Hope despite a hostile culture

JOHN HUNT writes that despite the Culture of Death, we are called to bring the hope of Christ . . .

John Hunt

by John Hunt

During our annual pilgrimage through Lent, we have an opportunity to refresh our understanding of the Economy of Salvation (i.e., Christ’s atonement for our sins) made manifest in the Lord’s guidance of his Church.

It’s important that we, in our human frailty and spiritual aridity, come to Jesus as pilgrims who seek the strength to be his apostles to the world because being apostolic is what we are all called to be.

Often our response to the call to be Christ in the culture, the marketplace, the parish and the home is: “Really? You want me to be your ambassador, your legate to the world!?” Well, we are called to represent Him for one concise reason: As Legates, we have been blessed with our Catholic faith, and we’re charged with bringing that faith into the marketplace and the culture — and sharing it with others.

With Easter and Pentecost behind us, we must call upon the same Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to take Jesus’ message to the whole world. Today we are called to be those disciples to mankind. And why not? For as the Holy Spirit lifted up the early Church, we too have every reason to be joyful and optimistic in the face of a culture that threatens our religious liberty and the very life of the Church. This is a time when our faith is under attack on all sides.

The trust Our Lord places in each of us during these challenging times should be cause for joy because he has called us to be his foot soldiers. However, we are not alone. Those marching beside us in the New Evangelization are young and old. Business executives bring wisdom, trust and life experiences. A younger generation brings youthful passion for Christ. Fine examples are found in the university-based Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and the Dallas-based Young Catholic Professionals.

It’s no accident that each of us has been placed here at this time to engage the culture despite the massive forces arrayed against Christ and his Church. With prayer as our weapon and spiritual fortitude as our shield, we must go forth in confidence to proclaim that His will be done! We are all called to the cross. After all, if not us, then who?

JOHN HUNT is Legatus’ executive director. He and his wife Kathie are charter members of Legatus’ Chicago Chapter.