**As a forewarning, I plan on discussing some of my religious and political beliefs. Modern media calls for this disclosure, along with some sort of apology, that "these are my opinions, they are not meant to impose upon your own or discredit your own, just an expression of my thoughts". But I'm not sure that I agree with that. These are my beliefs, the foundation of my actions, and while they may differ from those of others, I should not hesitate to share them, or qualify their validity. Religion is at times considered more offensive than epithets, but in the reading of this post, and the consideration of religion in general, I ask that you pay more attention to the purpose than the prose. You may not believe every word from the Bible, and may even stand in direct opposition to some doctrinal teaching. But the purpose of Catholicism, the purpose of religion, is to love. Is to work every day to bring yourself and those around you to the Kingdom of Heaven. That may sound like some kind of hippie ideal, and, granted, there are many more layers and complexities to it than that. But the attempt to be a better person, the best person you can be, and calling others to do the same? That shouldn't incite offense. **
The word Catholic itself means universal, which is partially why I find its different interpretations across the world so interesting. That the very word, the very religion, has been translated beyond itself, that to so many different countries, "Catholic" is just a local flavor, a handy adaptation rather than a Universal truth, is worth volumes of research beyond my observations.
Brazil boasts more than 123 million Catholics, making it the largest Roman Catholic community in the world. But experience would have never taught you that. Beggars and drug addicts on the street don't seem to merit a second glance from any citizen, let alone a Good Samaritan. Racism is rampant, tangible, everywhere.
Of the top 50 most dangerous cities in the world, Brazil was awarded 14 of the spots for its murder rates, and as a whole was listed as the #6 Most Dangerous country in the world, after a mild Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Afganistan, and Sudan/South Sudan, but beating out Mexico, Pakistan, North Korea and Colombia.
In daily life people know better than to show signs of wealth, electronics, etc, better than to walk at night or even down empty roads because of what the city threatens. As I've mentioned before, there's a social apartheid between the rich and the poor, and many people consider the other group to be of an entirely different species- not worth their compassion, time or consideration. Does this sound like a Catholic country to you? Does this sound like people are respecting one another, loving their neighbors?
There are some gorgeous churches, signs of Portuguese colonization and even modern additions, but with lacking attendance. I may have the unluckiest choices in mass times in locations, but save feast days I have yet to see more than 15 people present. There are people who practice their faith here, and I've been blessed to meet some, talk with them, and have been impressed and inspired by their love and actions on behalf of the Church. Sadly, however, they do not have the loudest voice here.
Some might say that the political situation in Brazil, the push for socialism and even some support for communism is a sign that the Brazilian people are trying to solve these problems, trying to answer to them. But I don't see that. I see people on the street, problems every day, for which people refuse to acknowledge and refuse to accept responsibility. They think that they've delegated their responsibility. That they paid the government to help these people, and thus they have done their part, and can go along guilt free. Not to mention that the government here is exceedingly corrupt, and ineffective... so the faith in that system, the reliance on that system, is faulty.
But beyond that. Even if the government somehow worked everything out, somehow created a system to help with all of these problems, not to just throw money around but to increase education, to create work, to improve the economy, to change social opinions- even if the government did all of these things which the Brazilian people have demanded without considering their implausibility- that still wouldn't take away their culpability. Even if the government was doing miracles, Jane Doe would still be responsible for common human dignity, and daily respect, beyond writing a check.
One of the main issues that I've been seeing is that everything is the government's fault. They failed to do this. Or that. Or they just stole this, or killed him, or raised taxes. Again. But the Brazilian people have voted for this system, have created it. It is each individual's responsibility to make a change, to demand a difference, and to work for it, rather than to sit and wait for the government to do it on their behalf. Granted, the government has some major faults, and it deserves some blame. But not all of it. It is the engine of the populace's creation, and it is still within their control to change. Isn't that democracy?
So where does this tie in with Catholicism, or the apparent lack of it? Catholicism is a religion, a belief system- meant to be a way of life. It encompasses politics and social concerns, and through a democratic system you would think that the policies would mirror the constituent's beliefs, or somewhat represent them. I think that government has a role in supporting society rather than controlling it, in promoting safety, regulating corruption, but never becoming a crutch or a chain- minimalist ideology. Basically, as Les Mis says, "Make as many laws as you please, men; but keep them for yourselves. The tribute to Caesar is never anything but the remnants of a tribute to God. A prince is nothing in the face of a principle."
There is much more there to discuss, but in order to effectively communicate my thoughts, I will have to move on to my next point, my next stream of consciousness. Any questions, doubts or concerns on what I've said thus far, I'd be happy to respond.
But what I began to wonder about is what this all means for me, personally. Selfishly. How can I sit here and criticize, throw rocks, from my own glass house?
What am I doing to live out the faith, and what does that even mean?
I have been blessed by a supportive and loving family, great friends, amazing opportunities and an environment rich in the faith, grown up with a great education, lots of extra-curricular experiences, travel, acquaintances, friendships, all moving forward to build more opportunities for the future.
But to what end? I am developing my Earthly talents, working in tangible, quantifiable ways to be prepared for the future, to get a secure job after graduation in order to pay off loans, then to save up to provide for my own family at some point in the future. Ideally, the idea is to find a fulfilling job, one that plays to my strengths and talents, and allows me to positively contribute to society.
And I do understand that this is not without cause. I'm studying so much, working, developing myself, because God has called us to cultivate our talents and to use them. "“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew, 5:14) That my studying, my writing, my thoughts, are not meant to be put under a basket, but to give light to all in the house.
I just wish there was more of a focus on the intangibles. We work, live, breathe with the purpose of productivity and progress, to achieve the next goal. And often times those goals are very admirable- starting a charity, working on a project to eliminate poverty, or hunger, or a whole host of other problems. Sometimes the work is less direct, working in a company that in turn employs thousands and supports hundreds of families and causes, but nonetheless good and honorable. But at what point do these actions prove that you're a good person?
Your salary certainly doesn't, nor do any host of things that we generally focus on- house, properties, appearance, etc.
I wonder, I worry, that I have become to focused upon my own talents, my own development, and my own goals and progress on Earth, to see beyond that. To wonder how much it matters that I scored 3 points higher on this test, or that I spent so many hours working in a favela, when so much other energy is dedicated to making a profit, to exploring, or to being social.
How is it that my life has become a matter of allocation- that I only have so many hours to volunteer a week, or so many dollars to give? Isn't it meant to be that all of my actions, all of my behavior tells the same story?
That my message, my core is universal across the experiences- that I am Catholic in it all? How can you tell, how can you work to be a better person? To love and to bring others to love?
What I'm coming to believe is that it isn't all about the big motions or declarations, but more that in daily life you can comport yourself in a way that honors God and that brings others to see His beauty. That people should know you are Catholic without you mentioning it, without you talking about mass times, or saints, or your actions and prayers. They should be able to see it in your everyday, and through that, you bring them closer to God.
I don't think that that has really been my focus recently, and I certainly hope that through contemplation, and yes, prayer, I can work to change that.
I don't think that I'm a horrible person, or anywhere close. But I know that I have failed to be a true Catholic, to really live the Word, when I have been blessed with an education showing me how to do so. And I know that this is only one end of the spectrum- that this is one degree of failure, while murdering someone is an entirely different ballpark. But I do think it is important to note that comparing degrees of failure doesn't negate the fault of the lesser. So many parts of Brazilian problems, of really any problem, can be explained away by saying that something else was worse, or by justifying it in some way. I think it is time to take responsibility, culpability, for our own actions.
And to improve upon them.
The word Catholic itself means universal, which is partially why I find its different interpretations across the world so interesting. That the very word, the very religion, has been translated beyond itself, that to so many different countries, "Catholic" is just a local flavor, a handy adaptation rather than a Universal truth, is worth volumes of research beyond my observations.
Brazil boasts more than 123 million Catholics, making it the largest Roman Catholic community in the world. But experience would have never taught you that. Beggars and drug addicts on the street don't seem to merit a second glance from any citizen, let alone a Good Samaritan. Racism is rampant, tangible, everywhere.
In daily life people know better than to show signs of wealth, electronics, etc, better than to walk at night or even down empty roads because of what the city threatens. As I've mentioned before, there's a social apartheid between the rich and the poor, and many people consider the other group to be of an entirely different species- not worth their compassion, time or consideration. Does this sound like a Catholic country to you? Does this sound like people are respecting one another, loving their neighbors?
There are some gorgeous churches, signs of Portuguese colonization and even modern additions, but with lacking attendance. I may have the unluckiest choices in mass times in locations, but save feast days I have yet to see more than 15 people present. There are people who practice their faith here, and I've been blessed to meet some, talk with them, and have been impressed and inspired by their love and actions on behalf of the Church. Sadly, however, they do not have the loudest voice here.
Some might say that the political situation in Brazil, the push for socialism and even some support for communism is a sign that the Brazilian people are trying to solve these problems, trying to answer to them. But I don't see that. I see people on the street, problems every day, for which people refuse to acknowledge and refuse to accept responsibility. They think that they've delegated their responsibility. That they paid the government to help these people, and thus they have done their part, and can go along guilt free. Not to mention that the government here is exceedingly corrupt, and ineffective... so the faith in that system, the reliance on that system, is faulty.
But beyond that. Even if the government somehow worked everything out, somehow created a system to help with all of these problems, not to just throw money around but to increase education, to create work, to improve the economy, to change social opinions- even if the government did all of these things which the Brazilian people have demanded without considering their implausibility- that still wouldn't take away their culpability. Even if the government was doing miracles, Jane Doe would still be responsible for common human dignity, and daily respect, beyond writing a check.
One of the main issues that I've been seeing is that everything is the government's fault. They failed to do this. Or that. Or they just stole this, or killed him, or raised taxes. Again. But the Brazilian people have voted for this system, have created it. It is each individual's responsibility to make a change, to demand a difference, and to work for it, rather than to sit and wait for the government to do it on their behalf. Granted, the government has some major faults, and it deserves some blame. But not all of it. It is the engine of the populace's creation, and it is still within their control to change. Isn't that democracy?
There is much more there to discuss, but in order to effectively communicate my thoughts, I will have to move on to my next point, my next stream of consciousness. Any questions, doubts or concerns on what I've said thus far, I'd be happy to respond.But what I began to wonder about is what this all means for me, personally. Selfishly. How can I sit here and criticize, throw rocks, from my own glass house?
What am I doing to live out the faith, and what does that even mean?
I have been blessed by a supportive and loving family, great friends, amazing opportunities and an environment rich in the faith, grown up with a great education, lots of extra-curricular experiences, travel, acquaintances, friendships, all moving forward to build more opportunities for the future.
But to what end? I am developing my Earthly talents, working in tangible, quantifiable ways to be prepared for the future, to get a secure job after graduation in order to pay off loans, then to save up to provide for my own family at some point in the future. Ideally, the idea is to find a fulfilling job, one that plays to my strengths and talents, and allows me to positively contribute to society.
And I do understand that this is not without cause. I'm studying so much, working, developing myself, because God has called us to cultivate our talents and to use them. "“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew, 5:14) That my studying, my writing, my thoughts, are not meant to be put under a basket, but to give light to all in the house.
I just wish there was more of a focus on the intangibles. We work, live, breathe with the purpose of productivity and progress, to achieve the next goal. And often times those goals are very admirable- starting a charity, working on a project to eliminate poverty, or hunger, or a whole host of other problems. Sometimes the work is less direct, working in a company that in turn employs thousands and supports hundreds of families and causes, but nonetheless good and honorable. But at what point do these actions prove that you're a good person?
Your salary certainly doesn't, nor do any host of things that we generally focus on- house, properties, appearance, etc.
I wonder, I worry, that I have become to focused upon my own talents, my own development, and my own goals and progress on Earth, to see beyond that. To wonder how much it matters that I scored 3 points higher on this test, or that I spent so many hours working in a favela, when so much other energy is dedicated to making a profit, to exploring, or to being social.
How is it that my life has become a matter of allocation- that I only have so many hours to volunteer a week, or so many dollars to give? Isn't it meant to be that all of my actions, all of my behavior tells the same story?
That my message, my core is universal across the experiences- that I am Catholic in it all? How can you tell, how can you work to be a better person? To love and to bring others to love?
What I'm coming to believe is that it isn't all about the big motions or declarations, but more that in daily life you can comport yourself in a way that honors God and that brings others to see His beauty. That people should know you are Catholic without you mentioning it, without you talking about mass times, or saints, or your actions and prayers. They should be able to see it in your everyday, and through that, you bring them closer to God.
I don't think that that has really been my focus recently, and I certainly hope that through contemplation, and yes, prayer, I can work to change that.
I don't think that I'm a horrible person, or anywhere close. But I know that I have failed to be a true Catholic, to really live the Word, when I have been blessed with an education showing me how to do so. And I know that this is only one end of the spectrum- that this is one degree of failure, while murdering someone is an entirely different ballpark. But I do think it is important to note that comparing degrees of failure doesn't negate the fault of the lesser. So many parts of Brazilian problems, of really any problem, can be explained away by saying that something else was worse, or by justifying it in some way. I think it is time to take responsibility, culpability, for our own actions.
And to improve upon them.
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