Fifty years ago today, the entire leadership of the Catholic Church, having received advice from both Catholic and non-Catholic advisors, promulgated the landmark document, Dei Verbum--in English, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. It would eventually form the backbone of my professional and personal/spiritual life.
Fifty years ago today our pope (then, Paul VI) and worldwide bishops wrote to us: "By hearing the message of salvation the whole world may believe, by believing it may hope, and by hoping it may love."
Fifty years later, what do these words mean for the average Christian? They tell us that WE are the means by which Christ's love can shine through into our troubled world. We are the Body of Christ, the hands of Christ, the heart of Christ in the world today. It is we who must "take on the mind of Christ," as St. Paul proclaims, so that we may be Christ for others.Fifty years later in US society (at least), this is a tremendous challenge. Many Christians are uncomfortable even talking about religion, the Bible, or prayer, let alone attempting to proclaim the gospel of Jesus! How do we do this in ways that can be heard in our world, without making us a mockery among our peers?
Fifty years later, I have two words to share:
- Christian living was never meant to be comfortable. Our Baptism calls us to be Christ's disciples, which inevitably brings us to the cross of Jesus. So toughen up, my friends! As the gospel of John reminds us: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." (John 15:18-20)
- There is more than one way to skin a cat. Find the way that works for you. Direct preaching, soap-box style, may not be what you are called to do (unless you are a priest, deacon, or another authorized preacher). But we are all called to speak a word of challenge or comfort at many times every day. In addition, our actions should speak volumes. Or are we too embarrassed to pray before meals at a public diner? (Awkward!) And if someone is hurting, do we hesitate to let them know we're praying for them? Do we still display religious art in our homes and office areas?
Fifty years from now, will there be faith in our world? It's up to us to pass it on, today.
