Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season

A few days ago, Msgr. Charles Pope wrote a passionate post for the Archdiocese of Washington's blog about the corrupting effects of "all that 'old school' stuff that hangs on in a darkened world." Within a day, the post disappeared, and Msgr. Pope subsequently wrote:

I removed the post upon further reflection due to the strong nature of the language I had used in parts of it.

He added:

I remain concerned about the central point of the article, namely, how we as Catholics can effectively engage a culture that increasingly requires us to affirm what we cannot reasonably affirm.

I agree that his central point is valid. For that matter, I don't think the language he had used was too strong in nature -- though parts were... impolitic, by the standards of American diocesan communications.

Here, then, is a chunk of his post, with the impolitic parts excised:

Sometimes it takes a while to understand that what used to work no longer works

Let’s be honest: St. Patrick’s Day nationally has become a disgraceful display of drunkenness and foolishness in the middle of Lent that more often embarrasses the memory of Patrick than honors it.
It’s time to cancel the “Catholic” traditions that have been hijacked by the world. Better for Catholics to enter their churches and get down on their knees on St. Patrick’s Day to pray in reparation for the foolishness, and to pray for this confused world to return to its senses. Let’s do adoration and pray the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet unceasingly for this poor old world.

But stay away from all that “old school” stuff that hangs on in a darkened world. As for St Patrick’s Day, it’s time to stop wearin’ the green and instead take up the purple of Lent and mean it. Enough of the celebration of stupidity, frivolity, and drunkenness that St Paddy’s day has become. We need penance now, not foolishness.

Enough now, back to Church! Wear the purple of Lent and if there is going to be a procession, let it be Eucharistic and penitential for the sins of this age.

For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world!

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