Perhaps the fundamental difference between adults and children is responsibility. Children are, as they grow, taught responsibility; for their toys, their room, their hygiene, etc… In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we often say, rightly or wrongly, that the confirmed are now adults in the faith, in that they are responsible for their own faith life. In the human sense we know what it is to be responsible.
We take care of ourselves, our homes, our families. We pay our bills and engage with society. But what does it mean to be responsible in the spiritual life?
Jesus said: ‘I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.’ (Jn. 10:10) But what does that mean? Well, it means that we can be the person we are created to be, ‘made in the image and likeness of GOD.’ (Gen. 1:26-27). It means that we are created to love. Firstly, to love GOD and then each other – (see Mt. 22:37-40; Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18; Ex. 20:1-17). When we fall short of this, when we are not being our best self, we are not living in the image and likeness of GOD.
In John’s Gospel we read: ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ (Jn. 8:31-32) The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of
human freedom as ‘a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God…’ (CCC #1731) As a result of original sin, which was the sin of pride, -wanting to be like GOD (Gen. 3:5) – in our pride, we lie.
Not wanting to be caught out, we don’t take responsibility for our actions. We try to blame others, we make excuses, we deny. The Catechism says this: ‘The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes.’ (CCC #1733). So, the opposite then is also true, ‘the choice to disobey and do evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to “the slavery of sin.’ (CCC #1733). Failing to take responsibility, failing to admit that we have fallen short of the image in which we are made, is to allow ourselves to be held in the slavery of sin. It is to bind ourselves to the father of lies. It is a rejection of the offer of ‘life to the full’. St Teresa of Avila said; ‘Humility is walking in the truth.’ This means that true humility involves a deep understanding and acceptance of oneself, acknowledging both strengths and
weaknesses. It means recognising one’s limitations and dependence on God, rather than striving for self-reliance or pride. Humility says, ‘I was wrong, I made a mistake, and seeks forgiveness…’ Pride blames, denies, accuses and makes excuses.
If we are to be Free, truly free, we must live Humility.

Catechetical Corner appears in our parish newsletter each week. It is not intended to be the last word on anything, neither it is intended to be an academic, theological treatment of the subject. It is merely intended to cause a moment of pause and reflection and to give a basic insight into some aspect of our Catholic Faith.