The Catholic Defender: Coming Home

I know that many of us have gone off on our own at some time in our lives, some of us more than others. Some seems to parallel a cliff. How important is it to be given a firm foundation? How important is it that Father's lead their families by example? If Mom and Dad do not possess a strong foundation, how much more difficult is that for the youth of today? 1 Peter 3:6 states, "Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, when they see your reverent and chaste behavior. Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of robes, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. So once the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord. And you are now her children if you do right and let nothing terrify you." Now guys, this does not mean that you are to lord it over your wive, but to love her as you love your own self. When I read this text, I can't help remember the example left by St. Monica who prayed for her son, St. Augustine. Through her example and faith, her husband, Patritius was also converted. This continues to bring great hope for all parents who have prodigal son's and daughters. The real point of St. Peter here is service, we are to serve one another. 1 Peter 3:7 states, "Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honor on the woman as the weaker sex, since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered". I place my wife on a pedestal, she is my hero in what she has done in her life. She was a nurse for many years offering the best quality care to all she served. She is God's greatest gift to me and my chosen spouse. We have supported each other in our hardships as well as life. The family unit is under attack today by the anti-church movements and this is affecting young people all across the country. We need our Shepherds to rise up and lead more than ever. The recent attack on the Catholic Church by the Obama Administration has awakened a sleeping giant! The confusion is great among the ranks out in society and we desperately need the Church to be that moral compass! Pope Pius XII in 1950 was clear when he warned that the attack on the family was going to be so strong. To be a true Christian, you would have to be a "living Martyr". St. Paul warns, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 1 Timothy 4:1-2 states, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared." There is so much the bible speaks regarding the importance of Fathers and Mothers to lead their children on the path of salvation. Are we living in an age when the bible will be outlawed? When those in power will restrict your access to the bible? While still in Iraq in 2010, my Brigade Chaplain warned me that the Gay Agenda had already approached the Military Chaplaincy telling them they will have to modify what the preach from the pulpit. That is an infringement to the Constitution of the United States, but who seems to care? 2 Thessalonians 2:7 states, "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way." The Lord will protect America only as long as America remains firm in following the Lord. The past few decades we have been on a slippery slope downhill, and that is why we are seeing a rise in rebellion. There is no better time than now to get things right with God. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 states, "Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, 'At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.' Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation". Prodigals, come home to the Catholic Faith. If you have not been to Mass in a while, check out your local Catholic Church, arrange a meeting with your Priest who will be happy to see you. If you have not been to Confession for some times, please go. If you are not Catholic, I invite you to check out the RCIA in your Parish. They will be happy to see you.