When it comes to something huge like our Catholic faith, we’d like to hope no one would challenge us and that the Lord will keep everything in perfect order, but, unfortunately, the world constantly challenges us to defy the very thing we live for — love. And God is love.
As Catholics, we are called to share His message of love, especially to those who do not know Him. But the Evil One will stop at nothing to ensure that the world is blinded and desensitized to this love.
War, euthanasia, abortion, contraception and same-sex marriage are things that go against what we as Catholics believe. When these arise, where do we stand in defending the faith? Are we out in the world doing whatever we can to protect God or are we at home just sitting back and allowing others to fight the battle for us?
The Little Sisters of the Poor would much rather fight for the faith than sit back and let the world control their actions. The order of nuns in the United States must, under “Obamacare,” the U.S. president’s health care plan, provide insurance coverage that includes providing potentially life-ending contraception drugs and devices. As pro-life Catholics, they believe that being forced to partake in such actions that challenge their morals takes a toll on their free exercise. And in wanting to stand up for what is right, they took their case to court in the hope that a judge would hear their claim and comply with their requests.
As we hear about situations like this, we are challenged to look at our own lives and how we are called to be bold in moments of real tribulation.
Defending the faith is not an easy thing but our love for the Lord should not be measured by our comfort.
Look to the Little Sisters of the Poor, women who have devoted their life to serving others, going up against the law because of their love for the Lord and His teachings. The sisters may not seem like much of a challenge in the eyes of the American law but in the eyes of our Lord, He recognizes the effort and love they pour out in this difficult battle. Which is all He ever asks of us, to try. In proclaiming His message, others will be inspired to do likewise, and it becomes a chain reaction of courage and boldness.
We are not built for comfort, we are to go out and be disciples to even the most unlikely of places, just as the Little Sisters of the Poor, who are inspiring others to make a change regardless of how difficult or scary it may seem.
As G.K. Chesterton once said, “You cannot love a thing without wanting to fight for it.” So fight for the Lord because you love Him and in doing so, we are reminded of His love for us.
(Contreras, 20, is a third-year communications student at the University of Winnipeg.)