My Lenten observance wasn’t the most faith-filled this year. But I think I may have found an Easter message that made sense to me in what has become a season of grief-filled, election-year deconstruction for me. This, from Fr. Josh Whitfield:
So, wondering what to say to you this morning, I guess it’s this: Don’t be bad Catholics.
Now, before you storm off, give the office a call tomorrow, or tweet about it, let me explain myself. I’m not talking like a culture warrior here. I’m not immediately talking about morality or politics—although I wish more people would make an honest and intelligent examination of the Christian moral vision, and I do wish more people (equally left and right) would see through the false promises of politicians and quit worshipping those walking, talking golden calfs.
No, what I’m talking about is hope; hope despite everything. That, before anything else, is what makes you a good Catholic. I think of that line from that Wendell Berry poem: “Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.” That’s kind of what I mean.