The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The CATCH of being a Catholic

We have often seen or heard the phrase ‘terms and conditions apply.’ This is the hidden cost of a seeming bargain to grab our attention, such as a cheap flight or of a closing down sale. We even have to look closely at a sign that says ‘up to 75% off.’ You can be sure you see the ‘75% off’ part more easily than the ‘up to’.

The Cross is very clearly a term and condition of discipleship. While some crosses in life are long-term, unavoidable and obvious, there are the ‘slings and arrows’ of everyday life that afflict us as well, particularly those that increasingly mark us out as faithful Catholics.

I use the acronym CATCH to designate the five of the things that come our way often that may catch us unawares but like it or not are part and parcel of being faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus.

We may therefore be at the receiving end of Criticism, Anger, Temptations, Contradiction and Humiliation. Because we are called to stand up for what is right or try do the right thing that may be unfashionable like Sunday Mass attendance, or hold unpopular but necessary stances like standing up for the equal right to life of the unborn, or defending the traditional Christian (and I would add, natural) understanding of marriage, prepare for the CATCH of being a faithful Catholic. Prepare for others’ Criticism, Anger, Temptations (to discouragement), Contradiction and Humiliation. The trick, as it were, of being a faithful disciple however is to expect to be at the receiving end of the CATCH phrase from time to time, but never at the giving end. The CATCH of being a Catholic is being faithful to the carrying of the cross, whatever that may be for us. “When you have found the Cross, it is I you have found” (Our Lord to Bl. Josefa Menendez)