Aug
11
…if not love?
Filed Under Current Issues, Faith, Religion
A lot happened this week, both for me personally and for the Church. I had hoped to get this up sooner but only just now have time to write and my domain transfer finished last night so I can begin publishing my new blog.
First, Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger of France was called to his eternal reward on Sunday. He was laid to rest yesterday, 10 August, in the crypt of the Cathedral of Our Lady. For complete coverage of his death see Whispers in the Loggia.
Additionally, Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, S.D.B., Secretary of State for the Vatican City was in the US this week for the Knights of Coloumbus Supreme Convention.
Wednesday night, he spoke at dinner with the Knights. At one point in the evening, he quoted the Holy Father’s speech at World Youth Day 2005, “A true revolution can take place only by radically turning to God without reserve; he alone is the measure of all that is just, while at the same time existing as love eternal. And what could possibly save us if not love?”
This was particularly interesting to me as I was gone to an interview in the Archdiocese of Chicago this week. I have repeatedly said that the love of Christ is the most important thing for young people to see. In a culture that teaches love of self, we must remember the love of Christ and his forgiveness both in our own lives but also show it to those around us.
Christ is with us and loves us always. This is very important for young people to see and remember. When we are lonely, when we hurt, when we need guidance, Christ is with us. I remember once saying, “Even Christ had Simon.” Yes, Christ had Simon, but we have Christ. Simon carried the cross for a short while but Christ hung on it. For what? For us!
And it is Christ’s love that saves us. Christ forgives all sins. We must remember this love with others too. If Christ can forgive the sins of others, then so must we.
The Culture of Death despises the love of Christ. It preaches the love of self, even at the expense of others. If the Church is to recover from shrinking vocations, from scandal, and from a faithless culture, we must first know love. What could possibly save us if not love?
~cv