Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (John 16:29-33)
Has he? Has he “conquered” Christians and especially Catholics? More likely Jesus has been captured by many Christians, and he has been wrapped in burial clothes similar to those of Nicodemus. He is unwrapped when we feel the occasion suits his exposure and our needs. For example, there is the danger to us – and Christ – of our viewing him on Sundays and not during the week meaning we pray and listen to the Word sticking to us only for a brief time. Then off to business as usual. For the week Jesus is "kept under wraps."
We Catholics tend to be a strange bunch receiving the Eucharist and then forgetting what we have received and who we are supposed to be – the Body of Christ. Many of us tend to be “cafeteria Catholics” choosing to speak out against abortion and casting votes on that issue alone while ignoring other pro-life issues and evil, antichrist behavior of candidates.
We risk being what Jesus condemned – hypocrites. Am I exaggerating or overstating the seriousness of our failings and their implication for our Church and our nation? No, because many of us are indoctrinated with propaganda that appeals to us – an appeal not affected by Catholic morality and Jesus’ commandments.
In our own worlds, in our personal lives, we have many troubles, but we must take courage. We are not alone because the Father is with us and always reminds us not to forget what we have received and who we are supposed to be – the Body of Christ.
Deacon David Pierce
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