By Judie Brown
Religiosity: “the quality or state of being religious.”
News reports tell us that religiosity has plummeted among US residents over the last 10 years. Pollsters usually miss the mark, but in this case they missed the truth. Rather than critique the report, I have chosen to turn to the wisdom of Saint Athanasius—a heroic saint who, standing against Arian heretics in the Catholic Church, refused to be quiet about the reality of what it means to be Catholic.
Saint Gregory Nazianzen described Athanasius as a “true pillar of the Church.” Those words are not only accurate, but they are more timely today than ever before.
The wisdom of Saint Athanasius is extremely pertinent to our pro-life work, so it is a privilege to share his words and some of my reflections with you:
“Christians, instead of arming themselves with swords, extend their hands in prayer.”
The truth is that, without prayer, our work, no matter what it entails, cannot bear fruit. Only in Christ are our deeds meaningful.
“The holy and inspired Scriptures are sufficient of themselves for the preaching of the truth.”
Clarity is the hallmark of our pro-life efforts. We must never compromise, no matter what elected officials suggest.
“Jesus became what we are that He might make us what He is.”
Every human person from his creation is unique and special in the eyes of God, and those of us able to do so must defend them.
“You cannot put straight in others what is warped in yourself.”
We all need to be introspective in order to be effective.
“Anyone who wishes to understand the mind of the sacred writers must first cleanse his own life, and approach the saints by copying their deeds.”
The Imitation of Christ should be a part of our daily reading.
“For, indeed, everything about is marvelous, and wherever a man turns his gaze he sees the Godhead of the Word and is smitten with awe.”
Love life! It is a gift most holy and splendid.
“The presence and love of the Word had called them into being; inevitably, therefore when they lost the knowledge of God, they lost existence with it; for it is God alone Who exists, evil is non-being, the negation and antithesis of good.”
What better example of evil is there, if not the decriminalized killing of the innocent?
“For of what use is existence to the creature if it cannot know its Maker?”
Without the Lord and our reliance on Him, all is meaningless.
“The Greek philosophers have compiled many works with persuasiveness and much skill in words; but what fruit have they to show for this such as has the cross of Christ? Their wise thoughts were persuasive enough until they died.”
Our faith is in Christ and the eternal reward as we face and bear our personal crosses every day. If not for Him and the cost Christ paid for us, where in the world would we be?
“Even on the cross he did not hide himself from sight; rather, he made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker.”
Saint Athanasius reminds us of the single most important aspect of our faith: witnessing to the Truth that is He whom we love more than life itself.
May we find strength, courage, peace of mind, and love everlasting by reflecting on the wisdom of Saint Athanasius in our daily work. May the peace of Christ infuse our every moment.