In recent videos Church Militant TV founder, Michael Voris, has ended his “Vortex” segments by stating that the time has come for an “authentically Catholic uprising.” That Michael has been calling out many of the bishops for less than stellar shepherding in the face of an aggressive secularism and the rise of an even more hostile homosexualist agenda is nothing new. Such is the case with the criticism of Cardinal Dolan over his welcoming attitude of an out and proud homosexual group being allowed to march under their own banner at this St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They will be led by the parade’s Grand Marshall, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, right past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. See Voris’ criticism in the video below:

Michael has crossed a line: A very dangerous line.

Calling for the abdication of Cardinal Dolan and many other non specified bishops, coupled with the stern admonition that the time has come for an, “authentic Catholic uprising,” has the potential to incite passions in those who might not be as stable as one would hope. Consider this line from his commentary:

“Do not think the punishment visited on you will not be of the most severe sort when you die, perhaps even before you die, if you do not change.”

Michael needs to walk this one back: Way, WAY back. At this point Cardinal Dolan would be right to wonder at the intention behind that statement. It sounds like a veiled threat.

It would be helpful if Michael operationally defined what that uprising looks like to him. What is an authentically Catholic uprising in the 21st Century?

Letter writing campaign to the Apostolic Nuncio?

Protests outside of the Chancery or Cathedral?

Withholding offerings?

Novena marathons?

Intercessory prayer chains?

WHAT???

When one poses with a sword, critiques constantly, and starts calling for authentically Catholic uprisings, it is time for some soul-searching. This is most especially true in light of Canon Law:

Can. 1373 A person who publicly incites his or her subjects to hatred or animosity against the Apostolic See or the Ordinary because of some act of ecclesiastical authority or ministry, or who provokes the subjects to disobedience against them, is to be punished by interdict or other just penalties.

Those of us who write or who have other platforms in media have a duty, in love, to offer commentary on our bishops when they cross a line. I have done so only a few times because a bishop’s authority comes down to him from Jesus, through the Apostles. That is a dread reality with which to contend. Authentic Catholic critique must always call the people to pray for the bishop, to mortify themselves if necessary for the bishop’s sake.

Calling the faithful to non-specified acts of uprising for the sake of a bishop’s soul places the souls of those engaging in uprising in danger: hence the reason for Canon 1373. It places Michael’s soul in equal peril.

If Cardinal Dolan (God forbid!) ends up going to hell, he’ll go there with his eyes wide open (as do all who end up in hell). There are more than enough of us who have cried out at key moments in his time here as archbishop. What is needed is prayer for the bishops, and sacrifice. There needs to be less bashing and more catechesis, more instruction in right living.

More humility.

If zeal for the House of the Lord causes the weak in faith who listen to Michael to fall away out of disillusionment, will he not bear responsibility for that? Regarding the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus told the people to do what they tell them, but don’t do as they do.

I’m not picking that up in Michael’s broadcasts.

It’s Michael’s shop over at Church Militant TV, so unsolicited advice is usually never an occasion of joy. However, he needs to walk this uprising thing back all the way, before something bad happens. In walking it back, Ephesians 4 contains the dynamic tension of Paul calling for purity, begging for unity, and admonishing that our anger should be without sin.

Calling for an unspecified uprising, coupled with calls for bishops’ abdications, all in light if Canon 1373 can rightly be adduced to be an example of righteous anger that has morphed into sin. It foments disrespect and disobedience, and quite possibly even violence among those on the lunatic fringe who gravitate toward watering holes for the dissatisfied.

Michael Voris is a genuinely good man who is bigger and better than that. His programming seems to have taken a dark turn and needs to reflect more of his goodness and far less of his anger, to adhere to Paul in 1 Thes 5:

[12] But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

[13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

[14] And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

[15] See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.

[16] Rejoice always,

[17] pray constantly,

[18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

[19] Do not quench the Spirit,

[20] do not despise prophesying,

[21] but test everything; hold fast what is good,

[22] abstain from every form of evil

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Photo Credit: Photo via http://www.newemangelization.com/michael-voris/discussion-with-michael-voris/