Navigating the Path to Salvation: Let us prepare the way of the Lord
Introduction: The Search for Success
You know, I guess for me when I think about. A way to get something accomplished, a way to get something done. I have to always remind myself that many, many times people try to do. A thing. A certain way. And keep failing. And they wonder, why is this the case? Why is this happening? What am I doing wrong?
Medical Innovations as a Metaphor
So we think about as an example, certain great medical innovations that were trying to be figured out for years. How am I going to properly help this person to become healthy? So as an example, there were surgeries that were failing constantly. Okay, this poor thing has a bad heart. What do we do?
Realizing the Right Path
And when a man actually starts to realize, wait a minute, it's right here in front of me, all we have to do here is to do this properly. I have to do this or I can't help this man. To live a healthy life. Hmm. And once a man realizes that the proper path to the success of that surgery is this, it becomes the norm. It becomes the standard right now.
The Quest for Salvation
A lot of individuals nowadays, especially as I'm sure you are aware, are trying to figure out what is the path to heaven. Okay. They say, well, if I if I make a personal declaration, okay. If I have a personal declaration when I'm in an emotional high. Then obviously I'm on the right path. But are you because does that not wear off?
The Truth of Salvation
Right. Oh, I don't know. I mean, I'm in love. Love, love, love, love. Blah, blah, blah, blah. And it eventually wears off. And you wonder, well, now what do I do? I'll go somewhere else. Maybe I'll find it there. Huh? And it wears off because there really is only one path to salvation.
The Challenges of Human Nature
And it's very, very clear, if you think about it. But for a lot of people, it's not. What they want because it requires them to work to get their. You know, a lot of people will say, you know, I used to be a Catholic, but in fact, I just heard this on Monday. It was rather comical and kind of sad at the same time.
Understanding True Faith
For some reason, modern men have no problem coming up to Christian, Catholic and. Declaring to them their happiness about being Protestant. I have no idea why. LaFaro? You know, we all know how the the progression happens, right? I was born I went to Saint Bruno's. I was baptized the same Bruno's. I went to 13 years of school at St Bruno's.
The Role of Saint John and the One True Church
I went to St So-and-so college. That it that that that that the and then I met the most beautiful woman and her and I became members of a heretical cults. And we're both going to hell. I'm sorry. What was that last part that they don't talk about? I'm sorry. My mistake. But is that not what the case is? There is no salvation, I told the Catholic Church. I said to this gentleman, I said, Well, you know, you still are a Catholic, sir.
Maintaining True Faith
Well, I know. I know. Once a Catholic, always a Catholic, blah, blah. I thought, well, once a Catholic, always a Catholic is the truth. Once a Catholic, always a Catholic. The road to salvation is through. The Church. You know, when Saint John was talking in the desert, he was not he did not say, oh, by the way, I just want to let you know. You can imagine how fun this would have actually been.
Rejecting False Paths
There are many, many ways to go to heaven. Okay. You can do Buddha mantra or you can be a Hindu, or you can be a Protestant or a mormon. Or even if you want to go. If you want to go over the top. We got you. Those are all ways to happen. Or, you know, if you really want to be a little bit more hardcore. Well, there's the Jesus Christ. Could you imagine a foolish that would have sound? But this is not the way modern man acts.
The Importance of the Catholic Church
He assumes that all these roads lead to St Peter's saying, Well, come on in, you are good. But is that really the case? Is that really the case? No, it's not. People say, well, I mean, but I'm a good person. I mean, I'm a good person. There are a lot of good people. A lot of nice people and hell. Who do nice things.
The Sacrament of Penance
Because as we all know, the saying the road to hell is paved with good comes good intentions. You know, Father, I really should. I should. I should get back the sacrament of what is a modern church called reconciliation, otherwise known as the sacrament of penance. But, you know, I just. I just don't. I can't find the time.
Overcoming Complacency
Oh, well. Well. Right here. Oh, some other day. I should probably get back to my father. You know it really. I used to love going to Mass when I was a child. Well, I tell you, the mass times. Are you trying to justify to me that you still think you're a good Catholic in your mind, even though you haven't been to Mass or receive the sacraments in years?
The Necessity of True Practice
Because what we are pretending to do is not going to lead us to salvation. We have to be aware of that. We have to be very, very careful that we understand this, my dears. There is one path that leads to. Eternal salvation. And that's it. You know, Saint John is so clear, he says from the prophet Isaiah, I am the voice crying in the wilderness.
A Call to True Worship
Can you imagine if that was the case, if somebody yelling, hey, hey, wait a minute. Seven, nine, 11 and five. Aren't you going to? Well, I went to church today. I went to church. But but did you really go to church or did you do your own thing? What did you do? Well, you know, I. I know that if I do it this way, it's going to work. Well.
Defining True Success
Is it truly going to work? Is there truly that path to. Succeeding. And what is success? What is it? To become a saint. That's the whole point. To serve God. As he expects us to serve him. As he expects us. You know, I thought about this long and hard. I really have. I thought about this long and hard. And I have to wonder sometimes.
The Unyielding Path of Salvation
Because, you know, again, I've contemplated this. Is there really another path to eternal salvation? I've looked at all the other religions and tried to find some sense of. But I can't. I can't. Why? Because there's always a gap somewhere. There's always a gap. It's almost like there's missing. Steps, right?
Avoiding Missteps in Faith
You ever had that happen to you where you're in somebody's. House or something. And, you know, you you think that you see this the staircase from maybe an older home and you step and your foot goes right through the step and you realize, oh, my gosh, I can't get up here. Well, a piece is missing. If all those steps were properly maintained.
Following the Unbroken Path
One, two, three. Up to the top where you belong. And you have no problem getting there. But think about how a lot of modern men are trying to skip steps or not take those steps at all. Right. They do things to where? Well, I don't have to do this any more, because now my. Self-proclaimed arrogant intellect has told me it's not necessary anymore because a bunch of individuals wrote a bunch of papers, documents and books that I'm more comfortable with because it allows me to do whatever I want.
The Consequence of Ignorance
And one day I will join them forever in eternal fire. Oh, was that. I'm sure I probably shouldn't have said that, but that's the truth. That's where you will end up. If we do not follow the proper order of our Lord, that's it. We can make excuses all day long. Remember last Sunday what they are saying, John, would they ask him, who are you? Are you as Isaiah? Nope. Jeremiah, no.
Upholding the Traditions of the Faith
Are you the Messiah? No. I am the bush cry and the others prepare the way of the Lord. I am not worthy to unleash and the buckles of his sandals. Hmm. And this is the great Saint John the Baptist. My ideas. We were so fortunate to be Catholics. You know. And although there are going to be those, they're going to try and deceive us, especially those of you who are younger.
Courage in the Face of Deception
Okay. The younger ones are the ones who are the fodder for the wolves. Right. We have to remember that we are the fortunate ones and we must never lose sight of the fact that we must have the courage to say to somebody if they feel the need to bring it to our attention, that they're already saved. To give them some examples where they might not be.
Witnessing with Humility
But then opposed to walking away like an arrogant, self-righteous jerk. We do not do that. You have to conclude with all, by the way. Let me help you to better understand why the Catholic Church is the true church of Jesus Christ. No more, no less. And no other. And if we do this, what are we going to receive?
Preparing for Eternal Salvation
Well, I hope the answer is eternal salvation, because we are acting in the name of our Lord. As a humble servant would act. So, my dear friends, please do not lose sight of this. Don't feel overwhelmed by the concerns that are coming. But rather keep yourself properly disposed to knowing full well that this is the Church of Jesus Christ.
Acknowledging True Worship
You know, a lot of people will say and you've probably heard this before, too. I'm a Christian. And you ask the question. Oh, so you're Christian? Yes, I. I worship Jesus Christ. Great. But do you worship him in his church or are you actually worshiping him in his church? Because again, if you go back through history, all the other churches with the quotes, one of my kids thought that was kind of cute and included in her skit last week. I thought that was very funny for the school for the high school girls, because, you know, this is something Father probably does because he can be rather sarcastic.
Church Unity and History
But the truth is, if you look back through history, well, also the churches were founded by men. Who had their own agenda. Right. They who. Let me say it again. Who had their own agenda. Whereas you look at the Church of Jesus Christ. He is saying, upon this rock, I will build my church. Again upon this rock, I will build my church.
The Foundational Truth
He is not saying so. Peter. Andrew. James. John. Thomas. Philip. Paul. For your churches in my name somehow. No, he says. This is how I want my church to be. Built. And we are the recipients of that. So let us not lose sight of that, my dears, because remember, the voice is crying in the wilderness. Prepare the way of the Lord.
The Fulfillment of the Promise
And in a few short days, we come together to celebrate the holy mass of what? Christmas! Because this is the, if you will, the promise that was fulfilled. It was fulfilled. This is what our Lord prophesied for all of those years before. And the promise was fulfilled. Here's the promise I will become man. I will be born through the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Which, of course, our Lord was.
Conclusion: Preparing the Way of the Lord
So may God bless you, my dears. I hope you have a wonderful end of the Advent season and let us prepare the way of the Lord. Let us prepare the way of the Lord.
Summary
This reflection delves into the challenges of finding the true path to salvation, emphasizing the unique and unwavering role of the Catholic Church in guiding believers. It contrasts modern approaches to faith, which often involve searching for spiritual fulfillment through transient emotions or alternative religious practices, with the steadfast teachings and traditions of Catholicism. The text serves as a reminder of the singular path to eternal salvation through the Church and the importance of adhering to its doctrines without being swayed by modern interpretations or complacency.
Reinforced through the metaphor of discovering successful paths in other fields, such as medical innovations, the reflection calls on Catholics to remain true to their faith. It highlights the importance of engaging in the sacraments, understanding the teachings of the Church Fathers, and witnessing with humility to those outside the faith. Ultimately, it encourages the faithful to prepare the way of the Lord in anticipation of the promise fulfilled in the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, urging them to remain vigilant and committed in their spiritual journey.