Dull and Dark

The Baltimore Catechism teaches that sin dulls the intellect and darkens the soul.

It should be noted, that this teaching is not revoked in the Catechism of the Catholic Church - promulgated by the Servant of God John Paul II.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews (3:12-13) we read:

“Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God. But exhort one another every day, whilst it is called today, that none of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

I mention this today in response to the tragedy of Rembert Weakland, the retired archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

His recent "revelations" and unbelievable commentary are timely examples of the effects of sin. Not only has he admitted to "several" homosexual relationships, he has defended them as moral. As if this were not quite enough, he told a reporter, on May 19th, that he "never knew" that the abuse of children by clergy was illegal. When I saw that comment, I could hardly believe it. I read it, and re-read it several times. He never knew it was illegal?

Sin dulls the intellect, and darkens the soul.

We are cautioned, warned by the Word of God written in the Epistle to the Hebrews about the "deceitfulness of sin." In Psalm 36:1-10 (35, Douay) we have the passage "sin speaks to the sinner in his heart...there is no fear of God before his eyes..."

This is the only explanation for what has happened to Archbishop Weakland -- and, we must remember, can happen to us as well.

Sin dulls the intellect, and darkens the soul.

Once we begin on the path of disobedience; even with "little disobediences," we begin the fall from grace -- the fall into the darkness of sin. As we tumble further into its abyss, sin becomes more and more "natural" to us. We even lose the ability to identify sin as "sin." Our judgment becomes fogged, and our moral compass no longer points to "True North."

This condition is not reserved for those of low mental abilities. Everyone, regardless of education, I.Q., or position is vulnerable to temptation. We must resist, as St. Peter says, "firm in the faith," lest our adversary the devil devour us.

Sin dulls the intellect and darkens the soul.

Being in such darkness, and being dulled to the point of not recognizing the situation is a condition terrible and to be feared.

Rembert Weakland has brought shame and disgrace upon the Church, and there is no telling how his revelations and actions have hurt others -- including those who looked to him as their shepherd. He is a man entangled in spiritual darkness. Rather than rejoicing at his fall from grace, our duty is to pray for his conversion.

Let us pray for, and exhort each other every day -- while it is still today -- that none of us be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Have Mercy on Me; a sinner!