Finding faith again....questions

[sw_myers]

I have need of your advice. I hope you can help. Let me introduce myself first, I am currently protestant(a former children’s pastor) and have led a very bumpy spiritual life. I suffered through years of extreme spiritual high points, and even abysmal low points. A roller coaster journey. At some point almost 2 years ago, I gave up on god, religion and everying, becoming as liberal and a hater of all religious people. There was a point 5-6 months ago that I attempted to come back to God, but when things in my life went bad for a while, to me it made me realize the pointlessness of God at all.

Anyways, about a month ago, for some reason, I began thinking that I can’t live this life on my own…its to hard. So I began looking at the christian faith again, and looked at the catholic faith in particular. Having attended Mass for 3 weeks, and really delving into the information of the church and dogmo, I found my love for God…and I found Him again. Renewing my relationship with him has been wonderful. My wife says it is as different as night and day on my attitude and lifestyle.

I expressed in another subforum that I was interested in attending daily mass, and even emailed the priest whom I’ve been talking to about that desire. He told me that I’m more than welcome to come, but he is concerned that I get burned out before I even start. I don’t disagree with him, but it is hard for me to take things slow when I am so fired up about renewing my relationship with Jesus, establishing a relationship with Mary, and I just ahve a great desire for spiritual things.

It is an enormous pull towards God and his Church…I don’t want to take it slow, as the Priest has suggested. (i’ve told him more stuff in depth than I have here.) but it is just so hard to go slow, when I want to learn so much.

What should I do? I mean, I believe that the Priest is trying to help me along, and I believe he has my best interest at heart. How do I take it slow. Moderation seems an odd concept, expecially when what I desire is to grow so much closer to Jesus.

I’m sure I will discuss this with the Priest, but it is holy week, and I am sure he is very busy. What would you all suggest?

 

[Scott_Waddell]

The advice to go slow has reasonable foundation (it’s not absolute mind you). One reason is, is that your faith is likely going to get shaken many times. I remember in the early days of converting, one person would bring up an objection that would have me physically shaking. As time, prayer and study went on, that objection was satisfactorily resolved and no longer unmanned me. In fact, it became almost comical to see it repeated. So I was glad I took the time to struggle with the teachings.

Scott

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

I say let the Holy Spirit lead you. Spiritual growth is often in spurts and then sluggish periods. But, it is important not to depend on your emotions. Emotions are completely unreliable. .

Daily Mass is a wonderful idea. Go, go, go.

If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, then maybe that would be the time to slow down. Or, if your devotions are taking you away from your family too much.

I’m so happy for you. I remember the time I reverted back to the Church. There were so many discoveries. It was exciting. Graces flowed and flowed.

Here’s a good book to help you find balance. Prayer Primer by Father Thomas Dubay.

 

[Della]

Hello, sw_myers and welcome to the process of discerning God’s will for your life in his Church!

In order to understand the wisdom of your priest I suggest you read and meditate on the Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Lk. 8:5-15) all through Holy Week. Note especially verses:

[6] And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
[13] And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

You need to stir up the soil of your life in order to soften it, open to being watered, receptive to sun, yet able to withstand the droughts, in a word, ready to receive the seed of the Word and produce good fruit. Yes?

 

[Pax]

It is a wonderful thing to have the unquenchable fire of God’s love ignite the fire of love in our hearts. The priest is right in telling you to take your time in coming into full communion with the Catholic Church.

This does not mean that you cannot grow spiritually or that you cannot continue to learn about the faith at what ever spead the Spirit leads you. Our spiritual growth and love for God do not end once we become Catholic. Our sanctification is a life long process that prepares us for the face to face experience with God in heaven.

If our hearts and minds are focused on God we will never exhaust the riches of Jesus redemptive work and the revelation of God through scripture. You can satisfy your eagerness to come into full communion with Church by simply diving into learning all of the truth and beauty found in the splendor of the Church. This will also make your entry into full communion that much richer and fulfilling.

You have many here on the forums that can help you along the way in answering questions and offering prayers on your behalf.

We welcome you to the Catholic Christian family.