Since the Vatican Council in the early 1960's, Catholics have been learning to see ourselves as set apart and called to be holy. We often have very mixed feelings about that.
Our children instinctively seek models to imitate as they approach maturity. Lacking strong parents, teachers, and adult mentors they often turn to one another, and even create an adolescent culture which endures from one generation to the next. Sophomoric cultures may be institutionalized in fraternities, sororities, and and street gangs; and their alumni might revisit them for old times sake. And their often exploited by those who see their inexperience as opportunity.
Adult Catholics are often reminded from the pulpit that our values are not those of the world. We appreciate efficiency, but our ethical principles begin with God's Revealed Word and the human dignity that Word fosters. We appreciate beauty but our eyes look for the divine spark which is beyond appearances. We know that: "All that glitters is not gold;" and, "Beauty is more than skin deep."
Our notion of power begins with the Father of Heaven and Earth who surrendered all authority in heaven and earth to a man, his Only Begotten Son. We understand that true authority is not owned or overwhelmed by its power. A president, pastor, or CEO, no matter how important his office, who cannot surrender his authority when the time comes, is revealed as a weak, spineless coward. Like King Lear, their lives often end tragically.
On this feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude, we remember the authority the Lord gave to his apostolic Church. She governs, teaches, and judges as she shepherds her people toward God's kingdom. They are set apart to be a light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. It is an enormous responsibility, given to those who are obedient and worthy.
