What is the essence of Catholicism?

[theMutant]

Hermione:

This is a very scary situation for me to be in. A lot of the time I find myself having a very strong faith, but there are times when I think about why God had to become man, and whether Jesus really was the Son of God. I find myself subconsciously influenced by my secular upbringing which was filled with very anti-God and anti-Catholic attitudes.

I need help in growing in faith. I think that if I knew Catholic teaching very well and truly understood why it has to be this way and not another, my faith would grow.

Hermione,

It sounds like you are suffering through what is referred to as spiritual dry spells. Don’t despair for you are in good company. Many of the greatest saints wrote about how they felt spiritually bereft and didn’t understand why God did and allowed what He did. I’ve heard that the private writings of Blessed Mother Teresa - which are being considered in her cause for canonization - reveal much the same.

You are turning toward God and there is a power that yearns to divert you from that course. I don’t say this to instill you with fear, for with God, you have nothing to fear from the Enemy. You can be assured of my prayers for you as well as, I’m sure, from the others who have read your post. It has been said that God only allows the strongest of souls to endure the greatest challenges. Regardless of how we feel, He always gives us the Grace we need. With that in mind, I ask for your prayers as well!

 

[Jim_ov_Cov]

The essence of Catholicism? I’m tempted to say ‘Faith’ or ‘Mystery’, but I should probably paraphrase the late Cardinal Heenan when he was asked during a T.V. interview to define Catholicism in one word. He replied “Authority.” Our Lord taught with authority, it’s what marked Him out from all the other religious teachers of His day. Our Lord’s Church teaches with authority too, that’s what marks her out from all the other religious bodies of the day.

Also, I think that one should always pray for an increase in faith. Remember the the wisdom of St. Anselm “Fides querum intellectum.” (Faith seeking understanding). We believe first, then we seek to understand more.

 

[theMutant]

LindaS:

Yes, Mutant, you did mix up your saints! St. Teresa of Avila wrote Interior Castle while Therese of Liseux wrote The Story of a Soul. Hope this helps!

Thanks, Linda! I’ve read Interior Castles and The Story of a Soul is on my list.

 

[mrS4ntA]

Pray, pray and pray…

Believe me, I went through a similar situation and I think it is only though prayers that you will get the faith you need. Faith, after all, is but God’s gift.

A good teacher of mine rightly pointed out, “you never see a statue of Jesus pointing His head (signifying thinking), but His heart (love).” Not saying that reason is unnecessary to discern your faith, but it all must come first and foremost from the heart, the desire to love God.

“Lord, I do believe. Help what little faith I have.”

 

[gsaccone]

As one other person suggested, I too suggest “Theology for Beginners” by Frank Sheed. Also “To Know Christ Jesus” is also a great read. “TFB” is short and an easy read, though page after page I found myself stopping dead in my tracks and saying “Oh my God, I never knew that, now it makes so much sense” and my heart would race in anticipation of what would come up next. “TKCJ” is a bit longer but is incredibly readable and will give you some insights that are wonderful.

To me the essence of Catholicism is TRUTH. And TRUTH = CHRIST

God bless and never cease in praying

 

[Exporter]

Go inside the Church!

A stained glass window does not look very good when you are on the outside.

But from the inside the stained glass windows take on life, the y are beautiful!