Our Real Inheritance Is Catholic Tradition
The Liturgical Calendar of the Church reminds us that we are beginning the Advent Season, which is also the start of the new liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. This year the first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 30, the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. The Latin word adventus means “coming,” a time of anticipation and preparation for the nativity of Jesus. Our secular calendars provide us with the ability to count the days we have to prepare for this day of celebration in December, and social media certainly reminds us of our well-timed shopping days.
We ponder the great mystery of the incarnation of Jesus with His birth at Christmastime, but do we prepare equally for His second coming? This is a daily commitment, but it seems to be overshadowed by the everyday details of life. The promise of eternal life is a treasured gift that should never be forgotten or taken for granted. It came with great price, and it was the reason Jesus was brought into the world.
What legacy will you leave to those you love? Our Catholic Heritage is the greatest gift we can pass along to our children. I am so grateful for the generations of faithful Catholics in my family. Their example has given me purpose in my practice and understanding of Church teaching. In the beginning of Scripture, chapter one of Genesis, we read that we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, why were we put on this earth? St. Catherine of Siena once said, “If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire!” How wonderful to know you are living God’s plan for your life!
We live in a wounded world, but God is alive and we are called to be His earthly body today. We should be communicating the faith to those we love, and our witness is fundamental to the entire Church instituted by Christ. There are 77 million identified Catholics in the United States, but only 66 million are officially parish-connected; and I will bet any parish secretary will tell you that is a generous number.
Consider these statistics, and then add this to the mix. There are 26,265 Diocesan priests in the United States. The responsibility and involvement with this ratio is overwhelming. We are often asked to pray for vocations to priesthood, and this is why. Now consider this figure – only 51% of young Catholic adults are getting married in the Church. If Catholic families are not coming to the Sacrament of Marriage, we have a concern that begins with a lack of communication in our homes.
This Advent Season, as you diligently prepare your home and family for the first coming of Jesus, please remind family members to take time every day for His Second Coming as well. Pray for the 77 million Catholics in the United States, and for the strengthening of our families. The call to holiness is for everyone; and if we answer, we can set the world on fire! Imagine the possibilities! Amen!
