Do you remember the red t-shirt my husband ordered for me from KU Catholic Center? Well, he also ordered one for our daughter. Because the shirts don't come in children's sizes, he ordered a size he knew would be too large - but one she could wear as a night shirt.The other night, when I tucked our daughter into bed, I realized that's how most Catholics wear their faith.
The faith is dear to them, but they only "wear" it in private. They don't put it out there for others to see.
While it is appropriate for children to "wear their faith" in more private ways (because they are growing into the faith, only beginning to fit into the faith and discover ways to share the faith), it is not appropriate for the adults to wear the faith only in private.
The laity must share the faith. We cannot expect our religious to do it alone. First, non-Catholics are likely to dismiss religious, thinking of course they like their Church and want to defend her teachings - one would expect that.
What they do not expect, however, is that the regular guy or gal in the pew can share the faith or defend her teachings. That is not expected.
And that's why it carries far more weight in the eyes of non-Catholics.
That's why it grabs their attention.
So, whether or not you have the red shirt, be a Catholic willing to share the faith. Don't merely "wear it as a night shirt".
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