Once, there was a yacht, the size of the Titanic, with over three thousand people aboard. The yacht had every modern convenience -- running water, flush toilets, heating, countless amusements, and plenty of food and water.

Out of nowhere, a small black vessel sped up to the yacht. It flew a strange black flag with a skull and two bones in the shape of an "X" below the skull. Some of the passengers became concerned (knowing that the flag was a pirates' flag, and that pirates were known to kill and steal), but others were utterly ignorant of their danger.

The pirate vessel launched several rockets at the yacht in succession, damaging its engine severely. The yacht was reduced to 25% of its normal maximum speed, and its steering ability was also damaged.

Soon, the pirates launched several hooks over one side of the yacht. Each hook caught on the edge of the yacht. Soon, the cords began retracting, each lifting a pirate to the surface of the yacht.

Before long, gunfire was heard. The pirates were armed with pistols and machine guns, and their intention was to kill the passengers before scavenging for possible loot. They wandered around the ship, killing all passengers they found.

But by this time the concerned passengers (those who recognized the pirate vessel), along with many other passengers, were beginning to drop lifeboats to escape possible death.

But other passengers, insisting that "we signed a contract that we would stay on board for the duration of the cruise", and that the Marines would take care of things before they were killed, insisted on staying aboard. They would simply find a good hiding place, and hope for the best. "No one can survive on the open sea without the comforts of modern life," they said.

But those taking refuge in lifeboats retorted, "We are STILL part of the cruise, even in the lifeboats. The lifeboats were built by the same cruise line, and besides, they have a connection to the vessel we're standing on! We have no idea when the Marines will show up. We have to stay alive in the meantime!"


How this applies to the Crisis in the Church:

Do you suppose those passengers, wanting to escape with their life (their Faith), believed the lifeboats to be the "ideal situation"? Of course not -- they knew that the modern comforts were to be found on the YACHT, not the lifeboats. Likewise the normal situation for the Church is to have the Pope, and all cardinals and bishops under him, and the priests under them, spreading the Catholic Faith as it was always taught (handed down). And the Church has all the amenities -- parish life, etc. whereas the lifeboats only promise "life" -- not much else. A traditional Catholic chapel can help you preserve your faith, but parish life won't be quite as bustling and vibrant. You might have 50 parishioners instead of 5,000.

You can bet the passengers in the lifeboat CAN'T WAIT for the day the yacht will be captured by the Marines and justice done to the pirates. Then they can return to the yacht -- and to normal life.

But when your ship has armed murderers wandering through it, the prudent thing to do is "leave" the ship in lifeboats, especially if those lifeboats are part of the same ship.

(Note: The SSPX received the approval of Rome and the local bishop when it was founded in November 1970. It is a legitimate branch of the tree that is the Catholic Church)

Yes, there are many things along those lines I could add --

I had to cut it off somwhere, as I had to start my day's work and I had already spent enough time :)

I may "perfect" the analogy a bit more in the future, so I can use it when discussion about the Crisis comes up.

Matthew