|
In our troubled world today it isn’t easy being Catholic. Holding fast to the
Catholic faith often means we will stand out in a crowd and sometimes it means
that we will stand alone. Sadly, instead of holding on to our faith we ignore
and disregard the principles of our faith to give into the societal
pressures and
cultural influences of our day.
Throughout the
world today, more and more people are questioning why the
standards that were once in play now seem to have deteriorated
to a new low or at best seem to be weakening at a rapid pace.
The moral fiber of our country seems to have decayed; we have
reached an all time low standard in how we love, in how we live
with one another, in how we practice our Catholic faith. Many
people wonder what can be done. Is it too late? No! In order
to change this downward spiral we must listen to the words and
wisdom of Jesus.
On the Fifth
Sunday of Easter we hear something from Jesus that will astound
us. Jesus clearly defines the “standard” for Catholics to live
by. Jesus says, "Whoever believes in me will do the works I do,
and greater far than these." What a powerful imperative. We
are not only to do what Jesus did but we are to do it better he
says. It isn’t supposed to be easy to be a Catholic; it isn’t
supposed to be popular. Out of great love Jesus set a higher
standard for each of us to reach. Eternal life is contingent
upon meeting this high standard.
As beloved
children of God, we are to love others as he loves. We are to
teach what he teaches and to share what he has given. We are to
listen to those who need someone to understand them. We are to
work hard on the job, work to our fullest potential. We are to
offer a helping hand whenever and wherever we can. We are to
become leaders in our Church and in culture and society. We are
to stand up with the truth of God and stand out as great
witnesses for others. We are to become effective leaders by
learning how to follow Jesus Christ. We follow Jesus Christ by
accepting and then becoming and then authentically being a
Catholic and standing up, standing out and standing alone when
necessary in society, culture and in our troubled world.
Pope Benedict
XVI is a marvelous example of a leader who knows how and who to
follow. His visit to the United States shows us that regardless
of societal pressures and cultural influences it is important to
stand fast and true to our faith. Pope Benedict XVI reiterates
the high standard set by our Lord and Savior. With gratitude
for his leadership of the Holy Catholic Church, let us rejoice
in all that the Lord has done for us and in all that we can do
for him. Let us recognize, accept and embrace our Catholic
identity and reach the standard set by Jesus Christ.
With faith, hope and love,
Father Steven C. Rogers
|
