Well, first, thank your for your observations. It is interesting to hear how things are viewed in other countries. While there is some validity to what you are saying, I think one point is a little off. Our churches, at this point, in many areas, are very full. And I’m told that in many European countries, they sit nearly vacant as reminders of days gone by.
As far as my personal life, and what I can view around me, (minus the media circus), is that I am living , working, and worshiping in a strong faithful parish that is simply brimming with life and love. And this is in Las Vegas, NV!!! Perhaps, (next to New York, NY because of it’s size), the most decadent, pagan, sin filled replica of Sodom and Gomorrah on the face of the planet earth. Even in the midst of this God forsaken outpost of all that is the very worst about the human being in general, my parish, and several others that I am aware of, and have visited are full to busting (for Sunday masses anyway). Our line for confession on Saturday’s is long, and sometimes we have to go to the Cathedral, where they have more confessionals, more often. If it’s like that here, in little Hell, I am guessing that in cities which are a little farther down the fire and brimstone list, that the Churches are doing even better, but I can’t swear to that. On EWTN, I still hear that things are pretty dismal in the US, and that we’re headed right down the road of the UK and France. What has happened, by and large, in the U.S. is an adoption of moral relativism by the masses. It sometimes seems like an elevation of sexual immorality from a vice to a virtue. And the despising of sexual immorality is not treated very well. If you hate sexual immorality, you are likely going to be singled out as a bigot, and a hater by those who identify their sexual lifestyle above and beyond any other aspect of their character or personhood. For instance, where I might identify myself to someone as a Catholic Christian father and husband, many would identify themselves as “gay” or LGBT or something like that as their first modus of identity. Sexuality has overpowered every aspect of their lives. To the point where their particular sexual sin is being codified into law books, and being used as a dividing rod in the culture itself. It’s odd too. Because nobody has ever identified themselves to me as an adulterer, or a fornicator, or a masturbator, or a porn addict. Yet, if their particular form of sexual immorality is homosexual sex acts, it’s the first thing out their mouths. It’s a very loud, and powerful political and cultural lobby. Even though it effects less than 10% of the population in all actuality.
The United States finds itself at the precipice of a great cultural divide. Between the politics of the Democratic and Repuplican parties who insist that 50 to 51 percent of us are in heated conflict with the other 50 to 49 percent of us, we may have no more moderate politicians. We seem to be doomed to having either left wing liberalism bordering on communism, or a right wing ultra-conservatism. In both cases, control of the media, propaganda, and unfathomable sums of money are involved in a wrestle for control of the minds of the average Joe, who really just wants a decent priced tank of gas, and a good job that will allow him to support his family. Both hard winged sides tell us that in order to achieve these things we must give up a certain aspect of our soul, and our belief in God. In liberalism, we are asked to make an idol of the federal government. In ultra-conservatism, we’re asked to make an idol of money. In both systems, the weak get weaker, and the strong get stronger, and the poor are still equally disenfranchised, and equally despised, in spite of the teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has been lost in the shuffle.
Yet…still…I sense something happening. It’s very small. There are a few more people at mass than there were just a few months ago. People I meet are a little more open to real conversation and dialog. An abortion clinic closes here. A “gentleman’s club” closes there. The food pantries around town are just a little fuller. Small, subtle things. Perhaps it’s not a large and revolutionary way that the Christian ideal manifests itself. Perhaps it is literally one or two souls at a time. I’ve read the end of the book, and I know that after some turmoil, God wins. Jesus did not die in vain. So, I continue to be hopeful. To love my neighbor, and enact little changes in myself which are in accord with God’s will for me. Fine tuning every day. I don’t think I’m alone. In fact, I think most of us wish ultimately to please God, and be with Him for eternity in heaven. Because of the incarnation, the passion and the resurrection we can all do this. And we will. I feel it in my bones. So…we’re having some troubles. What country isn’t? But don’t count us yanks out just yet. You may find that we’ll be a moral, guiding light, by the grace of God, as soon as he’s done a little housekeeping around here. Which I can’t help but feeling is going on, even as I write this.
May God bless and keep you.
Steve
