Ruth - Chapter 21: Return to Virtue
This final chapter calls us all to live a life of virtue. If we all, leaders and laity, led lives of virtue how different this world would be. One of the many things I liked about Matthew’s book is that he showed the strength and weaknesses of the church and its people without putting it down. He gives me hope. It was good to be reminded in this chapter that the “Catholic Church feeds more people, clothes more people, houses more people, and educates more people than any other organization in the world. …. But we must press on all the same … .Jesus didn’t promise an easy way.” On p. 311 Matthew states “ … Catholicism is a program of life, a lifestyle, that encourages all who embrace it be become the-best-version-of-themselves.” I don’t think that we think enough about this. If Catholicism is a lifestyle then we should not feel embarrassed at times that our life revolves around the church and church activities. A balanced life can be a faith centered life and should be a faith-centered life. On p. 312 the author states “he uses those who make themselves available.” I guess this touched a personal note with me because I find that Tom and I have responded to the called to make ourselves available, as frustrating, as humbling, as fulfilling as it often is. (As I am sure you also find) But I have to say that if the Lord can use us He can use anybody willing to center their life on the Lord, his church and his people. We have to pray that more people respond to the call and persevere in following it through. Lord help us to humbly follow you becoming the people you want us to be and lead us as we serve your people.
- posted by Ruth @ 9:09 PM