AlanFromWichita:
So that means you cannot see Jesus when you look at a man whom you know has homosexual tendencies?
Sure I can. I can see Jesus in every person because they’re made in the image and likeness of God. Doesn’t mean every human on this earth is qualified interiorly or exteriorly to
become Christ (much different than having Christ within them) to offer His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity to mankind and absolve our sins.
Does that mean you also cannot recognize Jesus, or do you consider such a man less than the least of our brothers?
Same answer as before. Having Christ within us, being made in His image and likeness, are not the same as actually becoming Christ in the most sacred sacraments of the Catholic Church.
I’m not saying this because of any hatred I believe you harbor against gays – only to examine the logic behind your ideas to see how they are congruent.
Alan
Alan, we’ve posted in various threads over the past year or so and I’ve never, ever, not defended homosexual’s rights to be treated with respect and dignity. You will not find me defending their right to act on their homosexual tendencies, however. I have always advocated they carry the cross they’ve been burdened with along with Christ, honoring the call to celibacy.
I had a homosexual relative who died young of AIDS, I have another who is happy living with her partner, I have around 5 homosexual friends (both genders) whom I value very much, and my daughter’s friend is tending away from femininity. All of them turned away from the Catholic Church because of Her teachings on homosexuality. I would prefer it if they would face their challenge to live a celibate life in order to find true happiness but the bottom line is they desire to fulfill their human needs/wants on this earth than to focus on their future life with Christ in heaven
The one relative who died was blessed to have the time to make a full confession, receive annointing of the sick and the Eucharist before he passed away. I still pray for his soul though. Man, I really miss him. He was one of the most inspirational men in my life. I love all of them dearly, though. They are fun to be around, they offer wise counsel in life issues, they are socially responsible, talented, one is a great father to his children and supportive of his ex-wife. Everything about them, except the neglect of their souls, is good. But I cannot, in good conscience, condone their sexual lifestyle choices, and they know if that subject ever came up I would appeal to them to respond to their needs as the Church guides them to. I guess that’s why the subject rarely comes up
I have respect for them and other Catholic homosexuals who respect the Church enough to choose between their lifestyle or their committment to their Catholicism. I don’t have the same respect for those who continue to receive the sacraments, campaign for change within the Church toward homosexuality or seek the priesthood. A religious order would be a quite honorable avenue for those who seek the priesthood or a life immersed in faith because it would require a lot of prayer and devotion of them, a committment to Christ and celibacy. But to want to step into Christ’s literal shoes offering His body and blood to us when in the priest’s heart and mind he does not accept
all of Christ’s teachings is hypocritical. It just is.
The good news for us who have received the sacraments from gay priests and those priests involved in the abuse scandal is the protection of the Holy Spirit which made those sacraments valid through these men who weren’t really worthy of administering them. That doesn’t mean we should relax the policies banking on that provision though. Once discovered, hypocritical behaviors must be addressed and abolished for the sake of the Church.
To be honest, I haven’t figured anything out really about how to be a devout Catholic around homosexuals. I do find it odd that God has sent me so many in my life, wonderful ones, at that. I also find it easy to see them as people and not as gay people, though it’s still awkward when they’re openly gay in front of me (rare, but it has happened on occasion). I just keep praying to God that I represent Him honorably whenever I’m with them, to guide my thoughts, words and deeds. But right is right and wrong is wrong. This, I know, and I must stand firm in the Truth.
