[Greek] ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi), [Latin] reddere, [Latin] vendere, [French] rendre, [French] restituer: to give or to do something in fulfillment of an obligation, to repay a reward or punishment, to give back what has been kept; 50 scriptures
With Vatican II and Synodality, the Church has sought to “get with the times”. The Church has become more and more entrenched in the world. The Church has given TOO MUCH TO CAESAR (world’s domain) in focusing on “making a better world” rather than bringing souls into heaven.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to assign, to render, to concede, to allow a person to do, to deliver over, to give up, to give away one’s own will, to restore, and to return.
Old Testament: This term means to give, to provide, to stretch, to sell, to move to and fro, to attend to, turn back, and to return.
New Testament: This term means to give or do something in fulfillment of an obligation, to repay in the form of a reward or punishment, and to give back what has been kept.
Retribution:
- Retribution takes on the twofold notion of punishment and reward.
- Retribution belongs to the future world (eternity), rather than the present.
- Retribution is according to love, works, and forgiveness.
- The relationship between God and man is a personal one which man is responsible and subject to God’s retribution.
- The morality of the New Testament is love for God.
- Love and retribution are not opposed. This is why there is no incompatibility between retribution and forgiveness.
To give or do something in fulfillment of an obligation:
Mt.12:21: “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Jesus already knew that the Pharisees were seeking to trap Him about loyalty concerning tax issues. It is possible to give both due deference to local authorities and due deference to God. But God also deserves His due.)
Heb.12:11: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” (We must treat our trials as discipline. God, like a father, treats us as sons [and daughters]. We should all the more submit to our heavenly Father who does this for us for our benefit and holiness.)
Mt.12:36: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak.” (Jesus states that a tree is known by its fruit. What comes out of the person comes from the heart. Careless words may include vanity, thoughtlessness, wickedness, injury, mischieviousness, falsity, maliciousness, and evil.)
Lk.16:2: “The rich man summoned his steward and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.'” (The Parable of the Dishonest Steward speaks about the prudent use of one’s goods and property. Stewards are to worthily act on behalf of their masters. This can involve making friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth (making the best use of these earthly treasures) for good and for helping others.)
To give back what has been kept:
Mt.5:26: “Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (You must make an effort your matter with your opponent. Otherwise, your opponent may hand you over, to be put in prison. (This does not pertain to eternal punishment. It is implied that the prison is in Gehenna. Paying the penalty may involve punishment, repentance, or suffering.)
Lk.19:8: “But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall pay it four times over.'” (Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus shows his abilities to detach himself from his wealth and give to the poor.)
To pay [with punishment or reward]:
Mt.6:3-4: “But when you give alms, do not your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And the Father who sees in secret will repay you.” (Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order to be seen. You will receive no recompense from the Father. Those hypocrites who win the praise of others, they have already received their reward. The Father will repay you for your secret efforts.)
Mt.16:27: “The Son of Man will repay everyone according to his conduct.” (Jesus was speaking about the conditions of discipleship. Those who seek to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Him. Whoever wishes to save his [worldly] life will lose it. But whoever seeks to lose his [worldly] life will save it. The Son of Man will repay everyone according to ones conduct, actions, and choices.)
Rom.12:17: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.” (It is not necessary for us to take justice into our own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on believers. We must continue to be of good conduct toward others.)
What SHOULD be the mission of the Church? To make disciples of all nations and to bring souls to heaven.
What has been the consequences of Vatican II and Synodality? The Church has become entrenched in the world, primarily focusing on “making a better world”.
What has happened as a result of this?
- The Church looks more like a worldly United Nations NGO rather than a divine Church in the world.
- The Church has become more entrenched in politics, social justice, equity, and environmental causes.
- The Church is remaking itself in the image of man and his lived experiences ==>Synodality.
- The Church’s authority and decision-making authority is becoming decentralized, undermining Jesus’ intended structure of the Church.
- The Church has often engaged in a practical atheism [paying “lip-service” to Church teachings]: ignoring, minimizing, and undermining Church teachings.)
- Inclusion, tolerance, false compassion, and “mercy above all else” often take precedence over Church’s doctrine and teachings. (LGBTQ “outreach”)
- Older Modernist, liberal, and progressive clergy have taken control of the Church. And you wonder why we have so many problems in the Church.
- When Synodality (lived experiences) take precedence over Church teachings, SYNODALITY BECOMES AN IDOL.
- The Church focuses too much on rendering too much to Caesar (world’s domain and concerns).
- The Church focuses on disordered priorities in its mission. Immigration, social justice and equity, tolerance, inclusion take precedence over the Eucharist, abortion, and catechesis.
- WHAT ABOUT THE SALVATION OF SOULS? Unfortunately, not much attention has been focused on this.
Conclusion:
Redo, render, restitution, vender
Retribution, having a basis in love, can include both reward and punishment
“Amen, amen, I say to you”: When Jesus states this phrase, this is an indication that He will say something very important.
Update: The USCCB, Catholic Charities, and other agencies have been found engaging in questionable political and social activities. Such examples include illegal immigration, social justice and equity, funding questionably moral activities. The US government wisely turned off the government money spigot.
Church organizations and charities often initiated misplaced and inverted spending priorities. More resources were applied to immigration rather than to pro-life causes and Eucharist programs.
It remains to be seen whether the Vatican (church authority) will render to the many Catholics the right to celebrate the TLM.
Pope Francis’ papacy has been defined by liturgical confusion, ambiguity, and false compassion. Pope Francis will be known and held accountable for these “fruits” before God.
All of us are reminded that we are called to give up some of our possessions in service to others. Yet we all are influenced by the secular and material world’s values.
Many have called Fiducia Supplicans the “millstone moment” of the Church. This document seeks to offer blessings for same sex-unions. This is blessing evil. Clergy, who support these blessings, will also have to account for themselves before God for permitting this. Those in power and authority will be held even more responsible by God.
Pope Francis’ “fruits” of false compassion and “mercy above all else” has often pushed the “doctrinal envelope” into heresy and false teachings. Pope Francis will be held accountable for these “fruits” before God. Ex. Amoris Laetitita, Fiducia Supplicans
The Church has focused too much attention to environmental issues rather than doctrinal concerns. Ex. Laudato Ci. The Church seems to have forgotten its mission to bring souls to heaven!
The recently approved “Mass for Liturgical Creation” will inevitably open the door for indigenous people to introduce native nature idols and rituals into the Mass. This is a slippery slope for liturgical sacrilege. This has unfortunately already happened.
90% of Germany’s bishops do not believe in the Church’s teachings on human sexuality and homosexuality. These bishops are guided more by worldly and secular morality. Are you surprised that the Synodal German Church has gone into heresy and decline?
Many believe that Pope Leo XIV was elected partly to restore financial support from U.S. Catholics alienated by Pope Francis. The Vatican has a $57- $68 million dollar deficit.
Curiously, Pope Leo XIV’s election occurred SHORTLY AFTER “America Week”, a donor-heavy event in Rome were where up to 1 billion euros were reportedly pledged contingent on the “right pope” taking office. Is this just a coincidence?
“The greatest kindness one can render to any man is leading him to truth.” St. Augustine
“Hate what the world seeks, and seek what it avoids.” St. Ignatius of Loyola
“We do not want a Church that will move with the world. We want a Church that will move the world.” GK Chesterton