Catholic Apathy: Can, Should, Must We Act?

“Feed my lambs," Jesus invited his disciples, and you and me. We wouldn't walk by a starving child without picking her up, giving her food and finding her a safe place, would we?

Yet, at times of deep sorrow, and lack of leadership, adult Catholics can, and often do, act like bewildered children, unable to think clearly or to act with courage, even unable to seek out others who can lend support.

Years ago, we learned about culpable and inculpable responsibility. If we have the use of reason, and wonder about a certain situation, we are obliged in conscience to study the situation, and to conclude whether or not we need to act to bring about a just result to a problem. Doing nothing is not an option for a Christian, including Catholic Christians.

Sitting on our hands is not an option. We must reach out to others to talk over the situation, write a letter, pick up the phone.  Just saying, "I'll pray over it" isn't enough. Praying is wonderful, but we must act. Jesus acted, even when he was exhausted, distracted, discouraged.  Is he saying to us today, "Oh, ye of little faith!  Why do you doubt your power for good? My grace is sufficient for you! Where is your faith? Your love for Me? Your love for my sheep, your brothers and sisters?"

Look around.  Listen. What do you hear? What do you see?" Cries of confusion and hurt from people who don't know what to do, where to turn, with regard to asking Cardinal George to resign.

Is there any nourishment flowing from Holy Name Cathedral today? Or is there only confusion, and deep sadness, with no sense of direction? You can do something. You. And You. And You.

Gather some friends. Put on the coffee pot. Pass around the pencils and papers. Brainstorm the situation. Then, if you see the only just action is to ask the Cardinal to resign, ask: Should we take an ad out in a paper? Are we willing to pay the price? No dinners out for a month. No stage show. No movies. Whatever it takes. Write letters to the editors...one by one or from the group.

Together, we can build a new Church. Let's get to work.        

Ruth Bertels