[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

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.

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. This clearly indicates how much the Church has been harmed by Modernism/Synodality. The popes would also be excommunicated by the Church.

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 state 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. This is the same priests who 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 the decline in God’s deception of man and woman’s identity has led to an increase of LGBTQ identity. Not suprisingly, 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.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. Some 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 statement.
4. Satan seeks to UNDERMINE Jesus’ mission to die on the cross to seek redemption for humanity.

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.” (Paul warns the Roman believers against those individuals who disrupt the unity of the Church. Divisions and obstacles can refer to false teachings, IDEOLOGIES, or behaviors that lead believers away from the core message of the gospel. 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.” (Crucifixion was a shameful and brutal form of  execution, reserved for the lowest criminals. The concept of a crucified Messiah was scandalous to the Jews, who expected a triumphant political Messiah. The idea that salvation could come through a crucified man was absurd and irrational to the philosophical mind. 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.
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.)

Update: Scandalous woke ideology exposed: the WNBA continue to refuse to define what a woman is and ultimately refuse 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

Placing the harmful consequences and failures of Vatican II and Synodality under a “microscope” is producing good fruits for the truth for the faithful.

1. More and more people are understanding that both Vatican II and Synodality have been the causes of problems, confusion, division, and heresies in the Church.
2. More and more people are now seeking doctrinal (moral) clarity and Tradition in the Church.
3. In response against Vatican II and Synodality, there has been an organic Holy-Spirit inspired movement (longing) back to Tradition.
4. The younger generations (laity and clergy) are becoming more conservative and Traditionally minded. This in part a back-lash against the more liberal and progressive older generations.
5. More and more people are seeing the harmful consequences of having a Church adapting to the world and culture. More are seeking a Church SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD.

Taking advantage of the Holy Spirit’s name for Synodal purposes is deceitful, serious, and evil. The Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth! Look what happened to Ananias! One wonders if the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” was at work when the Synodal study group suggested that homosexual activity is not sinful???

Many of us already are acting like little pagans bowing down to our electronic devices.

Many of us already worship and adore idols such as money, wealth, fame, likes, prestige, and career.

There are probably more people than we realize who have actually “sold their soul” to the devil in partaking of the riches and desires of this world.

Satan can also influence us by desire, sin, indulgence, distraction, spiritual dryness, and MAKING US FORGET ABOUT GOD.

Synodality: lived experiences, tolerance, inclusion, and false compassion often TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church doctrine, teachings, and scripture. This is how Synodality becomes an IDOL!

The Israelites were ultimately punished by God for their immorality, worshipping idols, sacrificing to idols, reveling, impatience, and grumbling. How would this be any different for Catholics, Christians, and non-Catholics in our current time?

“If you dig a pit for others to fall into, you will fall into it yourself.” Rumi

“Each man, in his suffering, can also be a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ.” St. Pope John Paul II

“You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting what you want. Will what God wants and your joy no man shall take from you.” Archbishop Sheen

“Even if Catholics faithful to Tradition are reduced to a handful, they are the ones who are the true Church of Jesus Christ.” St. Athanasius.

“The greater your sufferings, the greater God’s love for you.” St. Padre Pio

[Greek] ἐξαπατάω (exapataō): [Latin] seducere, [French] separer: to deceive, to seduce; Rom.7:11, Rom.16:18, 1Cor.3:18, 2Cor. 11:3, 2Thess.2:3

Satan will NOT always be obvious because he will use more subtle means on others. CORRUPTION OF MINDS IS SATANIC ACTIVITY!

1. Satan will seek to make one dilute, to weaken, ignore or even undermine Church teachings, God’s institutions and scripture.
2. Satan will seek to make one de-stigmatize, white-wash, normalize, or even celebrate sin.
3. Satan will seek to make one make you forget about God.

“It is the masterstroke of Satan to get Catholics to disobey the whole of tradition in the name of obedience.” Archbishop Lefebvre

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to deceive, to trick, to cheat, to be fallacious, to be mistaken

Plato’s Gorgias 499c: “And yet I started with the notion that I should not have to fear any intentional deception on your part. But now I find I was mistaken.”

Plato’s Cratylus 413d: “Perhaps I may deceive you into thinking that all I am going to say is my own.”

Polybius’ Histories 2.56.12: “The power of carrying an audience is the chief excellence, because the object is to create illusion.”

Sophocles’ Antigone 617: “The deception comes to one who is wholly unaware until he burns his foot on a hot fire.”

Greek mythology:

1. Apate is the Greek goddess of deceit, fraud, and trickery.
2. Fraus is the Roman goddess of deceit, fraud, and trickery.
3. Idol worshippers would ordinarily kiss the idols in their presence.
4. When an idol was unavailable or unreachable, one would kiss his hand and wave it toward the idol.

Old Testament: This term means to deceive, to entice, to be tempted (into idolatry), and to tempt.

New Testament: This term means to deceive, to delude, and to trick.

Rom.16:18: “For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.” (Paul warns others to avoid those who create dissensions and obstacles to the faith. These people seek their own agenda. Paul warns others to be aware of what is good and evil.)

1Cor.3:18: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise.” (This wisdom of this world is foolish in the eyes of God. This is a warning against self-deception. Paul often challenged the Corinthians’ so called worldly wisdom. Becoming fools means rejecting pride and self-reliance and seeking true wisdom.)

2Cor.11:3: “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ.” (Before Christ returns, Paul rightly fears a repetition of the primal drama a seduction. CORRUPTION OF MINDS IS SATANIC ACTIVITY. Adam is also culpable in failing to help Eve.)

Satanic activity ===> corruption of minds:

1. Eve being deceived by the serpent. Adam failing to help and protect Eve.
2. False and deceitful apostles, ministers, and deceitful workers who masquerade as apostles of Christ.
3. Their end will correspond to their deeds, ideology, and agenda.
4. Those who enslave you, who devours you, or who gets the better of you, who puts on airs.

[Greek] ἀπάτη (apatē), [Latin] deceptio, [Latin] seductio, [Latin] fallacia, [Latin] error: deception, delusion, deceit, enticement, illusion

Eph.5:6: “Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. (These sons of disobedience follow the values of the world (immorality, desires of the flesh, sin, impurity, idols, human traditions, novelties, paganism). Satan is the prince (ruler) of this world.)

What does Satan seek to accomplish?

1. Satan seeks to deceive, destroy, and undermine the Church, Church teachings, social precepts (morals), social institutions, and people.
2. Satan is all in for creating and fostering divisions, heresies, schism, confusion, and affirming and encouraging sin in the Church. (One can only imagine Satan grinning and giving a big “thumbs-up”. This is how Satan undermines the Church.
3. [Paul]: WHERE THERE IS EVIL IN THE CHURCH, THERE IS THE DEVIL!
4. One does NOT need to be full-blown possessed to be influenced by the devil. Satan can subtly influence one through distraction, weakness, busyness, vulnerabilities, and FORGETING ABOUT GOD.
5. One must not forget that the world and worldly values are part of earthly domain of the devil. (Jn.12:31)
6. If homosexuality can be used to UNDERMINE traditional marriage, procreation, and priestly orders, Satan will happily encourage these efforts to undermine the Church.
7. If transgenderism and gender ideology can be used to UNDERMINE the traditional understanding of God’s plan for gender (male and female), Satan will happily encourage these efforts to undermine the Church.
8. Peter was briefly “Satanically inspired” when he tried to stop Jesus from carry out His mission to redeem humanity. Jesus told Peter that he was an obstacle. This was ultimately part of Satan’s plan to DISRUPT and UNDERMINE Jesus’ mission.
9. Gaslighting: you will be deemed intolerant, hateful, rigid, bigoted, homophobic, and discriminatory for opposing sinful behavior and upholding Church teachings. (Like living in an upside-down bizarro world where sin is OK!)

False compassion: Satan’s efforts in “inspiring” others can sometimes appear to be tolerant, accommodating, “merciful”, and compassionate

1. At first glance, Peter’s efforts to stop Jesus from dying seemingly sounded reasonable and “compassionate”. Peter cared for Jesus’ welfare.
2. The slippery slope of lived experiences, toleration, inclusion, ecumenism, pastoral care, accompaniment, and “mercy above all else”: lowering the bar for doctrinal standards and opening the door for allowing sin
3. De-stigmatizing, “white-washing”, or normalizing sinful behavior (because of the tolerance and inclusion in the culture): opening the door for allowing sin
4. The slippery slope of bestowing mercy, pastoral care, and accompaniment often gives license to dilute, weaken or ignore Church teachings (because of the culture).
5. False compassion: short-changing one’s ability to accept higher moral standards and placing one’s eternal soul in mortal peril. (allowing that person to sin)

Catholic psychiatrist Conrad Baars explains false compassion:

“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.”  

Confusing tolerance with intolerance:

1. Tolerance is not a Christian virtue. It is never an end in itself [Archbishop Chaput]
2. Tolerance applies only to persons, but never to principles. [Archbishop Sheen]
3. Intolerance applies only principles, but never to persons. [Archbishop Sheen]
4. TOLERANCE IS A VIRTUE OF A MAN WITH OUT CONVICTIONS. [GK Chesterton]
5. Our society’s obsession with tolerance leads to intolerance. [Charles Colson]
6. The Church is intolerant in principle because she believes. [Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange]
7. The enemies of the Church are tolerant in principle because they do not believe. [Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange]

Conclusion:

Seduce, seduction, separate, separation, deception, deceive, fallacy

Update: Synodal study groups: Both clergy and laity are both involved in deciding and formulating Church doctrine, teachings, and practices. You have a Church that becomes further and further influenced by the world’s values! Let that sink in.

This is how Satan wins by undermining the Church:

1. A Synod report suggests that homosexual relationships may NOT be sinful. This will eventually lead to recognizing same-sex unions. (Redefining sin and marriage)
2. Clergy who seek to promote LGBTQ ideology as merciful and pastoral. (De-stigmatize and normalizing sin and celebrating homosexuality).
3. Synod of Synodality: immorally appropriating the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to justify and ratify novel Synodal teachings and practices. (This is deceitful and evil in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth!)
4. A large percentage of clergy engaging in a homosexual lifestyle. (Undermining their sacred vow of celibacy)
5. Pro-LGBT clergy: “You do not need to follow Church teachings against homosexuality.” (This sounds like something the serpent in the garden would say.)
6. According to Cardinal McElroy, you are a hater if you oppose Fiducia Supplicans. (So you become a hater when you do not approve of sin (support Church teachings against sin.)
7. When you placate the German bishops who want formalized blessings of same-sex unions. Fiducia Supplicans allowing informal blessings on same-sex unions  ===> homosexuality NOT sinful ===>  formal blessings on same-sex unions ===> same-sex unions can be recognized as another marriage relationship (Incremental heresy).
8. Pope Leo’s left-wing political ideology is showing. Pope Leo’s greatest concern is “far-right ideology” but evidently not spiritual matters! (Labeling traditional and conservative Catholics as ===> right wing, backward looking, rigid and scandalous)
9. USCCB issuing a “gay friendly” bible: (De-stigmatizing, and “white-washing” sin because of inclusion, tolerance, and pastoral care.)
10. Vatican leadership welcoming and appointing scandalous clergy while expelling and excommunicating traditional (conservative) clergy. (Not a good look!)
11. Vatican II and Synodality more interested in MOVING WITH THE WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than in BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.  (Satan is the ruler of prince of this world [Jn.12:31])
12. Vatican II leadership (Pope Leo) remains silent when scandal and sin appears. [Ex. LGBTQ Jubilee] (Silence ===> tacit acceptance)
13. More bizarro upside-down Synodal thinking: The Vatican’s doctrinal chief Cardinal Tucho claims it will be a grave schismatic act to allow more SSPX consecrations. (Consecrating more traditional clergy is offensive??? Yet homosexuality is fine. Let that sink in.)
14. Making the Church more worldly: (Synodal study groups are introducing the idea of the laity participating in the selection of bishops. Let that sink in.)

Corinthians’ so-called worldly wisdom ===> Modernists’ and Synodalists’ so-called worldly wisdom===>Synodality.  (Nothing changes!)

Archbishop Lefebvre was absolutely right: Tradition is now seen as rigid, backward looking, and scandalous. Let that sink in. (We seem to be living in an upside-down bizarro world in the Church.)

Jesus associated with sinners but He did NOT tolerate sin and sinful behavior. Jesus did NOT preach tolerance and inclusion [or scandalous behavior].

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

“The devil is capable of confusing the most brilliant minds.” St. Padre Pio   (THIS JUST SHOWS HOW CUNNING AND DECEITFUL SATAN IS!)

“The underlying principle of all of Satan’s tactics is deception. He is a crafty and clever camouflager.” Billy Graham

May 13: Our Lady of Fatima

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

[Greek] σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), [Latin] offendere, [French] huerter, [French] indigner, [German] shockieren: to offend, to scandalize, to cause to sin, to stumble, to trip up, to trap; 45 scriptural references

Pope Leo continues his questionable ecumenical efforts in seeking unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church.

Background information:

Skandalon: A skandalon can be a dead-fall trap, snare, obstacle, and stumbling block.

Greek Hellenism: This term means to set traps, to cause to stumble, to give offense, to take offense, and to stumble.

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

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

Old Testament: This term means to stumble, to slip, to be trapped (in a spiritual context). The action of falling always takes on a more serious sense than the stumbling block. This action of falling results in a ruined relationship with God.

Spiritual harlotry:

1. This is an intercourse of the mixing of Old Testament values with worldly values, idolatry, paganism, and sin.
2. Abandoning the Lord for a foreign god was called prostitution or adultery.
3. Against God, the harlot prostitutes oneself with idolatry, paganism, and sin.
4. Interestingly, the related Greek word is porneia ===> pornography, porn!  Not a good look!

New Testament: This term means to cause one to sin, to take offense, and to fall away. No offense, but I will just mention some noteworthy scriptural examples. ☺☺☺

Causing one to sin:

Mt.18:6: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (The gravity of this sin is so great that it would be better to have been drowned than to have committed this sin. A MILLSTONE MOMENT! See the very end of this post referencing Fiducia Supplicans)

To take offense:

Mt.11:6: “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at Me.” (Taking offense is becoming a stumbling block to Jesus and rejecting Jesus’ teachings and statements.)

Mt.15:12: “Then His disciples approached and said to Him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what You said'”. (The Pharisees were scandalized about what Jesus said about their vain worship, empty hearts, and HUMAN TRADITIONS.)

Mt.17:27: “But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for Me and you.” (The Jews were obligated to pay the the temple to the authorities. Jesus tells His disciples to respect these customs. Jesus provides the means to pay this tax.)

Jn.6:61: “Since Jesus knew that His disciples were murmuring about this, He said to them, Does this shock you?'”

1. Jesus did NOT try to convince His disciples to come back by saying, “I was only speaking figuratively!”
2. The GREAT AND SAD IRONY is that the Jews were forbidden to drink the blood because of Jewish customs (the life is in the blood [Deut.12:23].
3. This Jewish restriction prohibited the Jew from partaking of the blood.
4. But partaking of Jesus’ Body and Blood gives us life everlasting!

Mk.6:3: “Is He not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us? And they took offense at Him.” (The Nazarenes could not see that a carpenter’s son could be a teacher, prophet, and Messiah. They could not accept Jesus coming from a position of humility.)

To fall away:

Mt.13:21: “But he [seed]: has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.” (This is the person whose week faith is not strong enough to endure when struggles, opposition, and persecution come.)

Mt.24:10: “And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another.” (This is one who falls away, becomes scandalized, or who becomes apostates.)

2Cor.11:29: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is lead to sin? and I am not indignant?” (As a sinner himself, Paul can empathize with the sinner. But he is also indignant at the one who sins.)

Who is led to sin:

1. Who is made to stumble and who causes others to stumble
2. Who becomes a stumbling block (to himself or to others)
3. Who is led astray or causes others to go astray
4. Who gives offense and scandalizes.

[Greek] σκάνδαλον (skandalon)

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.
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.

Spiritual harlotry: idolatry, unchastity, prostitution, fornication, human traditions, unfaithfulness to God, turning aside from God

1. Vatican II had “intercourse” with the world (world’s values) ===> bringing in “fresh air” (worldliness) and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) because the Church “needed to get with the times.”  ===> a pastoral and spiritual disaster for the Church
2. Synodality doubles down on what Vatican II did ===> more worldliness and more undermining
3. This “fresh air” and “smoke of Satan” involves human traditions, syncretism, and questionable ecumenism.

Scandalous “smoke of Satan” influences the culture (Church and world):

1. It is important to be reminded that Satan is the ruler (prince) of this world. (Jn.12:31)
2. Satan seeks to entice each of us with the world: fame, power, wealth, notoriety, likes, sin, indulgence, sin, distraction, busyness, FORGETTING ABOUT GOD.
3. Satan seeks to UNDERMINE God, Church doctrine and teachings, God’s plans for marriage and procreation.
4. Satan influenced Peter to have false compassion to seek to undermine Jesus’ mission to redeem humanity.
5. Lived experiences, tolerance, pro-LGBTQ clergy, inclusion, false compassion, and unity can be used to dilute, to ignore, to change, and to contradict Church teachings and scripture ===> can undermine God, Church teachings, and scripture
6. To push the “doctrinal envelope” because of unity, “discrimination” and “pastoral care”.  (Further undermining of doctrine and Church teachings)
7. Lived experiences, tolerance, inclusion, false compassion, “pastoral care”, and “unity” can be used to de-stigmatize, to ignore, to normalize, and to celebrate sin (Fiducia Supplicans) ===> undermine God, Church teachings, and scripture.
8. New “gay-friendly” USCCB bible: (Can you see how dangerous this can be? Pastoral care, inclusion, and tolerance are being be used to minimize, to “whitewash”, to de-stigmatize, and to normalize homosexuality [sin]. The LGBTQ community has become a very powerful influence on the Church. ===> LGBTQ “outreach”
9. As the emboldened German bishops continue to promote their homosexual agenda, Pope Leo, more interested in unity, offers only tepid disagreement and resistance.
10. Padre Pio: “The devil is capable of confusing the most brilliant mind.”

Literature:

1. The Catholic Douay-Rhims translation of the New Testament, published in 1582, caused quite a stir when it replaced the words “offend” and “stumbling block” with “scandalize” and “scandal.”
2. Despite initial criticism, this terminology was accepted in the European continent accustomed to scandals in many aspects of life.
3. Medieval and Renaissance writers, including Shakespeare, quickly adopted these terms.
4. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s play Hamlet makes references to mousetraps and scandals.

Conclusion:

Scandal, scandalize, indignant, shock, shocking hurt, offend, offensive

It is quite interesting that Epictetus already understood the notion of someone “living rent-free” in another person’s head. (Trump Derangement Syndrome perhaps?)

Jesus often speaks in purposely exaggerated terms (cutting off limbs and eyes) to illustrate the more serious consequences of sin.

Brothers and sisters: This term referred to cousins. There was not yet a word for cousin.

Update: It is unfortunately scandalous (but not surprising) that the Vatican continues to restrict the TLM and to remove altar rails in more and more churches.

LGBTQ Vatican Jubilee (2 scandalous decisions made by Pope Leo)===> 1. approving questionable Church events.  2. remaining silent

1. Pope Leo QUIETLY gave approval for this Jubilee for the LGBTQ community.
2. Not surprisingly, scandal and liturgical sacrilege immediately followed.
3. Other clergy offered reparations for this event. Pope Leo remained silent.
4. Evidently, it is not a good look for you to publicly criticize an event in which you had previously approved of. So you remain silent.
5. Why did Pope Leo do this? Was this done of out of “unity”? Or to not “rock the boat”? Or to accommodate the culture? SILENCE EQUALS TACIT ACCEPTANCE.

These can become stumbling blocks for some in the Church: actually following Church teachings, Jesus’ statements on sin, scripture, traditional Church teachings, TLM

It is also scandalous that too many Cardinals, bishops, and priests are still remaining silent about Church scandals because they are FEARFUL AND AFRAID OF OFFENDING their superiors, the Vatican, the laity, and the LGBQT community!

Vatican II: Pope Paul V worked with a commission of Protestant theologians to create the Novus Order Mass with the focus on a community meal (not a sacrifice.)

The Vatican (and Pope Leo XIV) continue to welcome and appoint scandalous clergy while at the same time potentially threaten the SSPX with excommunication. Let that sink in.

Bishop Batzing claims that MORE Synodality is the only thing that can save the Church?? This bishop is scandalously saying that the Church can only survive from a human initiative. You can’t make this up!

Bishop Martin of Charlotte has banned the use of altar rails and kneelers, despite the  laity’s canonical right to receive Holy Communion.

It was St. Peter Damian in the 11th century who had shed light on the scandal of homosexuality in the priesthood (promotion of this lifestyle, sexual abuse, silence, and covering up). Sound familiar? Yet we continue to have many priests living in a homosexual lifestyle.

The scandal in Germany: the German Synodal Church is “reforming” and “renewing” itself into decline and heresy.

It seems that Pope Leo, more interested in unity, offers tepid resistance to doctrinally controversial issues in and outside the Church.

The USCCB, doubling down on their immigration efforts, criticize the US government’s mass deportation efforts. Yet, the tone-deaf USCCB does not respect Catholic social teaching on foreigners respecting countries’ borders and their implicit culpability in funds being sent for illegal immigration, leftist causes, and child trafficking.

Quotes on scandal:

“It is better that scandals arise than the truth be suppressed.” Pope St. Gregory the Great

“We should even go beyond doing what is required in order to avoid scandal.” St. Basil

“Homosexual marriage is false, and a scandal.” Cardinal Robert Sarah

“The worst kind of heretic is the one who, while teaching mostly true Catholic doctrine, add a word of heresy, like a drop of poison in a cup of water.” Pope Leo XIII

“You are not to be looked upon as holding the true Catholic faith if you do not teach that the faith of Rome is to be held.” Pope Leo XIII

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

[Greek] πορνεία (porneia), [Latin] fornicatio, [Latin] prostitutio: unchastity, dishonoring, profaning, immorality, whoredom, idolatry; 26 scriptures

St. Peter Damian (1007-1072) already saw the problems with immorality, homosexual predatory behavior (grooming), laxity, moral relativity, and silence within the clergy. In recent times clergy now seek to DE-STIGMATIZE, MINIMIZE, NORMALIZE, or DOWNPLAY this sinful behavior. The laity is also NOT immune to this criticism.

Background information:

New Testament: This term means unlawful marriage, unchastity, homosexuality, and immorality. Immorality can include fornication, evil, harlotry, and licentiousness.

Scripture:

Unlawful marriage: Mt.5:32, Mt.19:9, Acts 21:25

1. Involves serious sexual sin, incest, adultery, and annulment grounds.
2. Marriages involving Mosaic law violations and sanctions.
3. Jesus’ admonitions apply only to valid marriages.
4. Paul asks Gentiles to abstain from unlawful marriages.

Immorality: Mt.15:19, Cor.5:1, 1Cor.6:13,18, 1Cor.7:2, 2Cor.12:21, Col.3:5, 1Thess.4:3

1. Evil thoughts and deeds, coming inside from the heart, defile the person.
2. There is a need for separation from the unholy.
3. Sexual satisfaction becomes as commonplace as food.
4. The immoral person sins against his own body.
5. One must have an understanding of one’s own limitations.
6. You [Corinth] have not repented of your impurity, immorality, and licentiousness.
7. Put away parts of you that are earthly (worldly).
8. God wills that you refrain from immorality.

Born of fornication: Jn.8:41

1. If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham.
2. You are trying to kill me [Jesus] who has told you the truth.
3. You are doing the works of your “worldly” father [the devil].
4. Your father is the father of lies.
5. You do not belong to God (priests and laity prostituting themselves to other idols).

Prostitution in Corinth:

1. Corinth was considered the “Amsterdam of the ancient world”.
2. Aphrodite was the patron goddess of Corinth.
3. Women slaves, prostitutes, and courtesans were sold into prostitution.
4. [Paul]: any woman unveiled brings shame upon her.
5. Adulterous women’s hair was cut short (so others may see their shame).
6. Prostitutes and lesbians were thought to have to short hair.

Church in Pergamum: (Jesus hated the works of the Nicolaitans [Rev.2:6]) 

1. The Nicolaitans practiced a mixture of Christianity, paganism, and the occult (which becomes a mockery of their faith).
2. The Nicolaitans had a shallow “dumbed down” faith.
3. The Nicolaitans practiced eating of meat sacrificed to idols.
4. The Nicolaitans practiced free sexual intercourse.
5. The Nicolaitans followed the doctrine of the cult of Balaam (abortion).
6. The Nicolaitans valued tolerance and compromise.
7. The Modernists and Synodalists have essentially become the new Nicolatians. * see attached post below

The Harlot of Rome (Babylon):

1. The greatest seducer of nations and their kings.
2. The kings of the earth have syncretic “intercourse” with this harlot. (exchanging worldly values and sin with the Church).
3. This harlot is the center of paganism and apostasy from God.
4. This harlot mixed idolatry, lusts, religion, worldly ways, and philosophies
5. Babylon is filled with fornication and pleasures.
6. Babylon is contrasted with the pure community of God.

Rev.14:8: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon, the great that made all nations drink the wine of her licentious passion (fornication).” (This harlot seduces and intoxicates the nations (and leaders) with idolatry, paganism, superstition, worldly ways (human traditions), fornication, and lusts.)

Rev.17:2: “The kings of the earth have intercourse with her, and the inhabitants of the earth became drunk on the wine of her harlotry.” (The kings of the earth commit spiritual adultery with this harlot. The great harlot seduces them with unfaithfulness, idolatry, passions, and corruption.)

Homosexuality (fornication) in the Church:

Who was St. Peter Damian (1007-1072)? He was an Italian cardinal and Doctor of the Church. He had shed a spotlight on the sexual immorality, laxity, clerical homosexuality, and moral relativity among the clergy.

What does St. Peter Damian say about homosexuality in the clergy?

1. Homosexuality is incompatible with the dignity of the priest.
2. There is a correlation between liturgical abuse and an indifference to the moral demands of the gospel.
3. Fundamental disorientation regarding the natural complementarity of the sexes.
4. Devastating psychological and spiritual effects of homosexuality.
5. This can lead to a continuum of sins that depart from the nature of the sexual act.
6. The tendency to recruit others into their lifestyle.

Quotes by St. Peter Damian:

“Sodomy raging like a cruel beast within the sheepfold of Christ” (Peter Damian observed homosexuality rapidly spreading within the clergy.)

“Why do you seek after the height of ecclesiastical dignity with burning passion?” (Peter Damian observed self-seeking promotion of this deviant lifestyle within the clergy.)

“Undoubtedly, those who turn a blind eye to the sins of their subjects that they are obliged to correct.” (Peter Damian observed the secrecy, silence, and lax disclosure of homosexuality within the clergy.)

“If such a priest is barely permitted to enter the church pray, how is it that he can approach the altar to intercede for others” (Peter Damian states homosexuality is deeply related to the dignity of the priest.) Questionable behavior==> questionable priesthood

“What do you seek in a man, that you are unable to find yourself, you seek in vain in another body?” (Peter Damian sees that the priest has a disorientation about the natural complimentarity of the sexes.)

How did Pope Leo IX respond to homosexuality in the priesthood? He approved a canon decreeing excommunication for those guilty of sodomy.

Dr. Frederick Martel, author of In the Closet of the Vatican: Power, Homosexuality, Hypocrisy, surprising conclusions about the Vatican: *** 

1. The Vatican has one of the biggest gay communities in the world.
2. He discovered that he felt he had gone back in time seeking clergy living double lives.
3. Priests who didn’t recognize themselves as gay before living in Vatican City have “discovered” their homosexuality.
4. If you want to integrate with the Vatican, one must adhere to a code which consists of tolerating the priests’ and bishops’ homosexuality. Enjoy it if appropriate, but keep it secret.
5. Many of the Cardinals and priest share the same inclinations.
6. There are more and more homosexuals as one rises to through the Catholic hierarchy.
7. In the College of Cardinals, and at the Vatican, homosexuality becomes the rule, heterosexuality becomes the exception.

Pope Leo XIV affirms blessings for homosexual couples and downplays sexual sin.

1. “We tend to think that, when the Church is talking about morality, the only issue of morality is sexual. In reality there are much greater and more important [moral issues].” (Pope Leo seeks to downplay sexual sin and highlight that that there are more serious social issues concerns that the Church must address. Pope Leo is downplaying the consequences of Fiducia Supplicans.)
2. “To go beyond that, I think the topic can cause more disunity than unity, and that we should look for ways to build our unity upon Jesus Christ and what Jesus Christ teaches.” (It seems that Pope Leo does not want to “rock the boat” For the sake of unity, he does not want to address the blessing of same-sex unions head on. He wants others to focus on other issues.)
3. “We do not agree with the formalized blessing of homosexual couples or couples in irregular situations, beyond what was specifically allowed by Pope Francis.” (Pope Leo doesn’t agree with the German bishop’s to seek formalized, but has essentially supported and endorsed Fiducia Supplicans.)
4. “And that we should look for ways to build our unity upon Jesus and what Jesus Christ teaches.” (Yes, we are called to be unified in believing what Jesus taught. But Jesus others to sin no more. ‘Whoever follows me [by not sinning] will NOT walk in darkness. In other words, ‘whoever does NOT follow Me will walk in darkness.’ (Jn.8:11-12)
5. Pope Leo seems to be more concerned about unity and “rocking the boat” rather than addressing sinful activity or supporting Church teachings against homosexuality.
6. Bishop Athanasius Schneider correctly points out blessing same-sex couples is a great deception and evil. Same-sex union directly contradicts God’s divine plans for marriage. To bless or endorse this relationship is to bless evil.

Some noteworthy (but not all) scripture about sexual immorality:

1. Acts 15:29: abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from sexual immorality
2. Rom.1:24-25: God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity. They exchange the truth about God for a lie.
3. 1Cor.6:9: the sexually immoral, idolators, adulterers, who practice homosexuality
4. 1Cor.6:13-15: their sexual activity is as common as food for the stomach
5. Col.3:5: put to death what is earthly in you (sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness), which is idolatry

Conclusion:

Prostitution, prostitute, fornication, fornicate, porn, pornographic

Update: Fiducia Supplicans is a by-product of the Vatican’s acquiescence to pressure from the German bishops’ curious interest in homosexuality. Yet, the Vatican (and Pope Leo IXV will not rescind this document. Some have said that the Church has reached its “millstone moment.” That is NOT a good thing.

It can’t be stated enough that priestly homosexuality becomes a profound undermining of the priestly vow of celibacy. This is the ultimate act of disobedience of the priest. Satan would be proud. The dirty secret is that many clergy do not want to give up their homosexual lifestyles.

Synodality continues Vatican II’s efforts to have “spiritual intercourse” with worldliness, politics, paganism, secularism, lived experiences, inclusion, tolerance, false compassion, sin and ignoring sin.

Synodality (lived experiences) TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings and scripture.  Synodality becomes an IDOL!

The Modernists and Synodalists sound very much like the Nicolaitans. Let that sink in.!

We continue to have progressive pro-LGBTQ clergy in the Church who continually seek to oppose or undermine traditional Church teachings against homosexuality. These clergy claim that the Church teachings are hateful and discriminatory to the LGBTQ community.

Fr. Heimerl: “Francis’ synodal church is controlled by old homosexual men” **

1. The synodal Church no longer teaches the traditional faith (about homosexuality).
2. The bishops’ failure (silence and cowardice) in criticizing the synodal Church indicates a “new normality.”
3. Where does this silence and indifference come from? From Satan, the father of lies (1Jn.3:8)
4. Fiducia Supplicans: permitting of blessings of “irregular couples” [homosexuals and adulterers]
5. The clergy has historically been infiltrated by homosexuals. Serious estimates: over 60%
6. There is little opposition because the Church has fallen into the hands of older homosexual men.
7. There is now a belief by some people that homosexuality is “willed by God and is by no mean a sin” (This is contrary to Church teachings and very concerning!)
8. The Church is in the Babylonian captivity of homosexual senior clergy.
9. Pope Francis is associating himself with these older homosexual clergy!
10. The workings of Satan has now been exposed [for all to see] in the Church. This is perhaps God’s providence in allowing for a true reform of clergy in the Church.

1Cor.6:12-20: these scriptures explicitly references the evil of sexual immorality. Yet, Pope Leo seeks to minimize this. Evidently, Pope Leo seems to be more concerned about unity rather than what the Church and the scriptures say. Let that sink in.

St. Peter Damian’s question remain relevant today: “IS IT TOO MUCH TO HOPE TO HAVE GOOD PRIESTS?”

“Someone who lived practicing the vice of sodomy will suffer more pains in hell than else, because this is the worst sin there is.” St. Bernadine of Siena

“There are many who are so steeped in vice that they never think of eternity and seek their happiness in sinful and worldly pleasures… Indecisive and lukewarm, they think that they can serve God and the devil at the same time. If people of this kind will not make up their minds, they are running the risk of eternal damnation.” Cardinal Bacci (1891-1971)

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/fr-heimerl-francis-synodal-church-is-controlled-by-old-homosexual-men/ **

https://resoundingthefaith.com/2025/07/30/greek-%ce%bc%ce%b5%cf%84%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%af%ce%b8%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%b9-metatithemi/   *

https://www.complicitclergy.com/2025/08/16/coming-out-in-the-vatican/ ***

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/new-jpii-institute-professors-question-church-orthodoxy-on-homosexuality-contraception ****

https://www.signofthecrossmedia.com/analysis/pope-leo-xiv-affirms-informal-blessing-for-homosexual-couples-and-downplays-sexual-sin/?utm_source=twittercath

[Greek] ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō),[Latin] postulare, [Latin] petere, [French] reclamer, [French] demander, [French] ambitionner, [French] desirer, [French] perturber: to petition, to intercede, to plead, to make intercession; Acts 25:24, Rom.8:27,34, Rom.11:2, Heb.7:25

This is Mary, our Mother, who intercedes for all of us.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to meet with, to obtain an audience, to interview, to converse with, to appeal, to petition.

During the Old Testament era, the Queen, advocating for the people, makes a request to her son the king.

Old Testament: This term means to complain, to solicit, to petition, to pay, to meet, to approach someone with a request, to turn to God.

Queen Mother:

1. The Queen Mother held an official position of power in the royal court.
2. She shared in her son’s reign and served as an advocate for the people and counselor to her son.
3. A throne was provided for the Queen Mother at the right hand of  the king. (1Kgs.2:19)
4. Upon the Queen Mother’s entrance into the court, the king stood up and paid the Queen Mother homage. (1Kgs.2:19)
5. The Queen Mother, advocating for Abishag the Shunamite, asks for a favor from her son. The king will not refuse her request. (1Kgs.2:20)

Old Testament prophecy leading to Mary:

1. Eve, the proto-typical queen mother of the living, appears in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15)
2. The young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name Him Emmanuel (Isa.7:14)
3. Mary will become the New Eve. Mary, full of grace, undoes what Eve did.
4. Mary becomes the new Ark of the Covenant, containing Jesus the High Priest, the Bread of Life, and the Word of God.

New Testament: This term means to petition, to intercede, and to plead.

Acts 25:24: “Festus, procurator of Judea, said, ‘King Agrippa and all of you look at this man [Paul] about whom the whole Jewish population petitioned me, clamoring that he should live no longer.” (They accused Paul for turning his back against the Jewish people and for becoming a Christian. They wanted the Roman authorities to arrest and condemn Paul. However, Paul claimed his rights as a Roman citizen.)

Rom.8:27: “And the one [God the Father] who searched hearts knows what is the intention of the Holy Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.” (The Holy Spirit comes to the aid of our weaknesses, without the need of deep emotions or eloquent words. The Holy Spirit knows our hearts.)

Being led by the Spirit of God (Rom.8:14-27):

1. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
2. If we are children and heirs of God, we also may suffer and be glorified with Christ.
3. The sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared to the glory to be revealed.
4. As we share in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so we shall share in the benefit of redemption and future glory.
5. For in hope we are saved.
6. The Spirit comes to aid of our weakness

Rom.11:2: “God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?”

1. This scripture links the Israelites’ refusal to accept Jesus with Elijah pleading to God about Israel’s disobedience toward God.
2. Elijah points out to God about Israel’s idolatry, contempt against the worship of God, and the violent persecution of the faithful.
3. God remains faithful to Israel.
4. God provides a faithful remnant, chosen by grace, who have not knelt to Baal.

Mary as an intercessor:

1. The Wedding at Cana (Jn.2:12): Mary acting as an intermediary, notices that the wine has run out and requests help from Jesus. Mary tells others to follow Jesus’ instructions.
2. At the foot of the Cross (Jn.19:26-27): Jesus gives disciple (Church) His Mother. “Behold, your mother. Woman, behold your son.” Mary becomes our spiritual Mother.
3. We can pray to Mary to intercede for us in our petitions to Jesus. Mary leads us to her Son.
4. Marian apparitions: Mary warns us (the Church) through warnings and chastisements if we do not get our act together as a Church.
5. Rosary: Mary leads believers to Jesus by contemplating on the pivotable events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Mary as Co-Redemptrix: Mary participates in man’s redemption becoming the Mother of God. She will be the woman who crushes the head of the serpent

Mary as Mediatrix: Mary mediates our concerns and prayers to her Son. Mary leads us to her Son.

Why did the Vatican II document Mater Populi fidelis say about Mary? (very dubious and questionable attitudes toward Mary)

1. It does NOT become helpful when the titles ‘Co-redemptrix’ and ‘Mediatrix’ require repeated explanations? What??? How about just teach and catechize the people about Mary!
2. This document also seems to be MORE concerned about Protestants “concerns” about Mary. This is very questionable ecumenism!
3. This document intentionally fails to celebrate and even minimizes the status of Mary in the Church. This sounds very un-Catholic!

Theotokos:

1. This is a Greek title given to Mary.
2. This term means “God-bearer” or Mother of God.
3. Theotokos is predominately used in eastern Christianity.
4. The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is a feast day (holy day of obligation) celebrated by the Roman rite of the Catholic Church on January 1.

Conclusion:

Postulate, postulant, ambition, desire, desiring, derangement, derange, perturb, demand, reclaim, oration

Paul, as a Roman citizen, was entitled to be beheaded, an execution befitting to a Roman citizen. On the other hand, crucifixion was an execution befitting to non-Roman criminals.

Update Baal was worshipped as the god of weather, agriculture, fertility, sexual immorality, spiritual infidelity,

Spiritual harlotry (idolatry): having spiritual intercourse with idols and gods

Mary essentially becomes the first Christian (follower in Christ) by saying yes to the Holy Spirit.

It seems that the Vatican is more welcoming to the “woman” Archbishop of Canterbury than with the SSPX. One wonders if the Vatican will be on the verge of excommunicating the SSPX. Let that sink in!

Synodal immoral appropriation of the Holy Spirit: The Synod of Synodality leaders often using the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” as a means to ratify and rationalize their Synodal novelties into the Church. The Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth. This practice is misleading, deceitful and evil.

Rom.8:18: The sufferings of this present time are just a “drop in the bucket” compared to the salvation that awaits. This may provide some perspective and reassurance to those who currently struggle and suffer.

Many of us are now rightly criticizing the consequences of Vatican II and Synodality on the Church:

1. God is providing a faithful remnant upholding traditional Catholic teachings in the midst of this confusion, problems, and heresy.
2. The Holy Spirit is leading an organic movement back to Tradition and traditional practices.
3. The younger generations (clergy and laity) favor Tradition and tradition practices.
4. More and more Protestants are becoming Catholic. Many Protestants are now learning about the deep history of the Catholic Church.
5. The TLM is thriving (where allowed). The NOM continues to have sparse attendance. Shocker!
6. This organic movement toward Tradition CANNOT be stopped other than by the Church hierarchy implementing Traditiones Custodes.

Mary is considered to be at the right hand of Jesus in heaven as the Queen Mother (Queen of Heaven), sharing in His royal authority.

“The knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary; what the virgin Eve unbound by her unbelief, the Virgin Mary unbound by her faith.” St. Irenaeus

“When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then He said to His disciple, ‘Behold your mother.'” Jn.19:26-27

This post was made as small token of my appreciation for Mary, the Mother of God.

Happy Mother’s Day!

[Greek] ἀντιλέγω (antilegō), [Latin] contradicere, [Latin] negare, [French] contester: to oppose, to dispute, to speak against, to deny, to contradict, to counteract; Lk.2:34, Lk.20:27, Jn.19:12, Acts 13:45, Acts 28:19,22, Rom.10:21, Tit.1:9, Tit.2:9

Outside the Church there is no salvation: Yet Vatican II and Synodality, engaging in questionable ecumenical efforts, continue to contradict this dogma.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to speak against, to contradict, to tell a tale in reply, and to dispute.

Euripides’ Hippolytus 993: “I shall begin to speak from the point where you first attacked me expecting you would destroy me with not a word to say in reply.”

Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.6.13: “Whenever anyone argued with him on any point without being able to make himself clear, he would lead the whole discussion back to the definition required.

Aristophanes’ Lysistrata 806: “Well, I’ll relate a rival fable just to show you a different point of view.”

Old Testament: This term means to go back, to retreat, to apostatize, to contend, to backslide, to turn away, to make a complaint, to be adversarial, and to make a complaint.

Lk.2:34: “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted.'” (Jesus will cause some to fall (stumble) and some to rise (be saved). This passage refers to Isaiah prophesying that the Messiah will be a snare and stumbling block for those who cannot accept Him. [Isa. 8:14] Jesus will be an object of contempt and rejection by many people.)

Lk.20:27: “Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put a question to Him.” (The Sadducees accepted as scripture only the first five books of the Old Testament. They rejected the oral legal traditions, opposed the resurrection of the dead, and opposed to teachings not found in the Pentateuch.)

Lk.21:15: “For I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to refute and overcome objections.” (You will be given a means of speaking, expression, and utterance to respond back. The Holy Spirit will provide (teach) you wisdom at that moment to refute your adversary [Lk.12:11-12]) 

Acts 28:22: “But we should like to hear you present your views, for we know that this sect is denounced everywhere.” (As a Jew, the Romans were interested in hearing Paul’s views. The new Christians were perceived as a sect (heresy) being in opposition to the Jews. The Christians often had to hide from the authorities for fear of reprisal or persecution.)

Rom.10:21: “But regarding Israel he says, ‘All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contentious people.”” (It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to the Jews, but they rejected this message of salvation. The gospel had been sufficiently proclaimed to Israel, but willful and disobedience prevented this.)

Tit.1:9: “[A bishop as God’s steward] holding fasts to the true message as taught so that he will be able to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.” (Paul instructs Titus to appoint upright, blameless, just, holy, and self-controlled presbyters holding fast to sound doctrine. The presbyter is called to teach and encourage the faithful. The presbyter is also called to refute and to persuasively convince opponents and adversaries.)

[Greek] ἀντιλογία (antilogia)

Heb.12:3: “Consider how He endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Jesus had to endure the cross [like a slave] before receiving the glory of His triumph. Jesus provides us encouragement as we undergo difficulties and struggles. Some are even called to share in His sufferings.)

Pope Gregory XVI’s Encyclical Mirari Vos (1832): refuting the need for a human restoration of the Church ===> refuting Vatican II and Synodality!

“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.
2. It is absurd for to consider the need for human restoration or contradiction of Church teachings. These are essentially HUMAN TRADITIONS.
3. This encyclical repudiates the notion of creating a synodal man-made Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.
4. What has been the result of Vatican II and Synodality? a Church being filled with worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” [the spirit of undermining within clergy and laity].
5. CONCLUSION: Great harm has been done to the Church! Archbishop Lefebvre was right all along: Tradition will provide TRUE REFORM and TRUE RENEWAL for the Church!
6. Vatican II has essentially undermined the idea of keeping the Church separate from the world. 

Pope Leo’s curious statement: “The supreme rule in the Church is love.” (This contracts Canon Law)

1. The supreme law of the Catholic Church is the SALVATION OF SOULS (as stated in Canon 1752 in the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
2. As a canon lawyer, it is VERY PERPLEXING that Pope Leo would not know this.
3. It seems that Pope Leo’s synodal mindset focuses more on MAKING A BETTER WORLD and SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD contradicting Canon Law.
4. In this synodal Church, it is evident that there is NO FOCUS ON BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN AND NO MENTION OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.
5. There is no emphasis on forgiveness, conversion of heart, and sin. There is NO MENTION of the Church’s teachings against homosexuality.
6. There is more focus on tolerance, inclusion, false compassion, and “mercy above all else.“

Modernists’ antipathy and opposition against Tradition: (adapting to the world and culture):

1. Share decision making authority between clergy and laity. (Giving poorly catechized laity decision-making authority? What could ever possibly go wrong with this??)
2. Ignoring and diminishing the importance of Jesus’ command to sin no more (Jn.8:11): focusing on “mercy above all else”
3. Synodal path: remaking Jesus’ Church in a synodal Church (in the image of man and his lived experiences).
4. They are “keeping the door open on” women deacons: because women’s right’s have been disenfranchised and confusion of rights/vocations.
5. The Tradition Latin Mass (TLM) is now considered as divisive because it competes with the Novus Order Mass (and new Church ecclesiology). Therefore, the TLM must go!
6. Cardinal Cupic believes that the Traditional Latin Mass impoverishes and creates a spectacle in the church?? He says this while the Novus Order Masses attendance is dwindling and churches are closing. (What world (reality) is he living in? This cardinal is blinded by his own Synodal ideology.)
7. As the older progressive clergy continue to retire and die out, the Vatican seeks to push Synodality as a way to promote their Modernist ideology.
8. Perhaps Traditiones Custodes is the only remaining “tool in the box” the have to attempt to counter the Holy Spirit inspired organic movement back to Tradition.

Conclusion:

Contradict, contradiction, negate, negation, antilog

New Testament: Jesus’ statements (commandments) to sin no more (Jn.8:11-12) has become a sign of contradiction (stumbling block) for the Synodal Church. Sin forgiveness, and conversion of heart is rarely mentioned. More focus is being given to lived experiences, inclusion, tolerance, and false compassion.

Pope Leo gets political:

1. Pope Leo meets with President Obama’s political advisor David Axelrod (who is not Catholic).
2. Pope Leo continues to insert himself in criticizing President Trump’s immigration policy.
3. Pope Leo is accused of inventing a politicized biblical quote that Jesus would supposedly say. (Why would Jesus even talk about military, economic, and political matters?)
4. Pope Leo, in his earlier ministry, joined a communist march against President Reagan.
5. One wonders if Pope Leo was elected by the cardinals to become a political foil to President Trump.

Update: 37th World Youth Day [Lisbon, Portugal]: Cardinal Auguiar: “We don’t want to convert the young people to Christ or the Catholic Church or anything like that at all.” (God forbid that we seek to convince others to be Catholic or make disciples of all nations!)

Opposing, denying, or paying lip service to Church teachings against homosexuality: many are not told and many souls will be put in eternal mortal peril.

Marginalizing and denying the laity’s desire to celebrate the TLM: many emboldened bishops (with the support of the Vatican) to implement Traditiones Custodes

2009 USCCB press release: “Apathy and proselytism are opposed to unity. Proselytism, or the deliberate targeting of another Christian or group of Christians for the sole purpose of getting them to reject their church to join another, is NOT allowed.”  (The USCCB are evidently more concerned about unity rather than encouraging others to become Catholic! Let that sink in.)

Contradicting Church teachings: Brazilian bishop Lisboa de Oliveira dismisses Eucharistic adoration. This is a Synodal mindset reducing religion (doctrine) to one’s own lived experiences and religious sentiment.

Many had thought that Pope Leo would be a different pope who would oppose or undo Pope Leo’s actions. However, we are seeing that Pope Leo is following in Pope Francis’ footsteps. It is becoming more difficult for the “pope-splainers” to refute this.

Why are young men, but not young women, going (going back) to Church?

1. The toxic political and secular culture: criticizing and marginalizing masculinity
2. The Church: promotes traditional masculinity and traditional femininity
3. More more young women: continue to uphold modern femininity and feminism
4. Some young women: are becoming attracted to traditional femininity

Deacon Solari: “The liturgy is always political.” (This is classic Modernist and Synodalist thinking in that we must now conform how we worship to the standards of the world.)

Refuting German Synodal vitality: there were only 29 ordinations for Germany. The German Synodal Church is “renewing” and “reforming” itself into decline and heresy.

Tradition provides TRUE RENEWAL and TRUE REFORM for the Church.

Too many pro-LGBTQ bishops continue to spout the narrative that Catholic Church teachings marginalizes the LGBTQ community.

“Each generation is converted by the saint who contradict it most. ” GK Chesterton  (Archbishop Lefebvre already foresaw the problems that would come from Vatican II. Could he become a future saint?)

“False compassion, which is growing in this country, is a pity that is not shown to the mugged but to the mugger, not to the family of the murdered but to the murderer.” Archbishop Sheen

“The sin of this century is the loss of the sense of sin.” Pope Pius XII

[Greek] πεινάω (peinaō), [German] hungria sein, [French] avoir faimen: to hunger, to hunger for truth, to be hungry, to have a painful lack for something, to famish, to crave, to be famished, to be in a state of hunger, to desire strongly, to pine for, to suffer; 24 scriptures

Bread and Circuses: The Roman social contract in which the government leaders would provide free bread and free entertainment to the people.

Background Information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to be hungry (for food) and to fervently desire something (necessary to life).

Xenophons’ Symposium 4.36: “I am told of certain despots, who have such a greedy appetite for riches, that they commit much more dreadful crimes.”

Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 7.5.50: “The Hyrcanians were the first to become our friends, and a time when we were very hungry for allies, so that in our affection for them, we all but carried them in our arms.”

Xenophon’s Economics 139: “For you will do much with them (slaves) by filling their bellies with the food they hanker after.”

Juvenal: “Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt.”

Hunger:

1. Ever since antiquity, there are times when rulers have followed a social contract (duty) to ensure that their subjects have a subsistence level which will keep them from hunger.
2. The Pharaohs (and high officials) boasted of fulfilling this duty.
3. Plato concluded that begging should be forbidden by the law, since only the honest man deserves sympathy if he is hungry.
4. Bread and circuses (panem et circenses) was a Roman governmental social policy where the people no longer cared about political issues or participation, as long as they were being kept fed and entertained.
5. This policy lead to more and more extravagant and violent venues of entertainment. Other philosophies advocated moderation or self-sacrifice.

Old Testament: This term, relating to several Hebrew terms, refers to being hungry (for food), being voracious, being fatigued (weary), groaning, growling, languishing, and fainting.

Old Testament prohibitions against drinking blood (Lv.17:10-12): ****

1. Anyone who consumes any blood will be cut off from the people.
2. The life of the flesh is in the blood.
3. This blood is given to make atonement on the altar.
4. The Jews (disciples) were bound by their laws to refuse to drink Jesus’ blood that He was offering to them.
5. The tragic and cruel irony is that the Jews’ laws prevented them from partaking of everlasting life that Jesus offered them by consuming Jesus’ Body and Blood!

New Testament: This term means to hunger, to be hungry, and to crave.

Scripture:

Mt. 5:6: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” (Jesus refers to those who seek moral conduct in conformity to Christ and God’s will, mercy, blessedness, holiness, joy, peace, and things of heaven (not of the world).) 

Mt.25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Jesus identifies with the hungry person who needs help. Catholic social teachings state that one must first seek to help your neighbor in your immediate sphere of influence. After this, focus outward from your location.)

Lk.1:53: “The hungry He has filled with good things; the rich He sent away empty. (The Canticle of Mary precedes the Sermon on the Plain. The hungry’ were filled and satisfied with God’s righteousness. The rich, more focused on earthly riches, are not concerned with righteousness. God, in His providence, may withhold or take away these riches through misfortune.)

Lk.6:25: “But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.” (Luke curses those who focus on earthly riches. They will be hungry. For their riches will be taken away.)

1. Who are filled now: who value earthly riches, affluence, wealth, over-indulgence, vanity, pride, status, and who do not value lasting spiritual treasures
2. Who will be hungry: their earthly property will be taken away, their property will have little value, they will hunger for something far better, their hunger will never be satisfied.

Jn.6:35: Jesus said to them, ‘I am the Bread of life; who comes to me will never hunger, and who believes in Me will never thirst.’” (In the Bread of Life Discourse Jesus offers His true Body and true Blood as spiritual nourishment for those who hunger and thirst. This becomes the Catholic basis for receiving the Eucharist.)

Bread of Life Discourse:

1. Jesus instructs others to work for food that endures for eternal life. (Jn.6:27)
2. Who ever comes to Jesus will never and thirst. (Jn.6:35)
3. The Jews murmuring among themselves as they can only see Jesus the carpenter’s son. (Jn.6:41-43)
4. Jesus states that He is the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. (Jn.6:51).
5.  The Jews quarreled among themselves. They are thinking, “Jesus is talking about cannibalism!”***
6. In Jn 6:54, 56-58 Jesus uses a more graphic and explicit form of eating His Body ===> gnawing or munching on  [Greek] τρώγω (trōgō): to gnaw, to munch.
7. Jn.6:54: “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life.”
8. Jn.6:56: “Whoever eats my Flesh and dinks my Blood remains in Me and I in him.”
9. Jn.6:57: “The one who feeds on Me will have life because of Me.”
10. Jn.6:58: Whoever eats this Bread will live forever.”
11. The disciples were having a very difficult time in accepting what Jesus was saying to them. (Jn.6:60)***
12. Many of His disciples walked away and no longer accompanied Him. (Jn.6:66)***    (Is this perhaps a coincidence to 666, the sign for the devil ===> disobedience, rebellion, and undermining? I don’t think so.
13. Jesus allowed these disciples to walk way. Jesus did NOT say, “Come back. I was only speaking metaphorically and figuratively!“
14. The sad and tragic irony is that the Jews (disciples) were forbidden by their Jewish customs to partake of life everlasting offered by Jesus.

“Rom.12:20: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.” (Individuals do not need to to take justice in their own hands. God will ultimately deal justly with those who have wronged you.)

Hungry enemy: They are those who hunger for revenge and retribution. One does not need to take justice into their own hands. God will ultimately deal justly those who have wronged you.

Feeding your enemy: This involves showing kindness to that person.

Heaping burning coals upon his head: Heaping kindness toward that person will invoke the pain of shame, remorse, embarrassment, and change of conscience.

Why many are NOT being adequately spiritually feed at Novus Order Mass:

1. At Vatican II, Pope Paul VI worked with a group of Protestant theologians to develop the NOM.
2. This was a misguided ecumenical effort (human tradition) to accommodate Protestants’ concerns.
3. This Mass focused more on a community meal rather than on the Sacrifice. Let that sink in.
4. This essentially makes the Mass more Protestant and less Catholic.
5. Many young people, starving for tradition and doctrine, are attracted to the Traditional Latin Mass, focusing on the Sacrifice.
6. The NOM continues to have sparse attendance, while the TLM continues to thrive.
7. Replacing or diminishing Catholic Tradition and practices ===> NOT being spiritually fed

Pine (as a verb), penury, penitence, penance, hungry, hunger, famine

Blessed are those who are spiritually hungry:

1. Many Protestants, questioning the deficiencies and problems with Protestantism, are now converting to Catholicism. They are seeking the spiritual depths of Catholicism.
2. Many young people, seeking to find answers about evil in the world, are turning to God or are going back to Church.
3. Many lax cradle Catholics are leaving the Church. This is helping to create a more faithful Church.
4. The Novus Order Mass continues to be sparsely attended either because of its liturgical abuse, lack of spiritual reverence, or lack of spiritual depth.
5. The young people (laity and clergy) continually to be attracted (spiritually fed) by the deep richness and reverence of the Tradition Latin Mass, not the NOM.

Conclusion:

Pagan culture: appeasement of the gods. “We must do whatever it takes to keep the gods happy. Otherwise, we will starve!”

Unwritten social contracts between rulers and their citizens:

1. Now you wonder why there were Roman gladiators and Christian executions in the Roman Colosseum.
2. Even to this day many people can’t get enough of violent entertainment.
3. Some becomes numb or de-sensitized to combat and violence ===> movies, social media, crime, violence.
4. Some enjoy the spectacle of physical combat and violence ===> MMA, professional wrestling

           Now the title of the Star Trek episode “Bread and Circuses” finally makes sense! A 20th century Roman empire televising gladiator contests!

Many Jews (disciples) could NOT see past their Jewish prohibitions from partaking of everlasting life offered by Jesus.

Jesus stands in the place of the hungry person and also provides spiritual nourishment (Bread of Life). Jesus calls the hungry blessed. This spiritual hunger may involve finding God’s will for oneself.

Penury is a state of extreme poverty and destitution. This is also related to the Greek peine and Latin poena, meaning pain. Interestingly the French word le pain means bread.

Update: Jesus calls all of us to help our neighbor. I pretty much think that Jesus was talking about one’s IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOR and not other nations’ immigrants and illegal immigrants. These bishops are still trying to get the US government to turn back on the govt. money supply.

Inverted priorities: The USCCB seem to be more concerned about illegal immigrants (illegal aliens) rather than instructing the faithful to help one’s immediate neighbor.

Ordered priorities: Focus first on feeding those in your immediate sphere of influence: oneself ==> family ==> neighborhood ==> parish ==> city ==> state ==> nation

Unfortunately, there are too many people who are filled and satisfied in only what the world offers to them. This can include status, fame, wealth, money, likes, indulgence, sin, and promiscuity.

The young people are flocking to the Traditional Latin Mass as they are not being spiritually fed by the Novus Order Mass.

Nearly 20,00 young people have attended the Chartres pilgrimage. These young Catholics are hungering for tradition.

It is always important to be reminded that Satan is the prince (ruler) of this world (Jn.12:31). Satan does not necessarily need to possess us. Satan only needs to make us forget about God.

What the world can offer is only fleeting and temporary in contrast to what Jesus can permanently offer (everlasting life.)

Riches and treasures:

1. Earthly treasures: will eventually pass away by time, loss, or ruin
2. Spiritual (heavenly) treasures: these are longer lasting: helping others, serving others, loving others, teaching others, feeding others, clothing others, provide drink for others.

Heaping burning coals on others: This can be also known as “killing people with kindness”

“The hunger for love is more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” Mother Teresa

“The things that we love [hunger for] tell us what we are.” St. Thomas Aquinas

“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena

https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/chartres-pilgrimage-proves-young-catholics-hunger-for-tradition/?utm_source=twitter

[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

Those who seek tolerance from others are actually quite often the ones who are intolerant to others.

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 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.'” (Saul was his Jewish name. Paul was his Roman name.)

Acts 28:16: “When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself [in prison] with the soldier who was guarding him.” (Paul was placed under a mild form of custody. He was allowed to proclaim the Word.)

1Cor.14:34: “As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the church, or they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says.” (It must be acknowledged that this was a patriarchal society. Women speaking in public was considered an act of independence. Women conducted their activities separately and privately. This was part of the traditional view that a woman was to be subject to her husband.)

[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 ===> trophy

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.)

The Vatican’s outreach to accommodate the LGBTQ community:

1. In their efforts of inclusion, the Vatican is making concerted efforts to destigmatize, to normalize, and to ignore the sinful nature of homosexuality.
2. There are also many clergy who engage in the homosexual lifestyle. This has been stated by Peter Kwasniewski, Fr. Joaquim Heimerl, among others.
3. In addition, many clergy often “pay lip-service” to Church teachings against homosexuality. This is an aspect of practical atheism (paying lip service to God).
4. Pope Francis and Pope Leo have made questionable appointments who have questioned Church teachings. (John Paul II Institute)
5. Yet, they continually overlook or ignore: Jesus’ command to SIN NO MORE (Jn.8:11): “Neither do I condemn you, Go and from now on do not sin any more.”
6. They also continually ignore that Jesus was called to come to sinners. BUT HE DID NOT TOLERATE SINFUL BEHAVIOR!
7. Jesus exercised true compassion based on God’s moral order.
8. Pope Francis never intended to clamp down on the German bishops’ teachings on homosexuality and gender.
9. In an effort to accommodate the German bishops, the Vatican issued Fiducia Supplicans. This document deviously stated both Church teachings against homosexuality and provided “non-liturgical blessings” or a sinful same-sex union.
10. Fr. James Martin actually believes that St. Paul got it wrong about the sinful nature of homosexuality. Let that sink in! 
11. The Vatican recently permitted its Vatican LGBTQ Jubilee. Not surprisingly, scandal followed.
12. Why was Pope Leo silent about this? BECAUSE POPE LEO ALLOWED BISHOP SAVINO TO CELEBRATE THIS MASS! Evidently, it is not good optics to publicly criticize an event you will be had previously allowed.
13. A scandalous confirmation, led by Fr. James Martin was held in Manhattan New York. Evidently, Cardinal Dolan [fearful of offending the LGBTQ community] has remained quiet about this? Shocker!
14. Bishop Strickland pleaded with this brother bishops at the USCCB. Not surprisingly, his pleas were ignored. These bishops are evidently fearful or afraid in criticizing the LGBTQ community.
15. The USCCB just recently approved a “LGBTQ friendly” bible. This is seeking to whitewash or de-stigmatize the sin of homosexuality to make it more publicly acceptable.

Catholic psychiatrist Conrad Baars explains false compassion:

“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.”  

Confusing tolerance with intolerance:

1. Tolerance is not a Christian virtue. It is never an end in itself [Archbishop Chaput]
2. Tolerance applies only to persons, but never to principles. [Archbishop Sheen]
3. Intolerance applies only principles, but never to persons. [Archbishop Sheen]
4. Tolerance is the ‘virtue’ of a man without convictions. [GK Chesterton]
5. Our society’s obsession with tolerance leads to intolerance. [Charles Colson]
6. The Church is intolerant in principle because she believes. [Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange]
7. The enemies of the Church are tolerant in principle because they do not believe. [Rev. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange]

Jesus’ teachings of tolerance?? (This is a great fallacy!)

1. What does this even mean? Following Jesus is a binary choice. You either follow Him or you do NOT follow Him.
2. Jesus stated that if you choose to follow Him, you must sin no more. Jesus is BEING INTOLERANT in saying, “Sin no more.” (Jn.8:11)
3. Jesus associated with sinners, but He DOES NOT tolerate their sinful lifestyles and sinfulness.
4. Jesus stated that if you DO NOT follow Him, you are walking in darkness (Jn.8:12). Jesus is not being tolerant when He said this.
5. Jesus is infinitely merciful to us. But conversion requires repentance and conversion of heart.
6. Many people are get confused about what tolerance and intolerance means.

Traditional Catholic view: Men’s and women’s vocations are assigned by God and the Church. Men ==> priests [in the person of Christ] and deacons. Women ==> nuns, sister, consecrated

Synodal (a human and political view):

1. Vocations are often defined by one’s perceived rights and political power.
2. Therefore, there must be equal gender equality in Church leadership positions.
3. Women should have the opportunity to become priests and deacons.
4. Men’s and women’s vocations can be assigned by man. (The German Synodal Church already seek to do this.)
5. If this cannot be possible, then many may wonder if the Church is misogynistic??
6. The Synod is still studying the idea of women deacons. Let that sink in! But THIS IS NOT CATHOLIC!

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

Conclusion:

Permit, permission, admit, admission, mission, catapult, exit, sort, part, dispense, reject, rejection, sortie, resort, trophy

It was commonly thought that the gods controlled one’s fate and destiny.

Update: George Orwell: “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” It is important not to allow others to deny and obliterate one’s understanding of our country. Orwell was very prophetic about hate speech, cancel culture, and others’ naive understanding of history.

Many people, Christians and non-Christians, who do not accept or tolerate others’ values (and behaviors), are now the ones being intolerant, hateful, and extreme. (Those who accuse others of being intolerant are actually the ones who are being intolerant! (like those criticizing American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney)

Arkansas Gov. Huckabee was just recently forced out from a restaurant because the LGBTQ restaurant managers “felt unsafe” [were intolerant to Gov. Huckabee].

In Germany, a Catholic priest was put on trial for hate speech because he condemned homosexuality (which is actual Church teachings!). It seems that the German clergy are really now promoting homosexuality as an acceptable behavior. Very alarming!

Pope Leo, has endorsed Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia. Reducing and watering down liturgical requirements for marriage and family [for the sake of inclusion and tolerance] TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings. This Synodality becoming an IDOL!

The Save America Act: Democrats continue to oppose this bill because they will not allow for illegals to stop voting in elections. The Democrats continue to say that this is Jim Crow 2.0

The Vatican (and Synodal Church’s LGBTQ “outreach”: “You in the LGBTQ community are not and never will be strong and good enough to adhere to these Church teachings. You can get a pass.” (Is this message being disseminated to the LGBTQ community? It seems so.)

The UK House of Lord has just legalized abortion up to birth, allowing for the right the end the life of the unborn without any consequences. Evidently women’s “rights” now take precedence over the unborn’s rights.

German bishop Hemer Wilmer is waiting for the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to allow for women’s ordination in the Church. This is a dangerous immoral and evil cultural appropriation of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth!

Former ‘hot priest” Alberto Ravagnani leaves the priesthood because he cannot accept celibacy. Shocker! He shouldn’t have been allowed in the priesthood in the first place when he has such a poor understanding of the priesthood and celibacy.

Synodality, becoming a new religion in “MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD’  is essentially LOWERING THE BAR to adherence to Catholic teaching. 

If you assume that Catholics and Christians are intolerant, hateful, and extreme, they get their moral belief systems from God. Then one must conclude that God MUST BE INTOLERANT, HATEFUL, AND EXTREME! (Good luck with supporting this view!)

We now need leaders and shepherds who show TRUE COMPASSION in pointing out what is morally right and wrong. Otherwise, one’s eternal (spiritual) welfare could be at stake!

Quotes by GK Chesterton who has often be called the “apostle of common sense”:

Quotes on tolerance:

“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell

“America [and other places] are suffering from tolerance: tolerance of right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil, Christ and chaos.” Bishop Fulton Sheen

“Societies are far gone in depravity when toleration is considered a good in itself, without regard to the thing tolerated.” GK Chesterton

[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

The Christian sect Nicolaitans wreaked havoc in the early Church with their toleration, inclusion, worldliness, and false compassion. In their efforts to create a new Synodal Church, the Modernists (and Synodalists) have essentially become the New Nicolaitans!

Pope Leo XIV: “Our task is not to build a Christendom.” (Let that sink in!)

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. But when one stronger (Jesus) than he attacks and overcomes him (Satan), Jesus takes away the armor on he relied and distributes the spoils.” (The strong man is the devil. The palace is the world (kingdom of the devil.)

Lk.11:21: The strong man’s possessions (those whom the devil secures in their sinful state):

1. Ignorance: This includes of God, ourselves, truth, busyness, and salvation. The devil blinds our eyes and hardens our hearts.
2. Unbelief: Our fallen nature, doubts, disobedience, barriers against God.
3. Hardness of heart: Inability to fill sorrow from sin, closemindedness, failure to acknowledge sin, inclination for sin, lack of need for conversion.
4. Hatred and enmity toward God: failure to acknowledge God’s ways, corruptness, failure to acknowledge Truth, inclination for hatred.
5. Pride: Selfishness, self-exultation, self-indulgence, vanity, arrogance, rebellion, “I will not serve”, “I know better…”
6. Jesus attacks and overcomes Satan’s armor: (Jesus overcomes Satan’s control over his subjects.)
7. Jesus distributes the spoils: (Jesus releases those who are possessed and controlled by the devil.

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.” (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 you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.”

Rom.12:21: Conquering evil with good (kindness):

1. Being conquered by evil is a sign of weakness, not strength. To repress this desire for revenge because 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.

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.

Why did Christ hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans?

1. They advocated for a watered-down 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.)

Scriptural references about the Nicolaitans:

Acts 20:29: Savage wolves will come among you

Acts 20:30: Some will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away

Acts 20:33: I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold (pagan worship of Artemis)

Jud.1:8: These dreamers nevertheless defile the flesh, scorn lordship, and revile glorious beings.

Rev.2:7: “But you have this in your favor; you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Conclusion:

Victory, victorious, conquer, conquering, siege, invincible, laity

It is interesting that even Plato acknowledges that one can live a harmonious and virtuous life, yet one may succumb to evil influences.

In the Old Testament, some Maccabeeans overcame temptation, persecution, even to the point of martyrdom in remaining faithful to their faith. Innocence and cleanliness can also make reference to one’s faithfulness.

We all must NOT forget that the Satan is the ruler (prince) of this world. (Jn.12:31). Satan does not need to possess us, but only to make us forget about God.

Update: Examples of Modernists and Synodalists’ tolerance, inclusion, worldliness, and false compassion:

1. In their “outreach” to the LGBTQ community, the Vatican is tolerating, overlooking, destigmatizing, and denying sin (homosexuality) under the guise of tolerance and inclusion. 
2. Traditional priests are deemed a scandal, rigid, clerical, and separate from the world.
3. Synodality seeks to decentralize and share bishops’ doctrinal and decision-making authority with laity. This sounds very Protestant. Are they trying to creating a new Church?
4. Engaging in questionable ecumenical efforts to seek unity of faiths OUTSIDE the Catholic Church. Catholicism must no longer be pre-eminent.
5. Watering down requirements for receiving the sacraments for the sake of inclusion.
6. Seeking to bestow blessings on same sex unions. This is permitted because of a “new situational morality”. Non-liturgical blessings seek to bless evil.
7. Synodality is remaking Jesus’ Church into a worldly synodal Church (in the image of man). Worldly values, secularism, relativism, and sin creep into the Church.
8. Appointing scandalous and empowered clergy who promote their ideologies (pro-LGBTQ) and political agendas (immigration, social justice.).
9. Permitting and allowing pagan idols and indigenous cultural rituals into the Mass. Permitting concelebration of Anglican ministers at Mass.
10. Paying lip service to Church teachings and Christ.
11. Expressly downgrading Mary’s status in the Church for the purpose of accommodating Non-Catholic and Protestant concerns.
12. Vatican II: Pope Paul VI worked with Protestant theologians in creating a Novus Order Mass focusing more on a community meal rather than the Sacrifice.
13. Adjusting to a new truth: the TLM must be restricted.

Lax criminal policies and emboldened criminal activity have overcome liberal cities, which have forced many businesses and individuals to leave.

Failing to live to life of separation from the world’s values: because of Vatican II, worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) has forced itself into the Church (clergy and laity).

Synodality seeks to double down on what Vatican II had started. Synodality is creating a worldly Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.

Moral cowardice on display: NOT one bishop of England and Wales spoke out against the heresy of Fiducia Supplicans. Synodality (fear of offending the LGBTQ community) takes precedence over Church teachings. Synodality becomes an IDOL!

Confiscatory liberal economic policies are also forcing corporations and companies to leave liberal states (California and New York).

The Vatican LGBT “outreach” (fear of  offending the LGBTQ community), is putting many people’s eternal mortal souls in jeopardy.

Fortunately, common sense, women’s rights, and traditional Christian morality seems to be winning over “gender affirming care [surgery].“

The tyranny of transgenderism essentially means, “I know better than you [God] in what gender I should be!” and “You must refer me to the gender I proclaim to be!”

Synodality takes precedence over Jesus’ command to sin no more (Jn.8:11). Sin is often ignored, diminished, disregarded, or repudiated.

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

MANY MODERNISTS AND SYNODALIST CONTINUE TO FORCE THEIR IDEOLOGIES ON THE FAITHFUL LIKE MODERN-DAY NICOLAITANS! 

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

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

“All the strength of Satan’s reign is due to the easy going weakness of Catholics.” St. Pius X 

Pope Pius X prophesized that the Modernists WOULD CREATE HAVOC AND CAUSE DAMAGE INSIDE THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURES OF THE CHURCH. The Synodalists have essentially become the successors to the Modernists. 

[Greek] στήκω (stēkō), [Latin] tenere, [Latin] conprehendere, [Latin] adprehendere, [Latin] continuare, [Latin] remittere, [German] halten, [French] incarcerer, [French] conquerir, [French] persister: to take, to seize, to take hold, to maintain, to restrain, to hold fast, to restrict; 50 scriptures

 Instead of holding onto traditional Catholic teachings, Vatican II and Synodality have brought into the Church “fresh air” (worldliness) and the “smoke of Satan” (spirit of undermining) so that the Church “can get with the times.”

Background information:

New Testament: This term means to stand, and to stand firm.

1Cor. 16:13: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong.”

Standing firm in the faith:

1. Faith means the act of believing in the body of truth that we believe
2. Being firm in holding and defending the truths of the gospel
3. This means not yielding to any foe, oppressor, false teachers, false doctrines, and temptations
4. This means holding on your personal confidence in God (Jesus Christ)

Gal.5:1: “For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Paul makes a distinction between the Old Testament laws and customs (bondage and slavery) and Jesus’ covenant that sets us free.)

Php.4:1: “In this way stand  firm in the Lord, beloved.” (Paul makes the distinction between Christ’s followers and enemies of the cross. Christ’s followers seek their citizenship in heaven. In Php.4:3 Paul makes reference to Clement as his co-worker. Clement will later become Bishop of Rome [4th pope 88-97 A.D] )

Enemies of the cross:

1. Their end is destruction (according to their works ===>sin and perdition
2. Their God is their stomach: their desire, appetites, sins and evil deeds are as common as food
3. Their glory is their shame: boastfulness, arrogance, shame, desires, and sin
4. They are focused on earthly and worldly things (money, politics, power, immigration, social justice, environment)

2Thess.3:15: “Stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by oral statement or by a letter of ours.”

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 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. This refutes Sola scripture (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, worldliness, and 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. Jesus’ Church is a divine institution under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There was/is no need to change Jesus’ Church.
5. St. Augustine also states that there is no salvation outside the Church.
6. We are all called to be temporary earthly sojourners and citizens of heaven. (1Pet.2:11, Php.3:20, Ep.2:19)

Salvation of souls: The Canon 1752 in the 1983 Code of Canon Law ends with the statement, “The salvation of souls, which always be the SUPREME LAW of the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.” (This means that all laws and practices are to be interpreted through the lens of the Church’s mission to facilitate salvation.)

Human traditions introduced into the Church:

1. Focusing more on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
2. Girl “altar boys”
3. The Church looks more like a United Nations NGO than a divine Church.
4. Bishops are more focused on politics, immigration, social justice, social causes, and environment rather than with spiritual matters.
5. There is little or no mention of sin and Jesus’ statements of sin.
6. More and more questionable ecumenical efforts to seek unity of faith OUTSIDE the Catholic Church.
7. Lived experiences take precedence over Church doctrine and teachings.
8. The Novus Order Mass becomes more focused on a community meal rather than the Sacrifice. (This was created from a collaboration of the Vatican and Protestant theologians.)
9. Receiving the Eucharist on the hand: this practice was initially supported by disobedient bishops. This practice later became normalized and applied universally.
10. Synodality: clergy sharing decision-making authority with the laity, decentralizing Church authority, discussions about women priests and women deacons
11. Sole Fide
12. Sola Scriptura: becoming your own self-authoritative interpreter of scripture

Conclusion:

Tenure, tenant, tenacity, comprehension, comprehend, apprehend, conquer, remit, remission, persist, persistence, incarcerate, incarceration

Update: Archbishop Lefebvre was condemned for refusing to abandon the Traditional Latin Mass.

The current elephant in the room: Synodality is just the latest HUMAN TRADITION in the Church.

St. Teresa believed that receiving the Eucharist on the hand as the worst evil she has seen. Evidently, she foresaw the sacrileges that would occur with this practice. Let that sink in!

Contrary to public opinion, Pope Benedict VI claimed that the TLM was never abrogated.

The SSPX was created to preserve the TLM. Yet the SSPX is often accused of being schismatic. Let that sink in!

The SSPX has been more faithful to Tradition. This speaks volumes about how far Vatican conciliar (and Synodal) Church have gone off the doctrinal rails!

Bishop Strickland, Cardinal Burke, Archbishop Vigano, Bishop Schneider, espousing traditional Church teachings, are often deemed as troublesome or schismatic by the Synodal Church. This speaks more about the Synodalists and the Synodal Church. 

Many in the Church (both clergy and laity) have lost sight that we are only temporary sojourners on this earth.

Pope Gregory XVI prophetically refutes the need for a human restoration of Jesus Church. The human traditions resulting from Vatican II and Synodality has created a pastoral and spiritual disaster for the Church.

Tradition is TRUE REFORM and RENEWAL for the Church.

Church attendance: the TLM is thriving (where allowed). The NOM is sparsely attended. The German Synodal Church is “renewing” and “reforming” itself into decline and heresy.

Britain’s new autocratic police state is now arresting people for standing up for saying for free speech and expression which is deemed “offensive”. 

More moral cowardice: NOT one bishop of England and Wales spoke out against the heresy of Fiducia Supplicans. Lived experiences (tolerance, inclusion, and false compassion) TAKE PRECEDENCE over Church teachings. This is Synodality becoming an IDOL!

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

“In the Catholic Church itself, all possible care must be taken, that we hold fast to that which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all.” St. Vincent of Lerins

“Let us stand fast in what is right, and prepare our souls for trial. Let us wait upon God’s strengthening aid and say to Him, ‘O Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations.'” St. Boniface

“Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if you stand alone.” St. Joan of Arc

Next post: to contradict, to oppose

[Greek] διαφέρω (diapherō), [Latin] melior, [Latin] transferre, [Latin] disseminare, [Latin] supervenire, [Latin] differtus, [French] transporter, [French] reporter, [French] transcrire, [French] agresser: to transmit, to divide,  to distinguish, to spread, to carry through, to differ, to bear apart, to be better; 16 scriptures

Archbishop Lefebvre warned us about the consequences of bringing worldliness and “the smoke of Satan” [spirit of undermining] into the Church because of Vatican II and Synodality. A Church SEPARATE from the world is actually a very good thing.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to carry through, to navigate, to excel, to stand out, to pass, to bear, to surpass, to be important, and to differ.

Plato’s Apology 35a: “To be superior in wisdom or courage.”

Demosthenes Erotic Essay 61.46: “He admirably and considerably spread his record of his achievements.”

Herodotus’ The Histories 4.138: “Histiaeus opposed the plan [voted differently]”

Euripides’ Orestis 251: “Then you be different from that evil brood.”

Old Testament: This term means to transmit, to change, to take away, to scatter, to divide, to differ, to be distinguished, and to be superior, to being alienated, being changed, and doing something different.

New Testament: This term means to spread (carry through), to become more valuable, to differ, to be important, and to drive about.

Scripture:

Mt.6:26: “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?” (Jesus refers to dependence on God. Although Jesus does not deny the reality of human needs, He warns each of us not to be a “slave” to these worries.)

Mk.11:16: “Jesus did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.” (The buying and selling were being done in the court of the Gentiles, the outermost court of the temple area. Of course, the Jews would place these buyers and sellers in this area, designated for the Gentiles. Jesus was angry in that it curtailed His efforts to reach the Gentiles.)

Mt.12:12: “How much more valuable a person is than a sheep. So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.” (The Jews had already had provisions for saving the life of man and animals on the sabbath. But this was not a case of man’s life being in danger. The Jews, hoping to find something to accuse Jesus with, asked Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jesus points out that man is much more valuable. 

Acts 13:49: “The word of the Lord continued to spread throughout the whole region.”

1. Paul stated that it was necessary that word was to be spoken to the Jews. But the Jews rejected it.
2. Paul was then called to spread (carry through) the word to the Gentiles.
3. The word continued to spread from Antioch to other provinces in Turkey.
4. Antioch is where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)
5. The Jews incited opposition against the Christians and persecuted Paul and Barnabas.

Rom.2:18: “And know His will and are able to discern what is important since you are instructed from the law.” (The Jews were instructed by the law. God did not initially address its revelation to the Gentiles. Rather, God made it possible for Gentiles to know instinctively [in their hearts] the difference between right and wrong.)

Gal.4:1: “I mean that as long a the heir is not of age, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything.” (The child was no different than the slave under the authority of the guardian. God sent His Son that we might receive adoptions as sons and daughters of God. This adoption also frees from being enslaved to the elemental powers of the world.)

Php.1:9-10: “[Paul]: this is my prayer: that you increase every more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Paul calls each of us to properly distinguish between right and wrong and good and bad. One must be both intelligent and discriminating (making good choices.)

Seeing two different sides of Pope Leo: Speaking about marriage and not speaking (remaining silent) about LGBTQ:

1. He publicly speaks out about the importance of the centrality of the family and its fundamental societal role.
2. He welcomes Fr. James Martin in a private audience. He still allows Fr. James Martin to continue his LGBTQ “outreach”.
3. He approves the LGBTQ Vatican Jubilee Mass. He later remains silent about the resulting scandal and sacrilege. (Evidently, it does not become good optics to publicly criticize a scandalous event which you had previously approved of in the first place. So you remain quiet.)
4. He evidently is continuing Pope Francis’ message of “welcome and inclusion” which overrides following the Church’s teachings against homosexuality.
5. He continues to cause confusion for the faithful into thinking that the Vatican may give approval to the homosexual lifestyle. Evidently, doctrinal clarity will not do.
6. He and many of the clergy continue to remain silent about the the widespread homosexual lifestyle of many clergy in the Church.
7. He warmly welcomed a “same-sex couple at the Vatican.
8. He does NOT inspire confidence that the Church’s teachings against homosexuality will be enforced.
9. For Pope Leo, silence can mean assent.

Differences between Pope Leo XIII and Pope Leo XIV on Christendom:

Pope Leo XIII:

1. There was once a time when states were governed by the philosophy of the gospel.
2. It was the power and divine virtue of Christian wisdom that had diffused through laws, institutions, and morals of the people.
3. Civil society was renovated by Christian institutions.
4. Unfortunately, liberalism now proclaims the supremacy of the human reason, refusing submission to divine and eternal reason.
5. It is individual man who can determine for himself what is true and what is good. (Sounds like lived experiences ===> Synodality.)
6. This liberalism can be become religious liberalism (Tradition is “rigid”), political liberalism (bishops engage in politics), and moral liberalism (paying lip service to Church teachings against sin).===> Sound familiar?

Pope Leo XIV:

1. He stated, “Our task is NOT to build a Christendom.“
2. This statement is in stark opposition to Mt. 28:18-20: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
3. The Synodal Church is more focused on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.
4. The Synodal Church is now engaged in politics, immigration, environmental causes, and social justice.
5. The Synodal Church focuses more on inclusion, tolerance, and false compassion rather than on Church teachings, moral teachings, sin, Jesus’ statements of sin, and conversion of heart.
6. Many clergy often engage in sinful lifestyles, promote LGBTQ ideology, and seeking to “reform” and “renew” Church teachings, vocations, and infrastructure.
7. Synodality (lived experiences) often take precedence over Church teachings. Synodality becomes elevated as an IDOL!
8. The Synodal Church now engages in questionable ecumenism seeking unity of faiths outside the Catholic Church.

Is there really much difference between today’s Catholics (Christians) and the Nicolaitans?

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, 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.

Why did Christ HATE the deeds of the Nicolaitans?

1. They had a watered-down form of Christianity where sin is ignored and repentance is disregarded. (Sound familiar?)
2. They had a doctrine of tolerance, inclusion, and compromise. (Sound familiar?)
3. They were luke-warm in faith and paganistic. (Having nothing substantial to believe in. Believing in idols.)
4. They made a mockery of their faith. (Ignoring, normalizing, and blessing sin.)
5. Holy living and separation from the world was not encouraged. (Removing the distinction between clergy and laity. Democratizing the Church.)
6. They sought a truth in the world. (Adapting the Church to the world’s values. Sounds like lived experiences (Synodality) taking precedence over Church teachings. This sounds like Synodality becoming an IDOL.)
7. Absolute truth, doctrinal truth, and biblical truth were minimized. (Adjust the truth to the culture.)
8. They did not believe that Christ alone is the way to heaven. (Dismissing the idea that Christ is only way to achieve salvation [questionable ecumenical efforts].) 

Pope Gregory XVI’s Encyclical Mirari Vos (1832): refuting the need for a human restoration of the Church ===> refuting Synodality!

“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.
2. It is absurd for the need for human restoration or regeneration of the Church. These are essentially HUMAN TRADITIONS.
3. This encyclical repudiates the notion of creating a synodal man-made Church made in the image of man and his lived experiences.
4. What has been the result (DIFFERENCE) from Vatican II and Synodality? a Church filled with worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” [the spirit of undermining within clergy and laity].
5. CONCLUSION: Great harm has been done to the Church! Archbishop Lefebvre was right all along: Tradition will provide TRUE REFORM and TRUE RENEWAL for the Church! 
6. Vatican II has essentially accomplished the very things why Jesus hated about the Nicolaitans. To remove the separation of the Church to the world! 
7. Restoring Tradition and traditional practices completely undermines the clergy’s Modernist and Synodalist ideology. 

Conclusion:

Differ, difference, defer, ameliorate, transfer, transport, transmit, report, transcribe, disseminate, propagate, supervene, aggressive, aggressor, seminary

Update:

Differing positions on the SAVE America Act:

1. “This is Jim Crowe 2.0. Some people are incapable of providing voter ID.”
2. “This will ensure voter integrity. This will ensure that illegals will not be able to vote.”

Differing points of view on the SSPX’s consecrations:

1. Cardinal Mueller: “The only possible solution is to recognize our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV as the legitimate pope not only in theory but also in practice.”
2. Cardinal Zen: “Schism must be avoided at all costs. The SSPX must listen to Pope Leo’ explanations of Vatican II. Pope Leo must also respect the conscience of the SSPX.”
3. Archbishop Vigano: “The Vatican’s refusal is a double standard. Synodality opens the way to schism. The SSPX is denied permission to consecrate bishops because it is NOT following Vatican II.
4. Archbishop Schneider: “Excommunication of the SSPX would not be valid because there is no intention to do a schismatic act on the side of the SSPX.”
5. Bishop Eleganti: “The new schism of the SSPX is not justified.”
6. Fr. Joachim Heimerl: “This situation has become a dark night. We have been accustomed to the fact that the Church has been radically changed since Vatican II. The SSPX insists on the uncontaminated faith of the pre-conciliar Church.”
7. My position: This situation speaks more about how much the Church has gone off the “doctrinal rails” since Vatican II. One must ask, “Which group has remained more faithful to Jesus’ Church?? It is the SSPX! And yet the SSPX becomes the “bad guy”.

Synod of Synodality’s “moral cultural appropriation” of the Holy Spirit: Synodal advocates often use the term “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to provide justification for enacting their novel Synodal changes to Church teachings and practices in committees. This is dangerous and evil because the Holy Spirit can only stand for TRUTH!

One must ask: “Is there much difference between the Nicolaitans and the Conciliar (and Synodal) Church? Not much. They are more similar than different.

Pope Gregory XVI was very prophetic in what would happen when you have the Church accommodate the world. Having the Church SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD is actually a very good thing for the Church. Vatican II and Synodality contradicts Pope Gregory’s concerns.

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

“There is only one Church of God, and that is the Catholic Church.” Asst. Bishop Athanasius Schneider

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

“Whoever presumes to introduce or teach pass on another creed or whoever presumes to introduce a novel doctrine. We declare to be anathematized.” Pope Agatho

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/pope-leos-silence-on-the-lgbt-agenda-is-fueling-sexual-revolution-in-the-church/?utm_source=twittercath

https://www.lifesitenews.com/analysis/report-leo-xiv-says-our-task-is-not-to-build-a-christendom/

[Greek] ἁρπάζω (harpazō), [Latin] rapere, [Latin] pati vim (to suffer violence): to snatch, to seize, to catch, to attack, to plunder, to gain control; 16 scriptures

The Synodal Church===> a Church made in man’s image, lived experiences, pride, and “infinite dignity”.

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to snatch away, to carry off, to rob, to overpower, to grab, and to plunder.

Euripedes’ Andromache 661: “And, when I, in forethought for you and for me, meant to kill her, I find she is snatched from my hands.”

Xenophon’s Anabasis 6.1.8: “A robber approaches, as soon as the seaman approaches him coming, he snatches ups his arms, goes to meet him, and fight him to save his oxen.”

Aeschylus’ Seven Against Thebes 259: “In my weakness, fear controls my tongue.”

Old Testament: This term means to seize, to plunder, to take away, to tear, and to capture.

New Testament: This term means to steal away, to take, to carry off, and to snatch.

Mt.11:12: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.”

1. The scripture may provide several meanings.
2. Some will enthusiastically and forcibly take the kingdom of God in a good sense.
3. The enemies of Christ and Christians may be seen to take away the notion of the kingdom of God from those who seek it.
4. The kingdom of heaven may be taken away and become closed to some others.

Mt.13:19: “The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.” (This is one whose poorly formed faith becomes subject or vulnerable to the evil one’s pressure, influence, and manipulation.)

Jn.6:15: “Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry Him off to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain alone.” (Jesus fled away because He already knew that His followers also wanted Him to be a temporal king, seeking worldly and political power. His followers had it in their minds that Jesus can become the powerful king that they were longing for.)

Jn.10:28: “No one can take them [sheep] out of My hand.” (Christ’s sheep are in His hands. To be in the hands of Christ is to be high in His esteem and favor.)

Acts 8:39: “When they [Phillip and the eunuch] came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Phillip away, and the eunuch saw him no more.” (This is not a miracle. The Spirit strongly admonished Philip to go to some other place. Phillip’s mission with the eunuch was completed.)

Acts 23:10: “The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by the Jews, ordered his troops to go down and take Paul into the compound.” (Paul stated that he is on trial for hope in the resurrection. Paul’s comments caused a great uproar between the Pharisees and Sadducees.)

Jd.1:23: “Save others by snatching them out of the fire; on others have mercy with fear, abhorring even the outer garments stained by flesh.”

Jude’s letter:

1. This letter was written to warn others against false teachers and Gnostics.
2. False teachers were seeking to worm their way into the community.
3. The Apostles stated that scoffers will live according to their godless desires.
4. These false teachers are the ones who cause divisions.
5. These false teachers live on the natural plane, devoid of the Holy Spirit.
6. Have mercy on those who waver and those who may face the fires of punishment.
7. You are called to avoid anything that may have sin, pollution, and disease.

Two troublesome, misleading, and confusing statements from Pope Leo.

“No one should impose his or her ideas; we must all listen to one another. No one is excluded, we are called to participate.“

1. In contrast to Pope Leo’s XIII’s statement*** that there is only one Truth, stated from Catholic Church teachings. Others are NOT allowed to have their own truth.
2. Pope Leo is implying that Truth can be disregarded or not followed.
3. Synodality seeks to blur the lines between clergy and laity in decision-making authority, Church doctrine and teachings, vocations/”rights”, and Church organization.
4. Synodality advocates continually seek to affirm the “Holy Spirit of Surprises” to ratify or affirm their synodal agenda. This is dangerous in that the Holy Spirit can only stand for Truth!

“People want the Church doctrine to change, want attitudes to change, I think we have to change attitudes before we ever change doctrine.“

1. This is unprecedented in that Pope says that objective moral Church teachings COULD CHANGE because of peoples’ attitudes.
2. Pope Leo is more concerned with accommodating the community’s concerns rather than with Church teachings.
3. Pope Leo was only very happy to permit the LGBTQ Jubilee in the Vatican. Yet Pope Leo remained silent on this Church scandal and liturgical sacrilege.
4. The Synodal Church’s outreach of tolerance, inclusion, and false compassion takes precedence over Church teachings against homosexuality (and sin).
5. This indicates that Fr. James Martin continues to hold great influence in the Vatican.
6. The Church’s teaching on sexual morality can be ignored or adapted to accommodate the culture.
7. The Synodal notion of walking together, lived experiences, and shared clergy/laity decision making provide this justification for allowing for attitudes to change Church doctrine and teachings.

Why man’s “infinite dignity” is problematic?

1. God has infinite dignity. Man does NOT have infinite dignity. Blurring this distinction only serves to elevate man toward God.
2. This seeks to magnify the pride of man. One can easily imagine the serpent say to Adam and Eve, ‘You will be like gods [because you have infinite dignity]'”.
3. Infinite dignity seeks to elevate less serious sin with more serious sins. Less serious sins like (poverty and exploitation) attain the same status with abortion, murder, and euthanasia.
4. Opposition against the death penalty becomes equal to opposition against abortion. Yet the Church has historically approved of the death penalty for serious situations.
5. A person’s “infinite dignity” often may diminish or mask the sinful and undignified acts and behavior of the person. (False compassion).
6. When Pope Leo extolls “infinite dignity”, he first refers to immigrants, but not to citizens and their rights.
7. The Church focusing on man’s “infinite dignity” is just another manifestation of a Synodal Church made in the image of man.

Secular humanistic movements from history: Human beings leading ethical lives and solving societal problem without relying on religious dogma and divine intervention

1. Renaissance Humanism: reviving classical learning and shifting away from medieval religious studies toward liberal arts, individual potential, and human agency
2. The Enlightenment: elevating the scientific method and directly challenging the political and religious authority of the Church
3. The Ethical Culture Movement: seeking to unite the individuals on the basis of ethical living and social reform
4. The Freethought Movement: pushing back against church control over society and advocating for secular government
5. Modern Secular Humanism: uniting prominent scientists, philosophers, and educators to promote a scientific, rational, and compassionate world view
6. Synodality: Lived experiences, sentiment, and perceptions take precedence over or replaces supernatural realties, Church doctrine and dogma

More humanistic aspects of Synodality: ===> more HUMAN traditions

1. Practical atheism: paying lip service to Church teachings (doctrine), sin, and scripture
2. Seeking to encourage laity to have decision making authority in the Church.
3. Establishing CONTINUAL Synodal Study groups: a slippery slope to change Church teachings and doctrine.
4. Increasing laity authority and decrease clergy authority ===> decentralizing Church authority and laity managing parishes and churches
5. Blurring the lines between clergy/laity and vocations/rights. Continually opening the door to discussing women priests and women deacons
6. Focusing more on MOVING WITH THE WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather with BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.

Conclusion:

Rape, rapture, patience, patient, vigor

Aeschylus: fear can quite often take control over us

New Testament: Paul also mentions that he was caught up in the Rapture

Update: Prejudice, conflict, suffering, persecution, and martyrdom can become forms of taking away the kingdom of God Christians. But such suffering and martyrdom for Christ can easily open the door for salvation.

Synodal human arrogance: a Brazilian archbishop declared an automatic excommunication for a priest celebrating the TLM outside the the authorized chapel. Further marginalizing the faithful.

There has been a recent resurgence of Protestants converting to Catholicism. Many Protestants and former Protestants are taking away their earlier anti-Catholic “blinders” [prejudices and presumptions] about Catholicism.

Sign of things to come with Synodality. The German Synodal Church is “reforming” and “renewing” itself in decline and heresy. The Italian Synodal Church is unfortunately following their same path.

Many bishops are seeking to force Traditiones Custodes on the faithful because they CANNOT stop this organic movement (desire) for Tradition (which is the result of the Holy Spirit).

Synodal intentional blurring the lines between clergy/laity and vocations/”rights”

1. Synodality continues to continually to keep open the question of womens’ “rights to become priests and deacons  (It is very telling that this issue is NOT being permanently closed.)
2. In Spain, a woman carried the Eucharist (in the monstrance) in a procession. (This role should only be performed by clergy/man.)
3. A German bishop of Munster, hiding his position as bishop, receives the Eucharist from a laywoman. (The German Church seeks to blur clergy/laity roles.) 

Tradition and traditional Church teachings will ultimately lead to TRUE reform.

Many of the younger generations (both clergy and laity) are taking to Tradition by force, while the older generations continue to stay with modernity and Modernism. This is one of the reasons why they are implementing Traditiones Custodes.

Bishop Schneider’s criticism of Vatican II and Synodality: placing humanity at the center, diluting Jesus’ uniqueness through questionable ecumenism, many clergy seek unity of faith outside the Catholic Church

Bishop Strickland, Archbishop Vigano, Asst. Bishop Schneider, promoting traditional Catholic beliefs, are either removed from office or placed in remote position by the modern Synodal Church.

Because of the Synodal Church’s LGBTQ “outreach” and pro-LGBTQ views, many clergy and laity continue to think that homosexuality can be permissible, de-stigmatized, or even normalized. The Church’s teachings against homosexuality and sin is not being taught. Many souls will put be put in mortal peril at the judgment.

Jd. 1:23 warns against those false teachers and other teachers who focus on MAKING A BETTER WORLD/SEEKING FAVOR WITH THE WORLD rather than BRINGING SOULS INTO HEAVEN.

The dictatorship of relativism:

1. The Canadian government are voting to approve the C-9, the “Combatting Hate Act.” Quoting scripture is now considered hateful. Christianity is now considered hateful. Let that sink in.
2. A homosexual German priest says the bible should be read through a “queer lens.” This is a critique in how the Church marginalizes the queer person. The Church is at fault. Let that sink in.
3. The modern idea that a woman has a right to have an abortion. The woman’s “right” of convenience takes precedence over the unborn’s rights.

The Synodal Church’s priorities: by their fruits you will know them:

1. The Archdiocese of Milan prioritizes ecumenism and inter-religious doctrine over Catholic Church doctrine and practices.
2. This diocese cancelled the annual Corpus Christi procession citing traffic congestion and tourists.
3. This diocese is more concerned with unity of faith outside the Church rather than enacting a traditional Catholic practice.
4. Pope Leo takes every opportunity he can get to focus on immigrants rather than with spiritual matters.
5. The USCCB also focus more on immigration rather than on with spiritual matters.

*** “You are not to be looked upon as holding the true Catholic faith if you do not teach that the faith of Rome is to be held.” Pope Leo XIII

“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

“We are absolute dictators in deciding whether we wish to offer our will to God. And if we turn it over to Him, He will do great things in us.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen

“The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together.” St. John Chrysostom.

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

“Be grateful for trials and tribulations, as they force us to have recourse to the heavenly Consoler! When all is going well, we forget God; only in adversity do we seek Him for comfort.” St. Frances de Sales.

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/synodality-undermines-the-hierarchical-communion-of-the-church/?utm_source=twittercath

https://www.lifesitenews.com/analysis/leo-xiv-publicly-doubts-catholic-teaching-on-sexual-morality-and-the-immutability-of-dogma/

[Greek] σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), [Latin] offendere, [French] huerter, [French] indigner, [German] shockieren: to offend, to scandalize, to cause to sin, to stumble, to trip up, to trap; 45 scriptural references

Satan is the prince of this world (Jn.12:31) ===> worldliness and the “smoke of Satan” creeping into the Church. Unfortunately, we continue to have Satanically “inspired” clergy and laity who seek to undermine the Church.

Background information:

Skandalon: A skandalon can be a dead-fall trap, snare, obstacle, and stumbling block.

Greek Hellenism: This term means to set traps, to cause to stumble, to give offense, to take offense, and to stumble.

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

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

Old Testament: This term means to stumble, to slip, to be trapped (in a spiritual context). The action of falling always takes on a more serious sense than the stumbling block. This action of falling results in a ruined relationship with God.

Spiritual harlotry:

1. This is an intercourse of the mixing of Old Testament values with worldly values, idolatry, paganism, and sin.
2. Abandoning the Lord for a foreign god was called prostitution or adultery.
3. Against God, the harlot prostitutes oneself with idolatry, paganism, and sin.
4. Interestingly, the related Greek word is porneia ===> pornography, porn!  Not a good look!

New Testament: This term means to cause one to sin, to take offense, and to fall away. No offense, but I will just mention some noteworthy scriptural examples. ☺☺☺

Causing one to sin:

Mt.18:6: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (The gravity of this sin is so great that it would be better to have been drowned than to have committed this sin. A MILLSTONE MOMENT! See the very end of this post!)

To take offense:

Mt.11:6: “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at Me.” (Taking offense is becoming a stumbling block to Jesus and rejecting Jesus’ teachings and statements.)

Mt.15:12: “Then His disciples approached and said to Him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what You said'”. (The Pharisees were scandalized about what Jesus said about their vain worship, empty hearts, and human traditions.)

Mt.17:27: “But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for Me and you.” (The Jews were obligated to pay the the temple to the authorities. Jesus tells His disciples to respect these customs. Jesus provides the means to pay this tax.)

Jn.6:61: “Since Jesus knew that His disciples were murmuring about this, He said to them, Does this shock you?'”

1. Jesus did not try to convince His disciples to come back by saying, “I was only speaking figuratively!”
2. The GREAT AND SAD IRONY is that the Jews were forbidden to drink the blood because of Jewish customs (the life is in the blood [Deut.12:23].
3. This Jewish restriction prohibited the Jew from partaking of the blood.
4. But partaking of Jesus’ Body and Blood gives us life everlasting!)

Mk.6:3: “Is He not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us? And they took offense at Him.” (The Nazarenes could not see that a carpenter’s son could be a teacher, prophet, and Messiah. They could not accept Jesus coming from a position of humility.)

To fall away:

Mt.13:21: “But he [seed]: has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.” (This is the person whose faith is not strong enough to endure when struggles, opposition, and persecution come.)

Mt.24:10: “And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another.” (This is one who falls away, becomes scandalized, or who becomes apostates.)

Mt.26:31: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘This night all of you will have your faith in Me shaken.'” (Difficulties or circumstances cause one to betray, to disobey, or fall away from Jesus’ teachings.)

2Cor.11:29: “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is lead to sin? and I am not indignant?” (As a sinner himself, can empathize with the sinner. But he is also indignant at the one who sins.)

Who is led to sin:

1. Who is made to stumble and who causes others to stumble
2. Who becomes a stumbling block (to himself or to others)
3. Who is led astray or causes others to go astray
4. Who gives offense and scandalizes.