Theologically, Heresy is not the wholesale rejection of all dogma, but rather the sublimation or overemphasis of a specific doctrine.
Such might be the case for Mercy, an integral part of the Catholic Magisterium, the Church’s collective moral teachings. The doctrine of Mercy has been revered and appreciated by the faithful throughout the centuries. It has always maintained an appropriate balance between all of God’s attributes.
A year of Mercy was proclaimed by Pope Francis in 2015 to terminate on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in 2016. At the mid-point of this year of Mercy it is becoming obvious that something is amiss.
Papal pronouncements permitting divorced Catholics without an annulment the possibility of receiving the Eucharist – making the annulment process excessively user-friendly - labeling marriage as an “ideal” state to aspire to, rather than a firm reality, and redefining divorce as merely an “irregularity” highlights a sea-change in Catholic teaching and practice. These supposed acts of mercy, place the family in grave peril.
The overall effect of overemphasizing Mercy has been the creation of a new Catholic mindset precluding or diminishing:
GOD’S JUSTICE: The theological over emphasis of Mercy shifts the philosophic basis of human action from right reason to subjective, emotional judgments.
THE NEED TO SACRIFICE: God has given man the ability to offer homage in the form of sacrificing our will to His.
MAN’S SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Again, an over emphasis on Mercy diminishes man’s responsibility to follow God’s law.
MAN’S ACCOUNTABILITY TO OTHERS: To overemphasize Mercy, diminishes man’s accountability to both God and his fellow man.
A WHOLESOME SENSE OF FEAR FOR GOD’S MAJESTY: By overemphasizing Mercy, man loses a sense of fear for the majesty of God, who created the universe and all within it.
MAN’S NEED AND SENSE OF PERMANENCE: The new Catholic mindset equally destroys man’s sense of permanence, knowing that what is wrong today, may well not be later on. He has an intuitive need for clear, resounding, unchangeable truths despite his limitations to live up to them in full degree.
The wonderment of the Magisterium is its marvelous and calculated balance. God Almighty does not give us a cross that we cannot bear! By executing our life’s mission honorably with dignity, honesty and fortitude, we honor Almighty God, ourselves and all mankind.
--Xavier Rynne
