Some days are not all flowers and roses. Some days, you want to push everyone you have met along your conversion path aside, and just cling to Jesus. I find myself weary, heavy hearted, and if not for the peace of who Jesus has become throughout this conversion, I am sure we would be hanging things up and looking back at this time with a good belly laugh of, "Remember when we almost became Catholic?!" Yes, some days are bad.
It's not that we have met a theological issue that we cannot find truth in, or a teaching of the Magisterium (Pope) that we just couldn't reconcile in Jesus. The depressing matter of the fact, is that we are still loving who the Church should be, and what her mission on earth looks like. It's just that for the last 50 years or so, some people of the Church have traded the mission of evangelization in exchange for tradition, rules, and procedures. The numbers are on my side, it has been proven, and the number of people within the Catholic Church who have been Evangelized into the Love of Jesus versus simply catechized into the traditions of the Church, are lacking.
With that said, however, I am convinced through my study, my searching, and my underlying PEACE, that this in no way means that the Church itself is not, actually, the Church. It just means that something is missing in the method in which the faith is being passed along and taught to an entire generation of people. Note: I have paused, at this very thought, many times. I have asked when it becomes no longer a wrong method of application, but rather a wrong set of truths in the first place. I am still searching that out. Yet three things remain true.
The Church has many incredibly faithful members who know and love and serve Jesus Christ
Jesus is present in the Eucharist, and that changes Everything.
Israel screwed up a lot. And they were still his people.
Catechesis is, and has been, horrible. People who are not equipped to teach the faith have taught it. Catholics are taught an incredibly contemplative, disciplined, private spirituality that while true and necessary for a basis of evangelization, is misunderstood by Protestants. It seems that many times this spirituality is held in higher regard than a deep personal knowledge of the Scriptures, which can then be detrimental in the ability to give a Biblical defense for the faith in a meaningful and intelligent way. Church nursery's are poorly, if at all, staffed, leaving young parents without focus and without aid every Sunday morning for their own personal growth. RCIA programs (the class to become a member) vary widely from parish to parish.. some focusing on a relationship with the Lord and a Biblically led teaching, while others simply list the small "t" traditions and rules; leading one to miss the heart of it all, Jesus; and to leave still unaware how their Bible drips with evidence for the Church. Classes can be vastly overshadowed with a call for community among fellow classmates rather than a calling to Divine reverence for Jesus in the Mass and personal spiritual growth.
This is where the daily readings for today come into focus. It was on Gideon. He's been called to mind a lot, lately. Maybe I should listen.
Judges 6
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have
and save Israel from the power of Midian.
It is I who send you.”
But Gideon answered him, “Please, my lord, how can I save Israel?
My family is the lowliest in Manasseh,
and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.”
“I shall be with you,” the LORD said to him,
“and you will cut down Midian to the last man.”
Here is my thought for Evangelicals. Does the Catholic Church need renewal? Yes. But so too does the Evangelical and Protestant church if separated from the original in which He founded. What if we blended that evangelical devotion and love for Evangelization with a historical faith that was absolutely true and beautiful, reverent, apostolic, and holy. What if we used the talents that God has shown us in our churches and brought them back into the original Church and actually became United, like Jesus prayed for in John 17. What if we were ONE, not just in a mystical sense but also tangibly; that the world could see for themselves. What if Christians came together and really decided to believe that the Lord was truly present in the Eucharist. That he was truly infusing our own bodies with his own. Not just in a "spirit" sense but in a physical sense. How would that grace transform not just a broken Church but a broken world?
Yes, it sounds like heroic dreams born on the couch of a mom writing in her pj's that will never come to fruition. The first half of that statement might be true. But do we believe Matthew 19 or do we not? He said it was impossible with man. But it was possible with Him. Gideon didn't think it was possible. Moses didn't think they would listen to him. Abraham and Sarah had no idea how God would make them into a great nation; they were barren, after all. Noah was told to build a huge ark, when it hadn't rained in forever. Mary was pregnant while still a virgin. The God of the Universe became man and came to earth in the form of a baby. He was killed, and conquered death. He rose again, and reigns on High. Impossibility is not a hurdle, for God.
So today was a low point. But the Church is still good. Because Jesus created it. Humans can do nasty things to the greatness that he made. But they can't destroy it. Matthew 16:18 told us that. So I will chose to power forward with the peace and grace he gives me for each day. And I will continue to believe that he has called me into the Church because it is in his will. And if his Will is to come on earth, like it is in Heaven, then who am I to argue with that?
Book suggestion: Forming Intentional Disciples: The path to knowing and following Jesus
http://www.amazon.com/Forming-Intentional-Disciples-Knowing-Following/dp/1612785905/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377052173&sr=8-1&keywords=forming+intentional+disciples
Showing posts with label Conversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conversion. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Fr. John Riccardo
I had a thought a while ago that I would like to meet at least some of the people who have made an impact on my life, this side of heaven, rather than only thank them once we are all united under Christ, in Glory. Obviously friends, my husband, and my family are making daily contributions to who I am and who I am becoming, and I can thank them face to face, whenever I please. But there are always those, who, from afar, and with whom I have no personal relationship, by their dedication to the Lord, through their teachings, writings, and devotion, have reached all the way to my living room couch, and into my heart.
Fr. John Riccardo, of Our Lady of Good Council, in Plymouth, Michigan, is one of those people. I was first recommended to view his conferences he has held with a local Evangelical Church near his parish. They have been published online, and for a convert, the very fact that he has been to, and calls himself friends with, his Evangelical neighbors, is a breath of fresh air. Like many Protestants who know very little, if at all any Truth about what happens within the walls of a Catholic Parish, many Catholics know nothing of the wonderful happenings within an Evangelical Church, either. The two are sadly divided by a deep canyon that, if ever crossed, is very unlikely to contain a bridge of open communication between the converting members. This is a huge reason why converts express deep sorrow and even depression during such a conversion process. It is lonely. And neither side seems to understand you.
So when we came across Father Riccardo, and his understanding of this dilemma, we soon found ourselves soaking in anything and everything he had preached. Thank goodness for iTunes and the internet. It seems some things online can still be sacred. This priest has allowed me to grasp concepts of Catholicism that were hard to accept, he explains the deeper reason (there always is one) to why they do what they do, and he simply reveals Jesus to the listener. If any non Catholic ever questioned if Catholics can have a personal love for Jesus like we Evangelicals do... this man will quench that worry.
So I emailed him. A long time ago, just to say thanks. And didn't think I would get a response. He's sort of big time around here, on the radio a lot, seems to be good pals with huge influencers in the Catholic world, and frankly, just busy with his own Parish. When I received an email back, along with a direct contact number, I was excited. And that was when my dream of meeting at least a few people this side of heaven took place.
A few months passed, and we continued on with our journey. We continued to listen, pray, and process many books, podcasts, and Catholic thought. And then our anniversary approached, and we were planning how to celebrate. Last year, we celebrated with a trip, a fight, and a diamond ring. Ten years was rough, because we were selfish. Year 11 brought in the most difficult life change we've ever known, yet it was the best year of our married life. So the only appropriate thing to do, in my opinion, was to celebrate an anniversary dinner, with a priest; my favorite priest. But it was a dream, so I began to pray for divine intervention, and Kevin left a message with Fr. Riccardo's office.
A day I will always remember was my answer to prayer. It was an ordinary Wednesday, I was listening to a anti-Catholic talk recommended to me by my Dad. If I want to be able to speak to my family on why I am becoming Catholic, I have to listen to their views on why I shouldn't. So as I listened, becoming more frustrated with every attack, I finally paused it to ready myself for preschool pick up.
There are events in my life when I look back, and I know without a doubt that the hand of God was moving something in that exact moment. A specific answered prayer, a turn of events, or something that was not possible without his direct intervention. I believe he is always with me, but many times it is a walk of faithful obedience rather than a direct voice in the cloud like the Israelites experienced. Yet those moments where He speaks so clearly are etched in my mind as a remembrance of his vast love and care for my life. Such was this Wednesday morning.
In my depressed state, I walked upstairs, unaware of how to deal with my Catholic leanings in view of the recent talk. In an instant, in a way I cannot explain, everything changed. I felt encouraged, happy, joyful, and a steadfast peace that I did not have moments before. I didn't know what it meant, but I knew I would be Catholic. And I knew it was the Lord when Kevin called me minutes later. He had been on the phone with Father Riccardo. That very moment I had become joyful. We were one, we were connected, and I am sure the Holy Spirit was breathing on us both in that moment. Father John had suggested to Kevin we meet him for dinner. He had suggested it. We were meeting Father John this side of heaven. For our anniversary. For the year that has meant and been, it all. I was crying, the Lord was moving, and for a moment, I was sure Heaven was singing, just for me.
I met Father John last night. Kevin and I attended Mass at his parish and then shard a bottle of wine with him at his favorite Italian restaurant in Plymouth, Michigan. We talked about a lot of things, from conversion to contraception and sterilization. He prayed for us, and encouraged us. I'm sure I will remember it far longer than he will. I'm sure he deals with converts like us all of the time. I am still processing much of what he told us, too much now to write about it. But a lot to think about in terms of my role should I enter the Church, and what he longs for among the Catholic faithful.
Meeting father Riccardo was a gift from the Lord. For me, it was the Lord telling me that He has been watching, He is moving before us, behind us, and with us, even when we are lonely. And He has placed His voice within obedient leaders to help form His body of believers. Father Riccardo is inspirational to all... but only if he points me to Jesus. If I stop at him, I have lost it all, and gained nothing. As I stared at the crucifix last night during Mass, at my Lord hanging there, all for me, I remembered. It's not about Fr. John, and it's not about me. We all have stories, and words of wisdom. But they are only effective if they point me to HIM. Because He, is the most exciting one to meet, both here on earth, and in his Dwelling Place.
Fr. John Riccardo, of Our Lady of Good Council, in Plymouth, Michigan, is one of those people. I was first recommended to view his conferences he has held with a local Evangelical Church near his parish. They have been published online, and for a convert, the very fact that he has been to, and calls himself friends with, his Evangelical neighbors, is a breath of fresh air. Like many Protestants who know very little, if at all any Truth about what happens within the walls of a Catholic Parish, many Catholics know nothing of the wonderful happenings within an Evangelical Church, either. The two are sadly divided by a deep canyon that, if ever crossed, is very unlikely to contain a bridge of open communication between the converting members. This is a huge reason why converts express deep sorrow and even depression during such a conversion process. It is lonely. And neither side seems to understand you.
So when we came across Father Riccardo, and his understanding of this dilemma, we soon found ourselves soaking in anything and everything he had preached. Thank goodness for iTunes and the internet. It seems some things online can still be sacred. This priest has allowed me to grasp concepts of Catholicism that were hard to accept, he explains the deeper reason (there always is one) to why they do what they do, and he simply reveals Jesus to the listener. If any non Catholic ever questioned if Catholics can have a personal love for Jesus like we Evangelicals do... this man will quench that worry.
So I emailed him. A long time ago, just to say thanks. And didn't think I would get a response. He's sort of big time around here, on the radio a lot, seems to be good pals with huge influencers in the Catholic world, and frankly, just busy with his own Parish. When I received an email back, along with a direct contact number, I was excited. And that was when my dream of meeting at least a few people this side of heaven took place.
A few months passed, and we continued on with our journey. We continued to listen, pray, and process many books, podcasts, and Catholic thought. And then our anniversary approached, and we were planning how to celebrate. Last year, we celebrated with a trip, a fight, and a diamond ring. Ten years was rough, because we were selfish. Year 11 brought in the most difficult life change we've ever known, yet it was the best year of our married life. So the only appropriate thing to do, in my opinion, was to celebrate an anniversary dinner, with a priest; my favorite priest. But it was a dream, so I began to pray for divine intervention, and Kevin left a message with Fr. Riccardo's office.
A day I will always remember was my answer to prayer. It was an ordinary Wednesday, I was listening to a anti-Catholic talk recommended to me by my Dad. If I want to be able to speak to my family on why I am becoming Catholic, I have to listen to their views on why I shouldn't. So as I listened, becoming more frustrated with every attack, I finally paused it to ready myself for preschool pick up.
There are events in my life when I look back, and I know without a doubt that the hand of God was moving something in that exact moment. A specific answered prayer, a turn of events, or something that was not possible without his direct intervention. I believe he is always with me, but many times it is a walk of faithful obedience rather than a direct voice in the cloud like the Israelites experienced. Yet those moments where He speaks so clearly are etched in my mind as a remembrance of his vast love and care for my life. Such was this Wednesday morning.
In my depressed state, I walked upstairs, unaware of how to deal with my Catholic leanings in view of the recent talk. In an instant, in a way I cannot explain, everything changed. I felt encouraged, happy, joyful, and a steadfast peace that I did not have moments before. I didn't know what it meant, but I knew I would be Catholic. And I knew it was the Lord when Kevin called me minutes later. He had been on the phone with Father Riccardo. That very moment I had become joyful. We were one, we were connected, and I am sure the Holy Spirit was breathing on us both in that moment. Father John had suggested to Kevin we meet him for dinner. He had suggested it. We were meeting Father John this side of heaven. For our anniversary. For the year that has meant and been, it all. I was crying, the Lord was moving, and for a moment, I was sure Heaven was singing, just for me.
I met Father John last night. Kevin and I attended Mass at his parish and then shard a bottle of wine with him at his favorite Italian restaurant in Plymouth, Michigan. We talked about a lot of things, from conversion to contraception and sterilization. He prayed for us, and encouraged us. I'm sure I will remember it far longer than he will. I'm sure he deals with converts like us all of the time. I am still processing much of what he told us, too much now to write about it. But a lot to think about in terms of my role should I enter the Church, and what he longs for among the Catholic faithful.
Meeting father Riccardo was a gift from the Lord. For me, it was the Lord telling me that He has been watching, He is moving before us, behind us, and with us, even when we are lonely. And He has placed His voice within obedient leaders to help form His body of believers. Father Riccardo is inspirational to all... but only if he points me to Jesus. If I stop at him, I have lost it all, and gained nothing. As I stared at the crucifix last night during Mass, at my Lord hanging there, all for me, I remembered. It's not about Fr. John, and it's not about me. We all have stories, and words of wisdom. But they are only effective if they point me to HIM. Because He, is the most exciting one to meet, both here on earth, and in his Dwelling Place.
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