Seized by Christ

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  • “Deus Caritas Est” Summary Sections 1 thru 8

    Exploring the Depths of Christian Love: From Eros to Agape

    Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est explores the nature of love, distinguishing between eros and agape, and emphasizes that true Christian love integrates both. It calls believers to experience God’s love personally and express it through selfless actions toward others.

    DCE 01 Christianity is centered on love—God’s love for us and our love for Him and others. Being Christian isn’t just about rules or ideas, but about meeting Jesus, who changes our lives. God’s love calls us to love in return, not just because we’re told to, but because He loved us first. This message is especially important in a world that sometimes misuses God’s name. The Pope writes this letter to explain God’s love and how we should live it out, both by understanding it deeply and by showing love to others through action.

    DCE 02 God’s love is very important, but the word “love” is used in many different ways today. It can mean many things—like love for family, country, work, or romantic love. Romantic love between a man and a woman often seems like the strongest kind. The section asks whether all these different kinds of love are really the same, or just share the same name.

    DCE 03 The ancient Greeks called the powerful and unplanned attraction between man and woman eros. But the Bible, especially the New Testament, rarely uses this word. Instead, it emphasizes agape—a love that gives, serves, and sacrifices for others. Christianity does not reject eros, but seeks to purify and guide it so it leads to true love and happiness, not selfish desire or misuse of the body.

    In ancient cultures, eros was seen as a divine force that could take over a person like madness. This idea often led to harmful practices, such as temple prostitution. The Old Testament rejected these false forms of love, not because love is bad, but because this version of eros dehumanized people and separated love from true dignity.

    True love must include both body and soul. Human beings are not just spirit or just flesh—we are both. Love matures when body and soul are united in purpose and respect. Christianity has sometimes been wrongly accused of rejecting the body, but the modern world’s way of treating the body as just a tool for pleasure also dishonors it. Christian love sees the body as a sacred part of the whole person.

    The Song of Songs in the Old Testament shows how love can grow. At first, love is uncertain and selfish (dodim), but over time it becomes more selfless and committed (ahabà or agape). Mature love seeks the good of the other, not just personal pleasure. It wants to last forever and include all parts of life.

    Christianity teaches that love must be both giving (agape) and receiving (eros). If love is only about giving, it dries up. If it is only about taking, it becomes selfish. Real love includes both. Jesus is the model of perfect love: He gives completely, and through Him, we receive God’s love. The ladder in Jacob’s dream (angels going up and down) shows how love moves both ways—seeking God and sharing His love with others.

    In the end, love is one reality with different sides. Christianity does not oppose human love, but completes and purifies it. It brings out love’s deepest meaning by showing us who God is and what it means to be truly human.

    This is a summary of Deus Caritas Est sections 1 thru 8 by Pope Benedict XVI, given on 25 December 2005. This summary was created by ChatGPT and is intended to be an abbreviated version of the document, for those who do not have time to read the original. 

    This is not an official translation.

    The original is located at Deus caritas est (December 25, 2005) | BENEDICT XVI 

    Related Posts:

    How Do I Know If I’ve Truly Encountered God’s Love?

    What Does It Mean to Truly Meet Jesus?

    Why Does Christianity Feel Like It’s All About Rules?

     Why John 3:16 Still Matters

  • Even If You Don’t Come Back: The Hidden Hope of the Hero’s Journey

    An Easter Conversation on Risk, Myth, and Resurrection

    Q: My son made an interesting observation. He said that hero stories are “success-biased”—we only hear the stories of the ones who made it back to tell them. Most who go on the hero’s journey probably don’t make it back, and we don’t hear those stories. So maybe we’re misled in thinking it’s worth going. But I’ve been wondering: maybe the message of the myths is actually that it’s better to go and not make it back, than to never go at all?

    A: (from ChatGPT)
    That question hits right at the heart of what myth—and particularly the Christian story—has always tried to say. Yes, your son is absolutely right: hero stories are success-biased. They’re remembered because someone survived to tell them. And it’s true that most people don’t return from their battles unscarred—some never return at all.

    But that doesn’t make the journey meaningless.

    In fact, your reflection gets to something deeper—the idea that it is better to go and not make it back than never to go. That’s not just a mythic truth. That’s a Christian one.

    The Christian story flips the script on worldly success. It says: the one who loses everything is the one who gains it all. Jesus doesn’t return from His journey with treasure or a triumphal parade. He returns wounded, rejected, and killed—but through that death, He brings life.

    And the earliest Christians saw that. That’s why they remembered the martyrs—not for escaping suffering, but for embracing it with courage. That’s why they honored missionaries who died far from home, parents who quietly gave their lives for their children, and ordinary believers who bore their crosses unseen by the world. They didn’t make it back in any normal sense. But their stories became part of a deeper narrative of hope.

    The hero who never comes home still teaches us something profound:

    • That courage is not about guaranteed success.
    • That the going itself is transformative.
    • That the journey may be unfinished, but it is not wasted.
    • And that even death does not erase meaning—especially in light of Easter.

    The Resurrection is not just a happy ending—it’s the redemption of the journey that seemed like failure. It’s the great answer to your question: even if you don’t make it back, it was worth it. Because in Christ, nothing offered in love is ever lost.

    So yes—your question has merit, and your intuition is right. The hero stories may be success-biased, but the Gospel is sacrifice-biased. It tells us that the ones who go, even when they never return, are not forgotten. They are part of something eternal.

    And in that, there is real hope.

  • Unpacking the Prodigal Son Story: A Mythical Hero’s Journey

    The Prodigal Son is one of the most beloved parables from Christian tradition, but when examined through the lens of the mythical hero’s journey, it reveals a deeper, universal narrative of transformation, redemption, and reconciliation. This timeless tale offers a rich exploration of personal growth, rebellion, and the cyclical nature of life. In this post, we’ll delve into how the Prodigal Son mirrors the structure of the mythical hero’s journey and what we can learn from his story.

    1. The Call to Adventure: A Desire for Freedom

    In mythological narratives, the hero often begins their journey with a call to adventure — a desire to explore the unknown. The Prodigal Son’s request for his inheritance marks his own “call” to freedom. He wants to leave behind the familiarity of his home and step into a world where he can forge his own path. This moment reflects the universal human desire to break free from constraints and seek independence, much like a hero departing from their original world to pursue a personal quest.

    2. Crossing the Threshold: Venturing into the Unknown

    The son leaves his father’s house and enters the “distant country,” symbolizing the crossing of the threshold into the unknown. It is here that he begins to indulge in a life of excess, squandering his inheritance. This chaotic journey mirrors the hero’s descent into the “wild” or underworld, where they encounter temptations and distractions that often lead them astray. In mythology, heroes face these temptations as part of their transformation, and the Prodigal Son is no different. His descent represents the dangers of excess and unchecked desires.

    3. The Abyss: Confronting the Crisis

    Every hero must face a crisis — the abyss — a moment of profound despair and self-reflection. For the Prodigal Son, this moment occurs when famine strikes and he finds himself feeding pigs, longing for their food. This marks his lowest point, symbolizing a metaphorical “death” — the hero’s confrontation with their mistakes and the consequences of their actions. The “famine” represents life’s harsh realities and the price one pays for straying too far from balance and wisdom.

    4. The Return: Transformation and Rebirth

    In many myths, the hero returns home after their trials, but they are forever changed. Similarly, the Prodigal Son’s decision to return home represents a moment of transformation. His journey back is one of repentance and self-awareness, symbolizing a rebirth. When he arrives, his father greets him with open arms, demonstrating that redemption and reconciliation are possible, even after great mistakes.

    5. The Hero’s Reward: Celebration and Integration

    After the son’s return, he is celebrated by his father, who restores him to his rightful place. This is the reward phase of the hero’s journey, where the hero integrates the wisdom they’ve gained into their previous life. For the Prodigal Son, this celebration includes gifts such as a robe, ring, and sandals — signs of his full reintegration into the family. In myth, the hero often returns with newfound wisdom, and the Prodigal Son’s return symbolizes the potential for growth and healing, no matter how lost or estranged one might feel.

    6. The Shadow: Conflict with the Elder Brother

    In many myths, the hero’s return disrupts the status quo, often sparking tension with those who remained behind. The elder brother’s resentment toward the Prodigal Son reflects this mythical conflict. The elder son represents the “shadow” — a figure resistant to change, loyal to the old ways, and unwilling to embrace transformation. His anger symbolizes the internal and external conflicts that arise when old paradigms are challenged, and growth or redemption occurs.

    7. Rebirth: Death and Resurrection

    The narrative concludes with a powerful statement by the father: “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” This moment echoes the cyclical nature of death and resurrection that is central to many mythic stories. The Prodigal Son’s “death” represents his metaphorical fall, and his return symbolizes a form of resurrection — a fresh start rooted in humility and wisdom. The cycle of life, death, and rebirth is essential to the hero’s journey, illustrating that transformation often requires loss and renewal.

    8. The Theme of Repentance and Redemption

    At its core, the Prodigal Son story embodies the theme of repentance and redemption. In many myths, the hero returns after making mistakes, and their journey is celebrated because they have learned from their trials. The father’s willingness to forgive, rather than punish, the Prodigal Son challenges the notion that heroism is about perfection. Sometimes, the hero is celebrated not for their unwavering goodness but for their capacity to learn from their errors and return transformed.

    Conclusion: Lessons from the Prodigal Son

    The Prodigal Son is more than just a biblical tale — it is a powerful reflection of the hero’s journey. Through his story, we learn about transformation, the importance of self-awareness, and the possibility of redemption, no matter how far we’ve strayed. By examining the Prodigal Son through the lens of mythology, we can see that the challenges of life — the mistakes, the temptations, the crises — are all part of the journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation.

    Whether you’re exploring the parable for personal reflection or analyzing it from a mythical perspective, the Prodigal Son’s journey offers timeless wisdom. Embrace your journey, accept the lessons that come with both failure and triumph, and remember that redemption is always within reach.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).

  • The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Preference for the Repentant Son Over the Loyal Brother

    The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Preference for the Repentant Son Over the Loyal Brother

    The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known biblical stories. While often interpreted as a lesson on forgiveness, there’s a deeper, subversive message embedded in the narrative. The story emphasizes the redemption of the repentant son over the loyalty of the older brother, challenging us to reflect on the nature of grace, transformation, and true faith.

    Let’s break down why this story shows more favor to the repentant son than the dutiful older brother.

    1. The Repentant Son’s Journey

    The Prodigal Son embarks on a journey of transformation. He leaves home, squanders his inheritance, and experiences deep suffering. But the key moment in the story is when he “comes to his senses,” realizing that his life has gone astray. Returning home isn’t just about apologizing—it’s about a profound change of heart.

    His journey isn’t just physical; it’s deeply moral and spiritual. Without experiencing loss and humility, the son wouldn’t have gained the wisdom necessary to understand what truly matters. His repentance is not merely saying “sorry”; it’s taking full responsibility and seeking reconciliation.

    2. The Older Brother’s Stagnation

    In contrast, the older brother represents the opposite of transformation. He has remained “loyal” and “dutiful,” yet he lacks the deeper compassion and self-awareness that the younger son gains through his fall. His loyalty is tied to a transactional understanding of his relationship with his father. He believes that following the rules entitles him to rewards.

    However, when he sees his brother return, he becomes bitter and resentful. His jealousy reveals his inability to comprehend the true nature of forgiveness and grace. While he believes that loyalty should be rewarded, he struggles to accept the father’s generosity toward the repentant son. This exposes the flaw in his view of faithfulness: it’s not just about staying loyal; it’s about embracing grace, forgiveness, and love.

    3. The Father’s Preference for the Repentant Son

    The father’s actions in the story speak volumes. He doesn’t just forgive the younger son—he goes out of his way to restore him to his rightful place in the family. The father’s joy and celebration of the son’s return show that he values transformation over mere loyalty. To him, the younger son’s repentance signifies a deeper, more meaningful change.

    The older brother, on the other hand, cannot understand why his brother is being celebrated. His view of loyalty lacks grace, focusing solely on merit. The father’s actions reveal a profound truth: that genuine transformation and repentance are more valuable than blind obedience or duty.

    4. The Parable’s Subversive Message

    What makes the Prodigal Son so powerful is how it subverts conventional expectations. The older brother, who has done everything right, is not the one the father celebrates. Instead, it is the one who has made mistakes, strayed, and then returned with genuine repentance.

    This aligns with a deeper spiritual principle often emphasized in Christian teachings: God values repentance and the willingness to transform oneself over mere outward adherence to rules or social norms. The story challenges the idea that it’s enough to simply “do your duty” or “stay loyal.” True faith requires openness to growth, change, and grace.

    5. The Call to Radical Grace

    The parable points to a radical message: true grace and forgiveness are not about rewarding those who follow the rules but about welcoming the lost, the broken, and the repentant. The father’s unconditional love for the Prodigal Son serves as a model of divine love—extending forgiveness even to those who have fallen farthest, as long as they return with a sincere heart.

    This challenges conventional ideas of justice based on merit and points to a more inclusive form of love. The older brother’s sense of entitlement contrasts sharply with the father’s generosity, showing that grace operates outside systems of merit and deservingness.

    6. The Lesson for the Faithful

    There’s a deeper challenge here for the “faithful” or “loyal” figures in the story, such as the older brother (who represents the “righteous” or those who follow the rules). The story teaches that loyalty and obedience don’t automatically entitle you to special treatment. Instead, the lesson is about embracing the joy of redemption and the value of grace.

    The older son’s bitterness reveals a misunderstanding of true loyalty. Loyalty isn’t about comparison or competition; it’s about love, compassion, and the willingness to rejoice in the redemption of others. The parable emphasizes that doing the right thing is important, but it must be coupled with a generous, forgiving heart.

    Conclusion: The Preference for the Repentant Son

    The Prodigal Son’s story clearly favors the repentant son over the older brother. It places a higher value on transformation, humility, and the willingness to embrace grace over mere fidelity or rigid adherence to rules. The father’s response teaches us a profound lesson about the nature of divine love and forgiveness, encouraging us to look beyond our assumptions about justice, loyalty, and merit.

    The older brother’s jealousy and anger reflect the common human tendency to measure worth based on performance. But the parable calls us to embrace a more radical, compassionate vision—a vision where even the most flawed and broken can be redeemed, and their return is celebrated, not condemned.

    Yes, the story of the Prodigal Son does show a preference for the repentant son—and in doing so, it calls attention to the importance of grace over judgment and transformation over stagnation.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).

  • A Call to Adventure: Finding Meaning Beyond Science

    In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the quest for knowledge. Science explains how things work, but it doesn’t answer the deeper questions that stir our hearts: Why do we exist? What’s the purpose of life? These questions go beyond facts and data, and no matter how much we learn, they always seem to lead us back to one truth: there’s something more.

    Science can’t explain the deeper mysteries of the universe, nor can it help us understand what our lives truly mean. We may wonder if there’s a purpose to our existence or if we’re just drifting through an indifferent world. This is the call to adventure—the deeper yearning within us to explore what lies beyond the material world, to seek answers that resonate with our souls.

    Pope Paul VI once pointed out that our desire for spiritual fulfillment is a natural part of being human. We all feel the pull toward something greater than ourselves. The search for truth is a journey, a challenge, but one that ultimately leads to growth and transformation. For many, that truth is found in Jesus Christ, whose teachings of love, forgiveness, and redemption offer answers to our deepest questions.

    The journey to spiritual fulfillment isn’t easy, but like any great adventure, it’s about stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. It’s not just about seeking answers—it’s about finding the right answer that brings purpose, peace, and connection to our lives.

    If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more to life, this is your invitation to begin the journey. The answers are out there, waiting to be discovered. Will you take the first step?

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).

  • Building a Welcoming Parish: A Call to Action for the Knights

    How Knights of Columbus Can Strengthen Parish Community Through Outreach

    A strong parish is more than just a place of worship—it’s a spiritual home. Yet too often, new parishioners go unnoticed, never truly connecting with the faith community. As Knights of Columbus, we have a unique opportunity to change this by creating a more welcoming and engaged parish environment.

    The Problem: A Disconnected Parish

    Currently, our parish’s welcoming process is limited. Once new members are added to the collection envelope mailing list, there is little follow-up. Even our parish business director rarely sees their faces. Many new parishioners attend Mass but struggle to feel like they truly belong.

    As Knights, we are called to serve. By taking an active role in welcoming others, we can foster a sense of belonging and deepen the faith experience for all.

    A Vision for Parish Connection

    Imagine if every parishioner were part of a small group—similar to our Lenten study groups—but based on neighborhoods. New members would automatically be connected to a group near them, ensuring they find fellowship from the start. As groups grow, they would naturally divide, maintaining strong, personal connections.

    While the Church cannot share personal information without permission, there are still many ways we, as Knights, can integrate new members into the community.

    What We Can Do as Knights

    1. Be More Intentional in Greeting Others

    • Welcome parishioners at the church doors before and after Mass.
    • Engage in conversations at the donuts and coffee area after Mass.
    • Ask, “How long have you been part of the parish?” If they are new, introduce them to others.

    2. Help New Parishioners Connect

    • If someone has been a parishioner for over a year, ask if they’d be willing to help welcome and get to know new members.
    • Gather basic location information (such as neighborhood) to connect parishioners with nearby Catholic neighbors.
    • Encourage active members to invite newcomers into existing groups or ministries.

    3. Introduce New Members to Others

    • If a parishioner has been in the church for less than a year, personally introduce them to several people at the same Mass.
    • Make an effort to engage with them regularly—it takes about eight interactions with the between a person and the new parishioner over several months before he/she feels truly connected.
    • Learn about their work, hobbies, and background to foster genuine relationships.
    • When the time is right, ask if they’d like to meet other parishioners from their neighborhood and help facilitate those introductions.

    Next Steps

    • Identify Knights willing to take an active role in greeting and introducing parishioners.
    • Develop a simple system to track and connect new members to others in their area.
    • Work alongside parish leadership to enhance the overall welcoming strategy.

    Conclusion: A Parish Where Everyone Belongs

    By taking these small but meaningful steps, the Knights of Columbus can be the driving force behind a more connected and engaged parish. Welcoming new members is not just an act of kindness—it is an act of evangelization that strengthens the entire Church. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to deepen their faith and become active members of the community.

    Let’s step forward in our mission as Knights and make our parish a true spiritual home for all.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).

  • The Christian’s Heroic Journey: Ancient Myths and the Call to Faith

    The Christian’s Heroic Journey: Ancient Myths and the Call to Faith

    The Forgotten Heroic Role of Every Christian: Reclaiming the Lost Heroism of Faith

    Throughout history, myths and ancient stories have conveyed profound spiritual truths, shaping civilizations and guiding individuals through the complexities of life. However, in modern times, these narratives have been largely forgotten or dismissed as mere fiction. Within the Christian tradition, this loss has led to a misunderstanding of the faith, where holiness is often seen as passive or reserved for a select few saints. In reality, the Christian life itself is meant to be a heroic journey, one that every believer is called to undertake. The saints were not meant to be distant, unattainable figures, but models of the struggle that every Christian must engage in.

    This misunderstanding has resulted in a faith that is often reduced to adherence to doctrine and ritual, rather than a transformative path of meaning and purpose. The Catholic faith is not simply a system of moral rules, but a call to spiritual adventure, deeply embedded in the human experience and reflected in the structure of ancient myths. To reclaim this understanding, we must look to the archetypal patterns found in these stories, patterns that point us to the true heroic journey—the journey toward God.

    The Cost of Staying Passive: Apathy: The Slow Death of the Soul

    Many Christians feel disconnected from God, not because He is distant, but because they have settled for a passive faith. Ask yourself: Are you truly satisfied with where you are? A faith that lacks challenge quickly becomes stagnant, leading to frustration and even despair. Every great story—both in Scripture and in life—shows that growth only happens through struggle. The cost of remaining passive is not peace, but spiritual decay.

    The Rewards of the Heroic Path: Faith as the Ultimate Adventure

    Faith is not meant to be mere obligation—it is an adventure. What if the life you dream of is waiting for you on the other side of this journey? The saints were not born different from us; they were ordinary people who decided to engage fully with their faith. By stepping into the unknown and trusting God, they found a fulfillment that nothing else could provide. Transformation is not just about reaching heaven—it is about living fully now.

    The Illusion of Comfort: False Security: Trading Purpose for Passivity

    Many avoid effort because they believe they are choosing comfort. But are you really comfortable? Or are you just avoiding difficulty while quietly suffering from lack of purpose? The world offers distractions, but these distractions cannot replace true meaning. Choosing the path of faith may seem harder at first, but it brings a real and lasting fulfillment that worldly comfort can never provide.

    Myths, Meaning, and the Spiritual Path: Ancient Stories as Roadmaps to God

    As Jordan Peterson explains in Maps of Meaning, myths serve as psychological and spiritual maps that help individuals navigate the chaos of existence. These narratives depict the struggle between order and chaos, good and evil, suffering and redemption. In many ways, these themes mirror the Christian story. The hero of myth is often one who steps out of comfort and into the unknown, faces trials, undergoes transformation, and returns with newfound wisdom. This journey is reflected in the life of Christ, who enters into human suffering, conquers sin and death, and calls His followers to do the same.

    Unlike secular myths that leave the hero’s victory as an open-ended possibility, the Christian story presents the final and true archetype in Christ. He is the fulfillment of all previous heroic patterns, and His life serves as the ultimate guide for believers. Yet, His journey is not merely to be admired from a distance—it is to be lived out by every Christian. Baptism initiates this journey, and the sacramental life provides the structure and means for transformation. Each believer is called to carry the cross, to descend into suffering and darkness, and to emerge renewed in grace, ultimately becoming co-heirs with Christ in the Kingdom.

    The Call to Something Greater: Hearing the Call: Will You Answer?

    God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Throughout Scripture, we see how He chose reluctant, flawed individuals and led them to greatness. Consider Moses, who doubted his ability, or Peter, who denied Christ—yet both became leaders of the faith. What if God is calling you now, but you are too afraid or too distracted to hear? Every hero must first answer the call, and ignoring it does not make it disappear.

    The Risk of Missing Out: The Regret of an Unlived Faith

    If you refuse the call, life will still happen to you—but you will not be shaping it. Many fear failure, but the real danger is regret. The worst thing is not making mistakes; the worst thing is looking back and realizing you never truly lived out your faith. If you do not step forward, you risk never experiencing the depth and richness that a life fully committed to God can bring.

    The Institutional Church and Its Role in Preserving the Heroic Path: The Church: A Fortress or a Battlefield?

    The Catholic Church, in its role as the guardian of truth, has historically been cautious of movements that threaten to distort or dilute doctrine. While this caution is necessary, it has also contributed to a perception of faith as static rather than dynamic. The institutional structure of the Church should not be seen as an obstacle to personal transformation but as the very framework within which the heroic journey unfolds. Tradition, doctrine, and sacramental life do not stifle spiritual adventure; they provide the path and safeguards necessary for true growth.

    The challenge for modern Catholics is to reclaim this heroic calling within the proper structure of the faith. The saints were not passive figures who merely followed rules; they were spiritual warriors who embraced the struggle and emerged transformed. Every Christian is meant to do the same. The hero’s journey is not an optional path—it is the essence of Christian life. To live the faith fully is to embrace the adventure of holiness, to fight against sin and despair, and to participate in the divine narrative that leads to ultimate redemption.

    In reclaiming this understanding, the faithful will not only deepen their own spiritual lives but also revitalize the Church itself. The world does not need passive adherents to a religious system—it needs heroes willing to live out the truth, fully engaged in the battle for meaning, virtue, and ultimate salvation.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).

  • Microspheres Key to Church Renewal

    I am dedicated to helping to promote the Kingdom of God in my parish and in my diocese. My goal is to find a way to promote the faith such that by 2030, the Archdiocese would be 4 times its current size, and have 1 priest for every 100 men.

    Although my view really doesn’t  matter, I see nothing wrong with the Teaching of the Church, the Hierarchy, or the Magesterium. As far as I can see, the shortcoming is in the gap between the priests and the lay people.

    Although a parish may be the size of several brigades, it is as useless as a mob without some structure, network, and relationships.

    Unfortunately, most of the time, it seems that the only thing that separates Catholics from the rest of the world is that 1 hour on Sunday when they actually separate themselves from the rest of the world.

    If you know a tree by the fruit it produces, then you would have to say that most Catholics are unaware of the treasure that God is. They have been given a gold mine, but they act like it’s just yellow plastic.

    These days most people prefer interacting with media, rather than with other human beings, often even in their own families.

    I believe that the “Sense of Community” one has with his church or parish is directly related to the number of microsphere relationships (average of 30 minutes per week per person) he has within that church.

    Would it take a network of 5, 10, or even 20 microsphere relationships experienced as shared lives, shared service, and shared support to create that sense of community? This would create the kind of environment where Catholics could find God and respond to their vocations.

    If we could develop within the Church support groups for everyone, many of the problems that the Church now experiences would disappear.

    It was the communities of brotherhoods that allowed Civilization to survive the invasions of Europe that occurred 1000 years ago. Something of that kind will be required to survive the current assault on our faith.

    I do not believe it is necessarily the Church’s responsibility or even within their capability to bring about this change.

    Tom Neugebauer

    Seized by Christ