After several years on hiatus, Theology on Tap has returned. Beginning this fall, the Diocese of Allentown’s Commission for Young Adult Ministry will host gatherings every two months. Through each of these events, young adults across the Diocese will have an opportunity to meet new friends in faith through fellowship.
To kick off the return, Bishop Alfred Schlert gave a talk on the importance of remembrance, Sept. 11 at Willow Haven Farm General Store, Breinigsville. Appetizers and drinks were included for those in attendance.
“There are some of you here who don’t remember 9/11, but none of us can forget it even if we don’t remember it,” began Bishop Schlert. “We cannot forget it. Certainly because of the lives lost, but there’s more to it than that.”
Bishop Schlert then recounted his day on Sept. 11, 2001. “A crisis brings out unity. There was a lot of unity. Even into the days and months that followed. But I look at where we are today and say, ‘What has happened in these 24 years?’”
He also reflected on recent violent events, including the tragedy at a Catholic school Mass in Minneapolis and the assassination of media personality Charlie Kirk. He went on to say how in current days Americans have begun turning on ourselves and using rage and hatred toward those around us. He indicated how society is no longer willing to unify the way it once did in the days following 9/11.
“In some ways, that first 9/11 brought our nation to where we want to be,” he said. “Proud of our country, proud of our heritage, unified with purpose, and then it kind of disappeared to where we are today.”
Bishop Schlert then discussed the importance of the Eucharist and how it too is calling the faithful to a place of remembrance. “Catholics need to never forget the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross every time Mass is celebrated,” he said.
He explained that at every Mass, the faithful are brought to the foot of the Cross at Calvary and called to remember Christ’s sacrifice. “There’s a unity around that Eucharistic altar that no one can take away from us. The challenge then is, just like those sentiments of unity and fraternity around 9/11 dissipated, we cannot let that happen with the Eucharist.”
“The Eucharist draws people to holiness,” he said. Recalling how an active prayer life can encourage the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice in the Eucharist, he said the Eucharist and prayer is the pathway to holiness.
Looking at the two most recently canonized saints, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, Bishop Schlert likened sainthood to our modern-day world. “None of them had it easy … they were not protected from the temptations, the sufferings, the physical ailments, the depression, but they lived in holiness despite it.”
In closing, Bishop Schlert urged attendees to remember Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. This, he stated, will help individuals work toward sanctification just like the saints. “Remember the saints throughout history, even to the present day, who have tried and succeeded, despite all obstacles, to love Our Lord and to stay true to His word.”
By Jennifer Russell
Photo by Norm Steinruck.
