Dear St. Rita Families,
This coming month the secular world is going to proclaim its commitment to inclusion in a way that is impossible for the Christian to join. Put differently, the world will proclaim its commitment to exclusion of Christian values. Many will do so even in the name of Christianity itself, attempting to shoehorn Christian compassion into a mold that is neither compassionate nor Christian. It’s telling, too, to consider the social consequences if you refuse to play the game. To be the only business on the street that doesn’t display a rainbow flag, or the only desk in the office without a rainbow sticker, or the only street on the block, can have serious repercussions socially and economically.
I am writing about this today to encourage you to stand firm in your dissent from this secular dogma which is hostile to Christianity. It is no secret by this point that the Christian cannot condone homosexuality in any way, shape, or form, no matter what certain voices (even in the Church) may say. While the pastoral approach of accompaniment is necessary for each of us both to receive and to give on our Christian journey, there is no room for accompaniment to condone turning away from Christ, for that would no longer be Christian. Homosexual activity is objectively and always gravely sinful. There is no leeway, here.
Speaking to others about this topic, however, is challenging because the moral reasoning of our age has been reduced to emotional, feel-good impulses. Likewise, the goal of the present age seems to be solely to “get along”, which often demands compromise of values. It is impossible to have peace in Christ if we seek peace solely in each other. This is a tough truth for many, because no one wants to be at odds with their neighbor or with their family. And yet, it is a supreme act of charity to proclaim the only path to salvation rather than to allow my neighbor or my family to jaunt unknowingly along the path to destruction.
It is no coincidence that June in the Church is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the most compassionate, loving, sensitive, and manly Heart ever to have existed. In His Heart, there is compassion enough for the worst sinners of the world, and for those who are filled with the most shame and isolation. He is humble in the face of rainbow (and all) pride, and His goodness is such that He does not scorn the repentant sinner, but rather embraces him, forgives him, and cleanses him. Let Christ, not rainbows, be your model of true compassion, and encourage those who seek compassion in public affirmation of their sin to turn rather to the Heart of Christ who desires not “the death of the sinner, but that he turn from his way and live” (Ez 33:11).
It is not difficult to come up with reasons that homosexual activity is sinful: it is contrary to the nature of mankind, in particular regarding the complementarity of the sexes and the intended fruitfulness of the sexual act. Scripture is also very clear (see Romans 1:18-32). Likewise, homosexual activity seems to manifest a deep woundedness in the person rather than a wholeness and peace. It also tends to be more promiscuous and even anonymous than heterosexual sin, and it has a higher rate of overlapping partnerships.
This reasoning and information is not to denigrate anyone or any group of people. It does, however, help us to see that promoting the homosexual agenda isn’t helping people. As Christians, we are no stranger to the reality of sin, but, more importantly, we are not strangers to the reality of forgiveness and peace. If we promote sin, we do not assist others in finding true peace, which is only available in Christ. Therefore, if you want to be compassionate, if you want to be kind, if you want to live Christian charity, promote repentance from sin. Encourage others to turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who willingly died for love of us all.
In Christ,
Fr. Christensen