CONNECTING OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH WITH NEW LIFE IN JESUS..............

What makes us Catholic-Christians ?  Belief in God ? Baptism in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit ? In addition to Baptism, the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist ? Regularity in Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, in an ongoing relationship with  Jesus The Christ ? Sharing in the service and leadership necessary for living the life of a Disciple ?  I think we can agree all of  these are vital facets of truly being a Catholic-Christian.  But it is also essential that we honor our Commitment to these definitions of Catholic-Christian Discipleship.  Lip service  or lukewarm practice of any and all of the attributes of Catholic-Christianity as I have described them is not enough.  True Faith in Action for those who are  devoted to believing and following Jesus The Christ and building up God's Kingdom, are  deeply rooted in living Gospel Values, carrying out the Beatitudes, and anchored in fulfilling the  Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, that are at the central core of being a Catholic-Christian Disciple.  With the highest holy days of the  entire year coming next week with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery and the Easter Triduum, may we rededicate ourselves to real reasons for being a Catholic-Christian and seeking Salvation, treating the  definition of what makes us a Disciple of Jesus not magic, but mystery.  Reaching beyond superficial claims of being a Believer in God and Follower of Christ, by wholeheartedly practicing what we profess, every day, every Sunday, not just on a few holydays and special occasions but throughout the year and throughout our lives.  How fully are you  connected to your  Faith and Discipleship in our Heavenly Father, Saving Redeemer, and  Sanctifying Spirit, of Life  and Love  ?..............fr.tdp