both laughed.”
Lysias’ Against Eratosthenes 12.78: “Twice over did he enslave you, despising what was present, and longing for what was absent, setting himself as instructor in most monstrous acts.”
Mammon: Mammon is considered the Syrian god of riches, wealth, and the greedy pursuit of gain. This word may have been present throughout the Canaanite languages. Devotees would kneel down on their knees at this statue. Mammon in Hebrew means money. Abundantia is the Roman god of riches. Plutus is the Greek god of riches.
Old Testament: This term means to act treacherously, to offend, to despise, to take advantage, to hold in contempt, to be vile, and to ridicule.
New Testament: This term means to despise, to hate, to hold in low esteem, to show contempt, and to disdain.
Mt.6:24: No one can serve two masters. He will either be devoted to one and despise the other.
Mt.18:10: [Parable of the Lost Sheep]: See that you do not despise one of these little ones.
Abuse and neglect regarding the Lord’s Supper: 1Cor.11:17-22
- [Paul]: Your meetings are doing more harm than good
- When you meet, there are divisions among you
- There have to be divisions among you so that you may know those who are faithful
- There is careless and irregular eating at the Lord’s table
- The Church of God is not a place for revelry, feasting, and ordinary meals
- Do you despise this place that you conduct yourselves shamefully?
Heb.12:2: Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God.
False teachers denounced: 2Pet.2:1-12
- They will introduce destructive heresies
- They will even deny the Master
- Many will follow them as the truth will be reviled
- They will exploit you with fabrications
- Their destruction does not sleep
- They are not afraid to revile glorious beings
- In their destruction, they will also be destroyed
Quotes:
“If I be worthy, I live for God to teach the heathen, even though they may despise me.” St. Patrick
“Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves.” Alexis de Tocqueville
“Holding onto resentment is letting a person, who you despise, occupy a portion in your mind forever.” Unknown
“Before the sin, Satan assures us that it is of no consequence; after the sin, he persuades us that is unforgivable.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen
“God is full of compassion and never fails those who are afflicted and despised, if they trust Him alone.” St. Teresa of Avila
“Even if we are entirely despised in the eyes of men, let us rejoice that we are honored in the sight of God.” St. John the Short
“Jesus points out our mission, which is to despise what the world loves and seeks.” St. Padre Pio
“A simple soul is one who seeks only God and does not fear being laughed at or despised.” St. Julie Billiart
Conclusion:
Contemn, contempt, contemptible, condemn, condemned
This provides an interesting picture which depicts “paying homage” or “worshiping” at the “altar of wealth”. To be dependent on wealth is opposed to what Jesus says in being dependent on the Father.
Isocrates points out that it is good to have respect, not contempt for one’s country. (Too many sheepish people today are easily outraged, offended, or triggered by something they do not like!)
In the Old Testament, contempt can be associated with ridicule, foolishness, and lack of sense.
Mt. 6:24: Loving/being devoted is contrasted with hating/despising. Jesus states that it is not possible to be devoted to both masters (God and wealth). One may become a slave (enslaved) to these masters. This could also be applicable to sin.
Mt.18:10: These little ones can be faithful disciples and believers. Disciples must seek out these sinners who go astray. No one must cause a fellow disciple to sin (go astray). They must be brought back into the fold. (This also further points to the responsibilities of the shepherd (cardinal, bishop, and priest). But one must first recognize what sin is.
1Tim.4:12: Paul tells Timothy (a young person) not to act in such a manner that they should despise you on account of your youth. Be mature in your ministry.
Heb.12:2: Jesus humbly accepted the shameful act of crucifixion to redeem humanity
Update: In our current secular post-Christian culture, many of us are acting like “little pagans” bowing down to our electronic devices. Many are also paying homage to fame, wealth, celebrity, notoriety, and convenience. Some have also actually experienced a medical condition called “tech-neck”, shoulder and neck strain from bowing down too much at electronic devices.
Many also have “bowed down” on the altar of convenience in obtaining an abortion. In our society, this has almost become an evil “sacrament” in our secular culture.
It is important to be reminded that we all should strive to attain spiritual (heavenly) treasures rather than earthly treasures. Heavenly treasures, much more important in God’s ‘eyes’, are much longer lasting.
By all means, influential, powerful, and wealthy individuals can also use their resources (in helping others) as a means of accumulating heavenly treasures.
Pope Francis and his inner circle, under the guise of welcoming and listening, are having meetings (Synod of Synodalities) in order to see what the world (culture) wants. It is through these efforts that they are seeking to remake Jesus’ Church into man’s image. It is also important to note that these meetings, involving the laity, do not promise to uphold Catholic teachings. (This is very alarming!)
Faithful traditional and conservative Catholics, upholding traditional Catholic teachings, are understandably alarmed by what the Modernists are doing to Jesus’ Church. The Modernists continue to marginalize, castigate, and despise faithful Catholics.
Unfortunately, there continues to be instances of sacrilege found at Mass (homilies, distribution of Communion, priest’s words, World Youth Day, etc.)
Pope Francis and his inner circle continue to despise Tradition, ignore Jesus’ command to sin no more (Jn.8:11), and overlook (ignore) sin and sinful behavior (homosexuality).
Pope Francis and his inner circle think little of forgiveness, conversion, evangelization, and true compassion and think more about welcoming, listening, toleration, inclusion, and false compassion.
Pope Francis and inner circle are introducing destructive heresies leading to the blessing and potential acceptance of same-sex marriages. This is possible because of the ‘Holy Spirit of surprises’??? But, the HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BLESS SIN! (This becomes another human fabrication to justify sin and sinful behavior!)
Pope Francis, in his encyclicals, continues to open the door to offering lax (fewer restrictions) regarding the receiving of sacraments. Pope Francis is essentially diluting teachings.
Pope Francis and his inner circle, acting like a harlot, is engaging in syncretic intercourse with the world. By allowing in worldly values, sin, and the refusal to acknowledge of sin, Jesus’ Church is being remade in the image of man.
Pope Pius X’s encyclical Pascendi Dominic Gregis (Sept. 8, 1907) warned us about the Modernists’ efforts against Jesus’ Church. Today, more and more people are becoming aware of what Pope Francis and his inner circle are doing to Jesus’ Church! More people are recognizing that Pope Francis is essentially doubling down on the liturgical chaos, disastrous results, and consequences from Vatican II.
At the Synod of Syodalities, German bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck, managing the decline of the heretical train-wreck of the German Church, stated that Apostolic Tradition must be abandoned! (The bishop says this in light of the failure of declining vocations and Germans leaving the Church in droves. Can you say “the pot calling the kettle black?” )
As to the future of the Church: I get a sense that the prophecies of the Apparition of the Lady of Good Success and Archbishop Lefebvre’s foreknowledge will both play a part in the downfall (destruction) of the Modernists.
“You are priests, not social or political leaders. Let us not be under the illusion that we are serving the gospel through an exaggerated interest in the wide field of temporal problems.” St. John Paul II
“The devil is capable of confusing the most brilliant mind.” St. Padre Pio