2. Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure.” ~ Meister Eckhart
What rushes into my mind is I would not, even if was just for a day, soft pedal or minimize my true feelings about key issues of faith. I would clearly state, loudly and without reservation, that I believe in the dignity of all human life, born or unborn, from conception to natural death. This is so critical I will never vote for any candidate for any office who does not support that teaching. There is no room for being complicit in the ending of any human life and that includes the death penalty.

I believe our society needs to focus on human dignity so that issues of life are never decided because of economic or financial pressures either before or after birth. I also believe that those who are sick, disabled or simply aged be provided with adequate housing and care so that financial pressures never play a part in end of life discussions. We must lead with compassion and follow up with passion for living out the gospel.

I would also state clearly and definitively that I believe in the Gospel of the Risen Lord and in a transcendent and triune God who is all powerful and the very definition of love. I would proclaim this to the world in the most powerful and attractive message I can muster given my human frailties.

I believe in life after death and forgiveness of sins no matter how heavy or grievous. I know that I am loved without limit or reservation as is every human who has ever lived or will ever live.

I would also to communicate it is not my privilege or responsibility to judge anyone other than myself for any reason and I hope I have not intentionally or intentionally done so but if I have, I humbly ask for forgiveness and for an opportunity to make amends.

I believe it is a scandal there is deep division in the Christian Church and I pray we will see a day when what separates us fades away and we can focus on what we hold in common to better bind us together as unified body of Christ.

I believe that my church, our church, the Roman Catholic Church has allowed itself to be battered and bruised by sin compounded by the sin of a cover-up on a systemic basis that leaves me sickened, saddened and enraged. How can we claim to be a source of moral teaching with the stains of abuse darkening our message? We must reclaim what has been lost and it is not just up to the Bishops. It is up to us the laity to make the changes. There can be no more dark secrets without any kind of transparent investigation and management. 

We need to throw open the doors and windows and let us into our church and let us help bring about the change that will be based upon a fundamental focus on the gospel of evangelization and conversion. When civil war tore our country apart, we fought to restore unity. When civilization was nearly destroyed by the evils at work in WW2, we fought back and saved our way of live. Our church is worth fighting for as well. Where else can we find the sacraments that are essential to our Christian souls?

Now comes the need for reflection. Why don’t I feel secure enough to speak as I have proposed here? What stops me? Is the fear of offending others? Perhaps but I have to wonder if what I would publish be would be a surprise since I make a genuine effort to live as I believe?

This is not a question I have a ready answer for at the moment. I can’t decide if it is fear or discretion that holds me back. More prayer is needed for sure but I can’t help but hear the words of my friend and devout Christian, Richard Yetter who states with conviction that if it comes to a choice between offending a person or offending God, the decision is simple. I definitely need more prayer and meditation and I hope that going through the daily reflections will bring some clarity