United, We Face The Same Struggles As Our Catholic Ancestors
St. Paul traveled roughly 6,900 miles in his missionary journeys to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to this world. In his life, he was kicked around, chased out of town, beaten and bruised, and he did it all in the name of Jesus. The apostles, despite their shortcomings, also traveled afar to spread the Word of God. They all, save one, gave their lives for the cause.
That “first generation” of men and women, on whose shoulders the faith rested, are legendary and heroic in their efforts to paint on the canvas of humanity a new masterpiece of justice and salvation. And rightly should they be revered, for they endured not only physical opposition but also those who opposed them spiritually. It is because of their endurance and adherence to the faith that we can live out our faith in Jesus Christ in our time.
Now, fast-forward roughly 2000 years to a family of five living in Southern Indiana. Two parents work to provide clothing, shelter, food and a Catholic education for their three children. They pray as a family, celebrate the sacraments as a family and live out their lives as a family, not splintered and separate but together.
The parents of this small Catholic community hand down stories of faith and teach their children that it is okay to “go against the grain” when it comes to living in the world. They tell their children that issues such as faith, morals, religious freedom, abstinence, the beatitudes and living a life in Christ are more important than money, power and the need to be in the spotlight.
Just as our Christian forbearers were in no way perfect, neither is this family. Yet what sets both “generations” apart from the ills of this world is that they both believe in something other than themselves: the hope of salvation for our imperfect humanity.
Of these two communities, I wonder who is perceived as the greater? Most people, I would think, would say that those first Christians are the greater because of their acts of heroism in the face of daunting odds.
I think I will go out on a limb and say that both of these Christian communities are equal in their heroism. I write this not out of pride or envy, but rather to stir in all of us, in each of us, a sense of responsibility that our words do matter. Our actions do matter. Our evangelization of this world does matter.
The political forces of today in opposition to the Christian faith rival those of the past. The spiritual forces in opposition of the Christian faith in our age rival those in ages past. The duty that is incumbent upon the parents, children and religious leaders of today to spread the Word of God is as critical as it was in those first days.
Just as our Catholic ancestors did not falter in their perseverance, nor can we falter in the face of such opposition. We must stay true to our foundations. We must stay true to the Church even when we disagree. It is our duty to come together in our disagreements so that we can come together in unity around a common table. United we will continue to stand. Divided we will begin to fall.
My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, now is the time to unite ourselves with one another to address the issues that face the Church in our day. This is our time. Let us be reflections of hope in the Good News of Jesus Christ for those with whom we live in this age as well as for those who will look to us in ages to come.
