You're danged if you do, danged if you don't!

[Paris_Blues]

Church Militant:

Hi Paris!

My dear friend…try to keep it simple. Remember that your own conversion has been a slow process of discovery and that you did not digest “the fullness of truth” all in one giant gulp. None of us did…

Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit…ours is to live out our faith and to share it as He guides us and gives us opportunity. Get a copy of Surprised By Truth and give it to your folks to read and then just be prepared for some questions as you bathe them in your prayers.

Patience dear Sister,
Pax tecum

I guess my problem is that I’m OVERLY JOYFUL about the CC that I can’t help but wanting people to know this! It’s sooo amazing! I told a guy that’s in our RCIA - who used to be an atheist! - that realizing the CC was like getting a “taste” of Heaven! He agreed with me big time on that! He himself is “on fire” with zeal for the CC and can’t wait to be baptized next Easter!

But you’re right, I need to really calm down and let God do the work.

 

[Fidelis]

You’re getting a lot of good advice here, PB, and if I may distill it into a simple statement, it would be that, just as you had a certain journey of faith that you went on and that should be respected, so too does your famimly have theirs. No matter how close they are to you, they are different people than you, with different experiences, backgrounds, hopes, fears, emotions and intellects. The timeline they operate on is seperate from yours and is in their own hands and that of the Holy Spirit. If you push them before they’re ready, they will push back and more harm than good may be done.

My wife and I started on seperate paths of our faith; she was a cradle Catholic, very lukewarm in her faith, but she had enough faith to invite me, a non-practicing Catholic, to Mass before one of our first dates. I pretty much surpassed her in in zeal for the Faith from that point on, and it became about the most important thing in my life. My wife, on the other hand, though very supportive, was much less zealous for many years. I sensed early on that it would be counter-productive to expect her to share my enthusiasm, so I tried to keep from pushing her limits.

In the years since (we’ll be married 20 years next month), my wife has grown enormously in her faith. She told me recently that, she now appreciates in those early years that I never pushed her or made her feel like less than a “real” Catholic, but allowed her her own spiritual journey at her own speed.

My advice is like the others here: be the best Catholic you can be by growing in holiness and knowledge of your Faith. Don’t pass up an opportunity to discuss the Faith with your family, but when you do so, give them only what they are ready for. With patience, prayer and good example, you may in good time, if it is God’s will, lead them to what you have found as the fullness of the Faith.

Blessings,
Fidelis

 

[Church_Militant]

Singinbeauty:

I think what you are failing to understand, Paris, is that this faith that your parents hold is not just a religion. In fact most protestants I know reject the title of our faith BEING a religion. That’s how personal it is just as yours is it YOU.

Each of our belief systems are our VERY CORE. They define who we are. And if you say that my beliefs are nothing or a lie then you are telling me that I am nothing or a lie.

Hi again SB!
I just wanted to touch base on a couple of points that you mention in your posts and also just give you a general , You make some good points…

One thing that I cannnot understand about those who reject the idea of our Christianity (By that I mean all of it) as being a religion, when in fact the Word of God says that it is. Look here at James 1:26 &27.
26 And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation: and to keep one’s self unspotted from this world.

That’s pretty clear, so I don’t see how anyone can rightfully call it something else, or deny this.

I do realize that there is some negative connotation to the word “religion” today, (and many n-Cs tend to refer to Catholicism as such) but that does not reflect a solid Biblical understanding, does it?

You have to realize that it is not up to you to save the world. Jesus already took care of that. Your job is to live like Christ and spread that news that He is risen! To talk about what you have learned and to plant seeds wherever you go. You plant the seeds God cultivates them. If you pound on the seed to much you choke it and the plant never grows. Sometimes you just have to walk away, knowing you have done all you can, and trust God to take it from there.

This is very well said and I :clapping: you for it.

BTW…I am really glad that you are hangin’ in here with us.
You are in my prayers.
Pax tecum,

 

[Paris_Blues]

Maybe it would be a good idea to NOT even talk about religion with them anymore?

I guess I give up! Not saying that I have to win, NO! I’m just saying it’s tiredsome and I don’t want them to get angry with me. So fine, if God wants them to know the Truth, I’ll let Him handle it.

But I wont talk religion with them or any other Protestant about my Faith anymore than! Only Catholics…

I’m nothing but a pathetic pre-Catholic who isn’t even confirmed yet!

I still have lots to learn!

 

[Mickey]

Singinbeauty:

Don’t tell them their belief system is WRONG but show them what is RIGHT about yours. Just share your own experiences. If God is pulling them into the catholic faith they will find that there is no way to ignore it.

 

[Singinbeauty]

One thing that I cannnot understand about those who reject the idea of our Christianity (By that I mean all of it) as being a religion, when in fact the Word of God says that it is. Look here at James 1:26 &27.
26 And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation: and to keep one’s self unspotted from this world.

That’s pretty clear, so I don’t see how anyone can rightfully call it something else, or deny this.

Thank you for your kind words! It is because of the negative conotation that comes with the word ‘religion’ that many reject this title. I know it makes me want to cringe. I guess my next step is to actually do some digging and see what other words could be translated into the word in hebrew that was translated into religion. Who knows?

 

[Matt16_18]

Paris Blues:

Can you guys see the kind of “bubble” I’m in? I would LOVE to tell people the REAL TRUTH (CC) but on the other hand, I don’t want them to think I’m pushing my religion on them, yet I deeply desire all people to know it because like I said, IT’S THE TRUTH!

Jesus felt the same frustration you feel, and he wept because of it.O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Luke 13:34

 

[Singinbeauty]

Paris Blues:

Maybe it would be a good idea to NOT even talk about religion with them anymore?

I guess I give up! Not saying that I have to win, NO! I’m just saying it’s tiredsome and I don’t want them to get angry with me. So fine, if God wants them to know the Truth, I’ll let Him handle it.

But I wont talk religion with them or any other Protestant about my Faith anymore than! Only Catholics…

I’m nothing but a pathetic pre-Catholic who isn’t even confirmed yet!

I don’t want you to be discouraged about sharing your faith. This is something new to you from the looks of it and you just have to find your ‘niche’. It can be hard but you have to be willing to take some blows and be offended at times. Read up and know your position. Don’t discuss religion if you are not ready. Believe me, I know, if you only come in with half the answer they will tear you apart and spit you out!

But also know how to present your side. It’s a trial and error process. We ALL have been through it. Keep your chin up and know you are standing on firm ground… Your faith!

 

[Paris_Blues]

Singinbeauty:

I don’t want you to be discouraged about sharing your faith. This is something new to you from the looks of it and you just have to find your ‘niche’. It can be hard but you have to be willing to take some blows and be offended at times. Read up and know your position. Don’t discuss religion if you are not ready. Believe me, I know, if you only come in with half the answer they will tear you apart and spit you out!

But also know how to present your side. It’s a trial and error process. We ALL have been through it. Keep your chin up and know you are standing on firm ground… Your faith!

Thanks for your advice. I apologize if I sounded harsh…just kinda frustrated! I’m also young, ignorant in a way!
But I’m learning!

 

[Church_Militant]

Paris Blues:

Maybe it would be a good idea to NOT even talk about religion with them anymore?

I guess I give up! Not saying that I have to win, NO! I’m just saying it’s tiredsome and I don’t want them to get angry with me. So fine, if God wants them to know the Truth, I’ll let Him handle it.

But I wont talk religion with them or any other Protestant about my Faith anymore than! Only Catholics…

I’m nothing but a pathetic pre-Catholic who isn’t even confirmed yet!

Stop that! You’re being silly now…(don’t make me come in here…LOL)

You just be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit (“the unction of the Holy Ghost” as my sainted Me-ma used to call it.) as to the whens . whys ,and all that and the the rest of the time let your light so shine before men, okay!

Do you know that if I open a door fro someone and smile at them, it is because I want them to engage me as to why I did that…and that in my heart I am praying that they will so that I can share my faith with them. Every good thing I do…no matter how small is meant to help draw that soul to Our Lord, and know that Our Lord sees it and will use it, whether I’m there to see the result in this life or not.

One thing that I love about Bud MacFarlane’s books is that he points out that we just don’t know what the result of our faith sharing will be. (Get them FREE here) . But I don’t have to know…all I have to do is be obedient…right?
Matthew 28:19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
Don’t be confused or discouraged Paris. Just keep lookin’ for those open doors.
Pax tecum,

 

[Paris_Blues]

Matt16_18:

Jesus felt the same frustration you feel, and he wept because of it.O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
Luke 13:34

That’s how I feel sometimes! I think I understand how Jesus felt…perhaps He’s letting me know by experiencing??

 

[Matt16_18]

Paris Blues:

That’s how I feel sometimes! I think I understand how Jesus felt…perhaps He’s letting me know by experiencing??

Of course! :yup:

Peace be with you my sister.

Perhaps someday you will be able to visit the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and say a pray at the Dominus Flevit Church:

http://www.rez-metz.supelec.fr/activites/cc/images/pele_terreSainte/TS_09_06R.jpg Built in 1955 to commemorate the Lord’s weeping over Jerusalem, Dominus Flevit features a beautiful view of the city through its distinct chapel window.

 

[AquinasXVI]

Paris:

Boy, you are a lot of fun to follow! You remind me of a young St. Therese of Lisieux! Very dynamic and tempestous.

Always remember that preach at all times and use words when necessary per St. Francis. This is a hard one for us hard core catholics. hehe! But like the other posts, they are also in the palms of God. So, trust that he is doing the converting and not us…but, the big BUT is that we’re invited to participate…our participation could be great and it could be small and we should take it to our prayer what amount that would be. A lot of the times we do better with our lips closed.

Lastly, spend hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament adoring your King and asking him to reveal to your loved ones what you now see. This is probably the most effective apostolate we can all do.

in XT.

 

[Orionthehunter]

Paris, I was just reminded of something (Holy Spirit inspired I’m sure ):

Before you talk to your friends about God, be sure to talk to God about your friends

 

[Bry]

You just need to learn how to have interreligous dialogue. You will learn the limits soon enough. It’s good to keep talking to them about it though. Try not to make it seem like you’re trying to get them to agree with it. This will only make them defensive. Instead just start a spontaneous converstation in which you tell them why you believe in Catholicism. Then wait for their response and be ready to defend the faith. By doing this it’s possible that they could begin to see the truth as you point it out to them. God bless!

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Paris Blues:

Hi guys,

I have a problem.

Yesterday I went to my mother’s house and she permed my hair (she did a heck of a good job! ). While she was putting the rods and rolling my hair, I was telling her about my journey towards Catholicism. I told her how I was drawn toward the Church and how our Lord wanted me to come in, etc. and she told me she was glad I found my “spiritual home” and all that.

This is where the hard part comes in. I know that I respect other people’s religion and yes, they have a right to choose their own religion. However, I’m deeply hurt in a way that all these other non-Catholics do NOT know the Real Truth! I told my mom about that and told her from my own witness from being Protestant to becoming Catholic that non-Catholics don’t have the FULLNESS of the Truth! I wasn’t telling her that to be mean or anything, I was telling her that because I want her to know the Fullness of the Truth! I also told her it’s not that I’m trying to convert her into Catholicism or anything, it’s just that we ALL need the FULLNESS of Truth!

Can you guys see the kind of “bubble” I’m in? I would LOVE to tell people the REAL TRUTH (CC) but on the other hand, I don’t want them to think I’m pushing my religion on them, yet I deeply desire all people to know it because like I said, IT’S THE TRUTH!

My mom said something like that it’s an insult to Protestantism and I told her no because the CC has the fullness of Truth. I asked my dad too earlier when we were leaving the convention center after the EWTN visit to Denver that how much Truth do you want? 100% or half? He said he wants the Truth. I didn’t say anything much because if I did, he would’ve gotten mad at me because I knew I would’ve said, well, it’s in the CC!!! And I’m not going to do that.

My question is, how can I calm myself down when I DESIRE to tell people the Truth? I feel sad for non-Catholics in a way because they are missing out on so much! But I can’t go tell people what to believe because I know I would get killed for that! But if I keep my yap shut, it’s like I don’t care enough to have people know the Truth or like we Catholics are keeping the whole Truth to ourselves. But on the other hand, people are anti-Catholic and would careless.

Does anyone see this struggle I have?

It’s like you’re danged if you do and danged if you don’t!

Lord, help me!

Watch out for the sort of zeal which is motivated by self-seeking, rather than by love of others. Sometimes the best witness, is to shut our traps, and get with life normally.

Even the best things can be warped and spoiled by our being full, less of God’s grace, than of how we feel.

Howeve much we see, we see only in part (see St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 13) - and others, may see many things more clearly than we do; especially if they are older or more experienced than we are. So we can’t treat their religious experience as worthless - that would be a sort of atheism, because God does not need us, if He is to be at work in the lives of others - God has no need of us

 

[FightingFat]

Paris Blues:

Yes, but when you ask a non-Catholic or even a Catholic about something and they say, “blah, blah blah, but that’s just MY opinion…” it’s NOT about opinions! It’s about the Truth! When people say their opinion about Catholicism or whatever, that’s like saying that they could careless about the Truth.

For example, if I were to ask a family member or even a friend about the Truth and they replied, “well, I think that all people can believe in whatever they want to but that’s MY opinion…” that tells you right there that they will believe in whatever they want to believe in and not the Truth when they should know it.

Truth can be relative. Do you think these people think that what they believe is a lie? How arrogant it must sound for us to tell them such things. The truth speaks for itself. We can bear witness to the truth without patronising the listener.

 

[Paris_Blues]

Matt16_18:

Of course! :yup:

]

Well, if that’s the case, I can rejoice then!

 

[Paris_Blues]

I can’t help but think maybe the devil has something to do with it too…trying to make me sound angry or whatever…something to think about perhaps

It’s either that OR maybe since the devil knows that the CC IS the TRUTH, he gets at non-Catholics perhaps to NOT know the Truth and maybe that’s one reason? Not that I’m trying to sound rude or be anti-Protestant or anything…that’s just a thought!

Don’t get mad at me peoples.

 

[FightingFat]

Isn’t it common to see Protestants dictate the law- what is truth and what is not according to the only authority they recognise- The Holy Bible. The Catholic approach has always been more academic and studious. We lead you to study and you discover the truth for yourself. We have nothing to fear from the truth.