“Our prayers at this time are prompted by the fact that the governor of Illinois today is signing into Illinois law the redefinition of civil marriage, introducing not only an unprecedented novelty into our state law, but also institutionalizing an objectively sinful reality,” the bishop said. “It is not hateful to say that an immoral action is sinful. On the contrary, the most compassionate thing we can do is help people to turn away from sin.” Bishop Paprocki added, “To ignore another persons wrongful actions is a sign of apathy or indifference, while fraternal correction is motivated by love for that persons well-being, as can be seen by the fact that our Lord Jesus himself urged such correction. Indeed, the call to repentance is at the heart of the Gospel, as Jesus proclaimed, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Good News’ (Mark 1:15).” “I’m not saying that anyone involved in the redefinition of marriage is possessed by the devil,” said the bishop, “but all of us are certainly subject to the devil’s evil influences and in need of protection and deliverance from evil.” Paprocki said the prayer service was “not meant to demonize anyone,” but was “intended to call attention to the diabolical influences of the devil that have penetrated our culture, both in the state and in the Church.”
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:46:43 +0000