Take A Stand 

   “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” (“You’ve Got to Stand for Something”, lyrics by Aaron Tippin and Buddy Brock) 

   If I have no inner strength, if there are no lines that I will not cross, I am ripe for Satan to tempt me and draw me away from God.

   Over the years I’ve seen our society seemingly give up all sense of right and wrong, replacing it with whatever feels good.  We no longer seem to care what is good or evil, only satisfying our earthly desires.  There are actions that for have for centuries, indeed throughout history, been considered immoral and wrong that are now accepted as a personal choice.

   This “anything goes” attitude has not only changed society but is threatening the church as well.  I look at the synodal way being experimented with in Germany today and see priests and bishops not only willing, but insisting, that some of the most blatant offenses against God’s teaching be accepted as the new norm, the new doctrine of the Church. 

   Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.” (Matt: 17: 15).  The wolves are not at the door these days, they have broken down the door and are attacking the flock.

   The truth of the matter is that we, the laity, are in some part to blame.  We have failed to stand up for what is right and wrong and allowed false prophets to convince us that what is evil can be good; to tell us that what has always been sinful is now acceptable.  We are at the gates of hell, and the gates are wide open.

   Jesus said, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.  And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.” (Matt 16: 18). He will protect His Church, it will never fail; but we, the laity, have some responsibilities as well.  We have to take a stand for what is right and always be on guard against the wolves.