Rules only get you so far. The game is learned best by practice.
Whether you are a member of the Brooklyn Kickball Society, the U.S. Dodgeball League, your local whiffle-ball team or the local Catholic community, the same truth applies: You become a good player by playing.
The essence of Christianity is more than following rules — instead, it is the imitation of Jesus Christ. Just as you learn to be an excellent kickball player by copying outstanding kickballers, you discover the secrets to faithful Christianity by imitating Jesus.
To do what is good and right and true is not so much adhering to a check list of do’s and don’ts as it is learning how to behave in a way that copies Christ’s love and peace and justice.
In fact, Saint Augustine went so far as to sum up the moral laws of Christianity in one short and provocative phrase, “Love, and do as you please.”
Live in light. Do the right. Bring pleasure to God.
Just do it.
