"They're idiots!" What I learned from Two Catholic Giants

Here's a true story.

During a wonderful season of priestly discernment, Fr. Benedict Groeschel introduced me to his dear friend, brilliant philosopher Alice von Hildebrand. Over a delightful lunch, two unlikely but amusing, words came from Alice's sagelike mouth, describing Catholics for whom faith is more decoration than discipleship: "They're idiots." 

Wow. Harsh. Hardly politically correct. Hardly warm and fuzzy. But precise and powerfully what I needed to hear. 

While Alice was referencing Catholic leaders whose actions are contrary to our faith, some elaboration moved the target closer to home: Our current collapse of Western Civilization is not so much marked by those who don't believe, but by those who profess belief but are evidently not about it. She was speaking to the multitude of us who profess Catholicism but who remain in our silos. Who regard our faith as "private." Or partial. Who limit faith to certain times, with certain people, at certain places. 

Here is the challenge. If our Catholic profession is not evidencing authentic, ever-deeper transformation in our marriages, families, parishes and the world... if our faith communities are not evidently growing in depth and number, our witness is not one of faith powerful, but of faith impotent.     

I resolved I didn't want to be an idiot. I resolved that I want to be about (and surrounded by those who share) a living-faith that demonstrates -- God's real, healing, transforming power. Not simply in special, program moments, but as a way of life. 

Something special happened this week. After five years, with literally hundreds of IGNITEs that have resulted in numerous conversions, add emotional, relational and even physical healing... something took place at two IGNITEs this week that marked an epic step forward in Catholics "living it."  

What was so different? Unlike any of the IGNITEs before, the hundreds of candles on Burning Bushes this week weren't merely "ceremonial." They weren't merely a nice part of an event. Nearly all, hundreds, gave powerful witness to real people who had been striving to live it... who had been meeting weekly in homes for prayer, encouragement, and growth through LIT Groups. 

We can't help but pray: This is a tipping point for civilization revival in our region. If only more made the commitment to LIT Groups... increasingly we would experience the transformation God desires for us. Increasingly we would grow in depth and number. Increasingly, the Kingdom would come.  

Why this note? Receive the gift. Put the flag in the sand for Jesus Christ. Don't let excuses stand in the way. We're all busy. The only question is "with what?" Don't let busyness stand in the way of blessedness.  Better yet, let's seek a busyness marked by blessedness.

What to do? Make the commitment. Because you know God wants to bless you. Go now to MassImpact.us/LITGroups and sign-up. Season 2 of LIT Groups begin the week of April 8. Ideally, consider right now just two or three people (or couples) whom you really like, whom you'd like to grow with over seven weeks. Write their names down. Pray for them. Find a weekly time that works for you. Invite them to make the commitment. (As with the Cross, grace only flows through sacrifice.)

Finally, we want to treat you to something special in the Easter Season if you live in the Toledo, Ohio area... an evening of good beverages and snacks with a great presentation at the ambient Firepit Grille (Holland). This special "Kingdom Builders" night on Thursday, April 19, 7pm is themed "Bring IT." For committed Catholics, it's a great opportunity to hone our answers; moreover, it's an occasion to invite family, friends, and neighbors who have questions. It will be led by Fr. David Kidd and our Mass Impact Team. Registration is free but limited to 125. Register now by going here: MassImpact.us/BRINGIT.