The World of Grandpa Don

.  Living the Faith

Two things happened. That is usually the way. One event, by itself, doesn't often provoke thought and it takes a combination of things to get the mind working, or to get the thoughts to gel into something substantial.

The first event was signaled by the automatic email generated when someone places an entry into my web site's guest book. It was a brief entry in which the visitor simply stated that he liked my web site. The troublesome thing was that his web site URL was obviously related to pornography. His comment about his web sit was "You know what is there." Since he included his email address, my first reaction was to sit down and write a note telling him why I was deleting his post in my guestbook. Half done, I realized that I do not want him to have my email address. It may end up on his promotion list or be circulated among his friends. I deleted the email.

I then edited out his web site URL, email address, and his message, replacing with one of my own, explaining in gentle terms, why his post had been edited out. I owed him that much since he was gentleman enough not to actually place anything offensive in my guestbook. The thing that struck me about it was that by his post, he was advertising his (depraved) values in an effort to attract others to join him. This is the way with people who are slaves to their base instincts. They want to validate their beliefs by trying to make them universal. 

The following morning we gathered for Bible study to discuss the Gospel of Mark. Part of the discussion was the question of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. The original disciples left their work and their families and actually followed Him in His travels. Missionaries were mentioned as "followers". One of the group remarked that Catholics are usually very "quiet" about their faith. I thought that yes, we were always told to "keep the faith". We tend to keep it to ourselves. I thought about the event of the previous day. Why aren't we as active in promoting our faith and the values that it proffers as the people who have little or no faith in God and who's values tend towards instant gratification of base instincts as a way of life. 

Does the devil make them do it? They would probably deny his existence. Or, they would glorify him in defiance of the existence of God. No, I rather think that they want to believe that depravity is "normal" and if everyone thought so, it would be OK. The problem is that the more there are of the people that think this way, the more "normal" it seems. Our culture becomes desensitized to evil. It creeps into our entertainment and our advertising, trying to become a way of life.

And, we who "Keep the Faith" do nothing to reverse the trend. 

But what are we to do? Living our faith would be a good start. That means that we stop setting aside an hour a week for our religion. No, I don't advocate giving up church attendance. I am saying the our faith is a 24/7 thing. We go to church to get recharged in our faith and to support others as well. That means at least an hour a week. It also means getting acquainted with God (and ourselves) in private prayer. Then, we should do as St. Francis advised his followers, ... "Preach the Gospel at all times ... if necessary, use words." Being a Christian means that we are to spread our faith, not keep it to ourselves. We do that by being what God would have us be, ... or at least trying our best. 

Our actions speak louder than words. Kindness, consideration, honesty and respect are the starting points. It starts at church, goes home with us, stays with us at work or school, and continues in play and relaxation.  The criteria for our behavior should be based on these concepts. If anything we do or say will hurt or degrade others it should not be done or said. If a gain we would make would result in a loss for others, either in material or in esteem, our gain should be forsaken. Morally deficient entertainment or pleasure is to be avoided and when presented to us by others, is to be firmly rejected. A simple, "I don't do that" is sufficient argument. In the case of demeaning humor of any kind, just saying, "I don't find that funny" is a good response. And, of course, walking away always works. 

Moses gave us a list of "Thou shalt nots". Jesus became man to show us what we should do and how we should live our lives. If we follow Him and His teaching, the "shall nots" will take care of themselves. 

 Make what you believe obvious by your actions and attitudes. Never argue with others over morality or religious beliefs. When you attack someone's beliefs, their ego dictates defense and counter attack. In fighting you create and enemy and pride prevents them from even hearing your argument.

On the other hand, your respect for their freedom to live their life choices may give them pause. They may see in you, or through you, value in your actions and beliefs. Then, if asked, (and only if asked) you can explain your beliefs or your actions ... always on the basis of explanation, not argument. And ... never ever treat them as an inferior. We, ... they ... all of us ...  are children of God and the wayward among us (like St Paul) may one day be staunch disciples of Christ. 

Leave the preaching to the preachers. They speak to those of us who have gathered to listen (even if it is reluctantly). It is up to the average Christian to spread the faith by really living it. So don't just keep the faith, ... live the faith and make it obvious by humbly taking pride in doing so. This way of life brings you closer to God and to His children, our brothers and sisters. It brings a feeling of well-being and love. 

If other others see the contentment this brings to you it will attract them. This is how we preach the Good News.   

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Also see "The Invitation"

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