Labels and their Makers

Labels and their Makers

There are many follies that plague mankind. Among them, as St. Augustine says, is close to madness: When we mistake friends for enemies, and enemies for friends.

This is perhaps the most common mistake. This error must have prompted St. Paul to say: "Have I become your enemy because I have told you the truth?"

Isn't it amazing that we all say we want to know the truth; but, when the truth is told, we quickly change our minds?

Notice how certain people create labels for others. For those whom they dislike, they make a label that is demeaning and insulting. They feel smug. Then, when they want to impress others with the real or imagined qualities of those whose opinions they seek to impose on others, the adjectives are flattering.

"Imagineering" is a common trait of today's euphemistic age. Since almost everything has been reduced to an "opinion," there is little point of departure in discussing or proving anything.Orthodoxy has become just another "opinion" among many. Take the word "Catholic," for example. There are more people claiming to be "Catholic" than you can shake a stick at.

There are the "liberals," the "conservatives," the "traditionalists," and, "sedevacantists." Whatever happened to the "One Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism" of which St. Paul speaks?

Now, with the advent of the Great Apostasy (which hardly anyone dares to mention with any seriousness), the majority of former Catholics are in that camp - the camp of the apostate New Church. But, obviously, these "Catholics" furiously resent being called "apostates" because this label, or descriptive definition, does not please them.

But, if it is true, why would anyone not wish to admit the fact? Certainly, we must return to the simple propositions of logic that state that whatever is, is; and, whatever is not, is not.How difficult is it to understand this basic fact of our existence? Wishful thinking has taken the place of logical thinking.Jesus said that the truth shall make you free.

May the peace of our Lord be with you!
Bishop Louis, ofm