Why do I feel forsaken?

[Bohm_Bawerk]

** If a Christian has not yet known this darkness and aridity, it is a sign that the Lord is still treating him like a child at the breast, too unformed for the adult darkness in which alone the true God is found**. Any who think they can make idols, or images, or pictures, or concepts of God remain underdeveloped in their faith. Darkness is not a sign of unbelief, or even of doubt, but a sign of the true relation between the Creator and the creature. God is not on our frequency; and when we get beyond our usual range, which in prayer we must, we reach only darkness. This is painful. In a way, it does make one doubt; in another way, experience shows us that when one is no longer a child, one leaves childish ways behind.

I guess that would make me an adult

Thank you,
**Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk
**

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

It very well could be God’s hand nudging you.

As you read the book though I sould let you know that the author is not Catholic. He is Baptist. I don’t say this to detract from a book that I have not read. I only mentionit because it may contain things that do not “square with” Catholic teachings.
So be aware of this.
Personally I would suggest you stick with cathoic authors for the time being. The Book inmy signature would be of great help to you and it is, though lengthy, VERY readable and speaks to many of the issues you have raised here.

I forgot to add. . .yes I will be purchasing the book you’ve recommended. I’ve taken a glance at the reviews and it seems to be a good read .

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[poor_clare]

Hi Eugen

Good luck with your confession today. I hope you feel closer to God when you’ve received the sacrament.

Thinking of you and praying for you

Clare

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

It has officially been done. First time I’ve been to Confession. Went quite smoothly, and had to do it face-to-face with the Priest (the option wasn’t offered to me to do it anonymously).

Confessed my sins (I brought an entire list), the Priest gave me some words of advice and likened me to the Prodigal Son (the painting was right beside me), and I said a few prayers and he said a few prayers and then absolved me from my sins. Considering that I have known him for an extremely long time, he said he was overjoyed that I had come back to the faith. He also said he would talk to me later about a Catholic Youth club that I could join.

The journey from home to the Church, whilst not a “hike”, is still of some noteworthy distance. I took my Miraculous Medal along with me, as I do not live in the safest parts of the city, especially at this time of the night (although because it’s still summer, it’s still quite bright). Indeed, two boys on bikes shouted “Oiii” at me and I thought they were going to interrogate me, as such yobs often do here; another hooligan exclaimed “bruv” and I thought he was going to pull out a knife; met some friends I have not seen in a long time who slightly mocked the fact that I had attended church, and lastly, met some girls who thought the shorts I wore were funny. Did remind me of one of Jesus’ remarks: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

Nevertheless, I’m back home safely and I’m quite glad that I’m currently in a “state of grace”. Hopefully I can keep the promises that I’ve made to God, and I hope this can be the start of something new

Thank you very much all posters to this thread and CAF in general, and I hope God rains His blessings upon yourselves, your family, and your friends,

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[Edward_H]

It has officially been done. First time I’ve been to Confession. Went quite smoothly, and had to do it face-to-face with the Priest (the option wasn’t offered to me to do it anonymously).

Confessed my sins (I brought an entire list), the Priest gave me some words of advice and likened me to the Prodigal Son (the painting was right beside me), and I said a few prayers and he said a few prayers and then absolved me from my sins. Considering that I have known him for an extremely long time, he said he was overjoyed that I had come back to the faith. He also said he would talk to me later about a Catholic Youth club that I could join.

The journey from home to the Church, whilst not a “hike”, is still of some noteworthy distance. I took my Miraculous Medal along with me, as I do not live in the safest parts of the city, especially at this time of the night (although because it’s still summer, it’s still quite bright). Indeed, two boys on bikes shouted “Oiii” at me and I thought they were going to interrogate me, as such yobs often do here; another hooligan exclaimed “bruv” and I thought he was going to pull out a knife; met some friends I have not seen in a long time who slightly mocked the fact that I had attended church, and lastly, met some girls who thought the shorts I wore were funny. Did remind me of one of Jesus’ remarks: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

Nevertheless, I’m back home safely and I’m quite glad that I’m currently in a “state of grace”. Hopefully I can keep the promises that I’ve made to God, and I hope this can be the start of something new

Thank you very much all posters to this thread and CAF in general, and I hope God rains His blessings upon yourselves, your family, and your friends,

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

Marvelously done and told. Takes “Holy guts”. I wish I could see the rejoicing in heaven.

Begin again and again with God.

 

[poor_clare]

It has officially been done. First time I’ve been to Confession. Went quite smoothly, and had to do it face-to-face with the Priest (the option wasn’t offered to me to do it anonymously).

Confessed my sins (I brought an entire list), the Priest gave me some words of advice and likened me to the Prodigal Son (the painting was right beside me), and I said a few prayers and he said a few prayers and then absolved me from my sins. Considering that I have known him for an extremely long time, he said he was overjoyed that I had come back to the faith. He also said he would talk to me later about a Catholic Youth club that I could join.

The journey from home to the Church, whilst not a “hike”, is still of some noteworthy distance. I took my Miraculous Medal along with me, as I do not live in the safest parts of the city, especially at this time of the night (although because it’s still summer, it’s still quite bright). Indeed, two boys on bikes shouted “Oiii” at me and I thought they were going to interrogate me, as such yobs often do here; another hooligan exclaimed “bruv” and I thought he was going to pull out a knife; met some friends I have not seen in a long time who slightly mocked the fact that I had attended church, and lastly, met some girls who thought the shorts I wore were funny. Did remind me of one of Jesus’ remarks: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

Nevertheless, I’m back home safely and I’m quite glad that I’m currently in a “state of grace”. Hopefully I can keep the promises that I’ve made to God, and I hope this can be the start of something new

Thank you very much all posters to this thread and CAF in general, and I hope God rains His blessings upon yourselves, your family, and your friends,

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

Well done you!

May the Lord bless and keep you Eugen
May He may he continually make his light to shine upon you
May the Lord always comfort you
May He give you peace

God bless,

Clare

 

[theresa_bloom]

It has officially been done. First time I’ve been to Confession. Went quite smoothly, and had to do it face-to-face with the Priest (the option wasn’t offered to me to do it anonymously).

Confessed my sins (I brought an entire list), the Priest gave me some words of advice and likened me to the Prodigal Son (the painting was right beside me), and I said a few prayers and he said a few prayers and then absolved me from my sins. Considering that I have known him for an extremely long time, he said he was overjoyed that I had come back to the faith. He also said he would talk to me later about a Catholic Youth club that I could join.

The journey from home to the Church, whilst not a “hike”, is still of some noteworthy distance. I took my Miraculous Medal along with me, as I do not live in the safest parts of the city, especially at this time of the night (although because it’s still summer, it’s still quite bright). Indeed, two boys on bikes shouted “Oiii” at me and I thought they were going to interrogate me, as such yobs often do here; another hooligan exclaimed “bruv” and I thought he was going to pull out a knife; met some friends I have not seen in a long time who slightly mocked the fact that I had attended church, and lastly, met some girls who thought the shorts I wore were funny. Did remind me of one of Jesus’ remarks: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

Nevertheless, I’m back home safely and I’m quite glad that I’m currently in a “state of grace”. Hopefully I can keep the promises that I’ve made to God, and I hope this can be the start of something new

Thank you very much all posters to this thread and CAF in general, and I hope God rains His blessings upon yourselves, your family, and your friends,

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

I also went to confession this weekend! I would like you to know that I admire you and I am humbled by you. I am much older and do not suffer the mocking and ridicule that you describe. You are VERY strong and VERY brave to forge ahead. I believe that God will bless you abundantly because of your persistence. Your journey has been a comfort and guide for me in my current state. I want you to know that my previous experiences have been short (relatively) and resolved in a miraculous way. Trust in God. I am grateful that I found this thread. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your pain and struggles. They have helped me in so many ways. Continue to pray for me as I will for you. May God bless you.

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Hehe, thank you for your kind comments . I’m no saint however, and I think the walk from church to home was only a very small glimpse of the torments that Jesus had to go through.

I believe that God will bless you abundantly because of your persistence. Your journey has been a comfort and guide for me in my current state. I want you to know that my previous experiences have been short (relatively) and resolved in a miraculous way. Trust in God.

.

I really do hope that God blesses you, and me, and that His glory becomes more apparent in our lives which are currently “austere”. I am very relieved by the fact that you say that this period of “dark night of the soul” has occurred to you before, but it ended with a highly favourable outcome. Hopefully I also end up with a highly favourable outcome. . .soon. . .not 30-40 years like Mother Teresa haha.

I will keep you in my prayers Theresa Bloom

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Hi Eugen

Good luck with your confession today. I hope you feel closer to God when you’ve received the sacrament.

Thinking of you and praying for you

Clare

Thank you Clare. I hope so too and I will keep you updated by posting on this thread

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[poor_clare]

Or …you can join our group Contemplatives Corner

You’re always welcome.

God bless,
Clare