While there has long been an invisible schism in the Church caused by the many loud liberal or progressive voices in the years since Vatican II, today matters have intensified with resistance from a growing arrogant traditionalism. Critics observe that the catalyst for the reaction on the right has been a papacy that represses the historical Latin Mass, sometimes pampers the Church’s enemies, glosses over what seem to be serious errors, and opts for diplomatic ambiguity when there is a pressing need for clarity and truth from the teaching office.  Admittedly, the pastoral accommodation t ..read more

Article 12 of the declaration speaks of the dignity to be found in Christ’s solidarity with humanity by being “born and raised in humble conditions.” Next, we are told that his public ministry “affirms the value and dignity of all who bear the image of God, regardless of their social status and external circumstances.” It should be clear that the Cardinal Fernández is not referring to the elevated supernatural dignity given by grace to persons regenerated through faith and baptism. Several religious pundits have attacked the him and the Holy Father on this front without conceding a dignity th ..read more

I have spoken before about what Christ knew as a man and yet questions remain. There is no way that we can absolutely penetrate this issue.  Why is it important? Particularly for those of us who pursue an active intellectual life, living largely in our heads, this matter touches the depths of our own sense of identity.  What we know and believe largely defines us and our place in the human family. The operations of the human soul, knowing and willing, speak to our appreciation of faith and our convictions— separating us from animals and machines. As a pastor of souls, I have also ac ..read more

An important verse for the ancient school of Alexandria was John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” This is what authorities call a high Christology because the emphasis is upon Jesus as God and only secondarily upon him as man. Who is Jesus? He is God come down from heaven to save us. Given the revelation of the Trinity, Jesus is understood as the Second Person of the one triune God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, the eternal God joins himself to ..read more

The question invariably arises, “If Jesus could be tempted then could he sin?” Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this ..read more

I have had people angry with me because there was no formal way for them to disaffiliate with the Catholic Church. A few years ago, there was an effort to allow those intellectually and/or emotionally alienated from the faith to juridically separate themselves with a written document signed by their pastor and bishop.  But clergy largely refused to sign it.  The legitimacy of this whole business was called into question regarding dispensations, marriage annulment cases and tribunals. Complicating matters further, there was a disagreement between two Vatican congregations— Liturgy an ..read more

When I first began apologetics online in the mid-1990’s, the internet was brand new and while there was little to no Catholic presence, there was no shortage of nut jobs and bigots who spouted the anti-Catholicism that was poplar a century or more earlier.  The “Bible alone” proponents were fundamentalist to the core and reduced Christianity to a “book religion.”  If a Catholic tried to employ Scripture, because we are the true bible Christians, they would lament that our translations could not be trusted and that we had added books.  Some would point to the missals used at Mas ..read more

It has amazed me that believers, either for political reasons or to pacify the radical left, not only compromise their faith but then rationalize egregious errors as compatible with the Gospel. Some claim that same sex unions pass muster if there is monogamy.  Convoluted teachings from churchmen suggest that these unions can be blessed.  But we cannot bless sin!  A great many argue for approval toward pre-ceremonial sex if there is love and commitment— but fornication is a mortal sin against marriage and the family!  Increasing numbers are excusing divorce and remarriage ..read more

Many adults regard prayers to a guardian angel to be the stuff of children only, along with the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. As soon as they grow up, even fervent believers frequently cease beseeching the intercession of their spiritual guardians. Guardian Angels are NOT imaginary friends. We have it in good authority that they are real and are watching.  Jesus tells us, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10).  The statement is reassuring an ..read more

I recall from my days as a seminarian, working in the campus library to make money to pay for my books, there was one student at the tables about whom there were nervous whispers.  He stayed to himself and had piles of books at his workstation about devils and demonic possession. At one time such works were cordoned off in the Forbidden Books section. Maybe it was a good idea because this young man was obsessed about the subject. His proper studies suffered due to the long hours he spent researching this dark topic. I am not even sure he ever graduated. It took over his life. That is the ..read more