I am saddened that so many people do not understand the Roman Catholic Church. Too many people criticize what they do not know. Archbishop Sheen once said, “There are not more than 100 people in the world who truly hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they perceive to be the Catholic Church.”
Most recently, the faithful people of God are tempted to believe that the Holy Spirit was not at work in guiding the Church during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). I affirm whole heartedly, in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord, the Holy Spirit was at work then and He is still at work. And moreover, the Holy Spirit has great plans for Christianity around the world, “plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future full of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
When Jesus was in the desert, in the second temptation the devil used scripture to urge Jesus to throw himself off the parapet of the temple. Satan took the bible out of context to trick Jesus. The evil one still uses the same tactics today. Following his lead, some would wrongly recite historical events and bible scriptures in order to tempt faithful Catholics, and all faithful Christians, from the truth revealed by God.
Of course this letter is in response to last week’s letter. It is so easy for good men and women to be led astray by smart but inaccurate teachings. The same thing happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were more than good, they were perfect and without sin. Yet the snares of the serpent, being smart and cunning, led them astray from their belief in God’s Word, trust in God’s Promise, and obedience to God’s Command.
One should never rely on the internet for the truth. We must stand on Sacred Scripture, Divine Tradition, and the guidance of all the Ecumenical Councils of the Church including the Second Vatican Council. All that is simply to say, the devil can only do as much as God will allow, but the Holy Spirit is at work, Jesus Christ prevails, and God the Father is in charge!