The Courage To Be Catholic
Mark S. Roberti, Director of Stewardship
Heartland Parishes of Ellis County

George Weigel is my favorite contemporary lay Catholic author. I frequently recommend his books to Catholics and to non-Catholics who are seeking to better understand the Catholics faith. Today, I am stealing the title from one of his books for my column.

In a recent Register issue, Weigel called Cardinal Emeritus of Washington, D.C. to task, saying that the Catholic faith is not found on the 50-Yard Line. I had to read the article twice, because it was nuanced, but it was there. I found it hard to believe that it was, that Weigel would say it, and that the Register would publish it. In our faith, orthodox and influential Catholics just generally don’t publicly challenge a bishop or cardinal. Later, Cardinal McCarrick agreed that the Catholic faith is not found on the 50-yard line and went on to explain what he had meant by a statement he was apparently earlier quoted as having said.

I would like to reflect and comment on this issue myself. I believe it is an important stewardship issue..."stewardship of Church teachings." First, I would like to state my belief that Catholicism is the most balanced religion in the world, bar none. Regarding moral issues, it is quiet conservative, regarding social justice issue it is quite liberal. Regarding the arts, sciences, literature, and other disciplines it seems to be quite middle of the road.

The interesting thing, however, is that the Church does not seek balance, she seeks truth. In truth -- in God’s divine plan -- there seems to be balance. Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical letter Fides et Ratio (On The Relationship Between Faith And Reason), prefaced the work by stating, "Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of the truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth –in a word, to know himself – so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may come to the fullness of the truth about themselves."

By embracing the truth, whatever the truth is, we come to know ourselves better. In knowing ourselves better, we become more alive, more fully human. God has planted a little seed, a spark of divinity, in each of us. As Catholics we need to fully understand that God’s ultimate purpose is that we would, somehow, share in the one divinity of Christ, of the Holy Trinity.

This is no small calling. In becoming adopted sons and daughters of God, we share in an inheritance that is literally inconceivable. The greatest, most famous, most popular, and richest people in this world -- past or present -- have not remotely participated in this type of splendor.

That which we will participate in is God’s very essence, His holiness. But holiness, is a word like stewardship, and like evangelization, that most Catholics seem to want to avoid. Instead, most of us are more inclined to try to do better in this world. That comes more naturally to us. We seek more of the fruits of this world, rather than less.

For example, look at how full our houses and garages are. Look at how much of our time and efforts we spend in gaining these things. We are not talking hours, and days; we are talking lifetimes. Our lifetimes are spent trying to improve our lifestyles. It becomes a form of gluttony. Then, instead of satiating us, it leaves us feeling empty. So, we look for something else to fill the void.

The truth of Catholicism is that it about a whole different lifestyle. It’s about a spiritual lifestyle that focuses on giving back to God instead of concentrating too much on ourselves and our families. Stewardship is about reaching our hand out to give rather than to take. In this process we be come more balanced. Our lives and our families naturally become healthier and more wholesome. We direct more of our energies and initiatives toward our Church and the kingdom of God. We become more concerned with our contribution in making the world a better place.

The truth of Catholicism is that, properly lived, it is a lifestyle. God does not mean for members of his family to be "cultural" Catholics of "cafeteria" Catholics. We’re meant to be 100% Catholic. The true Catholic is a steward, one who evangelizes through the very day-to-day living of his life. The true Catholic has a loving relationship with God. He is a disciple seeking a holy way of life.

Stewardship plus evangelization equals discipleship. Catholic disciples journey the same path the Jesus and the Apostles did. In early Christianity it was called "The Way."

Being a 50% Catholic, or looking for Catholicism on the 50 yard line, doesn’t cut it. We are to seek the truth, always, everywhere, and in all things. It is no accident that Jesus tells us, "I am the way and the truth and the life." That’s not meant to be a pithy phrase. Our Creator Lord and Redeemer, is giving us a road map to living.

Follow Him! Follow Him by following the Church he left us to follow. We score when we cross the 100- yard line. Being on the 50-yard line, in itself, means nothing. Having the courage to truly live a Catholic lifestyle is good stewardship.