Today is the day in which Holy Mother Church rejoices in the birth of the Blessed Virgin, and it may be added, the day in which this writer has returned to this blog after nearly a year without internet access. If we look at the present state of the Church we see only more and more signs of apostasy and heresy among those who call themselves Catholic- the Pope radicalizing the faithful to a greater degree, the college of cardinals now finds itself with a slim majority of members being appointed by Pope Francis himself, bishops more and more throwing off any remnants of Catholic faith in favor of a vague Catholic sentimentalism and liberal politicization more concerned with the supposed rights of migrants than the dogmas of the Faith. It is not a hopeful picture if we are to analyze current trends in the light of history and human reason.
But fortunately, the Catholic relies on other sources of truth other than those possessed by political pundits. We have the Faith revealed by God, and the promise by the Virgin herself that the "Immaculate Heart would triumph" and that there would be given a period of peace to the world. It is in this promise of Our Lady that the Catholic must find his comfort and his peace. Yes, there are problems; yes, there are abuses and heresies; but the devil brings turbulence into the soul by seducing it by focusing its attention away from God and towards those thing which will keep it in a state of agitation.
It may well be asked what a soul is to do in this present crisis of the Church? The answer must begin with the same as always. Love God with your whole heart, and your neighbour for the love of God. Do your duty of state with fidelity. Obey the desires of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary and Our Lady to the three children at Fatima. Pray your rosary, go to daily Mass if possible, spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, be holy yourselves.
It may be objected: but that does nothing to solve the crisis. Yet those are the only things that actually can help end the crisis. Does frustration end the crisis? What about knowledge of each and every abuse? No, the crisis continues the same. It is not ameliorated. If anything, agitation within the soul only increases the problem.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the path of protest to these abuses within the Catholic Church is leading only to the loss of souls for those who are not striving to love Our Lord as He has asked us to love him. The "true flock" has been reduced to such proportions that unless there is agreement in every point of prudence, then one is forbidden to attend Masses, etc of any priests save a handful, literally. But this is not Catholicism. Nor is it even sane. The true Church is where it has always been, visible and united around the throne of Saint Peter. Yes, the new rites and new catechisms have plunged the Church into chaos, but it is still the true Church- wounded perhaps, and certainly betrayed by its own, but the true Church still.
But what of our resistance to this evil? It must stay calm and united to the visible Church. But most of all, it must be confident in the triumph of Our Lady as she promised at Fatima. The devil is about, prowling about as a lion and destroying souls, but Our Lady is stronger than he, and will crush the devil's head. The Church will be victorious. And while we have to endure the pain of the Cross during this crisis, we must never forget that victory is ours if only we are faithful, not simply to the changeless teachings of the Church, but also faithful in love to our Head Jesus Christ, for knowing is not enough; loving is the only thing that can really please Him. To love Our Lady, to unite all we do to her and to give her all that we have, is the infallible means to unite ourselves to Him and to remain at peace where there is no peace.
