Luke 18:8

In a sort apocalyptic statement, Luke asks the question as to whether there will be faith n earth when the Son of Man comes.  During this Year of Faith, this is a very real question for the Church, and of course for myself as a pastor.  Many eons ago I had read a story of a man who had come into a native village during a religious ceremony.  The man reported that the natives went through various motions, but it was evident to him that the participants did not believe in what they were doing.

I am sometimes afraid that we are there now.  When I consider the number of babies that we have baptized over this past year, we should have crying and fussy children at every Mass.  Or even how can you prepare for a sacrament like the Eucharist or Confirmation, and not go to Church?  We still have couples who call the office for the sacrament of marriage, and want to know whether they can 'reserve' the church for their wedding.  It is bothersome that we have catholics who see the sacraments as an amulet or spiritual trinket.  The Gospels really do call for an ongoing conversion and discipleship, and yet we have many catholics who believe that a good catholic is 'nice' to everyone and does not commit homicide.

While some might blame the Vatican II for many of our problems, that becomes an easy target and a good excuse.  The Vatican documents all call people to a full and active participation of faith and living their religion fully and boldly.  Our post-modern society looks less at the community and communal morals and values, than it does on the individual and the personal wants and concerns.  So we are one, as long as each one can do what they want.

The solution is not programs but a relationship with God.  Again and again we have to look at our initiation sacraments as the foundation of our belief.  We have to be serious and ask what the profession of faith means to me.  If it is just an action I have to do to get water, oil, or bread - then do not do it.  But if it really means something, then we have to integrate that into a lifestyle lived.