I have no relgion left

[IrishJoe]

I was ‘made’ to go to ‘midnight mass’ (actually a vigil mass at 8pm but its irrelavant!) and I kinda got ticked off. Maybe it was just the mostly terrible singing I dont know but it got me thinking.

6 & 1/2 months ago I was diagnosed with a serious long term illness and now I get physically stressed while at mass. I initally after coming out from hadn’t the energy to go - walking there stand up sit down kneeling and so forth. However I have only been to mass about 3 times and at my GF (Anglican) church about 3 times when I was visiting for a weekend.
I dont have the interest to go. When I’m there I get annoyed at stupid things like communion in the hand, women with no headcoverings (rule is still in effect), the hypocracy of people who only go to mass following the ‘Number of masses in a given year = 2 + F + B + M’ formula of Catholicsm. The sort of wishy washyness that priests are forced to conted with. I get annoyed at the idea that there are people who take communion and dont realise what it/is supposed to mean(s). I think I may be envious of thier ignorance. But this problem and my crumbling religon has began when I went to uni. and due to increased contct with protestants - usually of the CU/Evangelical type and never having realsied the different branches of Chrsitianity I had to educate myself so I decided to learn more about the faith in terms of apologetics.
I went to a couple of Latin masses and stuff too (I’d gone to a couple when I was younger before aswell). Yet I disagree with the extreme ‘be afraid of the priest’, old style, ‘uber traditional’ Catholicism as well as the neo-evangelical shenanigans of Y2K type ‘we’re so happy all the time’ rubbish.

I now know more of the church teachings than your average Irish Catholic and I find I disagree with some of them [initally purgatory, then original sin, then immaculate conception, then assumption, then transubstantiaton.] so find it pointless to go to mass as mentioned. However I have a slight worry about easter as then it is crunch time when I am supposed to get communion (minimum once per year near easter) but I cannot as its sacreligious to get it if in mortal sin (most probably due to not going to mass) or if I dont belive in transubstantiaon (which I dont).
There have been times (before I got ill) when I have lost sleep worrying about these things and my religon as it was that important to me but I dont anymore. I have never seemed to get sastifactorty answers regardless of what priests I have asked.

My next concern is that my girlfriend, who is wonderful and who I want to marry - we’ve talked about it lots, is an Anglican though her church is quite ‘low’ high anglican is more akin to tradtiional catholicm] so are more relaxed and non-judgemental yet a bit ‘evangelicaly’ with a lot of singing and cell groups and so forth. She is quite religous and if we got married (very real possibility) I worry about the religious differnces being problematic. However at the moment I dont agree with protestantism as to me to accept the bible means that one would have to accept the RC councils that state its infallible/the books are correct. Yet as far as I can fathom the only reason to belive the RCC is right is because of the bible says that Jesus founded it so it gets circular but either way seems to preculde protestantism which is based on a book that has no backup as to where it came from [not dissing protestanism just saying it like how it seems to me and where my confusion lies.]

Also the whole premise of god killing his son to save us from his wrath which he damned us to because some guy ate an apple/pomegranite 6000 years ago seems a bit thin at the moment. [comes back to original sin and my difficulty in the RC teaching of it] I have little faith in God but none in the concept of his son anymore. My GF thinks that maybe I was caught up in the rules and didnt have a relationship wiht god. I had a relationship wiht god, just probably not his son even though he’s all the one which probably means that I am confused about the trinity too.

I am also still angry at God for me being ill though that now seems a little irrational as its probably all the dioxins in the air from the disasterously managed dump about 5 miles from where I live. I’ve kind of adjusted to having to take multiple daily injections and worrying about going blind in the future.

My faith was important to me… I used to read at Mass, and say the rosary at funerals and do all the little ‘extras’ in catholicsim. Now its all dead to me. I have no real regard for the church but I respect it as having done some good in the world. Yet I have many criticisms of it too such as the lack of a christian community attatched to catholcsm when compared to protestant churches.

As for alternatives I find islam and judaism based on books which to me means I could base a religion on lord of the rings or dune and it would be equally as valid. All sorts of Paganism sounds like someone with an over active imagination has read dungeons and dragons and mixes up fantasy and reality. Buddhism isn’t technically a religon as it has no deity. Most other religons then seem more cultural. Non-theistic satanism I disagree with in terms of logic and morals so that’s out.

I realise I am very confused and this mightn’t make much sense but has anyone else been here and if so would they have advice? I would appreciate if people didn’t say ‘just go to mass it will all come back’ as that is essentially saying ‘just accept it and dont worry about all these issues that are clearly important to you’ equally I have been attempting to pray a little but to no avail.

 

[Trishie]

I have to go soon to help my sister -in-law but seeing your post…I just wanted to hug you!

You sound very tired. All that complication, on top of your illness.

What I hope and pray for you is relationship with Jesus. I went through all the doubt and know how awful

Have to go will get back to you when I can

With love, Trishie

 

[IrishJoe]

Tired is one way of putting it. I am tired of going up and down in faith/relgion and I need stability. I am tired trying. I’ve tried to meet god 1/2 way but its not working. Weather its me getting stuck at 1/4 way or god not bothering I dont know. All I know is that I am very confused.

 

[Dorothy]

Tired is one way of putting it. I am tired of going up and down in faith/relgion and I need stability. I am tired trying. I’ve tried to meet god 1/2 way but its not working. Weather its me getting stuck at 1/4 way or god not bothering I dont know. All I know is that I am very confused.

Is there a priest you like that you can have a talk with?

You mentioned about the way others behave at Mass…that would detract from your own personal relationship with the Lord that you should be focusing on.

The Lord loves you…don’t give up. And pray the way you know how to…things can change.

 

[IrishJoe]

well i dont want to be there, so I expect that I am finding specific reasons to hate it even more.

 

[apromisemade]

Tired is one way of putting it. I am tired of going up and down in faith/relgion and I need stability. I am tired trying. I’ve tried to meet god 1/2 way but its not working. Weather its me getting stuck at 1/4 way or god not bothering I dont know. All I know is that I am very confused.

Not long ago, it could’ve been me writing this. The best advice I can give you is to maybe find different ways that bring you closer to God, not just what everyone tells you you ought to do.

 

[Rawb]

I know what you mean about getting fed up at Novus Ordo Masses, seeing things that are Liturgical abuses, lack of reverence, horrible music, it just feels like if we all really believe what we say we believe is happening we’d be acting much differently. We’d be giving our best. As it appears our best is very lacking, then the logical step is that we don’t believe, so then, what’s the point?

This, of course, is mainly a fault in myself, however, because I’m allowing my preconcieved notions about about what other’s best is to sway my judgement. As much as I might think they’re not truly believing, I cannot judge that, I can only worry about myself.

Nevertheless, seeing the lack of reverence influences my faith, makes me believe less. So I try to go to the most reverent Masses, Tridentine, if I can make it.

I don’t see the ‘fear the priest’ mentality that you see at the Tridentines, so my conundrum ends there. Yours, however, is just begining.

I’m assuming you do understand that the eating of the fruit was not just a simple snack, but representative of the disobedience to God, which is the root of all sin. I’m also assuming you understand the ‘perfect sacrifice’ of Our Lord on the Cross? You would have to be more specific about what beliefs you are having difficulty with for me to understand more, I think.

In the end, however, it’s hard. The Church teaches some fanastical things but, as you’re discovering, the only faith that makes complete sense is Catholicism or Atheism. It comes down to faith. If you have it, you go to Catholicism. If you don’t, you take Atheism.

It sounds like you want to believe, so I’d say your choice has been made already. Now you just have to figure out the rest. If it were only that easy. You say you want it simple. Sometimes, I’ve just had to relax into the teachings, and say that even if I don’t understand it all right now, I need a break from thinking all this through over and over again as I try to get to sleep, so I’ll just trust the church for now, pray still, and re-investigate later. Then follow through when you have a bit more time. I have yet to find anything illogical about Catholicism, and, like you, I’ve investigated pretty thouroughly. It helps if I’m looking into only one thing, and have a notebook that I can write things down in.

God Bless, and, of course, I’ll pray for you. It’s a challenge to be Catholic, but in the end, it’s definitally worth it.

 

[redhen]

The Church teaches some fanastical things but, as you’re discovering, the only faith that makes complete sense is Catholicism or Atheism. It comes down to faith. If you have it, you go to Catholicism. If you don’t, you take Atheism.

False dichotomy fallacy. There are plenty of other options, just ask the other 4 billion religious people on the planet who are not Catholics.

 

[apromisemade]

I know what you mean about getting fed up at Novus Ordo Masses, seeing things that are Liturgical abuses, lack of reverence, horrible music, it just feels like if we all really believe what we say we believe is happening we’d be acting much differently. We’d be giving our best. As it appears our best is very lacking, then the logical step is that we don’t believe, so then, what’s the point?

I second that. <_<

.

 

[IrishJoe]

I know what you mean about getting fed up at Novus Ordo Masses, seeing things that are Liturgical abuses, lack of reverence, horrible music, it just feels like if we all really believe what we say we believe is happening we’d be acting much differently. We’d be giving our best. As it appears our best is very lacking, then the logical step is that we don’t believe, so then, what’s the point?

Nevertheless, seeing the lack of reverence influences my faith, makes me believe less. So I try to go to the most reverent Masses, Tridentine, if I can make it.

I kinda guessed there’d be a reply like this… well there is no significant goup of TR supporters in my parish and therefore there will be no TR in my parish and even if there was while I’d like to go to support it I dont want to be a hypocrite by going to something i dont belive in.

I’m assuming you do understand that the eating of the fruit was not just a simple snack, but representative of the disobedience to God, which is the root of all sin.

I

You assume incorrectly as I do not agree (you may read understand in place of agree as I have found that many people think they are interchangable - they are not) with the concept of original sin.

'm also assuming you understand the ‘perfect sacrifice’ of Our Lord on the Cross?

I understand what its supposed to be but I dont belive it. Jesus dies to take gods vengance and save us from his wrath which his justice demands and so forth.

You would have to be more specific about what beliefs you are having difficulty with for me to understand more, I think.

I dont agree with original sin and hence the immaculate conception, I dont really understand the concept of jesus anymore as jesus isnt as interchangable with God as I thought. I guess in a way I must have been a catohlic jew lol. More god that jesus or the holy spirit I suppose.

In the end, however, it’s hard. The Church teaches some fanastical things but, as you’re discovering, the only faith that makes complete sense is Catholicism or Atheism.

well it doesnt make complete sense. If protestantism had the authority it would be comprehensable but I already have enough minor disagreements with protestantism [authority of the bible and proof thereof mainly] that its not a viable option. As I stated in my OP the others are elimiated as options. Aethiesm/agnosticm or catholicsm remain my only options I think. I could be wrong. I think protestantism could work if I could overcome the issues I have with it.

It comes down to faith. If you have it, you go to Catholicism. If you don’t, you take Atheism.

catholicsm requires obedience to the church and a willingness to belive in its infallible decrees which i cannot.

You say you want it simple.

I havent but one would expect the truth to be simple.

Sometimes, I’ve just had to relax into the teachings, and say that even if I don’t understand it all right now, I need a break from thinking all this through over and over again as I try to get to sleep, so I’ll just trust the church for now, pray still, and re-investigate later. Then follow through when you have a bit more time

. I’ve done that - including the notebook part ! But its been a bit of a downward spiral. The more I learn the less I like.

God Bless, and, of course, I’ll pray for you. It’s a challenge to be Catholic, but in the end, it’s definitally worth it.

thank you… there is a lot I like… the idea of praying to saints and such - that makes sense but they are not the core, important parts.

 

[narrowpath]

You said you are thinking about the core of the Church. The core isn’t a ‘something’. It’s someone.

You are in my prayers.

 

[IrishJoe]

the core beliefs I mean. As in trinity, salvation, sacraments and so forth.

 

[ohioszo]

Maybe you should, even at your youthful age, go back through your life by looking at the books that you read as a child and as a teen, at schoolwork, photos of family with specifically you included. Find out who you are, and you will find your soul.

I’m reading Umberto Eco’s book called “The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana,” fictional story of a man in his 60’s who has amnesia. He can remember everything but his what was personal for him … family, childhood, his emotional life. He went back to his childhood home and found these items that many of us also have, books, records, schoolwork, artwork, kept magazines, toys. I remember that I did as much when I was in my twenties, for, at the university we get away from our true selves and need to remember who we are, and how God “the mysterious flame,” the Holy Spirit is there to help us and guide us. We need to have this conversion back to our Faith, for one thing, sometimes our education in our Faith lags, during the years we are at the University. To become an adult Catholic, we need to continue to learn to serve also our personal family and our family in Christ. Reliving these memories will inspire gratitude, and, it may also bring to our minds our guilt if we have lost our Faith, lost our way in life. So, an examination of Conscience may also come as a gift that helps us return to the Faith.

I can tell you that miracles happen. My cousin was cured of Hodgkin’s Lymphona when he was in his twenties, with chemotherapy. Miracles happen without drugs as well. I surely hope that you follow your doctor’s recommendations, and please keep hoping that God will bring you back to your health. This is often why we fall ill, so that we know how much we need Him in our lives. We wonder what causes illnesses, and it may be that there is an epidemic of something due to environmental conditions. Ask your doctor. We are supposed to be good stewards of the earth. Even things that have been considered good, are not good … and, I think that farmers have found that to be true … without elaborating.

I truly hope that you will find God’s light and love in your life, by examining your life, and, find yourself too, as someone well loved by Him.

God bless you. I may agree with your GF about the emphasis on rules. I just go to Mass and praise God. Some people in our lives are inspirational, maybe someone serving the poor, or praying in your own Parish, or, maybe someone like the Pope or a Mother Theresa. Maybe your doctor, or your Father … look around for those who are Holy in the way they live.

 

[Galnextdoor]

When I’m there I get annoyed at stupid things like communion in the hand, women with no headcoverings (rule is still in effect), the hypocracy of people who only go to mass following the ‘Number of masses in a given year = 2 + F + B + M’ formula of Catholicsm. The sort of wishy washyness that priests are forced to conted with. I get annoyed at the idea that there are people who take communion and dont realise what it/is supposed to mean(s).
Since you have studied so much about the church, I think that you realize that the church is full of sinners. If only perfect people were allowed to attend, it would be empty. If the inadequacies of others annoy you, close your eyes and pray.
I disagree with some of themchurch teachings [initally purgatory, then original sin, then immaculate conception, then assumption, then transubstantiaton.] so find it pointless to go to mass as mentioned. However I have a slight worry about easter as then it is crunch time when I am supposed to get communion (minimum once per year near easter) but I cannot as its sacreligious to get it if in mortal sin (most probably due to not going to mass) or if I dont belive in transubstantiaon (which I dont).
I think you must have some belief or none of this would trouble you. I think that little nagging of your conscience is the Holy Spirit calling you back to God. Do you understand Einstein’s Law of Relativity or Quantum physics? If you do, that’s awesome, but if you don’t understand either, does that mean it isn’t true?

However at the moment I dont agree with protestantism as to me to accept the bible means that one would have to accept the RC councils that state its infallible/the books are correct. Yet as far as I can fathom the only reason to belive the RCC is right is because of the bible says that Jesus founded it so it gets circular but either way seems to preculde protestantism which is based on a book that has no backup as to where it came from [not dissing protestanism just saying it like how it seems to me and where my confusion lies.]
I am sure that you realize that many parts of the bible are not meant to be taken literally. There are literary forms used in the bible that are told as teaching stories. They are used frequently in the old Testament as a way to teach illiterate people about God. In the New Testament Jesus used parables and incidents from his times, because these were things to which the common man could relate.
Also the whole premise of god killing his son to save us from his wrath which he damned us to because some guy ate an apple/pomegranite 6000 years ago seems a bit thin at the moment. [comes back to original sin and my difficulty in the RC teaching of it] I have little faith in God but none in the concept of his son anymore. I had a relationship wiht god, just probably not his son even though he’s all the one which probably means that I am confused about the trinity too.
I think you need to read Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II. My simple mind had trouble understanding it, so I checked out a book that was a collection of the radio addresses about it. Christopher West has many good books, but he has one called “Created and Redeemed” that gives a synopsis of church teachings about Adam and Eve and original sin. Genesis is not meant to be taken literally. God created the world. We are created in his image. The desire for the fruit and the resulting corrupted desires are what original sin is about. It was the corrupted desires that made Adam and Eve put on the old fig leaves. The book above might also give you a new perspective on the Trinity, too.

I am also still angry at God for me being ill though that now seems a little irrational…
We all get a case of the “Why me’s” sometimes. What I always here back from God is “Why not you?” Everybody has sufferings to bear, why should I be treated differently?
My faith was important to me… I used to read at Mass, and say the rosary at funerals and do all the little ‘extras’ in catholicsim. Now its all dead to me. I have no real regard for the church but I respect it as having done some good in the world. Yet I have many criticisms of it too such as the lack of a christian community attatched to catholcsm when compared to protestant churches.
Even Mother Teresa had spiritual dryness where she couldn’t feel Jesus close to her. It’s sort of God’s way of testing your metal. You have lived off the faith of your family, you started to create your own individual faith through a search. Don’t give up the search for Truth. Your sincere search will lead you back to the Catholic Church. The bible is the skeleton of Catholicism, but the actual church practices and teachings are the flesh and blood. You need both to get to heaven.

I realise I am very confused and this mightn’t make much sense but has anyone else been here and if so would they have advice? I would appreciate if people didn’t say 'just go to mass…" I have been attempting to pray a little but to no avail.
Continue your quest for Truth. Don’t settle for this confusion. You don’t have to pray the rosary. Pray the Our Father with meaning. Read the psalms and let them be your prayer. Talk to Jesus like He is your earthly brother. Cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. Read Catholic books. Asks questions here. Ask others to pray for you. God will never give you more than you can handle, you just have to Trust Him. I’ll pray for you.

 

[IrishJoe]

Do you understand Einstein’s Law of Relativity or Quantum physics? If you do, that’s awesome, but if you don’t understand either, does that mean it isn’t true?

yes and yes having studied science all my life. I Its the only thing to have held my interest. I did physics leaving cert/A level I was at uni doing my BSc and got honours despite being hospitalised.

What I always here back from God is “Why not you?” Everybody has sufferings to bear, why should I be treated differently?

why suffer at all - god could prevent it, and jesus said that ‘of course I want to’ when the sick man said ‘if you want you can make me well again’. The argument always tends towards orginal sin - its not my fault I’m descended from adam!

Even Mother Teresa had spiritual dryness where she couldn’t feel Jesus close to her. It’s sort of God’s way of testing your metal.

why test ? we should not test those that we love. I dont test my girlfirend or my family by seting them challenges. Similarly when you melt metal [was doing it today to make some minature soldiers] some of the metal is consumed in each melting. Test metal enough and soon it will break or be reduced so much that it will be no good. And if you dont have lots of metal then there’s even less to be messing with.

Don’t give up the search for Truth. Your sincere search will lead you back to the Catholic Church.

thats tantamount to saying that if even after a sincere search that if i dont reach your conclusion (ie that cathololicsm is right) then my search was not sincere. Have all the other protestants in the world not searched sincerely? I dont think it will as I see certain beliefs as barriers. I know the church wont change these teachings and I know that I wont change my lack of acceptance of them. I am searching for truth, what I wonder is if there truth is that actually there is no God.
.

Talk to Jesus like He is your earthly brother. Cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding.

to do that would require aknowldeging them. Its like someone saying pray for faith, what is meant is ‘pray for an increase in faith’ I have no faith, so why would I pray for it ? It makes no sense. In addition I dont really ‘get’ the jesus thing. Relationship is non existant in that regards. I would sometimes look at a crucifix but i still regard it as god.

Read Catholic books.

I have read some, catholicsm for dummies is literally for dummies - its rubbish, the catechism isn’t exactly explanitory just a lot of statements. the secret of the rosary is interesting but I’m a bit opposed to mary at the moment. (though thats probably a relic from my childhood. When I was young I would stay with my aunty and some days we would walk into town and on the way tip into the church. It must have been in may or november but anyway I was lighting a candle at an altar to mary… then the next time i was in the church she was gone!. Hence an innate lack of trust for her i suppose) I have some other ones but it got to the point where I took all my religous things and put them in a box as I couldnt stand looking at them. It seemed hypocritical.

Asks questions here. Ask others to pray for you. God will never give you more than you can handle, you just have to Trust Him. I’ll pray for you.

thats what got me into this mess, I do, I dont, and thank you.

 

[IrishJoe]

Maybe you should, even at your youthful age, go back through your life by looking at the books that you read as a child and as a teen, at schoolwork, photos of family with specifically you included. Find out who you are, and you will find your soul.

I am not that person anymore. I felt the opposite at university. I had room to live my own life and things seemed to flourish. now that its over I feel restricted and constrained.

it may also bring to our minds our guilt if we have lost our Faith, lost our way in life.

I’ve had enough catholic guilt to last a lifetime. I dont want more.

I can tell you that miracles happen. My cousin was cured of Hodgkin’s Lymphona when he was in his twenties, with chemotherapy. Miracles happen without drugs as well. I surely hope that you follow your doctor’s recommendations, and please keep hoping that God will bring you back to your health.

I’m not denying that they dont, however if I dont take at least 4 injections perday I WILL die a slow and painful death before going into a coma and taking a heart attack. I was already nearly there once. So I’m not really that hopeful of a miracle cure. I am thankful due to the course of actions i took and meeting the protestant chaplain who randomly decided I looked ill and ook me to the hospital.

This is often why we fall ill, so that we know how much we need Him in our lives.

If that’s the case then God is indeed a manipulative sadist, so I hope its not true.

We wonder what causes illnesses, and it may be that there is an epidemic of something due to environmental conditions

. Its largely irrelavant, I have this now, I will have it forever unless a cure is developed. Until then my body will continue to chew on my islets and my pancreas will not work.

I may agree with your GF about the emphasis on rules. I just go to Mass and praise God.

Thats true but the rules are there and must be aknowleged and obeyed. This is something I take great issue with. As for religon I live in ireland currenlty, catholicsm is sort of the default only sans any sort of education in the faith

 

[IrishJoe]

I’d say what have we replaced faith with in Ireland, belief in the almighty power of moneny and goods. I have no wish to return to some imaginary pastoral setting that was never really there but modern Irish society has acquired a nasty face of greed and pure egoism which manifest itself at times.

its the political corruption that allows it which is what annoys me more. But you are right and not at all condescending. I do spend time thinking about it and yet it only makes me suffer more and I am basically thinking why not jack it in like the rest. So I ask for help

Maybe a priest would be the next move.

 

[Rawb]

Joe, you keep repeating that you do not believe, you do not accept, but you don’t say why. If you did, perhaps it would help us understand more. Why don’t you believe in Original Sin?

Your tone sounds as if you’ve given up, but you’re here asking for help.

 

[fhansen]

Original sin means that man mistrusted and even hated God without reason-that man, not God, is responsible for an enmity that exists between himself and God-an enmity that exists within us whether we recognize it as such or not. It’s not natural for man to be cut off from God-man was made to walk with Him but man effectively cut himself off by rejecting Him. To reject Gods authority by disobeying Him is to reject God as God and thus to no longer believe in Him. The purpose of this life is to prove to us our need for God- to prove that God exists and that man cannot live without Him. Whatever life we have here is temporary (filled with its pain, joy, suffering, death, love, beauty, good, evil) and is in His hands in any case, whether we like it or know it or not.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, human history was ripe for Him in part because the Jews had struggled hard and failed at trying to what mankind tries to do first-to “act” holy-a contradiction when you think of it- like “acting” spontaneous. When we’re ready, in our own histories, we can stop playing that game and recognize that holiness comes only from God Himself-that man must be in obedience to God and love Him and walk with Him for mans’ own good-for mans own happiness- for the universe to be in order. It’s not that we must do so in order to be good-or in order to be worthy-as if we’re just so terrible if we don’t. We must do so in order to live-man simply cannot be himself or be complete without God.

Jesus’ death was a laying down of His life for the ungodly. We are ungodly by virtue of the fact that we’re turned from God-the source of our godliness. This is an unrighteous way for man to be because it’s a breach in the order of things as explained above-man cannot be righteous and simultaneously not in right relation to God. Our unrighteousness is not that we’re bad-like we’re contaminated-it’s that we’re not* just* by virtue of the fact that we think we are just without God.

So, in and through Jesus, God lowers Himself to come down here and prove Himself ; demonstrating His power and love and then providing the ultimate demonstration of that love that has endured to this day for all the world to see and ponder- the righteous dying for the unrighteous to show just how much He loves the unrighteous and then raising Himself up again to prove eternal life to a world so lost and cut off from their creator that they had no clue regarding their destinies-let alone their origins- or their reason for being here in the meanwhile. All the rest is commentary. Like St Augustine said:
**“The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences.” **

We can easily get caught up in the “being Catholic”-the mechanics of the religion-and miss the goal of it. Gods’ purpose is to make us holy as he is holy-which ultimately means for us, with His molding and our cooperation, to be perfected in love.

Another St Augustine quote:
**Love, and do what you like.
**
Sorry for running on if this is nothing new to you.

 

[Irish_Becca]

Go to mass and just sit in the back with your eyes closed. I’m praying for you.