Is Pope Benedict XVI a Prophet?

Is Pope Benedict XVI a Prophet?

In pursuit of the truth - cinops be gone - Tuesday, July 3, 2012

How else can you explain today’s meditation in Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger’s book, Co-Workers of the Truth - Meditations for Every Day of the Year, Ignatius, 1992. It describes America today, as Blessed John Paul called it A Culture of Death. We conclude this Fortnight of Prayer for Religious Freedom and Conscience in our country.

“The question about God is inescapable; it admits of no abstention. This leave us with the further question: Is there, then no answer to the question about God? And if there is an answer what degree of certitude can we expect?

“In his Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul found himself confronted with precisely this question. The Apostle’s answer to the metaphysical and moral cynicism of a decadent society ruled only by the law of power is astounding. He asserts that in reality they do know about God:” … What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them (Rom 1:19)

“He supports his statement by pointing out that “Ever since the creation of the world his [God’s] eternal power and divine nature, invisible thought they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made” (Rom 1:20).

“Paul concludes from this that they are “without excuse” (ibid.). The truth was available to them, but they did not want the obligation it would entail… People oppose the truth that would place demands upon them - demands such as the worship of God and the giving of thanks. (Rom 1:21)

“The moral corruption of society is for Paul but the logical consequence and the exact mirror-image of its fundamental perversion. When we place our own will, our own pride, our own comfort above the demands of truth, it is inevitable that everything will fall ultimately into decay.

“God, to whom worship is due will no longer be worshipped; instead images, appearances, the prevailing point of view [same-sex marriage] will hold humanity in thrall. This universal distortion will spread to all walks of life.

“What is contrary to nature will become the norm; the individual who lives contrary to the truth, lives contrary to nature. His ingenuity will no longer be at the service of what is good, but will be used instead to devise original and artful forms of wickedness.

“The relationship between husband and wife, between parents and children will be dissolved and the sources of live will consequently be thwarted. It will no longer be life that has dominion, but death; a civilization of death will be established.”

George H. Kubeck - For today this letter may be one of three. Pope Benedict XVI, “I fear that America will lose its religious freedom.” Archbishop Gomez, “The greatest threat we face comes from our own lack of faith and our own lack of courage.” Only prayer will make the difference.