Blessed John Paul II called on the Church to begin a New Evangelization. While catholics have a lot of trouble with the word, it really has a lot to do with relation which one has with Christ, and with the Body of Christ, the Church. In grade school and in R.E. classes we learned certain facts and figures about the Church, as well as a set of prayers. This became the be all, and end all, of the Church.
To be sure our Gospel challenge is to have a relationship with God, through his Son, that leads to an ongoing transformation and spiritual growth. One difficulty is that when we teach the children, we can only offer them so much. Obviously we cannot explore issues of morality, or teach meditation, with fourth graders. But then again we need to nurture and nourish that relationship. This same growth takes place when families pray, go to church together, and participate in a life of faith.
At the conference in Chicago last week some asked whether we were bothered by the mega-church at Willow Creek. Statistics will indicate that many catholics leave the Church for that and similar churches, but a large percentage returns to the Catholic Church. The Sunday worship is a high powered music and light show. It is impressive. But what most people do not realize is that the real 'parish' happens on Wednesday nights, with a family orientated bible study. The two hour session is divided by age groups and is an intense study and reflection.
Catholics have a rich tradition and extensive theology. Sadly very few outside of theologians and the Church leadership know about it. The Gospel challenges us to be on fire within our faith. Faith-filled catholics are called to embrace our belief and to mull it over often. We were created and redeemed in a garden, and have to consider how well our garden is growing. Its time to till the soil.
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