Pastor's Points: "Wearing Our Faith"

Pastor's Points: “Wearing” our Faith

 
In my homily for the Second Sunday of Advent, which I preached at “Mass and Meal” with our junior and senior high school students and families, I spoke about how what we wear can say a lot about what we believe and where we place our loyalty and those things in which we believe.  I used the example of how when I wear a Yankees jersey or hat or the multitude of other team apparel I have, it says that this is the team I support and for whom I root.  Likewise, when we wear a religious article such as a cross, it says something about our faith and our belief in Christ.  Many of our young people have shirts or sweatshirts from our youth ministry programs and events that express some of our important beliefs such as the one pictured here that will be worn for the March for Life later this month. 

So, how can we as Catholics best “wear” our faith through the manner of our life?  I shared the points below during the homily, which are adapted from the Lifeteen organization. Many people asked that I make these available, so I thought that these points would serve as a good reflection for all of us as we begin this new year of grace. 

• Be joyful.  Be proud of being Catholic. Live your life with holy boldness. Let me say that again. Live your life with holy boldness.  Your witness of joy can lead others to Jesus.
• Focus on what is truly important. These are things such as relationships, family and Christian values. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice for what you value.
• Make God a part of your day every day.  Your faith should have an influence on your day-to-day life.
• Smile.  Smile. Smile.  A priest once told me that as a young priest, his pastor asked him if he was happy about being a priest.  He said he was. The pastor then said to him “would you kindly inform your face of that.” Be positive. 
• Make Mass a habit. Be here each week. Tell your parents that it is important to come to Mass. We cannot have a full Catholic life without the Eucharist. It makes no sense.  Consider coming to daily Mass once a week.
• Be grateful. Gratitude is a beautiful virtue. Thank people who need to be thanked. This includes your parents.
• Finally, forgive, forgive, forgive. Do not hold grudges. Bring peace with you.