- Feb 5, 2002
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A discussion among practicing Catholics occurred in a social media group, inevitably landing on current divisions between Catholics — those who would describe themselves as “orthodox” vs the “more progressive;” those who pronounce themselves “proudly cafeteria” versus those who identify as “proudly traditionalist.”
For Christians in touch with their own failings, it seems pointless to be “proudly” anything, and yet the stink of pride eventually attaches to most of us, no matter how pure our practice.
That led to questions about what “purity” means in a fallen world, and debate on following all the “rules” promulgated by the Church in the face of Christ’s own teachings. For instance, is Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son — in which he depicts the father running toward the imperfectly contrite son, even “while he was still a long way off” (Lk 15:20) — contrary to the mandate that we all be in a “state of grace” before we may approach Christ in the Eucharist?
It is good that such conversations happen, good to see people still actively wondering. Wonder grounds the work of better-knowing God.
Still, after lengthy exchanges, someone finally wailed, “How can any of us ever be ‘Catholic enough?'”
That cri du coeur is worth pondering in prayer: What is “Catholic enough?”
The answer might be as simple, and as difficult, as “love moving without limits, yet unchained to human excess.”
Continued below.
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For Christians in touch with their own failings, it seems pointless to be “proudly” anything, and yet the stink of pride eventually attaches to most of us, no matter how pure our practice.
That led to questions about what “purity” means in a fallen world, and debate on following all the “rules” promulgated by the Church in the face of Christ’s own teachings. For instance, is Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son — in which he depicts the father running toward the imperfectly contrite son, even “while he was still a long way off” (Lk 15:20) — contrary to the mandate that we all be in a “state of grace” before we may approach Christ in the Eucharist?
It is good that such conversations happen, good to see people still actively wondering. Wonder grounds the work of better-knowing God.
Still, after lengthy exchanges, someone finally wailed, “How can any of us ever be ‘Catholic enough?'”
That cri du coeur is worth pondering in prayer: What is “Catholic enough?”
The answer might be as simple, and as difficult, as “love moving without limits, yet unchained to human excess.”
The development of doctrine
Continued below.
What is 'Catholic Enough?' The simple answer might surprise you
Exploring the question of what is "Catholic enough" and how Jesus helps us find balance.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
