October 12, 2012
My dearest one:
The Holy Father has once again shown his unquestionable leadership/authority, as he firmly, yet gently, calls the sheep back to the fold. Indeed its preposterous, to say the least, when over 70% of our Catholics here in America, and this may not be unique to America, do not practice the faith. The question that readily begs itself: where have we gone wrong? Understandably, none of us can be exonerated, we have to all share in the shame of this crisis. One sage said, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”
Yesterday, as you are aware, I am sure; (no sarcasm meant) was the beginning of the year of Faith, as declared by Benedict XV1. This is certainly not a call that should be interpreted narrowly to “start coming back to church,” far from it. St. Peter tells us fervently that, “the goal of faith,” the purpose of faith, is the “salvation of your soul.” (1 Pet 1:9). It makes sense to conclude that the call of the Holy Father is a call to reevaluate the importance of our salvific walk. Faith and salvation has to be synonymous. We can no longer talk about our faith or practicing the faith devoid of its intentionality, which is our salvation. The call to return to practicing the Faith, among which is attending weekly Sunday Mass, is primarily to bring about conversion, which readies us for our salvation. I need here to emphasis that this conversion is ongoing, it is not a once and for all thing, hence the need for Sunday Mass, the Sacraments and the like. So too is the total realization of our salvation. “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Rom 8:24-25). This “patient hope,” I caution is not passive but an active wait. “Not those who say lord, lord who will enter the kingdom of heaven but those who do the will of my father in heaven.” (Mat 7:21).
The thought of salvation has to become ubiquitous in our daily lives, thus allowing us to integrate our faith with our daily living. We cannot continue to be “schizophrenic Christians.” It has to be integrative. Faith calls for taking decisive actions,“Living,” as St. Paul tell us, “by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) Admittedly, there is a dichotomy between the lives most Catholics live, and the faith they profess. Here again I draw from the wisdom of the sages, “If you do not practice what you profess, you will end up believing what you practice.” (Reflect a moment and see that truth in this statement). Its appalling the number of Catholics who actually live and believe things that are contrary to what the Church teaches.
One could not possibly be Catholic without standing on the bedrock of Faith; after all, our starting point is faith. The Church teaches, and we adhere unequivocally that the historical person Jesus, “…is truly God…consubstantial with the Father.” Yes, we thank God for our Church, for through it God has, “…opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27). Without, “Faith,” the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us, “it is impossible to please God.” (Heb 11:6)
Christian faith has to be the clarion call to the world that Jesus Christ is truly alive, omnipresent and omnipotent, the sole hope and salvation for the world. Yes that’s our task and hence the importance of allowing the efficacy of the Faith to be seen, desired and experienced by those who do not believe or have become tepid. An herculean task indeed, but possible. Jesus reassures, “…My grace is sufficient for thee…” (2Cor 12:9)
Faith has to be transformative, while it is an internal process, according to the author of Salvation; it ought to have external manifestation. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mat. 5:16). The success of this declared year will rest on your personal and individual transformation and the allowing for someone else to be transformed. “Faith without good works is dead.” (James 2:17). He also says,“Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”(5:20) Wow, incredible!
Yes indeed, in attempting to be in harmony with the mind of Benedict XV1, I thought perhaps these are some of the things that he may have had in mind. A pope for our times, a man with a vision, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”(Proverbs 29:18). In Faith we hold that God places His people in the right positions for the emerging issues.
Just thought I’d share some insights on this pivotal year and exhort that we not just take it for granted, but use it as an impetus to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within the walls of the Catholic Church as John XX111 desired fifty years ago this time. Dream for a moment, what a world there would be if 70% of us began living by this unadulterated Faith! “Dream while you are awake,” exhorts a sage.
Finally, here are some ideas that you may choose from to celebrate this year: Check out “journey home” every Monday on EWTN; subscribe to a catholic magazine; be part of a Prayer Group or some church related organization; start a Bible-study group at home or in your neighborhood. Focus on three non-practicing Catholics and invite them every week to Mass until they consent; weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; once a week of family gathering to discuss the Sunday Sermon or some spiritual aspect of the church, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a quarter, or be creative as you see so fit. BUT DO SOMETHING. Benedict is our spiritual father, even as Mary is our mother and so this can be applicable, “Listen, my (daughter) son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)
Have a blessed weekend and do please continue to lift me up, by name, in your daily prayers. Rest assured of my prayers at the Altar of the Lord, and in my moments of private prayer.
A blessing of Faith has been attached.
In Faith…
Father Celsus
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