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BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: https://bibleinayearonline.com/june-oyb/?version=63&startmmdd=0101
June 19, 2026
(2Th 2:13-15)
But we ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved of
God, for that God hath chosen you firstfruits unto salvation, in
sanctification of the spirit and faith of the truth: (2:13) Whereunto
also he hath called you by our gospel, unto the purchasing of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2:14) Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and
hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our
epistle.
EXCERPT THE CATHOLIC THING: Whatever Happened to Natural Law?
There are many crises in the Catholic Church today, but one of the most
serious is the dismal state of moral theology. That crisis has its
roots in the confusion and intellectual ferment that ensued in the
aftermath of Vatican II. Progressive moral theologians proposed
questionable moral theories like proportionalism and the “fundamental
option,” while prominent scholars like Bernard Häring dissented on
vital issues of received moral teaching such as the inadmissibility of
contraception and the indissolubility of marriage.
These dissident theologians had differing visions, but one common
theme: the Church had no authority to proclaim specific, exceptionless
moral norms based on natural law. The best it could do was to teach
formal moral principles. Specific moral precepts such as “adultery is
always wrong” are highly problematic, in their view, because there may
be valid exceptions. A corollary is the autonomy of conscience along
with “discernment” in making moral decisions. In place of natural law,
they recommended more flexible theories that allow for moral compromise
in some situations.
John Paul II sought to correct these errors in his encyclical Veritatis
splendor. The fundamental option, proportionalism, the sovereignty of
conscience, and moral subjectivism – all the heterodox doctrines – were
thoroughly refuted through principled reasoning. He also reaffirmed
the Church’s commitment to natural law and its anthropological premise
of a common and fixed human nature that is a bridge to that law.
Intrinsic goods such as life and health, marriage and friendship,
constitute our human flourishing. A set of moral norms flows from the
first precepts of the natural law and prohibits intrinsic evils such as
adultery or the taking of innocent life.
The present discord in the Church means that we are faced with a stark
choice between the theology of Veritatis splendor or the theology of
Amoris Laetitia, the magisterium of Pope John Paul II or the
magisterium of Pope Francis. Theologians and prelates like Bishop
Paglia who carry the torch for the theology of Amoris Laetitia argue
that because human nature changes so too must the moral law.
But the notion that human nature changes essentially is a progressive
myth. Of course, there are many cultural transformations along with
consequential inflection points in history that affect humanity for
better or worse. But as John Finnis points out, these theologians
cannot provide any concrete examples that illustrate the mutability of
human nature because human nature, properly understood in terms of
basic human possibilities or forms of fulfillment, has never changed.
We cannot find throughout the course of human history any persons who
were not bodily, rational beings, for whom those intrinsic goods like
life and health, marriage and knowledge, were not the source of their
fulfillment.
It is all well and good to compose encyclicals on social issues like
Artificial Intelligence. But Pope Leo faces more fundamental
questions: through which moral lens will the Church evaluate those
issues? It can be faithful to the natural law tradition or revert to
the deflated morality proposed by secular humanism, which favors
experience and social harmony. The answers to the most troubling moral
disputes can only be found deep in the soil of natural law reasoning
that acknowledges the eternal order of being and nature.
EWTN: The Synod’s Dangerous Departure: Why Study Group 9’s Report Undermines Catholic Moral Teaching
ARCHIVES ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT: “Tolerance Is Not a Christian Virtue”
CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT ARCHIVES: The undermining of John Paul II in the name of Veritatis Splendor continues
EWTN NEWS: Pope warns SSPX bishop ordinations risk deepening schism
Pope Leo XIV cautioned that the planned ordination of Society of St.
Pius X (SSPX) bishops could push the group toward schism, urging them
again to stop and remain in communion with the Church.
“We have invited them, and I am still considering making another
appeal, to say: ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live communion in the
Church.’ But it is their choice. They must understand what it means for
them and for the Church,” the pope said, responding to journalists’
questions outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo on June 16.
The Society of St. Pius X said it plans to consecrate four priests as
bishops on July 1 without the permission of Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican
warned on May 13 that doing so without a papal mandate would constitute
“a schismatic act” and carry the penalty of excommunication. The
consecrations are set to take place at its seminary in Écône,
Switzerland.
“Certainly, division among Christians is always a painful matter,” the
pope said. “But they refuse to accept certain fundamental elements of
the Church, beginning with various points of the Second Vatican
Council. And if they make those choices, I am sorry. But we must move
forward.”
PILLAR EDITORIAL: Excommunication communication: What if the SSPX does a schism?
SUBSTACK EDITORIAL: Leo XIV Calls SSPX Rebels
Ladder of Divine
Ascent excerpt: Step 7- "On Joy-Making Mourning"
26. He who mourns when he wishes has not attained
the beauty of mourning, but rather he who mourns on the subjects of his
choice, and not even on these, but on what God wants. The ugly tears of
vainglory are often interwoven with mourning which is pleasing to God.
We shall know this with all proof and piety when we see ourselves mourning
and still doing evil.
Prayer
request? Send an email to: [email protected]
"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron
Smith at: [email protected]
This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.