Since the mysticism of Jerusalem, the philosophy of Athens, and the governance of Rome joined forces two millennia ago western civilization as we know it has developed and continues to do so throughout the world. Though with occasional setbacks and reversals, its progress has been forward in terms of the expansion of the material, moral and intellectual welfare of the world’s denizens. We, the heirs of this heritage, believe the path for this progress is and has been the will of Providence. If we follow this path – and we are at liberty not to – we will attain the fulfillment intended for us at the time of our creation.
This comes as no surprise. We are creatures of a Creator who since the beginning of time has held us in a covenantal relationship whereby, if we cooperate, we will be restored to the eternal home for which we were created. This blissful state, however, is not one which arrives at the end of time. Rather, as Jesus has told us, it is one which as the result of the Incarnation has already begun within us and, like the mustard seed, with proper nourishment and time will grow to its full majesty. Jesus admonished us to ‘be perfect as my heavenly father is perfect’. The Greek word used by the recording Evangelist is ‘telos’ meaning the ultimate end as in completion. We are invited to be complete.
Even before the Incarnation, when the gates of Heaven were opened for us, God had charged us with responsibilities. Not only were we to multiply and be stewards of the environment, we were also to be custodians of the covenantal relationship with our Creator, a charge which required our attention to his divine will. Such attention requires at the minimum knowledge of God. God has graced us with enough knowledge of himself with the revelations he has provided through the prophets and, of course, through his Son, Jesus Christ who shows us ‘the way, the truth and the life’. The existence of this understanding – respected or ignored – has been the bedrock of civilization’s advance for two thousand years.
In this country all of this was commonly understood – if not universally accepted – until recent times. However, now with the alarming rise of the religiously unaffiliated or ‘un-churched’ the foundation of this is threatened. Ignorance is corrosive. Willful ignorance of God is hazardous. What does this portend for the future or our nation which ironically boasts of its trust in God? What does it portend for the future of civilization?
Reversals in progress are real, to be sure. Even so, they are not determinative. Rather, they lay the groundwork for a more solid subsequent advance. Also, while it may be faded and at times barely legible, we do have a ‘road map’.
It is as Jeremiah predicted the’ law written in our hearts’, or as Lumen Gentium puts it, the ‘small voice echoing in the secret sanctuary of our conscience’’. We have only honestly to heed them. Of course, we also have our Lord’s promise that he is with us until the end of time and that his Holy Spirit will guide us in Truth.
In a world where the ‘road map’ of God’s will is unknown or, worse, ignored, Catholic philanthropy is greatly challenged. But it is never dismayed, encouraged as it is by the good news that where evil abounds grace abounds all the more.
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