Blaming God

[Prime]

A person who experiences disappointment after diappointment eventually gives up praying and stops going to Mass, saying: ‘what’s the use of praying if it does not bring you any positive result?’
Question: I know its a sin to skip Mass on purpose but what is the gravity of sin committed here? How can I explain to this person the way out?

 

[Biggie]

Do we all share this feeling from time to time? I know I do. And after I compose myself and have a chance to think, I tell myself that God is calling me through misfortune. Would I pursue him if I weren’t in trouble, and when things are well, do I seek him as earnestly?

I know Thomas Merton had his issues, but he wrote something very meaningful to me - that in our Baptism, all the suffering I will face in life is called for before God and sanctified because of the sufferings of Jesus. It becomes at that moment a part of my identity, the name by which I will be known in paradise.

 

[thistle]

A person who experiences disappointment after diappointment eventually gives up praying and stops going to Mass, saying: ‘what’s the use of praying if it does not bring you any positive result?’
Question: I know its a sin to skip Mass on purpose but what is the gravity of sin committed here? How can I explain to this person the way out?

That would be a grave sin because it is not a valid reason to miss the Sunday obligation.

Below is the Churhc teaching about Sundays and other days of obligation.

The Sunday obligation

CCC 2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass."117 “The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.”

CCC 2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.

CCC 2182 Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

CCC 2183 “If because of lack of a sacred minister or for other grave cause participation in the celebration of the Eucharist is impossible, it is specially recommended that the faithful take part in the Liturgy of the Word if it is celebrated in the parish church or in another sacred place according to the prescriptions of the diocesan bishop, or engage in prayer for an appropriate amount of time personally or in a family or, as occasion offers, in groups of families.”

 

[stbruno]

You know Mother Teresa in all her efforts never saw poverty become eliminated in her lifetime.

So when her efforts were being questioned by some reporter.
She answered them…God never called me to be successful, He asked me to be faithful, that’s why I do it.

God knows your heart and your motives, and while you may never seem to be getting anywhere…you are storing up your treasures in heaven, so don’t stop, keep going. Your reward may not be of this world, but God will reward through His grace and mercy…and that’s His promise, not mine…God keeps His promises!