Catholicism Meets the Modern World

Mark S. Roberti, Director of Stewardship, Heartland Parishes of Ellis County

The relationship with Catholicism to the modern world is problematic.  There is no simple way to explain it.  Today, I shall try by using the description of a cartoon described by Fr. James V.  Schall, S.J., which I read in a recent edition of Homiletics and Pastoral Review, published by Ignatius Press.   I chuckled a bit when I first read it…if only because it so perfectly illuminates the nature of the beast.  

The cartoon shows a very large cat, on two legs, confidently walking toward the viewer.  He is smiling broadly.  On a long string, he is pulling a toy car, in which is seated a little mouse at the steering wheel.  The mouse is evidently enjoying the outing because he has a fun-loving smile.  Behind the big cat and the little car stands a second mouse, however, frantically yelling at his companion in the in the toy car, [saying,] “For God’s sake, think! Why is he being so nice to you?’”

This captures the plight of Catholics in the modern world. The little mouse in the car represents a good number of Catholics today.  The other mouse is proclaiming the consciousness of the Church.  The cat is the world.  The cat is doing, by its very nature what a cat does, only more cunningly.  The little mouse in the car, however, is not acting with good judgment; nor is it acting in harmony with its self-preservation instincts.  It is about to become the victim of the cat’s kindness.  In seeking the unbridled “joy” of living, it will soon find unexpected suffering and death.    

Is the cat to blame or the mouse?      

If you are keeping up on Catholic news, you know that there is now a very strong movement from within the Church to protect, preserve, and strengthen the family.  The family is the first tier of the Church.  It is the pillar of the Church. As the family goes, so goes the Church.

The world offers us a nice ride on the wagon.  There is so much we can do, so much we can have.  There are so many forms of entertainment, so many comforts, conveniences, and securities available to us.  Really, all we need to do is water down our faith a bit …disregard or deny some of the doctrines, concentrate more on having than giving.  We hardly need even notice the trade-offs.  Life seems easier that way.

The cat’s strategy is surprisingly simple; separate you and/or family members from your values.  You realize, don’t you, that Catholicism is an old, archaic religion?  It’s outmoded, square, and not particularly relevant in the modern world.  If you are going to have a religion, why have one with so many rules?  Go ahead; just interpret the Bible yourself. Why do you need the Catholic Church to guide you anyway?      

“Think!”  Trust your Church.  Teach your children.  Protect your family.  Don’t get on that wagon!   If you are already on it, get off.  Get off now! Stewardship helps.