As Catholic men, we know that much of the culture, the media and, at times, the courts and legislatures are set against our most basic values. Simply to express the Church’s perspective on the right to life, marriage or religious freedom can bring scorn in public and trouble in the workplace. We strive to bring up our kids in the faith, but they are bombarded by secular messages and surrounded by “nones” who claim no religious allegiance.
Fortunately, we don’t need to look far to learn how to respond. We have the example of Venerable Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. Father McGivney and the first members of the Order faced serious challenges to their Catholic faith and family life. Yet from these hardships, they built the greatest Catholic lay organization in the world. By following in their footsteps, we too can use our present difficulties as an opportunity to advance God’s kingdom on earth.
1. We must be men of prayer. Always remember that Christ is the vine, and we are the branches (cf. Jn 15:5). Without him, we can do nothing. Whatever good we accomplish is ultimately his work, not ours.
2. We must never lose hope. Withdrawal from the battlefield is not an option for any man bearing the title of “knight.” Nor should we ever see our country as hopelessly flawed. A healthy Catholic patriotism that loves both God and country — but God first — is a prerequisite for healing a wounded nation.
3. We must show our friends and neighbors a better way. The family is under attack, but if we can be the husbands and fathers whom God calls us to be — if we are fathers for good — we can help spread that good throughout our realm of influence.
We all know people living in irregular situations and have encountered in others — and sometimes in ourselves — a lack of faith and courage in the face of challenges. Yet, despite our weaknesses, we and our families are called to bear witness to the abundant life that God wills for us all.
4. We must be active and practical. It is the duty of the laity to defend the faith in a secular society and work for the common good. We are guided by the teachings of the Church and blessed by bishops and priests, but we are the foot soldiers who are in contact with the wider world as we seek to evangelize the culture.
Engaging the secular society may mean speaking up at work if our employer asks us to violate our faith by accommodating some fashionable agenda, or speaking out against media campaigns designed to turn children against the faith. It may mean telling your local department store that you will not shop there if they promote or enforce a misguided ideology. It may mean discussing these issues with friends and co-workers, and gently explaining to them why they should join you.
Working for change will mean volunteering for, donating to and supporting organizations that lead these fights in the public square, as well as helping to elect pro-life and pro-family candidates, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper and generally making your voice heard.
In all our efforts, we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Great victories for the faith have been won over the centuries under her protection and with her rosary. As we approach Father’s Day, let us also call on Father Mc- Givney to help us remain spiritually strong and steadfast fathers. All is not lost if we do not surrender. The cultural battlefield before us is vast, but we are just getting started.
Source: Challenge the Culture