Christus Vivit

My "cloistered brothers" discussed Christus Vivit, today.  This is an apostolic exhortation for youth and others who are interested.  The group had a couple of men who were in their 20's, a couple in their 60's, and the rest in-between.  They were interested in the document, pointing out that the exhortation did not only mean "youth" in age but also "youth" in faith.  Many of them were not life- time Catholics, or lifetime faithful Catholics so they felt that they qualified as "Catholic youth."

The message was that God is always there.  He will wait for you. Many can attest to that.  The idea of "doubt" took up most of the conversation.  And most felt "doubt" a good attribute.  Some even claimed that God would look with favor on people who doubted.  Paragraph 7 states With Gideon we have the question, " But if the Lord is with us, why then have all these things happened to us?" (Jg 6: 13).  And God was not offended by this question. In fact, he ordered Gideon, "Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel!" (Jg 6:14).

God understands doubt and doubt leads to question.  But think about it.  We wouldn't question if we didn't believe in God.

Another good point was our diversity, not only in age but background.  We don't think alike.  This is a strength, in our Lay Dominican Chapter.  Other chapters probably all are strict conservatives.  But we dialogue our differences and learn more, especially with those of other religions who like to attend our study groups.  What's there to learn, if everyone thinks like you?

Discussing Christus Vivit was a good exercise for us.