WHAT IT MEANS TO BE CATHOLIC: The neverending story.

My thoughts this morning are a reflection of, not only what I am, but more importantly, who I have and will become if I continue to profess my Faith through the Catholic approach to spirituality. I write this, not to apologize (defend) or try to prove my Church is better than your Church (denomination), but to lay out my ideas so that I might grow deeper into the Mysterium Fidei (the great Mystery of Faith). This blog is about me and who I hope to become Forever.

My guess is that all humans, towards the end of their lives, try to reflect on a lifetime of making choices plus living out their consequences. I know it is true of me. More and more, I reflect on my end time (and why not, I can throw a rock and hit 80+ years). Having the advantage of looking back on my life’s accomplishments, I realize six great, important truths that only wisdom of age can tease out of the mundane activities from which I have emerged. They may not be the ones you might expect to find. They are:

ONE REALITY HAS THREE DISTINCT UNIVERSES: EACH HAS ITS OWN LANGUAGE AND REQUIREMENTS

Most recently, as I have become more and more aware of what it means for me to move from self to God, I use the three universe test to reflect on reality from the viewpoint of a Lay Cistercian. This way of reasoning is the result of my attempt to fit all reality into the mold of science/philosophy/religion. I wrote about this way that I reflect on the reality in a recent blog entitled, “I have heart problems.” You can read it here. https://thecenterforcontemplativepractice.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post-new.php?post_type=post&jetpack-copy=8108

WHY DO HUMANS POSSESS TWO ATTRIBUTES OTHER LIVING THINGS DO NOT? THEY HAVE REASON FOR A REASON, AND THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE. EVERYTHING, IN REALITY, HAS A BEGINNING AND AN END, WITH ONE EXCEPTION.

When humans try to unscramble the seemingly contradictory signs of science, medicine, philosophy, and literature, there can be many points of view about what is real and what is not. I am astonished that we can actually ask the question at all.

THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: LOVE IS A PERSON

Who better to tell us who God is than God? Moses received a description of who God was on Mount Horeb. God communicates through Jesus, our Mediator, and Universal Translator. People wrote down what he said and did so his followers would have a way, the truth, and live a life that would take them to heaven, beginning right now. We are adopted sons and daughters when we respond to Faith with our consent, Yes. It reconfirms the commitment of Mary to being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. Love is a person, not an attribute. Read John 20:30-31.

THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL AS THE NEW JERUSALEM IN EACH AGE

Being Catholic is like the 50,000-foot level of spirituality with the Holy Father linking us with St. Peter the Apostle. This level is the universal Church, the living Body of Christ with Christ Himself as its Head in Heaven. Those in heaven with God are called the Church Triumphant; those on earth who proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes are called Church Militant; those awaiting purification and a second chance to profess their belief that Jesus is the Son of God, Savior are the Church Purgative.

Other levels are the 5,000-foot level or diocese, each with a bishop with links to the Apostles. This is the level of collective gathering. The next is the 500-foot level which is the parish, with an ordained priest linked to the Apostles. Last is me, at the 5-foot level. It is on this level that I have been accepted as a Lay Cistercian by the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit (Trappist). http://www.trappist.net

All levels are the body of Christ. All levels are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, as we say in the Creed. I belong to Christ as an adopted son.

The New Jerusalem is the fulfillment of what Christ came to show us. Each age must take up the challenge of taking up their cross, dying to self to rise again with Christ, to love one another as Christ has loved us.

In all of this, I do not presume to judge others as to their beliefs. God is the judge of the individual soul. I try to see where we can agree and pray together, recognizing that there is but one truth, one Lord, one Baptism.