Rejection of God

We are disheartened and even horrified at our nation’s rejection of the Judeo-Christian principles upon which it was founded. There was a solid belief in almighty God when our lands were discovered and when our forefathers asserted our independence. Now, our legislatures and courts make laws to forbid God’s laws. A God fearing country became a Godless land. Where did all of this begin? I think that a large part of this stems back 50 years ago when the Supreme Court stated that school initiated prayer violates first amendment rights (Engel v. Vitale -1962). Our God, Who has given us so much in this land and Who has brought us through terrible wars, lost His importance. He became tolerated instead of needed and loved.

A state that excludes God reverts to the errors and unscrupulous practices of paganism. This inflicts serious harm upon its citizens. The commandments of God are exchanged for human ideals which are as dependable as the wind. Anyone can be in trouble. Society is becoming dehumanized.

"He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then He will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury." Psalm 2:4-5 tells us. In spite of the apparent triumphs of those who ignore God, they cannot escape the consequences of sin. There is not only punishment in the next life, but there is the misery of not knowing the love of God in this life. Their only reward is the human and subhuman satisfactions that their works attain. Nothing more! The path to hell is already hell.

True, we are not happy about laws permitting and fostering abortion, same sex marriage and the loss of religious liberty. However, we are not in misery. We, in fact, are joyful. This gives us the opportunity to stand out with our faith. True Christians are in bold contrast to the ill-fated values that the world holds.

We just have to look at the first Christians who lived in a pagan, hostile world for centuries. They believed and lived the truths taught by God. These truths stood on their own merits and attracted nonbelievers. Like them, we should live our faith and live it in love -- in love for God and for all people.  

Father Stanley