[Greek] ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē), [Latin] superare, [Latin] excellentior, [Latin] sublimitas, [Latin] magnitudo, [French] etre superieur, [French] distingue, [French] surpasser, [French] eminent: to surpass, to go too far, to go beyond, to exceed, to overshoot, to throw beyond; 2Cor.3:10, 2Cor.9:14, Eph.1:19, Eph.2:7, Eph.3:19

St. Catherine reminds us for to let God to allow each of us to become the best we can be for Him.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means overshooting, excess, extravagance, surpassing, pre-eminence, hyperbole, and excessive praise.

Xenophon’s Hellenica 7.3.6: “So far surpassed in boldness and villiany.”

Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.275: “So far surpassed all mankind in savagery and malignity.

Aristophanes’ Plutus 109: “Their wickedness knows no bounds.”

Demosthenes’ On the Chersones: “Stupid beyond measure.”

Old Testament: This term means to go beyond, to surpass, to exceed, to be excessive, and to delay.

New Testament: This term means excellence, surpassing, extraordinary, beyond measure, and excess.

Rom.7:13: “Did the good, then, become death for me? Of course not! Sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin, worked death in me through the good, so that sin might become sinful beyond measure through the commandment.” (Paul rejects any thought that the law itself is destructive. It was not the Law but sin which leads to death and ruin. The law encourages the sin to expose itself more thoroughly. The law prepared the way for the gospel by showing that forgiveness and new life must come through Christ.)

1Cor.12:31: “Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.” (We are called to covet the best gifts most useful and profitable to the Church and God, but not for themselves. Love gives these gifts their necessary purpose and direction.)

2Cor.1:8: “We do not want you to be unaware of the affliction that came to us in the province of Asia; we were utterly weighed down beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” (Paul states that the Church was not meant to bear suffering in isolation. Paul and the Christians face hardship and resistance from paganism. This revealed their dependence upon God whose power is often displayed when human abilities are tested beyond their levels. This suffering taught Paul not to rely on himself, but on God.)

2Cor.4:7: “But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” (This treasure is the gospel, the knowledge of the glory of God. Clay jars, easily cracked and broken, make a fitting picture of human frailty. This surpassing power sustains His servants who endure hardship, persecution, suffering, danger, and martyrdom.)

2Cor.4:17: “For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (This affliction will only be “for a moment”, temporary, and light in duration compared to the eternal duration of glory. God does not waste the trials endured by His people. Suffering tests faith, reveals dependence on the Lord, and form endurance and character. This eternal glory will outlast this temporary affliction).

Gal.1:13: “For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.” (Saul was a rabid Pharasaic persecutor of the Christians. Saul was a zealot for his ancestral traditions. Saul did not merely disagree with Christians; he sought to eradicate their witness.)

Martyr: A person who is killed or made to suffer because of his/her religious beliefs (or other beliefs).

The aftermath from Stephen’s martyrdom/assassination:

1. Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 8:58-60)
2. They were scattered by the persecution that arouse because of Stephen. (Acts 11:19)
3. They went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. (Acts 11:19)
4. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:21)
5. A large number of people was added to the Lord. (Acts 11:24)
6. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)

Hyperbole: This is a rhetorical device or figure of speech which evokes and creates strong feelings. A hyperbole is usually not meant to be taken literally. Used for emphasis, a hyperbole can be used in the form of humor, excitement, distress, or other emotions. Essentially this idea means “throwing beyond”, “going over the top”, or “going too far”.

Jumping the shark:

1. This is a popular idiom used to describe a moment when someone (or something), that was once popular or accepted, makes a misguided attempt to generate publicity or do something new.
2. The Happy Days’ writers evidently thought that this would be a good idea to have Fonzie ski-jump over a shark.
3. However, this effort only served to highlight its irrelevance (or concern).
4. This action may often lead to becoming a gimmick or absurdity.
5. This phrase finds its ways in a wide variety of situations and contexts when someone or something “has gone too far.”

There are TOO MANY questionable examples of “jumping the shark” [going too far]:

1. The USCCB doubling down on immigration: These bishops seems to be more focused on immigration rather than on spiritual things. Immigration, not abortion has become the “preeminent issue” and an “act of divine worship”.
2. The conciliar/Synodal Church is now referring to Vatican II, not Catholicism before Vatican II, as the moral basis for the Church. Just ignore the worldliness and spirit of undermining (“smoke of Satan”) in the Church.
3. Pope Leo: “We have to change attitudes before we ever change doctrine [on homosexuality]. (He is open to Synodality (lived experiences) changing Church doctrine. experiences) can change Church teachings. THIS IS SYNODALITY BECOMING AN IDOL!)
4. Al Gore claims that President Trump is committing a “jihad” on clean energy. (This is completely tone-deaf in this time of using inflammatory language!)
5. Bishop Francesco Savino: “Pope Leo urged me to celebrate Mass with LGBTQ Catholics”. (At the same time, Pope says silent. Silence  ===> acceptance)
6. An ABC reporter reports on the assassin’s “loving relationship” with this transgender companion. (This is not a good look to seek to romanticize and humanize a murderer.)
7. St. Augustine would have been appalled at the Vatican LGBTQ Jubilee. St. Augustine was clear about the MORTAL SIN OF SODOMY [HOMOSEXUALITY] in Confessions and City of God. (This clearly illustrates the Vatican’s “tolerant” and “inclusive” attitudes toward sinful behavior. The Vatican is essentially paying lip service to the Church’s teachings against homosexuality.) 

Conclusion:

Hyperbole, hyperbolic, excellence, excellent, magnitude, sublime, subliminal

Paul reminds each of us to rely upon God during these difficulties. In many times our relationship with God becomes stronger during struggles and difficulties.

A matter of perspective:

1. We spend just a brief period of time living on earth in comparison to eternity to heaven.
2. It is what we do with our lives that can determine our eternal fate.
3. Perhaps this can provide some consolation for all those who are experiencing struggles in this life.

Update: There are a good number of states who are refusing to hand over their voting rolls to the US. government. If there is no fraud or voting irregularities, then they should hand over these ballots to the US government. But their refusal to do this speaks volumes about the questionable integrity of their voting ballots.

[Greek] ἀπολογία (apologia), [Latin] defensio, [Latin] ratio, [Latin] defendere: defense, vindication, apology, explanation, justification; Act25:16, 2Cor 7:11,Phil 1:7,16,2 Tim 4:16,1 Pet 3:15

Justin Martyr (born 100 A.D.) is perhaps one of greatest apologists (defenders) of the Catholic faith.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means speech in defense of or response to something.

Antiphon’s On the Choreutes 6.7: “My own attitude to my defense is very different from that of my accusers to their prosecution. They have treated their speech as nothing but an opportunity for malicious falsehood. Even though I am entirely innocent.”

Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 3.61: “We should never have asked to make this speech if the Plataeans had contented themselves with shortly answering the question, and had not turned around and made charges against us. However, since they have done so, we must answer their charges and refute them.

Plato’s Apology 28a: “That I am not a wrongdoer seems to me not to need much of a defense, but what has been said is enough. But you may be assured that what I said before is true, that great hatred has risen against in the minds of many persons.”

New Testament: This term means defense and reason.

Scripture:

Acts 22:1: “My brothers and fathers, listen what I am about to say to you in my defense.” (Paul’s first defense is presented to the Jerusalem crowds. Luke presents Paul as a devout and zealous persecutor of the Christian community. Paul relates to others his conversion story to become a Christian apostle.)

Acts 25:16: “I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faces his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.” (As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to have the “right to be beheaded” rather than to be crucified like a slave or barbarian. Paul was also entitled to have the right to defend himself and the right to face his accuser.) 

2Tim.4:16: “At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me.”

1. After the great fire of Rome in 64 A.D., Christians were looked upon as enemies of the state. Accused Christians were killed by being burned to death.
2. This scripture implies a second trial for Paul in Rome. Paul could have been charged and given a warning in the complicity of the introduction of Christianity in Rome.
3. The second defense (trial) leads to Paul’s second imprisonment for actively introducing Christianity in Rome.
4. Christians were fearful and afraid in standing with Paul against the Roman authorities.
5. Paul was mindful of other Christians’ fears and concerns. Paul did not hold this against them.
6. Tradition [Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History] indicates that Paul was finally beheaded in 64 A.D. in Rome.

1Pet.3:15: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”

Christians suffering and restraint: 1 Pet.3:13-17, 1Pet.18-21

1. If you suffer because of righteousness [of God], blessed are you.
2. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.
3. It is better to suffer for doing good, if that is God’s will, than to do evil.
4. Whenever anyone bears the pain of unjust suffering, following the God’s will, that is a GRACE.
5. If you are patient when you suffer for doing good, this is a GRACE before God.
6. For this you have been called [to share in Christ’s suffering], because Christ also suffered. Christ leaves you an example that you should follow in His footsteps.

Lk.12:11: “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say.”

1. Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
2. Jesus extends mercy to those who misunderstand, oppose or even deny Him. Forgiveness remains available through repentance and faith.
3. The Holy Spirit bears witness to Christ, exposes sin, and calls sinners into repentance.
4. Persistent and informed rejection of this witness hardens the heart against the Savior and rejects forgiveness.
5. Jesus, preparing His disciples for opposition from Jews and Gentiles, forbids anxious dependence on human skill when His servants are compelled to testify.
6. The Holy will supply wisdom, courage, and fitting words in the moment of need.

Lk.21:14-15: “Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.”

1. Jesus calls His disciples to settle their hearts and to have steadfast faith.
2. Jesus forbids anxiousness during future trials. God’s care frees His people from fear of outcomes and from dependence on human strength.
3. Jesus immediately promises them words and wisdom that their opponents could not resist or contradict.
4. Jesus promises to supply His disciples what they need to stand before hostile rulers and enemies.
5. Their witness will not rest on natural ability but on the Lord’s provision.
6. Jesus will grant fitting words and spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit will  enable believers to testify clearly to the truth of Christ.
7. God-given testimony would expose the weakness of false accusations and unbelief.

Rom. 2:15: “They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thought accuse or even defend them.”

1. The Gentiles, who never received the Mosaic Law, reveal that God has implanted moral awareness within human nature.
2. Created in God’s image, people recognize basic obligations of righteousness, truthfulness, justice, fairness, and condemnation of evil.
3. This conscience serves as an inner witness that responds to God’s moral standard.
4. One’ inner reasoning against God’s moral stand will produce accusation or defense.

2Cor.12:19: “Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved.” (Paul corrects the Corinthians’ assumption that Paul’s mission was an attempt to vindicate himself. The false apostles had attacked his character and ministry. Paul’s strongest rebuke proceeds from his pastoral love and care for the Corinthians. Paul seeks to strengthen the Church in truth, holiness, and unity.)

Justin Martyr:

What is the original meaning of apologetics? This term can be used in a legal context, where the accused makes a systemic and logical defense or statement in response to  formal charges against detractors and unbelievers. St. Justin Martyr, used philosophical arguments to defend Christianity to the Roman authorities. His First Apology was written around 153-155 AD. His Second Apology was written around 148-161 AD.

How did Justin view Christ? Justin said that Jesus was the missing piece of Socrates’s puzzle. Socrates rejected pagan idolatry. Socrates searched for the one true God. Philosophy brought Justin to Christ. Justin remained as a philosopher to the end.

How did Justin view these Christians? Justin found it impossible that these Christians were not living in wickedness and pleasure. These Christians were fearless of death, even sometimes welcoming it. These Christians would rather escape the observation of others. This was a result of excellent Socratic reasoning. This allowed Justin to recognize baloney when he smelled it. Perhaps this is also the work of the Holy Spirit. Justin laughed at these accusations.

What was the early education of Justin? He showed an early philosophical interest in life. He spent much time with the Stoics, Peripatetics, and the Pythagoreans, before settling upon the study of Plato and Plato’s master Socrates. Justin still had many unanswered questions about Socrates’ Unknown God. Justin seems to have reasoned that these difficulties would surely be resolved one by one

When did Justin convert to Christianity?  This is thought to have happened in Ephesus around 130 AD. He was given a warm welcome into the Christian congregation.

Why was Justin’s conduct, after his conversion, somewhat unusual?  He raised a few eyebrows from others by his conduct as a new believer. Instead of remaining with his fellow Christians, Justin continued to meet with his fellow philosophers in the Temple grounds. He kept all his old friendships and ran with the same crowd. JUSTIN REMAINED ENGAGED WITH THE CULTURE!

Why did Justin do this? Justin was an apologist. He became a defender of the faith as a philosophical evangelist. Justin seemed to have the desire to see his own people, his fellow philosophers, and to bring the knowledge of the truth to them.

What is the significance of this temple area? Such places were where the philosophers of the day plied their trade. Groups of them could always be found arguing on the steps of every pagan shrine in the Empire. On this particular day, Justin drew the attention of Trypho, a Hellenized rabbi. These competing viewpoints all met here on equal terms, debating philosophy.

Despite being a Christian, why is Justin able to debate in these temple grounds? Justin knew that there was an unwritten code of honor among the Greek philosophers to allow for other points of view. Socrates’ great motto had been to follow the argument wherever it leads. Keeping an open mind was considered to be among the highest virtues. They prided themselves upon that just about any viewpoint could gain a respectful hearing among them, until they felt that viewpoint had been conclusively disproved. Therefore, to surrender their old comrade to the authorities would have been a serious violation of this code of conduct.

Etymology:

1. Classical Greek: this term apologia means well reasoned and thought-out reply (response).
2. The Greek apologos means account or story. The Greek apo- means away from. The Greek logos means speech.
3. First recorded in 1590, this term conveyed self justification and a frank expression of regret for wrong done.
4. Currently, an apology signifies excuse and extenuating the fault rather than vindication and proving innocence.
5. The Greek apologetikos means defensible.
6. Progression of this term: reasoned defense (justification) ====> self-justification (excuse) ====> apology (“I’m sorry!”)

Conclusion:

Apology, apologize, apologetics, defense, rationality, rational

Shakespeare perhaps may have become the father of the modern apology: “My lord, there needs no such apologie.” Richard III

It is quite remarkable that St. Justin Martyr sought to evangelize and catechize his fellow philosopher peers “in the trenches” rather than staying comfortably safe among the Christian community.

Unfortunately, there are too many cardinals, bishops, and priests WHO WILL NOT STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST heresies, scandal, sacrilege, evil, and secular values. Perhaps these cowardly are fearful of being canceled, fearful of offending their superiors, and fearful of not getting that next great apostolic position.

Modernists arrogantly claim that Jesus’ Church must change in a synodal Church in the image of man. Are they actually saying that Jesus got it wrong??

Yet, at the same time, these priests, suffering in the name of Christ, are actually receiving graces and blessings from God. Do they even realize this!

There are now priests being cancelled, laicized, and excommunicated for defending traditional Church teachings and criticizing Pope Francis’s Modernist changing of Jesus’ Church. This is not a good look for the Modernists! Yet, they continue to do this.

Each of us (in the trenches) most give a reasoned explanation for our appropriate criticism of Pope Francis’ and Pope Leo’s Modernist/Synodalist practices and policies.

Each of us (in the trenches) must give a reasoned explanation for the reason of our hope to others (non-Christians and non-Catholics) in our call to evangelize others.

Bishop Athanasius Schneider disputes Pope Leo’s claim of less active participation in the TLM. Evidently, Pope Leo does not recognize that silence and contemplation is still active participation.

Bishop Schneider stated that Synodality is a codeword to undermine Catholic doctrine.

Archbishop Vigano states that the Catholic Church is alive and the Synodal Church is a corpse. The Holy Spirit inspired movement has lead to a longing for Tradition and the TLM in the Church.

Pope Leo’s excommunication against the SSPX is backfiring. More priests are joining the SSPX. In contrast doctrinal and liturgical confusion, the SSPX stands for truth and sanity in the Church.

Cardinal Burk reaffirms Mary as Co-Redemptrix in contrast to Pope Leo rejection of this term. This is another illustration of the Synodal Church accommodating Non-Catholics and Protestants.

The validity of the Vatican’s excommunication of the SSPX continues to be undermined as the Vatican continues to push the doctrinal envelop into heresy in expanding Amoris Laetitia

Bishop Schneider states that the Church is witnessing a hostile takeover within the hierarchy with doctrinal ambiguities, brazen heresies, and apostasy.

Canon lawyers have warned that the Synod transferring decision-making authority undermines the Church’s divine institution. The Synodalists do not care about this!

Bishop Schneider claims that the Vatican is marginalizing the SSPX because due to its criticism of the defects of the Novus Order Mass and Vatican II.

Why would a parish pastor make the decision to remove the St. Michael Prayer at Mass??? How can praying for having the strengthen to defend against the devil be a bad thing? Who benefits from this? The devil!

“The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself.” St. Augustine

“The enemy surrounds us, and we shall perish unless we fight. If we really fight ,we are given assurance of victory.” St. France de Sales

“Christ does not force our will. He takes only what we give Him. But He does not give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him.”  St. Teresa of Avila.

“If the world is against the Truth, then I am against the world.” St. Athanasius

This is somewhat a lengthy post:  Sorry ===> but not sorry!

[Greek] ὑβρίζω (hybrizō), [Latin] insultare, [Latin] flagellare, [German] misshandlung: to insult, to mistreat, to outrage, to shame, to abuse; Mt.22:6, Lk.11:45, Lk.18:32, Acts 14:5, 1Thess.2:2

The Synodal Church leadership, thinking that they know better, is alarmingly becoming more emboldened in their efforts to remake and redefine the Church. The Synodal Church is becoming more and more unrecognizable from the Church that Jesus established.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to be insolent, to be vengeful, to insult, to mock, to be arrogant, to mistreat, and to outrage.

Herodotus’ The Histories 6.87: “The Aeginetans, blaming the Athenians and deeming themselves wronged, prepared to take vengeance on the Athenians.”

Sophocles’ Ajax 367: “Oh the mock! How I have been violated!”

Euripides’ Heracleidae 18: “Eurystheus thought it right to commit this outrage against you.”

Demosthenes’ Against Meidias 21.221: “The brutality and insolence with which Meidias treats everyone alike are well known to us.”

Plato: “Arrogance is ever accompanied by folly.”

Hubris:

1. Hubris involves trespassing beyond one’s own sphere.
2. The Greek tragedy (play) often illustrates the folly of hubris.
3. The gods oppose man’s hubris with retribution, punishment, and destruction.
4. Hubris often provides the impetus for conquest, world domination, violation of personal rights, and downfall.

Old Testament: This term means to be proud, to be arrogant, and to be lofty.

1. Loftiness and pride can be intrinsically wrong if they are linked with arrogance and presumptuousness.
2. The culture is aware that pride can be followed by the fall. Israel and their enemies both experienced pride and arrogance.
3. Pride is often associated with sin, disobedience, defiance and turning his heart away from God.
4. Domination, pride, arrogance, suppression of the poor, and secularization of piety may follow.
5. The prophets are sent to correct, to punish, and to humble offenders.
6. Adam and Eve provide an example pride and disobedience.

New Testament: This term mean to mistreat, to insult, and to attack.

Mt.22:6: “The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.” (The parable is a statement of God’s judgment on Israel and a warning to Matthew’s church.)

Parable of the Wedding Feast

1. The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.
2. The king dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests, but they refused to come.
3. The guests ignored the invitation and mistreated and killed the servants.
4. The enraged king destroyed these murderers.
5. The guests invited were not worthy to come to the wedding.
6. The king sent out his servants to invite guests both bad and good alike.
7. The guest without a wedding garment was bound and cast out
8. Many guests are invited, but few are chosen.

Lk.11:45: “Then one of the scholars of the law said to Him in reply, ‘Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.’” (Jesus accuses the Pharisees and scholars for focusing on outward appearances, rather than on one’s internal character. Only focusing on externals, these people pay no attention to judgment and have no love for God. Jesus calls them hypocrites.)

Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees and Scholars of the Law:

1. The Pharisees observed that Jesus did not observe the prescribed washing rituals before the meal.
2. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for focusing more on outward purity rituals and for being filled inside with plunder and evil.
3. Jesus observed that they pay tithes of mint and rue, while paying no attention to judgment and to love for God.
4. Jesus stated that they love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in the marketplace.
5. Jesus stated that they were like unseen graves, endangering those who may touch this spiritual defilement and uncleanness without realizing it.
6. The Pharisees and Scholars may see outwardly respectable while leading others away from genuine holiness.
7. Their danger may not be in open rebellion but in concealed corruption.

Lk.18:32: “He will be handed over to the Gentiles and He will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.” (Jesus foretold that the Israel’s leaders would had Him over to Roman authority. For His “crimes” of proclaiming to be the Messiah, He was viewed as a criminal. The Roman soldiers mockingly clothed Him in a purple robe with a crown of thorns. This was Jesus’ third prediction of the passion.)

Acts 14:5-7: “When there was an attempt by both the Gentiles and Jews to attack and stone them [Paul and Barnabas] they fled to the surrounding countryside to proclaim the good news.”

1. The Gentiles and Jews, who differed in culture and worship, found common cause to resist Jesus’ message.
2. The division produced by the apostles’ teaching revealed that the Gospel calls every people to the same repentance and faith.
3. Influential leaders joined this hostile movement.
4. The apostles faced pressure at the private, local, and public level.
5. This opposition involved shame, injury, persecution, stoning, and death.

1Thess.2:2: “Rather, after we [Paul and others] had suffered and been insolently, treated in Philippi, we drew courage through our God to speak to you the Gospel of go with much struggle.”

1. Paul and Silas had been publicly beaten with rods, imprisoned, and placed in stocks after false charges were brought against them.
2. These struggles did not silence their witness.
3. Jewish opponents pressured the Thessalonica city authorities to drive Paul and Silas away.
4. Resistance revealed that the conflict between Christ’s kingdom and unbelief.
5. Paul’s courage rested on God. Such boldness belongs to believers who trust in God’s authority, presence, and purpose amid opposition.
6. The gospel called the Thessalonians to turn away from idols and to receive the true and living God.

[Greek] ὑβριστής (hybristēs), [Latin] insolens, [Latin] superbus: insolent person, arrogant person, insulter; Rom.1:30, 1Tim.1:13

Rom.1:30: “They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents.”

Punishment of idolaters (Rom.1:18-30):

1. God’s wrath is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth of their wickedness.
2. As a result, they have no excuse. They became vain in their reasoning and their senseless minds were darkened.
3. While claiming to become wise, they became fools.
4. They exchanged the glory of immortal God for the likeness of an image of man.
5. God handed them over to impurity and lusts of their hearts for the degradation of their bodies.
6. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshipped the creature rather than the creator.
7. God handed them over to degrading passions and unnatural relations.
8. Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their improper undiscerning mind.

1Tim.1:13: “I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my belief.” (Paul makes reference to his past life as a rabid Pharisees persecuting the Christians. Paul know gives thanks for the mercy shown to him by God.)

Superbia (Pride): one part of the Mosaic of Sin in Basilique Norte-Dame de Fourviere (Lyon, France)

When clergy think that ‘they know better”:

1. Who ignore (suppress the truth), refute, or pay lip service to Church teachings against homosexuality. The Church promotes a LGBTQ “outreach” welcoming people but saying nothing about their sinful lifestyle.
2. Who just ignore Jesus’ statements about sinning no more (Jn.8:11-12). These clergy FORGET that while Jesus associated with sinners, He did not tolerate their sinful lifestyles.
3. Who engage in their homosexual sexual lifestyle thinking that they are entitled to this behavior, while not being held accountable for these sinful actions.
4. Who show tolerance, inclusion, false compassion about sinful behavior.
5. Who fail to encourage others to seek forgiveness, acknowledge sin, and to conversion of heart.
6. Who think it is better to MAKE A BETTER WORLD/SEEK FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than to BRING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
7. Who think it is OK to change the Church (in Jesus’ image) into a worldly synodal Church in man’s image.
8. Who enact Modernist and Synodal liberal and progressive “reform” and “renew” rather than preserving Tradition.
9. Who think that the Novus Order Mass is more inspiring and popular than the Traditional Latin Mass
10. Who think imposing their Modernist and Synodalist ideology on the faithful is fruitful for the Church.
11. Who think restricting the TLM and removing altar rails is fruitful for the Church.

“You are great, O Lord, and exceedingly worthy of praise! Your power is immense! And Your wisdom is beyond all reckoning. And so we humans, who are but a small part of Your creation, long to praise You—we who carry our mortality about with us, the evidence of our sin and the proof that You resist the proud. You so excite us to praise You so that it may be us joy because You have made us, and drawn us to Yourself, and our hear is restless in you.” (The famous opening lines of the Confessions by St. Augustine)

Why did Adam and Eve disobey God? They did not want to receive creation as a gift. Instead, they wanted to receive creation on their own terms. This is the primal sin of pride (superbia).

What is pride? This is the refusal of gratitude. However, gratitude is often viewed as a weakness. This becomes a deeply ingrained attitude of having life on one’s own terms, rather than as a gift.

Conclusion:

Insult, insulting, flagellation, hubris

Greek Hellenism: The Greek plays (dramas) in the theater often provided a commentary on human nature (hubris, tragedy, power, etc.) Hubris plays an important motivation in power and conquest.

St. Augustine: Adam and Eve failed to express their gratitude and thankfulness to God. Adam and Eve wanted to act on their own terms. Pride (Superbia) expresses the attitude of “that I know better”. Instead, St. Augustine states that we have to say, “thank you” better.

Old Testament: This terms plays an important part in one’s relationship with God. Pride is often associated with sin and disobedience.

Update: Synodal surrendering to the culture: a pro-LGBT German bishop Gerhard Feige says that evangelization is not the “right answer” to people leaving the Church. God forbid that you follow Jesus’s command to make disciples!

Hatred toward the TLM: Jesuit priest Fr. Thomas Reese says that he that the TLM is like a zombie. He believes that Vatican II is moral standard for the Church.

Upside-down Synodal Church teaching: Fr. James Martin call priests “homophobic” for refusing to give the Eucharist to active homosexuals. Fr. Martin say that Catholic doctrine against disordered sexual inclinations as cruel.

Synodal delusion: There is no problem with the Church: pro-LGBT Cardinal Reinhard Marx says that the Church is not a sinking ship, but it’s just being remodeled. And that is a good thing?

Doubling down on Vatican II/Synodality: Pope Leo XIV is criticizing prophets of doom who believe modern times are worst than past ages. He suggested that we need to engage with modern realities.

Cardinal Cupich, failing to differentiate legal immigration with illegal immigration, calls advocacy for immigrants an act of divine worship.

The Vatican’s (and Pope Leo’s) excommunication of the SSPX is backfiring. More and more priests are joining the SSPX.

Welcoming everyone else but the SSPX: the Synodal Church welcomes all faith groups but excludes the SSPX from celebrations.

Pope Leo calls for the Church to become an “open house” with no judgment. This is furthering conforming the Church to the world. Further removing divine authority in the Church.

Further accommodating the world: Catholic clergy participated in and indigenous pagan purification ceremony. This the Vatican/Synodal Church’s efforts to associate with other faiths. God forbid that they would bring others into the fold of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal  Neri Ferrao states that the Vatican must adapts its understanding of the family. This is conforming the Church to the modern family life by furthering Amoris Laetitia.

Making Vatican II the Church’s moral guidepost: Cardinal Rys states that the entire Tradition of the the Church must be seen in the light of Vatican II. This means just ignoring Catholicism before Vatican II!

Making Vatican II the Church’s moral guidepost: Cardinal Roche arrogantly claims that traditionalists are “edging themselves away from the center of Catholicism.”

Presuming total ignorance: a National Catholic Herald journalist claimed that placing the Tabernacle behind the altar becomes a distraction at Mass. They are one and the same ===> Jesus!

“Pride is the utter poverty of the soul, disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness.” St. John Climacus

“Humility is dependence on God as pride is independence of Him.” Archbishop Sheen

“Right is right even if nobody does it. Wrong is wrong even if everybody is wrong about it.” GK Chesterton

[Greek] ἀνατρέπω (anatrepō), [Latin] subvertere: to overturn, to destroy, to overthrow, to subvert, to ruin; Jn.2:15, 2Tim.2:18, Tit.1:11

Pope Pius X was very prophetic in saying that traditional Catholics would be called “rigid” and “intolerant”. These liberal Catholics (Modernists/Synodalists) are seeking to create a Synodal Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to seize, to overthrow, to upset, to ruin, to refute, to be upset, and to divert.

Sophocles’ Trachinae 1009: “You have wakened the pain that was quiet. Now it has seized me.”

Demosthenes’ On the Crown 18.296: “They have overthrown forever that freedom and independence which to the Greeks of an earlier age were the very standard and canon of prosperity.”

Aeschine’ Against Timarchus 1.190: “Many men of this sort have overthrown cities. That the impulse to do wrong is from the wickedness of mean.”

Herodotus’ the Histories 1.32: “For the god promises fortune to many people and then utterly ruins them.”

Aristophanes’ Wasps 671: “Pay tribute to me, they say, or I shall loose the lightning on your town and destroy it.”

Tropaeum Traiani: This monument was built in 109 AD to commemorate Roman Emperor Trajan’s victory (turning point) over the Dacians.

Old Testament: This term means to increase, to push down to thrust, to drive away, to depose, to extend, to bind, to loose, and to be broken.

New Testament:

Jn.2:15: “He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.” (The money-changers engaged in commerce in the outer court of the temple where the Gentiles gathered. They were turning this worship space in to a marketplace.)

2Tim.2:18: “[Avoid those] who have deviated from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some.”

1. False teachers in Ephesus promoted controversies, empty speculations, personal opinions, and verbal tricks that distracted believers from sound doctrine and Godly living.
2. Such disputes unsettle consciences, divide churches, and cause error.
3. Making oneself acceptable to God requires faithfulness, devotion and obedience, integrity, enduring, and being living sacrifices.
4. When truth is neglected, error gains influence, and careless words prepare the way for corrupt beliefs and conduct.
5. False teaching spreads like gangrene, threatening the whole body. False teaching corrupts faith, unsettles believers, and damages the life of the Church.
6. Hymenaeus and Philetus had been disciplined for blasphemy for promoting the error that the resurrection had already occurred

Tit.1:11: “It is imperative to silence them, as they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what they should not.” (False teachers threatened the stability of young congregations in Crete. Financial greed exposed the corrupt motives behind their teaching. False teachers confused individuals, brought spiritual disorder into families. The household was a central setting for Christian worship, discipleship, and hospitality.)

[Greek] ἐκτρέπω (ektrepō), [Latin] convertere, [Latin] devitare, [Latin] errare, [French] tourner, [French] se changer: to turn away, to avoid, to put out of joint, to turn aside, to deflect, to sprain, to shun; 1Tim.1:6, 1Tim.5:15, 1Tim.6:20, 2Tim.4:4, Heb.12:13

1Tim.1:6: “Some people have deviated from these sound teachings and turned to meaningless talk.” (Paul warned Timothy against false doctrines. Paul instructed Timothy not to teach false doctrines, myths, speculations, and human traditions. Some claim to be teachers of the law, but without understanding what they are saying or doing.)

1 Tim.5:15: “For some [younger widows] have already turned away to follow Satan.” (This can certainly apply to anyone. Like some widows, some choose a path of sensuality, lack of self-denial, turning away from the culture, idleness, mischief , WALKING ACCORDING TO THE WORLD, following false teachers, and condemning marriage.)

1Tim.6:20: “O, Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid profane babbling and the absurdities of so-called knowledge.”

1. Paul was warning against heretical teachers.
2. Gnosticism was the great enemy of the Church.
3. Paul was referring to speculations, myths, special knowledge, and heresies.
4. Paul warns about heretical teachers and heretical teachings. The faith must be safeguarded.

2Tim. 4:3-4: “The time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers. They will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.” (Paul tells Timothy to persistently proclaim the Word, whether it is convenient or inconvenient. One must convince, reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching.)

[Greek] διαστρέφω (diastrephō), [Latin] pervertere, [Latin] perversus, [Latin] subvertere, [Latin] avertere, [French] ruiner, [French] detourner; Mt.17:17, Lk.9:41, Lk.23:2, Acts 13:8,10, Acts 20:30, Php.2:15

Acts 13:10: “You son of the devil, you enemy of deceit and fraud. Will you not stop twisting the straight paths of the Lord?” (Paul confronted Elymas, exposing his resistance to the gospel. Jesus identifies those who knowingly opposed and twisted God’s truth as children of the devil. Elymas used false spiritual claims and deliberate manipulation to mislead others.)

Acts 20:30: “And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them.” (Paul warned the Ephesian elders that danger would arise within the Church’s own leadership.)

1. Paul warned the Ephesian elders that danger would arise within the Church’s own leadership.
2. False teachers often gain influence because they are known, trusted and able to present error in familiar religious language.
3. Ambition, pride and a desire for personal authority can corrupt those who hold spiritual responsibility.
4. The elders are to remain watchful over themselves as well as over the Church.
5. Paul had repeatedly defended the truth against those who added human works (traditions).
6. Sound doctrine protects the Church from teachings that appear spiritual but turn believers away from the gospel.
7. True shepherds point the flock to the Chief Shepherd.
8. False shepherds build factions around their own authority, ideas, human traditions, and reputation.

Etymology:

1. The Greek verb means to turn (-trepo) up (ana-).
2. The Latin verb subvertere means to turn upside down, to overturn, or to overthrow.
3. The past participle of the Latin verb subvertere is subversive.
4. The Latin noun trophaeum is a sign of victory (monument) of a turning point (victory) of a battle.
5. This leads to the present-day word trophy.
6. A trope is a figure of speech that has turned away from its ordinary sense.

Conclusion:

Subvert, subversive, trophy, trope

Greek Hellenism: this term take on some more nuanced meanings: being upset, refuting, diverting, ruining, and exacerbating

New Testament:

1. It has been speculated that about one million Jews traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover.
2. It was necessary for merchants to sell sheep, oxen and other supplies for visitors.
3. Jesus had overthrown the money-changers’ tables because they took up space in the Gentiles’ outer court, preventing them from worshipping.
4. The Gentiles’ outer court was to be the starting point for the universal Church consisting of Gentiles.

Update: More German “false compassion”: a German theological professor says that Church has to go further with implementing Amoris Latetitia. (Further straying from Church teachings. Shocker!)

It has become very evident that Pope Leo’s Synodal ideology has NOT slowed down. It seems that Pope Leo is becoming more emboldened in implementing his Synodal agenda.

More Synodal ecumenism: Freemasonry has taken great pleasure in Pope Leo’s election.

A German Catholic church hosted a concert featuring Taylor Swift’s music NEAR THE ALTAR! This is liturgical sacrilege on so many levels.

Pope Leo: the world needs ecumenical witness to Christ. How about instead following Jesus’ command to make disciples to bring souls into heaven? Just a thought.

The Vatican Synod proposes that lay woman officiate at weddings. The Synodal Church continues to INTENTIONALLY blur the lines of vocation and gender roles in the Church.

Pope Leo will join nearly 400 leaders of false religions in Assisi for the “spiritual unification” of the world. Pope Leo is more interested in ecumenism and faith differences than in following Jesus’ command to make disciples and to bring souls into heaven.

Pope Leo continues to appoint bishops who have participated in Panchamama idol ceremonies.

Pope Leo has claimed that Catholics and Lutherans have a shared mission in the world. Yes, that is true. But Pope Leo is not interested in bringing Lutherans into the Catholic Church.

Continuing and developing Amoris Laetitia: A Vatican theologian suggests that new ways of being family (redefining the family structure). Shocker!

Just as Paul warned about Church leaders perverting the doctrine in the Church, Pope Pius X made the same warning:

“For as we have said, [Modernists (and later Synodalists)] put their designs for her ruin into operation NOT FROM WITHOUT BUT FROM WITHIN; the danger is present in the very veins and heart of the Church.” (from the Pope Pius X’s encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis)

Even Pope Pius X claims that IT IS NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL TO CRITICIZE AND CALL OUT THE MODERNISTS AND SYNODALISTS WHO ARE WREAKING HAVOC ON THE CHURCH!

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Your division has perverted many; it has brought many to despair, many to doubting, and all of us to sorrow. And your sedition still continues.” Pope Clement I

“In every sin, we choose to believe the devil’s lie rather than God’s truth.” Peter Kreeft

“You don’t want to be so open minded that your brains fall out!” GK Chesterton

“We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.” GK Chesterton

“It is an error to believe that Christ did not teach a determined body of doctrine applicable to all times and to all men.” Pope Pius X

“The true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators, but traditionalist.” Pope Pius X

[Greek] ἀνέχομαι (anechomai), [Latin] adferre, [Latin] sustinere, [Latin] subportare, [Latin] patere, [Latin] sufferere, [French] endurer, [French] maintenir: Mt.17:17, Mk.9:19, Lk.9:41, Acts 18:14, 1Cor.4:12, 2Cor.11:1,4,19-20, Eph.4:2, Col.3:13, 2Thess.1:4, 2Tim.4:3, Heb.13:22

Acceptance, inclusion, and tolerance, and “being pastoral” have lead to both clergy (and laity) ignoring, undermining, or criticizing Church teachings. This further leads to doctrinal and liturgical confusion (ambiguity).

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to endure, to bear, and to abide.

Plato’s Phaedo 109e: “If this nature was strong enough to bear the sight, he would recognize that this is the real heaven.”

Sophocles’ Ajax 660: “Ever since I took into my hand this gift from Hector, my greatest enemy, I have gotten no good from Greeks. The gifts of enemies are not gifts and bring no good.”

Homer’s Iliad 1.586: “Be patient, my mother, and endure for all your grief.”

Old Testament: This term means to endure, to bear, to put up with, to restrain oneself, and to receive (accept) someone or something.

New Testament: This term means to endure, to accept (tolerate), and to forbear (be patient with). If you will put up with me, I will only illustrate scriptural passages regarding questionable behavior. ☺☺☺

Mt.17:17: “Jesus said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.'” (Jesus chides the scribes’ unbelief and the disciples’ lack of faith. Jesus pointed out the disciples’ little faith [lack of trust] that Jesus was the Messiah. This inevitably results in their failure to heal the possessed boy.)

1Cor.4:12: “When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure.”

Paul criticizes the Corinthians’ behavior:

1. Paul warns that the Corinthians must not go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride, false wisdom, vain speculation, arrogance, and self-importance.
2. Paul reminds the Corinthians about what gives them this distinction. These gifts come from God. Why are you boasting?
3. Paul tells them that they have become satisfied, have become like kings, and have become a spectacle to all.
4. Paul reminds them that Christians must be like fools (seen by the world) in focusing on Christ.
5. In contrast, Paul calls the Corinthians ‘wisdom’ as being ‘full of themselves’.
6. Paul reminds them that Christians must endure when persecuted.
7. Enduring must involve patience, perseverance, no ill will, no revenge, and no retribution.

2Cor.11:4: “For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough.” (Paul points out that his opponents are identified with a cunning spirit. A perverted message of Christianity has been caused by satanic influences. The battle for minds has to do with the understanding of Jesus, the Spirit, and the gospel. The Corinthians have flirted with a different understanding than the traditional one Paul has down to them.)

2Cor.11:19: “For you gladly put up with fools, since you are wise yourselves.” (Paul criticizes the Corinthians’ “wisdom” in tolerating other questionable people and ideas. As a result, the Corinthians would tolerate and become enslaved (captivated and seduced) by these foolish ideas.)

2Tim.4:3: “For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, following their own desires and curiosity, and will accumulate teachers.” (Paul calls upon his followers to be courageous, patient, constant, and enduring in proclaiming the word in the face of opposition, hostility, indifference, and persecution. Paul calls upon on his followers to be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient and to convince, reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching.)

Mt.17:17: “Jesus said, ‘O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.'” (Jesus chides the people’s unbelief and disciples’ lack of faith. Jesus pointed out the disciples’ little faith [lack of trust] in their failure to heal the possessed boy.)

1Cor.4:12: “When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure.”

Paul criticizes the Corinthians’ behavior:

1. Paul warns that the Corinthians must NOT go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride, false wisdom, vain speculation, arrogance, and self-importance.
2. Paul reminds the Corinthians about what gives them this distinction. These gifts come from God. Why are you boasting?
3. Paul tells them that they have become satisfied, have become like kings, and have become a spectacle to all.
4. Paul reminds them that Christians must be like fools (seen by the world) in focusing on Christ.
5. In contrast, Paul calls the Corinthians ‘wisdom’ as being ‘full of themselves’.
6. Paul reminds them that Christians must endure when persecuted.
7. Enduring must involve patience, perseverance, no ill will, no revenge, and no retribution.

2Cor.11:1: “If only you would put up with a little foolishness from me [Paul].” (Paul ironically and cuttingly points out the Corinthians’ ‘toleration’ for others. Paul points out his ‘foolish’ confidence in Christ.)

2Cor.11:4: “For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough.” (Paul points out that his opponents are identified with a cunning spirit. A perverted message of Christianity has been caused by satanic influences. The battle for minds has to do with the understanding of Jesus, the Spirit, and the gospel. The Corinthians have flirted with a different understanding than the traditional one Paul has down to them.)

2Cor.11:20: “For if you put up with it if someone enslaves you, or devours you, or gets the better of you, or puts on airs, or slaps you in the face.” (False teachers and satanic influences.)

1. Enslaves you: destroying others’ freedoms, being enslaved by sin, embracing error and heresy, tolerating others sinful and evil deeds, enduring insults, receiving discrimination.
2. Devours you: imposing one’s will on others, taking advantage of others, being intolerant to others.
3. Putting on airs: exalting oneself, being full of oneself, taking advantage of one’s authority.

2Tim.4:3: “For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, following their own desires and curiosity, and will accumulate teachers.” (Paul calls upon his followers to be courageous, patient, constant, and enduring in proclaiming the word in the face of opposition, hostility, indifference, and persecution. Paul calls on his followers to be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient and to convince, reprimand, and encourage through all patience and teaching.)

False Compassion: “A person in authority who deprives his subject of the truth when he says, even with the best intention of helping them, ‘You may ignore the teachings of the Magisterium: God’s laws are too hard for you.’ By that he says in effect, ‘You are not and never be strong and good enough to adhere to these laws.’ Catholic psychiatrist Conrad Barrs

1.  Catholic psychiatrist Conrad Baars: “A person in authority who deprives his subject of the truth when says, even with the best of intentions of helping them, ‘You may ignore the teachings of the Magisterium. God’s laws are too hard for you.’
2. This is essentially saying, ‘You are not and never will be strong and good enough to adhere to these laws.’ (You can live by another morality.)
3.  This is essentially the Church’s “outreach” to the LGBTQ community. The Church is accommodating and tolerate this sinful lifestyle.
4. Inclusion, tolerance, false compassion, and fear of offending the LGBT community essentially take precedence over Church teachings against homosexuality. This is Synodality becoming an IDOL.
5. By refusing or failing to state Church teachings (and sin), the Church is permitting many souls to be put in eternal peril of mortal sin at the judgment. The Church is tolerating this practice. Let that sink in!

What did Pope Leo XIII say about ecumenism?

1. He taught that Christianity is visible grounded in faith, sacraments, and governance.
2. He rejected the idea of an invisible or merely spiritual Church.
3. He affirmed that full unity requires adherence to the authority established by Christ in the Catholic Church.
4. He wrote that those who accept only parts of Christian doctrine do not rely on faith, but on their own judgment.
5. He wrote that the unity of the Church as inseparable from obedience to Christ.
6. He urged others to acknowledge the orthodoxy of Catholic doctrine and to reject Protestant theological positions.
7. He holds to the traditional Catholic understanding of ecumenism in bringing other faiths into the fold of Catholic Church.

How does Pope Leo XIV seek to find ecumenism?

1. He advocates the pursuit of Christian unity in the dialogue between Churches and ecclesial communities.
2. He advocates for a forward looking ecumenical framework “seeking reconciliation through dialogue as we share gifts and spiritual heritage.”
3. He states that contemporary unity “does not imply an ecumenism that attempts to return to prior divisions.”
4. He would be open to remove the Filoque [theological controversy] for the sake of unity with other faiths. (The Filoque was added to address a heresy in Western Europe.)
5. He proposes that the Nicene Creed would be the basis and reference point for offering a model for “true unity.”
6. He proposes a Synodal approach for ecumenism rather than traditionally bringing other faiths into the fold of the Catholic Church. Let that sink in!
7. He claims that “different faith are already one.” (This contradicts Catholic teaching that Christian unity is grounded in shared faith, sacraments, and governance.
8. He minimizes and disregards the notion that the Catholic Church already contains the fullness of Truth. Then why is seeking ecumenism with other faiths?
9. The traditional Catholic understanding of ecumenism has been inverted (from inwards to outwards).
10. He now is advocating for promoting ecumenism and for celebrating faith differences.

Changing Church teachings for purposes of being ecumenical.

1. Pre-Vatican II: The Church of Christ IS the Catholic Church.  (“Outside the Church there is NO salvation.” The Church remains as a divine institution SEPARATE from the world.)
2. Vatican II: The Church of Christ SUBSISTS in the Catholic Church. Any concept of the Catholic as being necessary for salvation has been minimized or eroded in order to be ecumenical. There begins a new “spirit” of ecumenism accommodating other faiths.
3. At Vatican II, Pope Paul VI worked with a commission of Protestant theologians to create a more “Protestantized” Novus Order Mass with the focus on a community meal rather than a sacrifice. Let that sink in!
4. Synodality: Jesus’ divine Church is becoming transformed into worldly synodal “listening” Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences. Clergy and laity (both Catholic and non-Catholic are no involved in defining the Church: decision making authority regarding vocations, Church organization, Church teachings, and Church doctrine. ===> huge red flag. The Church is tolerating this practice. Let that sink in!
5. Synodality (lived experiences, tolerance, inclusion, and false compassion) take precedence over Church teachings. The Church is tolerating this practice. Let that sink in!
6. Pope Leo evidently seeks to double down on synodal ecumenism with other faiths. Pope Leo erroneously claims that Pope Leo XIII as an early champion of ecumenism.
7. Synodal ecumenism has become a new cunning spirit overtaking the Church.

Conclusion:

Patience, patient, suffer, suffering, passion, sustain, endure, endurance, support

Sophocles makes reference to the notion of accepting gifts (beware of Greek bearing gifts.)

Old Testament: God continues to put up man’s sinful and fallen nature. Moses makes reference to a twisted and perverse generation worshipping idols, devoid of reason, lacking in understanding, forgetting God, and being foolish. Sound familar?

Paul makes references to the Corinthians’ supposed “wisdom”: “We’re good here, you can just move along.”

Paul points out the Corinthians’ tolerance of heresy, immorality, and corruption. These opponents are identified with the cunning serpent.

Update: In his encyclical Caritatis Studium (1898), Pope Leo XII directly invited the Anglican into reconciliation with Rome.

It has been reported that the USCCB have devoted 90% of their budget to immigration and refugee settlement but only 1% to pro-life activities. What does this say about their priorities?

Pro-life Catholics and Christians are now called “extreme”, “hateful, and “anti-abortion.”

Ignoring Jn.8:11 [Go and sin no more] may lead people to think that Jesus says nothing about people sinning. This presents a skewed version of Jesus.

Why is the Vatican still allowing the German bishops to continue their heretical synodal “reform” and “renewal”?

Ignoring Jn.8:12: [Whoever follows Me will NOT walk in darkness] leads people to think sinful people are following Jesus. This also presents a skewed version of Jesus.

The German Synodal Church is now tolerating the notion of removing celibacy, acceptance of homosexuality, and women deacons/women priests. They are tolerating upending Church teachings and practices.

Toleration, inclusion, “mercy above all else” and false compassion” can potentially become slippery slopes to confusion, heresy, and sin.

Why is it that Vatican allows SSPX bishop appointments in China but not with the SSPX organization itself? Can you say hypocrisy?

Bishop Eleganti: The Church is suffering internal schism because pope, bishops “tolerate” heresies. Heresies are no longer identified and punished in the Catholic Church today.

Quotes on tolerance by Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

“Tolerance is an attitude of reasoned patience toward evil. Tolerance applies only to persons… never to truth.”

“It is up to you, the laity, to remind our priests to be priests and our bishops to be bishops.” (These are the many times when the laity are calling upon the silent and cowardly clergy to speak out about grave issues.)

“Evil preaches tolerance until it is dominant, then it tries to silence good.” Archbishop Charles Chaput

“The equal toleration of all religions is the same as atheism.” Pope Leo XIII   (This is a very timely comment on the Synodal Church.)

“THE WORST KIND OF HERETIC IS THE ONE, WHILE TEACHING MOSTLY TRUE CATHOLIC DOCTRINE, ADDS A WORD OF HERESY, LIKE A DROP OF POISON IN THE WATER.” Pope Leo XIII  (This is also a very timely comment on the Synodal Church.)

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-claims-leo-xiii-as-early-champion-of-ecumenism/?utm_source=twittercath

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/bishop-eleganti-the-church-is-suffering-internal-schism-because-pope-bishops-tolerate-heresies/?utm_source=digest-catholic-2026-02-03

[Greek] ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi), [Latin] resistere, [Latin] avertere, [French] detourner: to resist, to stand against, to withstand, to cope, to set against; Mt.5:39, Lk.21:15, Acts 6:10, Acts 13:8, Rom.9:19, Rom.13:2, Gal.2:11, Eph.6:13, 2Tim.3:8, 2Tim.4:15, Jas.4:7, 1Pet.5:9

Pope Leo XIII prophetically warned about man’s human reason stripping away divine authority in society. Pope Pius X later develops this idea at the individual level. One will look inside himself/herself in finding the consciousness of God in his/her human reason and visible world. (Divine immanence)

Pope Leo XIV now wants to further strip away doctrinal/scriptural guardrails, divine authority, and Jesus’ commandments/restrictions  ===> calling for a Church that is an “open house” and “listens without judging.” Shocker!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to set against, to match with, to withstand, to hold out, and to hinder.

Plutarch’s Theseus 1: “With such a warrior who will dare to fight? When I shall I set against him?”

Homer’s Iliad 16.305: “They still sought to withstand him.”

Sophocles Ajax 1231: “So it is you, they tell me, who dared open your mouth wide to make fierce threats against us–and are you still unpunished?”

Sophocles’ Tracking Satyrs 256: “I won’t put up with your loud quarrelsome words.”

Old Testament: This term means to be alert, to be courageous, to cause strife, to take a stand, to resist, to rebel, to contend, to be strong, to be insolent, to deceive, and to be hardened.

New Testament: This term means to resist (oppose), to offer no resistance, and to be unable to resist. For purposes of brevity, Jesus’ teachings on turning the other check (Mt.5:39) is mentioned in another post.  https://resoundingthefaith.com/2020/11/16/greek-%e1%bc%80%ce%bd%ce%b8%ce%af%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b9-anthistemi-latin-contendere-latin-resistere/   (How can I resist not being able to promote another post! ☺☺☺

Lk.21:15:  “I shall give you a wisdom in speaking [from the Holy Spirit] that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” (Some will be persecuted, imprisoned, and brought before authorities. You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. You will be hated because of Me but by your perseverance, you will secure your lives.) 

Acts 6:10: “But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which Stephen spoke.” (Stephen’s defense provides an indictment of the Jews opposing the prophets and the Holy Spirit. Stephen diminishes the temple of Mosaic law and elevates Jesus’ stature. The differences between Judaism and Christianity become more apparent. The major impetus of the Christian movement shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch.)

Rom.9:19: “You will say to me then, ‘Why then does He still find fault? For who can oppose His will?'”

1. This question addresses the issue of divine justice and human responsibility.
2. There is often a tension between God’s sovereignty and human accountability.
3. God grants us free will to do as we choose.
4. God will even allow those to become hard-hearted [like Pharaoh] if it serves God’s divine Providence.
5. Those who are hard-hearted will still be held accountable for their actions.

Rom.13:2: “Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.”

1. Paul instructs those who to defer to the authority of earthly and secular governing authorities.
2. God is still sovereign over all nations and rulers.
3. It is important to recognize that these rulers are sometimes imperfect.
4. God still uses imperfect leaders to accomplish His purposes.
5. These principles align with Jesus’ teaching to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Eph.6:13: “Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and to hold your ground.” (Paul alludes to the Christian who must act like a battle-prepared soldier in fighting against evil. The evil day is the period of time of Satan’s evil works.)

1Pet.5:9: “Resist him [devil], steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.”

Resist him: Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. This requires vigilance and strength. The devil is a real adversary.

Standing firm in your faith: Steadfastness in faith is required in resisting the devil. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but also trust and reliance on God.

Acknowledging fellow believers: This underscores the familial bonds among Christians. This shared struggle fosters solidarity and encouragement. This shared experience of suffering serves to unite believers during these trials.

Gal.2:11: “And when Cephas came to Antioch, I [Paul] opposed him to this face because he clearly was wrong.” (Paul’s confrontation with Peter illustrates the tension with Jewish and Gentile believers. Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers, due to peer pressure from certain Jewish Christians. Paul criticized Peter for not following the Gospel and for not showing that salvation is by faith alone, not by adherence to the Law.)

Antihistamine: This is a substance (drug) that counteracts or blocks the effects of a histamine which causes the symptoms of hay fever and allergies.

The Church: another sign of contradiction:

1. When the Church opposes and contradicts the culture ===> the Church grows
2. When the Church faces persecution and opposition from the culture ===> the Church grows
3. When the Church moves with the world (Vatican II and Synodality) ==> the Church falters and stagnates
4. Not surprisingly, the parts of the Church OPPOSING AND RESPONDING AGAINST Synodality ===> resurgence of Traditional Catholicism and the TLM (not Synodality!) ===> this part of the Church grows
5. A CHURCH THAT OPPOSES AND CONTRADICTS THE CULTURE ===> MOVES THE WORLD

Man’s pride resisting the God’s objective law in society:

1. Pope Leo warned against replacing God’s objective law with human nature.
2. He points out the false pride of man as the source of authority.
3. This lead to a collective spiritual selfishness.

Man’s religious sentiment (lived experiences) replacing God’s authority.

1. Pope Pius X warned that external supernatural revelation (truth) would be reduced to an internal human sentiment.
2. He declares that the human mind and subconscious becomes the creator of dogma.
3. This standardizes making religious truth self referential.
4. Making an open Church that does not judge: this further strips away divine authority

Conclusion:

Antihistamine, histamine, resist, resistance, contend, contention, detour

Update: The Modernists and Synodalists are causing much damage to the Church: synodal innovations, confusion, chaos, worldliness, heresy, and evil.

Resisting (remaking) the truth in the image of man: refusing to follow Jesus’ commands (to sin no more), making Synodality (lived experiences) an idol, paying lip service to Church teachings.

The differences between Synodality (worldly ecumenical Church) and Tradition (divine Church and traditional teachings) are also becoming much more apparent.

The Church in Germany and Spain has been declining. This has become an indictment against the conciliar and synodal Church. Synodality, making the Church more worldly, will only exacerbate these problems. 

Pope Leo XIII, already foreseeing the rise of secular human pride in society, sought to reclaim God’s rights and divine authority in society.

Pope Pius X foresaw that God’s consciousness would be defined in one’s human reason and visible world. This leads religious sentiments and lived experiences defining the Church. ====> A SYNODAL CHURCH MADE IN THE IMAGE OF MAN AND HIS LIVED EXPERIENCES.

Young women being spiritually counter-cultural: more young women, gravitating toward the TLM, are veiling themselves.

The Synodal Church losing its traditions: it has been claimed that perhaps as much as 65% of clergy do not have an understanding of Latin.

Satan can “inspire” rebellion, heresy, apostasy, division, liturgical chaos and confusion, busyness, distraction, pride, worldliness, spiritual dryness, secularlism, and increased vulnerability to sin. Satan only needs to make one forget about God.

Cardinal Sarah: normalizing LGBTQ is a rebellion against the Cross. This undermines Jesus’ mission to overcome sin.

Stabbing Pope Benedict XVI in the back: Pope Leo awards the Ratzinger Prize to a theologian that says that the TLM is deficient.

St. Peter’s is open to LGBTQ but not the Archbishop Schneiders TLM. (This illustrates Pope Leo’ enmity against traditional Catholicism.)

Pope Leo opposes the use of Mary’s titles of  Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces. Shocker! (Evidently, this will no doubt offend the Protestants and non-Catholics.)

Another indication that the Synodal Church being a different Church that Jesus established: Jesus associated with sinners, but He did not tolerate their sinful lifestyles. Jesus DID NOT CREATE AN OPEN CHURCH. Jesus judged!

Synodal verbal gymnastics:

1. The “Holy Spirit of Surprises”: Synodal leaders often use this term to promote their Synodal innovations. This is deceitful and evil. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN ONLY STAND FOR TRUTH!
2. Fiducia Supplicans: Supporters always say that this refers to the individuals in the same-sex unions, but not the “marriage arrangement.”

Moslem organizations in France express concern for the renewal of Catholicism in France. (And that is a very good thing!)

Pope Leo claims that the death penalty is admissible on the dignity of the person. This represents a defiant rejection of God’s mandate (found in scripture and Tradition) of the death penalty for murderers.

Defiance against Tradition: many believe that “rigidity” is the cause for the obstacle against women deacons and women priests.

Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, welcomes and praises the heretical woman Anglican bishop who supports abortion. This is scandalous Synodal ecumenism!

God’s Providence and resistance against Synodality:

1. Continuing Synodal hard-heartedness: The Synodal Church leadership continues to marginalize the faithful with Traditiones Custodes.
2. Continuing Synodal hard-heartedness: Perhaps God is permitting this Synodal hard-heartedness to allow others to have a longing for Tradition and doctrinal clarity.
3. Younger generations of priests and seminarians are more traditional and conservative in response to liberal and progressive theology of Vatican II and Synodality.
4. Aside from Traditiones Custodes the Synodal Church is UNABLE to stop this desire for Tradition and the TLM.
5. Protestants are becoming Catholic because they are discovering the Catholic practices of the Early Church. It is NOT because of Synodality.
6. We only need to look at Acts 5:38-39 to understand who will prevail in this tension between Synodality (human activity) and Tradition (Holy Spirit -inspired activity).
7. Tradition, doctrinal clarity, and traditional practices will provide TRUE REFORM and TRUE RENEWAL for the Church.

“One must resist the pope who openly destroys the Church.” St. Cajetan

“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St. Augustine.

“The truth suffers, but never dies.” St. Teresa of Avila.

“A dead thing can go with the stream.” GK Chesterton  (This sounds like a Church moves with the moral current and culture. Sound likes the Synodal Church.)

“But only a living thing can go against it.” GK Chesterton  (This sounds like an active and lively Church that opposes the moral current and culture.)

[Greek] ἀπειθέω (apeitheō), [Latin] incredulus, [Latin] adsumentum, [Latin] non credere, [Latin] adquiescere, [Latin] infidelis: to disobey, to reject, to disbelieve, to conspire; 17 scriptures

The human tradition of Nostra Aetate TAKES PRECEDENCE over Jesus’ divine command to make disciples of all nations and to bring souls into heaven. This has become the priority of the Conciliar/Synodal Church (Vatican). LET THAT SINK IN!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to disobey, to reject, and to not abide.

Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.5.5: “For confidence breads carelessness, lackness and disobedience; fear makes men more attentive, more amenable to discipline.”

Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 1049: “Since you are in the toils of destiny, perhaps you will obey; if you are so inclined, but perhaps you will not.”

Euripides’ Orestes 31: “Still it was his obedience to the god that made him kill her.”

Old Testament: This term denotes the sinful attitude (disobedience) of the people.

New Testament: This term means to disobey, to disbelieve, and to reject.

Jn.3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” (Having faith means being subject to the will of the Son. Such unbelief leaves a person separated from God and unable to receive the life found in His Son. Apart from Christ, humanity remains under condemnation because sin has not been forgiven.)

Acts 14:2-3: “Paul and Barnabas spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks came to believe, although the disbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers.”

1. The Jews were greatly provoked by the growing success of the gospel. Jewish opponents actively enlisted Gentile resistance against the Christians.
2. False reports and hostile accusations turned the Gentiles against the Christians.
3. Opposition to Christ often works through distortion, suspicion, and slander rather than open examination of the truth.
4. As the serpent deceived Eve, I am afraid that your thoughts may be corrupted. CORRUPTION OF MINDS IS SATANIC ACIVITY (2Cor. 1:3)

Acts 19:9: “But when some in their obstinacy and disbelief disparaged the Way before the assembly, Paul withdrew and took his disciples with him and began to hold daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” (The unbelieving Jews sought to wreak their hatred against Paul by stirring up suspicion among the Gentiles. The Way becomes synonymous with the gospel. The Christians were still perceived as a sect by the Jews.)

Rom.2:5-8: “By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, your storing up…wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness.” (God’s judgment exposes the one’s deepest desires [whether self-seeking or humble]. God has made His Truth known through creation, conscience, scripture and Christ. Rejecting such truth illustrates disobedience, willfulness, knowledge, and unrighteousness against God.) 

Rom.11:30: “Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience.” (Gentile believers once lived apart from knowledge, worship, and covenant privileges serving idols and desires opposed to God’s will. Salvation comes through God’s compassion to those who could not save themselves. Mercy does not excuse sin; mercy rescues sinners and brings them into obedient faith. Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiahs leads to mercy for the Gentiles.) 

1Pet.2:7-8: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. A stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall.” (Christ is the cornerstone of the foundation of the Christian community. To unbelievers, Christ is an obstacle and stumbling block on which they are destined to fall. Jesus is a stumbling stone for the disobedient.)

[Greek] ἀπείθεια (apeitheia), [Latin] incredulitatem, [Latin] diffidentia: disobedience, unbelief, obstinancy

Eph.2:1-2: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you live following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient.” (The Ephesians were following a path of sin, alienation, moral corruption, rebellion against and the elevating of self. Satan, the ruler (prince) of the world, is engaged in a spiritual and moral conflict against God and Christians. These sons of disobedience are spiritually blind, governed by sinful desire, and are unable to free themselves from sin.)

Changing Church teachings for purposes of being ecumenical.

1. Pre-Vatican II: The Church of Christ IS the Catholic Church. (“Outside the Church there is NO salvation.” The Church remains as a divine institution SEPARATE from the world.) The supreme law of the Catholic Church is to bring souls into heaven.
2. Vatican II: The Church of Christ SUBSISTS in the Catholic Church. Any concept of the Catholic as being necessary for salvation has been minimized or eroded in order to be ecumenical. There begins a new “spirit” of ecumenism accommodating other faiths.
3. Synodality: Jesus’ divine Church is becoming transformed into worldly synodal “listening” Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences. The Synodal Church is more interested in MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than bringing souls into heaven.
4. The Vatican/Synodal Church just celebrated the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. (This is celebrating ecumenism, not bringing in the faithful into the Catholic Church.)
5. Synodal ecumenism has become a new cunning HUMAN spirit overtaking the Church.

Disobeying, excluding and ignoring Jesus’ commands to sin no more: (Jn.8:11-12):

1. Jesus is often presented as being both infinitely merciful and and infinitely tolerable. Jesus associated with sinners but He did NOT tolerate their sinful behavior.
2. Unfortunately, Jn.8:11-12 is rarely mentioned by the Church and clergy. There is NOT enough focus on Jesus’ statements on sin.
3. There are clergy who do not mention sin and Jesus’ statements on sin. These clergy, failing in their duty to properly catechize the faithful, are putting many people’s eternal souls in peril.
4. The Church instead focuses more on inclusion, tolerance, false compassion rather than on sin, Jesus’ statements on sin, forgiveness, and conversion of heart.
5. Jn. 8:12: “Whoever follows Me will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”, in other words, ===> [Whoever does NOT follow Me will walk in darkness].

Practical atheism: Cardinal Sarah and Pope Benedict XVI warned us about moral relativism and practical atheism [paying lip-service to God and Church teachings]. (This is disobedience and ignoring Church teachings.)

Indifferentism: This is the belief that differences of religious belief are not important. This results from questionable ecumenism resulting in accepting others faith differences. (This is also disobedience against Jesus’ command to make disciples, to teach them, and to bring souls into heaven.)

Conclusion:

Apathy, apathetic, incredible, incredulous, indifferent, indifference, acquiescent, acquiescence, infidel, infidelity, assumption

God’s mercy is much more than one’s disobedience. The age of this world is filled with many forms of disobedience.

Update: The Vatican continues to ignore and pay lip service to the Church’s teachings against homosexuality. Some clergy are even celebrating this lifestyle. As a result, there continues to be a large LGBTQ “outreach”.

The Conciliar/Synodal Church primary mission now to seek ecumenism and to respect others’ faith, to NOT BRING SOULS INTO HEAVEN!

Bishop Robert Boxie claims that there is racism in the Church. He is allegedly gave money to a radical pro-abortion Democrat.

Declaring war with Traditiones Custodes: Cardinal Sarah says we cannot declare war on who prefer the TLM.

Pope Leo’s animosity against Tradition and traditional Catholics: Pope Leo refuses and audience request from for a major traditional Catholic pilgrimage to Rome.

Undermining Jesus’ sinlessness: the German media outlet Katholisch claims that Jesus Christ had “a tendency toward alcohol” and “an impulse control disorder”.

Undermining the Church’s teaching on gender: the St. Gallen diocese hosts a drag show.

Losing the faith in France: priests, parishes, baptisms, marriages, and religious orders have collapsed since 1980. However, traditionalist orders and institutes are growing. Despite the large turnout to receive Pope Leo, France’s faith situation remains uncertain.

Holy Spirit inspired movement toward Tradition and the TLM: the TLM, where allowed, continues to thrive, young adults are attracted to Tradition, Protestants are converting to Church by discovering that the early Church was Catholic, there is a growing number of younger seminarians and priest attracted to Tradition.

The USCCB, more curiously concerned with immigration and environmental issues, are perhaps are less forceful in speaking about spiritual issues, abortion, and  pro-life issues. 

Disobeying Church vocation practices: a German bishop state that the Church could ordain married man (because the Eastern Catholic Churches do this).

The installation Mass of Archbishop Magri invited an woman Anglican priests to “con-celebrate” the Mass. This is disobedience against Canon law, liturgical norms, and Church teachings.

The Synodal Church, more concerned about inclusion, tolerance, and false compassion, continue to ignore Jesus’s command to sin no more (Jn.8:11). They are disobeying Jesus’ command to SIN NO MORE.

Pope Pius X’s encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis warned us about Modernists who would seek to undermine the Church from within.

“All the evils of the world are due to lukewarm Catholics.” Pope Pius V

“Liberal Catholics are the worst enemies of the Catholic Church.” Pope Pius IX

“Liberal Catholics are wolves in sheep’s clothing. You will be called clerical, retrograde, and intolerant.” Pope Pius X

[Greek] κόσμος (kosmos), [Latin] cosmos: order, arrangement, world, cosmos, structure, adornment, unity, over 150 scriptures

The Conciliar/Synodal Church continues to accommodate the world and man. This Synodal Church is now also dabbling in ecological paganism, ecological spirituality, assigning divine qualities to the environment, ecological sins, pantheism, and panentheism.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THERE COULD NOW BE SOME ELEMENT OF TRUTH IN THIS PICTURE. GO FIGURE!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means world, universe, worldly affairs, adornment, and inhabitants of the world.

1. The world can be viewed in a spatial and temporal sense.
2. This term conveys the meanings of order, unity, adornment, and understanding of the cosmos and world.
3. Order infers unity between the totality and its parts.
4. The cosmic worldview entails the world, heaven, and universe.
5. The world can also be viewed in the sense of the inhabited world (individuals and the totality of humanity).
6. Satan is the ruler (prince) of this world. (Eph.2:2)
7. Satan is the god of this age. (2Cor.4:4)

Old Testament: This term means host of heaven, adornment, heaven, and earth.

New Testament: This term means universe, earth, world, system, people, adornment, tremendous amount, and enormous power.

Mt.4:8: “Then the devil took Him up to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence.” (Satan is the ruler (prince) of the world. Satan offered to give Jesus these kingdoms if He would worship him. Satan offered Him the wealth, splendor, prestige, and the power that the earthly kingdoms promised.)

Mt.18:7: “Woe to the world because of the things that cause sin. Such things must come, but woe to the one whom they come!”

1. Jesus warns against those who cause the little ones (children and humble believers) to sin.
2. It would be better to be drowned at sea with a great millstone around one’s neck than to cause these little ones to sin.
3. Those causing these little ones to sin will entail far greater divine judgment and punishment than one who drowns.
4. Those who are entrusted with influence (like teachers and leaders) bear serious responsibility for their words and conduct.
5. Jesus does not minimize the consequences of sin that corrupts and destroys another’s faith.
6. These such things are called skandalon (scandal).
7. This make reference to removing body parts (eyes, hands, feet) which cause this sin.

Jn.8:11-12: “Neither do I condemn you. Go [and] from now on do NOT sin any more…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jesus does not condemn but forgives the adulterous woman. Jesus’ forgiveness is NOT a license to continue in sin but to a call in a new way of life. Following Jesus involves faith, obedience, and a continued submission to His teaching. Darkness in life apart from God is marked by sin, spiritual blindness, and alienation from the Truth.)

Jn.9:39: “Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.'” (Jesus just healed a blind man. But this blind man also received spiritual sight when He believed and worshipped Jesus. The Pharisees’ claimed sight but became spiritually blinded when they rejected Jesus. The Pharisees, possessing confidence of their own knowledge and pride, becomes spiritually blinded. They are unable to see the light of Christ.)

Eph.2:1-2: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you followed the age of the world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient.”

1. Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience brought sin and death in the human race.
2. Ephesus was a prominent pagan city of occult worship, practices, wealth, and moral corruption.
3. It reflected humanity’s disobedience against God, elevating self, power, pleasure and created things rather than about God. Satan exercises real but limited power in this world (age).
4. This is a spiritual and moral battle. Christians are called to upon to put on armor to defend themselves in this battle.
5. Apart from Christ, people are spiritually blind, governed by sinful desires.
6. The Holy Spirit works in believers in fighting this battle.

Col. 2:8: “See to it that no one captivates you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.”

1. Paul warns others to be vigilant against false teaching and spiritual assaults against the gospel message.
2. He warns against belief systems of human traditions, speculation, religious practices.
3. These customs become dangerous when they detract from Christ and the gospel message.
4. The world’s fallen order is influenced by demonic, elementary, worldly and secular values.
5. Christ becomes the decisive standard for truth.

Gal:4:3: “In the same way we also, when were not of age, were enslaved to the elemental powers of the world.”

1. Like little children, the Gentiles lived in spiritual immaturity, separated from God’s covenant.
2. Neither the Mosaic Law nor paganism could free the people from sin, guilt and death.
3. These elementary principles, religious systems, and spiritual powers held both Jews and Gentiles in bondage.
4. The Jews were held bound to the laws of old covenant.
5. The Gentiles were held bound by idolatry, false worship, empty practices, and demonic deception.

Being seduced and enslaved to the elemental powers of the world:

1. Modernism starts from agnosticism. The external supernatural realities of God is unknowable.
2. Divine immanence: one’s religious sentiment and perception of God is REDUCED AND CONFINDED TO ONE’S HUMAN REASON AND THE VISIBLE WORLD.
3. One’s subjective religious sentiment and perception of God becomes flattened into the natural world.
4. This immanent nature of God presumes that the distinct boundary between God (the Creator) and creation (what is created) becomes blurred and erased.
5. This inevitably lead to creation becoming indistinct from God. The environment attains the attributes of God.
6. The Vatican is now heading into the direction of ecological worship, ecological sins, pantheism, panentheism, ecological spirituality, nature worship, and social sin.
7. Pantheism: the philosophical and religious belief that the universe (and everything in it) are identical to God.
8. Panentheism: the philosophical and religious belief that the divine (God) permeates every part of the universe but also extends beyond and transcends it.

Etymology: From the Greek adjective comes the word cosmetic, meaning skilled in adornment or arrangement. This term was first coined in the 1640’s. So it is not really difficult to see how cosmos can lead to cosmetics.

Conclusion:

Cosmos, cosmological, cosmetics

Greek Hellenism: It is was interesting to discover the various ranges of meanings like adornment and orderliness. These meanings can involve discipline, good behavior, fashion, and cosmetics (beautiful adornment). The Greeks viewed the cosmos as beautifully arranged, adorned, and ordered.

Old Testament: this term already has a theological sense, meaning adornments and heaven. It is significant to note that the Old Testament culture (and Judaism) later incorporate the Hellenistic understanding of the world. This will later become more significant as Jesus repeatedly makes references to the world in contrast to His heavenly kingdom.

Update: A Synodal Church accommodating the world: The Synodal Church is more focused on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than on bringing souls into heaven.  

New Conciliar/Synodal ecological spiritual response to healing modern society’s malaise: to get right with the environment. You can’t makes this up. Sadly, there is no mention of sin, morality, Church teachings, sin, conversion, and forgiveness.

Synodality has become a seductive philosophy according to human tradition: Celebrating lived experiences and asking the people what they want in the Church.

Synodality becoming an IDOL: Lived experiences (tolerance and inclusion) often TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings, doctrine, morality, and sin.

The Conciliar/Synodal Church is more focused on lived experiences, politics, immigration, social justice, environment, and human affairs rather than spiritual matters (doctrine, Church teachings, morality, sin, scripture, conversion/forgiveness.

The German bishops are only too happy to criticize the “far right” afD. Yet the American bishops are often hesitant to criticize the abortion policies of the Democrats and Democratic Socialists.

Pope Leo has recently appointed a bishop who participated in a Panchamama idol service in Peru. An earthquake surely followed. God will not be mocked.

Novus Order Mass: Quite frequently pagan idols, cultural (indigenous) dancing, and priestly sacrilege often seeking to undermine the sacredness of the Mass.

Many of us already acting like pagans bowing down to our electronic devices and technology. There is now an actual medical conditional called “tech neck” neck and shoulder strain.

The Conciliar/Synodal Church has lost the plot about remaining temporary earthly sojourners and citizens of heaven: [1Pet.2:11, Php.3:20, Eph.2:19] (The Church looks more like a United Nations NGO rather than the Church that Jesus established.)

Satan seeks to captivate and entice with worldliness, fame, wealth, likes, indulgences, and sin, spiritual dryness. Satan does not need to fully possess us. SATAN ONLY NEEDS TO MAKE US FORGET ABOUT GOD!

Being seduced to the elemental powers of the world: The Vatican is now dabbling into ecological worship, ecological spirituality, equating creation with God, pantheism, ecological conversion, care for our common home, eco-paganism.

Failing to follow Jesus’ command to SIN NO MORE: 

1. The Vatican’s LGBTQ “outreach” continues to be an important “pastoral” activity.  
2. Synodal Study groups and pontifical commission state that homosexuality (sodomy) is no longer sinful.
3. Pope Leo appoints bishop attending Panchamama idol services and who believe that homosexuality is no longer sinful.
4. Pope Leo believes that there should be less focus on personal sexual. Instead, we need to focus on social sin. This perfectly ties with the Vatican’s efforts to normalize homosexuality.
5. Pope Leo: “We need to change attitudes first in order to change doctrine.”  Pope Leo is open to changing doctrine!
6. Evidently there continues to be no mention or focus on Jesus’ command to “SIN NO MORE.

Synodal spiritual blindness and hard-heartedness: 

1. Hard-heartedness: The Synodal bishops’ Modernist/Synodalist ideology TAKES PRECEDENCE over the laity’s desire to celebrate the TLM.
2. Spiritual blindness: The Synodal bishops continue to implement Traditiones Custodes in opposition against the Holy Spirit inspired movement in the Church toward Tradition and the TLM.
3. Acts 5:38-39: If this activity comes from God, you will not be able to destroy it. Aside from Traditiones Custodes, the synodal bishops will not be able to stop this Holy Spirit inspired movement. 

Woe to the Synodal Church! Many have said that with Fiducia Supplicans, the Church has reached its “millstone moment”. “Blessing same-sex unions” is essentially blessing evil and blessing undermining God’s original plans for marriage and procreation. This is an example of  how being “pastoral” can become evil.

Many people and the Synodal Church have seemingly forgotten that Satan is the ruler (prince) of the world

Satan can also “inspire” both clergy and laity to ignore and undermine God’s laws, Church teachings and doctrine. 

Cardinal Sarah: Practical atheism has creeped into the Church: rejection of traditional liturgy, rejection of morals, doctrinal and liturgical confusion and ambiguity, rejection of God, paying lip service to God and Church teachings, questionable ecumenism, lived experiences, pushing God to the side, more focus on humanity

Cardinal Sarah: Paganism has infiltrated the Church: God is no longer first, liturgy reduced to entertainment, situational morality, Synodal Church accommodating the world(culture), blurring of sin, minimizing supernatural realities, pantheism, panentheism, ecological theology, accompaniment is favored or conversion, watered-down teachings

“The devil is capable of confusing the most brilliant mind.” St. Padre Pio

“The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility.” St. Vincent de Paul

“Modern times are dominated by Satan and will be more so in the future.” St. Maximillian Kolbe

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-sarah-rejection-of-traditional-liturgy-morals-are-forms-of-practical-atheism-in-the-church/

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinal-sarah-warns-paganism-has-infiltrated-church-reduced-liturgy-to-entertainment/

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/blessing-homosexual-couples-flings-the-door-open-to-the-demonic-exorcists-assistant-warns/

[Greek] καταφρονέω (kataphroneō), [Latin] contemnere, [Latin] contemptus, [French] dedaigner, [French] mepriser: 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

The Vatican/Synodal Church has chosen to reject traditional Catholicism. Pope Leo has now claimed that the Vatican II (and the Novus Order Mass) have become the new moral standards for Catholicism.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to look down upon, to think slightly of, to despise, to think contemptuously, and to presume.

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.”

Unknown: “Holding onto resentment is letting a person, whom you despise, occupy a portion in your mind forever.”

Mammon:

1. Mammon is considered the Syrian god of riches, wealth, and the greedy pursuit of gain.
2. This word may have been present throughout the Canaanite languages.
3. Devotees would kneel down on their knees at this statue.
4. Mammon is an Aramaic word meaning wealth or property.
5. 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 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 hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Jesus states that it is not possible to be devoted to both masters (God and wealth). One may even become a slave (enslaved) to this master. This can also be applicable to sin. Spiritual treasures are much longer lasting than material treasures.)

Mt.18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always looks upon the face of My heavenly Father.” (Disciples must seek out fellow disciples who have gone astray. Not only must no one cause a fellow disciple to sin, but also they must also be brought back to the community. This also further points out the responsibility of the shepherd (cardinal, bishop, and priest). But one must also first recognize what sin is.) 

Rom.2:4: “Or do you hold His priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance?” (The Jews no longer enjoy real moral supremacy over the Gentiles. The Gentiles stand on equal footing with Jews before God. The final judgment will be a review of performance.)

1Cor.11:22: “Or do you show contempt for the church of God and make those who have nothing feel ashamed.”

Abuse and neglect regarding the Lord’s Supper: 1Cor.11:17-22

1. [Paul]: Your meetings are doing more harm than good
2. When you meet, there are divisions among you
3. There have to be divisions among you so that you may know those who are faithful
4. There is careless and irregular eating at the Lord’s table
5. The Church of God is not a place for revelry, feasting, and ordinary meals
6. Do you despise this place that you conduct yourselves shamefully?

Heb.12:2: “For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God.” (Jesus humbly accepted the shameful act of crucifixion to redeem humanity.)

2Pet.2:10: “And especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship.”

False teachers (and false prophets) denounced (2Pet.2:1-12):

1. They will introduce destructive heresies
2. They will even deny the Master who ransom them, bringing swift destruction on themselves
3. Many will follow their licentious ways. And because of them, the way of truth will be reviled.
4. They will exploit you with fabrications. Their destruction does not sleep.
5. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glorious beings.
6. They revile things that they do not understand.
7. In their destruction, they will also be destroyed.
8. They seduce unstable people.
9. Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam.

Pope Leo’s questionable and contemptible statements/actions:

1. “Let us seek not to retreat into our own convictions and religious certainties.” (Pope Leo Modernist/Synodalist attitudes seem to criticize that the Catholic Church contains the fullness of faith. Pope Leo creates a false choice between doctrine and lived experiences.)
2. “The need arose for the faithful to celebrate the [TLM] liturgies more consciously and actively, not as strangers and silent spectators.” (He criticizes the way the laity has celebrated the TLM from past history. He continues to sing the praises of the NOM as the standard for liturgical celebrations. Ironically, he says this as the TLM continues to thrive (where allowed) and the NOM continue to have sparse attendance.)
3. Pope Leo calls believers to “ecological conversion.” (This illustrates the Synodal Church more concerned about SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD/MOVING WITH THE WORLD rather than on making disciples and bring souls into heaven.)
4. Pope Leo appoints a Freemason to a Vatican committee. (This continues a troubling pattern of Pope Leo appointing and associating with scandalous and heretical appointment. The Synodal Church is no longer hiding being associated with Freemasons. This is very disturbing.)
5. Pope Leo and LGBTQ: Pope Leo refused to stop the German Bishops from implementing their pro-LGBTQ sex education. Pope Leo welcomes a LGBTQ ambassador. (Pope Leo continues to ingratiate himself and the Synodal Church with the LGBTQ community.)

Would these Popes be excommunicated also today?

1. “Those wretched tainted with the error of Indifferentism and Modernism hold that dogmatic truth is not absolute, but relative.” Pope Pius XI
2. “Modernists put their designs for her ruin into operation not from without but within [the Church]. The danger is present in the very veins and heart of the Church.” Pope Pius X
3. “There can be nothing more dangerous that those heretics who admit nearly the whole cycle of doctrine, and yet by one word, as with a drop of poison, infect the real and simple faith taught by our Lord and hand handed down by Apostolic Tradition.”
4. Yes. If these Popes were alive today, they would also be excommunicated because of their statements. This speaks volumes about our Church Church led by the Modernists/Synodalists.

Conclusion:

Contempt, contemptible, condemn, disdain, reprise, reprisal

“Holding onto resentment is letting a person, who you despise, occupy and portion in your mind forever.” This is someone “living rent- free” in someone’s mind. This sounds like Trump Derangement Syndrome. 

Update: Many of us act like “little pagans” bowing down to our electronic devices. Many others pay homage to other idols: ideologies, sin, fame, wealth, celebrity, notoriety, “likes”, and convenience.

Many have unfortunately “bowed down” on the altar of convenience in obtaining an abortion. In our society, this has essentially become an “evil sacrament”.

When Synodality (lived experiences) and LGBTQ outreach TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER Church teachings/doctrine/scripture, they become  IDOLS.

A Spanish priest denied the bodily Assumption of Mary at Mass while allowing liturgical dance. He said one does not have to take the Mary’s Assumption literally.

Those clergy who engage in the homosexual lifestyle CANNOT claim moral superiority over others. These clergy will also be judged harshly for failing to follow Church teachings against homosexuality.

Many faithful, traditional, and conservative Catholics are continually being marginalized and ignored by the Modernists (Synodalists) implementing Traditiones Custodes. “rigid”.

Jesuit Fr. Thomas Reese claims that the hates the TLM. He states one should show obedience toward Vatican II. He also supports homosexual clergy, married priests, and women deacons. This illustrates his animosity toward the Holy Spirit’s influence on the TLM and Tradition.

German Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck stated that Apostolic Tradition must be abandoned. This is par for the course for the German Church which is “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy.

More Modernist undermining of Church vocations/roles: Pope Leo’ official newspaper claims that the “Devil is Misogony”. They believe the cause is “patriarchal education” which is Tradition. Instead the Church needs to promote feminism (Equal rights for women for vocations and roles in the Church). Yikes!

Pro-LGBT Bishop Gerhard Feige has a very low opinion about evangelizing others. This bishops evidently seems to have a dismissive attitude toward Catholic teachings toward the LGBTQ community. He wants changes to Catholic Church teachings on sexuality.

Loving the world (MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD.): This synodal mindset minimizes the Church’s original purpose in bringing souls into heaven.

A courageous German bishop states: Decreasing acceptance of God’s depiction of man’s and woman’s identity ===> increasing acceptance of LGBTQ identity. Not surprisingly, The German Catholic LGBT+ community disqualified him as a theologian and pastor. 

Bishop Musaerts critically states that Synodality lacks ‘repentance” and ‘conversion’. Synodality continues to divert and undermine making disciples and bringing souls into heaven.

“Jesus points out our mission, which is to despise what the world loves and seeks.” St. Padre Pio

“Hate what the world seeks, and seek what it avoids.” St. Ignatius Loyola

“Many religious go straight to hell because they don’t keep their vows.” St. Vincent Ferrer

“You are priests, not social or political leaders. Let us not be under the illusion that we are serving the gospel through an exaggerated interests in the wide field of temporal problems.” Pope John Paul II

“Christianity is greatest when it is hated in the world.” St. Ignatius of Antioch

[Greek] σκάνδαλον (skandalon), [Latin] scandalum, [Latin] offensio, [Latin] offendiculum, [Latin] offendere, [French] heurter: stumbling stone, obstacle, cause for stumbling, sin, offense, trap, impediment; Mt.13:41, Mt. 16:23, Lk.17:1, Rom.9:33, Rom.11:9, Rom.16:17, 1Cor.1:23, Gal.5:11, 1Pet.2:8, 1Jn.2:10, Rev.2:14

Questionable and scandalous clergy and laity can quite often become stumbling blocks (scandalons) ===> scandals for others.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means offense, scandal, vulnerability, obstacle, trap, and moral fault.

Aristophanes’ Archarnians 687: “The accuser, desirous of conciliating the younger man, overwhelms with his rhetoric, drags us before the judge, presses us with questions, and lays verbal traps for us.”

Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 1189-1196: “Imitation is scandalous, creating obstacles for us. We see that person who has what we also want. That person becomes and an obstacle for what we desire.”

Epictetus: “If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in this provocation.”

Old Testament: This term means stumbling block, blindness, deafness, slander, idolatry, stupidity, folly, and obstacle. This term can be used in a literal, figurative, moral, metaphorical and spiritual context.”

Mt.13:41: “The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.” (Jesus will exercise the authority given to Him as divine King and Judge. The present world contains both those who belong to Christ and those who oppose His rule. Everything that corrupts, deceives, and leads other into sin will be removed.)

Mt.18:6-7: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for Him to have a great millstone around his neck to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

1. Little ones include children and those who are humble, dependent, or immature in their faith. Harm done to these little is a serious offense against God.
2. A millstone, a heavy grinding stone to crush grain into flour, was too heavy for one person to turn. This was a heavy burden.
3. Jesus seeks to illustrate the great spiritual harm cause by harming these little ones.
4. Drowning with a millstone around one’s neck would have been more preferable than facing the judgement one would face by harming these little ones. (If you think drowning with a millstone around neck was bad, committing this sin against the little ones is WORSE!)

Rom.9:33: “I am laying a stone in Zion that will make people stumble and a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in Him shall not be put to shame.” (Zion refers to Jerusalem. The stone represents Jesus Christ. He becomes a stumbling block to those who reject Him, causing them to fall due to unbelief. He is the cornerstone of faith for believers and a point of contention for those who do not accept Him.)

Rom.16:7: “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create dissension and obstacles, in opposition to the teaching you learned, avoid them.”

1. Paul warns the Roman believers against those individuals who disrupt the unity of the Church.
2. Divisions and obstacles can refer to false teachings, IDEOLOGIES, or behaviors that lead believers away from the core message of the gospel.
3. The teaching refers to the apostolic doctrine that Paul and others had delivered to the Church.

1 Cor.1:23: “But we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”

1. (Crucifixion was a shameful and brutal form of  execution, reserved for the lowest criminals.
2. The concept of a crucified Messiah was scandalous to the Jews, who expected a triumphant political Messiah.
3. The idea that salvation could come through a crucified man was absurd and irrational to the philosophical mind.
4. Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.

Mt.16:22-23: “Peter rebuked Jesus, ‘God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.’ Jesus turned to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an obstacle [scandal] to Me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.'”

1. At first glance, Peter’s statement toward Jesus sounds reasonable: Peter, concerned for Jesus’ safety, does not want Jesus to die. One could even say that Peter was being pastoral.
2. However, this statement is scandalous and evil. This statement seeks to DEFLECT and UNDERMINE Jesus’ mission from the Father.
3. Peter was briefly “inspired” from Satan. Peter has just made a satanic and evil statement.
4. Satan seeks to UNDERMINE Jesus’ mission to die on the cross to seek redemption for humanity.
5. Paul: corruption of minds is Satanic activity (2 Cor. 11:3)

Scandal in Germany: The German Synodal Church continues to “reform” and “renew” itself into decline and heresy:

1. Creating a permanent legislative body of laity to govern the German Church.
2. Allowing the laity to choose the bishops instead of the Vatican.
3. Allowing the laity to preach at Mass.
4. Ending clerical celibacy
5. Re-examining Pope John Paul II’ restrictions on the priesthood. Allowing for women deacons and women priests
6. Revising the Catechism to allow for homosexuality.
7. Blurring the lines between clergy/laity functions and duties
8. Teaching pro-LGBTQ sex education in Catholic schools in opposition to parents’ wishes
9. The Vatican producing Fiducia Supplicans as a means to placate the German bishops’ desire for promoting homosexuality.

Conclusion:

Scandal, scandalous, offence, offensive, offend, hurt

Interestingly, Epictetus makes reference to the notion of having someone “living rent-free in one’s mind” in upsetting a person. (Still many continue to experience Trump Derangement Syndrome.)

Was Jesus a stone cutter?

1. The Greek noun can mean artisan, craftsman, builder.
2. Such building materials can include wood, stone, and metal.
3. Timber was scarce. Most houses and public buildings were made of stone.
4. Nazareth was only a few miles to Sepphoris, which had a nearby quarry
5. A tekton would have spent more time cutting stone, shaping, and laying stone.
6. Jesus talked constantly about stones, foundations, rejected stones, and laying stones, rather than boards.

Update: Scandalous woke ideology exposed: the WNBA continues to refuse to define what a woman is and ultimately refuses to uphold women’s rights to privacy and protection.

[Greek] συνοδεύω (synodeuō), [Latin] comitare, [French] accompagner, [German] begleiten: to travel with, to accompany; Acts 9:7

In Synodality, listening (for what the people want) and lived experiences TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER making disciples and bringing souls into heaven. This is Synodality becoming an IDOL!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to accompany, to travel in company, and to have fellowship with.

Plutarch’s Pompey 40: “Cato marched on foot. But his friends who journeyed with him were on horseback.”

Old Testament: This term means to walk (literally and figuratively), to travel, and to live a manner of life. Walking with God (in being faithful to Him) was very important to the Hellenized Jew who lived outside Jerusalem.

New Testament: This term means to travel with and walk with. This is derived from (syn-) with and (-hodos) way/path.

Acts 9:7: “The men who were traveling with Paul stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see not one.” (Saul and his companions were likely on the road to Dasmascus to arrest the followers of the “Way.” This encounter with Jesus marks a pivot point in Saul’s life. The experience of hearing without seeing can be seen as a test of faith [Jn.20:29])

[Greek]συνοδία (synodia): travelers, a company of wayfarers, a caravan

Lk.2:44: “Thinking that He was in the caravan, Joseph and Mary journeyed for a day and looked for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.” (It was common for large groups to travel together for safety and fellowship. Joseph and Mary thought that Jesus with other family members or friends. This suggests the size of traveling groups and the normalcy of children moving freely with trusted companions.)

What is Synodality?

1. Synodality is the walking together of Christians with Christ towards God’s kingdom, in union with humanity
2. Synodality is a path of spiritual “renewal” and structural “reform” that enables to the Church to be more participatory and missionary.
3. This begs the question, “Where is this Synodal Church going?”
4. This begs the question, “How will this Synodal Church plan get there?”

What are some guiding principles of Modernist/Synodalist thinking?

1. Agnosticism: human reason is CONFINED and REDUCED entirely within the person’s perceptions and senses
2. Vital Immanence: man finds within himself (sentiment, perceptions, and lived experiences) for an explanation for God, religious, faith, and doctrine. External objective supernatural objective and moral realities are excluded or diminished. (Pope Pius X prophetically warned that this would later happen [from Pascendi Dominici Gregis])
3. Modernism: this belief system is a starting point for all heresies: Modernism ==> heresies [fill in the blank] ==> atheism  (This idea also comes from Pascendi Dominici Gregis.)
4. Questionable ecumenism: The Synodal Church continues to seek unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church. Creating a new Synodal Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences. This practice actually started with Vatican II.
5. Bringing in human traditions, questionable ecumenism, worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) into the Church: Synodality has continued what Vatican II had started in allowing the Church “to get with the times.”
6. Focusing more on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD: The Church looks more like a United Nations NGO rather than the divine Church established by Jesus. (There is less emphasis on the salvation of souls [bringing souls into heaven.])
7. Focusing more on the world: Scripture states we are to remain as temporary earthly sojourners and citizens of heaven. [1Pet.2:11, Php.3:20, Eph.2:19] (Rather than focusing on spiritual issues,  the Church focuses on politics, environment, immigration, inclusion, tolerance, and accommodation to the culture.)
8. Focusing more on life experiences: A Synodal study group suggesting that homosexual relationships may not be sinful (Making homosexuality OK in the Church)
9. Clergy and laity sharing decision-making authority: This further blurs the distinctions between the clergy and laity in church organization and clergy/laity roles in the Church.)
10. Appropriating language and terminology: Synodal advocates are appropriating the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” and other “verbal word salad” to ratify and justify their novel Synodal practices. (This is deceitful and dangerous in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth! “Informal blessings” for same-sex unions.)

What are the dangers of Synodality?

1. The Synodal Church continues to focus more on Synodality (lived experiences) rather than on Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations and bringing souls into heaven.
2. Pope Leo continues to exclude and marginalize traditional clergy and laity while welcoming scandalous and heretical clergy and laity.
3. Pope Leo continues to remain silent in response to scandal and liturgical sacrilege in the Church.  Silence ===> tacit acceptance.
4. Pope Leo states that attitudes must change first before doctrine can change. Pope Leo is open to the idea that doctrine can change.
5. We have clergy who often think that Church teachings should and must change. (Homosexuality/sodomy)

Pope Gregory XVI’s encyclical Mirari Vos (1832): refuting the need for a human “restoration” of the Church:

“All truth was daily taught it by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It is obviously absurd and injurious to propose a certain restoration or regeneration for her [the Church] as though necessary for her safety and health, as is she could be considered subject to defect or other misfortune. These authors of novelties consider that a foundation may be laid of a human institution. That what was a divine thing may become a human Church.”

Bishop Mutsaert’s criticism of Synodality:

1. How does Synodality help the cause for the salvation of souls?
2. How does the Synodal Church (which focuses on the world) point to Christ?
3. What is Synodality actually achieving? Has Synodality solved any problems in the Church?
4. How long will this Synodal process last? Is Synodality becoming an end in itself?
5. Whenever did Christ found discussion groups? Christ told His followers to make disciples of all nations.
6. Truth does not arise from a majority of votes.
7. Who must the Church listen to? It must be to Christ, Scripture, Tradition, the Magisterium, and the Saints.
8. The Church must lead people to Christ, not confirm the peoples’ wishes.
9. Is Synodality solving the problems that the Church is facing? No. Instead, Synodality is only focused on decision-making.
10. Why is Synodality opening up the door to false and impractical expectations? Women priest/deacons, same-sex unions, sexual morality/homosexuality, rights/vocations
11. Committees, listening sessions, clergy/laity decision making become a Protestantization of the Catholic Church.
12. We need more holiness and conversion, not more listening and participation.
13. Why is there not enough attention to the Truth revealed by Christ?

I asked Grok if Synodality will ultimately fail. Grok gave an interesting and insightful response:

I will present this information in a question/answer format.

Will Synodality ultimately fail? Yes, the current form of Synodality is likely to ultimately fail. It is already failing in its stated goals of producing greater unity, deeper communion, and more effective mission.

How is Synodality failing? Instead it has generated polarization, double standards of teachings and practice, confusion among the laity, diversion from the Church’s primary purpose of making disciples and saving souls, and a resilient counter-movement toward Tradition and the Traditional Latin Mass.

Comitatus: This refers to a armed escort (retinue), elite army commanders, authority, protection arrangement, and authority (posse comitatus).

Conclusion:

Comitatus, accompany, accompaniment, lead

Jewish walk of faith: The Jews remained faithful to their traditional teachings. They did NOT update or change their faith.

Update: Harmful consequences of Vatican II and Synodality? Lack of vocations, liturgical sacrilege, liturgical confusion and chaos, decreasing belief in the Real Presence, Church sexual abuse, closing Churches, decreasing Catholic affiliation, undermining Tradition and traditional Church practices, marginalizing Traditional Catholics, and banning the Traditional Latin Mass.

What have been the harmful consequences of the Vatican/Synodal Church’s LGBTQ+ “outreach”?   

1. Pride Masses, LGBTQ Vatican Jubilee, liturgical sacrilege, need for reparations
2. Fiducia Supplicans (informal blessings” for same-sex unions)
3. Synodal study group stating the homosexuality/sodomy is no longer sinful
4. Pontifical commission stating that Sodom and Gomorrah was a failure of to provide hospitality (Redefining, de-stigmatizing, and undermining sin)
5. Questionable and scandalous clergy who promote LGBTQ issues, who believe that homosexuality/sodomy is not sinful, who engage in homosexuality, who disagree with Church teachings

Lived experiences taking precedence over reverence: Cardinal Cupich states that one must end kneeling before receiving Holy Communion out of respect for those who receive Holy Communion in the hand. 

Synodality taking precedence over the laity’s desire for the TLM: The Synodal clergy continue to marginalize the laity by continuing to restrict access to the TLM.

Synodal blurring of vocations: Nuns arranged in a circle around the altar, extend their hand during the Eucharist. They are seeking to concelebrate with the priest!

Synodal vocational innovations: Cardinal Radcliffe, spiritual advisor to the Synod of Synodality, supports moving ahead quickly on female deacons.

Common sense against Synodality: Bishop Hansen of Oslo said, ‘It is not up to us to decide on matters of faith and morals.” (This is what happens when a Synodal Church asks the people what they want in the Church.)

Cardinal Zen warns against Synodality: He states that the Catholic Church is committing suicide by assimilating with the world.

“We don’t want to convert the young people to Christ or the Catholic Church or anything like that.” Cardinal Auguiar at the 37th World Youth Day [Lisbon, Portugal]  (God forbid that the young adults would become Catholic! This just illustrates that the Synodal Church is becoming a new religion.) 

“Synodality is not about being another Church but about being the Church in a different way.” Sr. Becquart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops (She is not even hiding it anymore.  Synodality is creating a new Church!)

“Rome now finds room for almost every theological novelty while persecuting those who cling most firmly to the perennial Catholic faith.” Fr. Bourmad assessment of the Church in 2003 (This is quite a prophetic statement. However, it does not seem very Synodal to marginalize these traditional Catholics!)

Quotes by GK Chesterton:

“We do not want a Church that will move with the world. We want a Church that will move the world.” 

“Right is right even if nobody does it. Wrong is wrong even if everybody is wrong about it.” 

“What is wrong is that we do not ask what is right”

https://edwardpentin.substack.com/p/the-world-is-not-waiting-for-a-synodal?r=kvqsz&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

[Greek] ἐκκλείω (ekkleiō), [Latin] excludere, [German] fernhalten: to shut out, to exclude, to eliminate, to not allow; Rom.3:27, Gal.4:17

Traditiones Custodes continues to marginalize traditional Catholics. These actions speak more about the Synodal leadership’s animosity and ideology.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to shut out, to exclude from, to hinder, and to prevent.

Euripides’ Orestes 1127: “We will shut them up in different parts of the house.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 1.144: “The Dorians forbid admitting any of the neighboring Dorians to the Triopian temple, and even barred them from using it those of their own group who had broken the temple law.”

Demosthenes On the False Embassy 19.26: “You were precluded from learning the truth promptly and being cheated by hopes, impostures, and vain reassurances.”

New Testament: This term means to not allow and to exclude.

Scripture:

Rom.3:27: “What occasion is there for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith.” (People cannot boast of their holiness, achievements, or status. Salvation is a gift from God, not from human effort or merit. Works can be a manifestation of faith. A faith without works is a dead faith.)

Gal.4:17: “They show interest in you, but not in a good way; they want to isolate you, so that you may show interest in them.” (Paul had become like an enemy to the Galatians. The Galatians were being influenced by Judaizers undermining Paul’s authority. Evildoers wanted to isolate them from God’s blessings.)

1. The Judaizers, Jewish Christians, insisted that the Gentiles must adhere to Jewish law.
2. The zeal was not for the Galatians’ spiritual well-being, for rather for the Judaizers’ own agenda.
3. This highlight the misguided enthusiasm which can lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel.
4. Paul warns of false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.
5. The ultimate goal of the Judaizers is to win the Galatians’ allegiance, but not to Christ.
6. This reflects a broader biblical warning against idolatry and allegiance to anything other than God.

[Greek] κλείω (kleiō), [Latin] claudere, [Latin] cludere, [French] clore: to shut, to shut up, to close, to block, to lock, to have no pity

Mt.23:13: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.”

1. This illustrates the scribes’ and Pharisees’ refusal and inability to exercise their authority and teaching power.
2. The scribes and Pharisees have the key (control and access to the knowledge of heaven).
3. The scribes and Pharisee reject Jesus by refusing to state the the right interpretation of the prophecies of the Messiah.
4. They teach human traditions and false doctrines of the Messiah.
5. They teach that Jesus was an imposter. They restrict the truth of Jesus.
6. They discourage the preaching of the gospel.

[Greek] ἀποκλείω (apokleiō), [Latin] cludere, [Latin] excludere: to shut completely, to shut up, to close fully

Lk.3:25: “As the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, they will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know know where are you from.’”

1. The master of the house represents God or Christ, who has authority over the kingdom of heaven.
2. The door is shut to those who are unprepared to enter into heaven.
3. Many will try, but few will enter.
4. This is a sobering reminder that mere association with religious activities and acknowledgement of Christ is insufficient without true faith and obedience.

WBNA’s woke ideology in excluding women’s rights:

1. The bylaws states that only a woman can participate. But they do not state or cannot state what a woman is.
2. By opening the door to allowing transgenders to compete with woman, the WBNA is putting women’s safety at risk on the court and in the locker room.
3. Fairness sometimes require exclusion because absolute inclusion can violate group safety and fairness.
4. Fairness is giving all people the treatment they earn and deserve. It doesn’t mean treating everyone alike.  (Coach John Wooden)
5. Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need. (Rick Riordan)
6. The WBNA refuses to separate woke ideology (inclusion) from biological reality.

Etymology: The related Greek noun ekklesia means a particular body or whole body of faithful people. Essentially, these people are called out.

Conclusion:

Exclude, exclusion, ecclesia, ecclesiastic, halt

Demosthenes: makes reference to censorship and content moderation

Aeschines: makes reference to “snowflakes” who cries at a person’s name

Update: Pope welcomes sodomite, communists, pro-abortion celebrities, female schismatic archbishops, Freemasons, but excludes the SSPX and marginalizes traditional Catholics (no TLM).

The German Synodal Church continue to test Vatican II’s authority in “pushing the doctrinal envelope” in their Synodal “reforms.” Do you really think that Pope Leo will criticize, exclude, or excommunicate these German bishops? No! Pope Leo will continue to remain silent.  Silence ===> tacit acceptance

Stealth Arianism: believing that Jesus is God, but excluding God by their own actions.

1. The Arian heresy was rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ was merely a created being.
2. Modernism, the heresy of our times, quite often views Jesus Christ as merely an historical figure.
3. Modernism is related to practical atheism, which is paying lip service to Jesus Christ and the Church’s teachings.
4. Religion is often reduced to one’s lived experiences. Teachings are muddled, ambiguous, inclusive for purposes of pastoral sensitivity.
5. Supernatural realities and sacred elements are often stripped from art, music, architecture, and liturgy.

The WBNA’s woke ideological failure to clearly define a women continues to marginalize and exclude women’s rights and safety. This is absurd!

Fighting absurdity with absurdity: Two former NBA players who are identifying as women are now planning on entering the 2027 WNBA draft.

The Synodal Church leadership, more concerned with promoting their Synodal ideology, continue to control access to the TLM through Traditiones Custodes.

The Synodal Church, accommodating the culture, continue to minimize, rename, and undermine Catholic Church teachings.

The Synodal Church, focused more on listening and lived experiences, discourage preaching of the gospel (making disciples and bring souls into heaven).

Massachussets gov. Maura Healy just signed a bill legalizing abortion up until birth. This is what it means when the baby has no rights at all. Shameful!

“Fairness is giving all people the treatment they earn and deserve. It doesn’t mean treating everyone alike.” John Wooden

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason why it was put up.” GK Chesterton (There are reasons why boundaries are put up.)

https://romancatholicman.com/wp/stealth-arianism-the-root-of-our-problems-today/

[Greek] ἀφορίζω (aphorizō), [Latin] separare, [Latin] segregare, [French] isoler: to separate, to exclude, to appoint, to set apart; Mt.13:49, Mt.25:32, Lk.6:22, Acts 13:2, Acts 19:9, Rom.1:1, 2Cor.6:17, Gal.1:15, Gal.2:12

It was historically believed that unity meant bringing other faiths INTO the fold of the Catholic Church. Now with Vatican II/Synodality, unity means unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to mark off, to establish, to border on, to define, to separate, to exclude, to bring to an and, and to banish.

Isocrates’ To Phillip 5.120: “What opinion must we expect the world will have if you actually do this undertaking to establish cities in this region.”

Plato’s Timaeus 24a: “You see how the priestly class is separated from the rest: craftsmen, shepherds, and farmers, each distinguished and separate.”

Plato’s Greater Hippias 298d: “Did you make the distinction that in the category of the pleasing that which is beautiful, whereas, you say that that which is pleasing according to other senses.”

Old Testament: This term means to separate, to divide, and to cleave. Israel is separated from the world. The lepers, unclean, and the unholy are to be separated from the community. The Levites are to be a separated priesthood.

New Testament: This term means to separate, to disperse, to exclude, and to set apart.

Mt.25:32: “The Son of Man will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (The criterion of judgment is ultimately the acceptance or rejection of Jesus. The Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne and assemble all the nations [Gentiles and Jews] before Him. The criterion of judgment will be deeds of mercy.)

Lk.6:22: “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.” (Being excluded: persecution, being deposed, being marginalized, and being excommunicated. Being insulted: being accused as heretics, apostates, and enemies [to the law or the Jews]. Being denounced as evil: being perceived as hateful and intolerant, being countercultural, and being monsters.)

Acts 19:9: “When some in their obstinacy and disbelief disparaged the Way before the assembly, Paul withdrew and took his disciples with him and began to hold daily discussions in the Tyrannus lecture hall.” (The truth had no impression on their opponents as they were not persuaded by the Way’s message. Therefore, it was necessary for Paul to find another place to hold daily discussions.)

Gal.1:15: “But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me [Paul] apart and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to Me.” (Paul makes reference to revelation, not conversion. This language echoes the Old Testament prophetic call of Jeremiah.) 

Gal.2:12: “Peter used to eat with the Gentiles; but when the Jewish Christians came, Peter began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised.” (Because of peer pressure, Peter walked away from the Gentiles. Since Peter’s actions were in public, Paul rebuked Peter in public. The Jerusalem Council recognized the freedom of Gentile Christians from the Jewish law.)

2Cor. 6:17: “Therefore, come forth from them and be separate, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you.” (This phrase calls for a distinct separation from the practices and influences of the world contrary to God. This call is not about physical withdrawal but a moral and spiritual distinction. Jesus, while engaged with sinners, remained untainted by sin.)

In 1864 Pope Pius IX condemned the Association for the Promotion of the Unity of Christendom (religious Modernism).

1. This association sought to promote unity among Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians.
2. This was a Modernist pre-Vatican II organization seeking to find unity of faith outside the Catholic Church.
3. Pre-Vatican II: The Church of Christ IS the Catholic Church. (“Outside the Church there is NO salvation.”)
4. At Vatican II: The Church of Christ SUBSISTS in the Catholic Church. (Any concept of the Catholic Church as being necessary for salvation has been minimized or eroded in order to be ECUMENICAL.)
5. Pope Francis and Pope Leo have both encouraged unity of faith outside of the Catholic Church. (Both of these hopes are seeking to create a new worldly Synodal Church made in the image of man.)
6. Modernism has been on the rise: Unity of faiths outside the Catholic Church was initially condemned. Now it is celebrated. (This is becoming a Church more and more unrecognizable from the Church that Jesus established.)

Excluding and ignoring Jesus’ commands to sin no more: (Jn.8:11-12):

1. It is naive to think that this applies ONLY to the adulterous woman. This applies to all of us who sin.
2. Jesus is often presented as being both infinitely merciful and and infinitely tolerable. Jesus associated with sinners but He did NOT tolerate their sinful behavior.
3. Unfortunately, Jn.8:11-12 is rarely mentioned by the Church and clergy. There is NOT enough focus on Jesus’ statements on sin.
4. Clergy who do not mention sin and Jesus’ statements on sin are failing in their duty to properly catechize the faithful.
5. Many clergy do NOT state Church teachings against homosexuality. These clergy are putting many people’s eternal mortal souls in peril.
6. The Church instead focuses more on inclusion, tolerance, false compassion rather than on sin, Jesus’ statements on sin, forgiveness, and conversion of heart.
7. Jn. 8:12: “Whoever follows Me will NOT walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”, in other words, ===> [Whoever does NOT follow Me will walk in darkness].
8. You would think this would be important for “a Synodal Church who supposedly walks with each other.

What did Pope Pius X’s encyclical Pescendi Dominic Gregis (1907) prophetically says about how the Church would separate from Traditional Catholicism?

1. The Modernists (and later Synodalists) seek to commingle objective moral truths (Church teachings) with lived experiences (personal and subjective explanations for religion.) This is called vital immanence.
2. Lived experiences often TAKE PRECEDENCE over supernatural realities and moral truths.
3. Clergy and laity share Church decision-making authority. This seeks to undermine the structure of the Church.
4. They seek to further separate Church teachings from Tradition. Modernism is a synthesis of all heresies leading to atheism.
5. They seek to transform Jesus’ divine Church (separate from the world) into a worldly synodal Church (made in the image of man and his lived experiences.)

How Vatican II and Synodality separated from Traditional Catholicism:

1. It was naively believed that the Church needed to bring in “fresh air” so that the Church “could get with the times.”
2. Along with “fresh air [worldliness] came the “smoke of Satan” [spirit of undermining].
3. Human traditions and questionable ecumenical efforts seek to find unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church.
4. Very questionable human tradition: Pope Paul VI coordinated with Protestant theologians to create a Novus Order Mass with the focus on the community meal (not the sacrifice).
5. Synodality seeks to double down on what Vatican II started: more worldliness and more spirit of undermining.
6. Lived experiences, tolerance, false compassion, inclusion, and equality take precedence over Church teachings, Jesus’ states, sin, forgiveness, and conversion of heart.
7. Warning signs of things to come with Synodality: the German Church is “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy.
8. Clergy and laity are now SHARING DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY about Church organization, Church practices, and Church teachings.

John of the Cross warns us to remain SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD:

1. We are called to be temporary earthly sojourners and citizens of heaven. (1Pet.2:11, Php.3:20, Eph.2:19)
2. The Conciliar Church (Vatican II) begins to look more and more like a United Nations NGO.
3. Synodality is remaking Jesus’ Church into a worldly Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.
4. It seems that both Vatican II and Synodality have lost the plot about what the Church should be.
5. The Church is more focused on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than with BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
6. A Church, opposing the world and culture, often grows and thrives. A Holy Spirit inspired movement seeking Tradition and the TLM is already providing true reform for the Church.
7. A Church, moving with the world and culture, often stagnates and falls into decline and heresy  (The German Synodal Church)

Synodality: failing to separate the sacred from the mundane:

1. Bringing the altar to the beach: A Jesuit retreat organized a Mass on the beach. Bikinis and swim suits are allowed.
2. Yet, the Traditional Latin Mass must not be allowed. Traditiones Custodes must still be enforced.
3. Permitting and allowing a Pride event: The German bishops stated that this even is such a joyful and moving celebration.
4. Yet, a retired priest, who called this event a scandal of shamelessness and scandalous sexual behavior, is criticized by the German bishops.
5. Replacing fidelity with opposition: We now have clergy who believe that the Church has got it wrong about homosexuality and must stop “excluding” the LGBTQ community.
6. Yet, we have German bishops who complain that the Church must become a “safe space”, should not use scripture against them, and must stop its “cultural homophobia.”
7. We continually discover examples of cringeworthy and sacrilegious actions in the Novus Order Mass.
8. A Brazilian bishop says we need to exorcise homophobia and racism and not the “imaginary devil.”

Separating Tradition from Synodality:

1. The older generations of nuns/sisters who have forsaken the habit (looking like your grandmother in a pantsuit). These orders are diminishing and dying out.
2. The younger generations of nuns/sisters joyfully wear the habit. These orders are growing and thriving.
3. The older generations of priests have been more liberal and progression. Their numbers are retiring and dying out.
4. The younger generations of priests and seminarians are more conservatively minded and traditional. They also joyfully wear the traditional garments.

Conclusion:

Separate, separation, aphorism, segregate, segregation, isolate, isolation

Antioch becomes the primary center for the Christian community. It is here where the term ‘Christian’ originated.

Update: The diocese of Charlotte is seeking to shut down the TLM to “promote the concord and unity of the Church.” This is greatly opposed by the laity.

In his efforts to restrict the TLM, the bishop of Charlotte intentionally set aside a small isolated venue for the TLM to be celebrated. This is further illustration of the clergy who  marginalize the faithful.

Pope Leo calls on women and men religious to be experts in Synodality. But what about making disciples of all nations (Mt.28:1-20) and bringing souls into heaven? This sounds like making Synodality an IDOL!

St. Josephs’ Catholic Church in Indiana, having recently removed the TLM, was forced to close their Church for lack of attendance. Shocker! Bishops, more concerned about promoting their Modernist/Synodalist ideologies, evidently have no problems about closing churches.

THIS IS WHAT POPE PIUS X WARNED US ABOUT: Bishop Drainey of Middlesbrough UK diocese calls upon the Church to re-examine its theological position on sexuality, gender, and identity in light of “modern scientific discoveries and LIVED EXPERIENCES of people with different sexualities and identities”. This is elevating Synodality (lived experiences) over Church teachings  ===> SYNODALITY BECOMES AN IDOL. 

Pope Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius X, Pope Pius XI, and Pope Pius XII actually believed that unity of faith meant bring people into the fold of the Catholic Church. The later popes changed this idea.

Repeatedly clergy are being identified and criticized for their scandalous or sacrilegious actions. Unfortunately, the Vatican (and Pope Leo) often remains quiet about this.

Although Jesus associated with sinners, He did not come to tolerate their sinful behavior. He told them to sin no more. Yet many still believe that Jesus is all about endless tolerance.

It has been said by some that Fiducia Supplicans (offering non-liturgical blessings to same-sex unions) has become a new “mill-stone moment” in the Church for the grave nature of blessing sin (evil.)

A German bishop now claims that homosexuality is part of God’s plan of creation. This is a typical rationalization for clergy who are already living in a homosexual lifestyle and for those who want to remove clerical celibacy.

Separate understandings about Vatican II: Pope Leo continues to celebrate Vatican II. Yet there continues more and more critical examination of the consequences of Vatican II on the Church.

God will also separate those wicked, unfaithful, and clergy who do not properly fulfill their responsibilities to bring souls into heaven. As a result, there will be some priests, clergy, and pastors who may be SEVERELY JUDGED BECAUSE OF THEIR FAILURE TO ACT LIKE PRIESTS, CLERGY, AND PASTORS.

The Son of Man will surely separate those clergy/goats who do not state or teach Church against sin. God will not be mocked.

It is important to note that God will remain faithful to those clergy and laity who are persecuted, marginalized, and cancelled in remaining faithful to Him. 

Aphorism: This is a term describing an important truth in a short or pithy sentence.

Aphorisms/quotes by St. Augustine

“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” 

“Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.”

“If you believe what you like in the Gospels and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospels you believe, but yourself.”

“The cost of obedience is small compared with the cost of disobedience.”

[Greek] ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi), [Latin] resistere, [Latin] avertere, [French] detourner: to resist, to stand against, to withstand, to cope, to set against; Mt.5:39, Lk.21:15, Acts 6:10, Acts 13:8, Rom.9:19, Rom.13:2, Gal.2:11, Eph.6:13, 2Tim.3:8, 2Tim.4:15, Jas.4:7, 1Pet.5:9

G.K. Chesterton has been rightly called the “apostle of common sense” in resisting and pointing out the problems in the Church.

Greek Hellenism: This term means to set against, to match with, to withstand, to hold out, and to hinder.

Plutarch’s Theseus 1: “With such a warrior who will dare to fight? When I shall I set against him?”

Homer’s Iliad 16.305: “They still sought to withstand him.”

Sophocles Ajax 1231: “So it is you, they tell me, who dared open your mouth wide to make fierce threats against us–and are you still unpunished?”

Sophocles’ Tracking Satyrs 256: “I won’t put up with your loud quarrelsome words.”

Old Testament: This term means to be alert, to be courageous, to cause strife, to take a stand, to resist, to rebel, to contend, to be strong, to be insolent, to deceive, and to be hardened.

New Testament: This term means to resist (oppose), to offer no resistance, and to be unable to resist. For purposes of brevity, Jesus’ teachings on turning the other check (Mt.5:39) is mentioned in another post.  https://resoundingthefaith.com/2020/11/16/greek-%e1%bc%80%ce%bd%ce%b8%ce%af%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b9-anthistemi-latin-contendere-latin-resistere/   (How can I resist not being able to promote another post! ☺☺☺

Lk.21:15:  “I shall give you a wisdom in speaking [from the Holy Spirit] that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” (Some will be persecuted, imprisoned, and brought before authorities. You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. You will be hated because of Me but by your perseverance, you will secure your lives.) 

Acts 6:10: “But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which Stephen spoke.” (Stephen’s defense provides an indictment of the Jews opposing the prophets and the Holy Spirit. Stephen diminishes the temple of Mosaic law and elevates Jesus’ stature. The differences between Judaism and Christianity become more apparent. The major impetus of the Christian movement shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch.)

Rom.9:19: “You will say to me then, ‘Why then does He still find fault? For who can oppose His will?'”

1. This question addresses the issue of divine justice and human responsibility.
2. There is often a tension between God’s sovereignty and human accountability.
3. God grants us free will to do as we choose.
4. God will allow those to become hard-hearted [like Pharaoh] if it serves God’s divine Providence.
5. Those who are hard-hearted will still be held accountable for their actions. 

Rom.13:2: “Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.”

1. Paul instructs those who to defer to the authority of earthly and secular governing authorities.
2. God is still sovereign over all nations and rulers.
3. It is important to recognize that these rulers are sometimes imperfect.
4. God still uses imperfect leaders to accomplish His purposes.
5. These principles align with Jesus’ teaching to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Eph.6:13: “Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and to hold your ground.” (Paul alludes to the Christian who must be a battle-prepared soldier in fighting against evil. The evil day is the period of time of Satan’s evil works.)

1Pet.5:9: “Resist him [devil], steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.”

Resist him: Paul instructs believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. This requires vigilance and strength. The devil is a real adversary.

Standing firm in your faith: Steadfastness in faith is required in resisting the devil. Faith is not merely intellectual assent but also trust and reliance on God.

Acknowledging fellow believers: This underscores the familial bonds among Christians. This shared struggle fosters solidarity and encouragement. This shared experience of suffering serves to unite believers during these trials.

Gal.2:11: “And when Cephas came to Antioch, I [Paul] opposed him to this face because he clearly was wrong.” (Paul’s confrontation with Peter illustrates the tension with Jewish and Gentile believers. Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers, due to peer pressure from certain Jewish Christians. Paul criticized Peter for not following the Gospel and for not showing that salvation is by faith alone, not by adherence to the Law.)

Antihistamine: This is a substance (drug) that counteracts or blocks the effects of a histamine which causes the symptoms of hay fever and allergies.

The Church: another sign of contradiction:

1. When the Church opposes and contradicts the culture ===> the Church grows
2. When the Church faces persecution and opposition from the culture ===> the Church grows
3. When the Church moves with the world (Vatican II and Synodality) ==> the Church falters and stagnates
4. Not surprisingly, the parts of the Church OPPOSING AND RESPONDING AGAINST Synodality ===> resurgence of Traditional Catholicism and the TLM (not Synodality!) ===> the Church grows
5. A CHURCH THAT OPPOSES AND CONTRADICTS THE CULTURE ===> MOVES THE WORLD

Modernists’ (and Synodalists’) pride and hard-heartedness:

1. It has to be said that they are “true-believers” in their ideological cause to transform Jesus’ Church in a Synodal Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.
2. They will often use lived experiences, inclusion, toleration, human traditions, and human traditions to ignore, redefine, or undermine Church teachings, doctrine and sin. This is how Synodality becomes an IDOL!
3. They often will often utilize the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to ratify and justify their novel Synodal ides. This is deceitful and evil in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for TRUTH.
4. They will often blur vocations/rights and “push the doctrinal envelope” in implementing Church teachings/practices. (redefining sin, blurring male/female vocations/right, “informal blessings” for same-sex unions, keeping open the idea a woman priests/deacons, females giving the homily at Mass)
5. They will continually implement “renewal” and “reform”: They will always say, “Vatican II has not been fully implemented.” ===> more “reform” and “renewal” ===> more problems ==> “we need more “reform” and “renewal” ===> more problems ===> rinse and repeat, etc.
6. They continue to oppose and marginalize the laity’s desire for liturgical expression. Traditiones Custodes is continually being used to restrict the TLM. Let that sink in!
7. Creating a new religion: Cardinal Aveline states that the Church’s catholicity means recognizing the desire for God in the hearts of men and women in every religion. This is the heresy of indifferentism (all religions are equal). This contradicts Catholicism.

God’s Providence and resistance against Synodality:

1. In allowing the Modernists (Synodadists) to remain hard-hearted, God’s providence has permitted a renewal of the Church with an organic Holy Spirit led movement toward Tradition and the TLM to occur.
2. Younger generations of priests and seminarians are more traditional and conservative in response to liberal and progressive theology of Vatican II and Synodality.
3. Aside from Traditiones Custodes the Synodal Church is unable to stop this desire for Tradition and the TLM.
4. Protestants are becoming Catholic because they are discovering the Catholic practices of the Early Church. It is NOT because of Synodality.
5. We only need to look at Acts 5:38-39 to understand who will prevail in this tension between Synodality and Tradition.

A German elderly priest Fr. Abel criticized for resisting a German LGBTQ Pride event.

1. This priest criticized this event and the resulting Islamist terrorist act as a wake-up call for repentance.
2. He stated that society has abandoned Christian morality. These parades are displays of indecency and moral disorder.
3. The German Catholic hierarchy criticized this priest because this Pride event promotes the “dignity” of every person.
4. He criticized the diocesan involvement in Pride celebrations. This reflects a departure from traditional Catholic moral teaching.
5. He also criticized the diocese’s embrace of Fiducia Supplicans.
6. The German bishops conference has stated that these events are “events of diversity” and “joyful celebrations”.
7. This is just another indication that the German Synodal Church has gone off the doctrinal rails into heresy and decline.

Conclusion:

Antihistamine, histamine, resist, resistance, contend, contention, detour

Update: The Modernists and Synodalists are causing much damage to the Church: synodal innovations, confusion, chaos, worldliness, heresy, and evil.

Resisting (remaking) the truth in the image of man: refusing to follow Jesus’ commands (to sin no more), making Synodality (lived experiences) an idol, paying lip service to Church teachings.

The differences between the Synodalism (worldly Church) and Tradition (divine Church and traditional teachings) are also becoming much more apparent.

The Church in Germany and Spain has been declining. This has become an indictment against the conciliar and synodal Church. Synodality, making the Church more worldly, will only exacerbate these problems. Traditional practices are the only solutions to these problems.

Contrary to the recent practice of bishops implementing Traditiones Custodes, Bishop Hansen of Oslo has extended permission for the TLM.

The Synodal Church losing its traditions: it has been claimed that perhaps as much as 65% of clergy do not have an understanding of Latin

Satan can “inspire” rebellion, heresy, apostasy, division, liturgical chaos and confusion, busyness, distraction, pride, worldliness, spiritual dryness, secularlism, and increased vulnerability to sin. Satan only needs to make one forget about God.

Good news: there has been less focus and interest in June Pride Month. This has been a very encouraging sign for the culture. Yet, this remains a concerning issue with the Synodal Church.

“One must resist the pope who openly destroys the Church.” St. Cajetan

“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St. Augustine.

“The truth suffers, but never dies.” St. Teresa of Avila.

“A dead thing can go with the stream.” GK Chesterton  (This sounds like a Church moves with the moral current and culture. Sound likes the Synodal Church.)

“But only a living thing can go against it.” GK Chesterton  (This sounds like an active and lively Church that opposes the moral current and culture.)

[Greek] μυκτηρίζω (myktērizō), [Latin] muccare, [Latin] inridere: to mock, to ridicule, to treat with contempt, to sneer at, to turn up one’s nose: Gal.6:7

If you do not accept, approve, or tolerate others’ behavior, you are often deemed intolerant, hateful, rigid, or extreme.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to abhor, to treat contemptuously, to mock, to turn up one’s nose, and to suffer from nose bleeding.

The Aeropagus was where legal cases were decided by a council. At this place Paul would later appeal to the religiosity of the Athenians’ worship of an Unknown God.

Lysias’ Against Philon 24:14: “He comes to challenge the validity of my misfortune (nose bleed), and he is trying to persuade you (Aeropagus Council) that I am not the kind of person that all of you are seeing. You, however, ought to trust your own eyes rather than my opponent’s words.”

Old Testament: This term means to mock, to despise, to hold in contempt, to belittle, to deceive, to ridicule, to laugh at, and to imitate a foreigner.

New Testament: This term means to to mock, to ridicule, to treat with contempt.

Scripture:

Gal.6:7: “Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows.”

Do not be deceived: This serves as a warning against self-deception and the influence of false teachings. This warning is a call to discernment to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.

God is not to be mocked: Mocking was a serious offense, often associated with rebellion and contempt. These efforts illustrate the futility of attempting to deceive or outwit God. God cannot be fooled or manipulated. Any attempt to undermine God will ultimately fail.

What ever a person sows, he will reap in return: This indicates the moral law of sowing and reaping. God already knows who we are. This is a reminder of the justice of God, who ensures that our actions, whether good or evil, will yield corresponding outcomes.

Related Greek term:

[Greek] ἐκμυκτηρίζω (ekmyktērizō), [Latin] deridere: to sneer at, to ridicule; Lk.16:14, Lk.23:35

Lk.16:14: “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at Jesus.” (Jesus accused the Pharisees for being untrustworthy regarding wealth [true and dishonest wealth]. Jesus states that no one can serve two masters (idols). One will either hate (despise) one or love [be devoted to] the other.)

Lk.23:35: The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at Him and said, ‘He saved others, let Him save Himself if He is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.'” (These leaders (chief priests, scribes, elders, Pharisees) triumphantly deride Jesus as if they had conquered Him.)

Making a mockery of the Church’s teachings against homosexuality: Synodal “outreach” to the LGBTQ community:

1. The Vatican is open to changing the Church’s teachings against homosexuality to accommodate the culture.
2. Pope Leo continues to support Fr. James Martin’s LGBT outreach. (This just shows that Pope Leo is following the path of Pope Francis).
3. Fr. Maurizio Chiodi, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, says, “we have to rethink teaching on homosexuality.”
4. The Pontifical Biblical Commission has declared that the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was due to a lack of hospitality to the immigrant. (Seriously??)
5. This statement mocks St. Peter Damian’s criticism of the clergy in the Church. (Evidently the Synodal Church knows better!)
6. This statement mocks the early Church Fathers’ statements on sodomy. (Evidently the Synodal Church also knows better!)
7. This statement contradicts Jude 7 and 2Pet.2:6-7 on sodomy. (Evidently the Synodal Church is also the authoritative teacher on scripture!)
8. This statement seeks to de-stigmatize and normalize homosexuality to accommodate the culture.
9. I would certainly like to know about all the other cities in the Roman Empire, Middle East, and Africa that were also obliterated out of existence because of lack of hospitality toward Christians and Jews.
10. Serving only one idol (Synodality): The Synodal Church is willing to say that homosexuality (sodomy) is no longer sinful in order to accommodate the culture.

The WNBA is making a mockery of women’s rights:

1. The WNBA, coaches, and players embraces justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
2. The WNBA refuses to define what a woman is. Anyone can potentially define themselves as a woman.
3. Fighting absurdity with absurdity: former NBA players are entering the 2027 draft based on the current WNBA guidelines.
4. Fighting absurdity with absurdity: A radio broadcaster has offered to buy an expansion team with only trans players. He claims that this will be most diverse WNBA team.
5. The WNBA could ironically face legal litigation for potentially refusing or discriminating against these basketball players and radio broadcaster.
6. Perhaps this may finally force the WNBA to acknowledge the reality that ONLY women can only compete in the WNBA. But that remains to be seen.

Etymology: The Greek verb mukterizo literally means to turn up one’s nose. The Greek noun mukter means nose. The Latin verb inridere means to ridicule and to laugh at.

Conclusion:

Mock, mockery, deride, derision, ridicule, ridiculous

In Lysias’ Against Philon, this term was specifically used to mock and undermine a prosecutor’s legal arguments. These legal proceedings most likely occurred at the Aeropagus before a legal consul. Paul will later speak here, appealing to the Athenians’ religiosity in believing in an “Unknown God.”

Update: Oftentimes conservative Catholics and Christians are called ‘extreme’ or “anti-choice”. Conservative and traditional Catholics (Christians) get their beliefs and morals from God. This actually speaks more about the character of these ‘pro-choice’ advocates who are actually calling God as extreme.)

In June 2023, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a “drag ‘queen” group of gay activists, showed a drag queen pole dance on the crucifix. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization honored this group. This group’s name is a mockery of religious orders. Bishop Strickland was the the clergy who showed up and protested. This is also a mockery of the other cowardly clergy who REFUSED TO SHOW UP.

Pope Leo states that the Church’s teachings on sexual ethics must be less prioritized over greater “social sins.” Just ignore individual sexual sins. What a mockery against Church teachings! This perfectly correlates with the Vatican’s LGBTQ “outreach”.

The Los Angeles held an “Aztec Mass” which explicitly contains paganism. This turned into a musical spectacle. What a mockery of the Mass!

Pope Leo warmly welcomes scandalous clergy and laity but refuses to meet with the SSPX. This is mockery of the Vatican.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral made the ill-advised decision to have a funeral function for a Transgender activist. This resulted in sacrilege, disrespect, derision, and chaos in the church. As a result, a Mass of Reparations was needed to cleanse the church.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are taking over the Democratic Party. They are essentially destroying the Democratic party and mocking capitalism (the American way of life).

The Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans also mockingly offers “non-liturgical blessings” for sinful “irregular unions” This is blessing evil!

Pope Francis’ Dignitas Infinita mockingly alludes to man having “infinite dignity”. Man does NOT have infinite dignity. This is something that the serpent would say to Adam and Eve: “You have infinite dignity. You can be like gods who know good and evil.” (Both confusing and misleading!)

Pope Leo’s Magnifica Humanitas makes Christ equivalent to mere human beings. Pope Francis and Pope Leo keep focusing more on man and his lived experiences.

At. St. Anna Kirche Oberthalheim, women are involved in proclaiming the gospel, saying the homily, giving blessings, and standing beside the priest. This a mockery of the Mass.

A typical abortion supporter:” You are mad. You are not like us who believe in women’s ‘reproductive rights’.

“Do not be in the least offended with those who mock you or oppose you, for they do you good; crucify your self-love and acknowledge the error of your heart.” St. John of Krondstadt

 “A dead thing goes with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” GK Chesterton

“More souls go to hell because of sins of the flesh than for any other reason.” Our Lady of Fatima

“For God’s sake, why do you damnable sodomites pursue the heights of ecclesiastical dignity with such fiery ambition.” St. Peter Damian

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pontifical-academy-for-life-priest-says-we-have-to-rethink-teaching-on-homosexuality-contraception/

Background information:

[Greek] διακρίνω (diakrinō), [Latin] discernere,  [Latin] dijudicare, [Latin] ostendere,  [Latin] haesitare, [Latin] dubitare, [Latin] advertere, [Latin] iudicare: to judge, to evaluate, to distinguish, to discern, to separate, to discriminate, to make a distinction; 24 scriptures

[Greek] νικάω (nikaō), [Latin] vincere, [Latin] victoria, [Latin] supervenire, [French] surprendre, [French] agresser, [French] surpasser,  [French] conquerir, [German] seigen: to conquer, to overcome, to prevail, to overpower; Lk.1:22, Jn.16:33, Rom.3:4, Rom.12:21, 1Jn.2:13-14, 1:Jn.4:4, 1Jn.5:4-5

Hillaire Belloc (1872-1953) warned about the Modernists (and later Synodalists) who would later wreak havoc in the Church. The Modernists/Synodalists would also follow the example of the Nicolaitan sect found in the Book of Revelations. (Rev.2:6)

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to surpass, to prevail, to conquer, to be victorious, to carry the majority, to appeal to the mob, and to yield to excellence.

Sophocles’ Ajax 1357: “I yield to his excellence much more than his hostility.”

Plato’s Phaedrus 56b: “For they have truly conquered the Olympic contests.”

Aeschylus’ Eumenides 88: “Remember, do not let fear overpower your heart.”

Sophocles’ Antigone 233: “The view prevailed that I should come to you.”

Euripides’ Orestis 944: “The villain spoke and gained his point by appealing to the mob.”

Mythology: Nike is the goddess of victory. Throughout history mortals (man) have called upon the gods seeking favor, fortune, and victory. The Greeks worshipped Nike, believing that she could grant them the strength and speed to be victorious. The related Roman goddess is Victoria.

Old Testament: This term means to excel, to be pre-eminent, to be permanent, to be innocent, to be clean, to stand victorious as a martyr, and to stand innocent before the judgment. God’s victory is the only answer one can give to the meaning of evil.

New Testament: This term means to overcome, to conquer, and to be victorious. Victories and defeats may be temporary in life, but Christ has the ultimate victory. One must conquer evil with good. The victor is the Christian who holds fast to his faith and does God’s will in the face of opposition and persecution.

Scripture:

Lk.11:21-22: “When a strong man fully arms his palace, his possessions are safe.”

Strong man: the devil

Palace: this is the world (kingdom of the devil)

Strong man’s [temporary] possessions: ignorance, unbelief, disobedience, hardness of heart, hatred, enmity toward God, pride, rebellion, arrogance, failing to acknowledge sin, lack of need for conversion, worldliness, self indulgence, spiritual blindness, closemindedness.

Lk.11:22: “But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, He takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils.”

One stronger than he: The stronger one is Jesus who has the authority to defeat Satan. Jesus addresses the power struggle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil.

Taking away the armor: The armor represents the defenses and strategies that evil forces rely on to maintain control. These represents the false securities and deceptions that people trust in apart from God.

Jn.16:33: “I have told you this so that you may have peace in Me. In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Christ offers a longer lasting peace which this world cannot provide. Trouble in this world: great tribulation, malice, persecution, affliction, torment, pride, treachery, sin, arrogance, ignorance, and “being of this world”.)

Rom.12:20-21: “For by so doing [dyou will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.”

Conquering evil with good (kindness):

1. Being conquered by evil is a sign of weakness, not strength. Repressing this desire for revenge becomes a personal victory for oneself.
2. Your actions will illustrate the power of the gospel.
3. Your actions may serve to disarm your enemies of their rage.
4. Your actions may serve to confound the evil one, who seeks to stir up one’s passions and desires.
5. Allow God to repay with vengeance upon others.
6. “Kill” your enemies with kindness (serving, feeding, and serving them).
7. Showing them kindness is like heaping burning coals upon their heads: make them feel the pain of shame, embarrassment, remorse, and repentance.

Why is the Christian life like a race?

1. Christians must prepare, equip, replenish (with spiritual nourishment), and strengthen themselves in order to reach the finish line.
2. Paul equates the faithful Christian to a disciplined athlete who finishes the race. (1Cor.9:24-25)
3. Those who have remained faithful (and those who have been martyred) have already reached the finish line. (2Tim.2:5).
4. Paul states that he has competed well and has finished the race. (2Tim.4:6-8)
5. Interestingly, these Christian martyrs’ bones are called trophies.
6. To all Christians: finish that race and achieve that victory. Just do it!  (This message has not been brought to you by Nike) ☺☺☺

Jesus hated the Nicolaitans’ deeds because they failed to live a life of separation from the world.

Who were the Nicolaitans?

1. They were an early Christian sect who resided in Ephesus and Pergamum (Rev.2:17).
2. Their beliefs consisted of a doctrine of tolerance and compromise, paganism, and sin.
3. The Nicolaitans’ teachings and deeds ultimately conquered and subdued the people.
4. Jesus hated the Nicolaitans’ deeds because they FAILED TO LIVE A LIFE OF SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD’S VALUES.
5. Sound familiar? They look like the conciliar Vatican II/Synodal Church.

Why did Christ hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans?

1. They advocated for a watered-down and weakened form of Christianity where sin is ignored and and repentance is disregarded. (Changing Church teachings to accommodate the world.)
2. This was a doctrine of tolerance, inclusion, and compromise. (Sound familiar?)
3. The Nicolaitans were luke-warm in faith and paganistic. (Having nothing substantial to believe in. Believing in idols.)
4. The Nicolaitans made a mockery of their faith. (Ignoring, normalizing, and blessing sin. Sound familiar?)
5. Holy living and separation from the world was not encouraged. (Removing the distinction between clergy and laity.)
6. These “Christians” sought a truth in the world. (Adapting the Church to the world’s values. Sounds like lived experiences!)
7. Absolute truth, doctrinal truth, and biblical truth were minimized. (Adjust the truth to the culture.)
8. No exclusionary belief that Christ alone is the way to heaven. (Dismissing the idea that Christ is only way to achieve salvation.)
9. They do not believe that Christ alone is the way to heaven. (Engaging in questionable ecumenism.)

How the Modernists/Synodalists are like the Nicolaitans:

1. Failing to keep separation from the world: Vatican II brought in worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) so that the Church could “get with the times.”
2. Removing celibacy: Pope Leo appointed a German bishop Christian Wurtz who proposes scrapping priestly celibacy.
3. Tolerating, overlooking, and denying sin (homosexuality) under the guise of tolerance and inclusion. 
4. Criticizing and marginalizing traditional clergy: a “scandal” who represents “spiritual worldliness,” “rigidity,” and “clericalism” ,”being separate from the laity
5. Decentralizing doctrinal authority to the local bishops: This sounds very Protestant. Are they trying to creating a new Church?
6. Criticizing and marginalizing conservative and traditional laity: Pope Francis accuses Catholics of  being “too rigid” (for holding on to doctrine). 
7. Claiming that Catholicism must no longer be pre-eminent: Vatican II/Synodality’s questionable ecumenism, troublesome statements by popes and cardinals.
8. Downplaying sexual sins: appointing bishops who support sodomy, authorizing Synodal study who claim that homosexuality is no longer sinful
9. Watering down doctrinal requirements for receiving sacraments: Lowering standards for the sake of inclusion and toleration.
10. Bestowing blessings on same sex unions: This is permitted because of a new situational morality. (Non-liturgical blessings seek to bless evil.)
11. Remaking Jesus’ Church in a worldly synodal Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences: (Worldly values, secularism, relativism, and sin creep into the Church. Synodality becomes and IDOL.
12. Allowing shared clergy/laity decision-making authority in the Church: Whatever could possibly go wrong when the laity is involved in making decisions about Church teachings and doctrine? 
13. Elevating man’s dignity: Man does NOT have infinite dignity. The Church focusing more on SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD/MOVING WITH THE WORLD rather than BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
14. Inserting pagan idols and cultural practices into Mass: Panchama idols, native rituals and dances, secular function, liturgical sacrilege and desecrations.
15. Ignoring, “paying lip-service” to Church teachings/doctrine, scripture, and Jesus’ statements: this inevitably leads to a practical (implicit) atheism

Tradition vs. Modernism/Synodality): who will prevail inside the Church?

1. Acts 5:38: If this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.
2. Acts 5:39: If this activity comes from God, you will NOT be able to destroy it. You may even find yourself fighting against God.
3. The human actions of bringing in worldliness and “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) created a spiritual and pastoral disaster for the Church.
4. Synodality is essentially continuing what Vatican II has done. The German Synodal Church is essentially “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy.
5. In reaction against Synodality’s doctrinal confusion, an organic Holy Spirit- inspired movement has led to a greater movement and desire for Tradition and doctrinal clarity.
6. The younger people (both clergy and laity) are greatly attracted to Tradition. The Church is thriving because of Tradition, not because of Synodality.
7. More and more Protestants are discovering Tradition. They are also discovering that the early church was Catholic!
8. Traditiones Custodes seems to be the only administrative tool in the “Synodal toolbox” to try to stop the TLM and desire for the TLM.
9. Aside from Traditiones Custodes, the Synodal leadership is UNABLE to stop this movement. Let that sink in. This is because of the work of the Holy Spirit.
10. We will have to look at Acts 5:38-39 to see who will prevail.

Conclusion:

Victory, victorious, conquer, conquering, siege, invincible, laity, aggressor, aggression, supervene, surprise

Update: Lax criminal policies and emboldened criminal activity have overcome liberal cities. Many businesses and individuals are leaving these cities. These policies are contributing to creating ghost-towns.

Gender ideology, transgenderism, and the tyranny of relativism (one can be any gender one wants) are now undermining and conquering the traditional understanding of two genders created by God. (This is pridefully saying to God: “I know better than you [God] in what gender I should be!) 

This modern secular post-Christian world often makes it very difficult for one to separate one’s Christian values from the world’s values. Society’s denial of sin is greatly contrasted with Jesus’ command to sin no more (Jn.8:11).

In a sense, many of us are also like “little pagans” bowing our heads down to our electronic devices, and other gods (money, fame, power, social media, possessions, stuff, etc.)

Scriptural references about the Nicolaitans

Acts 20:29: savage wolves

Acts 20:30: perverting the truth to draw the disciples away

Acts 20:30: pagan worship of Artemis

Jud.1:8: defiling the flesh, scorning lordship, and reviling glorious beings

Rev.2:7: [Jesus]: the works of the Nicolaitans I also hate

The Modernists/Synodalists’  spiritual “hard-heartedness”:

1. They will continue to promote their Modernist/Synodal human traditions and ideology at all costs.
2. They will continue to “reform” and “renew” the Church even it leads to problems. Just look at the German Synodal Church.
3. They will continue to make every effort to employ Traditiones Custodes to shut down the TLM. This will ultimately become a fool’s errand.
4. They will continue to marginalize the many faithful who oppose Synodality.

Another fruit of the Holy Spirit: there is more attention and more critical historical examination and analysis on the consequences of Vatican II. Let that sink in!

“It is a mistake for the Church to try to hold onto old traditions or to have clear answers for everything.” Pope Francis.

“We do not want a Church that will move with the world. We want a Church that moves the world.” GK Chesterton

“We don’t want to convert the young people to Christ or the Catholic Church or anything like that all.” Cardinal Auguiar (at the 37th Word Youth Day

“The greatest obstacle in the apostolate of the Church is the timidity or rather cowardice of the faithful.” Pope Pius X

THE MODERNISTS/SYNODALISTS HAVE BECOME THE NEW NICOLAITANS.  I am pretty sure that Jesus hates their deeds and actions as well.

[Greek] ἐντρέπω (entrepō), [Latin] revereri, [Latin] timere, [Latin] confundere: to stand in awe: to put to shame, to invert, to respect, to confound, to reverence, to make ashamed, to feel respect for, to turn in; Mt.21:37, Mk.12:6, Lk.18:2,4, 1Cor.4:14, 2Thess.3:14, Tit.2:8, Heb.12:9

It is shameful that the Synodal Church (and Pope Leo) are facilitating study groups and appointing bishops who claim that homosexuality (sodomy) is not sinful. Paul calls upon those who do not obey the Word to be put to shame (2 Thess.3:14) This is how Synodality (lived experiences) becomes an IDOL!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to turn about, to make one turn, to hesitate, to fell misgivings, to turn toward to, to give heed to, to reverse, to respect, to show reverence, and to shame.

Polybius’ Histories 31.2: “To the ambassadors of the Gauls in Asia they granted autonomy, on condition that they remained within their dwellers, and went on to warlike expeditions beyond their frontiers.”

Sophocles’ Ajax 90: “You there, Ajax, once I again I call you! Why do show so little regard for your city?”

Plato’s Crito 52c: “And moreover even at your trial you might have offered exile as your penalty. But then you put on airs and said you were not disturbed if you must die. And now you are not ashamed to think of those words, and you do not respect us and the laws.”

Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 724: “Pay them no regard.”

Old Testament: This term, related to several Hebrew terms, means to shame, to confound, to insult (humiliate), to humble, to be humble, to be contrite, and to dishonor.

New Testament: This term means to respect, to make ashamed, and to be ashamed.

Scripture:

Mt.21:37: “Finally, the landowner sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.'” (The landowner had hoped that the tenants would respect his son. Likewise, the Father, already knowing the fate of His on, gives us free will to decide whether to honor, to esteem, and to show deference to His Son and Himself. This is by no means a positive affirmation about human character by Luke.)

1Cor.4:14: “I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” (Paul, in a constructive manner, uses shame to correct his congregation. Paul acts like a loving father. Paul seeks to warn, to offer wisdom, to point out others’ faults, and to cause others to reform their ways.)

2Thess.3:14: “If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame.” (Paul calls upon the Thessalonians not to be remiss in doing good. Those who do not obey this word are to be shamed and ostracized. Some of the Thessalonians are acting in a disorderly way.)

Lk.18:4: For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, but this widow keeps bothering me.”

1. This atheistic judge did not concern himself with God. This judge only pays lip service to God.
2. The woman is persistent in seeking justice before the judge.
3. The judged failed to show judicial diligence toward the women. The judge just wanted to avoid trouble from the women.
4. This parable speaks to the importance of persistent prayer so that they may not fall victims to apostasy.
5. God will hear the petitions of those who are faithful to Him.

Tit.2:7-8: “Show yourself as a model of good deeds and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us.” (One’s good behavior and example will put others to shame.)

Heb.12:9: “We had our earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Should we not then submit all the more to the Father?” (As God treats us sons and daughters, we must endure our trials as discipline from a loving Father.)

The SSPX proving that the Vatican’s excommunicate is not legitimate.

1. Schism presupposes a systemic and habitual refusal of disobedience.
2. Disobedience may be merely a passing act, without contesting the authority of the law or legislator.
3. Disobedience may consist in refusing to recognize the legislator’s competence without contesting his power.
4. There is no schism. The SSPX obeys the Vatican’s authority.
5. Disobedience does not constitute schism unless it amounts to rebellion against the office of the pope or against the Church.
6. The SSPX has never claimed to be a parallel or autonomous Church. The SSPX allows itself to be measured by the constant Magisterium of the Church.
7. The SSPX is prepared to obey the pope whenever the order is in accordance with faith and morals.
8. Schism is an illegitimate separation from the unity of the Church.

Practical atheism: (Cardinal Sarah warns of a subtle form of atheism):

1. God is no longer at the center of one’s center of divine worship. Modern man acts as if God does not exist in his life.
2. Doctrine and faith are reduce to social activism.
3. One’s idols (lived experiences) becomes that basis for one’s moral guiding principles. Synodality can become an IDOL!
4. There is a continual need to adjust and change objective moral truths to the culture. Subjective situational morality exists.
5. There is a greater focus on horizontal relationships (man to man) rather a vertical relationship (God to man).
6. There is a continual rejection of traditional Catholic morals and theology.
7. Cafeteria Catholicism: one picks and choose what he like from Catholicism.
8. Synodal path: there are continual efforts to transform Jesus’ Church into a synodal Church in the image of man.
9. Clergy are becoming more concerned and conscious about their status (position) in the Church rather than on focusing on Jesus.
10. Adoration of Jesus becomes a distraction in comparison to other Church matters.

A shameful Modernist/Synodal re-interpretation of Maria Gorreti:

1. They are questioning the message of upholding Maria Goretta as a “martyr of purity” or “marytr of virginity”. (Is this message now considered too old fashioned?)
2. This story focused only on sexual purity and the forgiveness of the perpetrator. (Why are these heroic qualities still not important to strive for?)
3. It is a well-known narrative that even young girls and women are seductresses. Male sexual assault can be a natural reaction of female sexual attraction. (Why are you rationalizing and justifying criminal behavior? Are you suggesting women invite this behavior?)
4. Maria Goretti’s story belong to so-called rape myths. The focus should be on girls and women and their sexuality.
5. One should apply secular standards to Maria Goretti’s story. (Why would you lower standards for human behavior and decency?)

Shame: when we turn in upon ourselves

Entropy: This is a measure of the degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system. The 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics states that the energy state of system moves from a state of order to a state of disorder over time. The process will cease when an equilibrium of energy states has been achieved.

Etymology: This term literally means “turning in upon oneself.” This inward turning (en-) provides a time of self-reflection and allowing one to examine one’s actions. This self-reflection can involve shame, humbleness, remorse, or reverence. This inward turning often allows for conversion. Entropy is a measure of disorder (reduction of order).

Conclusion:

Entropy, reverence, revere, confound, confounding, reprehensible

Turning inward, disorder, and reducing are related. Turning inward (self-reflection) ==> shame, remorse, humbleness, hesitation, fear, and reverence. No shame ==> doing whatever one wants, not caring what others think.

Greek Hellenism: So the Greeks had it right after all. We get very unsettled and disturbed when we cringe in situations. When we do something stupid or embarrassing, we just want to “turn in and hide”. Then we need to pick up the pieces.

Old Testament: This term is very relatable to poor, humble, and vulnerable people. Humbleness in heart and contriteness ==> often leads to a favorable relationship with God.

A proud person who moves inward (away from God) will ultimately face spiritual weakness and emptiness.

A humble person who moves outward (toward God) will find spiritual strength and God’s strength.

Update: With Pope Francis and now Pope Leo, the Church continues to experience greater doctrinal and liturgical disorder, confusion, and ambiguity.

No longer respecting Church teachings: It seems that the synodal Church is paying lip service to Church teachings against homosexuality. 

1. Fiducia Supplicans: The Church both states Church teachings against homosexuality and also provides “informal blessings” to same sex unions.
2. The USCCB issues a “gay friendly” bible. Are they seeking to “white-wash” or de-stigmatize homosexuality?
3. Pro-LGBTQ and homosexuality clergy stating that homosexuality and sodomy are NOT sinful.
4. Synodal study groups claiming the homosexuality is not sinful.

More focus on man rather than Christ: the Synodal Church’s mission to serve man.

1. Red flag: Magnifica  humanitas entrusts the Church to synodally to serve the human person.
2. This a synodal Church that no longer exists to serve the human person, not for the glory of God.
3. Red flag: Pope Leo repeatedly defends that this is not compatible with traditional understandings of authority and hierarchy.
4. Red flag: doctrinal authority, defense of orthodoxy, missionary conversion, and salvation are conspicuously absent.
5. Red flag: the article makes reference to the Synodal Golden Calf.
6. Red flag: anthropology replaces theology as the primary framework of the Church.

Each of our own unique experiences, trials, struggles, and carrying our crosses are evidence in God disciplining and pruning ourselves to become the person that God wants us to be. To be honest, this can at times be come difficult to bear.

There is repeated chaos, confusion, heresy, and sacrilege found in this synodal Church. This rightfully deserves criticism.

It has been scandalous that these Catholic charities and NGOs have been using their funds for LGBTQ causes, abortion, condoms, atheism, child trafficking, and illegal immigration. Their money supply is being cut off. They are already cutting their staffs. Other govt. organizations are now being looked at.

When Synodality (lived experiences) take precedence over Church teachings/doctrine, sin, Jesus’ statements, Synodality becomes an IDOL!

Many proponent for continuing this funding charitable organizations prioritize focus on immigrants. This contradicts the hierarchy of the principle of giving resources at the nearest level of influence. Focus on God, then, self, family, community, state, nation, outsiders.

Synodal disdain of Tradition by Swiss theologian Daniel Ammann:

1. These special brotherhoods are are practically still stuck in the 1950’s. (Does he consider this old-fashioned?)
2. The priesthood is considered very important in their world. (It seems he dismisses the priest’s power to forgive sins and to bring us the Eucharist.)
3. The missionary drive of these communities is still a strong motivator. (This attitude just reinforces the Synodal Church devaluing missionary evangelization.)
4. Priests are no longer among the most important figures as they were a few decades ago.

We are now discovering how USAID has become a cesspool of spending, pork, and corruption. USAID is now being shut down

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” Corrie ten Boom

“Entropy makes things fall, but life and God ingeniously rigs the game so that when they do they often fall in place.” John Tooby

“Be ashamed when you sin, not when you repent.” St. John Chyrosostom

“If you see your brother sinning openly, you should not cover up for him, but you should rebuke him in front of everyone, so that he may be ashamed and repent.” St. John Chrysostom

https://fsspx.news/en/news/what-make-decree-dicastery-doctrine-faith-july-2-2026-60049

https://napa-institute.org/cardinal-sarah/

[Greek] ψηφίζω (psēphizō), [Latin] calculare: to vote, to count, to compute, to calculate, to count with pebbles, to figure out: Lk.14:28, Rev.13:18

Pope Pius X calculated (prophesied) that the Modernists (and later Synodalists) would take over leadership of the Church. The current crisis between the SSPX and the Vatican illustrates this division between traditionalists and Modernists/Synodalists in the Church.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to count or calculate with a stone, to reach a verdict (decision), and to condemn.

Psephos (small stones):

1. These stones were used in board games, counting, voting, astrology, and magic.
2. A stone was synonymous with a voice (and opinion).
3. The process of voting often occurred by placing a stone in an urn.
4. Making a decision or having the resolve occurs in many situations and contexts.
5. Political and government leaders vote (make decrees) with their authority.
6. Ostracism: The ancient Greeks sometimes voted whether or not to expel or banish a person from Athens. They voted with a broken pottery shard (ostrakon).

Xenophon’s Hellenica 1.7.9:  “Cast their vote (stone) into the urn.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 2.36.4:  “Calculate from left to right.”

Aeschines’ On the Embassy 2.84:  “Put the motion to a vote.”

Lysias’ Against Eratosthenes 12.44:  “What measures be passed by their votes.”

Antiphon’s Against the Stepmother for Poisoning 1.12:  “To find them guilty.”

Ostracism: In a related matter with voting, the ancient Greeks sometimes voted whether or not to expel or banish a person from Athens. The Greeks voted with a broken pottery shard (ostrakon). Those persons, who were forced to leave, were ostracized.

Old Testament: This term means to reckon or to count.

New Testament: This term, found only twice, means to calculate and to figure out.

Scripture

Lk.14:28: “Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?”

1. Jesus begins with discussing what it means to be a disciple.
2. This requires removing attachments to family and possessions which stand in the way for a total commitment for being a disciple.
3. This acceptance demands readiness to accept persecution and suffering.
4. Like calculating the cost of constructing a tower, this decision requires a realistic assessment of the hardships and costs for such a commitment.

Rev.13:18: “Wisdom is needed here; one who understands can calculate the number of the beast, for it is a number that stands for a person. His number is 666.” (This number represents man, imperfection, incompleteness, and evil in their most superlative form of imperfection.)

ψῆφος (psēphos), [Latin] sententia

Acts 26:10: “I am imprisoned many of the holy ones with the authorization I received from the chief priests, and when they were to be put to death, I cast my vote [voice] against them.” (Paul [Saul] was a zealous Pharisee persecuting the Christians. Paul imprisonment of the them illustrates the severe persecution the early Church faced. Paul’s vote suggests that he was perhaps a member of the Sanhedrin or had great influence in its decisions.)

Rev.2:17: “To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna; I shall also give a white amulet (stone) upon which is inscribed a new name.”

1. Pergamum was known for its devotion to the cult of Augustus Caesar and the goddess Roma.
2. This city earned the reputation for the “throne of Satan”.
3. The Church is chided for following the Nicolaitans who practiced a watered-down Christianity involved with paganism, worldliness, sin, and tolerance.
4. To those who have overcome these influences (obstacles), an amulet (stone) was given as a token of victory for perseverance and faithfulness.
5. Being given a new name reflects the believer’s new life in Christ and unique identity in the kingdom of God.

συμψηφίζω (sumpsephizo), [Latin] invenire:

Acts 19:19: “A large number of those who practiced magic collected their books and burned them in public. They calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand silver pieces.”

1. Ephesus was known to be involved with sorcery, occult practices, and magic arts.
2. The act of bringing out these books indicates a public renunciation of their past practices and a commitment to their new faith.
3. The public calculation of these books’ value underscores the significant sacrifice made by these believers. This indicates their sincerity of their conversion.
4. This enormous sum indicates the extensive nature of this practice. This event also illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about radical change.

Timeline of the recent conflict with Vatican II/Synodal Church vs. the SSPX:

1. The SSPX masterfully pointed out the Modernist/Synodal errors, human traditions, questionable ecumenism, and heresies since Vatican II.
2. Pope Leo issued a personal appeal to the SSPX to not consecrate bishops.
3. The SSPX defied the pope and consecrated four bishops.
4. The Vatican declared the SSPX to be in schism. The Vatican enacted severe penalties on all SSPX priests, clergy. The Vatican warned that laity face potential excommunication.
5. The SSPX formally rejected the Vatican as invalid. They defended the ordinations as act of absolute necessity to preserve Catholic tradition during a time of doctrinal crisis.
6. The SSPX declares it is ready to obey the pope, provided that its order do not adhere to the modernist doctrines of Vatican II and the post-conciliar period.

Conclusions: This draws attention to current situation of the post-Conciliar/Synodal Church

1. This crisis points out how far Vatican II/Synodality has strayed away from Church teachings.
2. This crisis becomes the primary purpose and reason for the SSPX to consecrate new bishops.
3. The Vatican, declaring the SSPX to be in schism, uses the post-Conciliar/Synodal Church as a moral measuring stick for Catholic teaching.
4. The SSPX uses traditional Catholic teachings a moral measuring stick for Catholic teaching.
5. This crisis continues to illustrate the great doctrinal divide between traditional Catholic teaching and post Conciliar/Synodal Catholic teaching.
6. The SSPX indicates its fidelity to the pope, but not to modernist doctrines.

Conclusion:

Calculate, calculation

It was interesting to discover that the ancient Greeks used stones (pebbles) in settling and deciding important matters. Not surprisingly, stones were also used in board games. Aside from stones, I found many examples pertaining to making decisions, condemning prisoners, and implementing decrees.

This term is used less frequently in the Old Testament. However, the Hellenistic philosophers Philo and Josephus make frequent references to resolving and decreeing.

666: In Jn.6:66, many disciples walked away when Jesus claimed that one must eat His Body and drink His Blood. In a sense, you could say that the devil made the disciples walk away. (The devil made them do it?)

WARNING—USELESS WORDS ALERT–  (These words certainly get my vote for this distinction!)

Psephology: the statistical study of elections and trends in voting.

Psephologist: one who studies elections and electoral trends. (Frank Luntz, Karl Rowe, Larry Sabato, Nate Silver )

Ostrakon: pottery shard used in voting.

People who were given new names: Mary ==>Full of Grace, Abram ==> Abraham, Sarai ==> Sarah, Jacob ==> Israel, Simon ==> Peter,

Update: A vast majority of Americans (Republicans and Democrats) support the Save America Act. Yet, the Congress have not still have not passed it.

Homosexuality/Sodomy continues to play a prominent role in the Church:

1. A Synodal study group has claimed that the homosexuality is no longer sinful. Not surprisingly, the Vatican had to dissociate itself from this Synodal study.
2. Pope continue to appoint scandalous bishops who claim that sodomy is not longer sinful.

Why did Pope Leo select this bishop who says sodomy is no longer sinful? Perhaps Pope Leo has calculated that people are open to changing doctrine?? If so, that is scandalous!

Pope Leo believes that attitudes can change Church doctrine. Let that sink in. Pope Leo is open to the idea that immutable Church teachings can change. Perhaps that is also why there will be continuous Synodal study groups to see what people will accept next.

Many scandalous and pro-LGBTQ clergy will eventually discover the costs for ignoring or refusing to state Church teachings against. They will most likely be severely examined at their judgment in heaven.

In their effort to promote their Synodal ideology, many clergy continue to implement Traditiones Custodes in their efforts to marginalize the Catholic faithful.

In a counter-response to Synodality and doctrinal and liturgical confusion, there continues a Holy Spirit inspired organic movement (inside the Church) toward Tradition and the TLM.

Many have not fully realized that Traditiones Custodes appears to be the only administrative tool in the “Synodal toolbox” to try to stop the TLM. Aside from that, they are NOT able to stop this movement. (Acts 5:38-39) What comes from God cannot be stopped!

Like the Nicolaitans, the Vatican/Synodal Church also have implemented a more watered-down Catholicism, influenced by human traditions, redefining sin, worldliness, “smoke of Satan”, and questionable ecumenism.

In Maine, many Democrats/leftists/socialists evidently believe that political ideology (socialism and communism) should take precedence over moral character. Graham Platner was forced to withdraw from the race.

The political leftists in the Democratic party actually think that their ideology will be embraced by the moderates in their party. This is how the Democratic Party will continue to lose national seats.

The Synodal Church, beholden to the LGBTQ community (lobby) refuses to remove its attachment to de-stigmatizing and normalizing homosexuality (sodomy) in the Church.

California has intentionally have made a mockery of their elections. These politicians have actually embedded their fraudulent practices into their laws.

President Trump and Trump supporters have been continually ostracized by opponents. This is called Trump Derangement Syndrome.

“We count on God’s mercy to give and not count the cost.” St. Ignatius of Loyola

“Counting on her [the Church] with the crucified Christ for the strength to voluntary accept and love the suffering as an authentic path to sainthood.” St. John Paul II

https://fsspx.org/en/publications/declaration-catholic-faith-addressed-pope-leo-xiv-59111 

https://x.com/silerenonpossum/status/2073070370710532264/photo/1

https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2026/06/breaking-pope-leo-xiv-writes-i-plead.html

[Greek] ἐπιτρέπω (epitrepō), [Latin] exire, [French] sortir, [French] partir, [Latin] permittere, [Latin] dimittere, [French] dispenser [French] admettre, [Latin] mittere, [French] jeter, [French] catapulter: to allow, to permit, to entrust, to let; 22 scriptures

We are now experiencing a Synodal Church where inclusion, tolerance, lived experiences, and false compassion, and sin (sodomy) are tolerated.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to yield to, to permit, to let, to leave to, to indulge, and to rely upon.

Homer’s Odyssey 2.226: “To Mento, Odysseus had given all his house in charge.”

Aristophanes’ Plutus 1079: “With anyone but you I should not be so easy.”

Plato’s Euthyphro 5e: “That this is established and right and that we ought not to let him who acts impiously go unpunished.”

Plato’s Charmides 171e: “Nor should be we permit others under our governance to do anything but what likely to do right.”

Old Testament: This term means to loosen to relinquish, to permit, to forsake, and to abandon.

New Testament: This term means to permit and to allow.

Noteworthy scripture:

Lk.9:59: “And to another He said, ‘Follow Me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, let me go first and bury my father.'”

1. Jesus is seeking to raise the bar in moral conduct necessary to follow Him.
2. Christian discipleship must take precedence over family obligations. (Jesus is intolerant [firm] in saying this!)
3. Even family ties must NOT take precedence over the obligation of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven.
4. Jewish and Hellenistic cultures placed an extremely high importance on familial obligations.
5. Jesus: let the spiritually dead (who will not follow Him) bury their dead.

Mt.19:8: “He said to them, ‘Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.'”

1. Jesus stated that this was a concession to human weakness rather than an endorsement of divorce.
2. Hardness of heart indicates a spiritual and moral stubbornness. A hard heart is resistant to God’s will and guidance.
3. Jesus refers back to the creation narrative in Genesis, where God established marriage as a lifelong union.
4. Jesus emphasizes the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage as God intended it before the fall of humanity.

Old Testament: Taking a larger “bird’s eye” view of God’s relationship with man, one can claim that God was viewing the people of the Old Testament like adolescents, LOWERING THE BAR in their moral conduct.

New Testament: Jesus RAISES THE BAR in moral conduct in referring back to God’s intended design for marriage. Jesus says to the people of the New Testament, “You now need to act like grown-ups and act accordingly.” ***

Mk.5:13: “And He let them [demonic spirits and the unclean spirits], and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand swine rushed down a steep bank into the sea where they were drowned.” (The herding of swine indicates that Gentiles resided in the territory of the Gerasenes. Even these demons recognized the authority of Jesus.)

Acts 21:39: “Paul said, ‘I am a Jew, of Tarsus of Cilicia; I request you permit me to speak to the people.” I [Paul] request you to permit me to speak to the people.'”

1. Paul often uses his Roman citizenship and Jewish heritage to navigate complex situations.
2. He appeals to the Jewish audience by emphasized his shared understanding of the Law and the Prophets.
3. Paul’s Roman citizenship afforded him certain legal protects and social privileges.
4. This status was crucial in his ministry and legal defenses.

1Tim.2:12: “I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man.”

1. It must be acknowledged that this was a patriarchal society.
2. It was understood that teaching was primarily a male role.
3. Women were not educated in the same way as men.
4. This guideline is interpreted as a guideline for Church leadership structures, where men hold authority positions.
5. Paul makes a theological basis on the order of creation: Adam was formed first, then Eve.
6. This does not negate the active roles that women play in other areas of Church life.

What should be womens’ roles in the Church?

Traditional Catholic view: Women’s vocations are assigned by God and the Church. Women can become nuns, sister, and consecrated.

Synodal (political) view:

1. There is a greater desire or call for gender equality in Church leadership positions.
2. Vocations often become blurred with rights.
3. Women should have the opportunity to become priests and deacons.
4. This becomes a matter of “fairness”.
5. Synodal study are continuing to keep open the idea of women priests and deacons.
6. The Synodal Church has not shut this practice down. This is not Catholic!
7. Women’s roles and men’s roles continue to be intentionally blurred.

[Greek] τροπή (tropē), [Latin] trophaeum: a turning, trophy, revolution, or change; Jas 1:17

In 102 A.D. the Roman emperor Trajan erected the monument Trophaeum (Traiani) commemorating the victory (turning point) over the Dacians.

Jas.1:17: “All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration) or shadow caused by change [turning].” (Unlike the heavenly bodies, God is immutably constant, good, and unchanging.)

Trope: This is a figure of speech used for artistic effect.  Ex. Achilles’ heal ==> weak spot

Tropaion/trophaeum: A monument was often erected to designate a turning point in a battle. The circumstances of this event have often defined by the victor.

Catholic psychiatrist Conrad Baars explaining false compassion and tolerance:

“A person in authority who deprives his subjects of the truth when he says, even with the best intention of helping them, ‘You may ignore the teachings of the Magisterium: God’s laws are too hard for you.‘ By that he says in effect, ‘You are not and never will be strong and good enough to adhere to these laws.” (This is how you whitewash/ignore Church teachings and ignore/destigmatize sinful behavior. One may even insidiously call this “pastoral”.)

Conclusion:

Permit, admit, catapult, lance, reject, eject, disperse, concede, permission, mission, exit, sort, part, sortie, resort

Update: It is unfortunately not surprising at all that liturgical and doctrinal sacrileges continually occur in the German Synodal Church. Shocker!

1. A women carried the Eucharist (in the monstrance) in Germany. (This is expressly forbidden by the Church.) 
2. A woman preach the homily at Mass in Germany. (This is expressly forbidden by the Church.)

Vatican II allowed Pope Paul VI and Protestant theologians develop the Novus Order Mass, but the Vatican excommunicates the SSPX.

The Pontifical Biblical Commission states that Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because of the lack of hospitality. They did not allow enough hospitality.

This is how Satan works: Satan can “inspire” undermining, disobedience, rebellion, “false compassion”, tolerance, worldliness, fame, distraction, spiritual dryness, sin, addiction, and convincing you that “what you are doing is not sinful”.

Satan does not need to fully possess you. Satan only needs to make you FORGET ABOUT GOD!

Pope Leo states that he will not bless same-sex unions. Because he appoints and authorizes homosexual and scandalous clergy to does this sacrilegious acts. Yet, why doesn’t Pope Leo forbid homosexual blessings? Shocker!

Opposition to the SAVE Act: the fallacies of patronizing intolerance and soft bigotry of low expectations

1. Jim Crow 2.0:this act is designed to disproportionately minorities and low-income people  (These people are not capable to get certain documents. This is a subtle form of intimidation.)
2. Election security: this prevents citizens from voting (This act serves to strengthen election integrity against fraud.)

“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” George Orwell

“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell (Orwell was very prophetic about hate speech, cancel culture, and ignorance of history.

“Tolerance is NOT a Christian value. Tolerating grave evil within a society is itself a form of serious evil.” Archbishop Chaput

“Tolerance applies only to persons, but never to principles. Intolerance apply to principles, but never to persons.” Bishop Fulton Sheen   (The Church should and must show intolerance [being firm] in being constant in its teachings.)

“We do not want a church that moves with the world. We want a church that moves the world.” GK Chesterton

“Societies are far gone in depravity when toleration is considered a good in itself, without regard to the thing tolerated.” GK Chesterton

Vatican II/Synodality permits and allows:

1. A Cardinal blesses a gay couple’s 50th anniversary.
2. A French bishop allows church nave be used to watch soccer matches.
3. The Vatican allowed a Synodal study group claim that homosexuality is longer sinful.
4. Informal blessings for same-sex couples (Fiducia Supplicans)
5. Restricting the TLM (Traditiones Custodes)
6. We see over and over again sacrilegious Novus Order Masses.
7. Continuing inter-religious events.
8. Catholic Charities working with Mayor Mamdami to obstruct the Trump administration efforts to control illegal immigration.
9. Intentional commingling of clergy/laity vocations/rights
10. Synodal study groups continuing to leave open the issues of women priests and women deacons.
11. Scandalous and pro-LGBTQ clergy are given free reign to promote their beliefs (ideology) in the Church.
12. An Austrian diocese is sponsoring a Pride March.
13. Pope Leo has appointed the German bishop to diocese of Eichstatt. This bishop has stated that sodomy is not a sin.
14. Bishop LaValley of the diocese of Ogdensburg (upper New York) says the SSPX repudiates Vatican II/Synodality (ecumenism, religious liberty, collegiality).
15. Bishop LaValley says the quiet part out loud. “The real offense is doctrine” [from Hiraeth in Exile].
16. Need I say more???

And yet the Vatican/Synodal Church says that the SSPX is the problem. The SSPX did not cause this crisis. The SSPX has revealed this crisis ===>Vatican II and Synodality ===> permitting sacrilege, sin, false ecumenism, questionable ecumenism, worldliness

Greek] καταλύω (kataluō), [Latin] solvere, [Latin] destruere, [Latin] dissolvere, [Latin] devertere, [French] detacher, [French] acquitter, [French] demolir, [French] denouer, [French] detourner: to destroy, to overthrow, to lodge, to dissolve, to tear down; 16 scripture references

This crisis may be part of God’s providence in allowing the SSPX to remind all of us how far Vatican II and Synodality’s human traditions have strayed from traditional Catholic teachings.

“To separate oneself from Tradition is to separate oneself from the Church.” Archbishop Lefebvre

Background information

Greek Hellenism: This term means to put down, to destroy, to dissolve, to dismiss, to abolish, to render useless, to neglect, to bring to an end, and to lodge.

Euripides’ The Trojan Women 1080: “It is this that fills me with anxious thought whether you care at all that my city is destroyed.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 1.104: “The Medes met the Scythians, who defeated them in battle, deprived them of their rule, and made themselves masters of all Asia.”

Demosthenes’ On The Crown 18.82: “For the ambassador who came here from Cleitarchus and Phillistides lodged at your house and you entertained him.”

Old Testament: This term means to invade, to lodge, to abide, to tear down, and to destroy.

New Testament: This term means to disintegrate, to abolish, to throw down, to destroy, and to lodge.

Mt. 5:17: “Do not think that I [Jesus] have come to abolish the Law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but but to fulfill.”

1. The Law refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain the commandments given to Moses.
2. The Prophets encompass the writings of the prophets which conveyed God’s message to Israel.
3. Jesus indicates this commitment to the Law and the Prophets.
4. Jesus indicates that His life and ministry are the culmination of what the Law and the Prophets anticipated.
5. The New Covenant surpasses the Law. This fulfillment illustrates a deeper realization of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Mt.24:2: “You see all these things, do you not? Amen, amen, I say to you, there will not be left here a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

1. Jesus is prophesying the destruction of the Temple. Jesus draws attention to the physical grandeur of the temple.
2. Jesus underscores the importance of listening to His words.
3. When Jesus begins the phrase, “Amen, I say to you”, He will begin to make a very important statement.
4. Jesus’ prophesy foretells the complete destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.
5. Jesus warns against placing trust in physical structures and temporary earthly things.
6. The complete destruction oft he temple signifies the end of the old covenant system on temple worship and sacrifices. This foreshadows a new covenant relationship through Jesus.
7. Interestingly, historical and archaeological evidence indicates that Jesus may have actually spent more time as a stone cutter rather than a carpenter. Jesus stacked, carved, and chiseled stone.

Lk.19:7: “When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, ‘He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner [Zacchaeus].'” (Grumbling reflects a common response to Jesus associating with sinners. Jesus demonstrates His mission to seek and to save the lost. Jesus’ willingness to associate with Zacchaeus challenged the prevailing religious attitudes. Salvation becomes present as result of Zacchaeus’ repentance.)

Jesus associates and stays “loosens (-luo) down” (kata-) with sinners:

1. Jesus associates and welcomes sinners.
2. Jesus calls sinners to conversion. Jesus does NOT tolerate sinful behavior or sinful lifestyles.
3. Jesus forgives and no longer condemns the adulterous women. Jesus tells her to SIN NO MORE. (Jn.8:11)
4. Jesus states that those who follow Him will NOT walk in darkness. (Jn.8:12)
5. Jesus states that those who do NOT follow Him will walk in darkness (Jn.8:12)

Acts 5:38: “Have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself.”

1. Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, gave some very sound advice, which reflects a cautious and pragmatic approach.
2. Gamaliel, sought to avoid unnecessary conflict. This refers to Prov.21:30 [no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against God]
3. Human endeavors (traditions), when not aligned with God’s will, are often fleeting, unsuccessful, and failing.
4. Gamaliel’s words suggest that time will reveal the true nature of their mission.
5. Gamaliel’s words are a reminder of the futility of opposing God’s purpose, as seen in the spread of Christianity despite early persecution.

Acts 5:39: “But if it comes from God, you will NOT be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

1. Gamaliel’s words suggest that if the apostles’ mission is truly from God, it will succeed regardless of human opposition.
2. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will find their mission divinely ordained.
3. This is a reminder of the futility and danger in opposing God’s work.

2Cor.5:1: “For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.” (The earthly tent refers to our human bodies, drawing upon the temporary nature of a tent. This building from God signifies our glorified body promised to believers. Unlike earthly homes, this is an eternal house in heaven.)

We are all called to be temporary sojourners in this world.

1. Paul reminds us that our bodies are but temporary dwellings in this world.
2. Although we are earthly sojourners, we are citizens and members of the household of God. (Eph.2:19)
3. Our citizenship is in heaven. (Php.2:19)
4. Although we are sojourners, we are called to keep away from worldly desires. (1Pet.2:11)
5. The Vatican II/Synodal Church looks more like a United Nations NGO rather than the Church that Jesus established.
6. Unfortunately, the Church is more focused on SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD/MOVING WITH THE WORLD rather than on BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.

Pope Gregory XVI’s encyclical Mirari Vos (1832): refuting the need for a human “restoration” of the Church:

“All truth was daily taught it by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It is obviously absurd and injurious to propose a certain restoration or regeneration for her [the Church] as though necessary for her safety and health, as is she could be considered subject to defect or other misfortune. These authors of novelties consider that a foundation may be laid of a human institution. That what was a divine thing may become a human Church.”

Vatican II/Synodality introducing human endeavors (traditions) into the Church:

1. Introducing human traditions, sin, lived experiences, inclusion, tolerance, questionable ecumenism, ignoring sin, worldliness, and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining)
2. Explanations for religion (faith) are narrowly defined by one’s sentiments, perceptions, and lived experiences. Larger supernatural realities are often ignored or minimized.
3. Pope Paul VI and Protestant theologians created a more “Protestant friendly” Novus Order Mass with the focus on the community meal rather than the sacrifice.
4. Introducing and normalizing the originally disobedient practice of receiving the Eucharist in the hand. Removing the altar rails
5. Utilizing so many “extra-ordinary” Eucharist ministers at Mass in the sanctuary. Why are they then still called “extraordinary”?
6. Restricting the Traditional Latin Mass. This is just another way the Synodal leadership can marginalize the laity.
7. Synodality: redefining and blurring vocations/rights between the clergy and laity. Perpetually keeping open the possibility of women priests and women deacons.
8. Synodality: a Synodal study group claimed that homosexuality is no longer considered sinful
9. Synodality: clergy and laity are now BOTH involved in decision-making authority concerning Church doctrine/teachings, vocations, authority, and Church organizational structure.
10. German Synodal Church: a women carrying a monstrance in an Eucharistic procession; a women preaching the homily at Mass. Shocker!

The fruits (actions) from the Holy Spirit:

1. In REACTION AGAINST Synodality and doctrinal ambiguity, an inexorable and organic Holy Spirit inspired movement (inside the Church) has led to a greater movement and desire for Tradition, the TLM, and doctrinal clarity.
2. The younger people (both clergy and laity) are greatly attracted to Tradition. 
3. The TLM (where allowed) continues to thrive. This is in contrast to the tepid attendance at the NO Mass.
4. Traditiones Custodes seems to be the only administrative tool in the “Synodal toolbox” to try to stop the TLM. (Aside from that, they are UNABLE to stop it. Let that sink in! Sounds like inspiration from the Holy Spirit!)
5. More Protestants are now converting to Catholicism because they are discovering Tradition and that the early Church was Catholic. It is NOT because of Synodality!

Vatican II/Synodal Church vs. the SSPX:

1. The SSPX has masterfully pointed out the Modernist/Synodal errors, human traditions, questionable ecumenism, and heresies since Vatican II.
2. At Vatican II, Archbishop Lefebvre and his bishops were excommunicated.
3. And yet the SSPX is still growing strong. The TLM is thriving. (Sounds like inspiration from the Holy Spirit!)
4. Pope Leo now excommunicates the SSPX.

What do you think will happen?  I wouldn’t want to bet against the SSPX, Holy Spirit, and Tradition!

When Archbishop Lefebvre was asked if he was concerned about the SSPX’s future, he said, “I am not concerned; if it is God’s work, it will continue; otherwise, it will disappear.” (These are very timely and prophetic words by Archbishop Lefebvre. The SSPX still has remained!)

My opinion: Perhaps this is part of God’s providence that He is allowing the SSPX to remind all of us how far Vatican II and Synodality has strayed from traditional Catholic teaching!

Conclusion:

Solve, detach, acquit, destroy, dissolve, divert, diversion, denounce, demolish

Update: Sign of things to come with Synodality: The German Synodal Church is continually “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy.

The “fruits” of the various versions of modernism feminism: perils and “mine-fields” of dating, declining marriage and procreation, men not showing up in dating women, womens’ skewed work/life balance perspectives, warped views of feminism and masculinity (toxic masculinity), animosity towards traditional marriage relationships

Pope Leo is creating his own human traditions. “People want the Church doctrine to change, want attitudes to change, I think we have to change attitudes before we ever change doctrine.” (Pope Leo is already open to the idea of changing immutable doctrine!)

Catholic traditions: June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Secular human traditions: There has been a significant decline in interest in “Pride Month”. This has been due to changing attitudes.

Tradition and doctrinal clarity provides TRUE REFORM and TRUE REFORM for the Church.

Saints excommunicated by the Church: St. Joan of Arc, St. Mary Mackillop, St. Athanasius, St. Maximus the Confessor

“All novelty in faith is a sure mark of heresy.” St. Vincent of Lerins

“We do not want a church that MOVES WITH THE WORLD. We a want a church that MOVES THE WORLD.” GK Chesterton

“Progress should mean that we are always changing the world to fit the vision. Instead, were are always changing the vision.” GK Chesterton

Quotes by Pope Benedict:

“One cannot free the Church’s magisterial authority at the year 1962, which must be made very to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X.” (Pope Benedict cautions that the SSPX must acknowledge the continuity between Catholic authority before and after Vatican II.) 

“But some of those who present themselves as great defenders of the [Vatican] Council must also be reminded that Vatican II carries with it the entire doctrinal history of the Church.” (Pope Benedicts cautions those who use Vatican II as the sole rule of law in accusing the SSPX in being in schism with the Church.)

[Greek] ὑπομένω (hypomenō), [Latin] persevere, [Latin] permanere, [Latin] sustinere, [Latin] remanere, [Latin] patientia, [Latin] suffererre, [French] persister, [French] continuer, [French] endurer, [French] maintenir: to stay behind, to expect, to wait for, to endure, to persevere, to suffer, to expect; 18 scriptures

The conflict between the SSPX and the Vatican/Synodal Church is more about than following the Vatican II/Synodal Church. This dispute focuses on this more important question. Who has been more faithful to Catholic teachings and traditions? It is the SSPX.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to remain, to be patient, to stand firm, to suffer, and to endure.

Andocides’ On the Mysteries 1.121: “He saw that I was standing my ground, intending to have me either put to death without a trial or banished.”

Homer’s Iliad 5.498: “So they rallied and took their stand with their faces toward the Achaeans.”

Plato’s Laches 194a: “Let us too be steadfast and enduring in our inquiry. Might we perchance find that this very endurance is courage.”

Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.1.3: “And to which shall we give the habit of not shirking a task, but undertaking it willingly? And to which would the knowledge needful for overcoming enemies be more appropriately given?”

Homer’s Odyssey 10.232: “Only Eurylochus remained behind, for he suspected there was a snare.”

Old Testament: This term means to wait on God, to cleave to God, and to have hope (confidence) in God. Attention is directed to God. The righteous person endures on God, rather than on one’s own courage and steadfastness.

New Testament: This term means to persevere, to remain behind, to bear, and to endure.

Mt.10:22: “You will be hated by all because of My name, but whoever endures to the end [death] will be saved.” (Jesus states that a faithful disciple may (will) be hated [experiencing opposition, persecution, or even martyrdom]. Historically, early Christians were often ostracized and persecuted by both Jewish and Roman authorities. Perseverance requires steadfast faith amidst trials and true discipleship. The promise of salvation is contingent on enduring faith.)

Rom.12:12: “Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (One is called to maintain joy through the difficulties and struggles. This joy (hope) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which represents a trust in God’s faithfulness. Patience in affliction is a call to endure hardships with a steadfast spirit. This patience models Christ’s suffering.)

2Tim.2:12: “If we persevere we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny Him, He will deny us.” (The Christian life includes endurance, witness, persecution, suffering, and even martyrdom. Jesus will be true to those who are faithful to Him. Jesus will disown those who deny Him.) 

Heb.12:2: “For the sake of the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God.” (The audience is encouraged to look away from the distractions and challenges, and focus on Jesus for guidance and strength. The joy highlights Jesus’ motivation in enduring the cross: humanity’s redemption, His exultation, and the glory to be revealed. The glory to be revealed FAR OUTWEIGHS our present struggles and sufferings.)

Heb.12:7: “Endure your trials as discipline; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline.” (Like a human father, God may discipline sons and daughters with trials and difficulties. We are called to persevere in running the [Christian] race that lies before us, while keeping our eyes on Jesus. )

Running the race:

1. The Christian is likened to an athlete who must prepare himself/herself for the difficult race (the Christian life).
2. The Christian seeks to reach the finish line to win the imperishable crown of glory, the victory won by being faithful to Christ.
3. The crown of life was a wreath given as a reward to great statesmen, soldiers, and athletes.
4. The highest crown was given those who attained martyrdom.

1Pet.2:20: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God.” (One’s patient suffering [often through no fault of their own] is compared to as a participation in Jesus’ suffering. It can also be said that one suffers in union with Christ. This suffering can be offered up for the salvation of souls.)

Oral Tradition:

1. The ‘scriptures’ mentioned in the New Testament actually referred to the Old Testament.
2. The New Testament’s “canon of books” had NOT yet been formulated.
3. The CHURCH (AND ORAL TRADITION) PROCEEDED THE SCRIPTURES!!!
4. The primary means for the transmission of the faith was by word of mouth (oral tradition).
5. Paul entrusted the deposit of faith (oral tradition) to Timothy.
6. Many could not read or write. Printing materials were scare and expensive.
7. Letters were sent in response to issues (crises) in the geographical areas.
8. Luke, a 2nd or 3rd generation Christian, learns about Jesus through oral tradition and eyewitness accounts.
9. The Catholic faith stands on three legs (pillars): sacred scripture, apostolic Tradition, and the living Magisterium (teaching authority of the Church.)
10. The Catholic understanding of authority refutes Sola scriptura (the belief that scripture is the sole source of authority).

Pope Gregory XVI’s encyclical Mirari Vos (1832): refuting the need for a human “restoration” of the Church:

“All truth was daily taught it by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It is obviously absurd and injurious to propose a certain restoration or regeneration for her [the Church] as though necessary for her safety and health, as is she could be considered subject to defect or other misfortune. These authors of novelties consider that a foundation may be laid of a human institution. That what was a divine thing may become a human Church.”

1. This encyclical repudiates and invalidates the need, purpose, and validity of bringing HUMAN traditions, questionable ecumenism, worldliness, and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) into the Church.
2. Prior to Vatican II, the Church was SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD. This is actually a very good thing for the Church and for society.
3. Prior to Vatican II, the Church IS the Catholic Church. (“Outside the Church there is NO salvation.”) CCC 846
4. It was naively thought that the Church needed to “get with the times”. This unfortunately led to a pastoral and theological disaster for the Church.
5. Jesus’ Church is a divine institution under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There was/is no need to change Jesus’ Church.
6. St. Augustine also states that there is no salvation outside the Church.
7. Yet the Modernists and Synodalists wanted to continue what Vatican II had started. Let that sink in!
8. Synodality is creating a worldly Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.

SSPX’s profession of faith: the face of modern errors (from Vatican II, post-Conciliar reforms, and Synodality:

1. Modernism: reducing faith to one’s religious sentiment, perceptions, and lived experiences and excluding (minimizing) supernatural truths
2. False humanism: man celebrates his infinite dignity. Only God has infinite dignity
3. Modern naturalism: fraternity, peace, dignity, progress is celebrated without mention of sin
4. False ecumenism: unity of faith comes from moving outside the Catholic Church
5. Indifferentism: all religions are equally valid. Other religions reflect some aspect of truth
6. New ecclesiology: this undermines and changes Jesus’ Church (Ex. Synodality)
7. Inculturation and syncretism: adopting and inserting pagan or ethnic practices (rituals) into the gospel and Mass
8. Evolution of dogma: attitudes can change doctrine. Revealed truths can change
9. Situational ethics: circumstances can render intrinsically evil actions as acceptable or good.
10. Naturalism: the Church focusing more on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than on BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN
11. Modern prejudice against the Church: the Church becomes oppressive, hateful, and hostile to human dignity
12. Christianity without the cross: focusing on inclusion, tolerance, false conversion rather than sin, morality, doctrine, scripture, and imitation of the saints
13. Liturgical anthropocentrism of the Mass: changing the focus on the sacrifice of Jesus to a man-centered celebration of a community meal
14. Dishonoring Mary: to weaken Marian doctrine teachings
15. A pastoral practice that contradicts doctrine is NOT pastoral

Conclusion:

Persevere, perseverance, permanent, sustain, remain, remainder, patient, patience, suffering, suffer, persist, persistence, maintain

Update: Many Protestants are becoming Catholic because they are learning about the early Church, Church fathers, and Church Tradition.

The Prefect of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith Tucho Fermandez claims that all will be saved. So Tucho Fernandez knows better, but Augustine and the Council of Trent had it wrong. Let that sink in.

In this Synodal Church, traditional and conservative Catholics and Christians are now called “rigid”, “backward-looking”, and “having a disease of nostalgia”.

In a counter-response against the liturgical and doctrinal confusion and ambiguity, a Holy Spirit-inspired inexorable movement leading people to gravitate toward Tradition and doctrinal clarity is already happening in the Church. The TLM, where allowed, is thriving.

It seems that Traditiones Custodes is the only administrative tool that the Modernists and Synodalists have in their “Synodal toolbox” to try to stop this movement toward Tradition. Aside, from that, they are UNABLE to stop this movement.

The younger priests and seminarians are becoming conservative and traditionally minded. This is in contrast to the older generations of liberal and progressive clergy since Vatican II.

At Vatican II, Pope Paul VI and a commission of Protestant theologians actually created the Novus Order Mass. This Mass changed the Mass from the Sacrifice of Jesus to a communal meal. Let that sink in!

Now the German Synodal Church wants to have the laity give the homily at Mass. Fortunately, Vatican II had shut this down. It remains to be seen if the German bishops will comply.

Synodal arrogance: focusing on man’s infinite dignity is just a characteristic of a Church made in man’s image and lived experiences.

What is the uncomfortable truth revealed by the SSPX document: This speaks more about Vatican II and Synodality. This document shows how much Vatican II and the Synodal Church have “gone off the doctrinal rails” for a Church that Jesus established.

Vatican II ===> a pastoral and spiritual disaster. The German Synodal Church ===> decline and heresy. Do you see a pattern? Are you surprised?

Other SSPX proclamations:

1. These errors were also condemned by Pope Pius X, Pope Leo XIII, Pope Pius X, Pope Pius XI, and Pope Pius XII.
2. Mary does actually hold a honor and distinct role in the Church. She IS Co-Redemptrix and Co-Mediatrix.
3. Our Lord Jesus founded one Church.
4. Human traditions must NOT change the authority (organization and decision-making) of the Catholic Church.
5. Present Magisterium cannot substantially contradict past Magisterium.
6. Moral truths founded by God’s wisdom cannot change.

“We do not want a Church that will move with the world. We want a Church that will move the world.” GK Chesterton

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” St. Catherine of Siena

“Our future is our past.” Archbishop Lefebvre  (Tradition brings TRUE REFORM and TRUE RENEWAL for the Church.)

“Be grateful for trials and tribulation, as they force us to have recourse to the Heavenly Consoler. When all is going well, we forget about God; only in adversity do we seek Him for comfort.” St. Frances de Sales

https://fsspx.news/en/news/profession-catholic-faith-society-saint-pius-x-enlighten-souls-face-modern-errors-59816

[Greek] ὁμολογέω (homologeō), [Latin] confitere, [German] confessor: to confess, to assent, to admit, to acknowledge; 25 scriptures

Pope Leo XIII reminds ALL FUTURE POPES to hold on to the true historic Catholic faith which was handed down by the Apostles. In contrast, Pope Leo is holding on to the Catholic conciliar (and Synodal) faith which started after Vatican II.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to admit, to agree, to bear witness, to concede, to acknowledge, to allow, and to promise.

Andocides’ On the Mysteries 1.29: “I have never admitted guilt and that I have not a single offense against the two goddesses.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 4.154: “Now begins the part in which Therean’s and Cyrenean’s stories agree.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 2.18: “The response of the oracle of Ammon in fact bears witness to my opinion.”

Plato’s Phaedrus 231d: “They confess that they are insane, rather than in their right mind, they know they are foolish.”

Old Testament: This term, used quite extensively, means to praise, to give thanks, to confess, to vow, to promise, to give something to God, to swear, and to take an oath.

New Testament: This term means to declare, to profess, to acknowledge, to swear, to admit, and to confess.

Mt.7:23: I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you evildoers’. (This becomes a criticism against those evil and morally corrupt disciples. Even they will not gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.)

I will tell them plainly: This is a direct and unambiguous communication from Jesus. Jesus is addressing those who claim to follow Him but do not truly live according to His teachings. This is divine judgment.

I never knew you: The word “knew” implies an intimate relationship with Jesus. This highlights the importance of a true relationship with Christ, beyond mere outward appearances or actions.

Depart from Me: This signifies a significant separation from Christ’s presence. This underscores the spiritual gravity, severe judgment, and eternal repercussions of rejecting Christ.

You workers of lawlessness: This refers to those who act contrary to God’s laws and commandments. It is a severe warning that mere verbal expression of faith is insufficient without a life that reflects God’s righteousness.

Jn.1:20: “He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, ‘I am not the Messiah.'” (John’s confession was instrumental for preparing the way for Jesus. John’s boldness allows for a clear understanding of the truth in proclamation of God’s message. John’s denial points to Jesus the true Messiah in fulfilling Isa. 40:3 and Mal.3:1)

Jn.9:22: “The blind man’s parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews agreed that if anyone who acknowledged Him as the Messiah, he would be expelled from the seminary.” (The parents were fearful of the repercussions of acknowledging Jesus as Messiah. The religious authorities held significant power and influence. The fear of being ostracized from the community was real.

Why did Jesus heal this blind man? Jesus stated that neither the blind man nor his parents had sinned. It was so that the works of God might be made visible to others. Jesus came into the world that the physically blind and spiritually blind might see. Jesus also refers to Jewish authorities who will remain blinded in their spiritual pride and self-reliance.

Ostracism: Being publicly recognized for following Jesus could potentially lead to being expelled from the synagogue. This was a form of excommunication that severed individuals from the religious and social life of the Jewish community. The early Church faced similar charges (in Acts) where the apostles encountered opposition from the Jewish authorities.

Jn.12:42: “Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.” (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were such leaders who secretly believed in Jesus. There was a high social and religious pressure to conform to established norms. Confession of faith in Jesus would be seen as a direct challenge to Pharasaic authority and interpretation of the Law.)

Acts 24:14: “But this I do admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors.”

1. Paul, speaking before Governor Felix, openly and willingly confesses his faith, practices, and beliefs.
2. Paul, aligning himself with the Jewish tradition, states that Christianity is not a new religion but a fulfillment of the Jewish faith.
3. The Way was an early term for the Christians, reflecting the belief that Jesus is the way to salvation.
4. The Jewish leaders viewed Christianity as a heretical movement within Judaism. This reflected the tensions between the early church and Jews and pagans.
5. Paul points out his respect for the Mosaic Laws and that it points to Christ, fulfilling its prophecies and requirements.
6. Paul acknowledges the prophetic writings about the coming Messiah. This highlights Jewish tradition with the prophetic anticipation of Christ.

1Tim.6:12: “Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (Christians are likened to athletes who must run the Christian life (spiritual battle). This imagery suggests perseverance and struggle against spiritual adversaries and forces. The many witnesses refer to Christians’ support, public gatherings, communal gatherings, and the cloud of witnesses in heaven.)

Tit.1:16: “They [rebels, idle talkers, and deceivers] claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him. They are vile, disobedient, and unqualified for any good deed.”

1. In the early Church, there were those who claimed to have a relationship with God, but lacked genuine faith. They do NOT do the will of the Father.
2. Their lack of actions (deeds) illustrate that faith without works is dead. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy.
3. Crete had a reputation for deceit and immorality. This is in stark contrast to the life of integrity expected by followers of Jesus.
4. Vile and detestable actions describe idolatry and pagan practices which are offensive to God.
5. Disobedience is linked with sin, arrogance, and idolatry. This is in contrast with the obedience of Christ.
6. Lack of usefulness or fruitfulness suggest moral corruption and self-indulgence. This makes individuals ineffective in promoting the gospel and doing good works.

1Jn.1:9: “If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” (Denial of the existence of sin is self-deception. There is also the continual possibility and recurrence of sin. Forgiveness and deliverance from sin through Christ is assured through acknowledgement of them.)

Recognizing Pope Leo XIV’s priorities and mindset on the SSPX:

1. The SSPX continuing to uphold traditional practices will become a schismatic act. (Traditional Catholicism is schismatic according to Synodality. Let that sink in!)
2. He is giving more moral weight to Vatican II rather than the preceding twenty Councils. (This illustrates the Modernists’ and Synodalists’ animosity toward Tradition.)
3. He is more antagonistic against Tradition. He is more open to meeting with scandalous and heretical clergy than traditional clergy.
4. He has just admitted that there is a different Catholicism after Vatican II.
5. He is leading a new Synodal Church different from traditional Catholicism.

Recognizing Pope Leo XIV’s priorities and mindset on sexual ethics:

1. He believes that social “moral” issues are important than individual moral and character issues. Justice, equality, freedom of men and women, freedom of religion are more important.
2. This reinforces the notion that MOVING WITH THE WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD take precedence over BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN, objective moral teachings, sin, forgiveness, and conversion of heart.
3. He has little or no interest in upholding traditional Church teachings against homosexuality.
4. He continues to allow Fr. James Martin and other scandalous clergy to promote their “outreach” the LGBTQ community and to the Church.
5. He has no interest in clamping down on the homosexual lifestyles and proclivities of the clergy.
6. He has no interest in stopping Synodal study groups which continue to “push the doctrinal and moral envelope” (homosexuality is no longer sinful). If Pope Leo was interested in doing so, he would have immediately shut down these Synodal study groups.
7. Pope Leo’s silence, tacit acceptance, and belief that attitudes can change doctrine all perfectly explain his attitudes that sexual ethics must be secondary and adaptable.
8. Pope Leo continues to support Fiducia Supplicans, allowing for “non-liturgical blessings” for same-sex unions. This becomes a slippery slope for allowing formal blessings.

Recognizing the Vatican’s new guidelines for Marian apparitions:

1. An apparition that “creates division within the Church” will NOT be approved.
2. This essentially means just undermines and ignores all the past approved Marian apparitions warning of punishment and chastisement.
3. This reflects more of the Vatican’s effort to downgrade Mary’s status and importance of Marian apparitions.
4. This reflects that the Vatican is more concerned with controlling the narrative that Marian messages reflect negatively on the Church (clergy and laity).

Conclusion:

Confide, confidence, confess, confess, homologue

Early Christianity: confessing Jesus as Lord was quite dangerous in the first century

Update: Our current secular society: Christians who profess Jesus’ teaching (and pro-life teachings) may experience peer pressure, shame, persecution, opposition, and martyrdom

On wonders if Jesus would even recognize this worldly Synodal Church, made in the image of man. What would Jesus say about this Synodal Church’s tolerance of sinful and questionable behavior.

Workers of lawlessness: clergy and laity who ignore, pay lip service, reject, or even celebrate sin of homosexuality. What would Jesus say about those saying but not believing?

The SSPX and other clergy often face the repercussions of criticizing or opposing the Synodal Church leadership. This may lead to expulsion, excommunication, and removal of faculties.

The Synodal Church has essentially become a new worldly Church (religion) after Vatican II made in the image of man and his lived experiences.

Many conservative and traditionally minded Catholics continue to be marginalized by the the spiritually blind Synodal church leadership through Traditiones Custodes and the removal of altar rails.

Fortunately, more and more people are critically examining the problems, liturgical abuses, and heresies from Vatican II. Synodality is essentially continuing what Vatican started.

Modernist and Synodal hard-heartedness and spiritual blindness: It seems that the Synodal Church is UNABLE to hold back or stop this organic Holy Spirit-inspired movement toward Tradition and doctrinal clarity. Employing Traditiones Custodes seems to be the only remaining tool in the Synodal tool-belt to restrict the the thriving TLM. 

Cardinal Kasper, one of the leaders of the German Synodal Church shockingly acknowledged that the German Church is in deep crisis. At the age of 93, perhaps he is coming to terms of the harm that the German bishops caused in Germany.

Rather than proclaiming a bold and truthful proclamation of God’s message, Synodality instead proclaims doctrinal and liturgical confusion and ambiguity.

Warning signs of Synodality: Pope Leo XIV prefers to use Vatican II (and Synodality), not traditional Catholicism, as the moral basis to potentially excommunicate the traditional SSPX Catholic order.

“The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.” St. Augustine

“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St. Augustine.

“The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose, it will defend itself.” St. Augustine

[Greek] συσχηματίζομαι (syschēmatizomai), [Latin] conformare, [Latin] configurare, [German] bilden, [German] schulen, [French] fabriquer, [French] facconer, [French] donnner forme: Rom.12:12, 1Pet.1:14

Synodality seeks to create a worldly ecumenical Church conforming to man’s image and lived experiences.

“A dead thing goes with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” GK Chesterton

Background information:

New Testament: This term means to conform with, to mold, to shape one’s behavior.

Rom.12:2: Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Conforming to the world: Paul warns against adapting to the values and practices of the world and culture. The early Christians in Rome faced pressure to conform to Roman societal norms, which often conflicted with Church teachings.

Being transformed by the renewal of your mind: This implies a fundamental change in character and conduct with a continuous process of spiritual growth and understanding. Renewing the mind involves immersing oneself in scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Discerning what what is good, pleasing, and perfect: This involves discerning God’s will. Testing and approving suggest examination and confirmation. Understanding God’s will requires wisdom, discernment, spiritual maturity, and following a life dedicated to Christ.

1Pet.1:14: “Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance.” (This ignorance refers to their former lack on knowledge of God, leading to their godless conduct.)

[Greek] μετασχηματίζω (metaschēmatizō): to change, to transform

1Cor.4:6: “I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brother, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another.”

Applying the principles of Paul and Apollos: Paul underscores the importance of humility and and unity among Church leaders. This is meant to help the Corinthians understand humility and service.

So that you may not go beyond what is written: This idea emphasizes adherence to scripture as the ultimate authority for teaching and correction. The early Church faced challenges with false teachings and division.

So that none of you may be inflated with pride: Paul addresses the issue of division and factionalism within the Corinthian Church. By focusing on scripture and humble leadership, Paul seeks to eliminate pride and division.

Paul warns about opponents (false teachers):

1. Paul uses self-deprecating language to engage the Corinthians. Paul’s “foolishness” refers to his boasting about his credentials and experiences.
2. Paul ironically appeals to the Corinthians’ toleration and “wisdom”.
3. Paul fears that the Corinthians’ thoughts are corrupted, just as the serpent deceived Eve [and Adam].
4. CORRUPTION OF MINDS IS SATANIC ACTIVITY!
5. Such examples include preaching another Jesus other than the one we preached. (sound familiar?)
6. Such examples include receiving a different spirit from the one you received. (sound familiar?)
7. Such examples include receiving a different gospel other than the one who you accepted. (sound familiar?)
8. Paul was addressing the false apostles in Corinth who were promoting themselves based on worldly standards.
9. Paul criticized the Corinthians’ tolerance of false apostles. The Corinthians’ perceived wisdom and intellectual (spiritual) discernment become foolishness.
10. Paul likens the Corinthians’ worldly wisdom to the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness.

2Cor.11:13: False apostles, deceitful workers, who who masquerade as apostles of Christ

2Cor.11:14: Even Satan masquerades as an angel of light

2Cor.11:15: Satan’s ministers also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

[Greek] σχῆμα (schēma): outward appearance

1Cor. 7:31: “For the world in its present form is passing away.” (Paul calls for the Corinthians to have a proper perspective on material possessions. He reminds them to not  become too overly attached to material possessions. One must instead live for God’s kingdom, seeking to accumulate heavenly treasures.)

Pope Gregory XVI’ encyclical Mirari Vos (1832):

“All truth was daily taught it by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It is obviously absurd and injurious to propose a certain restoration or regeneration for her [the Church] as though necessary for her safety and health, as is she could be considered subject to defect or other misfortune. These authors of novelties consider that a foundation may be laid of a human institution. That what was a divine thing may become a human church.”

1. Jesus’ Church is a divine institution under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There was NO need to change Jesus’ Church to accommodate the world. But the Modernists thought otherwise.
2. These human novelties are HUMAN traditions.
3. This encyclical repudiates the need to for human restoration of Jesus’ Church.
4. As a result of Vatican II and Synodality, more “fresh air” (worldliness) and “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) has entered into the Church. This is conforming to the world!
5. These Modernists and Synodalists are hard-hearted “true believers” in their cause, implementing (infecting) the Church with Synodality.
6. The Church looks more like a United Nations NGO rather than the divine institution that Jesus established.
7. Warning signs of things to come with Synodality: The German Synodal Church is “renewing” and “reforming” itself into decline and heresy.
8. Do you think things will be different when Synodality affects the larger Church?
9. Synodal study groups become the continual slippery slope to changing Church doctrine, Church teachings, and Church practices.

Conclusion:

Update: The Modernists and Synodalists are seeking to remake and conform Jesus’ Church into a worldly Synodal Church made in the image of man and lived experiences.

Lived experiences often TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings and doctrine, sin, and Jesus’ statements. Synodality becomes an IDOL!

The Church is now employing tolerance, inclusion, and false compassion to ignore, to de-stigmatize, to normalize, to celebrate the sin of homosexuality and homosexual lifestyles.

Modernist and Synodalist human arrogance has claimed that the Church needs to adapt to the world and “get with the times.” And the Church continues to struggle, stagnate, and decline. Shocker!

Clergy masquerading as apostles of Christ

1. Many pro-LGBTQ clergy seek to promote or de-stigmatize homosexuality through the means of inclusion, tolerance, and false compassion (failing to teach about sin)
2. Many clergy renounce their vocation of celibacy or engage in homosexual lifestyles.
3. Many clergy seek to engage in questionable ecumenical efforts in seeking unity of faith outside the Catholic Church  (Vatican II and Synodality)
4. Many clergy seek more to focus on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
5. Many clergy arrogantly claim that sin is no longer sinful ===> homosexuality

This Church focuses more on politics, social justice, environment, and immigration than the spiritual matters and the salvation of souls.

Vatican II and Synodality has essentially lost the plot in what it means to be temporary sojourners in this world . (1Pet.2:11, Pph.3:20, Eph.2:19

It seems that the Modernists, Synodalists and modern Catholics (Christians) are predictably following down the path of the Corinthians. Shocker!

Pope Leo is seeking a Synodal Church, seeking unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church in the image of man. Pope Leo is already opening the door that attitudes can change doctrine.

A dead thing: the German Synodal Church is “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy. 

In the Vatican’s efforts to curtail traditional Catholic orders, the Vatican seeks to shut down or absorb those traditional orders seeking to become independent.

A church that opposes and contradicts the world and culture ===> Church grows.

A church that moves with the world and culture ===> Church stagnates, struggles, and declines

In reaction AGAINST these Church stagnation and struggles, a Holy Spirit-led movement toward Tradition and doctrinal clarity is re-energizing the Church. The TLM (where allowed) is thriving.

Bishop Schneider states that the Church crisis has been caused by the primacy given to relativism, questionable ecumenism, and inter-religious dialogue. This has diluted the unique of Jesus and His Catholic Church.

The USCCB is now releasing a “gay friendly” bible. Are they seeking to “white-wash” and de-stigmatize and normalize homosexuality? Are they trying to remove this sin?

Fiducia Supplicans: permitting non-formal blessings for same sex unions. Many have said that the Church has reached its “millstone movement” regarding homosexuality. This not surprisingly harkens back to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Paul reminds us that we all must adhere to traditional Catholic teachings and principles. Yet this often difficult to follow in this age of Vatican II and Synodality.

Ever since from Vatican II and with Synodality ===> more questionable ecumenism. The Church has continued to conform to the world and seek unity of faith outside the Catholic Church.

Timely quotes from GK Chesterton:

“Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions (principles).”

“Right is right even if nobody does it. Wrong is wrong even if everybody is wrong about it.”

“The Catholic Church is the only thing that frees a man from the degrading slavery of being a child of his age.”

“Tradition refuses to submit to that arrogant oligarchy who merely happen to be walking around.”

[Greek] ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi), [Latin] resistere, [Latin] avertere, [French] detourner: to resist, to stand against, to withstand, to cope, to set against; Mt.5:39, Lk.21:15, Acts 6:10, Acts 13:8, Rom.9:19, Rom.13:2, Gal.2:11, Eph.6:13, 2Tim.3:8, 2Tim.4:15, Jas.4:7, 1Pet.5:9

GK Chesterton prophetically warns about the consequences of the Church adapting to the world. He has been been rightly called the “apostle of common sense.”

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to set against, to match with, to withstand, to hold out, and to hinder.

Plutarch’s Theseus 1: “With such a warrior who will dare to fight? When I shall I set against him?”

Homer’s Iliad 16.305: “They still sought to withstand him.”

Sophocles Ajax 1231: “So it is you, they tell me, who dared open your mouth wide to make fierce threats against us–and are you still unpunished?”

Sophocles’ Tracking Satyrs 256: “I won’t put up with your loud quarrelsome words.”

Old Testament: This term means to be alert, to be courageous, to cause strife, to take a stand, to resist, to rebel, to contend, to be strong, to be insolent, to deceive, and to be hardened.

New Testament: This term means to resist (oppose), to offer no resistance, and to be unable to resist. For purposes of brevity, Jesus’ teachings on turning the other check (Mt.5:39) is mentioned in another post.  https://resoundingthefaith.com/2020/11/16/greek-%e1%bc%80%ce%bd%ce%b8%ce%af%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b9-anthistemi-latin-contendere-latin-resistere/   (How can I resist not being able to promote another post! ☺☺☺

Lk.21:15:  “I shall give you a wisdom in speaking [from the Holy Spirit] that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.” (Some will be persecuted, imprisoned, and brought before authorities. You will be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. You will be hated because of Me but by your perseverance, you will secure your lives.) 

Acts 6:10: “But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which Stephen spoke.” (Stephen’s defense provides an indictment of the Jews opposing the prophets and the Holy Spirit. Stephen diminishes the temple of Mosaic law and elevates Jesus’ stature. The differences between Judaism and Christianity become more apparent. The major impetus of the Christian movement shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch.)

Acts 13:8: “Elymas the magician opposed them in an attempt to turn the proconsul away from the faith.” (Paul calls Elymas the son of the devil, an enemy of all that is right, full of every deceit and fraud.)

Rom.9:19: “You will say to me then, ‘Why then does He still find fault? For who can oppose His will?'”

1. This question addresses the issue of divine justice and human responsibility.
2. There is often a tension between God’s sovereignty and human accountability.
3. God grants us free will to do as we choose.
4. God will allow those to become hard-hearted [like Pharaoh] if it serves God’s divine Providence.
5. Those who are hard-hearted will still be held accountable for their actions. 

Rom.13:2: “Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.”

1. Paul instructs those who to defer to the authority of earthly and secular governing authorities.
2. God is still sovereign over all nations and rulers.
3. It is important to recognize that these rulers are sometimes imperfect.
4. God still uses imperfect leaders to accomplish His purposes.
5. These principles align with Jesus’ teaching to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Eph.6:13: “Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and to hold your ground.” (Paul alludes to the Christian who must be a battle-prepared soldier in fighting against evil. The evil day is the period of time of Satan’s evil works.)

Jas.4:7: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (The devil is associated with disobedience, PRIDE, and rebellion.)

Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica humanitas (The grandeur of man): taking a stand against Tradition:

1. He warns against a technological Babel, yet a Synodal Church is made by those who arrogantly think that they can create a Church made in their own image and lived experiences ===> doctrinal (liturgical) confusion.
2. He celebrates man’s infinite dignity. Yet man can only be saved by being crucified with Christ, not with being magnified. Man does NOT have infinite dignity.
3. The theory of war is outdated. So now the Church can tell nations and country to manage their security and to conduct war? This contradicts Rom. 13:2!
4. The Church no longer claims to possess the fullness of truth. This allows more unity of faith outside the Church. This contradicts Pope Gregory XVI’s encyclical Mirari Vos!
5. He re-writes history in how the Church responded to slavery. Failure of the Church to teach on on slavery is a moral failure???

Pre-conciliar Church encyclicals on slavery:

1. In Supremo Apostolatus (1839): Pope Gregory XVI condemned the slave trade in “Negros and all other men.”
2. In Plurimis (1888): Pope Leo XIII taught that slavery was contrary to what God and nature originally ordained, presented the Church as the historic enemy of pagan cruelty and protector of the oppressed.
3. Catholicae Ecclesiae (1890): Pope Leo XIII promoted the anti-slavery movement and supporting missions in Africa
4. Creator Omnium (1434): Pope Eugene IV excommunicated anyone on the Canary Islands who enslaved newly converted Christians.

Antihistamine: This is a substance (drug) that counteracts or blocks the effects of a histamine which causes the symptoms of hay fever and allergies.

The Church: another sign of contradiction:

1. When the Church opposes and contradicts the culture ===> the Church grows
2. When the Church faces persecution and opposition from the culture ===> the Church grows
3. When the Church moves with the world (Vatican II and Synodality) ==> the Church falters and stagnates
4. When parts of the Church oppose and respond back against Synodality ===> resurgence of Traditional Catholicism and TLM (not Synodality!) ===> the Church grows
5. A CHURCH THAT OPPOSES AND CONTRADICTS THE CULTURE ===> MOVES THE WORLD

Conclusion:

Antihistamine, histamine, resist, resistance, contend, contention, detour

Update: It is perhaps not surprising that a Synodal Church, would be made by men (and women) who deemed themselves magnificent. (That is not a good thing!)

What will be the next Church teaching that will be deemed outdated? homosexuality?, women priests, women deacons?, formal blessings on same-sex unions? because man (in his magnificence) “knows better”?  It’s just a matter of time.

Both clergy and laity, espousing traditional Catholic teachings, often get criticized and marginalized by the Vatican and Synodal Church.

Like the Tower of Babel, Synodality continues the path of doctrinal and liturgical confusion, ambiguity, tolerance, inclusion, lived experiences, and false compassion.

Through Pope Francis’ and Pope Leo’s papacies, the differences from traditional Catholic teachings and Synodality are becoming more evident.

It seems with Vatican and Synodality, the Church is being more influenced by Satan’s domain (the world) and is handing over more authority to Caesar ===> more Human traditions, worldliness, and “smoke of Satan” into the Church.

More and more faithful Catholics are having to put on more armor to fight off the influences of Satan influences and evil work, worldliness, and lack of faith.

The traditional SSPX Catholic order may be potentially excommunicated, while the Vatican continues to appoint scandalous bishops. Let that sink in!

The devil is associated with PRIDE, resistance, disobedience, and rebellion. Therefore, man must NOT think that he has infinite pride and dignity. We must recognize that we are mortal and fallen creatures.

Modernists’ (and Synodalists’) pride and hard-heartedness:

1. It has to be said that they are “true-believers” in their ideological cause to transform Jesus’ Church in a Synodal Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.
2. Oftentimes, lived experiences TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings, doctrine, and scripture. Synodality is becoming an IDOL!
3. They often utilize the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to ratify and justify their novel Synodal ides. This is deceitful and evil in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for TRUTH.
4. They are employing HUMAN traditions to remake Jesus’ Church.
5. Modernists, Synodalists, and “pope-splainers” often intentionally use sophistry (word games) and verbal gymnastics in their statements and documents.
6. The Modernists and Synodalists often are blinded by their ideology. The German Synodal Church continues to “reform” and “renew” itself into decline and heresy. Yet, the German bishops continue to pursue their synodal agenda. Unfortunately, the Italian Synodal Church seems to be following this same path.
7. There continues to be resistance between Traditional (conservative) Catholics and the Synodalists ===> the TLM restrictions, LGBT, homosexuality, vocations/”rights”
8. Modernists and Synodalists: “Vatican II has not been fully implemented.” ===> more “reform” and “renewal” ===> more problems ==> “we need more “reform” and “renewal” ===> more problems ===> rinse and repeat, etc.

God’s Providence and the Modernists’ (and Synodalists’) hard-heartedness:

1. In response to this hard-heartedness, there is beginning an organic Holy Spirit led movement in the Church back to Tradition and traditional teachings.
2. Younger generations of priests and seminarians are more Traditional and conservative in response to liberal and progressive theology of Vatican II and Synodality.
3. Traditiones Custodes seems to be the only remaining “administrative tool in the Synodal toolbox” that can be used to hold back this inexorable [impossible to stop] movement toward Tradition.
4. More and more Protestants are becoming Catholic. More Protestants are discovering the early history of the Catholic Church.
5. The TLM is thriving (where allowed) and the NOM continues to have sparse attendance

“The religious habit, besides being a sign of consecration and poverty, is a profession of faith, as sermon in silence.” Pope Pius XII  (This is also a sign of contradiction of ones who have set themselves apart from the world.)

Those clergy who do NOT state and teach Church teachings against sin ===> causing others to knowingly or unknowingly sin ===> will bring judgment down upon themselves 

Satan can also inspire confusion, busyness, distraction, worldliness, spiritual dryness, vulnerability to sin, addiction, fame, notoriety, and FORGETTING ABOUT GOD.

Satan can also “inspire” the clergy to violate their celibacy and to encourage a homosexual lifestyle in their priesthood ===> undermine the priesthood.

Satan also seeks to undermine God, God’s laws for procreation and marriage, sin, and vocations.

“Adam and Eve, you have infinite dignity!” This is something that the serpent would say in the garden. Let that sink in!

“One must resist the pope who openly destroys the Church.” St. Cajetan

“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St. Augustine

“The truth suffers, but never dies.” St. Teresa of Avila

[Greek] πίμπλημι (pimplēmi), [Latin] implere, [Latin] replere, [Latin] consummare, [Latin] plenus, [German] anfullen, [French] accomplir, [French] achiever, [French] complet: to fill, to complete, to make happen, to pass; 27 scriptures

Pentecost: St. Catherine of Sienna is the patron saint of fire prevention, nurses, and the sick

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to fill, to nourish, to satisfy, to fill, and to swell.

Sophocles’ Electra 906: “But the tears of joy straightaway fill my eyes.”

Plato’s Phaedrus 248b: “The best part of the soul is in the meadow there on which the soul is raised and nourished by this.”

Aeschylus’ Persians 420: “The sea was hidden from our sight, strewn as it was with wrecks and slaughtered men.”

Old Testament: This term means to run out, to pass, to accomplish, to satisfy, and to have excess.

Pentecost

Pentecost: painting by Jean Restout (1732)

1. The Apostles and Mary are depicted in a large, Roman-style courtyard while the Holy Spirit descends through the cloudy sky to reach them.
2. The Holy Spirit, depicted as the light shining through the cloudy sky, descends through the cloudy sky to reach them below.
3. Jesus’ followers receive the tongues of fire above their foreheads.
4. Restout carefully shows the emotions on the faces of his subjects. Mary is shown being completely calm, full of grace.
5. The others are shocked, almost bewildered by what they are experiencing.

Mary:

1. Mary becomes the focal point in which the Holy Spirit comes upon Mary and the Apostles.
2. The Holy Spirit comes down Mary and provides her additional graces to make her the Mother of the Church.
3. It is only appropriate that Mary would be front and center at the birth of the Church.
4. At Pentecost the Apostles (and all of us) become her spiritual children.

New Testament: This term means to fill, to complete, and to soak. John, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the Apostles, Peter, and Paul are filled with the Holy Spirit. For purposes of brevity, I will exclude mundane examples (wine-soaked sponge, spatial filling, and completion of days (time).

To fill (be filled) with the Holy Spirit:

Lk.1:15: “For John will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine or strong drink.” (John will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord. John will prepare the way for the Lord. John follows the example of Elijah in turning the hearts of others.)

Lk.1:41: “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.'” (Elizabeth recognized Mary as the Mother of God. John also leaped in Elizabeth’s womb upon Mary’s arrival.)

Lk.1:67: “Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: ‘Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, for He has visited and brought redemption to His people.'” (Upon naming son John, Zechariah’s voice was restored. Zechariah prophesies that a horn [power, victory, strength] for our salvation within the House of David.) 

Acts 9:17: “Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'” (Saul, being physically and spiritually blind, was given physical and spiritual sight from the Holy Spirit.)

Acts 2:4: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”

1. A strong driving wind and tongues of fire [from the sky] filled the entire house of the disciples.
2. They disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
3. Devout Jews from every nation were confused, astounded, and amazed because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
4. They were speaking in foreign tongues, symbolizing the worldwide mission of the Church.
5. The truthful message of Pentecost later provides a theological reversal of the confusion at the Tower of Babel.
6. While God confused (multiplied) the languages of those who arrogantly built up the Tower of Babel, each one heard the Holy Spirit in his own language.

To fill with emotions:

Lk.4:28: The people in the synagogue were all filled with fury for hearing that this carpenter’s son would boldly compare Himself to Elijah and Elisha.

Lk.5:26: The crowd was astonished and the scribes were furious about Jesus healing the paralytic and forgiving his sins.

Lk.6:11: But the scribes and Pharisees became enraged after Jesus had healed the man’s withered hand on the Sabbath.

Acts 13:45: When the Jews saw the whole city gather to hear the word of the Lord from Paul, the Jews were filled with jealousy violent intentions.

Acts 19:29: In Ephesus when Paul had declared that the gods made by hands were no gods at all, the city was filled with confusion.

Acts 5:17:18: The Sanhedrin, filled with jealousy, put the apostles in jail.

Acts 5:38: Activities (coming from man)===> it will destroy itself.

Acts 5:39: Activities (coming from God) ===> you will not be able to destroy it. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Conclusion:

Implement, implementation, replete, replenish, consummate, consummation, plenty, accomplish, accomplishment, complete, completion, achieve, achievement, full

Saul is Paul’s Semetic name. Paul is his Greco-Roman name

Update:

A tale of two Masses: The TLM has full attendance and the NOM has sparse attendance.

Full of hypocrisy: The Conciliar/Synodal Church, continually accommodating the world and people, are threatening to excommunicate the traditional SSPX Catholic order.

The laity continues to be rightly full of disappointment and anger as empowered bishops (finding approval from Rome) are continuing to enforce Traditiones Custodes.

HUMAN TRADITIONS: Activities of human origin (human spirit): it will destroy itself and cause damage. (Acts 5:38)

1. Vatican II brought in “fresh air” (worldliness) and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) into the Church. This has created a spiritual and pastoral disaster for the Church.
2. Synodality seeks to “double-down” on what Vatican II started. Synodality is bringing in MORE “fresh air” and MORE “smoke of Satan” into the Church.
3. When Synodality (lived experiences, “inclusion” and “tolerance”) TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings, then SYNODALITY BECOMES AN IDOL.
4. Churches have closed because of declining attendance and clergy refusing to hold the TLM (against the peoples’ wishes).
5. German Synodality is “renewing” and “reforming” the German Church into heresy and decline. This is a grave warning of things to come if the Vatican seeks to continue with Synodality.
6. The suppression of the TLM continues to further divide the Church and marginalize traditional and conservative Catholics.
7. Pope Paul VI, along with a commission of Protestant theologians, created the NOM to make it look more like a community meal rather than a sacrifice. Let that sink in.
8. Commonplace “Extra-ordinary” ministers, receiving Communion in the hand, removing altar rails all have directly or indirectly caused a diminished belief in the Real Presence.
9. The Synodal study groups are now saying that homosexuality is no longer considered as sinful.
10. Synodality: the laity is also now involved in decision-making authority to determine Church teachings, doctrine, and practices. (What could ever go possibly wrong with this?)
11. Blasphemous use of the Holy Spirit to promote Synodality: Synodal leaders often invoke the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to ratify and rationalize novel and heretical Synodal ideas. This is evil in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for TRUTH!

Activities of heavenly origin (Holy Spirit): you will not be able to stop or destroy them; you may even find yourself fighting against God. (Acts 5:39)

1. Younger generations are attracted to Tradition, the TLM, clear doctrine, and reverence. The younger generations are also rejecting liberal and progressive Catholicism and Synodality.
2. This Catholic renewal and rejuvenation has become an organic Holy Spirit-inspired lay movement IN RESPONSE to the problems (doctrinal confusion and scandals) in the Church.
3. There is a greater desire for altar rails, receiving Communion on the tongue, and veils. This illustrates greater reverence.
4. More and more Protestants are becoming Catholic. Protestants are discovering that the early Church was Catholic. Likewise, Protestant groups are declining.
5. Younger priests and seminarians are more conservative and traditionally minded. This is in contrast to the older progressive and liberal clergy from Vatican II.
6. TRADITION IS TRUE REFORM AND RENEWAL!!

The Holy Spirit of Pentecost ===> Truth and clarity, while Synodality ===> doctrinal confusion and ambiguity.

The starting point for Synodality: “It is a mistake for the Church to try to hold onto old traditions or to have clear answers for everything.” Pope Francis (God forbid that the Church would have clear answers! Evidently, Synodality prefers doctrinal confusion and ambiguity. Let that sink in.)

The Synodal Church is becoming a new Tower of Babel, reaching new heights in its arrogance in become a worldly Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.

Full of confusion and heresy: Bishop Stowe claims that the LGBTQ Church is a new Pentecost. Let that sink in!

St. Catherine of Sienna: following God’s will ===> setting the world on fire

More quotes from St. Catherine of Sienna:

“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”

“Nothing great is ever achieved with much enduring.”

“Obedience shows whether you are grateful.”

“You must believe in truth that whatever God gives or permits is for your salvation.”

[Greek] σχίσμα (schisma), [Latin] scissura, [Latin] scisma, [Latin] dissensio, [Latin] secta: split, division, tear, gap, division; Mt.9:16, Mk.2:21, Jn.7:43, Jn.9:16, Jn.10:19, 1Cor.1:10, 1Cor.11:18, 1Cor.12:25

The SSPX, seeking to make more consecrations, is now being called schismatic. Yet, homosexuality in the Church is OK. Let that sink in! The devil is at work in UNDERMINING the Church!

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means division of opinion, leaving aside, split, division, shattering, separation, and fraction.

Herodotus’ The Histories 2.17: “We leave the Ionians’ opinion aside, and our own judgment about the matter is this: Egypt is all that country which is inhabited by Egyptians.”

Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 623: “It is not easy to conceal when true and good are split apart.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 7.219: “The Hellenes then took counsel, but their opinions were divided.”

Old Testament: This term means split, cleaving, division, break, tear, and a calling out.

New Testament: This term means tear and division.

Mt.9:16: “No one patches an old cloak with a piece of un-shrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse.” (This parable speaks of the unsuitability of attempting to combine the old and the new. Jesus’ teaching is not a patching up of Judaism, nor can the gospel be contained within the limits of the Mosaic Law. Jesus seeks to fulfill the Old Testament.)

Jn.7:43: “So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him.” (Some thought that Jesus was the Messiah, a Prophet, a blasphemer, or a criminal.)

Jn. 9:16: “So some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How can a sinful man do such signs?’ And there was division among them.” (Jesus’ words had confused and angered the Jews. Jesus healed a blind man on the sabbath. The Pharisees saw Jesus as a sinful man [not from God] who would break the sabbath law by performing this healing. The Pharisees even questioned if the man was originally blind.)

Jn.10:19: “Again there was a division among the Jews because of these words.” (The Jews were disturbed by Jesus’ words in referring to God as His Father and laying down His life for His sheep. Some could not accept His teaching and walked away. Some said that Jesus was blasphemous or possessed.)

1Cor.11:18: “First of all, I hear that when you meet as a church there are divisions among you, and to a degree I believe it.” (Paul speaks to a spirit of discord and divisiveness in the Church. These pertain to different loyalties to ministers (Paul, Apollos or Peter), cliques/quarrels, and how the Lord’s Supper is celebrated.)

Archbishop Lefebvre vs. Vatican II (and Pope Paul VI):

Why did Archbishop Lefebvre form the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in 1970? He sought to preserve the traditional Catholic faith, doctrine, and liturgy in response to the dangerous liberalizing changes following Vatican II.

Why did Archbishop Lefebvre consecrate his bishops? To maintain apostolic succession and the continuity of the Church’s leadership and traditional teachings.

What happened to the SSPX afterwards? This society expanded its network of priests, seminaries, and faithful worldwide in the decades to come. The SSPX were ultimately never deemed to be schismatic. The actions taken against the SSPX speak more about Vatican II’s proponents’ liberal and progressive ideology.

2026: the SSPX vs. Vatican II (and Pope Leo): why the SSPX are seeking to make new consecrations?

1. One must have obedience to the pope, but the pope cannot become a despot with power.
2. It is lawful to resist the Pontiff who attacks souls, destroys civil order, or tries to destroy the Church.
3. The SSPX’s action is a legitimate act of self-defense.
4. The SSPX is exercising a higher power of obedience to the Magisterium.
5. The SSPX must follow what has been handed down from the bishops.
6. If a contemporary command contradicts the Church’s ancient teaching, it loses authority.
7. Preservation of the TLM is at stake.
8. This action is NOT of schismatic rebellion.
9. This is supported by the 1983 Code of Canon Law Canon 1323.

The SSPX’s final theological answer against the Vatican II and Pope Leo:

1. The SSPX will be excommunicated by Pope Leo who welcomed the woman Archbishop of Canterbury, who authorized the blessing of Fiduica Supplicans and who kneeled before the Pachamama idol.
2. These are some serious “theological shots fired” against the Vatican II and Pope Leo.

Akita (1973): “The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops opposing bishops. The Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.”

1. Cardinals and bishops oppose each other on Church teachings against homosexuality, moral character (chastity) vs. homosexuality proclivities of the priesthood.
2. Modernist/Synodalist clergy continue to oppose the laity’s desire to celebrate the TLM.
3. The laity continues to criticize the clergy who offend or cause scandal and who remain silent in responding to scandal and sacrilege.
4. Compromising moral standards (toleration, inclusion, and false compassion): Church teachings are often ignored, disregarded, or watered down.
5. The devil further influencing the clergy ===> undermining priestly celibacy ===> priests engaging in homosexuality ===> undermining the Church  ===> undermining God.
6. The papacies of Pope Francis and Pope Leo continued to be defined by doctrinal and liturgical confusion and ambiguity.

Bishop Ito, who formerly declared approval of the Akita apparitions, called Akita “an update of Fatima and its promise” (Let that sink in! It is also alleged that Fatima makes mention of an evil council within the Church!)

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, late chief-exorcist for Rome, recounts that Padre Pio once said to him in the 1960s: “You know, Gabriele? It is Satan who has been introduced into the bosom of the Church and within a very short time will come to rule a false church.’” —Quoted from “Chief Exorcist Father Amorth: Padre Pio Knew The Third Secret,” article at “One Peter Five” website.

Etymology:

1. The Latin noun schisma means split, separation, and schism.
2. The Latin noun scissura means tearing and split
3. The Latin noun dissensio means disagreement, dissension, and rift
4. From past history, scissor mean tailor, carver, and cutter.
5. “Oh scissors” was a 19th  century exclamation of impatience and disgust.

Conclusion:

Sect, dissension, dissent, scissors, schism, schismatic

Update: There are in fact over 45,000 Churches and denominations that exist in the world.

The old torn cloth relates to pouring new wine in an old wineskin. Since the old wineskin cannot further expand any more (due to fermentation), it will burst. The Old cannot contain the new. Jesus’ teachings surpass the Old Covenant.

Different interpretations of Jesus:

1. Some see the historical Jesus from the scripture: Jesus associated with sinners, but did NOT tolerate sinful behavior. Jn.8:11: Sin no more. Jn.8:12: whoever sins walks in darkness
2. Some see a tolerant Jesus “who gets us”: we must show tolerance, inclusion, and mercy for others. Let’s not stigmatize sinful behavior and let’s not pay too much attention about sin. Church’s teachings are so rigid.

Divisions within the Church:

1. Traditional Latin Mass (and Traditional Catholic teachings) vs. Novus Order Mass (and Synodality)
2. Implementing Traditiones Custodes vs. the laity’s wish for the TLM (Do the laity’s needs and desires actually matter anymore?)
3. So many “extra-ordinary” Eucharistic ministers, whether or not to have kneelers and receiving the Eucharist on the tongue.
4. Traditional Church teachings against homosexuality vs. outreach” of inclusion, tolerance, and false compassion for the LGBTQ community 
5. Traditional understanding of vocations vs. Synodal consideration of woman priests and women priests
6. What should be the primary mission of the Church? BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN vs. MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD
7. “Outside the Church there is no salvation” vs. accommodating and seeking unity with other faiths OUTSIDE the Catholic Church (questionable synodal ecumenism)
8. Maintaining traditional Church ecclesiological authority vs. synodal sharing of clergy and laity sharing decision making authority
9. Appointing orthodox (non-scandalous and non-heretical) clergy vs appointing scandalous and pro-LGBTQ clergy
10. Traditional Catholic teachings on Mary vs. the Synodal downplaying of Mary’s status (in order to accommodate Non-Catholics)
11. Whether or not to insert cultural influences and pagan idols in the Mass
12. Should the Church focus itself only in spiritual issues vs. focus on immigration, social justice, environment, and politics
13. Whether or not Vatican II Church leadership will do anything to discourage the large percentage of homosexuality in the priesthood.

Some traditionally minded clergy (Bishop Strick, Bishop Schneider, Cardinal Burke, Cardinal Mueller, Bishop Eleganti) are often not surprisingly seen as “divisive” according to the Synodal Church.

Yet again, the Marian apparition message of Akita (and Fatima) have come true. Shocker! I would wouldn’t want to be a betting person betting against Mary!

What is the huge take-away from the Marian apparition of Akita?  The devil is at work in UNDERMINING God, God’s laws, the Church, clergy, laity and the culture. THIS CANNOT BE IGNORED!

Clergy engaging in the homosexual lifestyle: ===> undermining the priest’s vocation of celibacy ===> undermining the priesthood. This is something that Satan would greatly approve of. Let that sink in.

There continues to be divisive views about the purpose of ICE (arresting Illegals and criminals) and sanctuary cities policies (allowing illegals and criminals to remain in the cities).

“There is nothing more serious than the sacrilege of schism because there is not just cause for severing the unity of the Church.” St. Augustine

“It is impossible to restore peace if the cause of the schism is not previously removed, and the Pope, who is declared to be equal to Go, does not come to self-realization.” St. Mark of Ephesus

“The world and the world to come are two enemies. We cannot therefore be friends to both; but we must decide which we will forsake and which we will enjoy.” Pope Clement I

[Greek] πίπτω (piptō), [Latin] incidere, [Latin] concidere, [Latin] decider, [Latin] perire, [Latin] prostrare, [German] fallen, [French] ruiner: to fall, to fall prostrate, to kneel, to fall down; 92 scriptural references

The Blind leading the blind: painting by Peter Bruegel the Elder (1568) The group’s leader has already fallen on his back into a ditch. A Synodal study group suggests that homosexuality is NOT sinful! Synodality: the blind leading the blind into a pit of heresy.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to fall, to fall down, to perish, to fail, to fall under (be counted as), and to throw oneself.

Euripides’ Hecuba 787: “But hear my reason for throwing myself at your knees.”

Aeschylus’ Seven Against Thebes 794: “The boasts of the powerful men have fallen to the ground.”

Sophocles’ Ajax 828: “Send on my behalf some messenger with news of my downfall to Teucer.”

Sophocles’ Electra 42: “Now, I beg you by our ancestral gods, obey me, and do not fall in your senselessness.”

Old Testament: This term, used extensively, has many meanings. Such uses include falling, lying down, being allotted, dying, falling prostrate, neglecting, giving birth, attacking, ceasing, oppressing, ruining, being inferior, settling, losing confidence, and being infertile.

Falling into rebellion and sin:

Deut.6:13-14: God warns of worshiping or bowing down to other gods.*

Num.25:1-9: Some Israelites prostituting themselves with Moabite women. They ate sacrifices offered to the god of Baal.**

Num.11:4, 34: The Israelites being dissatisfied in what God has given you [manna].***

Exo.32:6: The Israelites sacrificed burnt offerings and sat down to eat, drink, and to revel.****

Num.21:5-9: The Israelites were complaining to Moses about why were they still in Egypt.*****

Num.14:2-37, Num.16:1-35: All of the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron. Some Israelites led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.******

New Testament: This term, used both literally and figuratively, means to fall, to fall down, to be come guilty, to cease, to sin, to being defeated, to collapse, to overturn, and to be slain. I will focus on the negative and harmful aspects of this term.

Mt.4:9: “The devil said to Him, ‘All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate Yourself and worship me.'” (The devil is the ruler (prince) of the world. [Jn.12:31] The devil wanted Jesus to show him allegiance to the kingdoms of the world [and their magnificence]. Jesus states that one only must worship and serve God alone.)*

Mt.15:14: “Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.”

HUMAN Traditions of the Elders:

1. The Pharisees and scribes ask why Jesus’ disciples do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.
2. Jesus asks the Pharisees and scribes why to they break [nullify] God’s commandments for the sake of their human traditions.
3. Isa.29:13: this people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me. They teach human doctrines.
4. Jesus states that what comes out of the heart and mouth is what defiles.
5. The Pharisees and scribes were offended by what Jesus said.
6. From the heart comes evil thoughts, immorality, adultery, unchastity, theft, false witness and blasphemy.

Mt.21:44: “The one who falls on this stone [Jesus Christ] will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.”

The one who falls on this stone: This suggests an encounter with Christ which leads to a humbling or breaking of one’s pride and self-reliance. This is a call of repentance and acknowledgement of Jesus as Messiah.

The one who is crushed by this stone: This is one who ultimately rejects Christ and opposes God’s plan of salvation through Christ. This is one who experiences divine judgment, and complete destruction.

Lk.16:17: “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the letter of the law to become invalid.” (Even the smallest part [detail] of God’s law is significant, unchanging, and divinely inspired. This is more lasting than the physical heavens and earth.)

Jn.12:24: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it produces much fruit.”

A fallen grain producing life:

1. When Jesus states, “Amen, amen, I say to you..”, Jesus will begin to state an important and profound truth.
2. This metaphor foreshadows Jesus’ own death and burial, which was necessary for the greater purpose of salvation of humanity.
3. The scripture that immediately follows states that one must lose one’s life [die to oneself] in order to save oneself to have eternal life. This is one who follows Jesus.
4. In God’s providence, He may permit one to experience struggles as a means to bring one closer to God or to strengthen one’s relationship with God.
5. In some situations, one perhaps may be called to share in Jesus’ sufferings and struggles. (Redemptive suffering)

Acts 5:5: “When Ananias heard these words [‘You have lied not human beings, but to God’], he fell down and breathed his last breath” (Ananias’ sin was in his deception of the community. Satan had filled Ananias’ heart so that he lied to the Holy Spirit. Lying to the Holy Spirit is a grave act.)

1Cor.10:8: “Let us not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty thousand fell within a single day.”**

1Cor.10:6: The Israelites desired evil things (sin, immorality, idolatry).***

1Cor.10:7: Do not become idolators as some of the Israelites did. ****

1Cor. 10:9: Let us not test Christ, as some of the Israelites did and later suffered death by serpents.*****

1Cor.10:10: Do not grumble as some of the Israelites did and suffered death by the destroyer.******

[Greek] ἐμπίπτω (empiptō), [Latin] incidere, [German] fallen, [French] tomber

1Tim 6:9: “Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction.” (The love of money is the root of all evils. In their desire for it, some people have strayed from their faith. Material gain should not be at the forefront of desires.)

More HUMAN TRADITIONS: Guiding principles of Modernist and Synodalist thinking:

1. Agnosticism: human reason is confined and reduced entirely within the person’s perceptions and senses
2. Vital Immanence: man finds within himself (sentiment, perceptions, and lived experiences) for an explanation for God, religious, faith, and doctrine. External objective supernatural objective and moral realities are excluded or diminished.
3. Modernism: this belief system is a starting point for all heresies: Modernism ==> heresies [fill in the blank] ==> atheism  (This idea comes from Pope Pius X.)
4. Synodality: LIVED EXPERIENCES (“A listening Church”, “Giving the people of God a greater voice”, Synodal study groups) can often TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings. ==> SYNODALITY BECOMES AN IDOL!
5. A Church more focused on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than on BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN. The Church looks more like a United Nations NGO rather than the divine Church established by Jesus.
6. A Church who has lost the plot on what it means to become temporary earthly sojourners and citizens of heaven. (1Pet.2:11, Php.3:20, Eph.2:19) (Rather than focusing on spiritual issues,  the Church focuses on politics, environment, immigration, inclusion, tolerance, and accommodation to the culture.)
7. A Synodal study group suggesting that homosexual relationships may not be sinful (Making homosexuality OK in the Church)
8. A Synodal study group calling upon the laity to play a part in selecting bishops. (Further blurring the distinctions between the clergy and laity)
9. Synod of Synodalities: Synodal advocates are immorally appropriating the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to ratify and justify their Synodal human traditions and novelties.

Conclusion:

Incident, incidental, coincide, coincidence, decide, prostrate, fall, fallen, ruin, tomb, peril, perish

Update: Many of us had perhaps fallen for the idea that Pope Leo would be different from Pope Francis. But No. Pope Leo is unfortunately following the Synodal path of Pope Francis.

We are continually seeing that the Synodal Church is continually bowing down to accommodating the LGBTQ community’s influence by becoming more tolerant and inclusive about homosexuality.

The Synodal study group now suggest that homosexual relationships may not be sinful. We are now having clergy and LAITY determining what is sinful. These are the consequences of having a “listening Church”. A Synodal Church bowing down to the world’s values.

Since Vatican II, the Church continues to fall into pit of worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining).

The Synodal Church and Synodal study groups: opening the door to more HUMAN TRADTIONS, worldliness and more “smoke of Satan” ===> the blind leading the blind into a pit of heresy.

Falling into hypocrisy: the traditional SSPX making more consecrations is schismatic, yet homosexuality is fine with the Church.

Easier to denounce tolerance and inclusion for homosexuality than to change the Church’s eternal teachings against homosexuality:

1. Modernists and Synodalists will continue to try to de-stigmatize, to ignore, and to white wash this sinful activity.
2. Pro-LBGTQ clergy and laity are also actively seeking to normalize and celebrate this sinful activity.
3. Not surprisingly we have a MAJOR DIVISION IN THE CHURCH concerning homosexuality (and other issues.)
4. Tradition: homosexuality is sinful. We need to uphold Church teachings.
5. Synodality: the Church must now be more inclusive and tolerant toward the LGBTQ community’s lifestyles