If there's a criticism I have of some who have embarked upon the crusade on behalf of EENS, it's that it does appear as if some have succuмbed to "bitter zeal" and almost, almost I dare say, come across as relishing the fact that many are lost (because it proves them right). Nothing in the created universe can be as tragic as the loss of a soul. But it's none other than a firm belief in EENS combined with this wonderful love for souls and the desire that they be saved that leads to the great missionary zeal we have seen in the Church's history. Neither belief in EENS without love for souls nor some vague love for souls without belief EENS can inspired true missionary zeal. So it's PRECISELY out of a love for souls that we need to continue to defend a strict interpretation of EENS.
What a beautiful post, Ladislaus!. Strict adherence to EENS without a sincere love of souls is fruitless. Think for example, the great missionary St. Francis Xavier, who, with God's grace, converted and baptized thousands of people!
Winning souls for Christ by interesting others in our holy Faith should be the business and concern of every Catholic.
Jesus Christ promised:
"Therefore everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge him before My Father in Heaven" (Matt. 10:32)
Pope St. Gregory the Great (590-604):
"No sacrifice is more acceptable to God than zeal for souls."Although, ultimately it is not up to us to actually convert souls (it is up to the Holy Ghost to build his army on earth), we can't just give up. Perhaps God will use you as missionary for a lost soul out there. Through example and prayer, we can inform about our Faith. We need to persevere. You never know who you are going to be a missionary to, in God's greatest plan.