Give me one good reason why I shouldn't leave the Church!

[BlindSheep]

Paris Blues:

I don’t know…I think it’s because I’m not very spiritual anymore…I don’t pray the Rosary like I should, don’t read Scripture like I used to, can’t get to Daily Mass, keep going to Confession every single dang week, can’t give true reverance to our Lord in the Adoration (just going through the motions), taking the Mass for granted, can’t get involved in the Church, try to pray but it’s not authentic, etc. etc.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO!!!

Maybe you guys could give me so helpful tips because I sure ain’t help!

That is how it goes. At first we are all enthusiatic, on fire - it’s the Grace of God, and it gets us in the door & gives us a glimpse of the great things in store for us, but it isn’t supposed to be the only thing that keeps us there. It’s when we are able to stay the course in spite of the lack of these spiritual consolations that we store up treasure in heaven, big time. Think of it as a test. Read St. Terese of Liseux, St. John of the Cross; all the saints went through periods of “spiritual dryness”. Keep going to Mass, though you might not feel like it; keep praying. If you can’t keep up the pace that you have been, at least do the minimum - go to Mass on Sunday. Avoid mortal sin. Go to confession, at least, during Advent and Lent. Hang in there, don’t give up! It isn’t something you are doing wrong; it’s a normal phase.

 

[Paris_Blues]

John Paul III:

Nicole,

All the statements above are protestant arguements that claim Catholics are not Christian and as a new convert I have a hard time believing that you feel like this, but if you do?

.

OH MY GOSH!!!

Does that mean I’m still Protestant than?!?!?!?

 

[Paris_Blues]

Libero:

No, sorry that was my bad phrasing.

Rather that Paris Blues may have worn themselves out with all of the religious activities, and that because they are so frequent, they no longer have that special appeal that they once had. Thus making the OP feel a little less spiritual. My advice would be to tone down the religious activities for a bit, and then see how you feel

Well, for example, I’ve really never prayed the Rosary every single day like most good Catholics do! I’ll pray it once in awhile then later wont feel like it then will have to tell our Lady sorry for being slothy and then will forget about it.

Maybe I should stop watching EWTN Daily Mass because what they say in the homily always “pinches” a sensitive spot so to speak. In other words, what they say gets me to think, "well, I should start doing that more, some Catholic I am…etc.

 

[jman507]

Paris

Perhaps this is a new challange. To stick with it even when you don’t feel anything. Maybe the Lord is saying, “You know I’ve given you much attention, many consolations, but will you turn the moment I stop doing so much?”

If you cannot keep up with the same scedual as you did, then thats fine. Though the more you do the more you will benefit usually. Perhaps you need a change of pace for what you do spiritually. But really remember if you just go on emotion, the devil can play you like a puppet. Go with what you believe, even when the sences seem to fail.

This reminds me of the year before when I reverted back to the Catholic faith. Christmas and Easter were the greatest, I was able to participate in all kinds of events and such, it was so powerful. This past year those holidays have been so hard for me to get in the rhythm. Like one night during Passion week they were doing an all night adoration. But I was so tired, I kept falling asleep. At first I was very disappointed. But then I looked back and remembered the apostles didn’t do to well either in the garden. Made me more humble.

 

[JaneFrances]

Have you heard of all the saints who have had what is called a “dark night of the soul”?

Our faith in the Lord, like all relationships, is not based on our emotions. Emotions are fleeting. Love is a choice we are able to make through grace. Faith is a choice we make with God’s gift of grace. If you are not experiencing the emotional highs that you once have or if you have lost your motivation in certain aspects of your faith journey, then you must realize that, as a Christian, God can make even this time of difficulty work for his Glory and your good. You must not depend your how you “feel,” but really turn to God and empty yourself that he would fill you with his grace.

Indeed, God may be emptying you in ways you never would choose on your own!

Also, I believe that if your discouragement becomes overwhelming for you, perhaps it isn’t so much a spiritual issue as it may be an emotional one. Good medical counsel can and should be sought as God may be leading you to find healing in other aspects of your life, too.

And one good reason not to leave the Church: Truth.

 

[decn2b]

Paris,

I have read your posts and have mentioned in the past they made me feell “funny”. I am not quite sure what it is. I keep getting the feeling that somehow you are trying to set the readers on this board up. Are you really a New convert? or are you someone else that is trying to set us up for an argument?

 

[willy]

I have a story that my Priest once spoke about in Church , it may nto seem relevant at first but i will explain in the end. He was in Ukraine i believe it was when he was about 55 , and he was watching this show/opera/play and all of a sudden everything started to go quieter and quieter and he couldn’d help but think these Russians they can put a man on the moon but cant install a decent sound system. Seconds later his side became numb and fell to the ground , he realized he was having a stroke, and at that moment anger and frustration rushed over him. He was thinking to himself that these people are using unorthodox ways of helping him ( the paramedics) and asking why God would do this , but than he realized that this anger and frustration was not goin to help him in any way so he decided to open himself up to God , he allowed himself not to be angry not to make or think anything that might be rash and unreasonable. That moment he decided to let go of his anger and frustration he felt calmness and a sense of security, the Holy Spirit comforted him , it was not as if It was never there , it was becasue he didnt allow himself to realize it was there, he didnt allow the Holy Spirit and God to help him. I think you should let go of your anger , assess yourself and let yourself be calmed by the Grace of the Trinity, and allow yourself to realize that He is helping you and that he has never left yourside. I only ask of you this, when you needed Christ the most , was he not there??? Will you turn your back on Him and His Church now that the road becomes a little bumpier again. Do not make an sudden and rash decisions, allow yourself to feel the Grace and Power of the Holy Spirit. People change, people change the way they talk, the way they act etc. why would it be any different about the way you worship , everyone has their way of showing their respects to Our Lord, it doesnt neccesarily mean it is wrong. Obey His will and the teaching of His Church and whatever error you believe you are making he will forgive, but the worst thing you could do right now in your times of trouble is turn your back on the one thing that will ALWAYS offer you Spirtual guidance and security.

God Bless

 

[Paris_Blues]

decn2b:

Paris,

I have read your posts and have mentioned in the past they made me feell “funny”. I am not quite sure what it is. I keep getting the feeling that somehow you are trying to set the readers on this board up. Are you really a New convert? or are you someone else that is trying to set us up for an argument?

Now THAT just gave me a funny feeling.

I’m NOT trying to start an argument, I’m not trying to start a fight or anything! Yes, I’m really a new convert. What are you? Someone to judge so quickly?

Everytime I read YOUR posts about how they make you feel funny, that makes me feel “funny” even the more!

But seriously, maybe you’re being tempted to ask these questions, eh?

 

[jman507]

Paris

Say you are a mother to a small child. And that child is just learning to walk. She was made her first steps and made them quite well. But now, after a getting cold and not feeling well. Fell a few times and her legs hurt. She is getting very frustrating and losing intrestest in walking. How as a mother would you feel? Would you want her to quit trying, cause it seems difficult for her? Would you still continue to hope that she keeps trying?

 

[Paris_Blues]

jman507:

Paris

Say you are a mother to a small child. And that child is just learning to walk. She was made her first steps and made them quite well. But now, after a getting cold and not feeling well. Fell a few times and her legs hurt. She is getting very frustrating and losing intrestest in walking. How as a mother would you feel? Would you want her to quit trying, cause it seems difficult for her? Would you still continue to hope that she keeps trying?

Oh, I kinda see. But if that child cries out, what if I ignore? That’s what it sure feels like!

 

[Superstar905]

Paris Blues:

I don’t know…I think it’s because I’m not very spiritual anymore…I don’t pray the Rosary like I should, don’t read Scripture like I used to, can’t get to Daily Mass, keep going to Confession every single dang week, can’t give true reverance to our Lord in the Adoration (just going through the motions), taking the Mass for granted, can’t get involved in the Church, try to pray but it’s not authentic, etc. etc.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO!!!
Maybe you guys could give me so helpful tips because I sure ain’t help!

OK, this will be my only post on this thread. Paris, you don’t need to pray the Rosary often (although for some it’s a great and pious devotion, fo you, pray it when you feel like it), but you definitely should have prayer in your life everyday, whether you are Catholic or not.

Reading scriptures consistantly, is YOUR responsibility as a Christian, but the amount that you read has nothing to do with you being Catholic or not.

You only MUST go to confession ONLY if you have committed mortal sin, and quite frankly, if you are committing mortal sin, then what you have to question is the strength of your personal relationship with God. You know what a Mortal sin is after 1200+ posts, and you know that when you commit it, you deliberately are severing your relationship with God, and this has nothing to do with being Catholic or not, it has to do with you. If you are not committing Mortal Sins, then you are forgiven for you Venial Sins through the Eucharist

Giving the Lord reverence in the Eucharistic adoration, is mentally connecting with Jesus, because you cannot see his face, legs, arms, etc, in the Eucharist, but you know it’s him, because he said so. So, again this problem, is you, and you need to reconnect privately with Jesus to be able to properly adore him when, and not only when the Eucharist is in front of you, but in all aspects of your life.

Why can’t you get involved in the Church? Have you joined the youth group, or young adults group in your parish?

Why is your prayer not authentic? Do you not mean what you say?

The problem Paris, as I have shown you, is not the Catholic faith, but its with you, and you honestly need to deal with this. You have duties as a Christian, to live your life for Christ, and if you do so, standing up to all of the temptations in society, then the rest will come easy. Sin feeds off Sin, and the Devil preys on those more devoted than ever to Christ. Those are the ones he fears, not the non-believer, because he is already winning that battle. Its the true warrior for Christ that the Devil targets.

I hope this helped. If I could say one more thing to you, please, don’t be so irrational with all your decisions. You are either too high, or too low, and you need to find balance. That is not just spiritual advice, but advice you should take for your everyday life.

God Bless you.

 

[jman507]

Paris Blues:

Oh, I kinda see. But if that child cries out, what if I ignore? That’s what it sure feels like!

Your mother is always there, but if you really want to grow and see all the new sites and make all the new discoveries, she is going to have to let you learn how to walk on your own. If she picks you up and gives you a hug and comfort what will that gain you but for that moment.

 

[Tonks40]

Paris -

I’m glad you’re on this board. The enthusiasm you show for your faith is definately something that I haven’t seen before, but it reaffirms to me that many of us should have similiar types of enthusiasm in following the Lord.

I want to give you an example that I experienced this morning. At my parish, the Filipino community is conducting a nine-day celebration/novena of Masses called Simbang Gabi. When this was announced, I thought, “Hey! I can go to these! I can at least attend daily Mass for the next 9 days, I can fellowship with fellow Filipino-Americans, and this will be a great way for me to prepare more deeply for the coming of our Lord during Advent.” I thought, I could be more reverent, more attentive, this will help foster my prayer life, etc. What happens this morning during Mass? I brought my kids, was struggling to keep my poor little bored 5-year-old from slipping and sliding around in the pew and my mind was filled with what to do about shopping for Christmas presents in the next couple of days. I made a deal half-way through Mass to take my little one shopping for Christmas presents, and by the end of Mass, I didn’t get the same kind of feelings I usually do when I attend daily Mass.

But you know what? That’s ok! I know that God understands my situation, and I know that he was pleased that I was at Mass. I can’t say that for the rest of the school year I’ll be able to get back to attending daily Mass, but I know that when things settle down again, I’ll be there.

That’s how you should think of it. If your mind is on Christ, and you think about his goodness daily, he can be nothing but pleased. Do what you can. Don’t beat yourself up when you can’t do it. This is just the beginning of a life in faith in the Catholic Church for you, and understand that it’s a life-long journey of ups and downs. But as long as you work on it daily, to the best of your ability, you’ll be fine.

God Bless you, Paris!

 

[Malachi4U]

When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane He forced himself to pray so hard He bled

When the apostles fell asleep He encouraged them on

When He was tried and I judged Him to death He accepted the verdict

When I scourged Him to within a few lashes of His life the pain was overbearing but He accepted His path and never said stop

When I forced a crown of thorns down upon His head He accepted His pain

He carried His cross

When I nailed Him to the cross and mocked Him He looked at me with love

After I caused Him unbearable pain He forgave me

At the end he prayed to His Father for me

He never left His cross when His pain was great, His love was greater. He bore His cross and suffered His pain for you and for me. He could have said “No” but He stayed and endured His passion for you and I. He carried His cross. Pope John Paul II carried his cross. I carry my cross. You must carry your cross too

The Christ never promised us a rose garden during our life. In fact He promised us a great deal of suffering if we followed Him. Jesus did promise us a great reward if we endure to the end. We have ‘HOPE’ for salvation because He endured His passion and carried His cross for us. Now it is time for you to carry yours for Him

Go to mass on Sundays and Holy Days

Do everything you do with love

Keep your Faith in Him and in the Church He founded for you

Partake in His Sacraments

There is no rule on prayer but if you pray daily and reflect on your Faith it will help you trough hard times. I suggest the rosary but if you can not say it properly with clear meditation, then just pray to Him and reflect on what He did for you, and what you will do for Him

Every time I suffered hardship and tragedy in my life I thought there would be no tomorrow – but there was. Every time I thought life would never get better – it did. When I was Protestant I thought nobody could be closer to Jesus – till I was Catholic and closer then I could have ever imagined as a Protestant. No matter how dark the night gets, no matter how bad the storm rages – the sun will always eventually comes up and shine brightly to lead our way. Sometime we just have to endure the darkness to witness the glory of the light. If you never experienced darkness, would realize the glory of the light? If you never suffered would you truly realize the glory of joy?

There was a soldier in Vietnam who was wounded and dieing. He was in great pain, bloody and disfigured. The medic went to give him some morphine so the pain would go away and let the soldier die in peace. As the medic was preparing to inject the painkilling drug the soldier said, “NO, I want to feel the pain. As long as I can feel it, I know I’m alive. Shortly, I’ll never feel it again. I want to enjoy every moment I have left.” Soon after the soldier died – but he died full of the life God gave him. Full of his pain and loving every moment of it for he knew soon he would feel it no more and be with God.

When you get down on life look at the Saints and the stories they pass down to us. Fortunately you are Catholic and the Church has preserved the Faith of the Saints to help guide us. Go to a Pre-Vatican II Catholic Church with statues and paintings in it. When you see a Saint remembered in a statue or a painting, think of the suffering they went through. Think of St. Mary and her bewilderment when she said the one word that changed the entire world forever – “YES”. Think of St. Kolbe when he said, “take me instead.” Think of St. Peter when He said “Upside down.” Think of St. Paul as he laid his head upon a block of wood. Think of Mother Teresa when she helped the poor. Think of St. Stephen when the first stone hit him. Life was rough for them, but where would we be today without them? They made us stronger and continue to bring us closer to our Christ

Your not having a bad life, your just having life. Your not lacking Faith, your living it. You’re not bored with the Church, you are a member of the Church

The sun will come up tomorrow, just pray to Jesus till then. If you don’t mind, I’ll pray with you and for you and ask a few of my good friends I mentioned above to join us?

 

[Paris_Blues]

Superstar905:

OK, this will be my only post on this thread. Paris, you don’t need to pray the Rosary often (although for some it’s a great and pious devotion, fo you, pray it when you feel like it), but you definitely should have prayer in your life everyday, whether you are Catholic or not.

No, I thought our Lady told us to pray it everyday! Everytime I pray, it feels like I’m just using mere words in my head.

Reading scriptures consistantly, is YOUR responsibility as a Christian, but the amount that you read has nothing to do with you being Catholic or not.

I’ve read the NT three times now and I’ve stopped reading it 'cause I really don’t understand it. I can’t interpret what it says, otherwise I’d be accuse of being a Protestant! Besides, everytime I try to read it, I can’t find it spiritually helpful, unless I have the wrong attitutude which I do.

You only MUST go to confession ONLY if you have committed mortal sin, and quite frankly, if you are committing mortal sin, then what you have to question is the strength of your personal relationship with God. You know what a Mortal sin is after 1200+ posts, and you know that when you commit it, you deliberately are severing your relationship with God, and this has nothing to do with being Catholic or not, it has to do with you. If you are not committing Mortal Sins, then you are forgiven for you Venial Sins through the Eucharist

Look, I go to Confession whether they are venial sins or not! Am I overdoing? Of course I know what a mortal sin is after 1200 + posts, you don’t think I’m THAT dumb, do ya? Plus, going to Confession is a great way to go to Adoration after (that is, if I know what the heck I’m doing)

Giving the Lord reverence in the Eucharistic adoration, is mentally connecting with Jesus, because you cannot see his face, legs, arms, etc, in the Eucharist, but you know it’s him, because he said so. So, again this problem, is you, and you need to reconnect privately with Jesus to be able to properly adore him when, and not only when the Eucharist is in front of you, but in all aspects of your life.

You’re right, it is me. I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong with me that’s making me act and think like I do. I don’t want to or anything but since I’m weak, I “fail”. HOW do I adore Him is what I’m having trouble with. Since I was NOT brought up Catholic obviously, I don’t got a clue really. Maybe I should ask Father that too.

Why can’t you get involved in the Church? Have you joined the youth group, or young adults group in your parish?

They dont’ have a young adult group and if they did, it’s only high school and middle school. NO college. Only K-12 and middle and high.

Why is your prayer not authentic? Do you not mean what you say?

Because it’s just not. I’m reading a basic How to Pray Catholic Prayer book. I wish I did mean what I say. I guess I don’t but would like to.

The problem Paris, as I have shown you, is not the Catholic faith, but its with you, and you honestly need to deal with this. You have duties as a Christian, to live your life for Christ, and if you do so, standing up to all of the temptations in society, then the rest will come easy. Sin feeds off Sin, and the Devil preys on those more devoted than ever to Christ. Those are the ones he fears, not the non-believer, because he is already winning that battle. Its the true warrior for Christ that the Devil targets.

Yeah, I think you told me that more than once that it’s me and I’m now more aware of it. I think the problem was I THOUGHT the Church requires us to do what I’m having trouble with and that’s why I thought I was spiritual ill 'cause I was failing to do with what the CC requires, but then again, who knows if THAT’S true or not.

I hope this helped. If I could say one more thing to you, please, don’t be so irrational with all your decisions. You are either too high, or too low, and you need to find balance. That is not just spiritual advice, but advice you should take for your everyday life.

God Bless you.

Yeah, it did a little. What am I suppose to do, just wait and pray and keep trying no matter what? I should go to the Adoration again, eh?

 

[Paris_Blues]

Flopfoot:

Get a hold of yourself. Don’t let the devil win. Don’t give up.

I remember Fr. Corapi saying something like “…don’t you dare lay down the fight…you hang in there!” something like that.

I MUST DO THAT!

 

[Andrew_11]

Paris,

Many of the great saints have gone through periods of extreme doubt and challenges to their faith. St. Faustina would go through periods of spiritual dryness where she felt completely hopless, as though her prayers were completely empty. But she kept praying, and God eventually picked her up again, and once more she was completely spiritually satisfied.

Everyone goes through periods of spiritual highs and lows. When we pray the rosary everyday and do a bunch of devotions when we are on these highs, it really isnt anything special, because we feel so satisfied. Why would God reward us for doing somthing so easy? It is when we are on those lows, and we keep praying, and trying to do what is right, and trying to have faith, that we are rewarded for.

You seem to believe that because you are not on a spiritual high you no longer have faith and aren’t Catholic. This is a dangerous misconception. Just view this stage as a trial. Who knows how long it could last. It could be over in a week, or, like in the cases of many great saints, it could last for years. But if you stick with prayer, God will reward you.

 

[Malachi4U]

Paris I nearly forgot,

I am a Prodigal Son. I left His visible body on earth, His Catholic Church back in the 1979. I went Protestant and even worse. As I look back, my behavior was lower then whale pooh on the bottom of the lowest ocean floor. I have Hope for salvation but that is all I have. But that’s enough and that’s all He promised me so I will never turn my back on Him or His body again - ever.

I read the NT cover to cover several times now. There is one verse I remeber above all others:

Heb 6:4-6 “For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the holy Spirit 5 and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding him up to contempt.”

You see, I was Catholic prior to 1979, I was enlightened, I tasted the gift, I shared in the Holy Spirit (He never left me though), I shared Gods Word. I fell away. Perhaps I was worse then Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Joseph Smith, White, Baker, King James, and all the other infamous heretics that try to destroy Jesus and His Church. I rest my soul on the love and mercy of God. I have Hope. Don’t give up your Hope as I once did.

Remeber this verse the next time you think of drifting into the mayhem. I learned it late, I Hope not too late?

 

[Paris_Blues]

MGEISING:

THE EUCHARIST

Yeah, this would help. I would like to go to Daily Mass now that I’m out of college. But I need to sleep in. Now what?

 

[EPP1105]

I left the Catholic Church for 15 years for “Born Again, Evangelical” Christianity. I returned 3 years ago and my relationship with the Lord has never been stronger. One reason is because of the sacraments. I don’t know how frequently you receive Holy Eucharist or Penance, but these two sacraments have held me up, spiritually and emotionally, when I especially needed it. I will pray for you.