Tag Archives: faith

Hating

Aside

Reply

Hating

In utter frustration, she frantically screamed at her brother, “I hate you! I hate you! Why do I have such a mean brother?” She then turned around and defiantly marched out of the room, while her brother taunted her with a wry smile and an indifferent look. Most of us have experienced a, “I hate you”, response from a sister or brother or a friend as the individual charges off into a new direction. Of course, real hatred does not exist in such situations. What did exist was a short period of frustration or disappointment, to be followed shortly thereafter with an atmosphere of mutual reconciliation.

Yet there are many instances where actual hatred does exist. During a televised discussion on the subject of hatred between cultures, religions, and ethnic groups, several panelists offered the thought that the Jews are the most hated group in the world, while others commented that Muslins are the most hated. Finally, a Jewish rabbi countered that no not the Jews nor the Muslins nor any other group or individual is as hated as are those who hold tightly to the teachings of the Catholic faith. His comment stunned many of his fellow panelists. Yet his comment echoed the statement made by St. Cyprian in the third century, “The world hates Christians (Catholics).”

If the rabbi is accurate in his assessment that faithful followers of Catholicism are indeed the most hated individuals, why is this true?   The rabbi noted that whatever one thinks of Catholics, the actual teachings of the Catholic faith present a choice between its teachings, its emphasis on the truth, and the desires of many people. People do not like having their choices challenged by the arguments of the Church advocating objective truth. Few people want to have some of their choices in life be scrutinized and challenged by that which the Church presents as truth – reality. The Church’s positions on the existence of God, abortion, homosexuality, loving one’s neighbor, and many other issues all are frequently challenged by those who hold different views and cannot accept being contradicted. On many vital issues, such as God’s existence or abortion, some people strive to marginalize the Church, while others vehemently denounce the Church hoping to completely isolate her. Still others select and emphasize the failings of individual Catholics, both within the clergy and among the laity, in order to discredit not only certain individuals but all the teachings of the Church. By emphasizing the sins of important members of the Church, they hope to taint the entire Church. Even those who claim to be “Catholics” often join in the criticisms of the church, when it serves their own personal circumstances.

The most intense hatred of the Church occurs when the Church declares its position of any particular issue as the truth, as reality.  Many people vehemently reject the Church’s teachings about sex, freedom, objective truth, the nature and purpose of man and, more importantly, strongly reject the idea that their own positions / beliefs are contrary to the truth. Many people attempt to justify their actions and belief systems so that they are accepted as the truth. However, on many issues, the Catholic Church stands in front of them clearly stating the truth. Oh, how they wish this annoying Church would just go away! When the Church will not leave the field of battle, people try to destroy it in any way it can. Sometimes the Church’s antagonists are assisted by people within the Church, but in the end their efforts, though occasionally having some temporary success, are doomed to fail as Jesus Christ is the protector of the Church….now and forever.

Catholics who accept the teachings of the Church on faith and morals must know that others will try to marginalize, and yes, even hate them.  It part of the life of a Catholic. The response to this hatred is the same one Christ gave to his executioners….love. Oh, that is so difficult for us!  But love we must.

Suggested Reading:

“The Mind that is Catholic” by James V. Schall, published by the Catholic University Press, available on Amazon.  (Fr. Schall presents 23 essays for one’s review and contemplation. As usual, Fr.Schall’s writing is clear, concise, and understandable to a layman. )

Friends in Truth

Aside

Reply

Friends in the Truth

Drinking their coffee slowly, savoring each sip of their drinks, the two men in their late 20s were enjoying their discussion about truth and God. One was of average height, slight of built, but not thin, with a strong wiry appearance, he might be an athlete. His sharp blue eyes spoke of intensity and commitment. Together with his athletic posture and the intensity in his eyes, his demeanor spoke of a vibrancy that could express itself in emotive, though controlled, outpourings. Yes, he must be intense, emotive, but in control of his very self. A woman might see in him a perfect lover….but he could not be used by her. Any relationship with him would require a careful, thoughtful handling. He might be a volcano, but one who could thoughtfully control himself.  Yes, a lover, but one who could be had by only one.

The friend, who was sharing time with him, enjoying the coffee and conversation, was quite tall; he was overweight, but not fat. Possessing an unathletic posture, his slumped shoulders indicated that he may have spent many hours leaning on a desk reading books and writing detailed accounts of his thoughts about the contents of the books. His clear, contemplative brown eyes indicated a mind that paid attention to details and a willingness to question what he had read. The emotive explosive countenance in his friend was not to be found in him. He was a thinker, one who noticed every detail. He could be very aggressive and combative when he was challenged by a lazy pseudo thinker. No one could compete with is mental acuity. A woman might not be attracted to him. Yet he was also a lover. He and his friend, very different in so many ways, loved the same person…intensely so.

They both loved the same person, yet not in a competitive manner. They came to their love via different routes; one the mystic lover, the other the contemplative lover. Both loved with great intensity; they reached their state of loving through different avenues.  Each loved the object of their affection without any qualification; there was no hesitation in their commitment to one loved. The mystic and the thinker had as the object of their love and devotion- Jesus Christ, God.

It is true that many people come to love God through very diverse paths. There is no one personality type that arrives at Jesus Christ, God. Jesus founded His Church to be the avenue to Him and His Father for all types of persons. He only asked for two things – Love for God and love of one’s neighbor .Additionally, He left man His Church as the teacher and guide for all generations.

Love of God and neighbor with a faithfulness to His Church’s teachings on faith and morals are the marks of all devoted Catholics. They are the basic, indispensable requirements to be Catholic.  No compromises are allowed! The two friends, the mystic and the contemplative, shared this vision of faithfulness and love for Jesus and His Church.

Be faithful!