Emergency Room Encounter

[MA1965]

I found myself in the emergencey room last Friday with a “born again” ex-CAtholic. Perhaps the mpst frustrating thing she was telling me was good Hindu, Islamic, and Chinese folks, where many do not really hear of Christ, are going to hell. I found that upsetting, and possibly arrogant. I remember Vatican II saying some useful things on that.

The toughest thing is many ailments have left me spiritually weak. She was trying to save me and invite me to her “fellowship.” Even in my utter weakness my answer as to what is it you see that we don’t havr when we have the Bible, well, it is simple and everything at the same time. They are the Sacraments: especially the Holy Eucharist

Neither one of us was a priority case, oddly enough we both had ear trouble. She meant well. I was not however, prepared to defend. I have a Catechism and a Vatican II I need scholary, rather than anectdotal tracts on how to respond to the onslought of quotes and citations. Part of it is we do not base our desicions on isolated passages. Part of it is Magesterium is a real thing. A week ago I did not want to go on. I was giving up without even walking the walk with ear specialists. I have only just started. Yet, there I was with the tiniest spark of faith. Above all I wanted to go to confession and have been too sick to do so. I have failed the lord and in failing him I have failed me. I do not know why he takes me back. If I can I will get to confession tomorrow. I need that, the Eucharist, and doctirnal literature on how to address our Protestant brethen.

Peace

 

[Della]

I’m sorry to hear that you have been so unwell. God understands our physical limitations, so don’t beat up on yourself.

If you want to be able to help people like the gal you met at the emergency room try this very site for good information: Salvation Tracts.

I hope you feel better soon. I will pray for you.

 

[Cathy]

I’ll pray for you, too.
Isn’t it wonderful to experience a spark of faith after a long night without it? I rejoice for you. And just thinking about your going to confession makes me happy to think about. I went to confession for the first time at age 45, and I felt as if more than 40 pounds had been taken off my shoulders. I hope you feel much lighter, too, after confession. Of course, it doesn’t matter how you feel. Whether you feel lighter or not, you’ll BE lighter! God bless!

 

[Eliza10]

I’ll pray for you. Its hard when you are down, and they take it as problem for which they have the solution for! Also, I think many Eangelicals feel that they are “done”, -already saved, and their only job now is to make sure others get saved. And you seem like a good target for that job, being Catholic and therefore probably unsaved (!). Also you are a target when you are are down and vulnerable, and particularly if you are a polite person! I was thinking of responses, for when I am in that spot again. As to the invitation, perhaps one could answer (if you have time for this), “Sure, I come to one! If you come to a Mass with me.” As for being down, and they percieve it, perhaps explain that while you are down now, the bright spot in your life is your faith in Jesus Christ and the awesome gift He gave us - the Catholic Church!