Separation of Faith and Life: America’s Greatest Problem?
All faithful Christians can appreciate the statement that it is difficult to live one's faith each and every day. However, each one also knows that professing the faith which bears its founder's name requires a change of attitudes and actions in every facet of daily existence. Jesus taught and performed miracles not only on the Sabbath; His work was executed at all times, in all situations. How could we ever claim Him as our standard-bearer and yet not allow the lessons and experiences of Sunday to alter (for the better) every other moment of our week?
In his address to the bishops of the United States, Pope Benedict identified this separation of profession and action as a key component of America's deep, ongoing religious and moral crisis. American Catholics, clergy included, have not provided a public witness that mirrors their confession on Sunday, and thus a void has been created that must be filled. If such a void is not filled with "Christ Our Hope," it will be filled with other moral evils, some of which were explicitly named by His Holiness.
It is left, then, to the bishops, the pastors of our souls, to provide the first, best examples. Further, it is their responsibility to facilitate the proper formation of their flocks' consciences. Only when they have been instructed in the way of holiness and fidelity to Christ will large groups of faithful Catholics present the clear, decisive witness that was expressly willed by the Anointed during His time on earth.
Let us all pray for our bishops in the country. Let us also pray that more people will encounter the Risen Lord and allow Him to transform every moment of their lives, private and public.
God bless!
In his address to the bishops of the United States, Pope Benedict identified this separation of profession and action as a key component of America's deep, ongoing religious and moral crisis. American Catholics, clergy included, have not provided a public witness that mirrors their confession on Sunday, and thus a void has been created that must be filled. If such a void is not filled with "Christ Our Hope," it will be filled with other moral evils, some of which were explicitly named by His Holiness.
It is left, then, to the bishops, the pastors of our souls, to provide the first, best examples. Further, it is their responsibility to facilitate the proper formation of their flocks' consciences. Only when they have been instructed in the way of holiness and fidelity to Christ will large groups of faithful Catholics present the clear, decisive witness that was expressly willed by the Anointed during His time on earth.
Let us all pray for our bishops in the country. Let us also pray that more people will encounter the Risen Lord and allow Him to transform every moment of their lives, private and public.
God bless!
