Talks of attacks on Catholic identity seem to overlook one vital element - it does not exist. At least, not in any volume or force.
Catholic identity is knowledge of what is reverent and what is sacred.
It is not reverent or sacred to attend church and gossip at the top of one's voice.
It is not reverent or sacred (in a westernised world), to have no knowledge of what being a Catholic entails.
It is not reverent or sacred to miss Mass on Sunday - just because you were busy or idle.
It is not reverent or sacred (again, in a western world) to not be concerned about abortion, IVF, euthanasia, embryo experimentation.
It is not reverent or sacred to not pay due courtesy and consideration to the Body and Blood of Christ at Communion.
It is not reverent or sacred to ignore the guidance of the Holy Father.
It is not reverent or sacred to stick one's head in the sand and carry on regardless.
And it is not reverent or sacred to be woolly and indecisive about one's faith.
How far the faithful of the church have drifted.
What they do today would have been a cause for scandal 50 years ago.
That, in itself should be a cause for reflection.
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| It takes more than an ID card to be Catholic |
Catholic identity is knowledge of what is reverent and what is sacred.
It is not reverent or sacred to attend church and gossip at the top of one's voice.
It is not reverent or sacred (in a westernised world), to have no knowledge of what being a Catholic entails.
It is not reverent or sacred to miss Mass on Sunday - just because you were busy or idle.
It is not reverent or sacred (again, in a western world) to not be concerned about abortion, IVF, euthanasia, embryo experimentation.
It is not reverent or sacred to not pay due courtesy and consideration to the Body and Blood of Christ at Communion.
It is not reverent or sacred to ignore the guidance of the Holy Father.
It is not reverent or sacred to stick one's head in the sand and carry on regardless.
And it is not reverent or sacred to be woolly and indecisive about one's faith.
How far the faithful of the church have drifted.
What they do today would have been a cause for scandal 50 years ago.
That, in itself should be a cause for reflection.
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