Recently, I discovered a comment on a blog that a former friend made that was directed at me. Long and short, she had made a choice that she was sure that a former Catholic friend would condemn her for. To be honest, what she was choosing to do was not a huge deal and not something I would have even said anything to her about. I saw it last week and I have been kind of sitting with it. Not in terms of responding as that friendship is long gone. I have been sitting with it and thinking, "Is that what people think of me?"
As you all know, I take my faith very seriously. I am far from perfect. I sin, and I go to Confession and ask for forgiveness. I try very hard to live by what the Catholic Church teaches and sometimes I mess up, and that is OK. As a child of God, I know I just need ask and I will be forgiven.
But the comment made me think of a couple of things. First of all about choices. We all make them and we all have to suffer the consequences of said choices both good and bad. When it comes to the teachings of the Church, however, I tend to be kind of a legalist (especially on the big things). I know there are many who say they are Catholic, but then pick and choose what they will follow in Church teaching. I often wonder about that. For me, to go against the teachings of the Church is putting my hope of eternal life in jeopardy. An example of this would be the many politicians who say they are Catholic and then vote for pro-abortion legislation. I guess what I am trying to figure out is why. Why risk your chance of Heaven?
Back to my original thought, the comment from the other blog. What does this say about me and how people view me? I don't want to be seen as judgmental or condemning. I just want to see those I love in Heaven for all of eternity.
5 comments:
Therese,
I have found that more often than not, when people behave this way, it is their own conscience pricking them, not what they think our opinion would be. (of course, they're not always/usually consciously aware of it!) At the very least, they are not 100% sure of their choice and they "go after" those who they think would challenge them.
I don't see you as condemning at all. There is nothing wrong with being a "real" Catholic and saying so.
Don't let it get to you.
Hi Therese,
It is your friend being judgemental, not you, so don't let it eat at you.
You need to stand up for what you believe in, for if you don't, it will be your eternal salvation that is in danger.
Jesus said:~
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23
Have a wonderful guilt-free week,
Love, Jillian ♥
Try not to let it bug you. I think it just shows this person's lack of confidence. She obviously wanted you to read it in a round about way.
I have a friend like that. It's hard. Wouldn't it be better to just be confronted with it? That it could be talked about and settled.
I'm the same way, why risk the loss of heaven. Yes, I sin, but not on purpose, usually more of an oops...I need to go to Confession. (this happens often)
Let's not forget too that the way others see us is not always accurate. Their perception is seen through the lens of their own experience and personality.
Ditto....Ditto.....Ditto..... You are an amazing inspiration to me. I know that things like that can hurt. Make us doubt ourselves. Don't it's like all these others have said. It is the commentor doubting herself more. Love ya!
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