Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Archbishop Sheen was instrumental in my life as a young Methodist child glued to the TV completely mesmerized by this wonderful priest. I didn't know what Catholic was and didn't know exactly who Archbishop Sheen was. But, I knew this man spoke with truth and authority and I listened. I sat on the floor as close as I could get every time he was on TV. The rest of the world disappeared while he spoke. I thank God for EWTN so I can continue to see this man who made such an incredible impact on my young years. I did convert, by the way, when I was 14. And, sometimes, I talk to him now. God love ya, Archbishop Sheen!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


INDIFFERENCE

Every teacher knows that it is easier to win a mind with a mistaken interest than one that has no interest at all. The greatest of the Apostles, Paul, came to the Lord through the flames of hate, and the reason of his hate remained the reason of his love - a vivid recognition of all the Person of Christ stood for in relation to humanity. The sensuous passion of Magdalen finally swept in the opposite directions and became the supreme dedication of her love.

But what is extremely difficult for the blessings of heaven to work upon is indifference and the middle-age spread of false broadmindedness. The Lord can do something with the obviously bad, but it is rather difficult to do anything with the obviously good. They have outlived their hot venturesome days but have not yet seen into the vanity the world prizes. They are comfortable and hence ask for no change; because they have wealth, they think that they are worthful...

Dante in his description of hell said that when he first entered it, he found some spirits that were neither rebellious nor faithful, but existed solely for themselves. They were “hateful, distasteful to God and to His enemies!”

When these indifferent souls steal, they do not restore; when they have moral collapses, disgusting to the moral sense, they do not repent, but creep back into an old respectability; they judge themselves by the accepted standards of the group in which they move; social refinement is regarded as the flower and the aroma of virtue; secular conventions are given the force of Divine commands; and finally, they may call themselves stupid but never sinful.

Herein lies the psychological reason for the denial of immorality. Knowing that such indifference cannot escape judgment when all things are weighed in the balance, they resort to denying it....

No one can pick up the Scriptures without reading a devastating criticism of social moral standards, as when the Divine Savior put a harlot above a Pharisee, a penitent robber above a religious leader, a prodigal son above his exemplary elder brother. Many a tree as it stands in the forest, looks fair, fine, solid and valuable, but when it is cut down and sawed for use reveals rottenness, cross grain and knots. Social conformity to low standards may give the appearance of goodness, but in the judgment of God, the true character is revealed.

(Excerpt from Guide to Contentment)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Prayer to Obtain a Favor Through the Intercession of
The Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request). I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.