M
MDomashinski
Guest
Long Story but encouraging —
Background - I’m a “cradle cafeteria Catholic”. My parents raised us instilling, “you will go to Mass or else!” or else usually meant physical abuse. A little confusing.
I have an older brother and younger sister who are both lapsed. (surprise)
By God’s Grace alone has He chosen to give me the gift of Faith. He truly is amazing. ← This is another story for another time.
Well, I am continually praying Rosaries for those I meet, for their coversion, for their demons to leave them. for myself to be open to God’s gifts of the Holy Spirit to fear not and stay steadfast in the way truth and life.
1 week ago sunday, my parents (who are part of Call to Action… ech) and Sister accepted my invitation to come to my home on Sunday morning with the hopes of getting them to Mass. Mom and Dad came, sis did not. Sister - ah my beloved and poor lost sister. I pray for her a lot and I hope you will too. She is so heavily influenced by things of this world and the demons who whisper into people’s ears convincing them that choosing to live a Gay lifestyle is as jive with our creator and equal to choosing to live a monogomous married life; that abortion elevates women’s freedom not exploits and destroys a woman’s body and soul, that freedom of choice is more socially responsible than protecting the most unprotected; that selfishness is a right and selflessness is haughty. She and I talked later about superficial topics, never adressing that day her comments to me when I asked her and invited her repeatedly to come to Mass. Her comments, “It’s just not for me.” to which I wanted to reply, eternal salvation, not burning in a lake of fire for all of eternity? but I held my tounge and didn’t reply at all becasue I had no Idea how to reply with compassion and without judgement. Then she said, “Thank you for understanding,” to which i said, “I don’t” and left.
St. Theresa has interceeded. Sister is now open to dialogue, a step towards salvation (I hope). See her email and you will see how far gone she is. But as St. Monica said, no one is outside of the Lord’s reach.
"Hi Maura,
Thanks for commenting on my link on the death penalty. I know sometimes these topics are difficult to traverse if our religious, moral & social compass is a bit different than each others, but I am curious about your position on abortion, have you changed your mind on the issue? I’m a bit surprised but (with love) willing to try and understand your perspective on the matter. I will never be against a woman’s choice to make a decision about her body. I really hope, even if you have changed your mind, that our different politics do not effect our relationship.
That being said, you should know my position on the church and why I choose not to attend, but still consider myself spiritual and having been raised with Catholic values. You should know this because sometimes I feel you judge me because I’m not a practicing Catholic, and it hurts to feel not recognized for the very loving and Catholic acts I do as a person and in my career. I choose to not attend church because I cannot endorse and institution that does not support my gay family, does not support the civil and human right to marriage for all people, does not support the ordaining of women as priests, describes Africa as “evil” or blames AIDS on the use of prophylactics. I do understand the vital importance of community and family. Mine is not accepted with open arms in the Catholic church, I have spoken at length with dad about this, and he can now understand my position. I love the Catholic that dad has become, someone who believes in the love that Jesus had, rather than fear or anger or punishment. I believe I am a practicing Catholic in spirit and soul, but I have irreconcilable issues with the institution. If this upsets you, I’m sorry. I know though, that with love and forgiveness, mom and dad have come to understand me and my decisions, and they would be good to talk to about their feelings about me and my life decisions as it relates to our family.
When I practice yoga, I meditate and often send prayers of love and joy for you and your family. I am proud of all we have been through, the families we have created, and the very different ways we express ourselves. I look forward to a long life ahead with my families in it and all the happiness and joy for us. I hope one day we can not be afraid of open dialogue about some of these differences so we can heal, understand & appreciate each other more.
Have a good monday and kisses for baby from aunt sis
Love,"
I don’t know how to reply compassionately to this email … any suggestions? … another story to follow in another post.
Background - I’m a “cradle cafeteria Catholic”. My parents raised us instilling, “you will go to Mass or else!” or else usually meant physical abuse. A little confusing.
I have an older brother and younger sister who are both lapsed. (surprise)
By God’s Grace alone has He chosen to give me the gift of Faith. He truly is amazing. ← This is another story for another time.
Well, I am continually praying Rosaries for those I meet, for their coversion, for their demons to leave them. for myself to be open to God’s gifts of the Holy Spirit to fear not and stay steadfast in the way truth and life.
1 week ago sunday, my parents (who are part of Call to Action… ech) and Sister accepted my invitation to come to my home on Sunday morning with the hopes of getting them to Mass. Mom and Dad came, sis did not. Sister - ah my beloved and poor lost sister. I pray for her a lot and I hope you will too. She is so heavily influenced by things of this world and the demons who whisper into people’s ears convincing them that choosing to live a Gay lifestyle is as jive with our creator and equal to choosing to live a monogomous married life; that abortion elevates women’s freedom not exploits and destroys a woman’s body and soul, that freedom of choice is more socially responsible than protecting the most unprotected; that selfishness is a right and selflessness is haughty. She and I talked later about superficial topics, never adressing that day her comments to me when I asked her and invited her repeatedly to come to Mass. Her comments, “It’s just not for me.” to which I wanted to reply, eternal salvation, not burning in a lake of fire for all of eternity? but I held my tounge and didn’t reply at all becasue I had no Idea how to reply with compassion and without judgement. Then she said, “Thank you for understanding,” to which i said, “I don’t” and left.
St. Theresa has interceeded. Sister is now open to dialogue, a step towards salvation (I hope). See her email and you will see how far gone she is. But as St. Monica said, no one is outside of the Lord’s reach.
"Hi Maura,
Thanks for commenting on my link on the death penalty. I know sometimes these topics are difficult to traverse if our religious, moral & social compass is a bit different than each others, but I am curious about your position on abortion, have you changed your mind on the issue? I’m a bit surprised but (with love) willing to try and understand your perspective on the matter. I will never be against a woman’s choice to make a decision about her body. I really hope, even if you have changed your mind, that our different politics do not effect our relationship.
That being said, you should know my position on the church and why I choose not to attend, but still consider myself spiritual and having been raised with Catholic values. You should know this because sometimes I feel you judge me because I’m not a practicing Catholic, and it hurts to feel not recognized for the very loving and Catholic acts I do as a person and in my career. I choose to not attend church because I cannot endorse and institution that does not support my gay family, does not support the civil and human right to marriage for all people, does not support the ordaining of women as priests, describes Africa as “evil” or blames AIDS on the use of prophylactics. I do understand the vital importance of community and family. Mine is not accepted with open arms in the Catholic church, I have spoken at length with dad about this, and he can now understand my position. I love the Catholic that dad has become, someone who believes in the love that Jesus had, rather than fear or anger or punishment. I believe I am a practicing Catholic in spirit and soul, but I have irreconcilable issues with the institution. If this upsets you, I’m sorry. I know though, that with love and forgiveness, mom and dad have come to understand me and my decisions, and they would be good to talk to about their feelings about me and my life decisions as it relates to our family.
When I practice yoga, I meditate and often send prayers of love and joy for you and your family. I am proud of all we have been through, the families we have created, and the very different ways we express ourselves. I look forward to a long life ahead with my families in it and all the happiness and joy for us. I hope one day we can not be afraid of open dialogue about some of these differences so we can heal, understand & appreciate each other more.
Have a good monday and kisses for baby from aunt sis
Love,"
I don’t know how to reply compassionately to this email … any suggestions? … another story to follow in another post.