[Twice dyed]

From an old SSPX Bulletin April, 2005 AD.

St. Raphael's Bulletin,  SSPX, March - April 2005

THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD

Taken from the Theology of Christian Perfection, Antonio Royo-Marin

"When we speak of the world as an enemy of the Christian and an obstacle to
his sanctification, we are referring not so much to the world itself as to the
worldly or mundane spirit manifested by those who live in complete neglect of
God and excessive attachment to created things. Thus it may happen that entire
cities or nations are infected with a mundane spirit, living only for the pleasures
and satisfactions which can be drawn from creature things. It is this milieu or
environment which presents a great obstacle to the Christian who is in earnest
about making progress in holiness through detachment and the positive practice
of virtue.

  The worldly spirit is generally manifested in four principal ways.
The first and most deceptive is that of the false maxims which are directly opposed to the
precepts of Christ. The world exalts pleasure, comfort, riches, fame, violence
and might. It advises its followers to enjoy life while they can, to make the most
of what the world has to offer, to find security and the maximum bodily
comfort, to forget about tomorrow and give not a thought to a life hereafter. So
far has this perversion of true values been carried that a common thief is
considered to be efficient and adept in business, an agnostic or atheist is a man
who thinks for himself, a person who rejects all authority and objective morality
is one who values his personal freedom, and a woman of loose morals is
considered sophisticated and mature.

  The second manifestation of the mundane spirit is found in the ridicule and
persecution of those who strive to live honestly and decently. The sensate
person not only declares himself free of all moral restrictions and lives as he
pleases, but he makes a mockery of any authority or law that would guide
people along the path of self-control and obedience. Not wanting to observe the
law himself, he cultivates a special hatred for those who honestly strive to lead
good lives.

  The third manifestation of a worldly spirit is found in the pleasures and
diversions of those who observe no control in regard to their lower appetites.
The excesses in the use of sex, drugs, alcoholic drinks and food are accepted as
being in good taste socially. The theater, magazine and other media of
entertainment know no restriction except the strong arm of the law or the
startled indignation of the public. The abnormal becomes normal in the lives of
these persons.

  The fourth mark of a mundane spirit is the scandal and bad example which
confront the earnest Christian at every turn. And it is not a question merely of
malicious and irreligious persons who give scandal by their evil lives, but what
is even worse, scandal is sometimes given by those who, because of their
Christian belief or state in life, should be examples of virtue. With good reason
could St. John complain that the whole world is seated in wickedness (I John
5:19). And Jesus himself warned: "Woe to the man through whom scandal does
come!" (Matt. 18:7).

REMEDIES AND RECOURSES

  The most efficacious remedy against the pernicious influence of the world
and worldly persons is to flee, but since the majority of Christians must live in
the world and still pursue Christian perfection, it is necessary that they strive to
acquire the mind and spirit of Christ, who also lived in the world but was
opposed to its spirit. Of the various remedies for avoiding contamination by the
world, we can emphasize the following:

l) Avoid dangerous occasions.
  "He who loves danger will perish in it. "
The world is filled with occasions of great danger to the spiritual life and to
salvation. Whether it be a question of worldly possessions, mundane pleasures
or creature attachments, the Christian must at any cost keep himself from all
possible temptation. The occasions that are sinful for one may not be so for
another, and for that reason it is difficult to make any universal laws in this
matter. Nevertheless, there are some occasions which are so poisonous that they
would be harmful to any Christian. As for the rest, each one must learn by
experience where his weaknesses lie and then take the necessary steps by way of
self-denial and self-control. And when in doubt, the honest Christian will base
his practical judgment on whether or not the occasion in question would be
dangerous for the average good Christian. If so, he also should avoid it. Still
another rule of thumb is simply to ask oneself: "What would Jesus do?" It is
likewise helpful to remember the admonition of St. Paul, to the effect that not all
things that are lawful are prudent. In other words, there are times when the
Christian will find it necessary to avoid occasions which in themselves are not
evil or especially dangerous.

2) To vivify one's faith.
  St. John says: 'This is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith" (I John 5:4). Faith is not only an intellectual assent to certain dogmas and mysteries; when it is perfected it gives us an attitude of mind or a way of judging things in a divine manner. It enables us to see things through the eyes of God, so to speak. A strong faith will enable the Christian to
see God in all things and also to walk through great dangers unharmed, because
he is able to rise above those things that are temptations for others. A strong
faith will also enable the Christian to withstand the taunts and ridicule of
worldly persons. In many works of art the martyred saint is surrounded by
persecutors who wear a cynical smile or a leer on their faces. But the saint
remains steadfast and tranquil amidst all manner of attack and suffering, because
the eyes of his soul, through the light of faith, can peer into eternity and be
focused on the divine.

3) Meditation on the vanity of the world.
  The world passes quickly, and life passes even more quickly. There is nothing stable and permanent in the world's judgments or friendships; there is nothing completely satisfying in its
delights. Those who are applauded today are criticized tomorrow; the evil prosper, for they have their reward in this world. But the Christian, who realizes that he has not here a lasting city but is a traveler to the eternal fatherland, knows that only God is changeless and only his justice and truth will remain
forever. For that reason, only he who does the will of God abides forever" (I John 2:17).

4) Disregard for human respect.
  To be concerned about what they will
say is one of the attitudes which is most unworthy of a Christian. Jesus said
explicitly that he would deny before his heavenly Father anyone who denies him
before men (Matt. 10:33). It is therefore necessary for the Christian to take a
firm stand in this matter and to follow the injunction of Christ to the letter: "He
who is not with Me is against Me" (Matt. 12:30). And St. Paul warns that he is
not a disciple of Christ who would be concerned about pleasing men (Gal. 1:10).
One who desires to reach sanctity must be absolutely indifferent to what the
world may think or say. His only concern must be to do the will of God, cost
what it may. And it is best to make this decision from the very first, so that all
may know at the outset where one stands. We have been warned by Christ that
the world will hate and persecute us (John 15:18-20), but if the world sees that
we stand firm in our decision to follow Christ and his laws, it will ultimately
leave us in peace and consider the battle lost. The best way to conquer the world
is not to yield a single pace, but to take an unswerving stand in renouncing its
false maxims and vanities.

The End.

Bishop Tomas Aquinas speaks of this in his May 25, 2025 Sermon that I Posted in "Members Only" board, June 12, 2025 AD.