As part of my plea-bargain, I am required to put out some of the fires I started yesterday.
I was gently rebuked by FOB Jack who commented on Rob the Arsonist by saying:
When I have a broken window on the front of my house, I don’t need everybody walking past to tell me I have a broken window. I need someone to walk up and hand me the business card for a good window guy.
Fair point.
I really meant that post as an exhortation, but as Jack rightly points out, I shouldn’t assume that just because somebody can acknowledge a problem, it doesn’t follow that they have the first idea of how to fix it.
So, here’s my stab at helping them out.
It is the primary objective of every bishop to see that the people of God are well cared for, both spiritually and physically. My home diocese, Joliet, has 655,000 parishioners in 120 parishes and 10 missions, speaking many languages other than english. There are 39,000 students in 68 schools and universities, along with 868,000 patients in three hospitals. 36,000 souls partake of the diocese’s charity across its seven counties.
That’s an enormous job for any pastor.
Our bishop, along with his auxiliary, empowers priests, deacons, and laypeople to help them care for such a diverse and wide-ranging flock. Still, even though it is a daunting task, I don’t believe there is any disputing that their first care is to see that their people understand the faith.
However—and this is a BIG however—each one of us will stand alone before the Lord to give an account. We are therefore not exempt from taking the primary part in nourishing our own souls and deepening our relationship with God. I don’t think we’ll get away with saying on that day, “Oh well, I didn’t know because my parents/pastor/priest/bishop didn’t teach me.”
It’s true that there is much in our culture in this day and age that is detrimental to our faith, but we mustn’t lose sight of the many opportunities that exist for strengthening it. We need only look around a bit.
The Internet is a vast cesspool to be sure, but its technology provides access to many resources that our parents couldn’t begin to dream of. For starters, you can access the Vatican’s website to read Church documents, papal encyclicals, and find links to other resources. Then there is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website for more information about the church here in the States.
Thanks to Pope John Paul II, we have the first major recapitulation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in centuries which is available in a handy-dandy little volume. It is neatly organized, and written in understandable language with numerous biblical references.
Next we have many good translations of the Bible complete with apocrypha so that you can have the whole canon of scripture at your fingertips. Taking a cue from our protestant brothers, most catholic bibles have copious study notes and are available in both print and E-versions. You can even get one for your smartphone!
Speaking of which, the Roman Catholic Missal is available in those same media. I have Universalis on my iPhone which I highly recommend. Just remember that if you use your phone for this in church, turn the damn ringer off! Nobody wants to hear Whoomp! There it is! during the consecration. You Apple users can tell Siri to stuff it as well!
As for Bible study, I whole-heartedly agree with the ancient fathers of the Church that it should be a regular part of your daily devotion, but that it must be approached properly, and with sound, spiritual guidance to avoid falling into error or delusions. The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword. If you handle it carelessly, you can lop off someone’s arm, or your own. That’s not a joke, it’s a very real problem that should not be ignored. I speak from experience.
Some good guides to help you with Bible study can be found here. I can personally recommend Dr. Scott Hahn’s Didache series found here.
Another excellent tool is Patrick Madrid’s Where is that in the Bible? When discussing the faith with non-catholics, this handy resource can help you explain the tenets of the faith from their biblical origins. In my many years bushwhacking the Christian jungle, I’ve found that there are so many misconceptions about the Church’s teachings, that if they were only explained properly, it would go a long way to reducing divisions and mistrust among believers and non-believers alike.
Almost all of these resources I might add, are available through the Chewing Glass General Store for a mere pittance! See the sidebar —>
Let’s not forget broadcast media. Thanks to Mother Angelica and the Missionaries of the Eternal Word, you can tune your TV to EWTN which has excellent, orthodox Catholic programming 24x7x365. If you live in the Birmingham area, you can tune your radio to the Catholic blowtorch of the south, Queen of Heaven Radio, 1480 on your AM dial. If you don’t live in Alabama, you can stream it over the web!
Almost last, but not least, is your very own parish! I bet you weren’t aware of all the opportunities for fellowship and bible study right where you worship on Sundays. Not sure where to look? Pick up a bulletin or ask your pastor after Mass. Every U.S. diocese has a website too!
Finally—and this is the most important point of all—you must ask the Holy Spirit for His illumination as you pray and read. Prayer and study must be part of your lifestyle, not just some six-week program for your own personal enrichment.
Should you feel discouraged along the way—and you will—remember this: God wants you to know Him. He doesn’t hide Himself, but instead rewards those who seek Him with a pure and humble heart. Knock and it will be opened to you. Seek and you will find.
Now, go forth and spread the Good News!
I would hope, my friend, that you would acknowledge that many of your readers are of the Protestant variety, and that there are many excellent resources for them too. Many of the same problems you referred to within the RC church are prevalent in various P churches as well and, not surprisingly, some of the solutions are the same.
God bless you Rob!
Thanks for adding this Dave!
We’re all part of the same family so it’s no surprise we share the same faults and deficiencies. I would hope that whoever reads this blog can take what is of use and give their kind indulgence for the rest.