Unkindness is shaking my faith

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Don’t forget just because people call themselves Catholic on the internet it doesn’t mean they are.
 
“Maragal said:
Im really struggling with this. Everywhere I go - nasty comments, sarcasm, downright hatred spewed - by those calling themselves Catholics and Christians. Those on the right, those on the left. Those who support Trump, those who dont.
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This seems a bit over the top… How about non-Christians? Angelic?
 
I don’t limit this to social media. It seems in our fallen world there is plenty of nastiness among one another, simply in stores, or any public place. and families, the “other in law family” , neighbors
I see us coming to the junction of either walking in light or in darkness.
and it is becoming more difficult to walk in the world. All of this has the effect of causing me to pray more often, read Holy Scripture, spiritual writings. avoid certain places. and I finally am disciplined, no I have received the grace, to pray a rosary everyday avoid certain places. when I go anywhere I have a rosary in my pocket. as I walk I can begin to pray the rosary. anywhere!
just know and remember, you are not alone. we have the Church and the Sacraments, there are your brothers and sisters, we have each other, and Christ is always with us. Lord have mercy on us! pax
 
Endtimes, I know there are the same issues everywhere, in non believers as well. But my particular “angst” starting this post is my feeling about fellow Christians not showing the fruits of the spirit…

I do really appreciate everyone’s comments, and as I said above, for me, the answer might to be pray for those who are unkind, stay close to my reading (someone recommended Groeschel - yes! Ive read that book, its GREAT - maybe will do so again), address my own sin, and (paraphrase from above) “whats it to you…be compassionate anyway”…(I LOVE THAT)

I also agree with those who have pointed out it has always been such…maybe people didnt have facebook 100 years ago but they had mouths…some used them well, some not so much lol.

Poster with the child abuse story - thank you Jesus for moving our culture forward re that issue. And prayers your great grandfather/relative made some sort of peace with God in his last momemts. Quite likely he, too, was a victim of child abuse, who knows.

Peace everyone…I hope we, me too, in the upcoming elections in america, as well as the transitions in the UK (I cross both countries) can hold our opinions/values/ideas (where ever on spectrum) in a loving, powerful, yet gentle way, fall back on our faith, step back from name calling, and remember Sister Emmanuals words “Fall back on God - HE wont disappoint”…
 
Lou2U said:
I think you need to take a big step back from social media and anywhere else you encounter these arguments. Cut all negativity out your life, it’s not worth it.
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I don’t think it’s just the social media, the OP was giving an example…

To the OP I struggle too, especially with people who are baptized, anointed, have been grand parents to others several times and they still are mean to others, self-justified, and even do not believe in God and claim their own religion is just somethig that got stuck with them.
Nothing you can do except do not follow their example and take notice that, like you said, our Sacraments don’t miraculously turn us around into good people …
And try not to judge… (advice to be appiled on me too…) because judging only makes thibgs harder plus Jesus told us not to.
 
I am sorry you are struggling with this. I do too and it is really hard. I think you need to cut social media out of your life. I see things all the time, but I have to choose not to let them bother me.
 
You have my sympathy. Of the supposedly devout Catholics I knew growing up, only a handful of them were even remotely likable, much less a “light for the world”. I equated Catholicism with the “Catholic school culture”, which was defined by racism, elitism, and superficiality. But as I got older, I became introduced to people who truely were in love with Jesus in a way that effected the way in which they lived their lives. I found them working with the poor, praying in the chapel, fostering disabled children, teaching science in my public school, and their witnessing shone through the mob of check-writing, plaid-skirt wearing, “do you even know who I am?” people that I equated with the Church. Then I started reading about the Saints, martyrs, and missionaries. There really are people out there who care, and they aren’t even that rare. They just tend to be quieter and a lot less flashy.
 
I will be praying for you. I understand your feelings and suggest you remove yourself as much as possible from anything that causes you to become this discouraged. A social media “fast” with something spiritual to replace it (perhaps some lectio divina, or praying the Carthusian rosary in a deeply contemplative manner, or praying the Chaplet of the Holy Face, or some peaceful time in nature) may help toward restoring peace of mind. Remember that those engaging in calumny, detraction, and hatred are responsible for their own sins. The adversary will try to bring you down to their level. Resist him. Let go of what you cannot change and turn to Christ, the cause of our hope and joy. May Our Blessed Mother watch over you and send you consolation.
 
You will never look into the eyes of anyone who does not matter to God.
 
Maragal said:
Endtimes, I know there are the same issues everywhere, in non believers as well. But my particular “angst” starting this post is my feeling about fellow Christians not showing the fruits of the spirit…
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You’ll have to be specific with examples…
E.G. We are called to Mercifully Correct any who are peddling false notions
Sometimes they rejoin with: Judgemental ! UnChristian !
Is this what you’re referring to?

_
 
Hi endtimes, I don’t want to revisit a lot of negativity - but as an example- a forum Im on with folks discussing eschatology- all Christians - and using words like “stupid”, “ignorant”, and “idiot” etc to each other…not disagreeing in love. But Lent is coming, and Im focusing on the “good” in others, and prayer for all of us. This thread has been helpful to me, as a place to vent, and get advice about living in the Spirit, avoiding negative forums, praying for all of us, etc. Peace in Jesus.
 
Maragal said:
Hi endtimes, I don’t want to revisit a lot of negativity - but as an example- a forum Im on with folks discussing eschatology- all Christians - and using words like “stupid”, “ignorant”, and “idiot” etc to each other…not disagreeing in love.
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Yes, but, No.

All Christians do no such thing… !
 
Hi Endtimes, no, I meant the people I was referring to, on that particular forum, are all Christians, and I was worried about the lack of charity being displayed…I most certainly do not mean that all Christians are unkind lol! There is magnificent kindness displayed in many Christians, and many people of all faiths. Blessedly, we can find kindness every day in our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessed Lent to everyone!
 
Look to the saints, rather than the regular pewsitter (or Internet poster) for examples of what a life lived well according to the faith accomplishes in the character of a person, namely, holiness.

Why so many Catholics and Christians continue to sin and fall short of holiness (myself included) is another question wrapped up in the mystery of iniquity.
 
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EricPH said:
I think our final judgement will be more about how we change ourselves, rather than how we change other people.
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Actually - according to Catholicism - It’s a combo of both…
which in turn - are not actually separate …

)
 
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EndTimes said:
Actually - according to Catholicism - It’s a combo of both…
which in turn - are not actually separate …
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Yes,…we are mandated to correct others when necessary…peacefully and with love of course!
 
I feel your pain.
I get angry sometimes because of the hypocrisy that seems to abound.
Then I thinking about my own hypocrisy.
So, what I try to do is to just be a little better version of myself every day. I pray to the precious Blessed Mother for her help in making me patience when others anger me through their words and deeds. May I forgive others as I ask for God to forgive me.
 
Dorothy said:
Yes,…we are mandated to correct others when necessary…peacefully and with love of course!
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Yes… It’s part of the Spiritual Virtue of Mercy…

Instruct, Counsel, and even Admonish - when necessary… yes - with love.

And ignore any who charge you with being Judgemental / UnChristian

They’re the very ones who truly need correction.

)
 
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