Know Thy Faith

07-11-2015Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

There continues to be observations and comments from concerned people in our parishes about many things Catholic. Among some of the main concerns are attendance decline, diminishing number of families with children at weekend Mass, and disillusionment about what it means to be Catholic in the modern age when some say morality is eroding quickly. Of course there could be countless reasons to explain any of these matters. However, its important to know that the main concerns identified here are not limited to our cluster. Priests around the region, MN included, speak of similar matters.

What might be happening in our minds, or perhaps something we ought consider, is what each of us is doing in response to these and other concerns. If we choose to add to the criticisms, judgments and erroneous conclusions, we are likely to be part of the problem rather than the solution. On the other hand, if we choose to speak the good news, we become agents of the Gospel, and, in turn, respond to our baptismal call to be missionaries for Jesus. Maybe the principle thought is to consider how we are part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Take the moral decline, for example. Whether its violence in the world, threats to our freedom, national civil unrest, political decisions and the like, these matters all hinge upon worldly affairs. And, call them what they are, these affairs are of the world. Current events challenge us to continue to be mindful that we are created and called to live in a world beyond this one.

Additionally, current events, and their confused responsible leadership, challenge us to ask ourselves who or what is our authority? If we are truly relying upon God, not just by word, thought or church membership, but really relying upon God, then our faith is deepening and we find ourselves with a more balanced life. We ought to continue to embrace a mentality which places our confidence and trust in God. Consequently, when we begin to think in this way, our actions and demeanor change. We become more faith-filled and focused on the next life. We become less concerned and dependent upon current affairs which can change as quickly as the channel on our TV.

Putting our Lord as our Lord means we make more choices to become prayerful and informed. We might consider adding some prayers to our already spirit-filled daily routine. More importantly, we might consider dabbling in some of the Catholic media which is so readily accessible to us so that we can inform our intellect about Church teaching. Each of these practices, prayer and intellectual formation, are life-long projects. Each of these practices helps us keep Catholic perspective on the world and the world yet to come. Each of these practices helps us become part of the solution rather than being part of the problem.

In the days and weeks ahead, our Church will be in for some even more difficult times. Are you going to make some personal decisions to be an even better defender of our faith?

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