Evangelizing One's Elders In the Family

[3DOCTORS]

In the last few years, I have had some “eye-opening” conversations with members of my extended family who are older than I. Most recently was with one aunt who said the Bishops “should just keep their mouths shut” about this contraception mandate thing.

What about these older generations that we younger people have to evangelize? Some of them have had rough lives and in many cases the women weren’t treated charitably by their husbands, so they become a little bit feminist (whether they actually use the label or not) and advocate the use of birth control. I suspect that what they’ve really always wanted, but which seemed forever unattainable so they finally gave up, is respect and economic security for themselves and others like them. And so I can empathize with them one one level.

I try to be gentle and present the Bishops’ teachings (or whatever else we’re discussing) in a positive light - try to challenge them to think more deeply without getting their backs up. And I pray for them.

For myself, though, it’s kind of weird - these were my childhood and teenage role models on how to be a devout Catholic, and it’s like, they’ve only got a short distance to the finish line and they’re dropping out of the race. Makes me sad.

 

[Alex246]

For me, it’s even weirder: my mother is catholic, but openly supportive of contraception (not abortion), and I’m only 16. It’s positively disturbing to have to defend my view,and that of the church, to my own mother at this age, ESPECIALLY on a topic like this At least she’s firmly on the side of the church in this most recent issue because of the first amendment violation and abortion.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

For me, it’s even weirder: my mother is catholic, but openly supportive of contraception (not abortion), and I’m only 16. It’s positively disturbing to have to defend my view,and that of the church, to my own mother at this age, ESPECIALLY on a topic like this At least she’s firmly on the side of the church in this most recent issue because of the first amendment violation and abortion.

I’m in the same boat. My mom supports ABC, and right now some homosexual friends who are “married” and “having a child” via a surrogate mother.

 

[fide]

It is profoundly sad! Fortunately, God knows and will judge the hearts in HIs merciful justice. But as for you - keep true!

 

[3DOCTORS]

It is profoundly sad! Fortunately, God knows and will judge the hearts in HIs merciful justice. But as for you - keep true!

It sort of reminds me of when my mom in her final years became dependent on me for her care… which God does give the grace to do - corporal or spiritual works of mercy, all are important.

 

[otjm]

St Francis perhaps had the best advice ( and I paraphrase): always preach the Good News. And if necessary, use words.

In many, if not most cases, it is not “necessary” to use words - that is just our reaction to situations. It is far harder to live the Gospel than to talk it.

Realize also, that what too many people believe is that it is necessary to “convince” someone else of the error of their ways. What is far more effective is to give witness to one’s own choices: “I have found that for me, I need to (x, y, z) in my life to be true to following Christ, as I understand His call to me” - and then shut up. It is a rare circumstance where one’s arguement is going to change someone else’s heart.

The best evangelization is the transparent living out of the Gospel, day by day. and that is done not by telling people, but by showing them.