It occurred to me that the hardships that Timothy experienced are probably not unlike those that
we non-Roman catholic clergy experience in our daily encounters with parishoners and clergy from Roman Catholic parishes in our area. I had an encounter this week with a woman who asked how I came to speak Spanish so well. I replied that it was mostly through my ministry to the Hispanic community as an independent catholic priest. Her immediate and smug reply was that there was "no such thing". I politely corrected her and reminded her of church history that she was so apparently ignorant of...as are many lay people in their own particular Rites. For example, she had no idea whatsoever that the dogma of Papal Infallibility was promulgated at a Church Council. She said she thought it was 'always that way'. I fondly recommended to her that if she were interested, it would be an enlightening experience to do a Google search on Independent Catholicism and its history. Though she contined to question my authenticity and validity even after I briefly explained we had apostolic succession and that "yes" I could consecrate the host, she finally admitted that "well you know, most of us are cafeteria catholics any way".
It was the strength of God that allowed me to surpress my immediate irritation and desire 'to defend myself' in the face of such arrogance and criticism. By God's grace we were able to have a congenial conversation, not a persuasive debate. God opened if not her eyes, at least her ears to hear of a different way people can express their catholicity. The seed was planted in the soil. Now it is up to the soil and the one who tends it.
The Spirit of Wisdom taught me something as well; something that I know but had forgotten. Words have different meanings to different people. In the future I will identify myself not as an independent catholic priest but rather, a priest in the United American Catholic Church. That approach immediately sets the framework from which an individual can launch their inquiries regarding the specific church and not focus on an 'independent', read 'make believe' priest. No one would think to question an individual that identifies him/herself as an Episcopal priest!
God has called many to serve within the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. Our job, as was the job of the original 12, is to preach the Good News and bring people into a closer relationship with the Father through Christ and one another. We know, as did Christ's first followers, that we are going against the grain of an established ecclesial hierarchy with established power and resources. To bring people to re-focus their faith through the eyes of the primitive church, we must bear our share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.