You are the Church! You are the Body of Christ!

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For those that found disillusionment in the Church I am sad that you have had such an experience.  Over twenty years ago, I found myself frustrated with the church’s work to serve those that are most desperate in their need.  I looked at this experience as the reason to turn my back on the church and exercise a solitary journey with God.  But God, through the teachings of Saint Paul reminded me that I, like the church, am the body of Christ.  If the church was not addressing a need, I was not addressing a need.  This revelation allowed me to be powerful and responsible in my relationship with an institution that Jesus established upon the rock of St. Peter, rather then be a victim of an institution that was external to myself.  I took that opportunity to create an outreach effort that reaches out to those least amongst us and I recently celebrated 22 years of that service.  I am now known by most as Brother Sean and I am a full time Roman Catholic Missionary to the Poor.

For those that have found pain, I pray for your healing and for all, I encourage you to return to the Church.  The Church needs you and more importantly needs to address your concerns.  Please open yourself to the consideration that the Church will not respond to a list of tasks but will engage you in partnership to cause the Kingdom of God, here and now!  Look past the sins of those you encounter and lovingly pray for them and plead for them to pray for you as well.  We are all hurt and confused at times.  Our frustration cannot be allowed to define us and separate us as we come together in Communion around our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  There is no promise of a life free from trials and tribulations and those you encounter in the guise of the Church will often confront your sense of right and wrong.  Pray for the grace that remains sufficient for your need and embrace your opportunity to make a difference in this world with the God given talent He has provided.   And, no matter what, always take heed of what is so eloquently expressed in Latin:

‘illegitimi non carborundum’

You were made in the divine image and likeness of God and your power to transform the Body of Christ is infinite.  Stay present to who you are and realize that God is calling you to strengthen the Body of Christ through your active engagement and participation.  The effort will be arduous and difficult at times but when you come to the end of your journey here in this life, like St. Paul, you will be able to say, ‘I have fought the good fight,’ as you look back on a lifetime of contribution.

The church continues to evolve, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Have faith in the Word and know that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.