Don't always feel like imitating Christ

[Anglewannabe]

I have often heard that as a Catholic, how I act in public will give people an impression of what the faith is about. (Forget that judging a whole religion by one person is narrow minded)

So, often people will say to me ‘Angie, handle the situation with charity like Jesus would’. Now don’t get me wrong, I would be more than happy to do that. However, everyone has a different idea of what that would be. For example, some people say ‘When someone criticizes the church just walk away’. Other’s would say walking away is rude.

Not to mention that I am a human being and after setting a boundary with someone, if they keep pestering me, I can help but tell them they are making me mad.

So, do others sometimes feel like imitating Christ is just not what they want to do ?

 

[JaredR]

If someone seems sincere in their criticism (i.e., they’re not just prejudiced against the Church), I am happy to explain in a calm and friendly manner why they might be wrong. However, if someone clearly has an extreme grudge against the Church, and they don’t seem open at all to new information, then I don’t think it’s worth engaging them beyond the minimum. I think this is where we apply the “pearls before swine” principle.

 

[JM3]

how I act in public will give people an impression of what my faith is about.

FTFY

 

[JRKH]

I have often heard that as a Catholic, how I act in public will give people an impression of what the faith is about. (Forget that judging a whole religion by one person is narrow minded)

Narrow minded or not - people can only asses (judge) by what they see.
And frankly - I would rather they not assess the Catholic faith by the many because - - well - - - there are a lot of Catholics who do not good examples of the faith.
So it is important that we give a good account of ourselves in public - and in private.

So, often people will say to me ‘Angie, handle the situation with charity like Jesus would’. Now don’t get me wrong, I would be more than happy to do that. However, everyone has a different idea of what that would be. For example, some people say ‘When someone criticizes the church just walk away’. Other’s would say walking away is rude.

Indeed. It is difficult to know how to handle a given situation. I will say here that “walking away” is not rude if the situation warrants it. I’m reminded of the Gospel story of Jesus sending out the disciples to preach in the surrounding towns. He told them that if a town would not accept them, to leave and “shake the dust from your feet in protest”.
So long as another is willing to have a sincere conversation - is willing to actually listen - then conversation can continue.
If conversation is not sincere - or if it becomes strained or heated - it might be best to back off a bit and let things cool down. Offer to look into the issues they raise and get back to them. This is perhaps the best way to “walk away” but be willing to return later.

Not to mention that I am a human being and after setting a boundary with someone, if they keep pestering me, I can help but tell them they are making me mad.

Yes - this can be the most difficult.
The problem here is that such people are probably trying to make you mad…they want to “get a rise” out of you.
It is here that the “shake the dust from your feet” analogy works best. Leave such people alone. Let them rail against you. Do not respond. That would only feed them.
Ignore them…If you want to really frustrate them…Ignore them. It will drive them bonkers.

If you feel you need to reply - do not say that they are making you mad. Instead, ask them why they insist on disrespecting you. Ask them what they hope to gain by continually pestering you. You will quickly discover whether any further conversation is useful.
If it is not - then go back to ignoring them. Others will quickly see who is the better and more Christlike person.

So, do others sometimes feel like imitating Christ is just not what they want to do ?

Oh yes - many many times. Our emotions get the better of us all at times. Being Christlike is a journey…It takes much practice.

Peace
James