catholicsphere

Admittedly, there has been a lack of significant instruction in the faith among Catholics in the last few decades. Fortunately, it seems that is changing, with information ever more accessible and classes, presentations, meetings and speaking engagements more available at parishes.

But, that isn’t enough. The knowledge of what and why we, as Catholics, profess to believe is a major part of the equation, but there is more that is necessary.

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, when conducting a retreat for teenagers, once gave a talk on the meaning of the Mass. He said, “If you don’t get anything out of Mass, it’s because you don’t bring anything to it.” He went on to say that we may know “doctrine, doctrine, doctrine” but we don’t know sacrifice.

He is right. Many have a faith that is about simply “doing what you’re told”, but faith needs to be more than that. Faith needs to be more than book knowledge, or rote observance. It requires something of us; something more than time. It requires our whole self be directed toward and guided by faith.

It is through this that we truly learn to live and love and be free because we have given of ourselves, and our giving benefits the whole Church as a contribution to a family.

In return we receive Christ. If anyone has Christ, he is free indeed.