I'm one of those people that simply doesn't mind getting into discussions about all the things they teach you not to talk about in polite company. Politics is fun to discuss, religion even more so. And because I so enjoy having these little debates I'll have them in person, online, on the phone, anywhere.
Recently I was commenting on an article on Yahoo News. The article concerned the possible ordination of female bishops in the Anglican church, and since it reference Pope Benedict XVI's offer to Anglicans to keep their traditions and rejoin the fullness of truth in the Catholic faith, I was compelled to comment.
Someone, presumably Anglican, posted their concern that the ordination of women bishops would cause further schisms in the already divided religion. I responded:
"The gates of Rome swing wide open my Anglican brothers and sisters. End your self-imposed exile and come home.
In the words of of the Catholics Come Home commercial, "And in this world filled with chaos, hardship and pain, it’s comforting to know that some things remain consistent, true, and strong, our Catholic faith, and the eternal love that God has for all creation."
We are Catholic.
Welcome home."
As internet comments often do things got off topic and long story a person complained that the Catholics he's known were cohabitators/ other sins etc. Essentially, he/she complained that the Church is full of sinners, and was asking "Who gets to call themselves Catholic?"
There was a time, not that long ago, when I'd have sympathized a bit more with this person. I used to say things like "If you're going to believe xyz instead of what the Church teaches, then you aren't a Catholic and you're welcome to leave."
While I still believe that to be in full communion with the Church one must share its beliefs, or at least endeavor to do so, I no longer believe that the presence of so-called "Bad Catholics" is a knock against us. In fact, its the opposite. Christ didn't send away the tax collectors and other sinners, he ate with them. He spoke with them and he loved them. He didn't approve of their sin, but he loved them still.
How then can his Church do anything else? When we meet a Catholic who denies Church teaching, we must of course correct them in a spirit of charity, but we must not exclude or ostracize them. The sinner is the target audience of the Church, not the saved. We should have both in the pews on Sunday as we all endeavor to become saints.
Who gets to call themselves Catholic?
The answer isn't as important as the question. When a Catholic gets asked this question, I submit they answer with the following.
"In a perfect world, everyone."
The Year of Faith is upon us. The New Evangelization calls on us to look inward at our friends within the Church before bringing the faith out again. Its a good ol' fashioned revival, if you will. We need it.
I need it.
I'm a little late in writing this, but please accept my prayers that you and all the Church grows in faith and charity during the year of faith, and pray for me that I do the same.
God bless.
