Abbey-Roads2

The King. 

King Henry VIII received this title from the Pope as a reward for his work, “Declaration of the Seven Sacraments Against Martin Luther”, which he wrote together with St. Thomas Moore.  The British monarchs have retained the title ever since.  Of course, history shows us how that defense of the faith ended - for the Church of England.

Bloggers as defenders of the faith.

Of course both Henry and Thomas Moore were laymen, and both staunch Roman Catholics.  Moore wrote more than Henry, and also persevered to martyrdom.  Laity have always been the Church’s strong defense.  Many bloggers today blog to defend the Church and her teaching, which is laudable indeed.

Recently, I have been exchanging emails with a friend who asked me, “Do you ever start to  wonder if the Catholic blogosphere might be doing more harm than good?”  Followed by another email asking, “Have you ever thought of the position of responsibility bloggers put themselves in?  Whatever they say reflects on the Church, whether they realize it or not?”

Those are rather provocative questions, don’t you agree?  At the Judgement, Our Lord says we will be accountable for every word we utter, and naturally, this will include our writings.  Everyone knows that the writings of candidates for canonization are scrutinized for the least hint of error - so what will the Judgement be like?  (I hope it’s quick.  I have no excuse for myself!)

The Scrutinies.

Of course the adopted job of some bloggers is to scrutinize others for any trace of error as they read their posts.  This isn’t a negative however, because if a blogger is blogging erroneous ideas and opinions concerning faith and morals, while claiming to be presenting Catholic doctrine, it is one’s duty to offer fraternal correction so that others are not led astray.

This same principle can be applied when a blogger writes a post pointing out the errors in teaching of a public figure or cleric, whose opinions may not be quite orthodox.  Naturally, everyone will do so courteously and intelligently, although sometimes, as with me, our passions get the best of us and our defense can read as an offense.

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from the sky.”

I like to remember ex-Catholics, such as Henry VIII, or others who were so devout and Catholic - although they had little or no patience, much less concern for those who didn’t agree with them - they keep me humble.  They were Dogma-dogs, as it were, sincerely defending the faith to be sure.  It is very humbling to know that some of these types left the Church.  Some were even more Catholic than the Pope.  The example of such persons has always remained a sort of warning for me.   

Yet to answer my friend’s questions, I replied that I do think blogging does more good than bad, especially when we learn from others, as well as our mistakes.  On the other hand, harm can be done when our writing becomes contentious, vindictive, and full of self opinion and pride - or simply an occasion to aggrandize ourselves through a sort of exhibitionism of our knowledge. 

Though St. Paul was addressing a different issue, I immediately thought of the passage in 1 Corinthians, “Let no one delude himself, if anyone of you thinks himself wise in a worldly way, he had better become a fool.  In this way he will truly be wise.  Since the Lord knows how empty are the thoughts of the wise.” - 1 Corinthians

Love and responsibilty.

As for the responsibilty of bloggers for what they write, and the notion all our writing casts a reflection upon the Church, as others perceive it, Christian life in general is about this responsibilty.  We always ought to be concerned that we neither give scandal or alienate people from the faith by our words, attitude and conduct.  To be a Christian carries with it a grave responsibility, beyond personal sanctification, or defending the faith.  Sometimes our zeal can come off as merely flaunting our knowledge of dogma and legalities in a triumphalist manner.

Again, St. Paul comes to mind with his instructions to the Galatians:

“If someone is detected in sin, you who live by the spirit should gently set him right, each of you trying to avoid falling into temptation himself.  Help carry one another’s burdens; in that way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks he amounts to something, when he is in fact nothing, he is only deceiving himself.  Each man should look to his own conduct.” - Galatians 6 

I probably should quit blogging.  -  No, that wasn’t a question.  

Prayer for death. 

In the lectio continua of this week’s daily readings at Mass, we are listening to the Book of Tobit.  In today’s reading both Tobit, and his future daughter-in-law Sarah pray for death.  Tobit, now blind, and insulted by his wife - she more or less challenged him on his piety and charity, stopping short of calling him a hypocrite - he seeks death as a solution to the calumny he suffers.  On the other hand, Sarah, wants to hang herself because of several unsuccessful weddings - well there is more to it than that.  However, both turn to heaven and  pray for death.

Thoughts of suicide.

I have no idea of how many people contemplate taking their own lives.  However, it is not unheard of for people to pray for death.  Someone with a terminal illness may desire death to be quick, and ask God for this.  People with depression often pray for death.  Some poor sinners find their lives so tormented, virtue seemingly unattainable, they too pray for death.  It may not please God that people do this, but it is much safer than committing suicide, at least the person praying leaves the decision up to God.

St. Raphael

I’m convinced God hears every one of our prayers, even if he is not always pleased with the request.  Indeed he answers them, as today’s reading demonstrates; “The prayer of these two suppliants was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God.  So Raphael was sent to heal them both.”

It seems to me Raphael would be the proper intercessor for those contemplating suicide, or desirous of death.  He is the healing saint, and would supply the remedy for the underlying sorrow that prompts a person to pray for death.

One is not supposed to pray for death, it is meant for God to decide when this occurs.  At Fatima, an invalid asked Lucia to petition Our Lady to relieve her of suffering and take her to heaven soon.  Our Lady responded that it was up to God and that one ought not try to rush the Will of God in these matters.

Nevertheless, one may feel so depressed, death seems preferable to life.  I think the lesson here is to keep praying, even if one is inclined to pray for death - at least it is an honest prayer, albeit imperfect.  (Depressed people generally are not concerned about perfection.)  God always hears our prayer and he who searches souls knows well what is at the heart of the matter.  If Our Lord does not heal the malady, he certainly will supply the grace we need to bear our cross, and grow in grace and understanding.

Not everyone can find spiritual or psychological counsel when they fall into the depths of depression, nor are they able to pray for anything more than death.  Which is why the Christian must pray for those most in need of mercy, and for those who have no one to pray for them.  Our charity ought to make us kind towards those who are most disagreeable, because it is often these who suffer a great deal of interior anguish, leading them to either desire death, or contemplate suicide as a remedy to their unhappiness.  When we exercise ourselves in charity through our prayer, we are more easily disposed to exercise it in our actions and attitudes towards others.

Take some time and visit Penitent Blogger- as usual, he has a beautiful meditation on today’s readings and the prayer for death.  View From the Pews has a practical approach to handling depression and anxiety which can be helpful as well.

Never despair of God’s mercy.