Daily Reflection: Thursday, May 10, 2007

These days of hearing the account of the early Church and some of the debates have truly brought me to a better understanding of the challenges the disciples encountered. Even more than their struggles, I see how the Church through the centuries has bot been free of the trials necessary to discover what is truly the heart of Christianity. While Peter, Paul and Barnabas struggled with the issue of acceptance of Gentiles into the fraternity of Jesus, what becomes evident is that there is a power to be reckoned with --- the Holy Spirit.
The early Church was, following the belief that Jesus came to save the whole world, became a group of diverse converts. There were people seeking the way and the truth that would lead them to God. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit that helped those who sought out God for their lives.
The Church is no different today. There are issues in our Church that divide us, as I have posted recently. We can ask ourselves what it is that we believe constitutes membership in our Church. Who belongs to the body of Jesus Christ? Do we expect converts to be exactly like us.
This is no easy question because our missionary efforts, our programs of evangelization, bring so many people of different cultures to gather around the one altar. Are we more Roman Catholic if the Mass is celebrated in Latin or French? Are be better Catholics if we receive the Eucharist kneeling at an altar railing. Jesus said it simply: Love is the primary criterion. "As the Father loves me, so I love you. Remain in my love."
This Eucharist we celebrate challenges all of us. This body of Christ we claim for membership has to deal with challenging issues: abortion, birth control, homosexuality, same-sex priesthood, hierarchical structures. And the debates go on; the divide seems to widen as we know more. When will we ever come to know love --- the love that Jesus calls us to live?
Have we overlooked the reality of the presence of the Holy Spirit among us and especially among those who may not wear the same shoes for our faith journey?
Being a Catholic, being a Christian: it is our calling ... but it is not easy.