Lifesite reports that the US Bishops are preparing a document in which they will tell Catholics who are in a state of mortal sin not to show up for Communion.
The document, addressed to all the faithful, points out that Catholics may not receive communion if they are do not accept Church teaching on matters such as abortion and homosexuality. Catholics should refrain from Holy Communion, says the document, "when they lack adherence to what the Church authoritatively teaches on matters of faith and morals."
Oooooooh a DOCUMENT. Like that's gonna solve all the problems.
Another BLOODY DOCUMENT!
I can just see it coming: the pro-abort Catholics are going to say something to the effect of: my conscience tells me voting for abortion is okay, therefore I'm not in a state of mortal sin, therefore I can receive Communion.
You just know that they will come up with some BS rationale like that.
And the clergy will go along with it.
The Bishops may very well vote for this, but the fact that it's a document, and apparently no teeth to it tells me it's going to be a dead letter, just like the Catechism, which already explains all this. It's like the parable of the vineyard owner, who keeps sending his slaves to tell the workers what they're supposed to be doing. If they keep reacting to the same way to the same actions, what makes anyone think they will not do the same in the future?
If Bishops do not want pro-aborts to show up, they must make examples of politicians and other public figures who defy Church teaching. When the faithful see the consequences, they will know there are consequences. Right now, all we're getting is more blah blah blah blah blah. As it is, Bishops don't always implement the documents put forward either by the Conference of Bishops or the Vatican, so why should we expect any change in the modus operandi of the Church?
The Bishops have all the authority to do this right now. The fact that they feel the need for a document is telling. It tells me that they do not want to confront the issue head on. They are afraid.
Pope John Paul's motto, quoting Jesus, was: Be Not Afraid.
Well, the apostles were afraid, anyway.
