Timid and shy in the defense of the church

[Sam_Morgan]

I know as a Catholic man I should rise to defend the faith and the Church, yet in our current society of death I have a difficult enough time with my own failings that I don’t feel secure enough to tackle all those around me who want to impose their own lifestyle upon me.

Sometimes I feel ashamed to be silent when situations arise I know are not good for me and have found that removing myself from those situations has been the way I deal with them.

Is this a normal reaction in the face of my peers?

I pray every day for strength to keep my faith intact, how should i try to show others?

Especially those who have nothing good to say about the Catholic Life…

Is the life we are called to by Baptism lonely, by nature?

Or am I seeing the exceptions to the norm?

Thanks

 

[blessedtoo]

I know as a Catholic man I should rise to defend the faith and the Church, yet in our current society of death I have a difficult enough time with my own failings that I don’t feel secure enough to tackle all those around me who want to impose their own lifestyle upon me.

Welcome to the forums! You have come to the right place if you want to better prepare yourself to face culture in which we live. We are all called to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect, but none of us are! John Paul II told us to set ourselves apart from this corrupt generation and be saints! Mother Theresa said God does not expect us to always succeed but always to try. You do not need to be perfect to defend your faith. Only Christ fits that bill. If you hang around here long enough, you will absorb plenty of info that will help you to combat the plethora of misinformation out there in the world.

Sometimes I feel ashamed to be silent when situations arise I know are not good for me and have found that removing myself from those situations has been the way I deal with them.

I think that’s a fine approach to take if you are unsure as to how to address complicated situations. When I found myself confused about how to handle a situation or argument, I would remove myself and go seek advice, either from other faithful Catholic friends, CAF, or a priest.

I pray every day for strength to keep my faith intact, how should i try to show others?

Walk the walk. Live a good, faithful Catholic life. Example speaks louder than words. As St. Francis said, preach always, and sometimes use words.

Especially those who have nothing good to say about the Catholic Life…

That’s most folks. If someone presents you with a nasty comment or question, tell them you will respond after you’ve done a little research. Make sure you find the answer or rebuttal and go back to them with your response.

Is the life we are called to by Baptism lonely, by nature?

Not necessarily. I have had moments of isolation, where I feel like I am the only one who really takes my faith seriously. But I am not lonely. I know that Christ is with me. I know that I will never be alone as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Him.

Or am I seeing the exceptions to the norm?

Well, I never knew there were so many orthodox Catholics in my city until I came to CAF! After a few years, I’ve even made a few friends that I talk to outside the forums. I know all the faithful Parishes in the diocese and all the orthodox priests. I have made friends at some of the Churches that I learned of here on CAF. So hang around for awhile and hopefully you’ll find some encouragement and commaraderie!