Walking by Faith denotes a whole new perspective.

Walking by Faith denotes a whole new perspective.

It becomes too easy to place things that do nothing but take up space before us in times of trouble.  Ancient religions who worshiped idols for their well-being did this to the point of self-immolation if their prayers were not heard or acted upon.  We could say they were walking by faith in an inanimate god which was just that.  Reminds us of Elijah and the prophets of Baal at the challenge of calling down their god to consume the offering by fire.  (1 Kgs 18: ff). 

As Catholics we all have inanimate items throughout our homes that we use as reminders of our faith.  Crucifixes certainly should always be number one, especially when they are there for use in an anointing.  We grew up with them, but today it would be hard to find one in a Catholic home.  However, the crucifix should still be a number one priority in the home just like the rubrics call for one next to or on the altar in our churches.  Just like our Stars and Stripes should always stand as the ultimate symbol respecting the Constitution of our nation and those who fought and died for it.  

The holy Mass and the Crucifix stand as our most perfect entities of our Salvation.  Neither the American Flag nor the Crucifix are the items that perform freedom or salvation on their own.  But, they are synonymous with the victories they display as reminders.  Therefore, we should be proud to display them and believe in all they stand for.  Point is, they themselves do not bring healing or even special nuances into our daily life.  They are constant artifacts of what was done for us.  We need to remember that.  

A movie, Carrie, showed the obscene expression of how her mother had candles everywhere throughout the house to ward off evil spirits.  Her mother felt she needed to keep Carrie free from all evil inclinations that she would experience at the high school.  

Placing many crucifixes or candles throughout your house will not create the possibility of more holiness.  The faith in Christ will become more powerful than items that remind us of His Passion.  The use of these is good and should not be curtailed, but do not place them as safeguards against Satan and his constant attacks on us.  We must always find a balance using discretion when seeking our faith in an evil world.  Carrie’s mother felt that more candles she lit established a rampart against the devil.  We saw in the movie the very elements of evil are found in the hearts of humans who have lost connection with Christ.  It was obvious then and is prevalent today more than ever.  “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.  For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.  Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and having done everything, to hold your ground.  So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  (Eph 6: 11 - 17).  Symbols are part of our Catholic culture, but Christ is the reality of our faith!

Ralph B. Hathaway