A Class Act: Pat Langrell and Archbishop Chaput

The host Patrick Langrell had the crowd cheering and chanting with“Benedicto!”, and “Viva il Papa” in rehearsal for Pope Benedict's arrival tomorrow in Sydney before Archbishop Chaput's speech took the stage to rousing applause.

Titled “Mission Possible: The Double-Life Will Self-Destruct” the Archbishop's talk was a straight and direct message to the young pilgrims gathered - you can't be a mediocre Catholic - be full on!

The Archbishop first quoted Blessed Franz Jagerstatter a German mater who stood up to the Nazi regime, “I can say from my own experience how painful life often is when one lives as a half-way Christian. It more like vegetating than living.”

He went on to say “What could be more important than religious faith,which deals with how we should organise our lives together for the common good...We're living in the first age in human history where entire societies are organised according to this principle of “the double life.” We can't live a half way Christianity. “

Quoting then Cardinal Ratzinger he said “Today in broad circles even among believers, an image has prevailed of a Jesus who demands nothing,never scolds, who accepts everyone and everything, who no longer does anything but affirms us... The figure is transformed from the 'Lord' (a word that is avoided) into a man who is nothing more than the advocate of all men.”

He stressed that “Being a follower of Christ is not just one among many aspects of your daily life. Being a Christian is who you are. Period.And being a Christian means your life has a mission. It means striving every day to be a better follower, to become more like Jesus in your thoughts and actions.”

In relation to where pilgrims should start their work as Catholics he quoted Mother Teresa, “'Grow where you're planted.'” Preach the gospel with you lives no matter where you are or whatever you find yourself doing – going to school, working, making a home... Put real love into everything you do. Not a vague sentimental feeling. That kind of love doesn't mean anything because it doesn't cost you anything. No, Jesus wants a love that comes from the heart, a love that sacrifices for others as he sacrificed for us.”

The Archbishop's final point evolved around the church “Love the Church; love her as your mother and teacher. Help to build her up, to purify her life and work... And this is crucial: Know what the Church teaches... so you can live those teachings and share those teachings with others.”

Again quoting Blessed Franz Jagerstatter he said “If we hope to reach our goal some day, then we, too, must become heroes of the faith. For as long as we fear men more than God, we will never make the grade...The important things is that we do not let a single day go by in vain without putting it to good use for eternity.”

In conclusion Archbishop Chaput declared “Its not possible for real Christians to lead a double life. We'll self-destruct. Or worse still,we'll just waste away.”

Next followed 30 minutes of questions from pilgrims on topics including, how to talk to your friend about not having an abortion, stem cells, what Americans should do with the upcoming presidential election, should politicians be given Holy Communion when they vote the wrong way, what do we do about universities and schools that are no longer Catholic, and how do we deal with being ostracized by coworkers and friends for our faith. All were answered in a very direct and to the point manner.

Patrick Langrel announced that Faith on Tap will be launching in Brisbane on August 11 (the second Monday of the month), and that a similar event is now being held in Melbourne.






Theology on Tap is a regular event in Sydney being held on the First Monday of each month at  P.J Gallagher's Irish Pub.