What We Are.

Hi…I am a little nervous writing here which is kind of weird for me, since I don’t really get nervous. But when I was asked to write for this awesome new site, I was completely surprised. First, I am on the older end of the spectrum of “Young” at 32 years old. Second, I am not a prolific writer like the rest of the folks here. I have a blog, Defend Us In Battle, which is more of a “spiritual scratch-pad” than anything else. So I found it surprising that the good editors of this place asked me to contribute.

Since I know God works in ways known only to him, I started to reflect on what I can bring to this site. I am not as witty or clever as Marc, not as bright as the “Bright Maidens“, I am not an artist, or a priest. I didn’t study theology, am not an approved catechist at my parish, and I have actually never been to a World Youth Day. I have not written a book (although I’d like to, if I could settle on a topic) and I don’t work for a diocese. I was a little of all these things, but no expert – a jack of all trades but master of none.

So I was stumped? Why me? I actually thought that I wouldn’t be able to write “positively” or “joyfully” enough for this site. All the posts are always so positive, coming from folks in vibrant lives surrounded by the hopes and joys of the Church. I, on the other hand, post in a more militant style, I am more apt to write about the spiritual warfare of hunting or how to defend against the trickery of satan through prayer, than I am about the joy of suffering in attending a blah looking Church, or finding happiness in some desperate situation. I am an optimist don’t get me wrong, but I just didn’t see what could I offer?

Dr. Trasancos told me, generally, what she envisioned me writing about. She had seen my blog, I assume, and thought I might have something to offer. Mr. Edwards told me that he thought I should lead with the video I made (see below). That is when it hit me – it isn’t about what I “am not”  but what “I am.” 

My wife always says that, “nobody has it all together, but we all have something to offer.” What she means is that we all have areas in our life that are less than perfect, and at the same time we all have something to offer… someone.  As Catholics, what we are is the universal body of Christ united through the Mystery and glory of the Eucharist. We all play our part, and if we were all the same life would be boring. As one of my favorite quotes points out, life is less about circumstances and more about our disposition towards those circumstances. We all bring something to the table, and the Church is there to be our guide to heaven.

We are Catholics, we have 2000+ years of tradition, millions of people, thousands of saints, hundreds of devotions, billions of prayers, and one God that are trying to get us there- HEAVEN. We are Catholic, we are diverse and beautiful like the many parts of the body, and united through Christ in the Eucharist… we are the Body. I tried to capture that with the video I made, hopefully it speaks to some of you:

Category: Life, New Media, Religion