The "Christ-Shaped Hole" in Every Heart
My frequent commenter Theo posted some comments to my "Catholic Church-shaped" post. Once again, too rich to leave in the combox. Thanks Theo. I have recently had very similar thoughts when I read the blogs of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have not yet come to understand the Church. I too was one of them for many many years. My hope is that we can say along with Jesus: "forgive them Lord, they know not what they do."
posted by Russ Rentler, M.D. | 3:58 PM
TJ, PD and all:
As most of us know, there is an old Christian adage that we each have a Christ-shaped hole in our heart. I was contemplating how this truism relates to the Church-shaped hole you describe, when it occurred to me that there is a scriptural basis by which those who nevertheless are Christian but out of full fellowship might still feel a void in the heart--and in recognizing it, I also found some concern for my non-Catholic Christian friends that I'd not had before. To wit: It occurs to me that when Jesus appeared on the road to Damascus to Saul who was persecuting the Church, our Lord said, "Why do you persecute me?" The implication is astounding.
Although it ought to be obvious, it hadn't hit me that there is a sense in which the Church, being the mystical body of Christ, stands in its entirety as a vicar of Christ. To embrace her is to embrace Christ in yet another meaningful way. There is indeed a Church-shaped void in every human heart, because by definition it is part of the Christ-shaped void.
This is why it is such horrible scandal when anyone should lead "even the least of these" astray. It is also why it is a scandal that so many of our fellow Christians attack the Church.
Those who actively seek to defame the Church while ignoring truth (which would otherwise merely be seeking to correct her), risk offending God.
Pray for them that their eyes may be opened as were Saul's. For their sake, may we all be even more vigilant in our imitations of Christ, so we do not scandalize His mystical body.
Speaking as an expert of sorts: as one who has so often been a poor example, I ask forgiveness of all of you whether or not you are in full fellowship. That which I have done to the least of His brothers, I have done unto Him. May the Holy Spirit mend whatever harm I've ever done.