I stand with you. Although I’m twice your age, I recognize this world, and most of my friends, if not virulently anti-Catholic, they are smugly-tolerant of what I believe they perceive as an wacky, old-school rhetoric. They are, (again, I believe) smugly proud of themselves for putting up with my faithfulness. “We understand you ‘have’ to go to Mass tomorrow, but believe me, God will forgive you if you hang with us tomorrow instead” is a typical statement, which by the way, I find amusing, considering they don’t have any kind of relationship with God, but presume to know what God will do in any situation. In their world, God will forgive any activity, because “sin” is subjective.
In this world, this sea of ‘modern thinking’ which isn’t so modern, (as it’s been around since Genesis) faithful Catholics are expected to be quiet and sweet. Like you, there’s many times I am compelled to be silent, as I’m not combative by nature.
When someone responds to me with a question that I perceive as truly interested, I am more than helpful and able to assist them. If they are just looking for an argument, I shut down. If they are looking for me to pray for them or an intention, then I pray with all my heart. And it’s true, that in every case that I can remember, praying for these people’s intentions are always answered in the most miraculous ways. Even in one case, where a woman’s white blood cell count went from dangerous levels to normal in a very short period of time. A miracle. Did this miracle actually help in a conversion? God only knows. The woman didn’t start going to church or pray herself, but I pray that one day, she recognizes the need for God in her life.
1 Peter 3:15 speaks to this. And for me, it’s my marching orders. Praying with and for you, my friend, for perserverence…
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
