I was really disappointed in my parish today

[FindTruth7]

You can also make a decision to like going to Mass.

It takes a certain amount of will-power to change your attitude, but it can be done.

The problem with the Pharisees was not that they were following the rules, but that they were making the rules burdensome by taking the attitude that following the rules is “difficult and boring” and, as a consequence, trying to do as least as possible.

Jesus never, ever said, “don’t bother with all those rules.”

No - what Jesus said was, exceed the minimum. If the minimum is 10%, give 20%. If they ask for your coat, give them both your coat and your shirt. If they ask you to walk one mile, go with them two miles. If the rule says you can either do this, or that, do both.

Jesus was never a minimalist or a scofflaw. Read the Sermon on the Mount, slowly and carefully. (Matthew chapters 5 to 7).

Jesus NEVER spoke about holy days of obligation. And the sermon on the mount is almost entirely practical, living your life without sin, not theological. Christians should more so concentrate on that, instead of killing one another over theological doctrines. That’s one of the reasons that has dimmed my faith.

 

[FindTruth7]

And the worst part of it all is, if one slides and misses a holy day of obligation, then suddenly dies, off to eternal hell, lonliness, suffering, torture, burning forever and ever and ever and ever without any end what so ever for not attending a day of obligation. I don’t know any God like that. If it’s true, then I want Him to bring me to my knees, cause I’d sure worship Him if he was Truth. But I don’t know that, and can’t grasp a God like that, regarding Hell and obligation.

 

[FindTruth7]

I need alot of help, I’m so alone and lonely inside, I miss God, the way I used to feel when i attended Mass. But talking to a priest or attending Church does nothing, absoluetly nothing. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, not anymore.

 

[jmcrae]

And the worst part of it all is, if one slides and misses a holy day of obligation, then suddenly dies, off to eternal hell, lonliness, suffering, torture, burning forever and ever and ever and ever without any end what so ever for not attending a day of obligation. I don’t know any God like that. If it’s true, then I want Him to bring me to my knees, cause I’d sure worship Him if he was Truth. But I don’t know that, and can’t grasp a God like that, regarding Hell and obligation.

The reason is that we need to love God more than we love sleeping in, going to the mall, shopping at the grocery store, playing golf, playing tennis, or the hundred other reasons people have for missing Mass on Sundays. We have one hour every Sunday morning to show God that we love Him more than anything else in the world, by going to Mass.

If we don’t go to Mass, we are in essence saying to God, “I love this (whatever it is) more than I love You.” And at the end of your life, God will say, “Fine, go and be with that for eternity, instead of with Me.”

Because if we can’t stand to be in God’s presence for one hour every Sunday morning, then how will we stand it for all of eternity? So God, in His kindness, makes us go and be with what we love instead of Him.

 

[jmcrae]

I need alot of help, I’m so alone and lonely inside, I miss God, the way I used to feel when i attended Mass. But talking to a priest or attending Church does nothing, absoluetly nothing. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, not anymore.

This is normal; it happens to a lot of people. Mother Teresa felt like this for 40 years, but she did not let it take away her faith.

This graffitti was found in a basement at the end of WWII - it said, “I believe in the sun even when it is dark. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is not speaking to me.”

 

[FindTruth7]

The reason is that we need to love God more than we love sleeping in, going to the mall, shopping at the grocery store, playing golf, playing tennis, or the hundred other reasons people have for missing Mass on Sundays. We have one hour every Sunday morning to show God that we love Him more than anything else in the world, by going to Mass.

If we don’t go to Mass, we are in essence saying to God, “I love this (whatever it is) more than I love You.” And at the end of your life, God will say, “Fine, go and be with that for eternity, instead of with Me.”

Because if we can’t stand to be in God’s presence for one hour every Sunday morning, then how will we stand it for all of eternity? So God, in His kindness, makes us go and be with what we love instead of Him.

If we can’t stand being in His Presence for an hour, if we TRULY know it’s His Presence, then we do not desire the Truth. If one chooses golf over Mass, they don’t have enthsium for the Lord anyhow. But there are many reasons for people missing mass other than laziness, some include depression or lack of faith and confusion. And besides, I wasn’t talking about Sunday Mass, I was talking about Obligational day, holy days.

And over all, I still don’t agree with the eternal torment hell and suffering because of missing Mass. I hope Hell is not real. How horrible of me to say that huh? What a mean hearted person i am to not wish people to suffer forever. Many “Christians” like to say that. But yes, I hope the Church is wrong, and ther eis no ETERNAL hell. Punishments yes, but not eternal. If I am wrong, well so be it. there’s nothing I can do to change God’s will. He’s Master. I’m dust.

 

[FindTruth7]

This is normal; it happens to a lot of people. Mother Teresa felt like this for 40 years, but she did not let it take away her faith.

This graffitti was found in a basement at the end of WWII - it said, “I believe in the sun even when it is dark. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is not speaking to me.”

That’s great for Mother Teresa, but each individual is different, and sometimes actions help more so than people saying “snap out of it, God loves you, you know that, it’ll be fine,” etc. etc.

But thanks.

 

[jmcrae]

That’s great for Mother Teresa, but each individual is different, and sometimes actions help more so than people saying “snap out of it, God loves you, you know that, it’ll be fine,” etc. etc.

But thanks.

I know that it is not possible to “snap out of it” and what you don’t “get” about Mother Teresa is that she felt exactly the same way you feel - she wasn’t gifted with any kind of “specialness” that you also don’t have. She was just an ordinary person who was doing the small, possible things every day of her life.

Going to Mass is a small, possible thing. People make it into this grand, tragic ordeal, but really, it is just a matter of getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other until you arrive at the Mass, and then just being there until it’s over. You don’t have to be anybody important, or feel anything special.

 

[FindTruth7]

I know that it is not possible to “snap out of it” and what you don’t “get” about Mother Teresa is that she felt exactly the same way you feel - she wasn’t gifted with any kind of “specialness” that you also don’t have. She was just an ordinary person who was doing the small, possible things every day of her life.

Going to Mass is a small, possible thing. People make it into this grand, tragic ordeal, but really, it is just a matter of getting out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other until you arrive at the Mass, and then just being there until it’s over. You don’t have to be anybody important, or feel anything special.

hugs thank you

 

[Lily_Valley]

To : Find Truth 7

      You are searching for the truth and that is ALWAYS a good thing. I hope no one "smacks you down" as you put it, because searching for the truth is the beginning of faith. When God finally gives you the grace to see the truth, you will be amazed by how differently you see things. It is like God takes that veil which keeps things hidden, and then by His grace He drops the veil. Faith is a gift from God, the ability to see truth. It is a very precious gift. It is like being in the dark and being blind, then God's grace is like someone suddenly turns on the light switch,and our soul is flooded by light. We see what we could not see before. 
       I was a cradle Catholic who strayed away from the Church for many many years. You should have seen the bizarre directions I went in on my search for truth. But one day I began reading the red print in a King James bible, and that was the beginning of a huge conversion experience for me. I found Jesus there, and I have been with Him ever since. All the best in your search for truth, and don't let anyone discourage you from asking questions. However, after Jesus does drop the veil for you, you will find that with all acts of faith there is inevitably a jumping off point. At some point you will have to decide which side of the fence you are on. That in itself is an act of faith, because without commitment, faith will not grow. After God drops the veil He waits lovingly for our "yes", but He will never force us to choose Him. He always respects our free will and deeply hopes we will choose Him-freely. If our act wasn't free-there wouldn't be any love there. Likewise if we are always at Mass simply out of obligation, there isn't much love there either. God is all about love. God is love. 
      On the other hand, even love has its moments. That is why we need committment. Even the most loving mother has days when she wishes she were "free again" but the mere fact that she stays and perseveres amid the demands and tediousness of motherhood "proves" her great love for her children. If we are human we are bound to suffer periods of inattentiveness and distraction during the Mass from time to time.

 

[saylo]

One is in no way “obligated” to celebrate father’s or mother’s day, especially is his/her parents beated him and still presently hate him.

What is dangerous? Where is contradiction? What’s dangerous is SIN!! Murder, adultry, theft, false testimony, rape, child abuse, selfishness, not forceful days of attending obligated holidays. I will respect your belief, even though, since you’re catholic, and have the Truth, beyond everyone, about everything and every jot and tittle, no matter what, I know you won’t care for my opinon. But as for me I think it should be up to the individual to attend a day of a feast. Otherwise It’s simply more rules and regulations.

But that’s my, yes I know, false take.

If you call yourself a Catholic you are in contradiction within yourself. If you refuse or do no accept the Commandments of the Church you either have a “rebellious spirit” or a secularist/relativist mindset.

It might be better to join another denomination whereby you would not have anything obligatory except…maybe…TITHING.

Then again there is always the danger of hooking up with a cult…you sound almost vulnerable to being swayed in that direction.

Be careful!

 

[danonwaveland]

Dear FindTruth7,

I don’t know if this fits in with anything, but I thought I’d add it:
I used to read psalms and wonder how these people could sincerely and joyfully praise God. It seemed like the most forced, unnatural thing to do. However, I started to ask God for the gift of praising Him with joy. I guess I kind of nagged Him because, after awhile, I did find joy in recognizing His Goodness, Power, Mercy and other aspects of His Being. It was then that the psalms started to come alive for me. This has spilled over into how I pray at mass and elsewhere.

I remember thinking as a kid that heaven has to be so booooooooooooooring 'cause all you do is glorify God. The only reason to go there is to avoid the alternative – continual suffering. Well, it turns out that this would be the furthest thing from the truth. I’m from Chicago and I remember enjoying replay after replay after replay of Michael Jordan’s key baskets. There are times that I just stare at the flowers in my garden. Waterfalls, forest scenes, even top-notch architecture will have me in awestruck appreciation at times. Imagine – well, we can’t, but you know what I mean – the Beatific Vision, learning about and loving the Presence of God 24/7 – well, there’s no 24/7 in eternity.

Hopefully, this rambling makes some sense. (Sorry if it doesn’t.) Ask God for the gift to praise Him with joy. And ask Him again. And again. And again. Maybe the prayers of the mass will lift you up the way they do me – most of the time. In any case, you’re in the prayers of many and most importantly, in heart of Jesus.

God bless,
Dan

 

[Mark_Robert]

“Why worry about the splinter in your brother’s eye when you have a plank in your own?” Hmm, gospel words that are well worth pondering.

 

[FindTruth7]

If you call yourself a Catholic you are in contradiction within yourself. If you refuse or do no accept the Commandments of the Church you either have a “rebellious spirit” or a secularist/relativist mindset.

It might be better to join another denomination whereby you would not have anything obligatory except…maybe…TITHING.

Then again there is always the danger of hooking up with a cult…you sound almost vulnerable to being swayed in that direction.

Be careful!

In loving respect, seriously, back off friend. You don’t know me, my past, my thoughts, where I’ve been, WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH, the different people I’ve communed with, or anything about me!

You may find everything so easy, so simple, so obvious, but I do not. And neither do I believe in any God that plays a guessing game “hey you’re not ‘Catholic,’ off to Hell you go, forever and ever.”

I am not vulnerable, and like I said, you know nothing about me so do not attack my being with such slander or words and phrase.

I don’t wish to offend you, if I have I apologize. But I’ve grown tired of holier than thou individuals who think they’re perfect (even when you claim you’re a sinner, you or “religious” people in general still act all-knowing and self righteous, never wrong, always immaculate).

Some people who think they know so much, know little when it comes to human beings.

And what I call important is practical teachings, which is what most of the Bible teaches, rather than obligations.

Though I still respect those who believe it and follow it, I just have different opinon, and oh, what a heathen that makes me.

 

[Lily_Valley]

To Find Truth 7,

  If all you have to hang onto right now in your struggles with faith is "Mother Mary" as you so beautifully put it, hang onto her for all you are worth. She will never allow you to stay lost. She is the perfect mother, always unselfish, always tender and loving, always sweet, and so deeply... concerned about each of us. She will find a way to lead you to the Truth, and Her Son Jesus. She is such a powerful intercessor before God on our behalf.  
  My husband has a mother that... well let's just say that she is a very toxic person in relationships. Because of that I keep encouraging my husband to turn to Mary Our Mother for help, because as human beings we all have a deep need of a loving mother. And quite frankly not everyone gets one of those on this earth. Which is why Jesus gave us His Most kind and loving Mother. He knew we would need her.
     So far my husband has not taken my advice. But if he ever does I know he will get so much help with all his struggles. And Our Blessed Mother Mary will ask Jesus to give my husband so many graces of healing. It's all about free will. God sends us so many graces to help us in our struggles, but sometimes we don't even notice them when they are right in front of us.
It could be something we see written somewhere, or something a person says to us, or something that happens in our day, or Jesus sending His Mother to help us. But we watch every grace come and go without ever saying yes to any of them. God never forgets about us....not ever. If we ask Him to help us... He will. Often not in a way that we expect, so it is good to notice the unexpected. And what is most fascinating is, that when we do recognize God's way of answering our prayers and helping us, we are filled with awe. His ways are so superior to anything we could have asked for, or expected. He knows us better than we know ourselves. After all He is God. All the best in your search. Whatever you do, don't lose hope. I have just been through the worst five years of my life, and this painful trial I am in hasn't ended yet. It seems to go on, and on, and on...forever. I have run out of patience many times. I have seen myself at my worst. But... I also know that because I persevere many graces are at work in my life and in the lives of those around me that I am always praying for.
 Sometimes people expect too much from us, but God doesn't. He knows when we are ready for something and when we are not. I have felt like it was all I could do for five years just to tread water. Other people around me are always bellowing that I should be this or that. They expect me to be all virtuous and stuff. Meanwhile I am just thrilled that God has given me the grace not to jump off a bridge somewhere. There have been days when I thought about it. Having faith does not insulate us from suffering or self doubts or confusion. Sometimes faith simply gives us the strength to weather the storms.It isn't until the storm is over that we see that God was with us the whole time, even and especially when we felt utterly alone and abandoned by everyone. That is the way I feel right now in my life. Utterly alone and abandoned by all. 
      Please don't despair. I assure you that in your utter loneliness, that God is with you too. Just as He is with me, even though I cannot feel His Presence at all in my life. God will never leave us orphans. He loves us whether we love Him back or not. When we feel so wretched that we don't even love ourselves, God still loves us. God is love. He is a loving and merciful Father. Some people have an unhealthy and erroneous image of God. They seem to see Him as this big brute ready to swat us whenever we go astray. That is false. God is a tender, caring Father Who holds out a hand to gently lift us up when we fall. Like the story of the loving father with the prodigal son in the Bible. God is right there waiting to forgive us in His Mercy.  Hoping, always hoping we will come back to His loving embrace..  I understand your pain. You are not alone.

 

[saylo]

In loving respect, seriously, back off friend. You don’t know me, my past, my thoughts, where I’ve been, WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH, the different people I’ve communed with, or anything about me!

Everyone on this thread knows only what you tell in your posts. There has been much dialog between this thread and yourself. I find we are just going “around in circles” invariabley ending back to square #1.

I will comply with your “back off” demand as of now.

Good luck to you!

 

[Koolerkev]

Is it a really a mortal sin to not attend a holy day of obligation?

 

[jmcrae]

Is it a really a mortal sin to not attend a holy day of obligation?

Yes.

 

[Koolerkev]

Why?

 

[Koolerkev]

Isn’t the sunday mass enough?