January 25, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, do you see the glass half-full or half-empty? It is usually an indication of whether you are an optimist or a pessimist. Someone left out the fact, however, that you could also be a realist – seeing the glass as having room for more.
If you chose to see the glass half-full, it appears to me that at least you are grateful for the half-full glass. As a person who is grateful, don’t take for granted that what you possess. I have often been embarrassed by individuals who are denied even the most basic aspects of life and yet present a joyful response to the world that surrounds them. But I, with so much more, complain that it’s often not enough.
A spirit of gratitude never allows us to ignore the blessings which have been bestowed on us. When we begin to assess our blessings, it’s only reasonable to me that our level of appreciation to God and those around us only increases. Now, I am not what some might term a “cockeyed optimist.” As I said earlier, I am a realist.
Often during my tenure as archbishop, individuals would present statistics on Mass attendance, charitable giving, or support for Catholic causes. Many would say we are not successful in our mission if everyone is not attending Mass on Sundays. I remind them that even in what some might hold as the glory days of Catholicism in the fifties, there were still large numbers of those who claimed to be Catholics who did not attend Mass on Sundays. Therefore, I have always encouraged the “moving of the needle.”
If we do our part and attendance increases even a percentage or two, think of the difference it will make in our communities, to our families, in the lives of those who have discovered the importance of the practice of the faith. But it takes effort and an optimistic trust that the Holy Spirit will guide our efforts.
Many polls indicate that citizens do not feel that our country is moving in the right direction. The half-empty glass of democracy is missing an appreciation for religion, a protection for life and a support for the American spirit. The pessimist wants to tear down, instead of celebrating the good, and claim that everything is bad and needs to be uprooted. The optimistic realist understands that although there is work to be done, great accomplishments have been made and if we as Americans use our God-given rights, we will continue to move the needle.
In the past, the formula for success has been God, family and country – can you think of three more attacked concepts in the last 20 years than those three?
Let’s use our faith to help us to be people of gratitude who never take for granted the blessings of a glass half-full and pledge ourselves to fill the remainder of the emptiness with a spirit that reflects that we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Sincerely,
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
