Christianity as the Bridge

 At today's Mass, Father Chudy related his experience at an Interfaith meeting. He sat between an Imam and a Rabbi.  When people of good will get together, they can come to see agreement and shared problems.  They share ideas.  They can help each other.  

Everyone can benefit by meeting and talking.  Pope Francis is on to something with his "synodal way."  Think of the political polemics, our country is experiencing, currently.  

No Christian rests easy, when they realize what's happening.  Doesn't Jesus preach love your enemies?  There's Father Chudy trying to explain this "love your enemies" to two mentalities that tend to want "an eye for an eye."

Christianity is the bridge.  Christianity needs to call out the hate.  The light of Christ needs to be cast upon our discussions. Reconciliation is a sacrament, to Catholics.  But reconciliation is just what is needed. Differences are deep, but everyone wants a peaceful world.  We should focus on attaining the good. 

Disaffiliation from Catholic Church

 Father Carl Chudy, sx, D Min. has released his report on disaffiliation of Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston.  

I just finished reading it.  It's not long--23 pages.  The stories are sad.  I could sense their heart breaking.  They've been hurt by people, priests, administrators, and others representing the church.

However, no one said that they once believed in the Eucharist and now they don't.  Some said that they never did believe in Church doctrine; I assume that means the Eucharist.  But that means that they never had the gift of faith. Faith is a divine gift that enables an encounter with God.  Faith is a mystery.  How can I explain a supernatural grace?

And the Holy Spirit goes wherever.  I believe everyone can have faith if they want it.  They have to want it and pray for it.  There's the rub.  I guess some never see the need of it.

Of course, if the Lord has need of someone to cooperate in Divine Plans than we'd see a Saul to Paul experience.  But most of us aren't called in that way.

This report tells many sad tales of people being hurt and not listened to.  I can relate.  But I would never let poor pastoral practices keep me away from the Eucharist.  That's what the Catholic Church is to me--the Eucharist and only Catholic priests have Apostolic succession (Matt 16:18).