Bulletin column from February 26, 2023

One of the great dangers to the modern Church is the notion that Catholicism should be convenient. This is absurdly contrary to both Sacred Scripture and our Tradition. Our Lord clearly states that “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:23-25). In another place, he tells his disciples that the world will hate them because of their faith (John 15). This hatred from the world has led to countless martyrs throughout the ages. It’s led to people like Oscar Romero being killed for the Eucharist and Maximilian Kolbe celebrating Mass in a concentration camp. No servant is greater than their master, so if the Lord himself was persecuted, his disciples know that they will have to face adversity. This is why Peter can say “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.” (1 Peter 4:12-13). What all of this shows us is that a Catholic will entail adversity, and salvation necessitates that we overcome adversity for the sake of God.

It’s often said that people no longer have the capacity to overcome adversity. Yet, I am not convinced that is always the case. I see people driving through piles of snow and standing outside in the frigid cold to get to a Packer game, or to go see a Taylor Swift concert. Furthermore, these people will undergo all sorts of sacrifices to save up money to obtain these tickets or to fit these events in their schedule. So, the modern human can sacrifice and can overcome adversity. Yet, the modern man is all too unwilling to give up meat on Friday for God, or to undergo any sort of adversity to get to Church. To be very clear, I am not talking about those who physically cannot get to Mass because of health or old age. They are permitted to stay home if needed. I am talking about those who can get to Mass or can undergo penance, and refuse to because of the adversity which it may entail. This becomes a matter of what is important in one’s life and a general blasé attitude towards matters of faith. If we actually believe that the Mass is what we think it is, then how could anything prevent us from going to Mass? If God is actually present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, then how could anything prevent us from getting to spend even a few brief moments with the Lord of the universe. This is why the martyrs did what they did, with fearlessness, with boldness, and with great strength, and perseverance. They had a tremendous love and devotion for our Lord and a living and active faith. Those things overcame all adversity and obtained for them a crown of eternal life.