Continuing the discussion on Evangelical Catholicism by George Weigel…
Metanoia conversion is the point of the fourth characteristic of Evangelical Catholicism. We are not called to a one-time awakening, but rather a “constant conversion of life, which involves both the rejection of evil and active participation in the works of service and charity.”
It is important to note that following the rules is not enough, you must actively serve others out of the love you have been given by God and the friendship you have with Jesus. When we fail in living out our friendship, when we sin, we have the powerful and necessary sacrament of Penance.
Evangelical Catholicism shows it is Catholic by striving to live a life of goodness and being in communion with the Church. Adherence to all the truths and teachings of the Church is the goal and when people deny or possibly even work against these truths they are in a “defective state of communion” and the bishops and priest have a duty to call these people back to the fold. The constant call to conversion is “a work of grace” and we are called by Jesus to this metanoia. It is he who invites us to conversion and service.
Liturgy is central to Evangelical Catholicism and it is important that liturgy be beautiful, leading us into an act of worship. The rubrics or rules of how to celebrate liturgy are necessary so that liturgy does not become something which we create for ourselves. Beauty is necessary in liturgy so that we can be reminded that we are called to worship God and it is a privilege.
In light of the focus on liturgy, preparation for the sacraments and adult catechesis is a primary concern. There is a need to grow in faith through the act of worship. It is not just about showing up; it is about what you do with what you receive while engaged in liturgy. Worship ideally calls us forth to enter more fully into service and to welcome others to the Church. Again, it is Christ calling us to himself and asking us to invite others into friendship with him.
Weigel writes in such a way that I want to go and meet these Evangelical Catholics. I want to help a congregation embrace this way of thinking about the Church and faith and Jesus so that the community becomes a powerful witness. As we continue to look at these ten characteristics I can see the possibilities and it gives me hope.
Copyright © 2014, Deanna Bartalini
Deanna Bartalini
Deanna G. Bartalini, is a Catholic writer, speaker, and educator. She serves on the retreat team at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center. Deanna loves teaching about Catholicism and how it fits into our daily lives. She writes at DeannaBartalini.com, serves as the editor of the NewEvangelizers.com blog, and is a contributor there as well as at AmazingCatechists.com. Deanna contributed to A Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion published by Ave Maris Press. She is the author of “Invite the Holy Spirit into Your Life: Growing in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control” published by Our Sunday Visitor. Deanna is available to lead retreats and speak at catechist and ministry events.
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