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Dear Friends in Christ,
One of the hallmarks of modern life is the intense pluralism of viewpoints, cultures, ideologies, philosophies, and religions that the internet and social media make available for our daily consumption. Properly understood, the great diversity of outlooks and lifestyles available to moderns is something we should all appreciate, respect, and even find ways to celebrate.
It does have a downside, however, especially when it feeds an attitude about our faith that some have called “Cafeteria Catholicism.” This is when we pick and choose what beliefs and practices we find agreeable, and basically ignore and disregard those things that challenge our personal preferences. That can promote an attitude among some Catholics to take what you like and leave the rest.
I hope the Catholic Faith we share at St. Bridget’s goes deeper than that. What does that look like? One of my favorite theologians, Fr. Ron Rolheiser OMI in “The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality” proposes these four things revealed by Christ as being non-negotiable for authentic Christian discipleship:
a) Private prayer and private morality
b) Social justice
c) Mellowness of heart and spirit
d) Community as a constitutive element of true worship
Fr. Rolheiser suggests that these are not elements we may choose or not choose to incorporate within our spiritual lives. They comprise the essence of the spiritual life. They also supply its balance. Only when all four of these are present in our lives are we healthy, as Christians and as human beings. How healthy are you?
The one that challenges me the most is to live with a mellowness of heart and spirit; to not take life too seriously, and to take regular moments to enjoy the lighter side of things. Perhaps that comes from my failure at times to remember that there is a savior, and I am not him. Hope and confidence come from believing that Jesus is Lord, and I must follow him with integrity in the community of the church, whose mission is among many things to care for the poor and create peace by working for justice. Let’s pray for and encourage one another to share a Catholic life and sensibility that is balanced and rich in its depth and vitality.
St. Bridget of Kildare…pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
