Rooted And Grounded In Faith
Do you feel like your spirit is broken by the current events in our world? It is sometimes difficult to realize the goodness around us. There is a way to handle the frustration, but it is not always found in places, things, or people. It is our responsibility to appreciate that anything is possible when we are grounded in faith.
There is a book by Stephen R. Covey titled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It states that our lives are carefully designed for us, and the choices we make will have positive or negative results. Proactive people take responsibility for their lives, as opposed to reactive people who blame external sources for their adverse behavior. The difficulties, challenges and opportunities we confront each day fall into two areas—a circle of concern and a circle of influence.
I believe this great advice is scriptural, and God wrote the book. We live in a very divisive world. Our circle of concerns is most often something we cannot control. Our circle of influence includes those things we can do something about, and our greatest safety net is faith.
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7).
The Bible has plenty to say about roots, where we plant them and how we nurture them. The roots of our family are the most important circles of influence we have. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said that if we want to change the world we must begin with our own family. The most effective way to influence people is through God’s love.
This summer I have been working on a program to teach a class in the fall at our parish. It is designed to help Baptized Catholics enhance their formation with catechesis and prayer. My inspiration came from the Acts of the Apostles:“They devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). This Adult Catechesis Teaching Series – ACTS – is designed specifically to help Baptized Catholics review the teachings of the Church with doctrine and Truth. The resources and materials used for this “Catholic Studies Course” are from the Association of Catechumenal Ministry, which is used for RCIA Programs. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is oriented to prepare those inquiring about the Catholic way of life. In this process they are prepared with information about Church history, the Sacraments, and many other teachings. As Baptized Catholics we are never finished learning about the faith, and continuing to study will strengthen the Body of Christ—The Church, and our Catholic families.
Our recent popes, St. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and our current Pope Francis, have encouraged the message of evangelization with the merciful love of God. It is difficult to evangelize if you lack knowledge of the teachings or don’t take time for prayer and fellowship. This class will be a treasure for all who seek the truth, and a joy for all who desire to pass on their Catholic faith. The fellowship of the believers, the coming of the Holy Spirit and communal life are very scriptural, and so is our heritage in the Catholic Church. Christ is counting on us to keep the Church alive and strong! Amen!
For more information on this program, contact columnist Zoe Cannon at Mary.zoe.cannon@gmail.com
