If we read about and study the history of the Church, we find that the faithful in different places and different ages manifest moments of strength and weakness in their faith. Since the faith is linked, in part, to our humanity and our spiritual lives, that is not surprising.
Like the people of Israel being led through the desert in the Book of Exodus, the Church, because of Her human element damaged by sin, experiences moments of joy and fidelity but also sinfulness and a lack of trust in God.
For example, the early Church recorded thousands coming to the faith in one day. (Acts, 2:41). Centuries later in Mexico, following the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531, over nine million of the local people are recorded as having come to the Catholic faith during the subsequent decade.
However, at the time of St. Francis of Assisi (ca 1200 A.D.), the practice of the faith was described as weak and in need of renewal brought by Francis. So too, at the time of the reformation, the weakness of faith among the clergy and laity resulted in the divisions of Christianity that have lasted to our own day. But the resulting grace led to the great renewal that began with the Council of Trent.
In our own time, the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was convened with the purpose of preparing faithful witness of the Church for the circumstances of the modern world. It can be said that the pontificate of Pope St. John Paul II (1978 -2005) was dedicated to demonstrating the richness and coherence of the documents of Vatican II for exactly this purpose.
Today there are many resulting signs of life and holiness. To attend Mass on an average Sunday is often to encounter many faithful people and families. It is inspiring to see families praying together — parents and children.
Recently, I offered Mass for the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Diocese of Rockford. The presence of many of the Vincentians was a witness to the outreach of charity that is a necessary sign of the faith being lived out authentically. The outstanding work and efforts of our diocesan Catholic Charities is likewise a living witness to the love of Christ that is essential to our faith.
We have just begun a new school year in our Catholic schools and in our religious education programs in our parishes. Through them, the work of evangelization of our young people is carried out year after year, passing on the Catholic faith and practice to a new generation. And our Catholic work to prepare and support married couples and foster our commitment to defend the right to life is also another part of our witness to the world.
This vitality, however, is challenged by troubling signs. Weekly Mass attendance in the United States is said to be less than 20%, although it is rising following the COVID outbreak. Many of our young people are falling away from the practice of the faith, and marriages and baptisms are diminished
as a result.
Through all of these challenges, it is important that we recognize that our Catholic faith is the source of our hope. The coming of the Son of God among us has given our human nature a new and greater meaning. The teaching of Jesus, joined to His death and resurrection, gives our humanity a purpose and a future that gives meaning to our joys and our sufferings.
Whatever the joys or difficulties of life or in families, the Church and the sacraments give us
the strength to carry on with hope that does not end. In short, our trust in Jesus and His Church are well placed.
