Living the Ecumenical Spirit

Living the Ecumenical Spirit

Where? and How?

It Just Depends on the Circumstances

And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners? But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. [Matthew 9:9-13]

Dear m de P:

Let me begin by saying that I understand you may not be able to answer this email but for some reason, I feel that I should present it to you anyway.

Our family has been home schooling for more than 5 years. When we first began, I sought out a Catholic support group. After a few months it became clear that there was much turmoil within the group. In the back of my mind I knew this wasn't what I expected a support group should be like. The last straw came while we were having an outdoor picnic at a park. I was not directly involved in the encounter that follows, but I was within earshot and heard what was said.

A woman, curious as to why there were so many moms and school aged children there in a regular school day, questioned a couple members as to what we were doing. They explained that we were home schoolers. The woman was very interested in learning more, and said that she had a sister who recently began home schooling and needed a support group. She asked if she could have the phone number of one of our members so that her sister could contact us. The two members of our "support group" kindly explained to her that this was a CATHOLIC group. They inquired if her sister was Catholic.

The lady (becoming uncomfortable now... looking like she needed someone to throw her a lifeline...) replied that, no, her sister wasn't Catholic.... but she was Christian. The poor woman even asked if that was "okay...." The two members replied that she probably wouldn't be interested in being "in" our group if she wasn't Catholic, and there were lots of other home schooling support groups out there if she just looked for them.

I sat there completely appalled at what had just happened..... wanting to run to the woman and tell her that, YES, her sister could be in our group..... hoping she didn't think that this is what being Catholic meant..... but I was too afraid that if I spoke up, I wouldn't be welcome in the group anymore. Finally, after a few more months and more drama -- I "grew a spine" and left.

Now I come to my question.

Years have passed and I recently met some very nice folks who have their own home schooling support group. Many of them are not Christian. They are Universalist Unitarian, Muslim, Jewish...... some even say that they are wiccan and/or pagan. Five years ago this would have frightened me to death. I would have thought they were "evil,' and the fact that my children would be playing with their children would have been unthinkable. However - I find that they are more considerate, kind-hearted, genuinely loving people -- than many of the people I have known who are professed Christians.

One of the mothers wants to start a Culture Club, in which members share their heritage/religion with the rest of the members in an effort to understand and see, first-hand, what is "Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, etc." I will have an opportunity to share my Catholicism with them..... I was thinking we could tour my church and I could explain the Mass, the Real Presence, and the Seven Sacraments. I could let them see the Stations of the Cross and the statues of Jesus, Mary, St. Catherine, and St. Agnes..... This would be an honor for me and my children.

In the back of my mind, I can picture anchor people of EWTN (4) advising me to run away from this group and not look back. I know that UUs, wiccans, and pagans are certainly considered "new age" by the Church..... they do not recognize God as the higher power in their lives. BUT ... these people are GOOD people. There are several who regularly volunteer (with their children) in soup kitchens and do much work for the needy. They welcome ALL into their support group, and only ask that people be respectful to the fact that membership is very diverse (so be sensitive to the fact that other folks may not share your beliefs and/or philosophy of life).

After much prayer and contemplation, I am left with the belief that my God truly is the God of all. He created all and He doesn't make junk. My God is the father of all people. That would mean Jews, Muslims, Native Americans, Hindus, UUs...... All - wiccans too. Whether or not they know/recognize this fact is less of an issue than the FACT.

If you have the time and you are able to respond to me with advice about my situation, I would surely appreciate it. As I said above, if you are not -- I completely understand.... but I felt compelled to share it with you.

Thank you for your time.

S

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. [Mark 2:16-17]

And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at meat with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. [Luke 5:29-32 ]

And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast forth into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And the servant was healed in that hour. [Matthew 8:11-13]

And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without. [Luke 13:23-28]