Something to Watch

02-21-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

Residents of our area of the country, and in particular, our area of the state, have the benefit of being quite familiar with small-town existence. Along with that familiarity comes a tremendous amount of benefits and, unfortunately, some drawbacks. And, since we are unable to enjoy the fullness of heaven on earth, there are drawbacks to wherever we choose to live. So, for some people, they weigh out the benefits and drawbacks to wherever they choose to reside. Some of those people realize the benefits of living in a small town outweigh the drawbacks and so they establish roots and call their place their home.

Among the many benefits of living in a small town is the ability to be insulated from some of the concerns of people living in metropolitan areas. There can be, however a drawback in that people who live in small towns can easily become more concerned with their own matters rather than keeping a larger perspective on life. There are moments, like the one I'm about to describe, when its worthwhile considering a more global, and dare I say universal, perspective.

Take Catholicism in particular and Christianity in general, for example. We can become so consumed with the matters in our parish like money, volunteerism, parish events, who's attending services and the like. Without the appropriate governance, even the conversations in and around our churches may become gossipy, petty and plain-old mean spirited. An honest Catholic realizes these tones and attitudes have no place on God's sacred ground, and even less of a place in God's sacred people. Even these matters can become fodder for our Lenten reflections, inviting God to remove them from our existence.

There are countless reasons to look beyond our parish and even our Catholicism. Christianity in general, is undergoing an historical reality check. On the national and global level, some real honest assessments are being taken in regard to humanity's adherence to the teachings of the Gospel. Mainline Christian churches are splintering over matters in doctrine like homosexuality, abortion or same-sex unions. Meanwhile, other mainline Christian churches are having intense dialogue about the precepts which unite them; even after decades or centuries of division and refusing to dialogue.

What are the reasons for these significant conversations? Hard to know. Part of the motive might be due to some of the most significant global Christian persecution in human history. Part of the reason might be due to active Christians declining in practice and people of good will realize they need to unite to stay strong in faith. Part of the reason might be due to the work of the Holy Spirit which we are blessed toenjoy.

What are the consequences of these significant conversations? Hard to know. Our part, as Christian Catholics is to stay tuned and watch. Our part is to deepen our faith each day so we remain part of the preservation force of Catholicism; so people have a place of refuge if and when they return to practice. Our part is to stay really close to the Holy Spirit's guidance about matters within our parish andbeyond so that, with the Holy Spirit within us, we do our part to be glorified by God each moment of ourlife.