By Father John Crossin
Last Wednesday, Pope Francis again gave us something
practical to think about. He preached that “The Lord has redeemed us with the
Blood of Christ, all of us, not just Catholics.” And he reminded us that this
‘all’ includes atheists.
I think that the Pope is nudging us forward. He is calling
us to encounter people in the ‘real world.’
For the last few decades the church in the United States has
been focusing on its Catholic identity. The Catechism
of the Catholic Church has been published. Both institutions, such as
Universities and Hospitals, and individuals have been urged to strengthen their
‘rootedness in’ and knowledge of our faith. Coming to a deeper understanding
and to more faith-filled living is part of a lifelong process of education.
We can however become too inward focused. We have a gospel
mandate to share our faith with others.
Pope Francis has been urging us to reach out to others
especially those on the margins. The salvation of Christ is for all.
Reaching out brings us into contact with a great variety of
people not like us.
We may meet our fellow American Christians—many of whom have
also been engaging in reflection on their own identity. Often their insights complement our own. We
also may encounter Jewish and Muslim believers who ask us questions about our
beliefs and share their faith with us.
This past weekend I spent some time with at the Convention
of the Islamic Circle of North America. I personally experienced the generosity
and friendliness of individuals at the Convention. I noticed the devotion of Muslim
parents to their children. Many families had come to the Convention. People
were quite attentive to my remarks on religious liberty which were part of the
panel on Social Justice.
We also may speak with some of the numerous people who are
searching for God. I used to think that bringing forward my best reasoning
about faith would be helpful. Now I think that I should begin with attentive
listening out of respect for the person in front of me. My good reflections can
wait for the right time and place.
These encounters remind us that we are searching ourselves
for a greater depth of understanding and more faithfulness in living the
Gospel.
Paradoxically, reaching out to others often forces us to go
deeper into our faith. Their questions to us and the sharing of their own
beliefs and questions can push us toward a new depth of knowledge and practice.
Fortunately Catholicism is quite rich in resources for deeper understanding and
for spiritual growth.
Pope Francis reminds us that all humans are called to do
good and not evil. It is not sufficient to know the faith. We must do the good.
In working with others, we can come to a fuller understanding of those for whom
Christ died.
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Father John William Crossin, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis De
Sales, has been named executive director of the Secretariat for
Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the USCCB.
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