Friday in the Sixth Week of Easter

“I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice…” In the Documents of Vatican II, in the Constitution on the Church, we read, “The Church, now sojourning on earth as an exile, is necessary for salvation.”  (Lumen Gentium #14)

But the Council Fathers also write that, “…divine Providence does not deny the help necessary for salvation to those, who without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of god, but who strive to live a good life, thanks to His grace” (Lum. Gen #16).  In other words, even atheists can be saved.  So, why is the Church necessary, why does it need to be missionary?  Why try to convert people who sincerely strive to live good lives, if they can be saved anyway?  

There are 3 reasons. First, we need faith. In Lumen Gentium we read that, “Deceived by the Evil One, people often exchange the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator” (Lum Gen #16).  It is dangerous to walk in darkness, to be ignorant of the truth.  One will more easily fall into error, and believe in lies.     

Second, we need hope. We read that, “There are some who, living and dying in a world without God, are subject to utter hopelessness” (Lumen Gentium # 16).  Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. We need the hope found in the People of God, the Church, to avoid despair.

Third, we need love and grace. We read that, “By proclamation of the gospel, the Church prepares her hearers to receive and profess the faith, disposes them for baptism, snatches them from the slavery of error, and incorporates them into Christ so that through charity they may grow up into full maturity in Christ.” (Lumen Gentium # 17).  We need the strength of love and grace provided by the sacraments to overcome our weaknesses and to stand before God with joy when He appears. 

The gospel of John today concludes with this promise to Christians: “You have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one can take your joy from you.”

So, why become Catholic?  Because it is dangerous to walk in darkness, without faith, without hope, without love!