DO YOU KNOW A NON-PRACTICING CATHOLIC? GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF CHRIST. You probably have relatives and friends who have lapsed. It might even be you. Almost 30,000,000 Americans identify as former Catholics. Would you like to reach out and help these prodigal children, or yourself? Of course; you would go to the ends of the earth to help. Practicing Catholics, however, have probably already discovered that talking doesn’t work. I’m sure you’ve prayed for them, but perhaps reading and sending them a written resource that may answer some of their questions might help? I have written such a resource. Why now? The time is right! Pope Francis has insisted that the Church step away from admiring itself in a mirror and turn its face outwards. “When the Church does not go out of herself to evangelize, she becomes self-referential; she grows ill. The evils which appear throughout history in Church institutions are rooted in this self-referentiality – a kind of theological narcissism.” These are bold and revolutionary words. They are also true. It might be that you, or someone close to you, strayed because of the holier-than-thou exclusiveness of so many fellow Catholics. Thankfully that has begun to change. Francis’ Church has become more like its Founder’s intention: welcoming and forgiving, with love pre-eminent. Francis said, in the Churchs hierarchy of truths, mercy is paramount, proportion is necessary, and what counts is inviting the faithful in.” To be a Catholic is to be a member of a community that believes that the Infinite met the finite just once - at the Cross in the person of Jesus Christ, the visible image of the unimaginable God. To be a Catholic is to know that if you ask for faith it will be granted. To be a Catholic is to know that if you search for God you have already found him. To be a Catholic is to know that if you deviate from faithfulness and ask once more for renewed faith, again it will be granted. Accept Francis’ invitation! Give the Church a second chance! As he said, “Who am I to judge?” I came home and I am joyful I did.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:12:05 +0000
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