We Know

by David Lins  |  10/20/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

You know what I love about being Catholic? We know from historical documents that a man referred to as Jesus Christ walked the Earth about 2000 years ago.

We know that he turned the world upside-down with a message that was completely radical.

His followers recorded Him saying such things as, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them” (John 6:56) and “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:23)

We also know (again, historically) that He was tortured and put to death in a gruesome manner.

We know that His followers denied knowing Him and locked themselves away in fear of suffering a similar fate.

We know Jesus rose from the dead and made it clear to His followers that death is not the end and there is nothing to fear outside of separation from Him.

We know this because this group of followers who were previously so afraid of suffering that same (historically recorded) fate suddenly had the courage to spread the message knowing that they would be put to death as a result.

We know that neither government-sponsored persecution, nor government adoption and interference could slow its spread.

We know it has gone on to build and staff hospitals and schools throughout the world in addition to building beautiful churches where all God’s children are equal.

We know who our Mother is.

We know that while scandal causes heartache, pain, and the loss of faith to some, it is also a reminder of God’s mercy— trusting sinful humans with His Church—and that we must diligently work to rid His Church and our own souls of sin and scandal with the grace found in the sacraments.

We know we are in more than an individual relationship with our Father, but that we also belong to His Family, as brothers and sisters in accountability, faith, love and prayer.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.