Category Archives: Start Here

Learn about Radical Catholicism

Only 10 Commandments

Posted on by
Reply

The peninsula juts out sharply from the mainland and is elevated high above the sea, with sharp rocks lining all sides of the peninsula as it pushes into the sea. Clearly one does not want to fall over any of the cliffs onto the rocks or into the sea. In order to provide the area’s children a place to play, the local populace had created a soccer field on the peninsula. However, the shouts of gleeful children were not forthcoming; instead of playing joyfully, they huddled in the center of the field, fearful of approaching the dangerous cliffs. There were no enthusiastic cheers of competition and victory….until…until the town enclosed the peninsula with a tall, strong fence. Safe from the fear of falling off the dangerous cliffs, the children played their games with enthusiasm and vibrancy. Now the children were able to fully realize the joy of playing their beloved soccer.

Man is also located on a peninsula, precariously wandering his way through the dangers of life. In order for man to fully enjoy his life, God has constructed a fence, which protects man from most of the dangers he will experience. This fence is The 10 Commandments and the church’s teachings, which guide him through life so he will not fall off the dangerous cliffs into the abyss of hell. This fence is not a series of rules and regulations meant to constrict man, but rather exists to enable man to enjoy life to the fullest in accordance with his nature and his destiny. He is free to roam the world with the same type of glee and enthusiasm as do the children playing soccer on their protected field. God’s fence is comforting and enabling; it allows man to realize his true potential with joy.

G.K. Chesterton summarized it the best when he commented, “”The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden.” Yes indeed, Only 10 Commandments! God’s tall, safe fence protecting and liberating man.

Determining Importance

Posted on by
Reply

The long lines wormed their way through the streets of the city in what appeared to be an endless wandering of a mass of humanity. The lines were 8 to 10 people deep heading to, as yet an unknown, destination. I meandered through the streets, attempting to understand the reason and purpose of this sea of humanity. “Watch out, get out of the way!” shouted the burly, hastening policemen and security guards as they dashed around the corner. As soon as I turned the corner after them, it became apparent where the police were going in such a hurry. A fight had occurred as individuals tried to regain their position in line after returning from a restroom or a food center….or were trying to cut into the line. Fortunately police and security personnel were able to prevent the confrontation and others like it from exploding into outright chaos and mayhem.

As I struggled through the crowds, seeking the reason for these multitudes, I witnessed individuals with sleeping bags and tents, suggesting that they had been positioning themselves for days. I wondered, “What can be so exceedingly important or valuable as to inflame so many with such enthusiasm, passion, and determination?” Then I saw it! The line culminated at the door of a store where an electronic tablet was going on sale that morning.I was shocked; all of this passion and determination for an electronic trinket! Why?

(It has been suggested that the worth of a society can be ascertained by observing that on which it places it greatest value. Electronic trinkets? What does that indicate about today’s postmodern society? It values trinkets, but ignores or downgrades truth and responsibility.)

As I attended Catholic Mass on the Sunday following my experience with the crowds clamoring for the new electronic device, it occurred to me that there were no long lines to enter church, nor was there a lengthy line to receive the Eucharist. On any Saturday when Confessions are being heard, often there is an eerie silence, punctured only by the sound of a footstep or two echoing off the walls of the church, proclaiming the emptiness within the church. Is the forgiveness of one’s sins so trivial and unimportant as not to be sought? While so many individuals seek the pleasure and novelty of electronic devices and will expend not only money, but also time and passion to obtain meaningless, temporary diversions, one has to wonder why they spend so little time and effort to obtain the necessary and permanent stables of eternal life. Have individuals lost their perspective on the valuable and lasting values of life? If so, why has this occurred? Have parents, as well as many bishops and priests, failed to communicate the absolute need to access the critical sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist…. on a regular and consistent basis? Unfortunately Yes! Jesus gave man the great sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist to help man regain his focus and direction when it has been lost, but man ignores them in favor of the transitory illusions of modern life.

God Himself….yes, God Himself…. is available to help men and women gain eternal life and real happiness, but many men and women are only interested in the latest trinkets that satisfy nothing and last for only a short time. God may have an unlimited supply of patience, but at what time will He decide that man needs to be shaken out of his stupor and be given a harsh wake-up call? Soon?