Not getting too dogmatic in daily life

[averheyen]

I have a question, maybe others can help.

When trying to live as a Catholic, often times it feels like I get too paranoid around what is the right thing to do in any given situation.

Point in case, I’m trying to live the life of a good catholic, but at the same time not being stuffy and rigid and closed up about it.

I don’t know if anyone can relate to that.

I mean, when every word, thought, and action that I make is about God and Christ feels just as wrong as not having Christ in my life at all.

There’s no sincerity, it’s not real, it’s just robotic. There’s no soul (in the James Brown sense).

How do you guys ride that line between living life with an authentic faith, being a true witness to Christ, and being very obdient and faithful, but without it becomming a meaningless robotic act?

 

[johnco]

hi,

let me give you some quotes from m. kalpakgian, a prof. at wyoming catholic college. “good morals express themselves in gracious manners, gracious manners reflect a noble mind, a charitable heart and the thoughtful consideratin to please and honor others.” " when goodness becomes pompous, self-righteous, priggish or censorious, it loses its beauty and becomes repellent instead of alluring. "

think of john paul ii
think of mother teresa

lets be humble and these worries we have may disappear.

God bless

johnco

 

[brigid12]

I can really understand and relate to what you’ve said! (Especially, since I’m the only Catholic in my family - right now.)

Probably, the most important thing for me to learn is not that I’m trying (consciously) to be a “good Catholic” but that I’m trying to do His Will. They turn out the same, however the latter thought helps me, at least, not to come off pompous and self-righteous. I’m directing myself toward humility, obedience and love rather than stuffiness.

Well, that’s what I intend to do, anyway.

 

[marty30]

I have a question, maybe others can help.

When trying to live as a Catholic, often times it feels like I get too paranoid around what is the right thing to do in any given situation.

Point in case, I’m trying to live the life of a good catholic, but at the same time not being stuffy and rigid and closed up about it.

I don’t know if anyone can relate to that.

I mean, when every word, thought, and action that I make is about God and Christ feels just as wrong as not having Christ in my life at all.

There’s no sincerity, it’s not real, it’s just robotic. There’s no soul (in the James Brown sense).

How do you guys ride that line between living life with an authentic faith, being a true witness to Christ, and being very obdient and faithful, but without it becomming a meaningless robotic act?

One day at a time. I am beginning to accept that I am a minority at work, in family and out there in the secular world and I guess accepting that has helped a little with that uncomfortable feeling in side. I don’t know about you but I tend to want to get along and agree with every one so I fit in and don’t look bad, as if being a good Catholic was bad. Also Iv’e learned that I don’t have to talk much about my faith in public or at work or with people who don’t understand or don’t care. If I live it and enjoy living it, my faith that is, it will show and sometimes people will ask questions like why are you so sure about your self or why are you so happy or I wish I had what you had. Thats a really good feeling that doesn’t happen as much asd I would like, but I wonder how many people stop and at least think that with out saying anything. Mother Theresa and St. Francis both said to preach the Word of God and when neccesary use words.

 

[MarieVeronica]

It sounds like that “robotic” feeling is similar to spiritual dryness. I’ve recently been going through a “dry spell”, myself.

One of the things that I learned from this good forum (and from Mother Angelica, EWTN) is that spiritual dryness (a robotic feeling?) can be a gift from God. Because, while you are feeling nothing at all, in your soul… your heart… or your mind… you are offering the purest kind of love and glory to God. Because you are praying (or going to Mass, or whatever) solely for love of Him… and not for any spiritual consolation.

So, maybe you can try spending time alone, before the Blessed Sacrament… and offering to Our dear Lord that “robotic” feeling. He knows that we’re there out of simple love for Him… and not necessarily, for what He can do… for us. Hope this helps. God bless.

 

[TDiGaetano]

Just keep smileing.

 

[cgirl4ever]

I am very interested in this too. Sometimes I feel the “soul” and sometimes I just feel like i’m going through the motions and I get “paranoid” as well.