By Ezekiel
I am happy to introduce the newest contributor to the CE Log. Insightful, full of ideas and a fervent desire to see the Church more visible, Ezekiel comes to CatholicEclipsed with practical spiritual helps to build up the visible Body of Christ. I hope you enjoy–Robert Robbins.
So today for Catholics, it seems there are no churches available. Normally for tithes it would be encouraged to voluntarily contribute to parishes and different fundraising efforts in order to support the cost of keeping churches up, the needs of clergy, and various charitable or Church operations.
Still it would seem that Catholics could keep up a charitable spirit, and continue to give “time, talents, or treasure” to worthy causes. This can build up treasure here, as God desires to give to those who give to others, as well as more importantly to build up treasure in heaven.
“Give, and it shall be given to you,” (Luke 6:38).
I have wondered at times if Catholics might put in to greater practice the various corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and if God might respond to bring an end to the confusion of today if people had a greater love of God and neighbor.
I might ask you for example, are there homeless you’ve seen in your community? Could you personally reach out to them, or could we organize a group to reach out to them who are trained to handle their needs professionally? Why do some of these persistent problems exist? Are we our brothers’ keepers?
I believe traditionalists today are capable of doing more and that God desires more of these activities and will help people to do some of these things. We could pray and listen to what God inspires in our hearts, as each person has a unique calling from God.
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another,” (John 3:35).
I think there may be many people who want to help others more, to show what a Christian’s love is, but they may not know how. But they don’t need to know how, but simply to pray to allow God to show them how.
“Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” (John 15:13).
Jesus made the ultimate gesture of expressing love for one’s neighbor, by undergoing suffering and death on the Cross.
What do you think Catholics should do to “tithe” today when no churches are available to give to?
What is God asking us to do out of love for the good of others?
List of Works of Mercy
Seven corporal works
To feed the hungry.
To give drink to the thirsty.
To clothe the naked.
To harbor the harborless.
To visit the sick.
To ransom the captive.
To bury the dead.
Seven spiritual works
To instruct the ignorant.
To counsel the doubtful.
To admonish sinners.
To bear wrongs patiently.
To forgive offences willingly.
To comfort the afflicted.
To pray for the living and the dead.
About the Author
Ezekiel has been taking time studying the confusion affecting the Church today, having adopted multiple viewpoints in the process of trying to understand things, and has been a “parishless sedevacantist” for a few years now. Much time has been spent studying and having conversations with people from as many sides as could be found, in order to get a more comprehensive view of the problems that exist today and of all the different issues and proposed positions that people have taken in response to them as well as the reasons given for their views. Vatican 2 and its consequences have created tangible problems which have made the issues personal as they have upended lives. But it is important to remember the most important commandment of Christianity in times of such uncertainty, as there are still many certain principles that are already established: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind,” (Matthew 22:37). Much room for improvement of the state of the Church exists and there is hope for a definitive end to the present confusion. “And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).