By Fr Anthony Le Duc SVD
Once in a while I run across a social media post or a graphic that says “Proud to be Catholic.” When reflecting on the phrase, I think I understand what the poster is trying to communicate through these words. Perhaps it’s the feeling of joy to feel that one was created by a loving and gracious God who not only grants life to us but continually invites us to enter into a deeper relationship with God. Perhaps it’s also the feeling of having a mission and purpose because all Catholics are called by God to collaborate in the redemptive work that God is carrying out for the sake of all humanity. It’s also perhaps the feeling of jubilance knowing that we have been saved through the actions of Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. God has given us Jesus Christ as our Savior and Teacher who guides and calls us into a new life of selfless love and service.
For these and many other possible reasons, Catholics can justifiably declare that they are proud to belong to this Church that was established by Jesus Christ upon the Apostolic traditions. We have reasons to be proud to be members of a Church that has withstood tremendous ups and downs over the last two thousand years, proving true the notion that if it is of God then it will remain. We have reasons to be proud when the Catholic Church may be said to be the largest charitable organisation in the world, day in and day out serving the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed in its churches, social centres, shelters, educational institutions and outreach programs.
By declaring that we are proud to be Catholic, it is also a confirmation of our unwavering fidelity to the Church which Paul characterises as the Body of Christ, no matter how the Church continues to be attacked by individuals and groups who are not well-meaning towards the Pope, the clergy or the adherents. Declaring such strong affiliation to the Church is an important countering message to those who have left or are considering leaving the Church because they do not like organised religion, do not agree with certain teachings of the Church, or simply because they find the Catholic lifestyle not the way they would like to lead their own lives.
When considering the phrase “Proud to be Catholic” in terms of sentiments stated above, there is no sense of one putting him/herself above others or portraying a sense of religious conceit. However, if Catholics are not careful or sensitive in how we speak about ourselves, especially in the context of social and interreligious relationship, a “catchphrase” without any further explanations may lead to misunderstanding and conflict. A statement put bluntly without proper qualification may come across as having an attitude of exclusion and self-aggrandizement. Moreover, the language of “pride” could easily lead others to name all the things in the Church that we should not be proud of. The abuse crisis is one of most tragic reasons why many are not proud to be Catholic at this time in history and is sadly causing some to leave the Church.
Even though the term “proud” may be interpreted as a positive spirit when properly explained, it may serve us well to remember that this is not of great spiritual value in Christian theology. Despite the different connotations for “pride,” the fact that “pride” is a cardinal sin is already a warning of the imminent danger of how quickly “holy” pride can quickly turn into deadly sin. For Catholics, what each of us should develop and nourish is not the sense of pride but a spirit of thankfulness towards God. Being born children of God, being saved by Christ, being able to live in the love and mercy of God—these things are not achievements realised through our physical or intellectual efforts. Rather they are gifts that God has bestowed upon us freely, and none of us can claim that we are deserving of these good things in any way.
The Scripture provides us with ample examples of how to display a spirit of thankfulness. A profound spirit of gratefulness is indeed the attitude of the Virgin Mary when she exclaims, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. And my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For He has looked with favour on his humble servant” (Luke 1:46-48). This is also the spirit of the author of Psalm 118:21, “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation”.
St Paul could be said to have contributed to proclaiming the Gospel and establishing Christian communities in various places more than any other individual in the history of the Church. However, in the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, he does not display in the least pride in his achievements. “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (1:3). Paul deeply understands that the growth in the virtues and faith and love among the Christians are due to the hand of God, and not due to his own accomplishment or that of the Christians themselves.
Therefore, as Catholics, instead of being proud that we are children of God, we should develop more a spirit of gratefulness and thankfulness, which can be said are among the most holy virtues. A person who is grateful to God will also have the courage to praise God in front of others as Mary did in the Magnificat. A person who has the spirit of thankfulness to God will not be afraid to take actions that go against the crowd, similar to what one in the 10 lepers did when he realised that he was cured by Jesus. Acts of love and humble service always begin from spirit of thankfulness because we realise that all that we have received freely from God—whether it is faith or material things—are things that we cannot simply keep for only ourselves but must be shared with those around us.
A spirit of pride, if not careful, can lead to conceit and selfishness. On the other, a spirit of thankfulness will always help us to recognise our true place in our relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters. This realisation will facilitate forming loving and harmonious relationships that are truly beneficial for our spiritual and emotional well-being.
IMAGE: Pixabay.