A Sunday Thought About Getting Along to Start the Week Off Right
We Catholics have unfairly been branded as "judgmental," a "divisive" force in a pluralistic world that just wants everyone to "get along." All of this is, of course, nonsense. And while we might expect such ridiculous accusations from the enemies of our Holy Church, it's a bit disconcerting when we find those who claim to be - and likely are - practicing Catholics, one of whom is Catholic journalist John Allen, whose remarks we note below. Before we get to Mr. Allen, a few remarks of our own.
Over the last two Sundays, we looked at the phenomenon of Catholics who have turned their back on their Faith either because, as lapsed Catholics, they simply reject the Truth, or because they've decided to play the "Cafeteria Catholic" game, somehow calling themselves Catholic even as they reject the objective nature of Truth and choose which truths hold meaning for them. But lest you get the impression that the purpose in pointing all this out is to imply that somehow we Catholics, if only we hold steady in our practice of our Holy Faith, will somehow prevail over the combined forces of lapsed Catholics, phony Catholics, never mind the influence of the secular world in general, we can only say, "Don't hold your breath." The struggle goes on as it has in one form or another ever since Our Lord established His Church whilst He still walked amongst us.
Then again let's not forget the whole "getting along" thing. It's appealing in some sense. After all, exchanging pleasantries at social gatherings trumps riots in the streets every time. And so we find journalist John Allen's recent comments on the desirability of co-existence with the secular world unsurprising. Yes, Mr. Allen, we are, as you say, "fated to live together." After all, what's the alternative at this point? We all share the same earth, right? But do your conclusions based on the data you share from a recent poll really hold up? To wit:
Even better, try witnessing to the Truth, the Truth being, of course, the Person of Jesus Christ. Done with charity, and with certitude born of faith, we stand the chance of attracting those who stand outside the Church - either by choice or through no fault of their own, for example, due to ignorance - into the Body of Christ. And wouldn't that more likely enhance the quality of our world than simply being polite to those whom we know promote what is surely not true, or who act in ways we know aren't good, or perhaps who promote in literature, music, theater, fine arts and popular entertainment that which is ugly, vulgar, and offensive?
Folks, there's nothing to explain or be defensive about when it comes to us Catholics getting along with others. Our Lord set a high standard for us in His charitable words and deeds. We have but to emulate Him and the world will surely be a getter place, thereby enhancing, as Mr. Allen puts it, the "quality of the world we live in."
Over the last two Sundays, we looked at the phenomenon of Catholics who have turned their back on their Faith either because, as lapsed Catholics, they simply reject the Truth, or because they've decided to play the "Cafeteria Catholic" game, somehow calling themselves Catholic even as they reject the objective nature of Truth and choose which truths hold meaning for them. But lest you get the impression that the purpose in pointing all this out is to imply that somehow we Catholics, if only we hold steady in our practice of our Holy Faith, will somehow prevail over the combined forces of lapsed Catholics, phony Catholics, never mind the influence of the secular world in general, we can only say, "Don't hold your breath." The struggle goes on as it has in one form or another ever since Our Lord established His Church whilst He still walked amongst us.
Then again let's not forget the whole "getting along" thing. It's appealing in some sense. After all, exchanging pleasantries at social gatherings trumps riots in the streets every time. And so we find journalist John Allen's recent comments on the desirability of co-existence with the secular world unsurprising. Yes, Mr. Allen, we are, as you say, "fated to live together." After all, what's the alternative at this point? We all share the same earth, right? But do your conclusions based on the data you share from a recent poll really hold up? To wit:
The bottom line from the WIN Gallup poll, which confirms findings from other sources, is that both secularism and religious belief are deeply entrenched options in the early 21st century that aren’t going away.
May I suggest that it's uncertain from a Catholic perspective how simply living together will enhance the "quality" of the world. Getting along and the pleasantries entailed therein won't get us to Heaven which, as you know, is our entire purpose in this life. Perhaps opposition without strife might suit the bill.Believers and secularists are fated to live together, in other words, and the quality of the world we live in is likely be determined by how well they get along.
Even better, try witnessing to the Truth, the Truth being, of course, the Person of Jesus Christ. Done with charity, and with certitude born of faith, we stand the chance of attracting those who stand outside the Church - either by choice or through no fault of their own, for example, due to ignorance - into the Body of Christ. And wouldn't that more likely enhance the quality of our world than simply being polite to those whom we know promote what is surely not true, or who act in ways we know aren't good, or perhaps who promote in literature, music, theater, fine arts and popular entertainment that which is ugly, vulgar, and offensive?
Folks, there's nothing to explain or be defensive about when it comes to us Catholics getting along with others. Our Lord set a high standard for us in His charitable words and deeds. We have but to emulate Him and the world will surely be a getter place, thereby enhancing, as Mr. Allen puts it, the "quality of the world we live in."
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