M
mrS4ntA
Guest
Amen! You go, boy!
And remember, “in the final analysis, it is not between you and [your fellow men], it is between you and God.” – Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
- Status
And remember, “in the final analysis, it is not between you and [your fellow men], it is between you and God.” – Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
A
Apologia100
Guest
This is an interesting, and very sensitive topic. I once felt like SociaCatholic did. I then had a discussion with a much older man, and he told me that he is not Catholic because of what other people do or don’t do. He is Catholic because that is what he is, just like he is American. Just because people are getting abortions and gay people are trying to get married doesn’t make him want to stop being American. In fact, the more people try to change the norms of what it means to be American, it makes him want to fight harder to be one. I got his point. I suffer too because of the scandals of abuse, but it makes me fight harder to maintain the orthodoxy of our faith. Something you may want to ponder.
P
PKK
Guest
Findnmway:
You have gotten a lot of good advice here as you pointed out. I pray that you will let the advice and God help you to over come your suicidal thoughts, and form a closer relationship to him. Every person is precious in his sight, and we all have a role to play in bring about his kingdom.
Maybe findnmway put this point of view in a better way. However, the statement that it is not demeaning, and yet shows a lack of respect mean basically the same thing. When you refer to someone (not just women) in a way that is lacking in respect, that is demeaning (in my opinion). As far as what women want. You maybe right the women in bars and such places may be just looking for men with big wallets. However, money is not what counts to most (I won’t say all) Christian women. Most Christian women are looking with for someone who shares their faith in God. Also, where are all the vibrant young people? That as someone else pointed out and I stated above, may be why God brought you to that church. With the priests help maybe you can start a group, and get it active. It will take energy, time, and patience to get it done, but would be worth it in the end.
You have gotten a lot of good advice here as you pointed out. I pray that you will let the advice and God help you to over come your suicidal thoughts, and form a closer relationship to him. Every person is precious in his sight, and we all have a role to play in bring about his kingdom.
C
CatholicNerd
Guest
Confession’s great, isn’t it?!?!
You’ll be in my prayers.
S
SocaliCatholic
Guest
FYI I am not litterally suicidal. I was attempting to explain the depths of my misery that I could not go out and chase women like ALL guys want to do, becuase my faith says not to objectify women.
Also, most women are tempted to objectify men to how big their wallet is, and overlook the person if its not big enough; just as a guy may overlook a women becuase she is not attractive to him. I am not saying its right, but its a sad fact of how this world works.
B
buffalo
Guest
The Catholic Church is a hospital for sinners. We all try and repeatedly fail by sinning. This in no way makes the Catholic faith invalid. Stay with it.
N
nobody
Guest
Hello Socali,
Just a simple thought on the poker playing: if you enjoy the winning part, but don’t want to take money from others, why not find some friends that feel the same way and play penny-ante, set the max at a quarter? Or, play for chips.
Just a simple thought on the poker playing: if you enjoy the winning part, but don’t want to take money from others, why not find some friends that feel the same way and play penny-ante, set the max at a quarter? Or, play for chips.
S
SocaliCatholic
Guest
Those are some good thoughts, but I have become corrupted in the sense that I tend to only enjoy winning lots of money at higher limits. Playing for dollar chips lost its appeal but I remember the days when it was still fun.
R
ralphinal
Guest
WE will, and remember that your true help is in Jesus. We’re just support personelle
R
robertaf
Guest
Good Morning Church
Good Morning Soc,
I am a granma and a mom of two sons. I also grew up down in South Central LA. I have spent much time teaching and leading Catholic groups for teens and young adults. You are absolutely right that few Parishes have anything specifically for your age group. You could start one?
I would like to tell you something that you need to think about all the time. The Lord loves you so much. He loves you just exactly the way you are. He never set you up to fail but to be victorious. Jesus became human so that he could experience every temptation we do. Think about that. He knows exactly what you are going through. He will never give you more than you can handle and will always be there for you. This is love like we cannot even grasp. You are full of the Holy Spirit and a son of a King. That is powerful.
I am going to recommend you go to www.scrc.org and check out the Conference that is coming up over Labor Day. They have an awesome young adult group, mostly all from the LA area.
They find great joy in being Catholic. They know all the rules and regulations but all their Christian focus is not on rules. That is not good and it is definately not Catholic. That would drive an old broad like me nutz and make me want to run like crazy. That is not what Jesus is all about.
You are in my prayers, my dear.
smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/209.gif
Good Morning Soc,
I am a granma and a mom of two sons. I also grew up down in South Central LA. I have spent much time teaching and leading Catholic groups for teens and young adults. You are absolutely right that few Parishes have anything specifically for your age group. You could start one?
I would like to tell you something that you need to think about all the time. The Lord loves you so much. He loves you just exactly the way you are. He never set you up to fail but to be victorious. Jesus became human so that he could experience every temptation we do. Think about that. He knows exactly what you are going through. He will never give you more than you can handle and will always be there for you. This is love like we cannot even grasp. You are full of the Holy Spirit and a son of a King. That is powerful.
I am going to recommend you go to www.scrc.org and check out the Conference that is coming up over Labor Day. They have an awesome young adult group, mostly all from the LA area.
They find great joy in being Catholic. They know all the rules and regulations but all their Christian focus is not on rules. That is not good and it is definately not Catholic. That would drive an old broad like me nutz and make me want to run like crazy. That is not what Jesus is all about.
You are in my prayers, my dear.
smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/209.gif
C
CatholicSamurai
Guest
Ending one’s life is the easy way out. It is what the Devil wants. It is the answer of the weak.
People who end their lives are people who have no hope or think that they can’t find any.
Focus on the Lord, not on other people, they don’t matter. Don’t jeopardize the soul because of what’s in the environment.
It takes great strength to live through this. Have hope in the Lord.
People who end their lives are people who have no hope or think that they can’t find any.
Focus on the Lord, not on other people, they don’t matter. Don’t jeopardize the soul because of what’s in the environment.
It takes great strength to live through this. Have hope in the Lord.
C
coralewis
Guest
You shouldn’t have to pretend to be a good person. If you think any Catholics are perfect think again. Some of the worst sinners I know are Catholics. God is waiting to welcome you back, and when you come back He will run to you and celebrate.
M
Michael_Howard
Guest
Social,
Thanks for your honesty. Our faith is not "plastic’ nor should it be. We are hauman beings made of flesh and prone to temptation and sin. This earth in a sense is our purgation, a baptism in fire, but not our true home. Sometimes this is hard to grasp because all we around us is this world, and of our real home we cling to it by faith…extremely difficult. It’s important to remember also that there are real spiritual forces always at work to deceive us. I think one of their greatest weapons against us is to make us think that our sin is more powerful than the grace of God…rebuke this lie brother and DO NOT believe iy for a second. I had an opposite experience with my conversion.
I (as a protestant) was a slave to pornography of the worst and wicked kind. it had me bound so tightly that I could scarecly breathe. I hated myself and I hated the lies and deception toward my wife. I loathed life at times and delved deeper into shame and reclusiveness. I could not pray, read the bible, I could barely do anything without thinking about porn or the shameful sin I happened to fall into.
After my conversion, I discovered a powerful allie in the battle…our Lady. I cried to her for mercy, I cried that I could know my Savior again, I dedicated my life to her heart and found power, love, virtue, purity, chastity, humility and love for Christ like I have never known. I do not continually gaze on my sin, but I gaze upon Jesus and Mary, I cry out to St. Michael and he defends me in battle. You see, you have a whole ARSONAL of weaponry at your disposal, pick them up and use them!!
I think the problem with most religious sects these days is that they require NOTHING from you. Mumble a few words and your in the door with a whole host of new friends. And on top of that, one can sin all they want and still be in God’s favor! this Church requires sacrifice. It requires something from us and will not spoon feed us like baby birds.
Man, god loves you so much, your honesty provokes His mercy social, throw yourself on His mercy and see if he will not lift you up! Throw yourself on His mother and see if she will not lift you up!
I hear and feel your heartache. I find very few catholics who love the faith, the blessed Mother, Jesus, the Eucharist. it drives me mad at times, that’s why I am at this board. I love this church because it is Christ’s body, I still get lonely, I still get frustrated, but I’m not willing to let go for the same reason Peter said to our Lord, *“where are we to go, you have the words of eternal life”… *Hang in there buddy, there are some folks here who love you and don’t want to see you go, this church needs you
Thanks for your honesty. Our faith is not "plastic’ nor should it be. We are hauman beings made of flesh and prone to temptation and sin. This earth in a sense is our purgation, a baptism in fire, but not our true home. Sometimes this is hard to grasp because all we around us is this world, and of our real home we cling to it by faith…extremely difficult. It’s important to remember also that there are real spiritual forces always at work to deceive us. I think one of their greatest weapons against us is to make us think that our sin is more powerful than the grace of God…rebuke this lie brother and DO NOT believe iy for a second. I had an opposite experience with my conversion.
I (as a protestant) was a slave to pornography of the worst and wicked kind. it had me bound so tightly that I could scarecly breathe. I hated myself and I hated the lies and deception toward my wife. I loathed life at times and delved deeper into shame and reclusiveness. I could not pray, read the bible, I could barely do anything without thinking about porn or the shameful sin I happened to fall into.
After my conversion, I discovered a powerful allie in the battle…our Lady. I cried to her for mercy, I cried that I could know my Savior again, I dedicated my life to her heart and found power, love, virtue, purity, chastity, humility and love for Christ like I have never known. I do not continually gaze on my sin, but I gaze upon Jesus and Mary, I cry out to St. Michael and he defends me in battle. You see, you have a whole ARSONAL of weaponry at your disposal, pick them up and use them!!
I think the problem with most religious sects these days is that they require NOTHING from you. Mumble a few words and your in the door with a whole host of new friends. And on top of that, one can sin all they want and still be in God’s favor! this Church requires sacrifice. It requires something from us and will not spoon feed us like baby birds.
Man, god loves you so much, your honesty provokes His mercy social, throw yourself on His mercy and see if he will not lift you up! Throw yourself on His mother and see if she will not lift you up!
I hear and feel your heartache. I find very few catholics who love the faith, the blessed Mother, Jesus, the Eucharist. it drives me mad at times, that’s why I am at this board. I love this church because it is Christ’s body, I still get lonely, I still get frustrated, but I’m not willing to let go for the same reason Peter said to our Lord, *“where are we to go, you have the words of eternal life”… *Hang in there buddy, there are some folks here who love you and don’t want to see you go, this church needs you
Peace of Christ to you
M
Michael_Howard
Guest
Social,
Thanks for your honesty. Our faith is not "plastic’ nor should it be. We are human beings made of flesh and prone to temptation and sin. This earth in a sense is our purgation, a baptism in fire, but not our true home. Sometimes this is hard to grasp because all we see around us is this world. And of our real home we cling to it by faith…extremely difficult.
It’s important to remember also that there are real spiritual forces always at work to deceive us. I think one of their greatest weapons against us is to make us think that our sin is more powerful than the grace of God…rebuke this lie brother and DO NOT believe it for a second. I had an opposite experience with my conversion.
I (as a protestant) was a slave to pornography of the worst and wicked kind. It had me bound so tightly that I could scarecly breathe. I hated myself and I hated the lies and deception toward my wife. I loathed life at times and delved deeper into shame and reclusiveness. I could not pray, read the bible, I could barely do anything without thinking about porn or the shameful sin I happened to fall into.
After my conversion, I discovered a powerful allie in the battle…our Lady. I cried to her for mercy, I cried that I could know my Savior again, I dedicated my life to her heart and found power, love, virtue, purity, chastity, humility and love for Christ like I have never known. I do not continually gaze on my sin, but I gaze upon Jesus and Mary. I cry out to St. Michael and he defends me in battle. You see, you have a whole ARSONAL of weaponry at your disposal, pick them up and use them!!
I think the problem with most religious sects these days is that they require NOTHING from you. Mumble a few words and your in the door with a whole host of new friends. And on top of that, one can sin all they want and still be in God’s favor! this Church requires sacrifice. It requires something from us and will not spoon feed us like baby birds.
Man, God loves you so much, your honesty provokes His mercy social, throw yourself on His mercy and see if he will not lift you up! Throw yourself on His mother and see if she will not lift you up!
I hear and feel your heartache. I find very few Catholics who love the faith, the blessed Mother, Jesus, the Eucharist. It drives me mad at times, that’s why I am at this board. I love this church because it is Christ’s body. I still get lonely, I still get frustrated, but I’m not willing to let go for the same reason Peter said to our Lord, *“where are we to go, you have the words of eternal life”… *Hang in there buddy, there are some folks here who love you and don’t want to see you go, this church needs you
Peace of Christ to you
Thanks for your honesty. Our faith is not "plastic’ nor should it be. We are human beings made of flesh and prone to temptation and sin. This earth in a sense is our purgation, a baptism in fire, but not our true home. Sometimes this is hard to grasp because all we see around us is this world. And of our real home we cling to it by faith…extremely difficult.
It’s important to remember also that there are real spiritual forces always at work to deceive us. I think one of their greatest weapons against us is to make us think that our sin is more powerful than the grace of God…rebuke this lie brother and DO NOT believe it for a second. I had an opposite experience with my conversion.
I (as a protestant) was a slave to pornography of the worst and wicked kind. It had me bound so tightly that I could scarecly breathe. I hated myself and I hated the lies and deception toward my wife. I loathed life at times and delved deeper into shame and reclusiveness. I could not pray, read the bible, I could barely do anything without thinking about porn or the shameful sin I happened to fall into.
After my conversion, I discovered a powerful allie in the battle…our Lady. I cried to her for mercy, I cried that I could know my Savior again, I dedicated my life to her heart and found power, love, virtue, purity, chastity, humility and love for Christ like I have never known. I do not continually gaze on my sin, but I gaze upon Jesus and Mary. I cry out to St. Michael and he defends me in battle. You see, you have a whole ARSONAL of weaponry at your disposal, pick them up and use them!!
I think the problem with most religious sects these days is that they require NOTHING from you. Mumble a few words and your in the door with a whole host of new friends. And on top of that, one can sin all they want and still be in God’s favor! this Church requires sacrifice. It requires something from us and will not spoon feed us like baby birds.
Man, God loves you so much, your honesty provokes His mercy social, throw yourself on His mercy and see if he will not lift you up! Throw yourself on His mother and see if she will not lift you up!
I hear and feel your heartache. I find very few Catholics who love the faith, the blessed Mother, Jesus, the Eucharist. It drives me mad at times, that’s why I am at this board. I love this church because it is Christ’s body. I still get lonely, I still get frustrated, but I’m not willing to let go for the same reason Peter said to our Lord, *“where are we to go, you have the words of eternal life”… *Hang in there buddy, there are some folks here who love you and don’t want to see you go, this church needs you
Peace of Christ to you
B
Bruised_Reed
Guest
I think what you said could reinforce the distorted thinking that is a part of depression and other mental illnesses. One feels weak and without hope.
I don’t think I better touch this one. Still too raw.
SocaliCatholic, I I think I know some of what you are feeling and I second what much of what has been posted here. May you be given the gifts of peace and hope.
R
RomanRyan1088
Guest
I suggest you read this.
God led me directly to this …He knew I was going to need this at exactly this time on this date.
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.
Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed "Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don’t know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn’t deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn’t have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don’t know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive.
As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precio! us face. As their eyes met, the man’s tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
Have you ever told a lie, he asked? The man answered - yes Lord. Have you ever been given too much change and kept it? The man answered yes Lord. And the man sobbed more and more. Have you ever taken something from work that wasn’t yours, Jesus asked? And the man answered yes Lord. Have you ever sworn, using my Father’s name in vain? The man, crying now, answered yes Lord. As Jesus asked many more times, “Have you ever”? The man’s crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer yes Lord.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.
Jesus said, I didn’t deserve this either, but I forgive you!
Good Statement! It may be hard to see how you’re going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.
God led me directly to this …He knew I was going to need this at exactly this time on this date.
One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job. His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.
Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with tears in his eyes, he prayed "Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don’t know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn’t deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn’t have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don’t know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive.
As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precio! us face. As their eyes met, the man’s tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.
Have you ever told a lie, he asked? The man answered - yes Lord. Have you ever been given too much change and kept it? The man answered yes Lord. And the man sobbed more and more. Have you ever taken something from work that wasn’t yours, Jesus asked? And the man answered yes Lord. Have you ever sworn, using my Father’s name in vain? The man, crying now, answered yes Lord. As Jesus asked many more times, “Have you ever”? The man’s crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer yes Lord.
Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.
Jesus said, I didn’t deserve this either, but I forgive you!
Good Statement! It may be hard to see how you’re going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.
J
jmm08
Guest
Hey. Don’t do that man.
My best friend killed himself about eight years ago.
It has caused me so much grief and pain and it still does.
I feel guilty about it too because I feel like I let him down.
Don’t say nobody cares. You know someone cares for you.
Stick around. Things can get better.
When my first wife left me, I was really down. Almost did it myself.
Life can get better. A whole lot better. It did for me.
No way I could do it now. Now I have a nice wife and beautiful kids.
My life got better. A whole lot better.
You’ll only know if you stick around.
G
Greg_McPherran
Guest
Just avoid doing bad things, try to help others, enjoy yourself and have some recreation. Jesus knows you and if others are not right - he knows that too. Our faith is that He will do justice for us in the end. The sin of others is not your fault, enjoy life!
If you want to see a movie like Farenheit, that’s not a big deal - it’s free speech. If you want my opinion it’s propaganda but maybe you just want to see it for entertainment - enjoy the movie.
Rated R is fine unless it’s really bad. You are going to see the story and you aren’t going for the purpose of the other garbage they put in the movie.
If you want movie tips check out:
usccb.org/movies/index.htm
It’s really not that hard, I think we get too hung up on things. Jesus said his burden is light. He doesn’t blame us for all the nonsense we have to put up with in today’s society. He probably has sympathy for us because our culture lacks taste.
There are frustrating issues in the Church with dissent, Catholics who vote pro-choice etc. Again, it’s not our fault - I do know it’s not easy. I think the situation will improve. The people in the Church and leaders may be having a renewal.
I hope I was helpful, I wish you the best and will include you in my prayers.
Greg
If you want to see a movie like Farenheit, that’s not a big deal - it’s free speech. If you want my opinion it’s propaganda but maybe you just want to see it for entertainment - enjoy the movie.
Rated R is fine unless it’s really bad. You are going to see the story and you aren’t going for the purpose of the other garbage they put in the movie.
If you want movie tips check out:
usccb.org/movies/index.htm
It’s really not that hard, I think we get too hung up on things. Jesus said his burden is light. He doesn’t blame us for all the nonsense we have to put up with in today’s society. He probably has sympathy for us because our culture lacks taste.
There are frustrating issues in the Church with dissent, Catholics who vote pro-choice etc. Again, it’s not our fault - I do know it’s not easy. I think the situation will improve. The people in the Church and leaders may be having a renewal.
I hope I was helpful, I wish you the best and will include you in my prayers.
Greg
M
martino
Guest
I for one cannot relate at all to what you are saying and in fact, it sounds like you have a pretty messed up world view yourself. Just be a good Catholic, not for anyone else but for yourself. Nobody can help you get to heaven. If you see that they are on a sinking ship why would you want to jump aboard! Save yourself and then maybe you can help save a few others.
- Status