CATHOLICS AS A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION

 The secular media labors under the error that Catholicism "is something that should change with the times. For secularists (and modernists) there is no" divinely revealed truth ", which is unchangeable. They (the media) feel the responsibility to help the Church along in this endeavor (do get with the times). there are also many so-called Catholics who feel the same. This is why I think the media reacts so allergically to the SSPX (or traditional Catholics in general) in such a negative manner. Such Catholics who believe and pray as Catholics have always believed and prayed are not "with it". Who have not changed with the times and this is for secularists and modernists something which is totally unforgivable. 

Before the Second Vatican Council, the Church was simply viewed by church critics (both inside and especially outside the church) as being "reactionary" and "old fashioned". However, the difference back then was it was simply understood that Catholics were just that way... (and not much could be done about it) faithful Catholics (generally) believed and behaved very differently (earlier) than non-Catholics (one need only mention the contraceptive mentality or the attitude toward divorce)...."the World" simply knew that Catholics were " different ".  They stood out as being counter cultural. Although today it is true that, according to the teaching of the Church this "difference" is still taught and proclaimed, can  one really see a big difference between Catholics and non Catholics in their way of life?. I learned a phrase in Germany : "dont be so Catholic!" I 've understood the phrase as something negative used to describe the perceived "prudish" behavior of others. this really annoyed me. Unfortunately,  too often there is no big difference between Catholics and Protestants or unbelievers for that matter. Unfortunately, Catholics are not by and large "signs of contradiction" in the world and this is something that needs to be rectified. There are of course insular exceptions to this and those Catholics who seek to be that sign of contradiction are to be wholeheartedly supported and commended.

As Mother Angelica said so well, "A Christian is to be a "sign of contradiction"--a light on top of the mountain---a thorn in the side of the world. His entire life is a silent reproach to sinners, a beacon of hope to the oppressed, a ray of sunshine to the saddened, a source of encouragement to the destitute and a visible sign of the invisible reality of grace."  May God multiply there number...