Pastor’s Letter
Welcome
to Sodom. Yes, that is what Maryland has now become. Sodom with its neighbor
Gomorrah was a city of antiquity whose disregard for the natural law of human
love led to its destruction. That same disregard is now written into state law.
The distinctive physical and life-cultivating complimentarity of woman and man
has been dismissed as a basis for marriage. Additionally, those who cannot
honor this diluted definition in their personal and business activities will be
held legally liable for discrimination and punished accordingly.
Already,
the owner of a trolley service in Annapolis seeing this coming announced he
will no longer offer wedding ser- vices. By doing so he will lose much of his
business, but he cannot in good faith go along with treating as normal what is
not, neither can we.
It
is a great sadness that many of Satan’s helpers in ushering in this demonic
distortion of marriage were Catholics, such as our governor. In promoting this
desecration they have not only brought dishonor to our holy faith and shame to
all Catholics, but invite the real possibility of damnation on them- selves. We
must pray that they recognize this error, repent and make reparation.
Some
may interpret my words as an unfair disregard for individuals who bear
same-gender attraction. It is not. Such brothers and sister must be loved and
embraced. Indeed, we must make greater efforts of proper inclusion and support.
At the same time true love is not allowance for any activity. It has no
authority to overlook what is written in nature. Love cannot comply with a lie.
It first honors what God has de- signed, and then encourages all to live in
authentic love that leads to true fulfillment.
Nothing
changes for us, because God defines marriage. This has not changed. The
purposeful union of man and woman was the crown of God creation. Anything else
by that name mocks what God has created, and therefore mocks God.
Maryland
is our home. It is where we are placed, and it is where we will continue to
live. But especially now we must live upholding in word and honor the truth of
marriage with clarity. We cannot betray what God has created without betraying
God. This means never placating or playing along with a false notion, no matter
how “well intention” some may be. It will not be easy. We do so at the risk of
the ire and even legal sanctions this will invoke.
Our
beloved state is now a modern-day Sodom. We should not be surprised at the
coming of confusion, conflict, and even catastrophe. We reap what we sow.
May God have
mercy on us.Msgr. Edward J. Filardi
Our Lady of Lourdes, Bethesda, MD
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