Count The Cost

COUNT THE COST
Jesus was very clear in his public teaching regarding the cost of following him. The Christian life is more than attending (most) Sunday Masses and Holy Days. If we live our Christian faith as Christ would have it, we will come into direct conflict with the prevailing values of this world.

When I served as pastor for the Catholics at OU, I often reminded them that Catholicism is not a popular way of life among many in the academic world, and that they should expect some opposition if they lived their faith publically. I believe that younger Catholics have experienced this subtle disdain more than older Catholics. The enemies of the Church throw all manner of slander against us: they say we hate women and LGBTQ people; that all priests are predators. The list of calumnies goes on and on.

Personally, I know that the Roman collar I wear brings out the best and worst in people. Many people react warmly and others clearly dislike the sight of a priest. When I get a negative reaction, I remind myself that it’s part of “the cost”.

Of course, our travails are nothing compared to the persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt and other parts of the world. In Egypt, for example, Christians expect their churches to be bombed every Christmas; they go to church anyway. In Nigeria, priests are often kidnapped and killed; yet men go to the seminary anyway. An amazing freedom is given to us when we accept the cost of the Cross and live our lives of faith with courage.

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW DOORS!
Our new entrance doors are the work of Jim Abernathy Construction and have been funded by your generous contributions. More work will be done on the nearby windows. I very much like the natural light that now comes into our foyer.

I am impressed with the attention that is paid to the physical plant here at St. Eugene. Improvements to the parking lot and handicapped entrances are not just visual improvements; they are important for safe access to the church. Thanks again for your gifts!