Ben’s reflection paints a rather dismal picture, but it is for real. Fr. Alfred Delp, S.J., who was murdered by the Nazi’s a few months before the end of WWII, wrote somewhat as follows: “In spite of all right reason and orthodox belief, the churches are coming to a dead end.” Clearly, he meant that they had become irrelevant. Delp also said: “The traces of God in humanity are becoming increasingly indistinct.” What was missing in both cases is love. Our tardiness in providing the answer left the intended recipients no longer fit to receive the message. I think it was Barth who said the worst thing is giving an answer to a question that hasn’t been asked. In short, if there is no felt need, you’re talking to a brick wall. We have to identify and surface the felt need. It’s always there, but right now it’s well hidden under a bad case of narcissism. Ben has the right message. The problem we all have it is getting on to the same noisy frequency as that of his (and our)nieces and nephews. We just have to keep on keepin’ on.
-- Fr. Vince Freeh, MSC
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