"Catholics by Choice"

Advertisement is a whole world of intrigue and subtle impressions. When you see a good advert declaring "all Kenyans eat meat", know well that there is good business in the Meat Industry. During the Second World War Europe experienced a great meat shortage. Meat became truly precious and hunters thrived selling "hare meat". However hare was rare, so some not-so-honest characters skinned cats and sold them off as hare meat. Without a head it was difficult to distinguish, like the sorry saga of donkey meat. Their claim, "hare meat for sale" made everyone, hungry for meat, fall all over themselves to buy it, in spite of warnings from those who knew. Unfortunately many preferred to be deceived in their individual choice. We have recently been treated to an advert by a group called "Catholics for choice", flooding our print media and a number of strategic bill boards, listing 'their opinion' on what they stand for. A right they have, be they Kenyans or otherwise. The Catholics we know, "GOOD CATHOLICS BY CHOICE" out there are many. Surprised by the adverts, they wish they had a similar opportunity. What is the profile of these Good Catholics? "Good Catholics don't lie". Granted, one may claim to be Abraham Lincoln, complete with ID and all. And so it is. However, a claim to be the sixteenth president of the United States would be a falsehood. We would have to admit two unconnected Abraham Lincolns! The claim to identity doesnt make the person. "good catholics (lower case) should truly be Good Catholics (upper case)! Christianity is about Love and service, consequently, "Good Catholics care"; service in charity, ready to assist anywhere and to whomsoever. Indeed more that 80% of medical care in the marginalized areas is given by the faith based organizations, largely Catholic Institutions, and in the HIV aids battle, notably over 45 % of the HIV patients are under faith based care of whom 80 % are cared for by the catholic institutions. Our mission is to make Christ's love reach every human person, whatever his age, ethnic, religion or situation in life. Even in regions like Garissa, where the Catholic Community is barely 1%, the Church is out there, living her mission and witnessing to a living faith! These activities are funded by Good Catholics in Kenya and all over the world, many of who are poor, through their little or bigger contributions. Good Catholics, those who are so by choice, and who are proud to be so, strive for true holiness, and that is not a clich. They pray and try to do so many times a day. Our frequent failures however do not make our determination any less. "Good Catholics obey God" and his law even in their personal weaknesses. I would lie to say they are perfect, and that they do not sin... In their awareness of limitations, "Good Catholics go to confess their sins". But they do not change the rules to accommodate their weakness. "Good Catholics try to live moral lives". And that is not easy at all. "They love and respect life"; They respect and support families". How wonderful when children are born within the protection and love of a family. For Good Catholics, the conjugal union between husband and wife is something holy and sacred". It is not just a utilitarian action. It is a true sharing in Gods love. "Good Catholics let God into their marital relations". They love each other in God. These are the some traits of a Good Catholic. Our faith demands are difficult to live, more so in these times... But it does not make it necessary to change the goal posts. We believe in God and the power of His grace and trust in His assistance. Good Catholics also respect other people and their creeds. For "Good Catholics", Sacrifices are necessary and we should be ready to make them. Catholicity is about love of God and moral tenets. Throwing the condom debate as a PH indicator of good Catholics is to miss the point. It is about many other and even more difficult moral issues to live up to... Yes, they must live marital fidelity, and sacredness of marital love, avoiding manipulating this love. They must avoid and fight corruption, dishonesty, etc. The bar is way up there, and only with Gods help can we even achieve it fully. But let us not confuse a cat with a hare even though both might look similar when skinned. I prefer truth!

+Anthony Muheria