Why are Pride Masses allowed?

[Thorolfr]

You seem to say that as if homosexuality is something one is always undeniably born with. I may be misinterpreting or reading too deeply into your comment, but if my interpretation is correct, I’m very concerned.

Whether someone was born with whatever it is that makes them become a homosexual later on doesn’t make much difference. The fact remains that once someone reaches puberty and realizes that they are mostly attracted to others of the same sex instead of the opposite sex, their brain has been wired in a certain way and it’s almost impossible to change this. In most studies, only a very tiny percentage ever claim that they have somehow been able to totally change their sexual orientation. Recent research on the brain has shown that many of our behaviors are the result of a complex interaction between our genes and our environment and in most cases, the genetic component involves many genes, not just one. So, although someone’s genes might not dictate that they will be gay, they might strongly predispose them in that direction.

 

[RWZiller]

If that’s the case, then why would they want to wear that label and attend a Mass centered around a sexual orientation they most likely don’t want? Wouldn’t they want to shed and reject such a label and let their actions dictate how others perceive them, instead of putting their sexuality on display and making it a source of pride? If I were afflicted with something which led me to sin (which I have been in the past), I would (and did) do my best to reject it in every aspect of my life, and I would use my Faith as a means to OVERCOME that affliction, instead of using my Faith as a way to EXPRESS said affliction.

 

[Thorolfr]

If that’s the case, then why would they want to wear that label and attend a Mass centered around a sexual orientation they most likely don’t want? Wouldn’t they want to shed and reject such a label and let their actions dictate how others perceive them, instead of putting their sexuality on display and making it a source of pride? If I were afflicted with something which led me to sin (which I have been in the past), I would (and did) do my best to reject it in every aspect of my life, and I would use my Faith as a means to OVERCOME that affliction, instead of using my Faith as a way to EXPRESS said affliction.

I can’t speak for others, but for me, since being gay is something I can’t change, I prefer to be open about the fact that I’m gay because I hate keeping secrets about myself. It creates a burden and in the past, I found myself being evasive when people asked me if I’m married or have a girlfriend. And there was always the fear that someone might find out or I might inadvertently say something which would reveal my secret. At one time, this could have had serious consequences since in some states, people can still be fired for being gay. I don’t want to return to that kind of life.

I’ve found that I like being fairly open and transparent about this as well as other things in my life. I don’t bring it up for no reason and not usually with strangers, but don’t try to hide it either. And I avoid being around people who I know would be likely to reject me.

I have ADHD and don’t try to hide that either from my friends or frequent acquaintances since otherwise I’m almost certainly going to hurt someone’s feelings because I forget to call them back or forget to call them often enough and they think I don’t care about them anymore or forget to do something they asked me to do or seem distracted when they’re talking to me. Better to be up front about it all.

 

[Norseman82]

The question is why bishops do not stop them, or why priests think they are a good idea.

The problem is that we do have church leaders who are either too unwilling to stand up to the militants or actually support the cause. A few years ago a local pastor wished “Happy Pride” on either the parish website or in the bulletin or a newsletter.

 

[Beryllos]

Looks like the thread is being shut down soon. Let’s close with a prayer or a few.

There is a wonderful, prayerful thread from last year, and this prayer by @Tis_Bearself is one of my favorites:

Prayer for Homosexual Catholics Spirituality

Dear God, You sure did make a lot of gay people and I know you love each and every one of them dearly. Please help each of them with their individual struggles to live in this world. Help them to live the life You want them to live, and help them to come to know and to love You. Jesus, you know I am just a simple bear and I don’t have all the answers on this issue. I often don’t think anybody does. You put these challenges into the world so we can all learn and grow. With that in mind, pl…

P.S. Might as well copy the whole prayer here, not only for your convenience, but because the last paragraph relates (in my mind, at least) to this thread:

Dear God,
You sure did make a lot of gay people and I know you love each and every one of them dearly. Please help each of them with their individual struggles to live in this world. Help them to live the life You want them to live, and help them to come to know and to love You.

Jesus, you know I am just a simple bear and I don’t have all the answers on this issue. I often don’t think anybody does. You put these challenges into the world so we can all learn and grow.

With that in mind, please help me to respond to gay people, including but not limited to those among my friends and family and those I might encounter in the Catholic community, in the most loving way possible that also conforms with Your Will, and help me to understand what that way is. And please help and guide your Church and all the people comprising it to continue to deal with gay people and all the issues surrounding them in the best way possible that also carries out Your will.
In Jesus’ name I humbly ask this. Amen.

Amen!