Do you remember the parable of the weeds and the wheat? I have been meditating on the great truths that Jesus reveals to us in the parable about the nature of his bride the Church. I have been talking to some friends that are protestants who have joined or started "new" protestant 'congregations' (we refer to them as ecclesial communities since there can only be One Church). As I listen to them and some of their reasons for starting new 'communities', it reminds me of one of the main reasons that I became Catholic.
The reality of the Catholic Church is that it was founded by Christ and that it is perfect because the Holy Spirit makes it so despite our sins. I like to say that I joined the one and only perfect Church made for imperfect people. One main difference of those who remain in the Catholic Church from those who leave is that we understand that it will not be until the end of time that the weeds will be separated from the wheat.
We need to be humble and accept Christ's mercy and wisdom. Mercy is God's greatest attribute. It is how God shows us He loves us. Let's always strive to be the wheat in the Church by prayer and growing in holiness. May God give us the grace to turn weeds into wheat.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Long time no See
Not long after I started this blog I went through some major changes in my life. First, I found myself looking for a new position and have been making a career transition as a financial advisor. Second, my wife and I found out that we are expecting our fourth child. We are very excited and would appreciate your prayers for the health of mom and baby and for my new position.
I am planning to start focusing on getting this blog up and running. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
The intention of this blog is to focus on the topics relating to the fullness of unity found in the Catholic Church founded by Jesus Christ.
In my journey to the one true Church, I encountered several groups of people that I found confusing. One of these groups were the "Traditionalists".
I came into the Church in Birmingham, Alabama while I was in college. During that time, I spent a great deal of time at EWTN. In fact, I like many people who embrace the ancient traditions of our Church. Some of my closest friends and people who I have a great deal of respect for are people who embrace the use of Latin in the Mass and prefer the Tridentine Mass. Some might call them Traditionalists.
Personally, I don't like stereotypes or categorizing people. I make an exception for those who choose to label themselves. So when I refer to Traditionalists, I am not refering to those Catholics who accept the current Successor to St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI but who prefer Latin or the Tridentine Mass. I am referring to those who refuse to accept the authority of the Pope.
A common theme I found between many Catholics who choose to leave the Church whether for liberal or "traditional" reasons is a lack of hope and unwillingness to practice true Charity. Let's remember those of us who strive to remain obedient and faithful to the Church's teaching that we must trust that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church and that in our interaction with those who reject the Church's authority, we must always respond with love which is humble and respectful. This is much easier to say than to do. So let's do it by always assuming the best of intentions while we prayerfully seek to draw the person closer to Christ and the fullness of the Faith found in the Church.
I am planning to start focusing on getting this blog up and running. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
The intention of this blog is to focus on the topics relating to the fullness of unity found in the Catholic Church founded by Jesus Christ.
In my journey to the one true Church, I encountered several groups of people that I found confusing. One of these groups were the "Traditionalists".
I came into the Church in Birmingham, Alabama while I was in college. During that time, I spent a great deal of time at EWTN. In fact, I like many people who embrace the ancient traditions of our Church. Some of my closest friends and people who I have a great deal of respect for are people who embrace the use of Latin in the Mass and prefer the Tridentine Mass. Some might call them Traditionalists.
Personally, I don't like stereotypes or categorizing people. I make an exception for those who choose to label themselves. So when I refer to Traditionalists, I am not refering to those Catholics who accept the current Successor to St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI but who prefer Latin or the Tridentine Mass. I am referring to those who refuse to accept the authority of the Pope.
A common theme I found between many Catholics who choose to leave the Church whether for liberal or "traditional" reasons is a lack of hope and unwillingness to practice true Charity. Let's remember those of us who strive to remain obedient and faithful to the Church's teaching that we must trust that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church and that in our interaction with those who reject the Church's authority, we must always respond with love which is humble and respectful. This is much easier to say than to do. So let's do it by always assuming the best of intentions while we prayerfully seek to draw the person closer to Christ and the fullness of the Faith found in the Church.
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