Some 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Thoughts

It's the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. As we've noted, "after Epiphany" marks these Sundays in the traditional calendar. Not so in the newfangled Novus Ordo way of designating things. But we prefer the traditional calendar here, and hope that by noting the progress of the Liturgical Year in the traditional manner, we can do our little part in keepingd that tradition alive.

For many of us Catholics this keeping our tradition alive has been a real struggle since Benedict XVI resigned his office. Since then, with ever-increasing momentum, and full-fledged assault on the traditional Mass (and all associated with it) has proceeded unabated. With various documents, proclamations and decisions by local Bishops, the centuries-old traditional Mass has been attacked. 

Some of you may be the targets of such attacks. From what we've seen and read, it can be a painful experience to be subjected to the various methods used to reduce, even eliminate your ability to attend Mass in the traditional form. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you.

Our role, though, is not to get entangled in these matters. There are enough allies and enemies out there that you can find for that. Here we try to stick to our modest mission of providing words to help us sanctify our work.  

But, of course, if we happen to be Catholics devoted to the traditional Mass, the struggle against the forces out to undermine, even destroy our tradition can spill over into our daily work. And with that we have from time to time tried to address this and provide ways to counter anything that can distract us from sanctifying our daily labor, to work for the greater glory of God.

This struggle against distraction might even include our distress over the events mentioned above. We all know those who have been braying about the "Spirit of Vatican II" will likely not relent in their assault on our traditions, short of Divine Intervention. Given that, spending too much time on what they say will not serve our desire to build our spiritual life. 

For those who have lost the traditional Mass at their accustomed place, our hearts to out to you. We know and understand your distress. In our neck of the woods, we have not been faced with the draconian and aggressive measures taken against you. But we have experienced locations of the traditional Mass moved from one place to another. That alone can cause some confusion and distress.

Is there some lesson we can learn from these recent attacks? While not particularly comforting, we might consider that all things in this world pass. And that means ALL. 

We might consider that the enemies of Christ and His Holy Church have always been with us. And just because they may not have been a felt presence in our particular lives, they very well may show up - and in force - at any given moment. The fact is, their leader is the Evil One, who never relents in his vicious hatred of God and never ceases to dry to drag down as many as possible into his black and terrible "kingdom." 

Not saying that every individual who attacks our traditional Mass and those who attend it are consciously following Satan. But the brilliance of his evil mind can easily concoct ways to direct their thoughts and actions to his ends, perhaps without their even realizing it.

So let's not judge the individual in these circumstances. And let's remember that Our Lord Himself calls on us to love our enemies.

Little comfort, perhaps. And this doesn't preclude using all our powers to resist and actively oppose these attacks. But it does remind us that charity must not be a victim with in our actions, our words, or even our thoughts.

Well, just a few thoughts on this 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. And a reminder that next Sunday our venerable traditional Liturgical Calendar brings Septuagesima Sunday and thus the initial calling for us to prepare ourselves for the penitential season of Lent. 

Better we should put most of our time, attention and effort into our own salvation, as we have been taught, rather than allow our enemies to distract and disturb us.

Happy 3rd Sunday after Epiphany!