[Greek] δειλία (deilia), [Latin] timor, [German] shrecken, [Old Irish] fer: cowardice, timidity, fear, lack of moral strength; 2Tim.1:7
Pope Pius X prophetically warns us (both laity and clergy) that we MUST NOT be silent, cowardly, or indifferent in response to evil (serious moral concerns and issues). Our silence only serves to strengthen and embolden the wicked.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means timidity, cowardice, accused of being cowardly, and misery.
Herodotus’ The Histories 1.37: “Although you have seen neither cowardice nor lack of spirit in me. With what face can I now show myself whenever I go to?”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 536: “Come, tell me, in the name of the gods was it cowardice or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 8.26: “Then Tigranes uttered a most noble saying but the king deemed him a coward for it.”
Old Testament: This term means terror, dread, ruin, destruction, weakness, sluggishness, and laziness.
New Testament: This term means cowardice, lack of moral strength, and timidity.
“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a power of love and self-control.” 2Tim.1:7
Spirit of cowardice:
- Timidity and shrinking from daily difficulties that a Christian faces.
- The Holy Spirit is not found in the cowardice of the person.
- Shrinking from doing one’s duties and responsibilities. (Clergy, this means you!)
- Deficiencies in moral qualities and activities.
Self-control:
- Having the power to fight for Christ (God).
- Having the ability to patiently endure, to have steadfastness, and to resist temptation.
- Being well-balanced, sober-minded, prudent which is necessary for performing one’s office (ministry).
Ultramontanism: “papa ultramontano” (a pope beyond the mountains):
- This is an 18th century political heresy that places a strong emphasis on the desires and powers of the Pope.
- The term ultramontain referred to Catholics who supported papal authority in French affairs.
- Ultramontane Catholics emphasized the pope’s authority over temporal affairs (of civil governments) and spiritual affairs (of the Church).
- Interestingly, ultramontanism became closely associated with the Jesuits.
- A new variation (hyper-papalism) seems to have presented itself during Pope Francis’ papacy.
Hyperpapalism in Pope Francis papacy?”
- Many have claimed that it is required that you must follow and accept Pope Francis’s actions, teachings, and statements.
- You are required to follow Pope Francis at all times.
- If you do not follow Pope Francis, then you are being divisive or schismatic.
- There exists a large contingent of “pope-splainers” (Pope Francis’ inner circle, journalists, media organizations who will defend, propagandize, and clarify for Pope Francis).
- But what happens when Pope Francis causes confusion, chaos, and controversy? Are you still supposed to follow him?
- This issue has really come to the forefront in light of Fiducia Supplicans!
The new theological litmus test in the Church: “Where do you stand on Fiducia Supplicans?” (blessing of sin)
- Fiducia Supplicans has introduced the notion of offering blessings to same-sex couples. This is the blessing of sin.
- Cardinals, bishops, and priests each will ultimately have to take a stand on this issue.
- Clergy’s weakness, moral cowardice, and silence on this issue will no longer be satisfactory. To many, silence will be seen as tacit acceptance of this notion.
- Many cardinals, bishops, and priests will inevitably face pressure (opposition) from the Vatican, fellow clergy, and the laity.
- Some cardinals, bishops, and priests will inevitably face difficult decisions: potentially losing out on on advancement/appointments from Church leadership.
- Cardinals also need to be reminded why their wear blood red garments. They are called to die for their faith.
Quotes on cowardice and weakness:
“It is up to you, the laity, to remind our priests to be priests, and our bishops to be bishops.” Archbishop Sheen (Archbishop Sheen reminds clergy to stand up.)
“The most deadly poison in our times is indifference. Let us strive therefore to praise Him to the greatest extent of our powers.” St. Maximillian Kolbe (St. Maximillian Kolbe reminds all of us that we must be engaged. Not getting involved is just not good enough.)
“Sin makes man a coward, but life in the Truth of Christ makes him bold.” St. John Chrysostom (St. John Chrysostom reminds all of us that stating the truth often requires one to be bold and courageous.)
“If God sends you many suffering, it is a sign that He has great plans for you, and He certainly wants to make you a saint.” St. Ignatius of Loyola (St. Ignatius reminds all of us there could be a cost [difficulties, persecution, and martyrdom] in following Christ.)
“Grace and truth will in turn give rise to courage. Following Christ has always demanded courage.” St. John Paul II
Conclusion:
Timid, timidity, shriek, fear, fearful
Paul, a prisoner in Rome, sent his letter to a somewhat weak and timid Timothy. Paul was trying to give Timothy some encouragement and consolation.
Update: We must not forget that Bishop Strickland was the only clergy present when protesting the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization honoring the scandalous ‘Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’. Why was Bishop Strickland the only one there?? (It was because other clergy were afraid of offending their superiors, the Vatican, Pope Francis, and the LGBTQ community!)
Cardinal Dolan decided to PRIVATELY hold a Mass of Reparations for that scandalous funeral service at St. Patrick. It seems he did not want to offend the LGBTQ community. Sounds cowardly!
In light of the aftermath from Fiducia Supplicans, some clergy have responded either favorably or negatively to this document.
It now seems that Fiducia Supplicans has become an important inflection point in determining what type of Church we will have!
Hyperpapalism is just another human invention derived from an earlier heresy. This skewed thinking believes that the pope has become an “oracle of God”.
Even Cardinal Fernandez, the Vatican’s doctrinal chief, espouses and defends the notion of “the doctrine of the Holy father”!
Yet many clergy have remained quiet and afraid of the potential repercussions from the Vatican and religious superiors. Perhaps some remain silent in being fearful of losing out on appointments or advancement in the Church hierarchy. Or perhaps some remain silent, hoping that this issue will just blow over.
In light of the controversies, confusion, and chaos in Pope Francis’ papacy, Pope Francis’ “pope-splainers” have continued the battle cry of “You must obey Pope Francis!” (for whatever issue that occurs).
It can be said that Pope Francis’ “pope-splainers” may be likened to modern-day “Ultramontaine” Catholics
It is very interesting that Jesuits are tied to both Ultramontanism and Hyperpapalism. Is that a coincidence?
For a spiritual head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis seems to engage heavily into the political realm, perhaps more than he should! Sounds like a Modernist. That is not a coincidence!
The Ivy League college presidents could not find in themselves to condemn genocide in their testimony before Congress.
“The greatest obstacle in the apostolate of the Church is the timidity or rather the cowardice of the faithful.” Pope Pius X
“Liberal Catholics are the worst enemies of the Church.” Pope Pius X