The year 2018 is here, and we may be tempted to think that it could only be worse than the last. However, we must reject the temptation towards discouragement and despair, and strive faithfully in the Christian life for the glories of Heaven. While it is our duty to war against the evils and enticements of the world, we must never surrender the joy that is our inheritance as children of God. Indeed, with Christ as our champion, our victory is assured.
"The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few." The words of Our Lord from the Gospels are as true now as they were then. The more our world strays from God, the greater the need for priests who are generous in their vocation as instruments of Christ's love. Let us continue to pray fervently for many holy priests!
In times gone by, the season of autumn meant for man the reaping and assessing of fruits sown in the summer and the necessary preparartions for winter; it is the same for the interior life. If we were to examine our soul, what fruits would we find in our stores? Should winter come tomorrow, what account could we give before our Lord's judgement seat? Perhaps it is time for a retreat; God forbid we neglect our soul and find ourselves as the ten foolish virgins with lamps unlit at the coming of the Bridegroom!
This year's ordinations marked the first of many to come at the seminary in Virginia and sent nine new priests into Our Lord's vineyard. Finishing work on the seminary continues; and thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, every completed task allows us to provide an environment better suited to the formation of priests. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
During the reign of Christendom, societies readily submitted themselves to the teachings of Christ and His bride, the Church. Luther introduced the insidous error of "free examination," an error that destroys not only the concept of faith, but also the understanding of authority, which is the very foundation of human civilization.
The motivation for all human rebellion flows from the original rebellion in Heaven: Lucifer's non serviam. Martin Luther, perhaps more than any other, held high the banner of rebellion against God by casting off the sweet yoke of His Church and proclaiming himself master and king of his own religion. We must reject this diabolical spirit of rebellion and cling ever more closely to God's mercy, never abandoning the battle for holiness.
Luther’s war against the Church was waged in large part by his three tenants, sola fides, sola gratia, and sola scriptura. By exaggerating the role of faith, grace, and Scripture, Luther destroyed the understanding of all three and rendered religious authority powerless. Furthermore, the teachings of Luther exalt the powers of sin and cast doubt upon the omnipotence of God, while simultaneously enslaving man to his passions by his doctrines of despair.
Many throughout the world will celebrate 2017 as marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant “Reformation.” For Catholics, however, it is beneficial to investigate and reflect upon the motivations and vicious spirit of this deadly revolution. In doing so, we will not only better understand the serious errors which seduced a large part of Christendom, but we will also understand the same spirit of rebellion that permeates our modern world.
This month's rector's letter has been replaced by the Seminary's magazine, Ad orientem.
The Priesthood is the God-given link between Himself and us. The Seminary is, therefore, especially the place where man adores God, and its inauguration is a public act of Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an occasion for special joy and great gratitude. We are not surprised to encounter difficulties and trials, since, in rendering supreme homage to God, we declare war on the devil. We rather deepen our gratitude and strive to live more by Faith.