Openness, Charity & Opportunity

January 18, 2024

Chapter One: Introduction

On this fourth day of writing after receiving the Holy Eucharist and contemplating thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit, I find myself in a reflective mood. As I pause in my spiritual journey, I've decided that Sunday will be a day of rest. In this piece, I wish to delve into the topics of openness, charity, and opportunity. These three facets are crucial in understanding and fulfilling God's work in our lives, as guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Openness:

Openness in faith is akin to the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9). Just as the seeds fall on various types of soil, our hearts must be receptive and open to the word of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that openness is essential for discerning God’s voice in our lives. It is through an open heart that we can truly understand the will of God and respond to His call.

Charity:

Charity, or love, is the greatest virtue, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, "So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." The Catechism reminds us that charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every action, every prayer, and every interaction should be imbued with love, reflecting the love of Christ. It is through acts of charity that we become the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, serving others and spreading His message of love and salvation.

Opportunity:

Opportunity in the context of faith is recognizing and seizing the moments God presents us to act in His name. The Catechism encourages us to be attentive to the signs of the times, guided by the Holy Spirit, to discern these opportunities. Just as Jesus calls us to be 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19), we are called to use every opportunity to evangelize, to serve, and to grow in our faith. Opportunities for spiritual growth and service are gifts from God, meant to be used for His greater glory.

Chapter 2: Openness

Have you ever heard that quip, "so open-minded your brain is falling out"? It's a humorous take on the concept of being too open. But what does it truly mean to be open? To be open is to allow others to express themselves, offering understanding, mercy, and patience, and to receive their words with a sense that they come from what is good. However, as a devout Catholic, my openness must be guided by my faith. It should function through the lens of Catholic teachings, not merely alongside them.

Being open to something that contradicts the teachings of the Church is not of God and often leads to discord in relationships, or to a reckoning when we meet our Maker. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Our openness must be discerning, rooted in truth and love.

When I open my mind, I strive to open it to the Holy Spirit, to God. One aspect of our faith, often shrouded in mystery and not frequently discussed, is the concept of possession. In our faith, we invite God to enter our hearts. Through baptism, whether by personal choice or through the authority of parents, we are offered to be 'possessed' by Christ. This idea aligns perfectly with our understanding of free will and the necessity of opening ourselves to receive either the fruits of God's grace or the consequences of our actions.

We must be extremely cautious when contemplating evils and opening ourselves to them. In doing so, we signal to God our approval, support, and pursuit of these evils. As stated in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." In our openness, let us always seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit, choosing paths that lead us closer to God and His eternal love.

Chapter 3: Charity

"When we serve others, there is a great reward for us in heaven." This truth is exemplified in the life of St. Vincent de Paul, after whom my parish is named. He lived a life of profound charity and complete submission to God and to those around him. Reflecting on our discussion of openness, as we open our hearts to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we naturally find ourselves opening our hearts to others.

The unfettered will and the absence of fear and anxiety that accompany the Holy Spirit enable us to be fully authentic. This authenticity allows us to express who we are and to demonstrate our love for Christ as a witness to Him. Charity is love. Jesus is love. Through the Holy Spirit and intentional, practiced faith, we find ourselves developing love for things that previously repelled us due to our human nature, our judgments, and our lack of understanding.

As Matthew 25:40 says, "And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’" This verse reminds us of the importance of acting in charity and giving to others.

While it feels good to act in charity, we must not forget the importance of almsgiving. When we celebrate our acts of charity, we already receive our reward on earth. Those who are enlightened by the Holy Spirit feel no need to celebrate their charity but are driven to do more for Him. Let us continue to act in charity, not for recognition or reward, but out of genuine love and devotion to Christ and our fellow humans.

Chapter 4: Opportunity

In my nature, I am an opportunist, a trait I believe I inherited from my family. Many are entrepreneurs, passionate and celebratory of their endeavors. My grandfather, in particular, leaves a legacy of seizing every opportunity. When I think about opportunity, I think about the Holy Spirit and those on this earth who are not regularly exposed to the Eucharist, their parish, the Holy Spirit, or even the Catholic faith as a whole. Some hold misunderstandings or even resentment towards the Church, not having seen its beauty and rationality.

As I write this and discuss with others, as I create art, I sense an urge among the young men of the Church to share their thoughts, to speak out as if they've been silenced for too long. To speak out, in this context, means to bear witness, to shed their shame, and to be authentic for Christ, so we can share in His glory.

I see every moment as an opportunity. Living an intentional life in the Holy Spirit means seizing every chance to live out God's love and introduce others to Him. The unique content we create and perspectives we hold are opportunities to spread the Holy Spirit's influence.

Let us be open to the Holy Spirit, allowing Christ to possess our hearts. Let us be charitable, for following Jesus naturally makes us more open, authentic, and kind to those around us. We must maintain humility in our actions, especially in almsgiving. By our example, let's create opportunities for the Holy Spirit together. As Ephesians 5:16 reminds us, "making the most of the time, because the days are evil." In doing so, we embrace every opportunity to manifest God's love and bring others closer to Him.