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ARE CONVERTS The BEST CATHOLICS? A CONVERT DISAGREES
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD THE ASSERTION
Converts do not make the best Catholics. Converts are, however, aware Catholics.
For “born Catholics,” the sacred becomes woven into the fabric of life at an early age. And like all that is good and comfortable, it sometimes is taken for granted.
It can be difficult to appreciate goods that we have received all our lives, and which we have done little to earn. Daily Mass, the Eucharist, Confession, prayer, and penance become as much a part of the rhythm of our lives as our jobs, shopping, television, books, and barbecues.
For us converts who once believed that the world ended in the vacuum of outer space, though, there existed a moment when the bonds of the universe burst to encompass heaven. For converts raised to believe that God is “out there” – waiting to pounce on wicked sinners – there had to be that initial, adult awareness of God reaching out in compassion, saying, “Your sins are forgiven; go in peace.”
At some point, we converts have had to struggle to understand the word grace, which Catholics bandy about so liberally; and for converts, there comes a time for rejoicing when the meaning becomes clear at the very centers of our being. We marvelled when we first received that small, white disk, and reflected that this was the Body of God’s own Son.
Converts can remember clearly what life was like before the sacraments. We can see the effects of grace as we review the changes in our own attitudes and actions. Because we lived for a number of years without the manifold helps of the Church, we cannot fool ourselves into thinking that only we are responsible for all our talents and achievements.
While attending Mass alone at Christmas and Easter, I have often wished that I had been “born” Catholic, and that I were part of a worshiping family. I have, however, come to recognize my belated reception into the Body of Christ as a privilege replete with blessings unique to the adult profession of faith. I take tremendous comfort in the realization that I am part of God’s enormous family, the Church.
“Why me?” I often wonder. And I am profoundly grateful. I am, moreover, convinced that we all have special roles to play within our huge family.
Perhaps one role of converts is to keep alive that wonder of discovery we experienced as catechumens. Or maybe it’s to remind everyone that being there at all is a choice that each of us makes daily – whether to stay or to leave, whether to go outside or come in. I would not presume to define the roles of “born” Catholics, but I would remark that their constant model of the easy, natural integration of faith into life is invaluable to all who enter the Church.
There are, after all, no best Catholics.
By SHIRLEY
GILLESPIE
FAITH IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN n Hebrews 11:1
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