"When the LORD, your God, brings you into the land which he swore
to your fathers....
take care not to forget the LORD,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery.
The LORD, your God, shall you fear;
him shall you serve, and by his name shall you swear."
Although they generally avoid retelling their drunkalogue too many times to the same group, practicing members of Alcoholics Anonymous never forget the insanity of their drinking days. Each has a personal experience of redemption; they were brought out of that place of slavery into fellowship with others and peace with God. Each one is a personal gospel of God's marvelous deeds. And those who care about these men and women do well to listen and appreciate their importance.
Suffering the continual assaults of a demanding market economy, with its influencers, enticements, and intoxication, every Catholic is faced with a personal decision of turning to God and away from false, empty promises of the world. It is a decision to be made and remade, and a story to be retold.
Some will tell it as an answer to a question. It might be, "Why are you Catholic?" or, "Why did you decide to become Catholic?" It might be, "What does that cross, medal, or scapular mean to you?" "Why do you pray the rosary?"
Parents should be as ready to answer those questions as they are to answer questions about relationships, money, and sexuality.
In times of active, violent persecution, our faith might be kept secret. But the persecutions will come -- as they came for a baptized Jewish woman in her cloistered convent less than a century ago. Those who fail to share their personal gospel today with family and friends, neighbors and enemies can expect trouble tomorrow; and that they'll be ill-prepared for it .
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.