Merry Christmas!

Details: 20 December 2013

I admit as a small boy, there were a few presents under the tree where the wrapping was inadvertently torn to reveal ahead of time the contents. Oh how little children wish to receive and open gifts early! This year we priests of the diocese of Lincoln received an early Christmas present from Bishop Conley. It is a book entitled, Forming Intentional Disciples, by Sherry Weddell. We were told at a priest study day that there was something interesting in the first chapter I took to be shocking. I remember thinking, ‘I’ve heard it all, and nothing will surprise me!’
What shocked me was this statement, “The majority of adult Catholics are not even certain that a personal relationship with God is possible.” In addition, the majority of Catholics who leave the Church do so for this very reason. Furthermore, only 60% of Catholics believe in a personal God. Thanks to my parents, it was a given that we have a personal relationship with God. This is the whole point of prayer, talking with a God who loves us. This is the whole point of the Sacraments in which we personally encounter Jesus Christ. This is the whole point of the communion of saints. They are our brothers and sisters who from their place in heaven help us with their prayers. Why else would Almighty God become a baby at that first Christmas if not to have a personal relationship with us?
When we have received such a treasure like our Catholic faith, we need to share it with those who do not have it. Tragically few Catholics feel the desire or need to spread the fullness of faith that is ours. This is not true, apparently, of non-Catholic Christians. The majority of them do feel the need to spread their faith with others.
Recently we gave a car to a young mother at St. Gianna’s. I remember seeing her waiting in our lobby for her new car with her beautiful newborn baby girl. I introduced myself and asked her if she wanted to go into our chapel and thank Jesus for the gift of her car. As we both knelt down in front of the monstrance which contained Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I noticed she didn’t take her eyes off the monstrance. After saying to her, “That is Jesus!” I said a little prayer thanking God for her baby girl and of course the car. I heard her say in a low voice, “Beautiful!” She kept staring at Jesus … After kneeling for a while, we both left. A seed sown … While leaving, I noticed tears in the older gentleman’s eyes in the pew behind us. I knew he and his wife were praying for her too! I suppose it would have been easier to have walked by and ignored her.
As we kneel before the nativity scene this Christmas, may we all spread the good news of Jesus Christ who personally loves us and never, ever conceal or hide it from others (Lk 8:16). Please know that we at Catholic Social Services wish you and your family a blessed Christmas!