I recently completed the Ascension Press study titled “Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” I now ask myself, what are Catholics learning, studying, and/or being taught today?
Many Catholics grew up like me and cannot recall what we were taught in high school religion or Confirmation classes. Yet we live knowing that if we go to church on Sundays, our spiritual growth will only go so far. There is nothing wrong with this approach, and we can live healthy, fulfilling, Christ-centered lives this way. At the same time, I think of the comments from a 90-plus-year-old Catholic I met in Bible study who wishes he had participated in such gatherings earlier in life.
In our study, we approached Catholic mysticism with the “Science of Sainthood” program. My new friend felt he didn't know anything until he started coming to the meetings. He also said he wished he had more time to use what he is learning. Can you relate to this man? I know I can, and I’m trying to learn as much as I can and apply it to my life while I still have time.
As you continue your spiritual journey, I recommend considering the following as part of your studies.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Learning about the “New Evangelization” (Pope St. John Paul II)
- The principles of Catholic social teaching
- Anything on the lives of the Saints
- “Gaudium et Spes” (Pope St. Paul VI)
- “Humanae Vitae” (Pope St. Paul VI)
- “Laudato Si” (Pope Francis)
Why are these important? Well, consider that the Catholic Church comprises many people from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and faith formations. Secondly, Catholics may not be familiar with the teachings of the Doctors of the Church, popes, or the Magisterium at large. It is wise to learn the Church’s official position on key issues such as marriage, family, work, prayer, worship, purgatory, creation, and poverty. Moreover, the Catechism is an eye-opening document that all Catholics should study. Lastly, a refresher course on our faith never hurts, given that many of us live as “cafeteria Catholics” and don’t realize we may not be living in complete harmony with the teachings of our Church.
As an aside, social justice is important to me. Not because I grew up in a disadvantaged environment or have a chip on my shoulder, but because injustice is wrong no matter how we phrase it. My father grew up poor in Trinidad. His mother, a Methodist, had him baptized Catholic so he could attend Catholic school. He came to America, got an education at Howard University, worked hard, taught us values as his children, and never forgot the poverty he came from.
I didn't grow up poor, but I learned about the welfare and social safety net systems while earning my MBA. It was then that I learned that people are often poor people due to circumstances outside of their control and not just because of laziness, drug use, or other stereotypes. It was an epiphany that changed my thought process and my heart. I have been trying to help the poor ever since.
During travels to Uganda and Tanzania, my wife and I have experienced Christianity through interaction with many people. We have come to appreciate the fact that the needs of people differ from country to country based on a variety of factors. Catholic teachings may be the same, but the lives of people are different due to varying laws and resources in their respective communities.
Catholics would do well to study Church teachings to help bridge the gap between doctrine and how we live our lives. We would all be better able to follow and serve Jesus if we knew more about what he desires from us. We might be less likely to mislabel and deride our pope on political grounds, accusing him of taking the Church in the wrong direction. We might also become more vocal in standing up for what we believe in, once we understand the foundation upon which our beliefs are based. Additionally, we might also learn the importance of living righteously in this life so as to gain an eternal reward.
Please forgive me if I sound like a hypocritical cafeteria Catholic myself, giving advice despite my imperfections. I am simply sharing what I’m learning with the joy I am receiving in my studies. After all, I am a sinner saved by grace!
Ultimately, we all need to keep studying, lest we forget what we learned years ago and fail to fully benefit from God's wisdom and grace. The Catechism; ecumenical councils; writers such as Sts. Ignatius of Antioch, John Chrysostom, Augustine and Thomas Aquinas; and ecclesiastical documents remind us that Jesus's teachings did not stop with the Bible—despite what some may think. The foundation of the Church is solid, and its teachings have been reinforced for over 2,000 years. Let’s rejoice that we are a part of it all!
Please think about the following question: What good is it to have access to eternal truths and not learn them or put them into practice?
Church teachings are a testament to the love Jesus shares with us through the Church, and to the love we are to share with others. Remember that through study, we can all get closer to God. I am appreciative of the many tools today that provide Catholic learning opportunities, as they are some of the many ways for us to grow in faith beyond church walls.
I pray that as you live your life, the Holy Spirit will help you discern what to study and how to apply it to your life.
Ronald E. Smith, Ed.D is a lifelong Catholic who enjoys writing. He is a Rotarian, member of the Thea Bowman Council #406 of the Knights of Peter Claver, and a parishioner at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Dana Point, California, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Rubuguri, Uganda. He and his wife Sandy recently founded Friends of St. Kizito Rubuguri Primary School in Rubuguri, Uganda, where they serve as missionaries. He can be reached at resmithinc@aol.com.
