I believe and follow Jesus but have doubts in his, and our, bodily resurrection. Can I still call myself a Christian?
Yes you can, and moreover you would be in good company! Resurrection is no small pill to swallow. It flies in the face of everything we know about physics, biology and chemistry. How can cells that have disintegrated be brought back to life? A human body decays, turns to dust and is eventually absorbed into the earth to become food for plants and the on-going march of nature. How could our resurrection be “bodily” after the scattering of all these molecules?
I can think of no other doctrine that has been met with more opposition and “spiritualizing,” and yet, our church’s teaching remains constant; At the end of time, we WILL be raised bodily. Now what form this body will take and actually look like? This we don’t know. Our catechism says that the HOW of our resurrection far exceeds our imagination and understanding.
I learned a little about St. Christopher at our recent “Favorite Saints Wax Museum.” Faith in God apparently did not come easy for him, so he lived a majority of his life as an agnostic, unable to believe in anything beyond what he could physically see, feel, and touch.
Nonetheless, he embraced Jesus’ call to love and serve others. He became a ferryboat operator and spent his life helping to carrying people across a very dangerous stretch of river. Our legend holds that one night a terrible storm arose and the ferryboat capsized. Brave Christopher dove into the dark waters to rescue a child and while carrying that child to the shore, he looked into its face and saw the face of Christ. After that he believed. Fact or fiction? No matter. The story teaches us a very practical and profound lesson. What are we to do when our faith is weak? Live as honestly as we can and use our gifts to help others – and God will make himself known to us.
Remember too St. Thomas who said “I won’t believe until I can touch the holes in his hands and side!” Jesus doesn’t resist or scold him for his doubt, but rather invites him to “Come here. Place your finger my wounds. See for yourself that I am real and not a ghost.”
Fr. Ron Rolheiser says “Skepticism and agnosticism, even atheism, are not a problem as long as one is honest, non-rationalizing, non-lying, ready to efface oneself before reality as it appears, and generous in giving his or her life away in service. If these conditions are met, God will eventually become evident, even to those who need physical proof. God is neither angered nor threatened by an honest agnosticism.”
Ultimately we are bid to acknowledge and accept that the God of love who created the universe is way beyond our understanding. We are like ants being invited to contemplate Astrophysics. Full comprehension just ain’t happening! We will never understand how or what our glorified bodies will be or look this side of the grave.
As Paul Tillich says “The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty.” Perhaps our prayer can be that of the father of the child Jesus healed in Mark 9:24 who exclaims “Oh Lord, I do believe, but help my unbelief!” and trust that at some point God will appear as we need him to be and will invite us to “touch his wounds so we may believe.”
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Crazy Catholic Question #70: Too late?
Is it too late to join a Book Discussion Small Group for Lent?
IT’S NOT TOO LATE! You can SIGN-UP via our website at ctredeemer.org ANYTIME during Lent OR you can DROP-IN any Thursday evening at 7PM OR Tuesdays at 9:30AM and we will gladly get you connected. If you can only attend one or two gatherings, that’s a-okay too! Also, ALL those who have participated in our small groups are very welcome to attend a closing social following Taize prayer on March 15th.
Why consider being part of a small group? There is something powerful and unique about an intimate gathering of 6-10 people in a living room or a small classroom that forces us to think differently than when we are worshipping as the larger church at Mass. Small groups, as the early church discovered (Acts 2:42-72) is where the rubber hits the road, where we genuinely care for one another and our theology begins to be fleshed out in conversation and action.
There is tons of research that shows that small groups are absolutely crucial to the life and growth of any church. God calls us to love, not in an abstract or superficial way, but in a deep, face-to-face, transformative way…and this happens profoundly in small groups. The people we meet regularly with to discuss our faith are the folks that concretely support our family by attending graduations, baptisms, funerals, etc. This is how real “church” is lived day to day.
And our theology supports this concept too. In the doctrine of the Trinity God has shown God’s-self to be a community of three persons, equal in every way, living together in loving, mutual relationship. So, if we believe, and God has revealed, that God is a community of mutual love and equality, then whenever we find ourselves freely giving or receiving love we are actively growing in knowledge and discovering the truth of the Trinity in the most potent and powerful way…not through our limited reason and words, but through our graced experience.
In short, our Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Our doctrines and experience point to the deep truth that God is to be found much more in the “WE” than in the “ME.”
Our CTR Small groups meet all different days, time and locations. Need not be a parishioner to participate, so invite your friends, family and neighbors too if you like. Books are still available 2 for $10 in the main office during business hours and after Masses.
Sign up here: www.ctredeemer.org/bring-a-friend-lenten-book-discussion/
IT’S NOT TOO LATE! You can SIGN-UP via our website at ctredeemer.org ANYTIME during Lent OR you can DROP-IN any Thursday evening at 7PM OR Tuesdays at 9:30AM and we will gladly get you connected. If you can only attend one or two gatherings, that’s a-okay too! Also, ALL those who have participated in our small groups are very welcome to attend a closing social following Taize prayer on March 15th.
Why consider being part of a small group? There is something powerful and unique about an intimate gathering of 6-10 people in a living room or a small classroom that forces us to think differently than when we are worshipping as the larger church at Mass. Small groups, as the early church discovered (Acts 2:42-72) is where the rubber hits the road, where we genuinely care for one another and our theology begins to be fleshed out in conversation and action.
There is tons of research that shows that small groups are absolutely crucial to the life and growth of any church. God calls us to love, not in an abstract or superficial way, but in a deep, face-to-face, transformative way…and this happens profoundly in small groups. The people we meet regularly with to discuss our faith are the folks that concretely support our family by attending graduations, baptisms, funerals, etc. This is how real “church” is lived day to day.
And our theology supports this concept too. In the doctrine of the Trinity God has shown God’s-self to be a community of three persons, equal in every way, living together in loving, mutual relationship. So, if we believe, and God has revealed, that God is a community of mutual love and equality, then whenever we find ourselves freely giving or receiving love we are actively growing in knowledge and discovering the truth of the Trinity in the most potent and powerful way…not through our limited reason and words, but through our graced experience.
In short, our Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Our doctrines and experience point to the deep truth that God is to be found much more in the “WE” than in the “ME.”
Our CTR Small groups meet all different days, time and locations. Need not be a parishioner to participate, so invite your friends, family and neighbors too if you like. Books are still available 2 for $10 in the main office during business hours and after Masses.
Sign up here: www.ctredeemer.org/bring-a-friend-lenten-book-discussion/
Monday, February 8, 2016
Crazy Catholic Questions #69: Lenten Book Discussion?
What’s all this chatter about a parish book discussion during Lent?
This Lent we are reading Pope Francis' TERRIFIC book The Church of Mercy as a parish community. Here are some FAQ’s regarding this upcoming Lenten Opportunity….
When are book discussion small groups meeting?
We have over 25 small groups that are meeting at all different times, days of the week and locations to discuss the book beginning the week after Ash Weds; day, night, at church, in private homes or coffee shops. Our hope is that the variety of times/days/locations offered will help to accommodate all our parishioner’s varying and busy schedules. Thursday is our “drop-in” evening here at the church. No sign-up necessary. You can attend one or all five beginning Feb. 18th at 7PM.
Is there a “family group” option that would provide childcare?
One of our small groups is made up of 5 CTR families who meet weekly during Lent (Potluck style, with the kids) and they have a rule of thumb that says if 3 out of the 5 families can attend they run with it! Families are also very welcome to meet here at church and we would be happy to arrange for childcare.
How do I sign-up for a book discussion small group?
Email Gabriela at eduadmin@ctredeemer.org, or visit our website at www.ctredeemer.org or sign-up with a real pen and paper after Mass.
Where do I get a book?
We are selling the books for 60% off the Amazon price - 2 for $10 or 1 for $6 after Masses or in the parish office during business hours.
Do I have to read the entire book in advance?
This Lent we are reading Pope Francis' TERRIFIC book The Church of Mercy as a parish community. Here are some FAQ’s regarding this upcoming Lenten Opportunity….
When are book discussion small groups meeting?
We have over 25 small groups that are meeting at all different times, days of the week and locations to discuss the book beginning the week after Ash Weds; day, night, at church, in private homes or coffee shops. Our hope is that the variety of times/days/locations offered will help to accommodate all our parishioner’s varying and busy schedules. Thursday is our “drop-in” evening here at the church. No sign-up necessary. You can attend one or all five beginning Feb. 18th at 7PM.
Is there a “family group” option that would provide childcare?
One of our small groups is made up of 5 CTR families who meet weekly during Lent (Potluck style, with the kids) and they have a rule of thumb that says if 3 out of the 5 families can attend they run with it! Families are also very welcome to meet here at church and we would be happy to arrange for childcare.
How do I sign-up for a book discussion small group?
Email Gabriela at eduadmin@ctredeemer.org, or visit our website at www.ctredeemer.org or sign-up with a real pen and paper after Mass.
Where do I get a book?
We are selling the books for 60% off the Amazon price - 2 for $10 or 1 for $6 after Masses or in the parish office during business hours.
Do I have to read the entire book in advance?
No. We will read two sections in preparation for each of the 5 weeks.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Crazy Catholic Question #68: Book Reviews
Parish Lenten Book Discussion
2 books for $10! 60% off the Amazon price!
Gift one to a friend or family member!
"A magnificent book, bursting with profound spiritual insights, from a man who has quickly become one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time." --James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
Since he was elected, Pope Francis’s simple message of mercy, service, and renewal has spread to every corner of the world. Through his gentle demeanor, selfless actions, and welcoming call for service to others, Pope Francis has captured the attention of a world longing for an authentic message of hope—we want to hear what he has to say.
Collected from Pope Francis’s speeches, homilies, and papers, The Church of Mercy is the first Vatican-authorized book detailing his vision for the Catholic Church. From how to be citizens of the world to answering God’s call for evangelization, Pope Francis's deep wisdom reminds us that the Church must move beyond its own walls and joyfully bring God's mercy wherever suffering, division, or injustice exists.
Named TIME Magazine’s 2013 “Person of the Year,” Pope Francis is helping the Church continue toward an authentic Christianity that is faithful to the Gospel and resonant with the world’s greatest needs. The Church of Mercy encourages each of us to ignite the flame within to help share the light of Christ and revitalize the Church.
Editorial Reviews
"What did we do to deserve such a man as Pope Francis? Every day the world drops its jaw in wonder at the work of art that is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Read this book, and see how he is doing it."
--Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., author of Falling Upwards and On the Threshold of Transformation
“I can't even tell you the sense of wonder and gratitude I am feeling reading The Church of Mercy. Every Christian in at least the western world should read this man...at least read enough to know what Christianity has come upon or been given or will be watching develop over the next few years. This man sees, and is of, the Kingdom of God.”
–Phyllis Tickle, The Great Emergence
“Church of Mercy is a book for our time: the memorable message of love, mercy, and compassion in the words of the man whose deeds incarnate these values in our time. Not only Catholics but every human being who values what is best in us will cherish this book.”
– Michael Leach, author of Why Stay Catholic?
“Catechists are used to making things simple so that those they teach, especially children, can understand God’s Word. This is what makes Pope Francis such a natural catechist: he makes things simple. The Church of Mercy is a Godsend for catechists who will treasure the Holy Father’s simple yet powerful and inspiring words which make faith in Jesus Christ accessible to everyday people in their everyday lives.”
- Joe Paprocki, DMin | National Consultant for Faith Formation
This collection offers fascinating insight into the mind and heart of someone who has rapidly become one of the world’s most beloved public figures.
– Publishers Weekly
“In this major new work from Loyola Press, Pope Francis reminds us that the goal of Christian faith is not to be right, but to be holy, and that the way to holiness is through a merciful heart, open to God and the world. The pope’s message is a daring invitation to reimagine the Church's whole approach to pastoral ministry and the new evangelization.”
- Fr. Matt Malone, S.J., President & Editor in Chief, America Magazine
Buy your copies after Mass! Our Parish Lenten Book Discussion begins the week following Ash Weds. Feb. 10th . Sign up at:
www.ctredeemer.org/bring-a-friend-lenten-book-discussion
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