Falling from grace

[NaturalEnquirer]

I was listening to Father Corapi the other day, talking about the virtue of Hope. Towards the end, he delivered this anecdote (by memory, please forgive any slight misquotes):

“Since becoming a priest, I’ve seen things I never could have imagined. I’ve carried another priest from a crack house, half dead. I’ve paid fourteen thousand dollars to redeem a nun, fallen from her faith, from a brothel.”

He went on to say that these peoples’ sins were like nothing compared to his (prior to becoming a priest, I suppose). The point being that no matter how bad you are, you can always come back (and thank God for that!).

Anyway, it kind of hit me the other way. I’m new to the faith, and sometimes struggle with unbelief. Ever since hearing those stories, I’ve kept coming back to this question: If someone can be willing to dedicate their life to God, either as a priest or a nun, and then fall so far, what chance do I have?

Put another way – faith is a gift of God. If people that close to God can lose their faith, where does that leave me?

 

[pharmacistUH]

I am new to these forums, so my opinion is probably worth nothing. However, as someone who has fallen away and came back even stronger, I have a unique position. It is very easy to let youself come before God, however with perserverance and love, you can stay on the right path. I am blessed that the Lord has given me a second chance, and with my experience, I know what to watch out for (sinful events in life that you never experienced before, etc.) and I know more now than I ever did. Just trust the Lord, he will take care of you.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

If someone can be willing to dedicate their life to God, either as a priest or a nun, and then fall so far, what chance do I have?

If we rely on our own power, no chance at all. If we rely on God and continually ask Him for the grace we need to remain faithful, a very good chance. “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

 

[Andruschak]

IPut another way – faith is a gift of God. If people that close to God can lose their faith, where does that leave me?

I wouldn’t know. What I can state is where it leaves me. As a penitent before God, asking for his mercy. Praying for others. Trying not to judge. Doing the best I can, with faith.

 

[tridentinecanon]

Another gift God has given the Church to tackle these very sorts of struggles: Confession!

 

[awalt]

We are all asked to dedicate our lives to God, so clergy are not better than anyone else, they have made a more formal dedication to serve.

That said, they have every human condition everyone else has, which means they are tempted, and only through God’s graces, and accepting them, can they be saved. It also may be true that they get attacked more given their potential to help save more lives.