Gratitude for American Catholicism

They say that nothing makes you more grateful for what you have at home than going on the road. And that was certainly my experience during a recent twoweek trip to Germany to report on the state of the Catholic Church there.

There are many beautiful things about Catholicism in Germany. From the Cathedral of Aachen originally commissioned by Charlamagne, to the miracle-working Marian shrine of Altötting, Catholic roots run deep in Deutschland. During my travels, I also encountered many present-day Catholic signs of life, such as New Evangelization efforts in the Bavarian diocese of Passau and edgy, innovative lay apostolates working the gritty streets of Berlin.

But by and large, the German Church is in a crisis that makes our Catholic challenges here in the United States look mild. And many of its problems are, I would argue, at a structural or cultural level: a theological establishment that is indifferent, if not hostile, to the pope and the authoritative teaching of the Church. A mandatory “church tax” that has enriched the Catholic apparatus but has made it more concerned with maintaining itself than preaching the Gospel. And a bloated ecclesial bureaucracy that stifles creativity and has even turned against the shepherds whose ministry it should be aiding.

As a result, the Catholic Church in Germany is characterized by a kind of infidelity and stuntedness that leaves ordinary, Mass-going Catholics on the ground not sure what to do or where to turn. Some are even considering disaffiliating from the legallyrecognized Catholic entity in Germany and no longer paying the “church tax” — a move that could technically bar them from the sacraments — simply because they feel like they can’t support the direction things are heading.

Seeing all of this up close and personally made me proclamation: “The generations to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought.”

Pope Benedict continues as he writes: “All people feel the interior impulse to love authentically: love and truth never abandon them completely, because these are the vocations planted by God in the heart and mind of every human person.”

Jesus’ self-giving on the cross is our invitation as well, as his agents in this fallen world, to follow the way of love. Pope Benedict writes that, “Love is God’s greatest gift to humanity, it is his promise and our hope.”

When we face our deepest fears, we can turn to God and receive his solace and comfort, finding hope and strength in his grace. It is then that we will experience the gift of his love for us.

How do we understand this? When we attend Mass, we are participating in the eucharistic meal, which is a communion of Christians sharing in the body and blood of Christ to fortify us for our journey in gratitude. We collectively express our appreciation for Jesus’ self-giving, free choice to embrace the cross and show us how to follow the will of God in love.

Soucheray is a licensed marriage and family therapist emeritus and a member of St. Ambrose in Woodbury.

BRIDGING FAITH | DEACON MICKEY FRIESEN