by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

Q U I C K S C A N

Responses from non-Catholics
Responses from Catholics

Readers reflect on Friar Jack’s musings

Originally, the topic for this month's reflection was going to be the Sacrament of the Sick, or Anointing. But following the death and burial of Pope John Paul II, I wanted to share with you my experiences with some of the other work I do for AmericanCatholic.org. In addition to writing this column, I also answer questions that come to “Ask a Franciscan.” In recent weeks, the questions were quickly coming in, and I would start some days with over 100 of them in my inbox waiting to be answered. There is no question about it: The pope’s suffering and death—and the television coverage of the magnificent funeral—compelled many people, both Catholic and non-Catholic, to ask questions and make comments. Let me begin with those that came in from many Protestants.

Responses from non-Catholics

I received a number of letters which spoke in this way: “I wish to extend my sympathy at the loss of your great religious leader, Pope John Paul II. I wanted to ask, since I have many Catholic friends, what would be an appropriate way to express my sorrow to them?” I thought those letters showed a great deal of care and thoughtfulness on the part of these Protestant writers. It also indicated how they perceived the pope’s position in the Church and in the eyes of the Catholic faithful.

Also, there were at least 25 letters I received from Protestants who asked very simply: “How can I become a Catholic? After watching the funeral of the pope, I was so touched by the reverence of the service. I want to know more about the Catholic faith. What can I do?” One lady wrote, “I’ve been a Methodist for 53 years. What do I have to do to become a Catholic?” Another writer commented: “I’ve heard such terrible things about the Catholic faith from my pastor. But now I see, the Catholic Church and service is so different from what I was led to believe. I like what I see and what I hear.”

In my responses I thanked people for their kind words, referred them to several Web sites where they could learn more about Catholicism and explore our wonderful faith. And then I urged them to call a local Catholic parish and inquire about the RCIA program (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and to speak with the parish's RCIA leader who could provide them with further direction. I always mentioned that this past Easter Vigil, in the U.S. alone, over 150,000 adults were received into the Church and that of the 6 billion people on earth, 1.2 billion are Catholic. I did that not to brag. Rather, I wanted them to know what catholic means: The Church is universal.

Responses from Catholics

The other large group of letters that came in were from Catholics who had been away from the Church for 20 or 30 years or more. Watching the funeral and listening to all that was said by the commentators touched many of them and brought back memories and emotions that caused them to ask, “Father, is it too late for me to come back? What do I have to do?” Of course, it is never too late. In fact one of the things that God loves to do most of all is to forgive.

Remember Jesus’ parable. The prodigal’s father spotted his son a long way away and literally ran down the hill to embrace him. As with those who wrote about coming home, God didn’t have to “run down the hill.” He had never left them. What was happening is that they were seeing the Lord right in front of them. I encouraged them to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with humility and confidence and just tell the priest they’ve been away for a long time. I assured them the priest will be happy to help them. (For more information on reconnecting with the Catholic Church, visit OnceCatholic.org.)

The above kinds of letters were for me a joy to read and to respond to. It struck me what a far-reaching effect Pope John Paul II had on the lives of others, even in death. At the end of his life, he was unable to speak. However, in his final days and death he spoke to the hearts of countless people. But then again, who says you need to use words to communicate?

Friar Jack’s Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack’s musings on “The Slippery Slope: From Trust to Presumption.”

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you for the meditation on presumption. I had been looking at this Scripture earlier this year and thought that the prayer of the poor, humble tax collector should be over every altar as a good place to start our approach to God when we enter churches. Blessings on all of you at AmericanCatholic.org. Deacon Tom

Dear Friar Jack: Wow! I read your E-spiration and it totally moved me. I live in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and I belong to the Mater Dolorosa Parish. During Lent, first I attended our “Spiritual Exercises” for one week and afterwards was blessed with the opportunity of sharing them with a group of lovely ladies from our parish who didn't have the opportunity to attend. On our fourth day we meditated precisely on the difference between trust and presumption. How often we forget that the glory belongs to God and only to him! And how many times we are tempted to feel holy, when in truth by thinking that way we are sinning through arrogance and excessive pride! Thank you for reinforcing my reflections and reminding me that it's not important if I'm standing in front of the temple or way back. The important thing is my attitude towards God in recognizing he is my Lord and that it is only through his beloved son, Jesus Christ, and his mercy that I can truly become worthy of his forgiveness and his infinite love. Irma

Dear Deacon Tom and Irma: Many thanks for sharing yor good insights and, in so doing, helping the rest of us on our faith journey. May Christ continue to walk with you! Friar Jack

Dear Friar Jack: I am and have been walking through the desert for at least five years now. It is as though I just do not care anymore. God has never left me; I know that. I need help! Patty

Dear Patty: Your words of lament are very honest. They make us want to ask God’s blessing on your behalf so that the dark clouds that hang over you may lift as you continue your faith journey. Take courage from the knowledge that many great searchers for God had to “walk through the desert,” too, and the dark night of the soul as you seem to be doing now. Even though you express the painful, empty feeling that you “just do not care anymore,” we still admire you for hanging in there as you reveal your underlying faith through the words: “God has never left me; I know that.” Those words tells us that you are holding onto hope. We know—and pray—that God will stay at your side, for we know with the psalmist that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves” (Psalm 34:19).

And when we read your words, “I need help!” we try to absorb some of your pain. And we try to find hope in Jesus’ admiration for the tax collector in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Why? Because the tax collector recognizes that he needs healing from God and says, “Be merciful to me, O Lord, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Jesus teaches that only those who recognize that they are sick (or need help!) can be healed: ”Those who are well,” Jesus tells the Pharisees in Luke 9:12, “do not need the physician, but the sick do.” Because you recognize your need for healing, we know that God draws near to you with his healing love. And that is our prayer. We all pray that God may grant you peace and healing and happier days ahead! All the best! Friar Jack

Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org.

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