routines, traditons, no authenticity, no Joy

[Tantum_ergo]

Hello Jennifer:

If I may, I’d like to suggest that you read St. John of the Cross, “The Dark Night of the Soul”. To me, it seems that you are experiencing a period of spiritual “dryness”.

Remember, the Church is all of us. YOU individually are feeling as though all is just “going through the motions”. Other posters (as much a part of the Church as you are) are feeling joyful. Other members of the Church run the gamut of emotions at any given time. You must be careful that, because you have a certain feeling, you do not “project” that feeling onto others, or mistakenly attribute wrong to them based on your interpretation of what you think they think.

Everybody, every single person on earth, goes through periods of “highs” and “lows”. It is natural. The danger is that, in either the time of the highest “high” or lowest “low”, one might mistakenly believe that this feeling will never change.

Your dryness WILL stop. In fact, by your interest in this preacher and your “feelings” which seem to be “greater” with his “brand” of Christianity, you are almost certainly indicating that what you seek is the EMOTION that comes about with novelty. You are trying to artificially replace that dryness with fervor, rather than allow the dryness to work through its cycle.

You’ve gotten “bored” with Catholicism. Same old, same old. You are longing for something “different”, something to make you feel more “Christ like”.

There are two reasons I suggest St. John of the Cross’s work.

Reason one: It explains a lot of the feelings you are going through.

Reason two: It may help lead you into a deeper knowledge of the Church. You see, you may need a “new voice” that is authentically Catholic right now.

Once you have explored more and begun to understand why you feel as you do–and that you will continue to experience “highs” and “lows” whether you are in the Catholic Church, a Protestant Church, or a group of New Age spiritual yogi–it could be that the new knowledge would be enough to get you back on fire in your CATHOLIC faith, and, through prayer, and study, to the point where you will be able to find joy and peace whether your feelings are fervent, arid, or anywhere in between.

God bless. I will pray for you this Lent.

 

[jennifer101]

Tantum ergo:

Hello Jennifer:

If I may, I’d like to suggest that you read St. John of the Cross, “The Dark Night of the Soul”. To me, it seems that you are experiencing a period of spiritual “dryness”.

Remember, the Church is all of us. YOU individually are feeling as though all is just “going through the motions”. Other posters (as much a part of the Church as you are) are feeling joyful. Other members of the Church run the gamut of emotions at any given time. You must be careful that, because you have a certain feeling, you do not “project” that feeling onto others, or mistakenly attribute wrong to them based on your interpretation of what you think they think.

Everybody, every single person on earth, goes through periods of “highs” and “lows”. It is natural. The danger is that, in either the time of the highest “high” or lowest “low”, one might mistakenly believe that this feeling will never change.

Your dryness WILL stop. In fact, by your interest in this preacher and your “feelings” which seem to be “greater” with his “brand” of Christianity, you are almost certainly indicating that what you seek is the EMOTION that comes about with novelty. You are trying to artificially replace that dryness with fervor, rather than allow the dryness to work through its cycle.

You’ve gotten “bored” with Catholicism. Same old, same old. You are longing for something “different”, something to make you feel more “Christ like”.

There are two reasons I suggest St. John of the Cross’s work.

Reason one: It explains a lot of the feelings you are going through.

Reason two: It may help lead you into a deeper knowledge of the Church. You see, you may need a “new voice” that is authentically Catholic right now.

Once you have explored more and begun to understand why you feel as you do–and that you will continue to experience “highs” and “lows” whether you are in the Catholic Church, a Protestant Church, or a group of New Age spiritual yogi–it could be that the new knowledge would be enough to get you back on fire in your CATHOLIC faith, and, through prayer, and study, to the point where you will be able to find joy and peace whether your feelings are fervent, arid, or anywhere in between.

God bless. I will pray for you this Lent.

ok. This makes a lot of sense, too. I have Dark night of the soul, I can re-read it. Is there any more modern books on the subject anyone recommends? I’ve been reading the psalms a lot the past few months. I really like them.

 

[jennifer101]

m134e5:

Some people need to be reached in other ways then that. I do not know why. You cannot preach doctrines to them- they do not care. They need to be inspired. I do know that it is very hard when other churches have powerful sermons, and thriving communities- and you have homilies over the same things over and over again, and the same sappy music, and the people who are out to their cars after Mass without saying a word to anybody.

No mystic got any closer to God than by receiving Him in communion. We can do the same. Some just appreciate the gift more than we do.

It should be- in an ideal situation. Few situations are ideal.

That is why I do not hold out my hand- I do not take- I receive.

We also need to remember that we are precious to God. I know pride is a problem for a lot of people- so they need to learn humility, but we must remember that shame and despair are problems to many people too- those are not the same thing as humility- those are problems, not virtues, and we need to be able to recognize the difference. “Catholic guilt” is the reason for leaving the Church that I have most often heard. (though I have personally experienced the same feelings in an evangelical church).

I am tired of the “guilt”. I don’t know if I’m “wrong” according to some people, but I’m tired of feeling guilty for Christ’s death. I do prefer to be loved right now. When I heard Joel Osteen and read his books, it was shocking to me to hear how much God loves me. So, I like what you posted. I am tired of feeling guilty. When the prodigal son returned, he didn’t live in perpetual shame for his forgiven actions. I’m ready to be accepted. I’m tired of being “in trouble” and guilty. Thank you for posting because you helped me to understand something I was feeling but hadn’t really thougth about yet.

 

[Lisa_Marie]

"ok. This makes a lot of sense, too. I have Dark night of the soul, I can re-read it. Is there any more modern books on the subject anyone recommends? "

Jennifer, I HIGHLY reccomend father Thomas Dubay's book Fire Within. He has studied both John of the Cross, and Theresa of Avila for years. His book is really wonderful. Because he knows their entire writings so well, he can point out places where people can easily misunderstand what is written because they don't see the complete picture. He also is very good at explaining some of the spiritual terminology in more modern language. And giving concrete examples to make sure the reader actually "got" what he meant! : )
 
I've found his book invaluable in my own study of St. John of the Cross. In fact, I would tell anybody interested in St. John of the Cross to read Fire Within first.  I KNOW there are many places where I would have totally misunderstood what was really being said. I really can't reccomend Fire Within highly enough! 
 
If you are wanting to find the true joy the Catholic Church has to offer, you'll love Father Dubay. That's his whole point he's trying to get across. Our call is to have union with the Trinity Itself, and that is the highest joy that can exist. God bless Lisa

 

[kage_ar]

jennifer101:

ok. This makes a lot of sense, too. I have Dark night of the soul, I can re-read it. Is there any more modern books on the subject anyone recommends? I’ve been reading the psalms a lot the past few months. I really like them.

Matthew Kelly - Rediscovering Catholicism, The Rythm of Life, and another of his books with “joy” in the title that slips my mind…

C. S. Lewis - A Grief Observed, The Problem of Pain, and he also wrote a book on the Psalms

Fr. Groeschel’s works

One other suggestion, is there a Life Teen or Charistmatic Mass near you? You might attend one of these every now and then… Or try a trip to one of the EWTN celebrations going on this year - maybe a Stubenville conference. I was AMAZED at the first major Catholic conference I attended, I walked out of there bubbling! It was so much more REAL than the many many big non-denom prosperity gosepl events I’d attended so many times in my life. I’d really suggest finding one!

 

[puzzleannie]

jennifer101:

I am tired of the “guilt”. I don’t know if I’m “wrong” according to some people, but I’m tired of feeling guilty for Christ’s death. I do prefer to be loved right now. yet.

a proper understanding of the Passion and death and Resurrection of Christ beginning with acknowledgement of one’s sins, leads to the full appreciation of His love, right now and always. If guilt for sin leads anywhere else it is because we have not accepted His sacrifice as proof of His love.

The Eucharist is just that, a celebration of the sacrifice and acceptance of His love. When we arrive at proper understanding and participation in the Eucharist we are there, in His love, because we are in His sacrifice. the path begins with acknowledgement, contrition, confession and absolution of our sins, acceptance of His Divine Mercy, which is why the Mass begins this way. Without the guilt and contrition for our sin, we realize no need for love, and ultimately no need for salvation.

If you are “tired of the guilt” the solution is not to go to someone who will lie, tell you that you are not a sinner, tell you that Christ’s sacrifice was unneccesary for you, the solution is to confess, receive absolution, and thank God for his goodness and love by participating in the Eucharistic celebration. No feel-good preacher can give you this freedom, only Christ.

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

Just as a practical solution, it is human nature to become a little bored in the routine of life.

Maybe you should shake things up like going to a Tridentine Mass, a Charismatic Mass, etc.

Take a pilgrimage to a nearby shrine.

I think you’d like the Divine Mercy devotion. Talk about feeling loved! Read St. Faustina’s Diary.

 

[puzzleannie]

jennifer101:

Lately I’ve felt that the Church lacks Joy. Does anyone else feel this? There’s a lot of routine, tradition, and monotone voices every sunday. .

If we fall into this attitude about our worship and spiritual life, we are in danger of falling into it with other relationships and areas of life, particularly marriage and career or vocation. It is a dangerous spiritual trap to expect sensation, emotion, outward manifestations of joy, pleasure and satisfaction always from worship, from marriage, from family, from our job. The joy is inward from the nature of the worship or relationship, not outward, and it lies in faithfulness to the routine and tradition, not in always seeking to break the routine and trash the traditions.

 

[jennifer101]

I know God loves me. I don’t have a problem with that. It’s the fake religiosity that exudes from the people around me. There’s no authenticity. Everyone’s trying to appear more religious than the guy next to them. Or at least… AS religious. They’re doing it by being the first to stand up during mass, the first to sit down, the biggest smile as their children fight in the pews during mass. My son’s ccd teacher told them that the Jewish people are going to Hell. The priest allowed a young woman to stand up in front of the people after mass one recent sunday and talk about abortion and premarital sex after Mass was ended. I have children listening to that **** and I was trapped there. I wouldn’t let them watch it on tv, but I get it at Mass? My daughter has missed numerous ccd classes this year because the mom running the class has a daughter in soccer and she has sunday games. What?? My youngest child has celiac disease and will have to receive the wine only becasue the church is hung up on a supposed recipe rather than the intentions of Christ. A lot of the responses I’m getting here are your best efforts to sound more religious than you think I am. Oooh. You’re in a better place than me. If only I could understand that receiving communion is my greatest Joy. How patronizing can you be? Some of you are just like the clergy that Jesus bashed for ‘acting’. You’re throwing out the best one liners you know and scolding me in a passive aggressive way while throwing out how religious you are because you’re aflame with passion every time you receive communion at Mass. Well, goody for you!

 

[Mike_D30]

jennifer101:

What?? My youngest child has celiac disease and will have to receive the wine only becasue the church is hung up on a supposed recipe rather than the intentions of Christ. A lot of the responses I’m getting here are your best efforts to sound more religious than you think I am. Oooh. You’re in a better place than me. If only I could understand that receiving communion is my greatest Joy. How patronizing can you be? Some of you are just like the clergy that Jesus bashed for ‘acting’. You’re throwing out the best one liners you know and scolding me in a passive aggressive way while throwing out how religious you are because you’re aflame with passion every time you receive communion at Mass. Well, goody for you!

I haven’t seen anyone scold you Jennifer, although I’ve seen some of your posts as passive aggressive and patronizing. I think you have a very different perspective on this thread than the rest of us.

Joel Osteen is a charismatic charlatan. I’m sorry to say that bluntly, but when you look at his WoF teachings, he’s little better than Benny Hinn. If that upsets you to this extent I apologize, but it’s true.

If you need a country club preacher with great teeth and constant poop eating grin on his face, Joel Osteen is your man. He will lie to you and make you feel good, pump you up. Like I said any decent motivational speaker can make you feel just as good. But it’s BS Jennifer. You are a sinner, and you won’t be saved by simply focusing on yourself as the victim. God wants you to repent and turn away from sin, and come back to him. Not as Mr. Osteen would think and just be saved once and then just continue there rest of your life sinful, lying, adultery and re-marriage, it doesn’t really matter you aren’t a sinner any more. Then why do I keep sinning? Did lying after coming to Jesus cease to be lying? Can I be saved then just continue doing whatever I want with no repurcussions? When has that ever happened in history, or life? God is not illogical and unfair.

I see where you’re coming from though, I go to Mass every weekend and daily Mass at least twice a week. it’s all you can to get some to recite the Our Father openly, it’s frustrating. And today at Mass of course there was 100’s more people to get the ashes which is great, don’t get me wrong, I’ll pray I will see them every weekend. But when 99.5% of the Church gets up and recieves the Holy Eucharist knowing that probably 50% shouldn’t, it makes you wonder who even takes the faith seriously at all. I kid you not, I saw a guy at his cubicle with ashes on his forehead, eating a bacon and egg sandwich. So I can understand your misgivings and concerns about sicnerity. And it seems like so much more going on over at the other side. Sincere people who love the Lord and you may feel a need to be a part of it. I would say if that’s what you need, then do it, but be cautious and analyze everything that is taught, it gets so confusing out there.

It’s the fake religiosity that exudes from the people around me.

I’m sorry I have to just say this. You can’t stand fake religiousity around you, but you love Joel Osteen? Maybe it’s jsut me but I couldn’t name another person more fake religious than him. Aside from perhaps Jimmy Swaggart.

God Bless!

 

[jennifer101]

Mike_D30:

I haven’t seen anyone scold you Jennifer, although I’ve seen some of your posts as passive aggressive and patronizing. I think you have a very different perspective on this thread than the rest of us.

Joel Osteen is a charismatic charlatan. I’m sorry to say that bluntly, but when you look at his WoF teachings, he’s little better than Benny Hinn. If that upsets you to this extent I apologize, but it’s true.

If you need a country club preacher with great teeth and constant poop eating grin on his face, Joel Osteen is your man. He will lie to you and make you feel good, pump you up. Like I said any decent motivational speaker can make you feel just as good. But it’s BS Jennifer. You are a sinner, and you won’t be saved by simply focusing on yourself as the victim. God wants you to repent and turn away from sin, and come back to him. Not as Mr. Osteen would think and just be saved once and then just continue there rest of your life sinful, lying, adultery and re-marriage, it doesn’t really matter you aren’t a sinner any more. Then why do I keep sinning? Did lying after coming to Jesus cease to be lying? Can I be saved then just continue doing whatever I want with no repurcussions? When has that ever happened in history, or life? God is not illogical and unfair.

I see where you’re coming from though, I go to Mass every weekend and daily Mass at least twice a week. it’s all you can to get some to recite the Our Father openly, it’s frustrating. And today at Mass of course there was 100’s more people to get the ashes which is great, don’t get me wrong, I’ll pray I will see them every weekend. But when 99.5% of the Church gets up and recieves the Holy Eucharist knowing that probably 50% shouldn’t, it makes you wonder who even takes the faith seriously at all. I kid you not, I saw a guy at his cubicle with ashes on his forehead, eating a bacon and egg sandwich. So I can understand your misgivings and concerns about sicnerity. And it seems like so much more going on over at the other side. Sincere people who love the Lord and you may feel a need to be a part of it. I would say if that’s what you need, then do it, but be cautious and analyze everything that is taught, it gets so confusing out there.

God Bless!

But look at you judging a man for what he eats with ashes on his head! Your own thinking is wrong. He could be doing something his dr recommended? How would you know? I’m on a special diet. We’re gluten free. Sometimes diabetics just need to eat and can’t be held to “traditions”. Those are not commandments! Jesus scolded people for paying more attention to what food goes into a man and with what condition their hands were when eating, rather than focusing on what was truly important.

I believe Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn and the Crystal Palace folks and Pat Roberts are all good men trying their best to find God. Not one of them is going to lead people to Hell. If the Catholic Church would have just STUCK to what Jesus commanded, the church would truly be God’s church on earth. However, the egomaniacle fools who have been voted into leadership postions were nothing more than men who took 2000 years to slowly corrupt the intentions Jesus had for our earthly guidance. At this point, with all the “traditions” that are imposed as commandments, how can you honestly believe you are still following Christ by being a Catholic? You’re in a man-directed church at this point and you need to pray for the wisdom to see that. The Catholic church is led by as many charlatans as any other Non-catholic church out there.

 

[Mike_D30]

jennifer101:

But look at you judging a man for what he eats with ashes on his head! Your own thinking is wrong. He could be doing something his dr recommended? How would you know? I’m on a special diet. We’re gluten free. Sometimes diabetics just need to eat and can’t be held to “traditions”. Those are not commandments! Jesus scolded people for paying more attention to what food goes into a man and with what condition their hands were when eating, rather than focusing on what was truly important.

I can’t think of a diet where a doctor prescribes bacon, egg, and chesse sandwhiches at 9:00 in the morning. There’s nothing wrong with him, he isn’t diabetic he probably just had no idea he isn’t supposed to eat meat today. I’m not judging him, I’m saying that the Catholic Chruch has a lot of people who don’t practice the religion, which can make you feel like you do, that there isn’t any “authenticity” in the people when they’re worshipping. My brothers wouldn’t even know what the real pressence is, yet they recieve communion every Easter, one time a year, and the only time they go to Mass. But they baptize their children, but never go, adn againt his isn’t judging as I was exactly the same for a while, it’s more apathy and ignorance than anything else. But it wears me down a little, it makes me feel like a lot don’t take the Chruch seriously.

Today is a day of fast, Jesus was an avid faster, and promised his disciples would fast when he was gone. It should be taken seriously IMO. Gettign the ashes adn then breaking the fast 20 minutes later to me, is disingenuous.

 

[jennifer101]

Mike_D30:

I haven’t seen anyone scold you Jennifer, although I’ve seen some of your posts as passive aggressive and patronizing. I think you have a very different perspective on this thread than the rest of us.

Joel Osteen is a charismatic charlatan. I’m sorry to say that bluntly, but when you look at his WoF teachings, he’s little better than Benny Hinn. If that upsets you to this extent I apologize, but it’s true.

If you need a country club preacher with great teeth and constant poop eating grin on his face, Joel Osteen is your man. He will lie to you and make you feel good, pump you up. Like I said any decent motivational speaker can make you feel just as good. But it’s BS Jennifer. You are a sinner, and you won’t be saved by simply focusing on yourself as the victim. God wants you to repent and turn away from sin, and come back to him. Not as Mr. Osteen would think and just be saved once and then just continue there rest of your life sinful, lying, adultery and re-marriage, it doesn’t really matter you aren’t a sinner any more. Then why do I keep sinning? Did lying after coming to Jesus cease to be lying? Can I be saved then just continue doing whatever I want with no repurcussions? When has that ever happened in history, or life? God is not illogical and unfair.

I see where you’re coming from though, I go to Mass every weekend and daily Mass at least twice a week. it’s all you can to get some to recite the Our Father openly, it’s frustrating. And today at Mass of course there was 100’s more people to get the ashes which is great, don’t get me wrong, I’ll pray I will see them every weekend. But when 99.5% of the Church gets up and recieves the Holy Eucharist knowing that probably 50% shouldn’t, it makes you wonder who even takes the faith seriously at all. I kid you not, I saw a guy at his cubicle with ashes on his forehead, eating a bacon and egg sandwich. So I can understand your misgivings and concerns about sicnerity. And it seems like so much more going on over at the other side. Sincere people who love the Lord and you may feel a need to be a part of it. I would say if that’s what you need, then do it, but be cautious and analyze everything that is taught, it gets so confusing out there.

I’m sorry I have to just say this. You can’t stand fake religiousity around you, but you love Joel Osteen? Maybe it’s jsut me but I couldn’t name another person more fake religious than him. Aside from perhaps Jimmy Swaggart.

God Bless!

You wouldn’t like him even if God, Himself told you he was ok. You’re so wrapped up in your version of what it means to be a Catholic that you can’t see value in anything else this world has to offer.

 

[jennifer101]

Mike_D30:

I can’t think of a diet where a doctor prescribes bacon, egg, and chesse sandwhiches at 9:00 in the morning. There’s nothing wrong with him, he isn’t diabetic he probably just had no idea he isn’t supposed to eat meat today. I’m not judging him, I’m saying that the Catholic Chruch has a lot of people who don’t practice the religion, which can make you feel like you do, that there isn’t any “authenticity” in the people when they’re worshipping. My brothers wouldn’t even know what the real pressence is, yet they recieve communion every Easter, one time a year, and the only time they go to Mass. But they baptize their children, but never go, adn againt his isn’t judging as I was exactly the same for a while, it’s more apathy and ignorance than anything else. But it wears me down a little, it makes me feel like a lot don’t take the Chruch seriously.

Today is a day of fast, Jesus was an avid faster, and promised his disciples would fast when he was gone. It should be taken seriously IMO. Gettign the ashes adn then breaking the fast 20 minutes later to me, is disingenuous.

Fasting is a tradition imposed by men. It’s not a requirement.
So are ashes on your forehead. Probably the most obnoxious thing a Catholic can do is go get those ashes, then walk around all day with them splattered on their forhead. It’s acting. You’ve already received your reward for that kind of religious act. Jesus would not be impressed anymore with ashed headed Catholics today than He was with the guys who walked around with long faces due to fasting or the guys with the little boxes filled with scrapes of scripture. You’re showing off your obnoxious brand of religiousness by flaunting ashes all day.

 

[buffalo]

jennifer101:

If the Catholic Church would have just STUCK to what Jesus commanded, the church would truly be God’s church on earth. However, the egomaniacle fools who have been voted into leadership postions were nothing more than men who took 2000 years to slowly corrupt the intentions Jesus had for our earthly guidance. At this point, with all the “traditions” that are imposed as commandments, how can you honestly believe you are still following Christ by being a Catholic? You’re in a man-directed church at this point and you need to pray for the wisdom to see that. The Catholic church is led by as many charlatans as any other Non-catholic church out there.

What have we not STUCK to?

What traditions are imposed as commandments?

 

[Mike_D30]

jennifer101:

If the Catholic Church would have just STUCK to what Jesus commanded, the church would truly be God’s church on earth. However, the egomaniacle fools who have been voted into leadership postions were nothing more than men who took 2000 years to slowly corrupt the intentions Jesus had for our earthly guidance. At this point, with all the “traditions” that are imposed as commandments, how can you honestly believe you are still following Christ by being a Catholic? You’re in a man-directed church at this point and you need to pray for the wisdom to see that. The Catholic church is led by as many charlatans as any other Non-catholic church out there.

It sounds to me you don’t believe in the Popes ability to not steer Catholics wrong on matters of faith and morals. Catholic tradition didn’t just start 100 years ago. These traditions are very old.

To each their own, I’m not a good evangelizer (is that a word?). I don’t agree with your statements but I’m not going to try to talk you out of them. You seem pretty set against the Church.

I mean I’ve gone to the other side I spent five years out of the Catholic Church, so I know what no “bondage” and no “tradition” is like out there. The Catholic CHurch works for me, I don’t find it cumbersome or difficult, but fun and exciting. I love coming out of confession, it feels great. It works for me very well. If Joel Osteen works for you, kudo’s I wish nothin but the best…

God Bless!

 

[Mike_D30]

jennifer101:

Fasting is a tradition imposed by men. It’s not a requirement.

So are ashes on your forehead. Probably the most obnoxious thing a Catholic can do is go get those ashes, then walk around all day with them splattered on their forhead. It’s acting. You’ve already received your reward for that kind of religious act. Jesus would not be impressed anymore with ashed headed Catholics today than He was with the guys who walked around with long faces due to fasting or the guys with the little boxes filled with scrapes of scripture. You’re showing off your obnoxious brand of religiousness by flaunting ashes all day.

Jesus promised his disciples would fast when he was gone, clearly in scriptures and in tradition.

It’s funny the sciptures you’re refering to in your unwarranted dressing down of me, is exactly the ones the Priest centered his homily on today. Much different take though…

Why are you so angry?

God Bless!

 

[buffalo]

jennifer101:

Fasting is a tradition imposed by men. It’s not a requirement.
So are ashes on your forehead. Probably the most obnoxious thing a Catholic can do is go get those ashes, then walk around all day with them splattered on their forhead. It’s acting. .

They represent our humility, hardly acting and the tradition of ashes comes from the Old Testament.

 

[jennifer101]

buffalo:

They represent our humility, hardly acting and the tradition of ashes comes from the Old Testament.

Love God with all your heart and be nice to your neighbor.

You don’t have to fast to get into heaven. You don’t have to say the rosary, or genuflect, or kneal then rise, then cross yourself, or receive communion, or attend ccd classes, or go to Church on Holy days of obligation or give up something for lent, or put out a nativity scene or sing in a choir or know the nicean creed or avoid Harry Potter or homeschool your children, or hang crosses in your home, or whatever else. Some Catholics act like trained circus monkeys jumping through every hoop they imagine will assist their walk into heaven. Searching for God and finding bits of Him even in people like Joel Osteen is not a crime. God actually DOES exist in Joel Osteen for those who think he’s nothing more than a tour guide to Hell.

 

[Mike_D30]

jennifer101:

Love God with all your heart and be nice to your neighbor.

If you think that is all that is required to attain heaven it sounds like Joel Osteen and you are the perfect fit… In no where in any of your pontifications do you say anything about admitting and turning from sin, and believing in Jesus attoning for your sins on the cross. All you seemed concerned with is how you feel, and how you don’t like Catholics or their traditions, or the Catholics themselves and you think we’re all phonies (yet Joel Osteen is the pillar of religious men, with his mansion, millions, and Vail vacations). I apologize if my patience is wearing thin, but your posts went from whining, to offensive. I’ll bow out now I don’t like when they get like this.

God Bless I really mean that…