In today's first reading, we read about the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 8, Jesus is asleep on a boat when a great storm comes. The disciples awaken Him, and He calms the storm. He can do the same for you.
Today's first reading from Genesis 15 tells the story of Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed by sulphurous fire from heaven. Abraham's nephew Lot and his family escaped with the help of angels. But what was going on in Sodom that was so wicked that the Lord would destroy it and all its inhabitants? Unfortunately, the liturgy leaves out the first part of Genesis 19. Men came to visit Lot and when the men of Sodom found out, they surrounded Lot's house and cried, "Bring them out to us, that we may know them." This "know them" was meant in the biblical sense; they wanted to have homosexual relations with them.
There's a modern take on this story that has become quite popular: that Sodom was destroyed because of a "lack of hospitality." Baloney. I encourage you to read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about homosexuality (CCC 2357-2359). In short, it states that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered," and homosexual persons "must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity." Finally, "Homosexual persons are called to chastity." The men of Sodom wouldn't abide by the laws of God, and were vaporized for it.
Father, free us from lustful desires, that we may live chaste lives within your will. Amen.
Sadly, a number of things that used to be “intrinsically disordered” in the DSM (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) have been removed over the years and “normalized.” I fear that similar changes have infected our Church.
A number of things that I used to treat patients about would now cost me my license!
I hope and pray that Pope Leo restores His Church to the one He gave to His Apostles!