Gutta, Gutta, Cavat, Cavat Lapidem

(drop by drop wears out the rock)

What’s stated above is a famous saying from writers of Latin literature, which I repeat here for its meaningful content. Something similar is meant in – repetitio est mater studiorum (repetition is the mother of education). It could sound boring but many times it’s the way we communicate a truth. It’s the way the hammer lets the nail penetrate a board, by repeatedly hitting it on the head. I know some jokingly or ignorantly twist the above expression to– repetitio est mater stultorum (repetition is the mother of fools).

But God, who knows all things, said it in the very words of holy scripture: “Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience—but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2). The same here is the purpose of the Church in refuting repeatedly the use of artificial contraceptives and the practice of abortion, if only to implement God’s decree in the creation of man. “God created man in the image of himself, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it’” (Gen. 1:27-28). This is written at the very first chapter of the Bible. Surely it is not God’s wish that we have more and more of the old and gray-haired while the future generations in the children would be disappearing, due to abortion or artificial contraceptives. Yes to responsible parenthood, no to artificial contraception and abortion. We know, of course, the hidden motives in the contraceptive uses, that is, to cover up indecent indulgences or also make lots of money from the sale of the birth control devices. The Church’s stand is for truth, morality and the eternal salvation of each human soul for whom the price was the very shedding of the blood of God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We must always make it a point to search for the truth. Whether as regards civil and political life as citizens, or as regards the eternal destiny of our souls, this saying holds true for both categories: ignorance of the law excuses no one. You will pay for violations in one sector or the other. God knows all things, even the hidden agenda or thoughts.