In 1996 the most unusual thing happened...I have never forgotten

[contemplative]

In 1996 the most unusual thing happened…I have never forgotten…

Nearby FL community college was hosting retired Central Intelligence Agent William Colby.

My DH wanted to hear him speak and frankly I could care less what a retired CIA director had to say. It was an evening mid-week speech and I was desparate to get out of the house so I went. Much of William Colby’s speech was dry and I don’t remember it but when he spoke with malice about how the Catholic Church was trying to stop birth control use in third world countries my ears perked up. I couldn’t remember exactly what he said about the Church but I heard something in the tone of his voice when he said “Catholic Church”…and I wondered if he was a baptized Catholic. Until that time I had never heard anyone publicly condemn the Catholic Church so I found Colby’s comments quite alarming. Who was this man? Where is he coming from?

After his speech there was a time for hand pressing and questions. I followed my DH even though I was shy about hand pressing. William Colby seemed like a small and gentle man next to me so when I shook hands with him I felt quite comfortable to simply ask if he was Catholic. “Yes” he said. I then ask him hestitantly “Do you still practice?” He said “No” My heart hurt for him and I know he felt it. There was nothing more to say and we knew it. The line behind me pushed me forward and so that was it for the evening. On my ride home in the evening darkness I wondered. I wondered about William the next day too.

It was that very next day I learned that William returned to his home in Maryland and He died when he fell from his boat into water.

Almost everyday I have prayed for this man. William Colby may you always rest in God’s love.

 

[contemplative]

This most unusual event marked a turning point for me.
At that time I was pretty entrenched in my own personal sin. Sometimes I liked to think I was victim of passiveness in the Church. And sometimes I liked to claim ignorance. Either way, I knew deep down inside that if the Church said ‘no’ to birthcontrol there must be something to it. What struck a chord in me that night was hearing someone publicly cut down the Church. This much I knew was wrong. I loved the Church! I knew that it was terribly wrong to defame it. I wondered how publicly defaming the Church was much different than my own sloth in simple obedience. I wondered how my lack of initiative to try and conform to and understand God’s Laws was any better than publicly broadcasting my rebellion to God and His Church. At what point am I any worse or better than William Colby?..at no point. I didn’t change in a day. In God’s time and with His Grace I was able to see more clearly.

 

[jrabs]

contemplative:

. At what point am I any worse or better than William Colby?..at no point. I didn’t change in a day. In God’s time and with His Grace I was able to see more clearly.

I think many of us have to go through this personal revelation in God’s time and with the Holy Spirit’s assistance. Thank God that He is a merciful and patient God, willing to give us new opportunity daily to come to Him and repent.

Thanks for sharing this story. Odd - one day we are here and the next…we need to be ready.

 

[Jenlyn]

What a perfect thread for today. Today’s gospel is about being the “light” to the world. Jesus is our light which he gives to us. It is our choice to share that light with others.

We may not be perfect but that light is there. You were a light, even in your sin, for William. We hope that from your very comment that he had some last conversion thoughts and confessions.

May God bring William into His loving embrace. May He have mercy on his soul. Amen

 

[contemplative]

jrabs:

I think many of us have to go through this personal revelation in God’s time and with the Holy Spirit’s assistance. Thank God that He is a merciful and patient God, willing to give us new opportunity daily to come to Him and repent.

Unasked for Grace. Undeserved Grace