To the editor:
Recently a local attorney announced in a Wisconsin State Journal letter to the editor that he had quit the Catholic Church after 22 years because he was dissatisfied about a lack of preaching the Gospel.
The challenge for this attorney is that when his bishop, Bishop Robert C. Morlino, preached against homosexual activity two years ago, this attorney led an unparalleled display of disrespect for the Church body, Bishop Morlino, and the Catholic Truth. He and others encouraged others in the Diocese of Madison to turn their backs on Bishop Morlino’s message.
In doing so, some people turned their back on the altar of Sacrifice, on Jesus reposing in the tabernacle; some left the Church.
It’s unfair to have it both ways: complain about the lack of preaching about Jesus and the Truth of the Catholic Church, yet quit the Church and lead others to walk out when Bishop Morlino preaches the eternal Truth. Bishop Morlino’s theology is eternally excellent!
The gates of hell will not prevail against the Catholic Church in spite of any lackadaisical preaching by some clergy and some hypocritical sinful behavior by all of us.
God’s mercy is available to each and every one of us. This attorney can receive communion elsewhere, but he truly only will receive the “Eucharist, the true Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ” in the Catholic Church.
I hope that he, like I did, will return when he recognizes his error. Jesus said, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will not have life within you” (John 6:55).
Personal contriteness, humility, and respect for the Truth, not self-declared social doctrine, are hallmarks of eternal life. I judge no one. I protest injustice and grave sin such as abortion. I’m willing to share about the Catholic faith, but I must submit to the Truth.
Deacon John (Jack) Fernan, Monona