I believe

I believe

By Laurence Gonzaga

It has been about eleven years since I took the “leap” back towards the faith of my upbringing, and about ten years since I came back to Catholicism in particular. It has been quite a journey, filled with a few detours, as well as much that was lacking in the way of what can be called “purity of intention”, as a friend recently phrased it. I recently wrote a piece called, “The idolatry of worshiping God”, which had mostly good responses, and a few appreciated critiques. I will be more careful moving forward when I disseminate my writing. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish my theological/apologetical pieces versus what can be called “theological reflection”, also known as “opinion”. After all, my undeserved positive reputation from days gone by precedes me. That piece had to do with the same topic as this one, that is, the first words of the first article of the apostle’s creed, “I believe”.

It’s amazing how theologically and practically rich such a statement is. In today’s age, we believe in all sorts of things. I believe in “magic”; I believe that I can do it; I believe that is so; I believe and so it is… Some people believe in anarchy, and I wonder who they call when someone breaks into their home or when their home catches on fire. Some people believe in relativism, and yet, they will probably make a legal fuss when someone steals their car, or get frustrated when someone doesn't believe in relativism. Ironic, right? But the kind of belief that we are talking about here when we say these words every Sunday and at the beginning of every Rosary is a firm, un-doubting, conviction, that that something IS definitely so.

The Christian faith, as revealed by and in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, is non-negotiable. We can only either accept or reject it. Take it or leave it. Many will simply say, “Okay then, I’ll leave it.” Unfortunately, those who already have the faith and strive to live by it often times take this truth and presents it to everyone, as such, with no distinction. This is what we believe, tough as it is, take it or leave it, heaven or hell, eternal bliss, or eternal flames. I’m sorry, but not everyone can appreciate that kind of bluntness and straightforwardness. As the Scriptures teach, some need milk, and some are ready for meat, and some need to go back to milk.

Today, is Pentecost Sunday. It is the birthday of the Church founded by Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church. It is the day when the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles and breathed life into the Church, as God breathed into the first man Adam, giving life once more to the world. Father, at Mass today echoed the recent lessons of the Holy Father, that we have become a Christian culture which is closed, self-referential, isolated, narcissistic, and therefore, ineffective. I sat there nodding my head with a big smile on my face, like I have always done when I hear the things I like to hear during the sermon, looking around, secretly judging everyone else who probably isn't doing just what Father is encouraging us to do. But, then I realize, relatively speaking, with the gifts that God has given me, I too have become lukewarm, even though I may already be doing more quantitatively than most. I may very well believe everything Father is saying, but I have to stop and think, is that belief, informing my life, in thought, word, deed, and prayer?

In this time of Pentecost, an opportunity is before all of us, my friends, to re-new our commitment to our God, our Church, our faith, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, but guess what, not just them, but our brothers and sisters in the world. Yes, the ones in the world, and sadly, of the world. The gospel is just as much for them as it was for you when you were lost, once upon a time. The priest’s job is to bring the gospel to the people of God; that’s you and me. Our job, as the laity, is to bring that same gospel, using the “tongues of fire” which God has gifted us with, by our state in life, use of language, profession, education, life experience, or what have you, to translate that same gospel for the people that God has placed in our lives.

God be with you!