Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.

Fr. Robert Barron speaks about the legacy of a proud son of Chicago and a faithful son of the Church:
Cardinal George often signaled his impatience with the term “counter-cultural” in regard to the Church’s attitude vis-à-vis the ambient culture. His concern is that this can suggest a simple animosity, whereas the successful evangelist must love the culture he is endeavoring to address. But he saw a deeper problem as well, namely, that, strictly speaking, it is impossible to be thoroughly counter-cultural, since such an attitude would set one, finally, against oneself. It would be a bit like a fish adamantly insisting that he swims athwart the ocean. Therefore, the one who would proclaim the Gospel in the contemporary American setting must appreciate that the American culture is sown liberally with semina verbi (seeds of the Word).  (via Mark Shea)
Cardinal George confounded the easy left-right analysis of Catholic political engagement. He was a witness for a truly-seamless understanding of the Church's teachings and gifts, of standing up for all life, of working with elected officials and other community leaders to advance the common good. He wrote a pastoral letter on racism and was a leader in the pro-life cause. Those who would follow the so-called "Benedict Option" often argue for taking a step back from society - focusing on strengthening a Christian sub-culture rather than exerting efforts on engagement and conversion. As Fr. Barron's thoughts make clear, it's difficult to enter into relationship with a stranger - being "counter-cultural" can mean setting oneself against the predominant current in a way that can often come across as pride. Examples come readily to mind. Cardinal George, who reached out to all corners of the Church and sought to pull it closer to Christ, was an example of holding one welcoming hand out to the world without the other losing a firm grip of what the Church offers. R.I.P.

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