The Jews and Vatican II - Bp. Germán Fliess 11-12-23

Summary

The homily is a theological discourse centered on the primacy of charity (love) as the highest Christian virtue, articulated chiefly through the teachings of Saint Paul and further illuminated by classical theology and contemporary critique. Bp. Germán Fliess begins by emphasizing Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians to embody a suite of Christian virtues—mercy, humility, patience, and modesty—yet above all to cultivate charity, described as the “bond of perfection.” Charity is portrayed not merely as a virtue among others but as the life-giving force that animates and perfects all other virtues. Without charity, even the most extraordinary deeds or faith are rendered worthless in a spiritual sense.

Bp. Fliess then explores the nature of true charity, with Saint Paul’s detailed description from 1 Corinthians 13 serving as the foundation: charity is patient, kind, free from envy and pride, not self-seeking or easily angered, rejoicing in truth, and enduring all things. This comprehensive portrayal underscores that possessing charity means possessing all virtues, as charity subsumes and animates them.

Bp. Fliess further elaborates on charity’s supreme value using the parable of the pearl of great price, stressing the necessity of discerning true charity from false charity. False charity, described as a counterfeit of the highest good, is a grave corruption that can mislead and harm souls. His Excellency then introduces the insights of theologian Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, who identified two forms of false charity: one characterized by undue indulgence and cowardly meekness, and another by sentimental humanitarianism masquerading as true love but ultimately undermining authentic Christian faith. This false charity is seen as a major contemporary threat, particularly in the context of Vatican II and its aftermath.

Bp. Fliess critiques Vatican II’s approach to ecumenism and religious tolerance, especially its treatment of the Jewish people and Protestant churches, accusing it of promoting a false charity that dilutes the central truths of Catholicism. This false charity is blamed for fostering confusion and spiritual harm by denying the exclusivity of the Catholic Church as the one true Church founded by Christ. Vatican II’s leaders, particularly John Paul II and Benedict XVI (Ratzinger), are viewed as propagators of this false charity, more dangerous than overt enemies of the Church because of their ability to deceive under the guise of Catholicism.

His Excellency concludes with a call to reject all obstacles to true charity, to embrace fully the supernatural love of God, and to seek this virtue above all else, as it is the foundation for eternal bliss and spiritual perfection. The invocation of the Trinity at both the beginning and the end frames the entire discourse within the Christian mystery of God’s love.

Highlights

• Charity is the highest Christian virtue and the “bond of perfection” that vivifies all other virtues.
• Without charity, other virtues or deeds hold no spiritual merit or value.
• True charity, as described by Saint Paul, embodies patience, kindness, humility, and unconditional love.
• False charity is a dangerous counterfeit that corrupts the best virtue and can mislead souls.
• Gary Gula Grange’s analysis identifies false charity as either indulgent weakness or sentimental humanitarianism.
• Vatican II’s ecumenical approach is criticized for promoting a false charity that undermines Catholic truth, particularly regarding Jews and Protestants.
• The call to sell all to acquire true charity emphasizes its supreme value and necessity for eternal salvation.

Key Insights

• Charity as the Core of Christian Perfection: The text reinforces that charity is not simply one virtue among many but the essential virtue that integrates and perfects all others. This highlights a foundational Christian theological principle that spiritual life is not about isolated acts of virtue but about love as the animating force. Without charity, even miraculous deeds or profound faith are spiritually empty, underscoring the primacy of love in salvation.
• The Multifaceted Nature of Charity: Saint Paul’s description (1 Corinthians 13) serves as a detailed blueprint for what true charity entails. It is patient and kind, free from envy and arrogance, not self-seeking or easily angered, truthful, hopeful, and enduring. This comprehensive portrait reveals that charity is an active and enduring commitment to others grounded in God’s love, not merely a feeling or sentiment.
• The Danger of False Charity: The text’s discussion of false charity illuminates a critical contemporary problem—a counterfeit form of love that can be more harmful than outright hostility. False charity