Monday, November 27, 2017

Christ's Home is Our Castle - The Church

Friends of Faith:

Christ is THE King!

Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Phil 2: 9-10

And we know that every King has a Castle. A place where all of us in the kingdom have a standing invitation and are expected to come home to.

“Then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” Acts 4: 10-12

God’s kingdom is unique because Jesus “the Cornerstone” was rejected. So unlike most kings who are revered and honored by those around them Jesus was rejected by even those he picked as his own disciples. If anything this tells us how difficult it may be for us to honor the truth of His word and His teachings, even to look to His Church for our direction and leadership.

And just like other kingdoms, there is a hierarchy of continuity of leadership. Jesus left us His hierarchy for His kingdom -- The Church -- to Peter (the first Pope) and his successors to whom he gave the authority to lead the Church. “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Mt 16: 18-19
The Church gives us not only leadership, but strength of a community of believers living under God’s protection and grace given through His Sacraments– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.Mk 16:16

Heavenly Father: Help us not to reject you as the cornerstone! And we pray for those who see no reason to come home to your castle, the church. Help us to not be led astray by worldly possessions, cultural relativism and renegade leaders – especially those who profess in your name but without Your authority. And help us to return to Your castle, The Church each week for guidance: to be surrounded by a family of faithful believers who will uphold us, and to seek your protection. In your name we pray. Amen.

The King is waiting our return to His home, now and eternally, and I look forward to meeting you there.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Authentic Christian

Friends of Faith:

After a homily almost 3 weeks ago, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be an “Authentic Christian.”

You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. I, therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?” Mal 2: 8-10

What I realized is that with all of today’s propaganda (fake news, reality TV, the “need” for equality, and the definition of choice and the perception of what is “deserved”), an Authentic Christian is an extremely difficult level to achieve – because it’s more than just NOT being a hypocrite and knowing the truth – it’s about acting on the truth even when those actions are so extremely counter-cultural that it creates divisions and undeniable backlashes from the people we would  most expect to support us in the most difficult of situations (our family AND other Christians).

And unfortunately, breaking faith with one another, in today’s “equal” society is “okay,” because by cultural standards to be authentic means not conflicting with someone else’s beliefs so as not to hurt someone’s feelings – even if those feelings violate God’s commands.

And authentic Christian beliefs cross into every moral and character decision we make. Unfortunately, we see these decisions as being judgmental rather than a determination of God’s right from what is morally wrong. Authenticity is not about walking the middle ground, but rather about choosing the upper ground.

Recently, I read an email from a friend who was denied the right to be paid staff of a pro-life organization simply because she was Catholic. In fact, her motives were pure. And her desire to support pro-life objectives were as honest as any I could have imagined. In fact, she was so authentic in her desire to support the pro-life cause that despite their condescending language and misconceptions about her faith beliefs she continues to raise money and volunteer for the organization in a behind the scenes capacity.

So, while it’s difficult to perceive that any authentic Christian (and yes, Catholics are Christians) would deny another Christian the opportunity to support God’s greatest fundamental gift to each of us, life, her choice to continue to help the organization in lesser ways chose to focus on the real purpose of the organization instead of some man-made “rule” – a truly authentic Christian response.

“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen.” Mt 1:23-4

We are all individuals, with individual talents. Yet, despite this Jesus formed only ONE Church and gave us two new commandments (to love God and each other).

Yet it’s interesting how, even as aspiring Christians, we seem to look more to our differences. And we certainly seem to have difficulty living up to those two simple commandments that require us to put God first and love each other unconditionally. Authenticity is a high and difficult moral code.

God help me to: “Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowlydo not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.  If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Rm 12: 9-18. Amen.

And so, I’m back to where I started – being an authentic Christian. Trying to discern what’s right, what’s important and what’s really God’s will – while doing the right thing and being in the right place while still appreciating all the beauty and opportunities God has given us.

A perfect place for a Thanksgiving message to circle back to – giving THANKS for our blessings AND SHARING those blessings with our neighbors in love.

May your week be spent with those you love, sharing the gifts and talents God has given you.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer and if possible, live at peace with all. Be Authentic!
Blessings of Thanksgiving,
Charlotte