As you can guess by the title of today's post, yes, I am Catholic. I am part of a statistic: I did not participate in the Church from my college days until I had children. I'm not proud of it, but that's what I did.
A very disturbing story was on the news yesterday: A church in the next county is distributing Anti-Catholicism paraphernalia at a public high school. I'm not going to mention what denomination the church is, or exactly what the material said, because that really doesn't matter. Just know that it is a malicious attack on the Catholic Church. The pastor even said that he doesn't know anything about the Catholic Church, but trusts the people who wrote the material. When I first heard the story, I was in total disbelief. How can this be happening in 2010? We have so many different ways to research things at the tips of our fingers... why don't people use them and then form their own educated opinion? Anyway, my disbelief went to anger, now it's sorrow. This pastor needs our prayers; not to find his way to the Catholic Church, but to be able to accept people's differences and their choices in worshiping. That is what's so great about being an American: We're free to worship in the religion of our choosing.
I'm not going to go into my beliefs because, 1) they're mine, and, 2) you probably aren't real concerned about them! I will tell you that I believe that it's more important that you know God, and how you choose to worship is your own business.
I grew up going to a public school where my family was 1 of only 2 practicing Catholic families in the school. I know what it's like to have different beliefs. My parents taught us to respect, not condemn, other people's beliefs.
There is one person who I think is responsible for me returning to the Catholic Church. She was a Kindergarten Teacher who is a Baptist. We would sit together at lunch, and she would ask me questions about my faith. Well, being a "Cradle Catholic", there were a lot of questions I couldn't answer without saying "because we just do." Her questions caused me to look into the "why" we do what we do, and that made me realize that I am definitely a Catholic. When I told her that she was the reason I went back, she said she was trying to get me to go to a Baptist Church! Unfortunately, we've lost touch, but I still owe a big part of my religious life to her. The point is: there was no condemning or pointing fingers, just 2 people looking at the differences and accepting them.
Interesting: The "synopsis" (if you will) for today's reading (Mk. 14:47-49) from my "Little Black Book" is about the time that the high priest's servant has his ear cut off. During the explanation, here's what it says: "It's crushing to be misunderstood by others, thought to be someone "evil" among friends, or at work, or even in our family. To be judged this way cuts to the heart. Jesus knows how it feels, but he taught us not to respond with the sword. There are times along 'the way' when you just plain take it." Hmmmmm...isn't it amazing how sometimes the words that you need just pop up?
Interesting: The "synopsis" (if you will) for today's reading (Mk. 14:47-49) from my "Little Black Book" is about the time that the high priest's servant has his ear cut off. During the explanation, here's what it says: "It's crushing to be misunderstood by others, thought to be someone "evil" among friends, or at work, or even in our family. To be judged this way cuts to the heart. Jesus knows how it feels, but he taught us not to respond with the sword. There are times along 'the way' when you just plain take it." Hmmmmm...isn't it amazing how sometimes the words that you need just pop up?
Wow. This post is a lot different than what I thought I was going to write about this week. Let's all thank God that we have the freedom to worship the way we choose, and respect each other!
I'll leave you with a McDonald's commercial from last year. Glad they brought the song back this year! Here's your "earworm" for the day:
Today is the "World Day of Prayer".
I'm kinda surprised the school allowed it...did they know it was happening?
ReplyDeleteAnd now you've got me wanting a filet of fish from McD's : ) I try hard to stay away from there because I'd have to have fries to go with and they are definitely not on my diet these days! Enjoy your weekend!
I am convinced that God's love
ReplyDeletealways trumps people's hate.
I always pity those who are motivated by hate & fear. That sort of behavior is unacceptable on so many levels. I'm sure there are others who share our feelings. (((HUGS)))
There's so much unnecessary hurt in this world and it's such a shame that that person couldn't spend more of their energy on their own personal relationship with God rather then worry about everybody else. Born and raised a Baptist, I converted to Catholicism about 2 years ago and have never felt more at home. The Baptist church (at least the one I went to) is not tolerant of the Catholic religion and I admit I had my doubts coming into it. My mom even stopped talking to me for a year when she found out I was converting. If only those types of people could learn the truth, they'd be so much happier.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have a really good salmon patty recipe on my blog if you're interested. Have a great weekend!!
Thanks, Jill for the recipe. I had actually seen it and made a note of it!
ReplyDeleteAs an update: The pastor of the church has said that he will stop distributing the pamphlets.
Alas, some sources of misinformation seem to take on a life of their own and refuse to die out now matter how often they are debunked--such as the Kinsey Report. Jack Chick, whom I would regard as the Michael Moore of religious matters, is another perfect example. People will read his "tracts" and swallow them hook, line, and sinker.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this incident. I was raised a charismatic evangelical but converted to Catholicism almost 3 years ago. I grew up hearing people bash the Catholic Church, especially disgruntled ex-Catholics. And yes, I came across Jack Chick's anti-Catholic propaganda, so my thoughts toward the Church were quite unfavorable, to say the least! However, God had the last laught! (And I'm glad He did!)
I do have to respectfully disagree with you on one point. I believe that we should try to win people to the Catholic faith. After all, if it is the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church, we should seek to bring others into the fold!
But thanks again. God bless you richly as you keep fighting the good fight!
Evan