We like to think that we can manage on our own. We pride ourselves in being free, independent, and in control of our own destiny. It doesn’t always work out like that. Our car gets broken into, the baseball game gets called because of rain, or we get home from the store only to find the bread we bought is moldy. How do we help our students deal with the trials of life, both great and small?
One way is to remind them that in Christ they are never alone. In the current climate of “I’m spiritual but not religious,” it is important to help students understand the value of a community united in Christ. A religion is not a way of controlling or limiting people’s freedom; rather, a religion is a group of people who come together because they believe in the same thing and who support each other on their faith journeys. For Catholics, that community is the Body of Christ.
Despite our culture’s mantra of “I can do it myself,” we all need help from time to time. This is poignantly demonstrated in the following video, which would make a powerful introduction to the concept of what Church really is.
Thanks to Deacon Greg Kandra for sharing the video.