The Tide is Turning
Toward Catholicism
Mark S. Roberti,
Director of Stewardship
Heartland Parishes
of
I have taken the
title of this article from a book written by David Hartline, editor of
Catholic Report, a popular on-line
journal (www.catholicreport.org).
His book sets forth and substantiates a number of substantial subtle changes
taking place throughout the world which, when taken together, make a pretty
convincing case that Catholicism is on the cusp of re-emerging as the central
religious and cultural force in the world.
The Holy Spirit is making His move.
Hartline speaks of
how the laity – in significant numbers – is beginning to defend Church
teachings. He speaks of how our
youth are beginning to embrace Catholic traditions as evidenced by huge World
Youth Days and catechetical conventions. He speaks about the worldwide growth in
clergy and religious orders. He speaks of how non-
Catholic Christians are beginning to embrace Mary.
He speaks about how Catholic schools and colleges are beginning to
re-embrace their Catholic identity, and much more.
I found myself
agreeing, excitedly, with his premises and his conclusion.
Although the secular media would have us believe differently, significant
changes are occurring worldwide – and particularly in the United States – that
augur great hope for the Catholic Church.
In time, this will very positively impact Christianity and the world as a
whole.
I also think the
imagery of the tide is a perfect metaphor.
Tides change slowly; but they are inexorable.
There is nothing to prevent them from coming in or
going out. Yet, knowing that
the Catholic tide is coming in should make all the difference to us as
individual Catholics and as a faith community.
This tide is clearly a movement of the Holy Spirit.
To gain the maximum advantage of utilizing this tide, each of us must
head ourselves in its direction.
What direction is
the tide heading? It is heading in
the direction that Pope John Paul II, with a super-human effort, pointed us and
which Pope Benedict the XVI is now, very ably, guiding us.
It is heading in the direction of an episcopacy in this country where our
national bishops are, likewise, falling into step as a college of bishops.
Today, there is much less tugging in different directions than any time I
can remember since the close of Vatican Council II in 1965.
We are seeing more and more unity amongst our leadership, our bishops.
Energies now being expended are resulting in more movement.
Our priests are, likewise, seeing this movement and following in step.
In the Diocese of
Salina, there can be no mistake as to the direction Bishop Coakley is taking us.
He is following the lead of Pope Benedict XVI.
He has come to our diocese with the energy, enthusiasm, wisdom, faith,
hope, and leadership skills to provide us with the momentum we need to begin
re-evangelizing this portion of the vineyard of the Lord.
His priests are with him.
Now, it is our turn
– the laity – to turn ourselves in that same direction.
The time for Catholic stewardship has arrived.
The time for Catholic evangelization has arrived.
The time for Catholic discipleship has arrived.
Imagine with me for
a moment, if you will, if we lay Catholics were to align our considerable
passions, gifts, and abilities, with that of our bishop and priests in this
effort to turn our Church, to turn our world, around.
Think, for a moment, about how much we could do as a faith community if
we were all heading in the same direction instead of tugging in different
directions! We Catholics are a
very, very, capable people.
Some think
stewardship is a gimmick. That is
unfortunate. Nothing could be
further from the truth. Stewardship
is an essential element of discipleship.
It is integral to our faith. It challenges us to give the very essence of
who and what we are back to God, in gratitude, for the gifts He has given to us.
This life is about
gaining eternal life, not just for ourselves but for the whole world.
Stewards are disciples and disciples evangelize.
Let’s make this unequivocally clear: in the cosmic battle of good versus
evil, God wins. We need to be –
unequivocally – on His side of the line.
That’s what Pope
Benedict is trying to tell us.
That’s what the bishops of the world are trying to tell us.
That’s what Bishop Coakley is trying to tell us.
They are trying to turn us all in the same direction – the right
direction – so we can help turn others in that direction.
The tide is coming
in. It’s time to choose.
It’s time to start making some real sacrifices.
It’s time to make a real commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
That’s exactly what Catholic stewardship is about.