Chapter Four – Searching For Identity

So far we have traversed the self-absorbing philosophies that have put the world at odds with Christianity and made God irrelevant in our lives. In chapter four we look at the corresponding identity crisis that grips the Catholic faith. Matthew writes that Catholics are struggling with the burden of scandals, the abuse of power, the false stereotypes, and the lack of a bold, clear direction. How do Catholics find a way out of this crisis?

It begins with an understanding of the mission of the Church, which is to proclaim the Gospel to the people of every nation in every age (cf. Mark 16:15). We must also understand that the Gospel is alive and active with the power to transform every aspect of our lives, our communities, our nations and our world. The Gospel is the embodiment of God’s plan for salvation for each of us.

A very important element of Matthew’s message is found in his statement that God created each of us with legitimate needs and purpose. God’s plan is to deliver us from everything that stands in the way of each person becoming the-best-version-of-yourself. It is in and through our collaboration with God, where his loving nature is most present in us, that we become the-best-version-of-ourselves.

To achieve all of what God has in-store for us, we must be willing to take on the discipline needed to live the life he intends for us. Matthew used the wonderful comparison of the lifestyle of an athlete to that of a Christian in order to explain this discipline. Just as an athlete has a certain regime of diet, exercise and rest, there are disciplines and practices that every Christian must embrace if we are to walk faithfully along the path that leads to our destiny of being the-better-versions-of-ourselves.  

We need to understand that the lifestyle Matthew is speaking about is not wrapped around some idyllic notion of Christian life where we all live in a commune; working, eating, and praying together as we live out the life of the Gospel. Unlike this inaccurate description of how the first Christians lived, Christian life and Christian’s themselves are not perfect. But they, as we, need to embrace the rigor for truth, for living the Gospel is difficult – it always has been and always will be.

Authentic Catholicism is a lifestyle where we lean less on our own ideas and more on the guidance of the Holy Spirit - where we abandon the illusion of control and surrender our hearts to the Spirit of God. The essence of Catholicism is not sin and punishment, lifeless rules and regulations, or duty and obligation. Catholicism is more. It is more than most people think and more than most Catholics have ever experienced.

Matthew quotes G.K. Chesterton who said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” God calls us to a new life. True Catholicism is partaking in a dynamic transformation. You cannot become more like Jesus and remain the same as you are. Catholic identity will be found in the individual who opens their heart, mind, and soul to living the Gospel through the grace and mercy of God.        

A Reflection

“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.”
― Brennan Manning

Question

How do you identify yourself? How would others identify you? How close do these identities match?

In peace,
Dan