I often have days where I am stopped in my tracks by the profound casual irreverence that is so essential to our culture. Just the other day, some coworkers were discussing some recent “scandal” where an athlete dropped the American flag and may have even stepped on it. Now, neither of them was too scandalized by the event, but they did mention the media uproar of this “sacrilege” of our nation’s banner. Within the bounds of piety, I understand the logic behind patriotism. One should have respect for their home nation and they should do what they can to defend it. Yet American patriotism has exceeded the bounds set by mere national piety to abject superstition. While it is sensibly offensive when someone desecrates a symbol of their nation out of hatred, to be outraged at a simple fumble of a flag is absurd.

But I digress, this discussion proceeded to address a Federal code which bans the depiction of the flag on articles of clothing, objects, etc. that everyone disobeys in this country and no one enforces. Both of my coworkers seemed even more outraged at this than the ridiculous discussion surrounding the infamous flag drop. And during all this both blurted out blasphemies like they were nothing. On one hand, they were offended that some obscure man-made law was being broken constantly, while on the other they are completely oblivious to their own offenses against the Second Commandment. A Law put in place by the Triune Divinity Who created and rules all of existence.

And to be honest, this really contextualized the blindness of the average modern man. They have no problem with casually throwing out the Holy Name irreverently, but once someone offends their patriotic instincts then all hell is raised. And it’s not even limited to situations surrounding our government or politics, but just every day conversation. No mind is paid to Who exactly people are offending with their words and actions. People in my own family take the Lord’s name in vain like it was just some meaningless phrase or slang.

This reminds me of what my godparent told me on the subject when I was getting ready for my baptism, “You know how words begin to lose their meaning the more people use them? That’s kind of what I think of cussing nowadays.” That logic simply does not apply when it comes to blasphemy. I can understand that the word “shit” can change with the times and not be as offensive or vitriolic as it once was. But the Holy Name cannot and does not change It’s meaning. Jesus Christ is still the Holy Name of God no matter if you say it in adoration or anger. It is not some phrase which shifts meaning every ten years depending on the greater culture. It is an eternal invocation of Almighty God, and even if man sees It as a curse word, God still sees it as a vain use of His Name.

In light of this, I am reminded of the words of Our Lady of La Salette:

“To explain her tears, she told the children that the hand of her Son was so heavy and strong that she could no longer sustain it. It would only change if people would do penance and obey the laws of God. If they did not, they would have to suffer much. She said, “People do not observe the Day of the Lord. They continue to work with out ceasing on Sundays. Only some older women go to Mass in the summer. And in the winter, when there is nothing else to do, they go to Church to ridicule religion. Lenten time is ignored. Men swear, taking the Name of God in vain. The disobedience and disregard of God’s commandments are the things that make the hand of My Son heavier.”

I pray and hope that something big will happen to change our evil culture, but unfortunately, I think we are going to see a horrible chastisement before we see the hearts of men change. This is why I draw near to the Sacred Heart, to learn to love God above creatures and men, and to offer reparations for the hideous offenses committed against Him in a single day.