Dear Friends,
One of the great outcomes of the Second Vatican Council was the realization that the laity were a holy
and essential part of the Church. There were two or three layers prior to the Council and after the Council there was only the one layer of Church. We are all part of the people of God, clergy and laity alike.
In spite of that teaching, the lived reality of the Church may have remained the same for many people.
There were the priests who did the preaching, teaching and praying – and then there were the laity who helped with physical labor, gave money and attended classes. The movement to make sure the Church was complete and whole did not always move fast.
The most recent crisis in the Church that is challenging the level of leadership – by bishops and by Rome
– may have the unintended consequence of bringing about the desire of the Vatican Council – to make sure that this is the Church of the laity and that they will create its future. The bishops and priests will always have their place, but this will no longer be a Church where people simply do what Father says.
To borrow a line from United States’ history – do we have a Church that is just for the people or is it a
Church of the people? A Church for the people would focus on leadership – “Come and hear this great preacher or musician or artist who will inspire and bless you.” But, a Church of the people would be one that empowers people to create a place where worship emerges from them and connects them and all pray and sing. A Church for the people would mean that you invite your friends to Church to hear the deacon or priest preach. A Church of the people would practice evangelism by training disciples and launching them to be in the world and serve the world and share their stories. It would create a community so beautiful that others would want to come and participate. A Church for the people would be one where you are asked to give your money so that other people can do the work of caring for the poor and needy. A Church of the people says that no one knows the reality of the poor in your community better than you do and encourages you to get involved in their lives to help bring about change.
See the difference?
Maybe I should borrow a line from Home Depot’s old ad: “You can do it. We can help.” You are all
disciples of Jesus Christ. You have been baptized as priests, prophets and kings. The community being built among us at Cabrini involves all of us. Each has some charism they bring and share. Each shares in the task of building up the Kingdom of God in our little corner of Omaha. We cannot heal the whole Church and we cannot fix its problems, but we can love well in our little corner of the Kingdom and make the Good News real in our midst.
You have been hearing stories at Mass from your fellow parishioners these past few weeks. Their lives
have been transformed by going deeper as disciples of Jesus. They are extending an invitation for the rest of us to follow them. Look what can happen when we let Jesus occupy a bigger place in our hearts and our lives.
Peace,
Fr. Damian