R
Robyn_p
Guest
Wow. So many threads and articles and combox debates about Pope Francis over the last few weeks. I’ve tried to keep my head on straight, not let them affect me. But I admit it really got me depressed spiritually for a while. I was not worried that Francis taught anything wrong, I actually really find his homilies and interviews challenging and uplifting at the same time. I feel more encouraged to go out and talk about Jesus to everyone thanks to him. It was not what he has said that depressed me, or even how he said it, but what people were saying about him.
Seeing so many people, either innocently or not so much, say things like the pope thinks sin isn’t a big deal, or that everyone is going to heaven, or that he doesn’t want us to talk about abortion was distressing and frustrating to me. People said they wanted to come back to the Church now that Francis is pope, and sadly my initial reaction was to think, “they’re not coming back for the right reason.” :sad_yes: I couldn’t possibly correct or even help most of them see what Francis’ point was. I felt so drained, tired, cynical even.
Then, God broke through to me during prayer. For the first time in many weeks, I felt peace. He showed me (I can’t really explain how, but He did) there has always been, and always will be, people misrepresenting or misunderstanding the Church. And I can’t change that. All I can do is deal with those around me.
If someone tells me something false about the pope or Church teaching, that it has changed or anything, I will point them to the truth, and I will do what Francis wanted all along, show them the reason for everything that we believe, Jesus!
I will rejoice at the fact that a straying brother or sister is looking at the Church again, and is thinking of coming back to the Father’s house, even if its for not for the holiest of reasons. The prodigal son didn’t start to think to come back home for a good reason either, but because he was starving. His emptiness is what started the journey. So, if someone is looking at Catholicism because they see a Love in it that they are starving for, I will sing with joy. God only needs a tiny mustard seed of faith to work with, and how can I say He won’t make these people into great saints someday? I’ve seen Him work miracles in some of the most unlikely people, people who I never expected would be Catholic or have anything to do with God. It’s really amazing and humbling.
So I am done fretting. I am done doubting. I am done worrying. I am done arguing. I’m placing it in His hands, I’m going to do what I can do to share the Gospel, and leave the rest to Him. I’m going to pray for the Pope, my spiritual father, and not let anyone turn me against him. If Jesus protected the Church this long, He’s not suddenly going to stop. Me worrying will change nothing, instead I’m keeping my eyes on Christ, and I’m going to point others toward Him as well.
Who’s with me?
Seeing so many people, either innocently or not so much, say things like the pope thinks sin isn’t a big deal, or that everyone is going to heaven, or that he doesn’t want us to talk about abortion was distressing and frustrating to me. People said they wanted to come back to the Church now that Francis is pope, and sadly my initial reaction was to think, “they’re not coming back for the right reason.” :sad_yes: I couldn’t possibly correct or even help most of them see what Francis’ point was. I felt so drained, tired, cynical even.
Then, God broke through to me during prayer. For the first time in many weeks, I felt peace. He showed me (I can’t really explain how, but He did) there has always been, and always will be, people misrepresenting or misunderstanding the Church. And I can’t change that. All I can do is deal with those around me.
If someone tells me something false about the pope or Church teaching, that it has changed or anything, I will point them to the truth, and I will do what Francis wanted all along, show them the reason for everything that we believe, Jesus!
I will rejoice at the fact that a straying brother or sister is looking at the Church again, and is thinking of coming back to the Father’s house, even if its for not for the holiest of reasons. The prodigal son didn’t start to think to come back home for a good reason either, but because he was starving. His emptiness is what started the journey. So, if someone is looking at Catholicism because they see a Love in it that they are starving for, I will sing with joy. God only needs a tiny mustard seed of faith to work with, and how can I say He won’t make these people into great saints someday? I’ve seen Him work miracles in some of the most unlikely people, people who I never expected would be Catholic or have anything to do with God. It’s really amazing and humbling.
So I am done fretting. I am done doubting. I am done worrying. I am done arguing. I’m placing it in His hands, I’m going to do what I can do to share the Gospel, and leave the rest to Him. I’m going to pray for the Pope, my spiritual father, and not let anyone turn me against him. If Jesus protected the Church this long, He’s not suddenly going to stop. Me worrying will change nothing, instead I’m keeping my eyes on Christ, and I’m going to point others toward Him as well.
Who’s with me?
:whacky::banghead:
