It's been very clear to me after I visited a Benedictine monastery, that everyone is a sinner. No one is worthy of the great glory of God. It is beyond mercy and compassion for anyone to be granted clemency. But, Our God is mercy and loving beyond all words. He is the truth, the Way, and the Light. And as He said, no one shall come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).If we reject Jesus, we reject salvation. Mankind can do nothing to please God or boast of. It is through the mercy of God that He accepts our prayers and our works and sufferings when we offer them to Him in prayer. It is mercy itself for Our Innocent God to look upon us, the very men that crucified Him by our own wickedness.
When I returned from my retreat in the monastic community, I was sad to look at the world. We have people that go around supporting abortion, artificial contraception, embryonic stem cell research, and the list goes on. These actions are mortal sins - they destroy the life within us. And, then I log on to the Internet and see the typical hedonistic news focusing on fashion, money, and health. Then I read someone's comment on a Catholic forum, where he states he's leaving the Church.
To Protestants that I've argued with:
I hope you realize that I have never condemned anyone intentionally. I only want Our Lord's prayer to be answered:
Lord, I pray. I ask you to pray for me. Pray for us. I pray that all may be one. I pray that all may be one. Father, may they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in You. May they be one that the world will believe that you sent me. I gave them some glory you gave me so that they may be one just as you and I are one: I in them and You in me, so that they may be completely one that the world may know that you sent me, and that I love them as you love. I made you to known to them and will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them and so that I also may be in them (John 17: 21-26).I hope you realized that this verse was the foundation for everything I've ever argued with any Protestant about. I don't want discord and arguing, but I have to remember that Our Lord also said He came not to bring peace but the sword (Matthew 10:34). I just want everyone to be united in the same Eucharist, the same Confirmation, and the same Sacraments. The Catholic Church, which I firmly believe, teaches that Protestant Sacraments, other than baptism and sometimes marriage, are invalid. The Church (The Magesterium) teaches this because it has the Spirit of the Lord to guide it in its teachings.
Peace and joy are not something just for Heaven. They exist now in the Eucharist at the Catholic Mass. I have just wanted the whole world to experience the source of mercy in the Eucharist. I want the whole world to fall down and praise Our Lord and make reparation of the wickedness of the world. How sad that thousands are led astray each day by the lies of the devil. He comes as an angel of light to bring discord. He did that with Martin Luther and others. Martin Luther set out to reform indulgences, which was a great thing. But, he became corrupted and essentially sought to change Christianity to his liking.
The Pope at that time only rejected around 21 of the 95 parts of Martin Luther's Theses. Right after Martin Luther formed his own church, the Catholic Church reformed itself in the Catholic Reformation.
I just want people to follow Jesus Christ and not Martin Luther. I want everyone to follow the complete truth of Christianity, which is in the Church. I came from Lutheranism. I know what it teaches, and I know that while some parts are true, some parts are wrong. It's not a matter of opinion either. Jesus Christ's opinion is the only one that matters. And in Matthew 16:18-20, he gave St. Peter the keys to the Church with the power to forgive sins in John 20:21-23. He promised that the devil would never prevail against His Church.
I know that Our God will listen us and have mercy on us all. I just wish the whole world would unite in one Church as Our Lord prayed before His brutal passion. That's all I have wanted all this time. If I have brought anyone grief or upset anyone, forgive me. I only want the best for others and for Our God.
Please see these posts for information on Catholicism:
Image Source: Jesus and the Centurion by Veronese, 16th Century
7 comment(s):
I often ask my protestant brothers and sisters, "What are you protesting against?"
Only a few have legitimate reasons!
I'm glad to hear you're doing well and that your retreat was fruitful. God is with you!
Have a good one!
What an awesome day to read this, after the readings about shepherds leading their flocks astray.
I know what you mean MB about being sad to look at the world when you got back from your retreat.
On the train back yesterday, I just kept thinking
"Society allows human beings to be killed inside their mother's bodies and it's seen as being our right. Humans. HUMAN BEINGS beings murdered. over and over again. Billions a day."
it physically revulsed me.
Yes, I agree with you on the message you wrote to Protestants.
Splitting off from Christ's Church which is His Body, they strip off his flesh just like the lashes did that Jesus recieved when He was scourged at the pillar.
Silence, example is the way arguing does no good. I spent the better part of the evening last night pondering these things and more. I know so many fallen away catholics some of which are in my own extended family. One professed to be an agnostic last night on the phone to me and had not a care about her children's upbringing and spiritual lives. Then there is the long time catholic who could not figure out where the readings are in the book during Mass-- and then allowed her non-catholic live in boyfriend to take Holy communion while I sat in the pew because I have not been confirmed yet. She is also trying to get me to come to a Non denominational- bible study in her home! I can only hope that my journey becomes a witness to her and to others in my family that have fallen away and or are lost.
It is horrible that he would go up and receive Our Lord out of habit and not following the rules of our faith. How truly sad.
I know that you will be a great example. I stay away from non-denomination Bible study because it is very easy for errors in theology to come up. It is much better to learn through CCD, RCIA, or from a holy and educated priest.
I know you will be a great example. Keep living the life for Christ!
I also want to share with you the words of St. Francis of Assisi, which have helped me to live a Christ-centered life:
"Preach always, when necessary use words."
It sounds like you had quite a humbling experience and beneficial to your soul. Nothing like a great retreat
Well said, Moneybags.
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