My brother,
I’m sure you are familiar with the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He was welcomed back with a feast. Remember also the parable of the woman who lost a coin and then found it. The Bible says, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10).
We are all children of God by faith in Jesus. (Galatian 3:26) God is our heavenly Father and loves us more than even our own fathers could possibly love us. We are called into the covenant family with Him. If you are a father, think of how much you love your child and how forgiving that love for your child is. Amplify that love by infinity and you will begin to grasp the love that God, our true Father, has for us. I would go to the ends of the earth for my son. I would happily give up my life for my son. As believers in Christ, we are truly part of God’s family. God’s love for us as our Father is much greater for us than we have the capacity to love our own earthly children.
Do you remember the story in the Gospel reading at Mass a couple of weeks ago? It was the story of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees and the scribes brought her to Jesus and asked Him what should be done about her. Jesus told them that the one among them who is without sin should be the one to cast the first stone. None of them could do it and, one by one, they left the room leaving Jesus alone with the woman. Jesus then said to her, “I do not condemn you, either Go From now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)
Of course you are forgiven. However, you must keep in mind Jeses’ admonition to the woman, “From now on sin no more”. That is very important. Does that mean you will never sin again? No. Paul struggled with sin and realizes that we all do. Read Romans 7:14-25. However, from now on, you and I and all of us, must go “all in”. You cannot continue to serve more than one master (Matthew 6:24). Galatians 5:14-17 says:
14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
We must submit ourselves to God’s will and that is not always easy. We must comply with the “foolishness” of God. (1 Corinthians 2:14) We cannot continue in the ways of our past. God’s call can be difficult. Paul compares it to an athlete competing for a prize. Sometimes I like to think of the spiritual struggle in those terms. It kind of fires me up.
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
On a final note, I’d like to caution you on your relationship with your girlfriend who is not Catholic. I say this from experience. I have been there. What seems very ecumenical at the time turns out to be an inroad for satan. You need to make clear to her that you believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church 100%. You gently need to let her know that you are not willing to compromise any of those beliefs for the sake of your relationship. If you are not willing to steadfastly hold to your Catholic beliefs; if you are willing to compromise on the truth of the Church, you may very well begin to find yourself insidiously slipping again into the traps and snares of the devil.
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
I will praying for you, my brother. It is important to me that you stay with God.
