Have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing?

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At any point during your spiritual life, have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing? Just dropping it completely?
 
Supposedly we are on different levels in our Faith life … but, some times people who have gripes about one thing, join together, and then they seem to enjoy having this commonality of complaint. It makes one want to give up and join them too, in sympathy … because obviously we are not feeling their pain enough! These people don’t even have the Gospel in their heart, but, are focusing on the rules and their personal lives, ungrateful for what God has done for them in their lives when they loved and obeyed Him at one time. “You don’t have to do that anymore (Friday,) what’s the use of this (confession,) I don’t like him (the Pastor,) all they want is that ($),” or even a personal attack on one’s piety with ridicule and cries of hypocrisy. These kind of words are lousy to hear from close family and friends. I am reading about Kennedy and, you know, people who are hiding the truth as he did to get ahead. Calling themselves Catholic, when they do not live it. One sign is foul language, that really makes one realize that even the Word is being abused … but, they may be desiring mercy, they should make an effort to please God.
 
suupah said:
At any point during your spiritual life, have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing? Just dropping it completely?
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I sometimes feel that I am not benefiting from being a practicing Catholic, but I would never walk away. I wouldn’t dare. Who would risk going to hell? That is the good thing about preaching on hell and I believe many have left who would otherwise have stayed had hell been a part of their faith-view.

Having said that, my fear of hell is not my main reason for persevering. I love God and want to do His will more than I fear hell, it is just that fear of hell is a safety net at times. I could rephrase that as fear of God rather than hell as it is God who destroys both body and soul there.
 
You can’t walk away from God but you can ignore Him. He is always present with you. He knows your every thought and every action. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful to us.
 
suupah said:
At any point during your spiritual life, have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing? Just dropping it completely?
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Yes, it’s called temptation. As any temptation, it comes from the devil, but it’s God Who allows it to tempt us, ultimately to strengthen your faith in Him, for His greater glory.

:blessyou:
 
Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:67-69)
 
Yes, it’s called temptation. As any temptation, it comes from the devil, but it’s God Who allows it to tempt us, ultimately to strengthen your faith in Him, for His greater glory.
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Exactly 👍

When I have these thoughts, I immediately recognize them for what they are: temptations from the enemy. I fight these like I fight every temptation - with prayer and FAITH.
 
iaskquestions said:
Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:67-69)
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Totally agree!!!
 
I have dropped the whole thing and I came crawling back asking forgiveness - it didn’t take long for me to realize I can’t live without Him. God loves us and is always there for us even when we don’t listen to Him. I thank Him for his mercy, for I surely don’t deserve it! When I look back on the terrible things I have done in my life, I am thankful my God is a loving and forgiving God! His mercy has no end!

Thank you, Jesus!
 
Yes, just last week.

This is where consistent prayer, especially when it feels dry, comes in.
 
suupah said:
At any point during your spiritual life, have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing? Just dropping it completely?
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Several times a day actually. But I did walk away, slowly but surely, many years ago. I ended up being away from the Church for a solid 14 years. My life is extraordinary now that I have returned, by God’s grace, to being a practicing Catholic.

Still, some moments it’s just hard to focus. Other moments, I just want to do things my way. Much of the time I just don’t feel a thing, and I wonder why I bother.

The key is perseverence. Like Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” When my emotions and senses fail my experience of God (which is most of the time), I rely on my intellect to remind me of the reasons for my faith. That’s why we’re called “practicing” Catholics – we just keep getting to practice aspects of our faith (like praying, like putting God’s love into action) even when we just feel like walking away from the whole thing.

If this is how you are feeling, don’t worry, and don’t walk away. Consider reading about one of the saints. Personally, I gained tremendous insights from reading about St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila, and Blessed Mother Teresa (can you guess my “real” name?).

Many, many blessings to you, and to all who visit this thread.

Gertie
 
I feel this way sometimes to. The spiritual life can be so hard sometimes. You have to give up so much. You gain much to. but sometimes you just want to let go and be free of restraint! The caveat is that to be without restraint is detrimental to your life here on earth just as much as your eternal salvation.

One struggle I personally have right now is not trusting priests and bishops. I don’t believe them and I don’t look up to them. I know this is bad but I can’t help it. when I see the way they manage the parishes I don’t see Godliness but EGO.
 
suupah said:
I feel this way sometimes to. The spiritual life can be so hard sometimes. You have to give up so much. You gain much to. but sometimes you just want to let go and be free of restraint! The caveat is that to be without restraint is detrimental to your life here on earth just as much as your eternal salvation.

One struggle I personally have right now is not trusting priests and bishops. I don’t believe them and I don’t look up to them. I know this is bad but I can’t help it. when I see the way they manage the parishes I don’t see Godliness but EGO.
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We are all sinners. Church is made of sinners. Don’t let others’ shortcomings or faults become your struggles. Plus, we can never judge others’ hearts. You may not approve how your priests and bishops manage parishes, yet you don’t really have the whole picture.

One has to reflect if his or her faith is built on a living relationship with God.
If two lovers are genuinely in love with each other, it will be very hard for them to break up.
 
suupah said:
At any point during your spiritual life, have you ever felt like walking away from the whole thing? Just dropping it completely?
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I have to admit that the thought has occasionally crossed my mind, but they’re dashed out of my mind as soon as they enter it. It’s not that I don’t sometimes have doubts, but even if/when I do, I force myself to cast them away, because I know what the Truth is, and I choose to stay true to it.

Personally, I find that in those moments of doubt, spending time in a Catholic community really helps, such as going to Mass or spending time with a church group. It certainly deepens my own faith by spending time with like-minded people, and their piety gives me strength.

Lastly, I try to remind myself that Christ never meant it to be easy, and yes, sometimes it’s very hard, but the reward is also great. I place my complete trust in Him.

I hope this helps.
 
suupah said:
One struggle I personally have right now is not trusting priests and bishops. I don’t believe them and I don’t look up to them. I know this is bad but I can’t help it. when I see the way they manage the parishes I don’t see Godliness but EGO.
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I know what you mean. There are some priests I respect because they definitely earn their office, but I try to stay away from any kind of guru-ism as much as possible.

It was really hard for me to not let church politics leave me jaded and bitter.
 
[OTE=suupah;4069430]
One struggle I personally have right now is not trusting priests and bishops. I don’t believe them and I don’t look up to them. I know this is bad but I can’t help it. when I see the way they manage the parishes I don’t see Godliness but EGO.

They were called to be Priests not administrators, or the best speakers or even the best teachers. Being a Priest or Bishop doesn’t automatically make then saints. We have to remember that they are human with human faults just like us. They face temptations just like us.

The wife of a Protestant Minister once told me that she thought that the devil tempted the Ministers and
holier people more because they are a bigger catchs for him. I think that she may have been right.

I think God lets us be tempted as a test for us and so that we can grow in our Faith and also so we will ask for His help and be dependent on Him. God will not let us be tempted more than we can handle.
 
Maybe if the priests job was more performance based it would be better. I have seen some priests that just drive people away from God and his church and I don’t understand 1. why they want to be priests and 2. How they are allowed to remain in a role that is SO vital to the future of the church.

My real grievance is the way they spend money. Not so much their homilies and personalities or conduct. EVERY parish (i move a lot so there have been many) i have been involved in spends their money on all the wrong things. Very little is spent on Catechesis and liturgy. Those are the foundations or pillars of the future.
 
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