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Read the reflection:
October 2009 MM & MTO Being Catholic
I love being Catholic. I enjoy being part of something universal, world-wide and holistic. Did you notice that I said, “being Catholic”, not "being a Catholic”. Although some people do use it as a noun, the word 'Catholic' is actually an adjective. Many American speakers get it right. I hear them on screen or from them directly using sentences like, “Oh, she was brought up Catholic.” Or “My parents are Catholic.” In this last example, the plural ‘s’ is omitted, so the word ‘Catholic’ remains descriptive of the preceding noun, ‘parents’. One may ask, “Why all the fuss? This is too pedantic to fret about.” By Baptism we can be called Christians. So Christian is a noun. I am a Christian who is Catholic So, I am a Catholic Christian ‘Catholic’ describing what kind of Christian. I am a Catholic Christian, not an Orthodox nor protestant Christian. It is the adjective ‘Catholic’ that keeps the distinction alive. Many Christians in NZ are protestant and most of us have protestant friends. I know some so well that occasionally I ask them, “And what are you protesting about today?” Some years ago, my buffet lunch was ruined when a young man came up to me and asked if I was a Christian. I replied, “Yes, thank God”, pointing one finger skywards. He retorted, “But I am told you are a Roman Catholic priest.” And I repeated, “Yes, Thank God”, again pointing my finger to the sky. “But you can’t be both,” he was quick to tell me. I almost swallowed my fork and said, “Oh, you catch me by surprise. I did not know that!” I pointed out that I was a Catholic Christian. It was news to him that many actually existed, let alone one billion world-wide. Dialogue began. But it lead me to thinking how important the adjective is, for the noun is Christian and Baptism christianises us. Our belief and practice brings about our Catholic identity. He is a protestant Christian for he protests against the mother church, the Catholic Church, even to the extent of challenging the validity of a priest’s baptism ... he really was a protesting Christian. Should we worry about the difference? “Come on, we’re all going the same way, serving the same God, acknowledging ‘Jesus is Lord’”, do I hear you say?” However, there is difference, significant difference, which this story may illustrate. You may have heard of the great Scottish Presbyterian Theologian William Barclay. Though he died some 30 years ago, his writings are still eagerly read. His theology became quite Catholic yet he remained Presbyterian. Towards the end of his life, he was challenged publicly as to why he did not convert to Catholicism. His reply to the reporter was simply, “It is the 'ands' in Catholicism that stop me.” What are those ands that were the hurdles which the great Barclay could not jump and which we Catholics take with easy stride and so often take for granted in the Steeplechase Race of Christian life? I am going to give you a few of them; among them are possibly some of the ANDS Barclay meant. Divine and Human Heaven and Earth Grace and Nature Jesus and Mary Resurrection and Calvary Pentecost and Bethlehem Scripture and Tradition Bible Alone and Sacraments Word Reading and Eucharist Feeding Faith and Good Works Word of God and Art of Man National and International Individual and Community Personal and Social Vertical and Horizontal Saints and Sinners Paul and Peter Laity and Clergy Rich and Poor Justice and Charity Penance and Celebration Discipline and Laughter You may add others from your own experience. If so, let us know! I think Catholic Christians are 'both/and people'. Perhaps Hilaire Belloc summed it up well when he said: “Wherever the Roman Sun doth shine there is always laughter and good red wine. At least I have always found it so, Benedicamus Domino”. |
