In writing the original book and the revised text, I am constantly reminded that we are a house divided, and I feel deeply the lament of the psalmist who cried out:

It is not enemies who taunt me—

I could bear that;

it is not adversaries who deal insolently with me—

I could hide from them.

But it is you, my equal,

my companion, my faithful friend,

with whom I kept pleasant company;

we walked in the house of God with the throng.

We Catholics are now a house divided. Not only that, we are in danger of becoming irreconcilably split. Perhaps all that is left is for schism, for the situation to be recognized, and for us to sadly move apart. While there is disquiet in my heart, there is at the same time great comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit is in charge of this oft-times cantankerous community, that whatever happens will be in accord with his will, and that is good. Whatever I say, it is said with loving concern, but I believe very strongly that "Catholic" is not a label to be worn but a life to be lived with direction from, and deference to, the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.