Not a Surprise
The internet has been buzzing over a video that supposedly shows the governor of Michigan mocking the Catholic church. With some defending her saying that it was based on one of those random internet challenges.
In this case is really doesn’t matter what the governor’s intent was or wasn’t. On the surface it shows something that can be directly implied as making fun or light of an important part of what is means to be Catholic. Taking part in Holy Communion. This is easy to conclude based on the governor’s past contempt for Catholics and the church in general. Along with her well documented dislike for the faith. It should be no surprise in that case why it was assumed that her intent was pure mockery.
You have to dive into a little bit of church history to understand why such things should not surprise anyone. Since Christ established our faith these acts of mockery are not that uncommon. Various elements of the faith have been lampooned more than once and will keep happening until the day when Christ returns.
When you start to dive into scripture you realize that Christ had already warned us that such things would happen. In fact to pick up our Cross means that we, as believers, will be mocked, ridiculed, or in some extreme cases, put to the sword (death) for what we believe. History shows that this has and will happen. Going into the Bible we learn about Saul of Tarsus. His zealous hatred for followers of Christ is the stuff of legends. Emperor Nero of Rome was another well known figure who had it out for followers of Christ. A deep hatred that could not be contained. Even in more recent history the news is filled with reports on attacks by those with extremist ideals.
Anyone who decides to pick up the Cross and openly declares they are a follower of Christ will have to face the venom of the world. Sometimes it is direct like in the cases in the above. Other times, though, it is just a political leader not thinking in the best ways as far as the optics go. Once in a while we have to face extremes such as violence. To pick up our Cross is to understand that this stuff will happen.
Their is a desire in our hearts when we see such things to lash out with a high level of outcry and righteous anger. To an extent that can be OK. It must be tempered with a level of charity and compassion that goes well beyond the lack of charity and compassion shown to us in that moment. It also requires on our part a deep level of prayer for the issues at hand. Along with praying for those involved would have some kind of change of heart.
Those who decide to mock the Catholic faith often put their own souls at risk from a spiritual level. However they are so deep into their ideals that they often don’t fully realize this. Which is why praying for them becomes more important. It may give them a chance to properly repent and have their own road to Damascus moment. Just like what happened with Saul of Tarsus. -
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