Sunday, August 26, 2012

Leaving the Faith



This homily, from a favorite priest of mine, brings tears to my eyes.  Because of my immense love for Christ and His church, I feel deep sadness in my heart for people who have left the Church;  for all who really don't know the faith and the beauty of its Truth;  for all who don't "agree" with Church teachings because they don't really know what it teaches or why, or because they've succumbed to secular worldviews (what the world and our culture says is right for us);  for those who don't know or believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist;  for those who haven't been taught the faith (or not taught correctly), or who don't have good role models showing them how to LIVE the faith;  and for all whom are Catholic by culture or birth only and they just "go through the motions". 

If one's heart isn't truly in the faith, whether or not you attend Mass regularly, and you proclaim to be a Catholic Christian but yet don't truly live the faith and/or just go through the motions, then you've already left the Church.  I'm not judging anyone.  I'm purely stating the unfortunate reality of where so many people are in their lives right now.  My heart aches for them, and I pray for them.

God bless this priest for speaking what God needs the world to hear.  God's peace and love be with you, today and always.


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Don't Let Satan Steal Your Wind

The evil one will try to steal your wind.  Don't let him! 

When you're trying to do good - especially in God's name, or you're changing your life for God, or trying to live a Holy life, Satan will work in sneaky ways to steal your motivation, steal your energy, steal your hope.  He'll even use people in your life that he knows mean the world to you, to mess with your head and make you doubt what God's word is, His love, and His plans.

I've experienced this many times, as I know most people have.  As I mature in life and my faith formation, I can see things more clearly now, and I can recognize when this is happening. 

It's so easy to let people we love who don't have faith in God, influence us because we love them so much and they're very dear to us.  You can even know that those people love you very much, but if they don't speak and live God's word, then be careful of their influence over you.  This is hard and can be painful.  With prayer, strong faith and trust in God, much reflection of His word and teachings, know that it's truly God who has your VERY BEST interests at hand.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"  Proverbs 3:5

At the same time, don't let it destroy a loving, important relationship in your life either.  The devil will try to put anger, pain, doubt, spite and pride between you and people you love who may not have the same faith in God... don't let that happen either!  Satan works from all angles.  Keep your prayer life consistent, surround yourself in God's word, and with Holy people - that includes going to church weekly - so you stay strong in your faith and can recognize attacks on your faith.

The evil one will try to distract you, and deceive you, and he knows what buttons work with you, and even knows what people to use to make that happen.  Don't let the wind from your sail be taken from you.  Sail on for the Lord, and keep praying for love in our hearts always, and for those who don't know Him. 

May God protect us all.