18th Sunday after Pentecost 13.10.19 St John Newman
Today is the anniversary of the final Fatima apparition,
with the miracle of the sun (1917). And also today is the canonisation of John
Henry Newman.
As regards Fatima the miracle is as real as ever, but
somehow has lost some of its impact with the general public. This is part of
the folly of human nature to let the passing of time dull our perception of important
matters.
Even miracles can be forgotten. See the Israelites who
witnessed all sorts of miracles – the ten plagues upon Egypt, the parting of
the Red Sea, manna from Heaven, winning battles against the odds. Yet they
would constantly lapse back into sin and idolatry.
As soon as we get used to something we can take it for
granted. In areas prone to earthquake the people who live there don’t react
unless it rattles more than usual!
People can adapt even to punishment, or threats thereof -
anything but repent!
The human race is generally not good at repenting, or at
sticking with it when they do.
So we take advantage of anniversaries to remind us to heed
the words and signs which come from Heaven.
Fortunately, many have recognized the call to conversion and
give us good example. Today we have one such person brought to our attention.
John Henry Newman was one to think deeply about God's
dealings with us, and was prepared to live by the truth he would uncover.
He was willing to do this to an heroic level having to withstand
criticism and ridicule, while single-mindedly pursuing the will of God.
He was an Englishman, 1801-1890, a brilliant scholar, who
converted from Anglican to Catholic in an era when such an action was very
unpopular. The issue was compounded because Newman was such a good writer and speaker
that he influenced many others to follow.
It is commonly said today that it does not matter much what
you believe as long as you are living a good life.
We would not say the same about people we love, being
content with just a vague notion of who they are. No, Love seeks knowledge of
the beloved, not just treating them as abstract notions.
Further, the right beliefs are more likely to produce the
right behaviour.
Further again, we are protected from error by staying within
the Church. It is very draughty if we step outside the Church’s protective
authority.
John Newman gives us an example of making a real conversion
and sticking with it. He would not let the passing of time take the edge off
his convictions. He kept everything up to date – belief and practice.
We must do the same – clarify our beliefs, study them where possible;
believe and live them – whether that makes us popular or not.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb
13,8). He draws us all to Himself, to live in truth and charity, in theory and
practice.
Many are indifferent to God or are trying to hide from Him. We
do not hide; we look for Him! It does not need a miracle of the sun to capture
our attention; we are looking for Him anyway.
Dramatic moments can help, however. Imagine standing in that
muddy field at Fatima and thinking you have seconds to live. What would you do?
Of course, call out for mercy.
Well, let us do that anyway; because there is always that
need. Mercy, Grace, Conversion – to a better life than we have been living, a
better world than we have seen so far.
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