Complacency

Just read an article on Archbishop Chaput (Catholic.org) about complacency being the enemy of faith. I think this article addresses some of the issues developing in many areas of our church. 

He said in his address, "The Church is community of faith alive in the present but also connected across the years through time." 

That is one statement that resounds in my heart. I was ordained a year ago as a Permanent Deacon by Bishop Sam Jacobs. When his hands were upon my head, I felt that I was connected throughout the ages to all the Deacons that had come before me, Permanent and Transitional. There was a feeling of awe as I realized that Bishop Sam was ordained from past Bishops who were ordained by the original Apostles given that power by Jesus Christ Himself.


Once we realize that connection from the past, we have to bring our faith into the full light of day. Those faithful from the past had a certain zeal for Christ. They were willing to die to make His message known. They faced lions in the arena, death by torture, stoning, burning, beheadings..... You get the picture.

What do we face today? Some offhand remarks, an offensive glance and maybe even a verbal confrontation to stand up for our faith. How do we respond? Do we back down? Do we shrug our shoulders and walk away? Why don't we have the strength to stand and speak up for our God?

There are many complacent Catholics who seem to pick and choose what is convenient and easy to do. You know the excuses (I've used them myself), "I don't have time for that", or "It isn't good for me at this time." No longer can we sit idly by and wait for someone else to take up the cross, we must act! 

We, as Catholics, have to stand up for our faith and profess our beliefs with zeal! How do we do that? By learning our Catholic roots all over again. 

In my homily this past weekend I asked the children to rip open those Christmas gifts as fast as they could and I asked the adults to watch them. With all the eagerness and excitement as those children open their gifts, we should open the gift which God has given us with the same amount of fervor. Let us tear into our bible once again! Read the stories of the Saints who went before us. Watch the examples of our good priests who care for us and bring us the Eucharist with humility and compassion. Listen to the strong and steadfast words of the bishops who inspire us. Pay attention to the Pope who is Peter's successor, he is truly being molded by the Holy Spirit to give us hope in this world that is becoming technologically advanced but descending into primitive immorality.

My Christmas wish this year is that all who call themselves Catholic can reignite that spark from the past within their souls and set this present world on fire with all the zeal and passion they can muster so that we can have a future of goodness and peace.

God bless you all!
Deacon Jimmy