"The Cafeteria is Now Closed"

During a wonderful homily the day after the announcement of our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, a priest quoted something he heard on television in reference to 'cafeteria Catholics': "The cafeteria is now closed." This is an excellent point. It puts to rest the wishes by some that the new Pope might ignore God's Laws. The Pope must deliver God's Message. As a human being, the Pope does NOT have the ability to change God's Message.

Many seem to be confusing a Papal election with a Presidential election. During the recent Presidential election, questions about abortion and embryonic stem cell research were asked of the candidates. It was important to know the candidates' positions. Nobody should support abortion and embryonic stem cell research (least of all Catholic candidates who claim they believe life begins at conception) at all. At the same time, we should hope that those candidates and parties who claim to be AGAINST abortion are not simply giving lip service. (After the Terri Schiavo situation, it's important to thoroughly scrutinize candidates and parties to see if they will truly live up to their statements. They can claim whatever they want. But when they bow down before a local judge who defies a Congressional subpoena, one must question whether they truly posess the courage to help pro-life causes.) It is of course a mortal sin to vote for an outright pro-abortion candidate (same goes for one who outright supports embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, homosexual "marriage," euthanasia/assisted suicide, etc.). However, our vote should also not be wasted on those who merely "talk the talk" of pro-life. We should be sure they also "walk the walk."

In the case of a Papal election, none of the above matters. First, the laity is not voting. Second, there is NO need to question the candidates' positions on issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, artificial contraception, homosexual ACTIONS, etc. These are in violation of God's Laws. A Pope does NOT have the ability to change God's Laws. A Pope may NOT endorse such things. The Catholic Church is unlike any other organization. On matters of faith and morals, there is no change. It does not matter what society thinks, what the so-called "experts" are claiming, what the latest poll says, what the main stream media says, etc. The Catholic Church must continue to teach the same Truths taught for nearly 2000 years.

Cafeteria Catholics who believe the church can change God's Laws about contraception or homosexual actions unfortunately do not fully understand the Catholic Church. They need to carefully review the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. At the election of Pope Benedict XVI, some have claimed they will "leave the church." This is sad. However, this is their unfortunate decision. It is their choice to walk away from God's Laws; to say NO to God. It is hoped that they will have a change of heart and accept God's Laws. If they do not, they will eventually have to answer to God. We must pray for them. As the priest quoted in his homily: "The cafeteria is now closed."

Thank God for the election of Pope Benedict XVI! He will have gigantic shoes to fill. But it is wonderful that someone who is known for keeping the Catholic faith pure will be our new shephard.