They are an Easter People
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

The Church is filled with Catholics, some very fervent daily communicants, many others certainly fine Catholics who attend Sunday Mass all the time. Then, there are people who call themselves Catholic who attend Holy Mass less frequently, that is, only on Sundays but never every month, or even every year. And then there are people whom you see in Church on Christmas and/or Easter only. I prefer to call them the "Easter People."

A wise spiritual advisor once told me, whatever you do, it is uncharitable to point out one another's shortcomings. Don't talk down to people, meet them where they are at, and go from there. That's good advice, except I also believe in "fraternal correction," that is, pointing out to those close to me something that could benefit them as far as spirituality is concerned, perhaps. But be careful. We do not have the mind of God, and as a result, we do not know what others are thinking. Just when you get to know someone, you find out that you do not know them at all, and by making corrections you can do more harm than good. But if you listen to the Holy Spirit, and act accordingly, it all works out in the end.

"Meet them where they are at" works very well with Easter People - because you're not going to change them very easily... but one should try. Perhaps a subtle word, to the face you recognize, "I hope I see you more often...", or "We have a great place to meet at this parish..." - and tell them about a prayer group, or bible study group or some common meeting point where they may begin to think about their Faith without feeling pushed into anything. Some say Yes, others No - but that's their choice, and their choice only. A OFS Fraternity is not really such a common meeting point. We expect applicants we be devout Catholics before they apply.

Catholics, according to the Holy Father, as well as the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," an extremely well-written book, I would like to just quote one sentence: (Para. 2472): "The duty of Christians to take part in the life of the Church impels them to act as witnesses of the Gospel and of the obligations that flow from it. This witness is a transmission of the faith in words and deeds. Witness is an act of justice that establishes the truth or makes it known."

We are to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, but in order to do this, Catholics really should live a good Catholic life, and do a lot of reading, particularly in Holy Scripture, and the Catechism as well. We do not want to lead anyone astray, and, we cannot spread the Good News if we have no knowledge of it.

The best way to spread the Good News is to live your life accordingly. I'm a Franciscan, (OFS), and as St. Francis of Assisi told his brothers in Assisi, "Preach the Gospel – use words if necessary!" What Francis meant was to set such a good example, that words would be unnecessary, but he did not say "use no words." Being human as we are, we try to set a good example but only God is perfect.

So, dear Catholic, do spread the Good News to neighbors and friends, and even Easter People you know, by telling them of the love of Jesus and His mercy and forgiveness to those who are searching for it. There is a deep need people have, and that is understanding and compassion. That need is not answered easily in this day and age, people hunger for God's love, and most do not realize that this love is so close by. What did the Lord say? "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." [John 6:53-56]

Catholics believe that the Holy Eucharist, received (usually) during Holy Mass, is Our Lord in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." (above) - so avail yourself of the Sacraments of the Church and receive Him often. In order to receive validly, Catholics must be in the "State of Grace." Mortal sin takes us out of this State of Grace, and repeated venial sin generally leads to mortal sin. Intentionally missing Mass on Sundays and designated Catholic "Holidays of Obligation," is a mortal sin. Reconciliation is needed before partaking of Holy Communion for people who are not in the State of Grace.

Please pray for the "Easter People." Right at Holy Mass on Easter or Christmas, that would be a great time to pray for all Catholics who do not take their Faith and its requirements seriously. Ask Our Lord to bless them, and forgive them for they really do not know what they are doing. What they are doing is throwing away God's freely given Love, and He loves them so much, all the time.

So if you really love God, do not just be a Christmas- or Easter- only person but be a full-time Easter person - someone who loves God 24/7. Or at least, try to!

Fred Schaeffer, OFS
4-5-09 rev. 4-10-21

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