I shared some of this in a recent FlockNote, but I hope it reaches others through our bulletins. “Catechetical Sunday” is an annual observance in September to honor, pray for, and support those who hand on the Faith in our Catholic schools and faith formation programs at all levels of education. The theme for the 2024 observance may be a bit surprising, though it fits perfectly with the Eucharistic Revival now entering its third year, the Year of Mission: "Lord, when did we see you hungry?" (Matthew 25:37)
As the U.S. Bishops’ website says: This year’s theme reflects our call to missionary discipleship. As St John Paul II reminded us: The universal call to holiness is closely linked to the universal call to mission. Every member of the faithful is called to holiness and to mission. We are called to live out the meaning of the Eucharist by word and action to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our times cry out for this kind of holiness, one inflamed by the ardent determination to bring as many of our brothers and sisters as possible to Christ.
This theme reinforces the point that “teaching the Faith” is not only a matter of catechesis, or instruction for the mind in the truths of Catholic belief and doctrine. While that is naturally a necessary part of our mission, it is not sufficient simply to know intellectually our beliefs, and it is usually not the way faith first takes root for people. We must also live those beliefs to be credible witnesses. Anyone who models prayer, service, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, compassion – this person is also a teacher of the Faith. It naturally is our goal in our schools and parishes. But it is also meant to happen in our workplaces, in the store, during our commutes and errands, with our friends. And above all, in our homes, the first school in faith, hope, and charity for all of us.
We influence one another by words and actions; the reality that we are “social beings” is part of being human. But more than just a natural fact, it is part of God’s design: we are made in the image of God, who is a communion of Persons. So we find our truest selves in relationships of love like God’s own inner life. Thus, as humans who live in the body, authentic love naturally takes visible form in our interactions. To be “right” about matters of faith will not convert another unless it is the truth shared in love. This is the foundation of Jesus’ teaching about the Last Judgement, from which the theme is taken.
“Whatever you do for the least, you do for Me.” Every act of faith, hope, and love is catechesis in the truths of our Catholic faith and mission.
What will you teach someone today about Jesus?
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