| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |
| “The Catholic Miscellany” January 31, 2008 "Eight Truths Every Catholic Should Know" Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of columns Fr. Jeff Kirby is writing for Lent. |
Awhile back I had a conversation with a friend on the publicized conversion of a serial killer to the Christian faith. This friend expressed
some shock in the person’s conviction that they could make it to heaven. Our discussion moved into an explanation on God’s unconditional
mercy. My friend was frustrated and ended the conversation by telling me that “his God” wouldn’t let a murderer into heaven.
It’s an interesting comment. Who exactly is “his God”?
Our contemporary approach to God seems to be marked by a certain subjectivism. God becomes “my” God, meaning whatever I think he
should be, or whatever I determine to be good or right. God should conform to my worldview and fit into my way of life.
But is this a correct view? At the heart of this question is the deeper inquiry: What do we believe about God? Who is the true God? What is
our proper relationship with him?
God cannot be approached as a nice fantasy, cherished heirloom, psychological consolation or entertaining hobby.
God is a real, personal being who has a historical, self-revealing relationship with humanity. He is not “my” creation, or “my” idea or even
“my” consolation.
Rather, God is the one who has created me, has given me ideas, and who allows for me to experience consolation and hope. He has lovingly
revealed himself and shared his own self-knowledge with humanity, so that we might know him, the true God.
God does not change for us. He has a perfect, divine identity. And as a real, personal being, he calls each person into an intimate relationship
with him. By telling us about himself, God makes it possible for us to know and love him.
At times, our union with God will call for a transformation of our own thoughts, cultural assumptions, desires and aspirations. In this
encounter with God and his love, we change for God. We allow ourselves to be converted by his grace.
All people are called to abandon the false gods of their own minds and the idols of their own hearts, and instead to hear the voice of the true
God. The temptation to create “my” own God, or to fix, change, or complete God must be tempered and abandoned. All are summoned to
give a generous response to God’s own loving self-revelation.
In coming to know and understand who God is, we are especially led to give him thanks and praise. The impulse to worship God is provoked
by true knowledge of him, and by an urge to love him.
The human person’s highest ability is the worship of God. Because it allows the human person to see himself as a human being, and not as a
god himself, it is the one spiritual power which most clearly defines, liberates, and orders his humanity. The true worship of God makes us
more human.
To know and love the true God, to worship him in spirit and in truth, and to be transformed by his grace is the first truth and challenge of
Christian discipleship.
Father Kirby is parochial vicar at St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken.
| First Truth: “Who God is and Why We Worship Him” |
