Pascha II

Pascha II

Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118; I John5:1-6; John 20:19-31

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind…”

Was that ever true? Is it true now?

People have been leaving the community of the Catholic Church for some time. We can argue about the reasons which are many and lay blame at the feet of a variety of causalities.  Yet we never seem to look at ourselves that maybe we are responsible in some way. Are we of one heart and mind?

We have been torn asunder by the scandal of the sexual abuse within the community. The failure of our bishops to lead have caused many to leave or at best to become numb.

Such is the feeling of gay and transgender members of the church with their families and friends over the recent two–page document of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith saying “No” to a question of whether the church can bless same-sex couples. The document and its harsh verbiage have caused hurt, dismay, and damage to the Church. What are we asking for when we ask for a blessing? Is it not God’s life and love to assist us, to acknowledge thanks? “The covenant between a man and a woman is something of immense importance and is sacred." [Cardinal Archbishop Christoph Schönborn of Vienna] Yet can we not say “Yes” to family while not saying “No” to other forms of partnership that are rooted in love and commitment? Can our theology not be as broad as God’s mercy to encompass the commitment between gay couples?

The Sacred Liturgy, which the Vatican Council called, “the source and summit of our Christian life” has become a source of division. The Council called for a renewal of the liturgy.  Instead we have two forms of the Eucharist that embody two views of priesthood, the church and the place of the People of God now pitting us against each other.

There are arguments about ordaining women to the diaconate, and why not the priesthood? Divisions over the translations of the liturgy and scripture so as to be inclusive of over half our church: women. We seem not to be able to agree on much of anything. Throughout life in general, we presume the worst of intentions of other people. Philosopher Roger Scruton, who was a Christian believer, observed: “When a system of belief starts to persecute those who do not accept it, we know it is a pseudo–science.” That’s something to think about in relation to our Catholic history and present moment.

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind…” What was Luke trying to convey?

If there is not unity among us then we are not witnesses to the Resurrection of the Lord and people will go in need.

It is not a matter of playing to the crowd or watering down the teachings of Christ but rather the need for an imaginative reflection on human experience, sacred scripture, science, our technologically connected world and faith. We need to articulate a theology that weaves all this and more into a coherent message of hope if we expect to be heard by contemporary people.

Is not the mission of the Church to proclaim Christ crucified and alive so as to gather rather than scatter people? It is one thing to proclaim the resurrection but we must also embody the redemptive truth of the resurrection by caring for one another in ways that secure the fullness of life God intends.

We all need to look deep within ourselves. Because Luke will not give us our answer.