T
TeresaMarie24
Guest
I wanted to share something that happened today.
I was getting my oil changed, and got to talking to the receptionist. I’m a talker when it comes to strangers, and we got to discussing how we both had kids and were divorced, and the struggles that go with all of that.
She said to me that she didn’t ever want to get married again, and didn’t need a piece of paper to stay with someone the rest of her life. I said, “well, I’m Catholic, so I’d like to get married in the Church again, and the piece of paper pretty much goes with that.”
She went on to say that she was also Catholic, but didn’t go to Catholic church anymore because she disagreed with a lot of what they did, like confession. She then proceeded to tell me the typical “why can’t I just go straight to God” type of argument.
I listened, and then said, “well, I’ll be honest, I love going to confession.” “Really?” She was genuinely shocked. “But you’re just in a little box and they don’t talk to you.” “Oh no, they talk, and sometimes even counsel you. It’s like free therapy!
”
I went on and explained how Jesus had commissioned the apostles to carry out confession and that when you go to confession, the priest is acting “in persona Christi” and what that meant.
Then I said, "There is something very amazing in actually telling someone your sins, and then hearing, “your sins are forgiven.”
At this point, the woman’s eyes teared up. “They’ve said that you? No one’s ever said that to me.”
“Yes, I said, most definitely. So before you give up on confession, just try it one more time.”
She went on to ask me where I go to church and it turns out she used to go there. I left her my number and told her if she ever wants to talk or go to mass, to give me a call. Maybe she’ll go, maybe she won’t, but at least she got to hear another perspective on something she has obviously shunned for some time.
I share this story to encourage you to share your personal testimony when little opportunities arise. Be not afraid! If you love a particular sacrament, share that with someone. It’s not being pushy, or trying to convince someone; it’s just sharing your story. And that can be powerful…
God bless!
I was getting my oil changed, and got to talking to the receptionist. I’m a talker when it comes to strangers, and we got to discussing how we both had kids and were divorced, and the struggles that go with all of that.
She said to me that she didn’t ever want to get married again, and didn’t need a piece of paper to stay with someone the rest of her life. I said, “well, I’m Catholic, so I’d like to get married in the Church again, and the piece of paper pretty much goes with that.”
She went on to say that she was also Catholic, but didn’t go to Catholic church anymore because she disagreed with a lot of what they did, like confession. She then proceeded to tell me the typical “why can’t I just go straight to God” type of argument.
I listened, and then said, “well, I’ll be honest, I love going to confession.” “Really?” She was genuinely shocked. “But you’re just in a little box and they don’t talk to you.” “Oh no, they talk, and sometimes even counsel you. It’s like free therapy!
”I went on and explained how Jesus had commissioned the apostles to carry out confession and that when you go to confession, the priest is acting “in persona Christi” and what that meant.
Then I said, "There is something very amazing in actually telling someone your sins, and then hearing, “your sins are forgiven.”
At this point, the woman’s eyes teared up. “They’ve said that you? No one’s ever said that to me.”
“Yes, I said, most definitely. So before you give up on confession, just try it one more time.”
She went on to ask me where I go to church and it turns out she used to go there. I left her my number and told her if she ever wants to talk or go to mass, to give me a call. Maybe she’ll go, maybe she won’t, but at least she got to hear another perspective on something she has obviously shunned for some time.
I share this story to encourage you to share your personal testimony when little opportunities arise. Be not afraid! If you love a particular sacrament, share that with someone. It’s not being pushy, or trying to convince someone; it’s just sharing your story. And that can be powerful…
God bless!
, Peace, Carlan