I watch cooking competitions all the time, like Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions.” (Yeah Antonia Lofaso)! We also watch Top Chef and this year, I am rooting for Tristan. The guy is a rock, steady in the kitchen and in life. Go watch the Pizza and the Restaurant Wars episodes if you want to know why. He’s a good cook and person –and that’s what I like. For years, we played a cooking game like Beat Bobby Flay (I’m Bobby by the way), at home with our older children. I remain the GOAT, of that game, undefeated, though I think one of my sons, one of my daughters, and my husband could win if we restarted, so I haven’t volunteered that idea.
GOAT OF THE KITCHEN, Mom, Now serving lamb without humble pie.
Today, I saw an article, “Top Catholic Cardinal Says…” and I thought, that’s a stupid headline. Then I read the statements made by this “Top Catholic” and the headline is in direct contradiction with Pope Benedict and Saint Pope John Paul the Gerat, and not a few other Popes who all would be the “Top Catholic” to speak on such matters. Stupid headline for stupid quote. The crux of what was written, argued that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God. That’s false.
We worship the God of Abraham, and Muslims do to, so do our Jewish brothers and sisters. Now I did read the rest of the article. The premise is, that Muslims see their version of God as a governor, with the Sharia being the law, which they must follow, whereas we have Christ’s law written on our hearts. I fail to see the distinction on this matter. I subscribe to the C.S. Lewis version of understanding about this theological reality. God sees our hearts and accepts the offerings we make from the heart as intended.
God cannot be deceived, and recognizes good done out of faithfulness to Islam, good done out of an understanding of the world absent a belief in God, and good done out of faithfulness to the Christian faith, good done out of love, to be a service rendered to Him. All acts done out of hate and selfishness, they are likewise, the type that leads to crying out, “Lord, Lord! When did we see you?” When we love others, we see God. When we serve others, we serve God. When we pray and give thanks to God, it is always accepted. Our faiths are not the same, but our God, the God who is Love, is.
All of which is to say, that there are no Top Catholics. There is the yet to be named Pope who will be the leader of all who practice, and who will like us, be practicing too, this side of the veil. The GOAT Catholic would be Mary, mother of God, and her most chase spouse, Saint Joseph, followed by all the Apostles and Saints.
However, a Top Catholic Show were people apply to then practice and defend and live out this reality while being assessed for the virtues and graces that someone who aspires to love Jesus wholely, might make for a good show. Here’s my pitch.
“Welcome to Top Catholic –where twenty-five contestants from around the world seek to show through their ministry, prayer and personal lives, that they embrace the whole of the faith and love Christ above all else. The prize, sanctificying grace, peace of heart, and some form of healing for the world, for whosoever is named, Top Catholic.”
I can see the panel –this week’s quick fire, devotionals –who can spring the most souls from purgatory? Followed by elimination battle, as contestants attempt sidewalk evangelization and get dinged when they fall into prostelytzing or respond in a way not in keeping with the Gospel.
The season would include:
Liturgy Wars –as contestants are sent out to various churches to help struggling parishes assess the needs of their enrolled members and make adjustments accordingly while managing egos, schedules, established practices and minimal budgets, to ensure the faithful have access to the sacraments.
Mercy Week –where the contestants pick a Corporeal and a Spiritual work and have one week to establish a ministry that will manifest service for both to any who seek it.
Theology Application –here, the scholars will be given real life scenarios, and have to apply the Catechism and theology with citation to render a solution –they will be divided into teams of two. The winner gets immunity for the next challenge, and support in alleviating the scenario.
Lions’ Den –Contestants must serve the population they feel least comfortable with, or who were the most opposed to them.
Praise and Glory Week: This is an endurance challenge –of adoration. How many hours, can you go?
And each week, the panel which would include a Sister of Charity, a Jesuit Priest, and a principal of a Catholic K-8, along with guest judges, would discuss the efforts to determine the winner and the one who must be sent with the words, “Go in peace.”
I’d watch. Shoot, I’d apply. Wonder if I should call Bravo or EWTN?
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