We are so fortunate to the inheritors of a rich and beautiful Catholic faith. Upon a firm foundation in Christ, our Church has produced a myriad of martyrs, saints, heroes, mothers, fathers, and leaders.

Ours is a tradition which has formed the great minds of Ignatius, Irenaeus, Augustine, Anselm, Benedict, Francis, Aquinas, John of the Cross, Catherine of Siena, Thérèse of Lisieux, John Paul II, and Mother Theresa to name a few. All of these post-resurrection emblems of the faith—among millions of others— are marked by an insatiable yearning to understand and participate in the mystery of God.

And indeed, so much of what we celebrate and so much of what we believe is a mystery to us. I understand the confusion and complexity that arises as we pursue Christ. It seems sensible that the mysteries of our Faith would subside as we increase in knowledge and understanding. Yet, here we are 2000 years post-resurrection and God is just as infinite and benevolent and ineffable as ever.

In time of great frustration, I have often found myself compartmentalizing God and the Church so that they fit my needs and understanding of the world. All of this is appealing and satisfying until we find ourselves in the midst of tribulation. Then our image of God crumbles because it was never anything more than an idealized conception of ourselves — of our wants, of our desires, of our values. No matter how well intentioned, the more we put a scalpel to God, the more we separate ourselves from His life-giving gifts. As a result, we are ever the more miserable!

Lucky for us, our “divine surgeries” do not alter the essence of Christ and his Church! We need not be surgeons to be Catholics; rather, what is more Catholic than faith seeking understanding? The saints did not discard Jesus’ difficult teachings, nor run from the pointed insights of previous Councils; they tirelessly pursued them. They recognized that the challenges presented to humanity by scripture and tradition did not point to a competitive, restrictive God, but to a God calling us to a fuller life and existence.

We can absolutely follow their example: when we embrace our Catholic faith—especially the parts that challenge us—we become the best versions of ourselves. Just as Saint Irenaeus said, “the Glory of God is a human being fully alive,” a ‘yes’ to Christ and his Church is a ‘yes’ to our happiness and fulfillment. As you say, “we are an asset to our churches, not a threat,” indeed, in following the teachings of Christ and carrying the torch of tradition, we become his light and truth.

And so, I pray you reconsider before discarding those aspects of Catholicism that are challenging and difficult. That in grappling with them, you may discover the freedom that comes from God alone.

Pax et bonum.

Your Sister in Christ,

Elizabeth Kotelly