By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
In this scripture passage, Peter tells believers to be unified and to avoid retaliation when mistreated. He reminds Christians that the Prophets of the Old Testament called people to reject evil and do good deeds even in the midst of suffering. We are challenged today with cultural norms that do not respect God’s plan for life. We are called to openly share the good news of redemption through faith in Christ.
I tell my grandchildren when they wake up in the morning they should go to the mirror and say, “Good morning, Jesus loves you and so do I.” They think it is funny to announce that I love myself. Then I remind them that we are made in the image of God—He abides in us, so we must love ourselves!
When our faith is strong and we are joyful, others will be curious about the source of our hope in a troubled world. Every year during the Saturday Easter Vigil, tens of thousands of people are welcomed into the Church. Almost certainly, each person was inspired by the faith of another baptized Catholic. Our new Catholics are signs of hope because they are likely to remain Catholic. Yet sadly, Catholics make up a diminishing percentage of Americans, and the decline is attributed to the drop in the number of Catholic marriages.
Our Baptismal Promises are made with commitment, and when renewed at Easter we show faithfulness to Christ and His Church. These promises should be lived intentionally! The five promises are: to live among God’s faithful people (church community), to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist), to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed (evangelization), to serve all people by following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace by rejecting Satan, all of his works, and empty promises … in living a genuine Christian life.
The sacramental gifts of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick provide grace in the fullness of faith from the beginning of life to the end. Our duty is to keep the covenants of love we make with God. Through His grace nothing is impossible. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
The Lenten and Easter Seasons are times to reflect on the realities and challenges of living as a Christian in a world seemingly void of God. Pictures of the Stations of the Cross are displayed in our churches with the 14 events leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross. A visual reminder of His love for us! The 14 Stations of Light highlight the 50 days of Easter, a practice that came into being through inspiration from ancient Roman sources. This ritual Via Lucis, The Christian Way of Light, celebrates the Post Resurrection life of Christ on earth. In its Jubilee 2000 campaign, the Vatican first recognized this devotion. These New Testament stories of the Risen Lord and His promise to send the Holy Spirit are still the reason for our hope today. Reflect on the 14 Stations of Light and pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen our Church. Always be ready to give account for the hope that is in you! And remember to love yourself the way Jesus does! Amen!