Lent III, Faith and Salvation - Fr. Federico Palma 05-03-24

SummaryThe homily centers on the profound theological principle expressed by Christ: “He that is not with me is against me.” This principle underscores the absolute necessity for Catholics to belong to the true Church founded by Christ—the Roman Catholic Church—and to profess the true faith in order to attain salvation. Fr. Federico Palma emphasizes that mere profession of faith is not enough; one must also live in accordance with that faith through sanctification, practicing virtue, prayer, and frequent reception of the sacraments. The discourse further critiques the post-Vatican II Church reforms, rejecting the Novus Ordo Mass, the legitimacy of recent popes from John XXIII to Francis, and the changes introduced by Vatican II as heretical deviations from the true Catholic Church. The rejection is grounded in the doctrines of the Church’s indefectibility and infallibility, which mandate that the true Church remains uncorrupted and faithful to Christ’s teachings until the end of time. Fr. Palma insists that fidelity to the true Church is not merely a canonical or institutional question but a deeply theological one that impacts the salvation of souls. Finally, Fr. Palma calls for Catholics to not only understand these doctrinal truths but to live them out, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary for grace to implement these teachings practically in their lives.HighlightsThe phrase “He that is not with me is against me” highlights the necessity of belonging to Christ’s true Church for salvation.Faith alone is necessary but not sufficient; sanctification and living out the faith are equally essential.The Roman Catholic Church, founded by Christ, is the only true Church.Vatican II reforms and the Novus Ordo Mass are rejected as heresies and deviations from true Catholicism.Recent popes from John XXIII to Francis are considered false popes, not legitimate successors of Peter.The rejection of Vatican II and its reforms is based on the Church’s indefectibility and infallibility doctrines.Catholics must actively sanctify their souls through prayer, sacraments, virtue, and spiritual exercises, not just knowledge of doctrine.Key InsightsNecessity of True Church Membership for Salvation: Fr. Palma stresses that salvation is intrinsically linked to belonging to the Church Christ founded. This is not merely a cultural or institutional affiliation but a theological imperative. The statement “He that is not with me is against me” serves as a rigid binary, denying any middle ground or neutrality in matters of faith and ecclesial belonging. This reflects a traditional Catholic ecclesiology that views the Church as the sole ark of salvation.Faith and Sanctification as Connected Imperatives: Fr. Palma highlights a dual necessity—professing true faith and living a life of sanctity. Catholic authors are cited to affirm that love of truth and personal sanctification are inseparable. This deepens the understanding of salvation as both doctrinal and moral, emphasizing that intellectual assent without moral transformation is insufficient.Rejection of Vatican II and the Novus Ordo: Fr. Palma represents a traditionalist critique of the Second Vatican Council and its aftermath, categorizing them as heretical innovations. The Novus Ordo Mass is dismissed as a “Protestant supper,” even when celebrated in Latin, reflecting a radical stance that equates liturgical reform with doctrinal corruption. This rejection is a defining characteristic of certain traditionalist Catholic groups who see Vatican II as a rupture in Church continuity.False Papacy and Church Authority: Fr. Palma asserts that recent popes, from John XXIII through Francis, are “false popes” rather than legitimate successors of Saint Peter. This rejection is carefully framed as a theological necessity rooted in the Church’s indefectibility and infallibility doctrines, which claim that the Church cannot err in its core teachings or leadership. Therefore, those who espouse heresy cannot be true popes. This stance challenges the legitimacy of the current ecclesiastical hierarchy and calls for resistance.Theological vs. Canonical Question: The homily emphasizes that the issues at hand are theological rather than merely canonical or juridical. The question of allegiance and salvation transcends legalistic or institutional considerations and touches the very nature of the Church and the holy sacrifice of the Mass. This framing elevates the discussion to the level of divine truth rather than human law.Importance of the Holy Mass as Public Profession of Faith: The Mass is described as the highest public profession of Catholic faith, and therefore, fidelity in the Mass is paramount. Any Mass offered in communion with what the speaker calls an “anti-pope” is rejected as an abomination. This insight underscores the centrality of liturgical worship as an expression of ecclesial unity and doctrinal purity.Practical Spiritual Life as Essential for Salvation: Beyond understanding and defending the faith, Catholics must actively sanctify their souls through prayer, sacraments, avoidance of sin, and spiritual exercises. This practical call to holiness reaffirms that theoretical knowledge without lived faith is inadequate for salvation. The invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as “Virgo Fidelis” highlights the need for divine assistance in fulfilling these spiritual obligations.The overall message is a comprehensive call to unwavering fidelity to the traditional Roman Catholic faith and Church, combined with a rigorous personal commitment to holiness and sacramental life as the surest path to eternal salvation.TrueCatholicFaith.com