However, I would think that in this case, the bishop responsible for these jurisdictions would recognize the affront to their freedom of religion, and take appropriate actions. Perhaps that's arranging for transportation of parishioners to attend Mass elsewhere, but in cases where that isn't possible, I would expect those bishops to be savvy enough to understand the ramifications of complying to the government's order.
I would also expect, as a Catholic, the Church to engage and fight when necessary. Turning the other cheek will only make us nameless martyrs, and will be seen as an act of cowardice and weakness by this administration.
Bishops’ attitudes vary all over the map. Some have grit, some are fluffy. The single most hierarchically structured Christian worship organization in the world scarcely uses the resource of said structure to the good. Christians are not always going to be guaranteed the catbird seat in the world. The bible warns clearly enough about that. Gutsy virtue is lacking and to get it, the Lord must be called upon to furnish it.
If you think the military and the retirees, veterans of foreign wars, wounded warriors and their families are going to just switch mass fro the chapel, three masses on sunday and a Saturday mass, accommodating thousands of people, who have given time, treasure and life and limb to protect our religious freedom on a Friday afternoon, just announce mass will be held at the local K of C hall, because the government won’t allow us to bring in a volunteer priest, keep the heat off and just unlock the door at no cost to it, then I think you’d better take another look.
These priests have been trying to tell us that the religious freedoms these people fight for is being given up by the moderates and taken by the progressives.
The moderates, go along get along are the ones pushing this.
Do you think this is a good thing or even an acceptable thing to so to these people and their families?
Where the only explanation is vindictiveness. It literally would not cast the government anything to allow mass.
Also... the cheek turning doesn’t mean to refrain from pushing God’s goodness into the world. Jesus came into the world, on what to the world is a very weird sounding mission! Jesus came to bless it even if it killed Him. Sinners do not ask too MUCH from God; they ask too LITTLE.
I am taken aback at the attitude that the military and their families are left to compensate with no appreciation, and are warning, fo r years that this is coming, from civilians or other military, that a little religious persecution and inconvenience is fine.
It is absolutely amazing to me.
The burden is on the government to explain to the military and it’s caretakers, the electorate, as to why the doors cannot be unlocked, private donations of services, hosts and wine, and a volunteer priest, are not allowed.
Do people think there’s nothing worth fighting for?
Or do they pretend, in their comfort, this will blow over, while condemning people who are trying to get it to blow over?