Conversations with Cardinal Sean

I was just watching Conversations with Cardinal Sean on CatholicTV and I was struck with a need to share some of his message with you. The premise of the show is truly simple, a moderator, Jay Fadden, sits with the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean O'Malley and asks random question concerning all realms of the faith and our Church. Episodes are available for viewing at CatholicTV.

The segment I was watching was concerning itself with New Arrivals (immigrants to our region) and the New Evangelization (which concerns people who already have a belief in Jesus). It was inspiring to hear my Cardinal speaking on these topics.

Cardinal Sean went into depth on how our world church has over a billion Catholics in it, and they come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Boston has had a blessing of so many new immigrants who come to our churches and are a vibrant part of our Parishes.

Cardinal Sean then went into detail about the need for a New Evangelization of current Catholics and those who have left the Church for one reason or another.

I am sitting here thinking about how we as a Catholic Community can welcome these people into our lives and Parishes. It is a distinct quality amongst most people to shy away from persons of different colors and races, but as Catholics we need to reach out and welcome these new Arrivals into our dioceses across the country. Jesus gave us marching orders to make disciples of all nations and it is our duty as Catholics to welcome all fellow Catholics.

It is also important that we seek opportunities to reveal the mysteries of our faith to non-believers and those who have left even though they believe. It is important to remember that Jesus told the disciples "to do this in memory of me." This means that even though we can talk to God directly we are summoned to share in the celebration of the Eucharist and join together as brethren of the same cause, which is Jesus Christ, and hold hands and worship our Lord.

It is hard to go door to door converting the masses, you don't have to do that. Just find logical moments when you can show why you enjoy your life so much, as part of the fulfillment that Christ Jesus has given you. When you mention Jesus at a party and the room goes silent, it might not be comfortable but you are with Jesus and consider what he went through for you. Also consider the pains of certain Catholics in the world, Chinese Catholics can be killed for speaking about Christ.

We Americans can find it harder to realize how much Christ Jesus really has done for us. It is easier to see the divine mercy of the Lord when you are living in a desert and every meal your receive in a blessing from God. People who have next to nothing don't put conditions on their faith in God, they simply show thanksgiving for all they receive. There are so many different variations in American and Europe of Christianity in part because of the society of choice we are blessed to have. It is easy to say, Well I talk to God every day so I don't need to attend Mass or I like how the Protestants do it better. Jesus created the Catholic Church and therefor it is only right that we follow Christ through the teaching he laid down for us.

As an American I don't want to put down anyone beliefs. However as a Catholic I must tell those whom are following a misguided path of the truth that is Christ. If you don't like how the Catholics do it, help change it, don't abandon the truth for a more comfortable life. Jesus didn't abandon us for a comfortable life, he died brutally for us. Just because you don't understand God doesn't mean He is fallible, it simply means you need to listen more.