Fifth Sunday of Easter

Too often in Western culture (think of the United States, Canada, and Europe), religion is treated like ice cream. Some might choose one flavor among many, according to taste. Some prefer one religion, others another, and many decide they do not need religion at all except on special occasions, when life becomes difficult, or when tradition calls. We see this even in the Church: children come for First Communion, families fill the pews, and then many disappear until Confirmation, when they want “a little religion” again. Faith becomes something occasional, not a way of life.

But Catholicism is not like a flavor of ice cream. It is not a hobby. It is a truth claim.

The Apostles understood this. In Acts, they cared for the needy, but they insisted their primary mission was prayer and the ministry of the Word—to proclaim what is true. And what is that truth? Not an idea, but a person: Jesus Christ.

He declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He is truth because He is God Incarnate, and He proved His words by rising from the dead.

That is why faith makes demands on us. If Christ is risen, we cannot simply live however we please. We are called to become disciples—people under discipline—living in Him, sacrificing for Him, and being transformed by Him.  St. Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is empty; empty, too, your faith.” But Christ has been raised. Thomas touched His wounds and confessed, “My Lord and my God!” That changes everything. People may think of religion like they think of ice cream, something nice when you want it, and you choose the flavor that suits your taste the best. In contrast, Catholicism is radically different. It is a way of life founded on truth—the truth who is Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and alive.