Bulletins

July 5, 2015

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How many times as of late have you been asked about same-sex marriage, homosexuality, contraception or abortion? Probably not often because most of your neighbors and friends probably know where you stand... or at least I hope they do. Have you been invited recently by someone to a wedding that won't begin a marriage by virtue of one of the two being already married and only divorced or both of them being the same sex? That might be more frequent than we imagine. How often are you involved in a conversation that turns toward something sinful? Are you left worrying about how to say something or how to extricate yourself?

First of all, don't be an accomplice. As your conscience grinds through the circumstances and what they demand of you, be mindful of how one participates in an becomes guilty of the sin of another person.

CCC1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

[We sin through another person's actions]

  • by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
  • by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
  • by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
  • by protecting evil-doers.

1869 Thus sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them. Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness. "Structures of sin" are the expression and effect of personal sins. They lead their victims to do evil in their turn. In an analogous sense, they constitute a "social sin."

CCC2286 ...They are guilty of scandal who establish laws or social structures leading to the decline of morals and the corruption of religious practice, or to social conditions that, intentionally or not, make Christian conduct and obedience to the Commandments difficult and practically impossible.

Lastly, are you hesitant to talk in a public setting about a controversial topic even to a like-minded friend but within earshot of strangers? Don't be. Christian morality is normal and should not hide.

Be proud of your Faith in Jesus Christ!

God bless you!

Fr. Christopher J. Pollard