"Staying the Course…."

It is not just an old political campaign slogan from the late President Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign, it is a phrase that pops into my head often when I, as a Catholic priest, am asked by Catholics and non- Catholics alike about "changing or updating Church teachings" on any given issue. Whether in the Confessional or just in a conver-sation around our town, well-meaning folks frequently will ask why the Church can’t change its outlook on the death penalty or cloning or the definition of marriage, or even on the definition of life itself. I am the first to admit that many of the Church’s teach-ings are difficult to carry out we also must realize that the ques-tions being asked are also difficult one and more often than not, many folks’ understanding of what the Church is teaching comes not from the Church but from the secular and often times ignorant media or from finagled presentations in movies or on television. It is rare that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is ever sourced in one of these conversations.

Staying the Course can also be translated into "being faithful" (not to human law but) to God’s law. Today’s Gospel from Matthew and the metaphor used is a great example of why "fidelity" is important. Allow this thought for just a moment:

Vines are considered sturdy plants which are usually found in moderate or mild or warm temperatures think of Italy, the Middle East, even sunny California, but they can and do thrive in less clement regions such as New England. Just travel about Connecticut and see signs for vineyards in some of the most "unexpected" places. There are two types of vines, ones that grow wild and bring about fruit of the same nature wild, bitter, and often not very useful. Then there are cultivated vines which pro-duce more abundant fruit and are used for wine or dried for items such as raisins. The cultivated vines are many times used by the ancient people as a metaphor for the reign of God they have been cared for and now can produce great results delicious wines or dried and beneficial fruits. Today’s gospel metaphor describes "a cultivated vineyard that must be tended and pro-tected. In order that its life force be put to the best possible advan-tage, it needs to be watered and pruned and protected from what-ever might hamper its growth. What is also necessary is protec-tion from predators and from those who might rob the owner of its produce. This metaphor notes that while the vines might be hardy, they are also vulnerable. So is the reign of God. It must be tended and protected from whatever might endanger it so that it can produce abundant and delectable fruit." (1)

We are the cultivated vines of God. He has called us into being, a part of His plan of recreation (regeneration) and salva-tion. He has baptized us, Confirmed us in His Holy Spirit, nour-ishes us with His Body and Blood, abundantly forgives our sins, heals our souls, brings us together for the purpose of His plan of family, and selects and maintains us to confer the sacraments we are cultivated in and by Him. When Jesus came among us as human he taught us the law of God love, compassion, forgiveness, fidelity. He then created and handed over to His apostles His Church to continue His teachings not by mere human being alone but by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Paraclete. He will not abandon us. We are now His disciples called to continue this cultivation and protection of His vineyard for the production of the most delectable and beneficial fruit.

Who are the predators? First and foremost, the Evil One and all his accomplices. But we do not slip out of the reign of God by accident. We deliberately reject it freely.

Let us re-read the first reading today to ponder that thought. Look at the rebellious vineyard. God was not remiss. The predators come in many forms and temptations and often are helped out along the way by new definitions or silence at the dinner table or in discussions with our children as to why some things are sacred, everlasting. Predators come in neighbors, friends and even relatives who let things slide or buy into the idea that this or that thought, while often times very inconvenient, is simply just old fashion, outdated. Evil is clever. It is not a funny little creature in a red suit. It is a crack in the armor of eternal life that is allowed to widen and deepen right before our eyes and sometimes not only by our actions but by our inaction or silence.

Those conversations I mentioned at the beginning of this article are not infrequent. Predators are at work all the time. The answers are not always easy to put into daily practices of life. I know that too. But faithfulness is the antidote. Faith in a good and loving God with a strong mixture of trying to do what is right and righteous, even though we may fail. Getting up when that hap-pens, seeking His forgiveness and grace…and being welcomed back with the open, loving and strong arms of Christ. It is our life’s work, in more ways than one.

Peace,

Fr. Michael