Fear Produces Satellite Christians
The soft-spoken nature of Pope Francis amplifies the impact of the words he does speak. He points out that “lukewarm Catholics” build their own church around common sense, resulting in them cutting themselves off from the rest of the Body of Christ. Becoming Christian Satellites that are not unified with the Church, they don’t have the security of the Holy Spirit, and they do not make up the Church, professes Pope Francis.
Their “Satellite Status” roots in fear— fear of the risk of following Jesus and fear of getting too close.
“Fear” is the tip-off for the Orthodox Catholic. Fear and love are incompatible. God is love. A way of thinking and living that is based in fear will always separate us from God. It’s not hard to identify those who have left or strayed from the Church and her teachings..
Yet, fear creeps in with our relationships with spouses, families, co-workers and friends. We fear getting hurt. We don’t risk-take. We get complacent and okay with mediocrity.
While you may not be a “Satellite Christian” when it comes to the teachings of the Church, have you let fear drive you into outer space from your loved ones in your intimate relationships?
The Catholic Women’s Guide to Healthy Relationships Tip: Be sure not to be too focused on those “Satellite Christians” who play funny games with Church teachings. But rather make sure your home base is bathed in love, obedience, and acts of intimacy, not fear.
