John 3:16 vs Revelation 3:16
By: Robert Bagley -
Thu, Sep 14, 2023 8:42 PM
John 3:16 is arguably one of the best-known and most often quoted Bible verses. This verse is so beloved because it is the core of our faith: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life.” I find it more than interesting that Revelation 3:16 shines an enormous light on the counter to John 3:16.
In the Book of Revelation, we see the Lord has some rather severe words about the lukewarm: “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). Pope St. Pius V went so far as to say, “All the evil in the world is due to lukewarm Catholics.” Pope St. Pius X showed no less disdain with, “All the strength of Satan’s reign is due to the easygoing weakness of Catholics.” Wow! All the evil in the world? All the strength of Satan’s reign? Spit you out of My mouth? The level of fury toward the lukewarm is alarming. Why?
Here’s why. Let’s look at the passage from Revelation. Our Lord, first, wishes we were “hot or cold.” It’s easy to see why the Lord would wish someone were hot. Someone who is “hot” would be that soul blazing with the “fire of love” for God, with a fiery passion to do His will.
So, why would our Lord wish someone were “cold”? Someone who is cold has completely disconnected from God and can often even be antagonistic toward God. So, why would our Lord wish for that? Because “cold souls,” who have outwardly drawn the line in the sand and proclaimed their stance in relation to God, have a greater chance for hitting rock bottom and giving their life over to God; they have a greater chance for conversion. Furthermore, a soul clearly disconnected from God does little to influence souls that are “hot” from straying away from our Lord, as “cold souls” are seen clearly for who they are and where they stand.
So, why the outrage toward the lukewarm? Because the lukewarm do the most damage. They are highly effective in modeling for others how to be a very poor or even a “fake” Catholic. While “cold souls” openly disavow any claim to be a faithful Catholic, lukewarm souls make that claim while they betray the Lord at every turn.
Lukewarm souls are those who have allowed their faith to diminish to little more than what appears to be faith in the eyes of man. Lukewarm souls will often “use” their Catholic faith to build their own personal brand. So, you’ll often see public figures make the claim of being a devout Catholic while they advocate for a plethora of evil policies that horrify God. Or there are those lukewarm Catholics who see no problem voting these evil politicians into power. This is a-okay for the lukewarm, as they have convinced themselves that God’s mercy extends to allowing every kind of sin. Which is why lukewarm souls may go to a communal penance service once or twice a year “to be seen,” but really don’t see any reason for this sacrament.
The most horrifying thing about lukewarm souls is that they usually possess the sins against the Holy Spirit that are referred to as “unforgiveable.”
The unforgiveness is about unrepentance. Lukewarm souls have convinced themselves, and poorly modeled for others, that “they don’t need to prove their love for God.” In other words, they think they can commit any sin and avoid prayer and any charitable work beyond basic obligations, and their ticket is punched because of “mercy.” And, of course, nobody should “judge” anyone, according to the lukewarm soul. St. Thomas Aquinas said, “mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty. To correct the sinner is a work of mercy.”
Lukewarm souls are like a dangerous virus that spreads throughout the Church. On issues of human life, sex, marriage, family, faith, and morality, many within the Catholic Church have absolutely no problem advocating for laws, policies, and politicians that clearly oppose the will of God. This “lukewarm virus” has spread so far that as many as 40% of Catholics favor abortion and 61% of Catholics support gay marriage. Now, you can see why our Lord, Pope St. Pius V, and Pope St. Pius X are so outraged by the lukewarm.
To combat the demonic viral spread of lukewarmness, we must cultivate in ourselves the Holy Spirit gift of fear of the Lord, also known as awe and wonder. Fear of the Lord is the gateway gift to all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If your local parish is cultivating a watered-down, lukewarm version of Catholicism that avoids Church teaching on any “hot button” issues, “GET OUT!” Or, if possible, work with the pastor to cultivate reverent liturgies, frequent confession, ample opportunities for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the practice of many devotions. And, for heaven’s sake, have your pastor’s back when he hits hot-button issues. This all assists the faithful in “drawing nearer unto the Lord.” This gives the soul immunity to the virus of lukewarmness.
UNITE AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS!
State Cross Catholic Outreach Program - How YOU can help
By: Garret Kelenske -
Thu, Sep 14, 2023 5:53 AM
The Cross Catholic Outreach meal packing is only ONE month from today! There are several ways that you and your council or Assembly can get involved!
Contact information and QR codes are on the flyer below to volunteer or to make a donation.
For more information, click
here
The Arm of St Jude
By: Robert Bagley -
Thu, Sep 14, 2023 5:48 AM
The arm of St Jude is coming to the United States and visiting the Grand Rapids Diocese.
As one of the Church's most revered saints, St Jude is the ultimate refuge for those who find themselves in desperate situations. When circumstances appear bleak and insurmountable, Saint Jude emerges as the beacon of hope.
Join us and witness firsthand the miracles he has in store for you.
Click here for more information.
A delicious way to support Cross Catholic Outreach
By: Richard Shelt -
Tue, Sep 12, 2023 5:43 PM
Our Cross Catholic Outreach Food Packing event is just around the corner!
Mark your calendars for October 14th at Holy Family Parish in Novi, hosted by Council #11811. Thank you to all those who have already sent in donations or signed up to help with the packing. Your support means the world to us.
But wait, there's more! The Pulte Charitable Foundation’s FIVE Steakhouse at St John’s resort in Plymouth has generously offered to donate 5% of their September sales to our upcoming food packing event.
Now, here's where you come in. Let's show our support by paying a visit to FIVE Steakhouse. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or their mouthwatering Saturday/Sunday brunch, every meal you enjoy there will contribute to the Cross Catholic Outreach cause. You won't be disappointed.
To check out their menus and get more information about St John’s Resort, click here
Thank you once again for your support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need!
Take Action: Reproductive Health Act Introduced in Michigan Legislature
By: Ed Strach -
Thu, Sep 7, 2023 4:44 PM
On September 6, the Reproductive Health Act was introduced in the Michigan House by pro-abortion Democrat legislators. The bill package calls for the repeal of many commonsense abortion regulations, regulations which continue to enjoy the broad support of Michigan citizens, including the majority of those who voted for Proposal 3.
To read the full article and for more information, click here
2024 Michigan State Bowling Tournament
By: Gregory Zawalski -
Thu, Sep 7, 2023 7:05 AM
Brother Knights,
The Michigan Knights of Columbus Bowling Association “Mixed” bowling tournament will be held on October 14th 2023 starting at 10:00 in Westland, Michigan. This is a good opportunity to invite prospective members to show them the fraternity that they can join. Each team only has to have one active Knight. So, get a team together and come out and have a good time. If you are interested, please complete the mixed form and submit it by September 30th.
In 2024, the 82nd Annual State Bowling Tournament will be held in Lansing, Michigan, hosted by Richard Council #788 at Royal Scot Bowl and Golf. Officers Day will be February 17th and the Open weekends February 24th through March 24th. Participation is open to all members in good standing who belong to a council in the Michigan Jurisdiction. Please see the Tournament Flyer and Richard Council 788 ad placement form for more information.
Please visit the Michigan KofC Athletics website here
Sincerely and Fraternally
Gregory Zawalski - Vice President
Michigan State Bowling Association
State Cross Catholic Outreach Food Packing Program
By: Garret Kelenske -
Wed, Sep 6, 2023 6:43 AM
State Cross Catholic Outreach
Food Packing Program
My Brother Knights, Families, and Friends, I hope this article finds all of you in good health and spiritual wellbeing. I would like to share a few of the updates about our new statewide Food Packing Program. The first of these events will be taking place in the Archdiocese of Detroit at Holy Family Council #11811 located in Novi at Holy Family Parish on October 14th.
I know many of you will be wanting to participate in this program and we have received the flyers and the activation of the QR codes to help facilitate either volunteering or contributing monetarily. At this point we are giving the Councils that are hosting these Diocesan events a little bit of time to get their volunteers signed up before we open it up to everyone. Please sign up using the QR code for Volunteers. As with all large programs there will be a little bit of paperwork to fill out. Remember the first one hundred and fifty people to sign up will get to do the actual food packing. It is also a great responsibility to make sure you can show up for the event. So, if you sign up, show up!
I have been asked “What is the best way to contribute?” well if you are a Council wishing to donate, please make your check out to the “Michigan State Council” and in the memo line please place CCO Program. We have recently decided to have your Council donations sent to the Cross Catholic Outreach Director in charge. It is like the way we run the Coats for Kids Program. This way we can keep an accurate count of monies being collected and since we are doing these programs at a Diocesan level your contribution will go towards your areas Packing Program. The other way is personal donations which we will gladly accept through the QR code, these donations will assure the individuals donating a receipt for their taxes from Cross Catholic Outreach. All QR donations made will be used towards the current Diocese event. I hope this helps and if you have large donations from businesses in your area this will also help them.
This brings me back to Council donations, for each five hundred dollars donated the Council will be able to submit the proper form in the Food for Families Program category and they will receive a hundred dollars back from this Supreme recognized program and be able to collect one point on their Columbian Award application. Please get your donations in as soon as possible for this worthwhile event. As we get closer to the October 14th Food Packing event, I will have more information coming out.
To see the video, click here
Your Brother in Christ
Garret A. Kelenske
State Cross Catholic Outreach Director
