Our neighboring parish had the dedication of their brand new church this evening. It was fabulous. If you have never been present at such a once-in-a-lifetime event, then put it on your wish list. It's very moving. The Archbishop was there and told everyone that the beauty of a church is really established in the beautiful way the members of the church live out their Catholic faith.
Then when I got home I read an e-mail from one of my parishioners, reflecting on today's readings at Mass: "Can you at some point tell us whether we belong to this world, that world, or to both worlds, and how do we reconcile this dialectic?"
Here's a response that is in line with the Archbishop's insight at the dedication Mass. If the "the world" is despairing, I will be hopeful. If the world is violent, I will be peaceful. If the world is unjust, I will be just. If the world ignores the plight of the poor, I will be right there with the poor. If the world is cynical, I will be non-judgmental. If the world is too busy for God, I will delight in the presence of God. If the world is vengeful, I will be forgiving. If the world is impure, I will be chaste. If the world is cruel, I will be gentle. If the world uses people, I will be reverent before every human life. If the world is greedy, I will seek to become free from this idol of our time. In short, to be "in the world but not of it" is to serve the people of the world as Jesus did.
Comments