Meditations

Status Quo

I realized 30 years ago that I had never addressed our Saviour as “JESUS” except in formula prayers. Then when I tried, it seemed to stick in my throat, maybe because it seemed effeminate or protestant. When I first spoke to the Lord so personally that I called him, ‘Jesus’, what I do know is that I was flooded with tears, cleansing and relief, and that for 40 years I missed a fantastic relationship.

Now comes the problem as to whether it is valid to judge fellow Catholics. I do not see how I could not be concerned that they, as the whole, appear to be spiritually in the same condition as I was. In as much as there is rarely any sharing of spiritual insights and emotions, it would be difficult to assess whether they were as sinful or scrupulous as I was or as spiritually uninformed. Since I’m going to continue this monologue, it is apparent that you will have to discern or judge my ‘judging’.

These judgments are based upon appearances, participation, and the self-acknowledged attitudes of other parishioners. My discernment is based upon apparent fruits, or lack thereof, while earnestly trying to be mindful that I cannot truly know the hearts or relationship.

I believe that pastors have been, and probably still are, the major source of teaching for most Catholics. My understanding of Vatican II seems to clearly state the Ministry of Pastor as: 1. Lead souls to salvation
2. Provide impetus toward deeper spiritual life through teaching, example and counseling, admonishing and encouragement.
3, Provide for and administer the Sacraments.
4. Administer the parish.

I believe that the foundation for this type pastoral service has to start with a Pastor’s vision as to what God has envisioned. As parishioners, we have a right to hope that our Pastors would become , ‘Vatican II Perfect’. I have had only a dozen or so people acknowledge that they personally pray for their Pastor- some respond that they do so at each mass, and I don’t fault that, but I feel certain that if Pastors were given a choice, they would opt for the personal prayer, too.

Most of us are not clear on the Church’s teaching regarding the general fact of salvation and Baptism. I think that 400 people in our pews on Sunday morn might have 400 different understandings, and that this affects our attitudes toward spirituality.

A conclusion might be reached that an unBaptized infant must somehow be provided for by a merciful and loving God. It would then follow that Baptized children, prior to the age of reason, have salvation. It seems that the basic teaching is that, with the first mortal sin, a Catholic is normally as sure as possible of their salvation by confession after each mortal sin. So that, generally understood, valid confession becomes the normal prerequisite of salvation, should one die. The conclusion from this is that how one lives his life out will probably govern which of the ‘many mansions I have prepared’, or how long in Purgatory. But the ultimate conclusion is already settled as to heaven or hell. This would almost allow for a categorizing of Baptized Catholics:

Those who claim Catholicity, but who are unrepentant and living in sin - arbitrarily, somewhat less than 10%.
Those who are without any mortal sin and saved by virtue of their Baptism-again, less than 10% ( abortions not included.)
Those with a strong living faith and belief that God is faithful and that the promises in His Word convince them that their salvation is, and can be assured, -- probably a relatively small percentage.
Those dear aged folks who are at peace with God, hardly capable of mortal sin, and just confidently awaiting their ‘final healing’ - there are a growing number of these folks. And finally, the bulk of our Catholics: those who confess, obey Church laws, and HOPE they will go to heaven, and, in fact, probably will.

These last, are the Me of 30 years ago. They do not participate in most spiritual growth events, primarily because the emphasis has been on ‘Sunday Catholics’. The mentality seems to be, “If the Church really thought these events were necessary, they would have made it a sin if you didn’t participate. These are the ‘Status Quo’.