Companions in Hope

When we were creating our videos for Rediscovering Catholic Faith at St. Joseph’s, I was fortunate to work on this week’s Sunday celebration of All Souls Day. It doesn’t fall on a Sunday too frequently, and so when it does, it’s a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the question so often asked at times of loss, “What would I do without my faith?”

The subject always reminds me of theologian Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ and what she writes about  the dead and particularly, the Communion of Saints. In Friends of God and Prophets she writes: “…the symbol of the communion of saints bears the pledge that in and through the wrenching of death, terrible at times, an ever so quiet ‘Alleluia’ can be heard. Having arrived at their destiny, the living dead become our companions in hope.” The communion of saints which includes the canonized saints, the souls in purgatory, and our own beloved dead who have died in friendship with God, can become a source of hope and companionship for us in our own journeys of faith.

The Catholic faith gives us a rich storehouse of truths about the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. These truths give meaning to the process of grieving a loved one, providing great consolation and, ultimately, hope.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, and may we have peace in our hearts knowing they are with God and we will see them again.

Blessings,

Cathy

Confessions of a Suburban Snob

In week three of the “Rediscover Catholic Faith” series at St. Joseph’s, Father Jim Schwartz talks about the “Great Commandment” in this Sunday’s Gospel as the “guts” of Catholic morality: “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I believe that, really believe that. And I thought that my recent years’ ministry experiences had gotten me beyond some of the stereotypes and knee-jerk reactions that can lurk in the dark recesses of our suburban hearts when we encounter those living in different circumstances from ourselves. Recent experiences tell me I have a long way to go in living the Great Commandment.

This summer, when we were “between homes” for a few weeks, we were blessed to have an apartment in Rochester available to us, thanks to our future son-in-law, Ryan, and daughter, Sarah. It seemed like an adventure at first—sleeping on a mattress, camp chairs as the only furniture, no cooking utensils—maybe a mini vacation of sorts. But the feeling soon changed when we realized that Ryan’s and Sarah’s upstairs tenants were less than model renters. In the first week we had to call the police twice to break up violent domestic disputes; we listened with sinking hearts to the place being trashed; and I got bit by one of their dogs. I found myself having less-than-Christian feelings toward more than the aggressive canine.

Now we are happily resettled in Webster, the town known as the place “where life is worth living.” We are fortunate to have a charming apartment with beautiful green space, and a spectacular park and walking trails right out our back door. A place that even welcomes our beloved, 87-pound, very lively labradoodle, Cooper.

But guess what? We don’t have model renters upstairs in Webster either. They yell at each other; they are not light on their feet; they have too many cars; they don’t pick up after their dog (when they let the little guy out). I find myself having less-than-Christian feelings toward more than the messy pup.

Perhaps St. Augustine has the best prayer. “I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.” I believe the Great Commandment is the way to live but it’s hard when it’s your actual neighbors testing your Christian values. Help my unbelief!

Blessings,

Cathy

Getting Creative about Rediscovering Catholic Faith

This past Sunday on the cover of our St. Joseph's bulletin, I posted a series of questions we Catholics might struggle with: What is salvation? What are the themes of Catholic social teaching? Which line of Scripture captures the "guts" of Catholic morality? What do we believe about the afterlife? What are the four marks of the Church? What makes a talent a “charism?” (Some people have said these questions are hard.)

We could dust off our Baltimore Catechisms and other documents for the answers, or we could open a Bible. The Sunday Gospels from October 12 through November 16 offer ways to reflect on and respond to each of those questions. The staff at St. Joseph’s has put together a six-week series to explore how the Gospels for these six Sundays address these questions of Catholic teaching and tradition. The Bible is the foundation of all that our Church teaches – spending time with the Gospels is a great way to “Rediscover Catholic Faith,” as we are calling this study series.

Specifically, this week, we read in the Gospel of Matthew about the Pharisees’ trick question to Jesus about paying taxes to the Roman empire. We can ponder how we as Catholics can have a positive influence on our society and culture, even our government, as election time approaches. And how we can repay to God what belongs to God (which is, of course, everything).

It’s been especially enjoyable for me to work with Father Jim Schwartz and our “video team” to create a series of six videos commentaries. Father Jim did three and I did three. It was a great way to rekindle the creative, “Spirit-filled” energy that once felt sparked by the preparation of Sunday reflections. I’m grateful for the creative talents and friendship of Deacon Duncan Harris (videography), Matt Curlee (editing, sound, music), Jim Gulley, and Jeanne Mooney.

This five-minute video commentary is a sample of what the Spirit has inspired us to create, a way for us to return to God all that we have been given.

Blessings,

Cathy