Why Catholics should all become evangelicals

The purpose of the Church is to evangelise. We do not exist to make each other feel nice, have a hug on Sunday morning or to dress up on Sundays and and make polite conversation. 

The boxer, Manny Pacquaio from the Philippines tells the story of how he deepened his commitment to Jesus Christ and how his life was transformed. 

He used to lie, cheat and get drunk and he now loves Jesus and puts Him first. 

Unfortunately, Manny didn't seem to hear the message of salvation at his Catholic Church but from a Protestant pastor. I would not like to judge the parish he used to attend, but did the priest or fellow parishioners challenge him about his lifestyle? Did they preach about the four last things? Did he ever hear a sermon about death, judgement, heaven and Hell?

Sadly, all too often the saving Gospel of Christ is reduced to meaningless niceties:  "You're not ok, that's ok."  "Everyone come up to Communion in rows and have the special bread."  "We don't talk about the devil or confession or salvation anymore."

The Church exists for salvation and outside of Christ and His Church there is no salvation. There is a Heaven, there is a Hell. Unless we all become evangelicals - in the proper sense of the word - then our churches will be emptied and should lost. 

It would be wonderful if all of us - very much myself included - could witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ in our families, our workplaces and yes, our churches so that when Catholics hear that Jesus Christ died and rose again to save them from sin and death, it won't come as a surprise. 

German Bishops' Conference: let's scrap the tax and start proclaiming the faith!

In a remarkable about turn, Cardinal Marx, President of the German Bishops' Conference will release a statement on the morning of April 1st declaring his support for an end to the infamous Church tax so that they might concentrate on teaching the Gospel.

Cardinal Marx will state at a press conference, "For far too long the German church has been more focussed on money rather than the faith. In the spirit of Pope Francis' call for a poorer church we will now ask for an end to the church tax which has driven people away from the pews. Our focus will now be evangelisation, including teaching the truth about marriage and the family - something we have failed to do in recent years."

Pope Francis has not yet commented although has a packed schedule on the same day as shall offering an older form Pontifical Mass with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate and asking their forgiveness for all the persecution they suffered over the last two years. 

Et incarnatus est

Today we celebrate the Annunciation, where Mary's yes to God as communicated to the Archangel Gabriel was the turning point in human history. 

The Annunciation is where it all began. 

The incarnation is so great a mystery that we fall to our knees at the word in the creed at Mass and yet a lifetime of contemplating its mysteries would never suffice. 

Our Faith is not just spiritual but also physical. In His becoming human in Our Lady's womb, Our Lord opens up salvation for all who believe and follow Him. 

As Mary accepted Christ in her womb, may we accept Him in our hearts, our souls - and bodies too - as we invite Him in both spiritual and actual Communion. 

Every day is a chance to recommit to Christ, but what better opportunity than today?

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

We named our son Joseph because we want him to love Jesus and Mary. This morning I took my 15 month son to Mass and we did our usual ritual of saying a Hail Mary at Our Lady's statue, praying briefly in front of the Blessed Sacrament and doing a toddler version of the Stations of the Cross where he points and I tell him, "Jesus loves you."

It's both a privilege and an honour to raise a child as a Catholic Christian but hoping that these little rituals help to give him hints of the Faith at an early age. 

On the way to Mass we passed an evangelical church and he points at the cross and said "Jesus". Each time he sees a cross, I tell him that Jesus loves him. Of course he won't understand the concept of sin and redemption at an early age but why not share the good news in any case?

My proudest moments this morning though were when he dipped his hand in the holy water and touched his forehead (has to start somewhere) and when I held him as we knelt down for the Eucharistic Prayer and he actually genuflected!

As Christians we are commanded to evangelise. The family is a good place to start. 

Te Deum Laudamus

Pray the Te Deum today for an indulgence available on the last day of the year. 

The end of 2014 is a good time to remember all that God has done - let us give thanks for everything - joys, sorrows and challenges:

You are God: we praise you;

You are the Lord: we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father:

All creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of

power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church

acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy

of all worship,

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free

you did not spurn the Virgin’s womb.

You overcame the sting of death,

and opened the kingdom of heaven

to all believers.

You are seated at God’s right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and

be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

Save your people, Lord, and bless

your inheritance.

Govern and uphold them now and always.

Day by day we bless you.

We praise your name for ever.

Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your love and mercy;

for we put our trust in you.

In you, Lord, is our hope:

and we shall never hope in vain.

Merry Christmas

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate with joy the birth of our Saviour. 

Of course we recall that some of our friends don't celebrate Christmas and so we have to be culturally sensitive.

An Advent Challenge

What can I do to prepare myself to receive Christ this Christmas?

Advent often seems to disappear into a few weeks of alcoholic excesses with office "Christmas" parties weeks before the season begins and so what can I do differently this year?

Over the next 25 days I shall make a resolution to chose at least one person a day who needs encouraging and reach out to them. It could be a stranger, colleague, friend - but a new person each day. 

By Christmas, this should be firmly ingrained as a habit. What greater gift can I give to Him who gives Himself to us?