At Last it has come; our Freedom from Death!
From where does my Salvation come?
Of course any adolescent could have answered this question back in the 40’s and 50’s. However, as progress in the modern era appears to have pushed the name of God away from those who no longer are privy to studying the premise of creation and our belief in a creator, society seems to be drifting into oblivion.
Let’s place the concern of God into perspective using today’s view of church and theology. Our desire to seek an understanding of the divine no longer has relevance in education, religious practice, and even through family participation. There are still numbers of interested people who will do whatever is needed to learn and teach their children about God. Watch television on Christian channels and EWTN to get the latest insight into the life of Jesus. The sad reality is most of the electronic audience aren’t the eyes and ears that need the message. Outside of this believing spectrum of humanity lies the majority who are losing their souls because of sensuality, the quick and attractive manner to material success, and very few followers of Christ and his Church from whom the world is in need of.
When growing up and preparing for Holy Communion the task of most parents worked diligently teaching us the simple prayers taught from catechism classes and a deep love to know in some manner whom we were to receive for the first time. It became the most precious element for Roman Catholics and we all had a reverence for the real presence of Christ in the hosts. That was then; what has become no longer holds an attraction to know who Jesus is, not just a lesson about his place in the dogmas of Truth. Losing an attachment to the Son of God as more than a biological offspring means little if we don’t understand the Incarnation and the mission Jesus taught his followers. It isn’t just our children who are missing the Truth regarding Christ, the parents also have lost a sense of Church, God’s reason for sending Jesus to us, and the very essence of salvation.
During Lent we struggle to give up something and think this will forgive our sins. Within the Stations of the Cross each step places the Holy footprints of this Sacrifice upon the shoulders of Jesus, falling three times, suffering untold scrutiny through mockery, and needing Simon to help with his Cross. Remembering this walk should hold the greatest reason to sacrifice something that says; I understand what the Incarnation is all about and the final blow of the hammers securing the death/resurrection of Jesus Christ, for you and me.
These simple adherences to His Passion need to be taught, believed, and evangelized to all the world. Especially to those who do not attend Church or baptize their children. That has become the one failure of parents ensuring the understanding of salvation. What do they expect regarding the souls of their offspring and their own souls as well?
Our Salvation begins at home since parents are the first teachers of their children, not just through words but by example as well. Get back to Church and find Jesus yourselves!
Ralph B. Hathaway