As part of our blogging schedule, we have agreed as a group that we will not be doing individual blog posts on Sundays. However, we do want to keep discussion going, so we will be posting about Mass and our obligations on Sundays. Don’t worry, we’re set to auto-post so we can enjoy family time, too. 🙂
Sunday readings hold different meaning for different people. Inevitably some part of Scripture or a certain place during Mass jumps out at someone, giving them something they needed at that precise time.
What was memorable for you today? Did the kids behave? Did you find forgiveness in something you had been holding onto for a while? Did you marvel at the Body, Blood, Soul & Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ? Anything of particular importance you want to share with us? We’d love to hear how Mass impacts your life.
Sunday Mass with family is always a blessing. It’s so satisfying when our little ones display their Catholic upbringing by joining in the prayers and responses. Our little Miracle Baby, Rachel, is getting there. At 22 months old she shouts out a convincing ‘AMEN’! at the end of prayers (whether or not it’s quite appropriate) and her favorite part of Mass is the sign of peace. Now that she’s talking well, she also participates in the reciting of the Creed as well as the Lord’s Prayer.
Today we focused on the Respect Life theme. As my priest read several statistics someone in the Church continued to groan and make comments when it was something he didn’t agree with. I found myself to be very distracted, but mostly I just wanted the person to keep his comments to himself during the Mass and discuss his concerns directly with our priest. For someone who has recently decided to join the Catholic Church dealing with those who seem to not agree on the fundamental teachings of the Church within the Church walls is harder than having to hear it outside the Church walls.
Even the person that attends with me and who is already Catholic doesn’t seem to fully support the teachings of the Church, which is her business, but again it makes the journey even harder for me.
And of course, I realize I cannot point out the splinter in someone else’s eye when there is a board in my own, but I also struggle because I love the Church so much and I have only been attending for a short time. Surely my love will only grow and not fizzle as it seems it may for some.
My prayers are with all the unborn. Defenseless to protect themselves. We need to end abortion for the sake of the baby and the mother.
Any advice?
Megan, I’d like to offer some simple advice, if I may. Surround yourself with people who have the proper perspectives and learn from their faithful support of all things Catholic. Research for yourself and know, without a doubt, the irrevocable respect that our beautiful Church has for Life – without exception. Pray for an open heart and mind, not just for yourself, but also for those who display a ‘cafeteria catholic’ mentality. Armed with these tools, become a solution of the problem! Don’t be afraid to speak out – with gentle kindness and conviction – in defense of Church and Life. God bless you for your Faith and welcome to the wonderful life of a Catholic!!!
Birgitj, thank you. That is excellent advice. I am definitely adding this to my prayers. Thanks again! I look forward to becoming a full member of the Church.