Which side are you on? (When to preach and when not to)

[Joysong]

Dear Puzzleannie,

Yes, that would be difficult for any person. It makes me wonder whether these students actually went on to make their confirmation, with an attitude like that.

 

[puzzleannie]

Dear Puzzleannie,

Yes, that would be difficult for any person. It makes me wonder whether these students actually went on to make their confirmation, with an attitude like that.

because all the while you are teaching, as well as through every aspect of their preparation, it is necessary to invoke the Holy Spirit constantly and in the end, turn over their preparation to Him.

 

[Joysong]

Hello 4LoveofJesus,

I meant to thank you yesterday for your good thoughts. St. Monica was always a good example to me, and I am renewed by her steadfastness and perseverance. Sometimes she keeps me going when the years mount up and no results are evident … (sigh).

 

[blessedstar]

I have been praying for the conversion of a family member now for almost four years. Yet this family member loves to talk about spirituality and asks me about the faith, but in the next breathe they are rude about the faith.

I try to avoid talking about faith with this family member, but the more I avoid it the more they desire to discuss it; pressing me with questions to defend the faith. I have to bless him for that. There’s no ill feeling between us, I don’t let his talk trouble me. We are very close and I love him a great deal.

One day he broke down in tears and said ‘I wish I had that humility, to have your faith. I sometimes feel I could go into the Church and sit for a bit, but then I don’t’. When I heard those words and saw my brother, a grown man, cry like that I didn’t say a word, I just put my arms round him and I decided to pray everyday to the Holy Spirit for his conversion and have done that now for four years as I have said and I will continue to pray until I close my eyes for the last time.

Sometimes he will ask me to pray for him; he doesn’t know I already do.

But I won’t preach to him with words; I’ll just carry on loving him.

All of you and your families are in my prayers.

 

[Joysong]

Dear Blessedstar,

When I heard those words and saw my brother, a grown man, cry like that I didn’t say a word, I just put my arms round him …

I can picture the scene between you and it is just beautiful! Your brother sees something in you that he desires, and it is Jesus. No words are needed. I remember when you asked for prayer for him, and now you are able to see the fruit somewhat. I’ll pray with you as I remember all those special ones who need our help.