Is this judgemental

[Monica4316]

Do you think that it is judgemental to be really worried about the salvation of your family, because they are not Catholic, and don’t go to church or receive the Sacraments? My family is Eastern Orthodox and they do believe in God and it’s NOT my place to judge where they’re hearts are at - I think they do love God and try to follow Him - but they don’t attend church, don’t receive Communion or go to Confession, and their marriage isn’t blessed… and we never pray as a family… there are constant arguments at home and when I think about the salvation of my family, I do have hope in God’s mercy and I always pray for them, but a part of me is really afraid. Then again, whenever I think of my own salvation, I feel incredible fear too. So I don’t know. I just want so much for everyone to be saved then I think about my friends who are atheists and don’t believe in God at all… and that’s really scary! and so sad… and I don’t know what to do about the situation; I can’t really change anything, except pray and pray more for them and offer any sacrifices I can. I don’t think my prayers are really powerful but maybe Our Lady can add her merits to them and they can become more pleasing to God I hope that one day He will answer my prayers for all my family and friends!

but do you think it is judgemental ? I’m not saying they are not going to Heaven… I have no idea where anyone is going… .I just wish they had the Sacraments too, and could experience Confession and Communion too - because there’s so much grace in that. I just really believe that God can bless my family through this.
thanks

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I understand how you feel because my family is the same. Only my mum fas faith but does not attend church regularly and does not receive the sacramants. I pray for her and hope that this will change. I think prayer is all we can do. Also, showing good example of a life lived in faith is important too. It makes people think.
Keep praying and put everything in God’s hands.

 

[Ferds_Guiang]

Monica I think being aware of these things you have just said is quite important and it means that you do value the salvation of the souls of friends and family. I too sometimes reflect on these things. I pray that everyone in the family is saved but fear for a some members of the family who are not quite living according to the commands of God. But I know that in the past I already reminded them about their duties. That is at least what is required of us-to remind them discreetly of course that they have to fulfill what is asked of them by God. If you haven’t done so then I suggest you find the opportunity to do that.
I will pray for you and your family, God bless!

 

[Julian0404]

I prayed for 23 years before my Mom came into the church. I believe St. Thomas Aquianas mother prayed for 33 years before he changed his life and entered the church. Just change “judgemental” to “concerned” and pray every day for them.

 

[InLight247]

Monica, just continue to pray for your family and trust in God’s mercy. That’s all we can do.
Most of us have family or friends who are non-believers. We can share our faith with them but we cannot twist their arms or cross the boundary in our evangelization. All we can do is to pray and trust. Try not to burden yourself with too many things. God bless!

 

[puzzleannie]

Do you think that it is judgemental to be really worried about the salvation of your family, because they are not Catholic, and don’t go to church or receive the Sacraments? My family is Eastern Orthodox and they do believe in God and it’s NOT my place to judge where they’re hearts are at - … .I just wish they had the Sacraments too, and could experience Confession and Communion too - because there’s so much grace in that. I just really believe that God can bless my family through this.
thanks

uh, the Eastern Orthodox do have valid sacraments because their priests and bishops have valid apostolic succession. In general it is of far more spiritual benefit to concentrate on one’s own practice of the virtues and obedience to the commandments, than it is to spend any time at all worrying about the state of anyone else’s soul. If you wish they would return to the sacraments, pray for that by all means, but yes it is always and everywhere wrong to speculate or judge the state of another person’s soul, unless you happen to be their priest.

worrying and praying about them is not the same, however, as judging them

Patrick Madrid’s book Search and Rescue remains the best source I have ever seen for dealing with family members

 

[JohnAlexander]

Your concern for your family & friends is a good thing because it leads you to action. But once you know what you should do there is not much value in worrying.

I think the best thing most people can do is to be a good example. By your life your family should be able to see the truth of the Catholic faith.

Pray for them that God gives them what they need. Circumstances in your life might be such that no matter what you do they will never listen to you. No one is ever a prophet in their own home.

In the end each of us will be judged for our own actions. God will never punish someone because someone else failed to pray for them or evangelize them, etc.

Remember one of the things Jesus always tried to convey to people is peace and freedom from worry.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

Do you think that it is judgemental to be really worried about the salvation of your family, because they are not Catholic, and don’t go to church or receive the Sacraments?

Nope, this is not judgmental at all. It’s wonderful that God is detaching you from consolations so that you can rely more purely on faith. In time, I believe you will be able to extend that faith more easily and completely to your prayers for your family. But whether that happens or not, you can keep praying and entrusting your prayers to our Mother. All our prayers reach her as dust and leave her as gold dust .

Prayer is more powerful than preaching. You’re doing great, and the Lord’s drawing you to the Church may be only the first step of a larger plan He has in mind for your whole family.