How can I help a person have faith?

[Aoife]

I’m from a good Irish Catholic family and have always believed strongly in God, and loved religion, prayer and Mass. That’s why it hurt me so much when my 12 year old brother, Pádraig, told me he did not believe in God and made fun of the whole idea of God. I can’t stand the idea of him not including religion as a part of his life, because it’s such an important part of mine. I know it’s not my job or my right to force my views on him, but how can I just encourage him to believe in God? I don’t need him to become a devout Catholic overnight with belief in the sacraments etc., I just want him to know that there is someone in Heaven who is watching over him, and will help him whenever he needs it. Please give me some advice.

 

[DJgang]

He is your brother and you very much should be concerned.

I think it’s rebellion, don’t you think?

How much time do you spend with him? Maybe he’s saying this to you to get your attention.

 

[kage_ar]

Faith is a gift.

Remember, Christ told us that we were to let our light so shine before men that they will see our good works and glorify God who is in Heaven.

Let your brother see the joy and love you have. We should be walking talking billboards for Christ -

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Pray for him often. Pray to his guardian angel. When you go to Mass and receive Communion, offer it for him. (Occasionally, for example when he is having a difficult time with something, let him know you are praying for him.)

Let him know in a quiet, not-in-your-face way that your faith is good for you: by your kindness, gentleness, generosity, patience.

Choose carefully the times when you actually speak about matters of faith with him. If we are too pushy, sometimes it pushes people further away.

Try to figure out WHY he is rejecting God (you may have to do this more by listening and paying attention to subtle signals, rather than asking him directly). Then you might have a better idea how to approach it.

Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance for yourself, so you will act and speak in response to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, and so you will know to remain silent when speaking would do more harm than good.

 

[DeeDeeLira]

People find God in different circumstances. My husband was much like your brother. He tried to keep me from going to Mass, I expressed to him God is where I find my strength. I kept my faith and I prayed for him so that God would touch him in some way. I also asked St. Monica to help me. I went to the Monastery of the Angels and asked for them to pray for him. I began a journey to learn and understand more for both of us. I began to read books on the saints and other religious books. I try to pray a rosary everyday and have been doing so over a year. I love to watch biographies, which includes the life of Jesus and different Saints. My husband now attends mass a couple of times a month, loves to watch religious movies with me and even invited me to Midnight Mass. The Power of Prayer and Faith in God always wins. We must lead by example. I have been also working on my sister, but some prayers take a little longer to answer.
Good Luck with your brother and just keep praying.

A sister in Christ…
DeeDee

 

[MarieVeronica]

Dear Aoife. I feel for you. I posted just a few days ago… about my own 2 sisters, who have been fallen away. One of them… for over 30 years. I myself, was fallen away… for 10 years. Through the counsel of this good forum… I was able to recall God’s mercy in my own situation; And this has given me strength, to begin praying for my sisters again.

The advice to pray for your brother is the best advice. I too, was reminded about St. Monica… and how she prayed for her son… St. Augustine for years. And what happened? He became one of the greatest saints of the Church.

I would recommend both the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy… when praying for your brother. I will pray for him too. And would appreciate your prayers, for my sisters. God bless you and a Merry Christmas.:harp: