Homosexuals not condemned but have limitations
IN his recent verbal clash against the gays and lesbians over samesex marriage, the Catholic Church defended the country’s boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. His justification was that he was only quoting the Bible.
*** What was unfortunate and drew the ire of lesbians and gays was his use of “offensive language,” saying that animals are better since they choose the opposite sex.
*** The Catholic Church does not condemn and discriminate against gays and lesbians since, having been created by God, they have their own dignity. Pope Francis himself said that he does not condemn them.
*** Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said: “We have to respect them because they are also children of God, they are human persons. Let not anybody tell me that as far as wrong deeds are concerned or as far as sins are concerned that gays and lesbians are more sinful than we are. No, we are all the same.”
*** Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes echoed the Holy Father’s non-judgmental stance, saying everybody deserves respect.
Bastes, however, stressed that the Pope’s comment does not mean that homosexuals, whether priests or not, are free to practice homosexual acts, much less enter into same-sex marriage.
*** While Pope Francis said: “Who am I to judge?”, he also said, “There are laws (of the Church). And I’m also under the law.”
What the Church is saying is that homosexual relationships have moral limits that are non-negotiable.
*** And this so because this particular Church teaching is based on the Sacred Scripture as cited by Manny Pacquiao like: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. Those who do such actions shall be put to death” (Leviticus 18:22).
*** In St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, it is written: “Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, men committing shameless acts with men, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve” (Romans 1:26-27).
*** In the book of Genesis, we read that God made them male and female. Hence, sexuality finds realization only in a heterosexual relationship.
Since homosexuals of Catholic and other religions like Islam cannot look forward to marriage while their orientation continues, the Church teaches that they should be treated with utmost pastoral care and understanding.
*** It goes without saying that even married couples, priests, and singles for life have rules and moral limits to follow.
*** ST. JUDE. Got serious problems with money, studies, sickness or family relations?
Join us today in our novena to St. Jude Thaddeus at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary, on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City, after the 6 p.m. Mass.
A healing pray- over and anointing of holy oil will follow.