What you are doing, is starting with home alonesim, then going through these theological gymnastics [...]
No, Stubborn, not true.
I was told that the sedevacantist position seems unlikely, since
Pastor aeternus refers to Our Lord's promise not to leave us as orphans. Then I checked what
Pastor aeternus really teaches.
It's not "theological gymnastics" to ask what exactly the Council means when saying
usque ad consummationem saeculi.
I was quite astonished to find support for home-alonism.
It does not mean that the consummation has already begun [...]
True, I agree. When I say that the consummation has already begun, then that's an observation of mine and not a statement of the Vatican Council. Taking the comments of St. John Chrysostom and the Robber Council as I see it, I come to the conclusion that it has begun.
[...] leave us as orphans, hiding in the dark waiting for, what, the end?
Prophecy is clear. In the end "the band of the holy people" will be "scattered" (Dan 12,7). The function of the shepherds, and the Pope, is to gather the "holy people", not scatter them. But they will be scattered.
Also, Our Lord himself says: "And unless those days had been shortened, no flesh should be saved: but for the sake of the elect those days shall be shortened." (Mt 24,22) Does that sound like we have to expect flourishing parishes, shepherds and a Pope, when Our Lord returns?