Is it just me, or does anyone else think the Catholic Church has a hairline crack in it?
Ever since the election, Catholics everywhere have become adamant about taking opposing sides. Differing points of view can be good thing — after all, God gave us free will to be independent thinkers, not robots.
However, it’s hard to ignore how our differing points of view are eroding the church. I’m talking about the “snarky,” judgmental, condemning, unloving comments coming from both sides. I know, because I’ve been in the confessional several times since the election for these ungodly behaviors.
I’m not saying we should agree with one another or give up having strong convictions. What I am saying is we must stop pointing out the specks in the eyes of those who oppose us, while failing to see the logs in our own. Jesus says in Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and no town or house divided against itself will stand.” Don’t you see? If we continue on this path, our different views have the power — if we let them — to overwhelm and destroy friendships, families — and ultimately, the church we love so much.
I’m sure those reading this are pro-something. I know I am. But I’m begging everyone to focus on becoming PRO-CHURCH. St. Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:1-4 “I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge to you live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”
Let’s pray for unity and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, using words that edify the body of Christ. God can repair all that divides us.
Patti Schmidt
Davenport
