Last rites declaration of Ioannes Paulus PP. II (Karol Wojtyla)
2nd April 2005
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service to a friend; because
naturally men love only what may be useful to them. Now, what do we gain by
hearing it said of a man that he has now thrown off the yoke, that he does
not believe there is a God who watches our actions, that he considers
himself the sole master of his conduct, and that he thinks he is accountable
for it only to himself.? Does he think that he has thus brought us to have
henceforth complete confidence in him and to look to him for consolation,
advice, and help in every need of life? Do they profess to have delighted us
by telling us that they hold our soul to be only a little wind and smoke,
especially by telling us this in a haughty and self-satisfied tone of voice?
Is this a thing to say gaily? Is it not, on the contrary, a thing to say
sadly, as the saddest thing in the world?
If they thought of it seriously, they would see that this is so bad a
mistake, so contrary to good sense, so opposed to decency, and so removed in
every respect from that good breeding which they seek, that they would be
more likely to correct than to pervert those who had an inclination to
follow them. And, indeed, make them give an account of their opinions, and
of the reasons which they have for doubting religion, and they will say to
you things so feeble and so petty, that they persuade you of the contrary.
The following is what a person one day said to such a one very appositely:
"If you continue to ta