A Priest Talking About His Ex-girlfriend

For some reason I have found that people listen more intently when I, as a priest, talk about ex-girlfriends.  So to keep the people of God on the edge of their seats I talked about my college sweet heart, Katie this past Sunday from the pulpit.  The lesson to be learned: Rules without relationship leads to rebellion. 

When Katie and I began to date at the end of my Sophomore year of College at the University of Illinois, we were head over heals for each other.  But just as in any relationship there were rules to be followed for it to grow and flourish.  Katie and I would talk everyday; over the summer months when apart we talked for hours on the phone.  When at school, even in my busy schedule of engineering, we discussed and planned my free time together.  And of course the basic rules of any committed relationship; no flirting with other women. 

The rules that came with the relationships didn't really bother me and they even made it possible for our relationships to grow.  But, what happened when the relationship began to fade? Communication broke down and the relationship began to struggle.  As the relationship faded, I started to look at all the rules I had to follow in the relationship.  Why couldn't I just hang out with my roommates and friends on the weekend?  Do I have to run my schedule always by Katie? Why can't I just talk to the girl over there?  It became clear, I started focusing on the rule when the relationship broke down and I wanted to rebel!

This is the same with our faith. I have encountered countless number of people who have issues with all the "rules" of the Catholic faith.  What do you mean I can't eat meat on Fridays?  What do you mean the Church is against contraception and pre-marital sex?  What do you mean I need to attend Mass every Sunday and if I don't go to Church on Sundays then that is a Mortal sin?  The response usually ends in a negative response, "You Catholics are just all about the rules."

I usually don't respond by addressing the rules, but encouraging a further relationship with the Lord and the Church!  Why? Because if the relationship resides with the Lord and his Bride, the Church, the rules actually begin to make sense.  Of course I would want to keep the Sabbath holy and receive the word of the Lord followed by receiving him in the Eucharist!  Of course I would want to live a life of purity of heart with my relationship with God and others.  Of course, out of love for the Lord, I'm willing to make active sacrifices and join myself to the poor who usually can't afford luxury food items like meat.  The rules are not a hindrance when we are deeply in love with the Lord!  Actually, the rules help us deepen our relationship with the Lord and his Church, the Body of Christ! 

So the next time you catch yourself complaining about the rules of the faith, which I have done from time to time, it's always good to ask the simple question; how is my relationship with the Lord?