October 23, 2009
COMMENTARY
God’s plan: A reflection on life in the Church today
By ZOE CANNON | Our Lady of Hope, Washington
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Sir Isaac Newton was describing movement in his theory, but it seems this idea can apply to just about anything. Pick a topic and discuss it with someone, it is possible that there could be a different perception from each person. There are always two sides to every story. You can share an image or picture with someone, and with each eye, a different perspective will be viewed. That is life, so beautifully and wonderfully made. Is this something to fret about? Not at all, it is most likely just what God had in mind.
In scripture Christ asks, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. I have come to bring fire on the earth.” In hearing the word “fire,” we could be alarmed and run for safety, looking for something to put it out. Or another person could respond to the word “fire” with a different emotion — as something useful, warm and cozy. Both reactions are correct and each valid in its perception. It is all about interpretation. So what does Christ really mean in his statement about coming to bring fire to the earth and creating division among us?
In the message of Jesus, he is not praising family quarrels. Nor is he advocating them. But he is saying that however essential family ties may be, we cannot permit them to interfere in the truly important thing in life, loyalty to Christ. There are no magic formula for balancing the demands of family and the demands of faith. We must try to respond to both. No one can use God as an excuse for abjuring responsibility to spouse and children and parents. Peace at any price is not the purpose of Christ. And yes, discipleship can be difficult. Christ’s baptism by fire on this earth was planned for saving our souls.
In the Confiteor we pray: “I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” Then comes the best part, we call upon the Blessed Mother, all the angels and Saints “and to you my brothers and sisters to pray to the Lord our God for me.” How comforting! No other way to interpret that, plain and simple, in all things we need forgiveness and prayer.
I have been privileged this past month to be conducting interviews for the Discernment Team for strategic planning in our diocese. It is one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time, sharing with deeply de-voted Catholic people discuss-ing their faith and the life and future of their church. It is very powerful and I feel like I have made new friends in Christ. Listening to their concerns and hopes for the church, our diocese, their parish and their parish priest; it all comes down to one thing, we need more priests, but I will bet you already knew that. When this happens, the problem is solved, no more strategic planning committees or interviews, just faithful people making plans to carry on with the Good News of Jesus.
Do we all agree on which route to take in order to accomplish our dreams and goals for our Church? Not at all, but we each know of the beauty in the love, the mercy and the grace of God. In that there should be no division. I pray we are all moving in the same direction when it comes to our faith. Please take the time to participate in the interview process and town hall meetings. Information may be accessed in your parish bulletins or online at www.evansville-diocese.org. Most importantly, pray for vocations in this “Year for Priests.” It is the greatest gift of security for the future of our Catholic Church, the saving of our souls, and most definitely what God had in mind to truly bring peace on earth.