Year
of Faith starts on October 11, 201 and will conclude on November 24, 2013. It
marks two very important anniversaries in the Catholic Church: 1st: The 50th
Anniversary of the Opening of the “Second Vatican Council (Oct. 11th-1962 to
Dec 8th-1965)” and 2nd: The 20th Anniversary of the publication of “The
Catechism of the Catholic Church (October 11-1992)” by Blessed Pope John Paul
II.
Why does this matter?
Because it is a Fantastic way of knowing what the Catholic Church teaches. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the explanation of Faith divided into 4 broad sections: what we believe, how we worship, how we live and how we pray.
The Pope urges us to profess, celebrate and
be witness to our faith. He is aware of
the fact and instances that the Catholic Church being ridiculed, criticized,
persecuted and continually branded as the fake religion by other sectors more
than ever.
But how can we profess and defend our
faith? How can we celebrate and be witnesses to the truth, beauty and joys of
our faith?
Profession of faith by learning the
Apostle’s Creed by heart, reading the bible or few paragraphs of the catechism
or studying the documents of the Vatican is not enough. We have to go to
confession and attend mass and join in the celebration of the Eucharist, and
join the church worldwide. We have to live by our faith and be able to share in
the evangelization. We must be very proud and brave to show and profess our
catholic faith. Evangelization starts in our own home and the family. The
parents being able to at least take their kids to the church during the mass
even though they still do not understand the full meaning of what and why they
have to do such – awaken curiosity and pave the way to discovering by
themselves the meaning and significance of the practices.
Let us not just be plain and self-confessed
or professed catholic. We must live as “One”. Defend our faith instead of just
being passive or mums about certain issues being thrown and accused against the
Roman Catholic Church. Defense does not mean by revolt or any form of hostile
uprising. We can defend by evangelizing, sharing, commenting on issues,
prayer vigils, supporting the causes and programs of the church, helping
others, living a Christian life and be example to others.
The Year of Faith is a challenge for us.
There are issues now that we can show how we can be united in faith. As our
Blessed Pope John Paul II said in his homily during his papal inauguration “Non
abbiate paura!” meaning - Do not be afraid.
We are free and we have the right to voice
out and stand firm on our faith. We are free and have the right to express our
oppositions to issues such as same sex marriages, legalization of abortion,
modern and artificial contraception, RH Bill, ordination of women priest and
other issues against the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.
More than ever, we have the responsibility
to guard and defend the church. Spread, evangelize and be living witnesses to
our faith. We have the right to vote and choose candidates who will rule our
nations. Let us unite in the name of our faith in Christ. Ask His Guidance in
choosing the right candidates for good governance. Let us go for religious
freedom and stop suppression and persecution of the Catholic Church and the faithful.
Do not be afraid! Open, in deed, open wide
the doors to Christ! Open to His saving power! Do not be afraid! Christ knows
'what is inside a person'. Only he knows!
Sources:
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