Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
During the 17th century, a debate broke out within the Catholic community in China concerning the place of customary practices. Some argued that traditional practices were contrary to the faith. Others argued that these practices were not harmful but could be incorporated into correct understanding of living the Catholic faith. The story from today’s first reading touch on a question that provides a persistent theme in church history: How much of local culture should and could be used in the explanation and practice of the faith? The question presents a real and important challenge. If the faith is to be understood, it must be voiced in a language and practice that is lived and recognized. On the other hand, if the faith so accepts culture and practice, it ceases to redeem and transform that culture. This presents a challenge for discernment, to make the best judgements about culture and its practices in terms of how these practices can take us closer to God.