Strategies for Returning to the [Catholic] Church

CE.com ^ | 01-11-18 | James Day

[Salvation]

Strategies for Returning to the Church

James Day

Our world is a fallen world. The effects of sin seem to be suffocating us. The diabolical is running rampant, unleashed, playing with immortal souls as if puppets on a string. Pride continues to dominate; repentance for anything is deemed archaic, of little use to today’s enlightened thinking.

Certainly this is not the positive language one wants to hear at the outset of a new year, when expectations and resolutions are running high. But all is not really so dire: the diabolical and pervasive sin has not crushed the divine light. “My Immaculate Heart will triumph,” promises the Lady of Fatima. There is a reason the Church opens a new year honoring the Mother of God: obedience to accepting one’s mission in life is the most daunting — and exciting — prospect we face on this earth. We have a guidebook in how to do it through Mary’s fiat.

Perhaps over holiday festivities and the euphoria — and stress — of families coming together, some readers might have encountered resistance from relatives regarding the graces offered in entering the mystery of faith during this holy season. Whether it was avoidance from some in either attending Christmas Mass or praying before a Christmas dinner, such discomforts surely existed. While certainly everyone is different, with their own freedom and right to privacy, perhaps there are some of you readers whose own children—raised in the Catholic faith you so diligently sought to instill in them — want nothing to do with it anymore. It is to this element I wish to address.

In my own experience, generally speaking, I have found degrees of toleration from lapsed or non-Catholics regarding matters of the faith — they know the Catholic Church continues to play an enormous part in global affairs while recalling their own experiences either through schooling or parish life. I have found that while the pervading motif of the millennial generation is a general shunning towards organized religion and regular church attendance, there yet remains a desire for an experience of the transcendent. And that desire is the silver lining.

Unfortunately, committed Catholics are not always quite the fearless galvanized evangelizers that each one is called to be. Marveling that St. Francis de Sales converted 40,000 is usually met with a shrug: “Well, that’s why he’s a saint.” But that’s the precisely the mentality that needs to change.

A Jesuit once posed in a homily, “Listen to conversations. How long does it take before God is ever mentioned?” Out of not wanting to create controversy, God is never mentioned. When he is, or when the Church is mentioned, Catholics are immediately put on the defensive. We can stay silent, letting the Uber driver, for example, have his say about the occultish practice of Catholics (as I experienced recently), or we can defend Holy Mother Church, as we would defend our own mother, and begin a conversation. The faith is not part of the pie of life. It is the pie.

I have come to believe that, in this era, accommodation will not work. Appeasing the culture may seem like a conciliatory gesture, but those on the opposite side most probably will not respect such compromise—even if they do not agree with the position in question. In reading Paul Kengor’s new book, A Pope and a President, on President Reagan and Pope St. John Paul II’s battles against communism, the consistency in the Church’s long running condemnation of communism as far back as Pius IX is impressive. The Church may have apologized for grievous actions throughout its long history, but it has never apologized for being magnificent.

So, how to engage your lapsed love one on returning to the Church? After all, that is our sole duty—to grow into our authentic selves, made in the image of God, and safeguard our immortal souls and those of others towards eternal life. Remembering we can only extend an invitation, a proposal, respecting the freedom of others, here are some strategies:

I: Know Thyself

Be yourself a model of virtue.

Live the Gospel, avoiding hypocrisy, condemnation of others, descent into pettiness. If you consider yourself a Catholic first and desire others to feel that same zeal, your example is the best model. Just like Mary.

Avoid “preaching.”

Respectfully engage in conversation in whatever topic arises. Listen to the other person. Avoid shouting or screaming. Do not let a discussion become an argument or a fight. But know the teachings rather than relying on your own emotions in the heat of the moment.

Pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Read Scripture daily, particularly the Gospels, alone or with family. Have the Catechism handy. Always be reading a spiritual work. Your own edification will inevitably seep into your own worldview. Petition the Trinity for guidance. Ask saints for intercession. Call on the Blessed Mother multiple times a day.

Know your own spiritual story.

What were the integral moments for you in your faith formation? Where did God reveal Himself? Write your own spiritual autobiography in a way that you find creative and inspiring. “Know thyself” is not just an ancient Greek saying. It’s vital to one’s own development.

“Pray the Mass,” as St. Pius X instructs.

Throw your fears and pains onto the altar. Bow your head at the Consecration; respect the Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

II: Extend an Invitation

Know the story of your lapsed child or loved one.

“Communication is simply mutual understanding,” says Stephen R. Covey. You have to care about who they are, where they’ve been, and where they want to go — while you are called to evangelize, you cannot treat them as an agenda, a project. In this way, study Ignatian spirituality for insight on the discernment of spirits. You are always an unofficial spiritual director to someone!

Find common ground.

There are many launching points one can meet due to the richness of the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, many lapsed Catholics have a distorted or misinformed view of the faith, just as many in the Protestant and evangelical world have a Reformation-era concept of the papacy. Much time may be spent on clearing the cobwebs on the reality of the Catholic Church today. Yes, corruption and scandal and atrocities have weakened the moral authority of the Church. But there is a difference between human failings and the Church as founded by Christ handed to Saint Peter (Matthew 16:18). That needs to be made clear. (See Joseph Ratzinger, “Why I Am Still in the Church.”)

Nurture their interests.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Getting to know your loved one authentically and establishing common ground will offer new avenues of appreciation. Are they artists, musicians, poets, writers? Michelangelo, Gaudi, chant, or the great classics of literature offer beautiful immersive experiences in the Catholic worldview.

Pope Francis has been an inspiration for those of any background, through his environment work, Laudato Si, or his call for activism towards migrants, refugees, the disenfranchised.

Connect them with possibly like minded individuals who might continue the conversation, depending on their interests: educators, bioethicists, Father Spitzer’s Magis Institute on science, faith, and reason. Historical subjects on the veracity of Jesus: the Shroud of Turin, for example (see Ian Wilson’s The Shroud, among others).

Give your lapsed child or loved one Matthew Kelly’s Rediscover Catholicism or a similar book that perhaps impacted you. Rediscover appeals to the mainstream, ringing distant bells they would have remembered growing up Catholic. In many ways, that book is an appetizer to what awaits.

Bottom line: communicate the resources provided by so many apostolates—there is something for everyone. Many of those actively engaged in the mission of salvation, the mission of the Church, were once lapsed themselves. Just ask St. Augustine, Dorothy Day, or many great evangelizers in our day and age.

Invite your lapsed child or loved one to Confession.

It’s a challenging invitation. But you’ve at least put it out there. At the same time, do not let the graces of Confession become distorted. While one receives absolution, authentic penance comes when one’s life is turned around. So often the thought is that a few “Hail Marys” and “Our Fathers” is all the Church demands for conciliation. Actually, one must authentically set out determined to begin anew, a new person, transformed. Vinny Flynn’s 7 Secrets of Confession is a powerful little book for guidance.

Extend an invitation to Mass.

Bring an extra copy of Magnificat or a book with daily readings and give your loved one a copy. Sit up close. And then pray the Mass. Together.

Give your loved one Benedict XVI’s Jesus of Nazareth.

Along with the timelessness of the Scriptures themselves, this trilogy is written for people of our time to rediscover Christ. It is some of the most staggering spiritual reading you will encounter.

III: Going Forward

Three very simple, practical steps:

• 1.) Offer help in introducing your loved one to parish resources in their diocese, again contingent on their own discernment of spirits, perhaps even establishing a regular meeting with a spiritual director.
• 2.) In a quiet moment, offer to pray with them, calling specifically on the Holy Family for guidance.
• 3.) Finally, ask them to pray for you.

Happy New Year!

[Elsie]

But you ignore these words of Jesus:

Call no man father...

[editor-surveyor]

.

>> “HMMMmmm... I thought His body was them little wafers... <<

Can’t be! - The “Church” doesn’t even exist, Biblically speaking. There is no mention of any church in scripture.

The Kehillah is his body; the one that began with Adam; the remnant. The people with whom the one and only covenant was made at the first Shavuot at Sinai, and renewed in sinless blood at Golgotha.

.

[Iscool]

You may seek God’s Truth through the Catholic church and not through a man-made heretical church(s).
Thomas Aquinas did not start a man-made church, but interpreted the teachings of Jesus as delegated to the Catholic Church.

Jesus' words don't need to be interpreted...They only need to be believed...

We have the preserved words of God at our disposal...And since those words are readily available, I can't imagine why anyone would to go a flawed human source who doesn't believe God to find the truth of God...

How do you know Aquinas is telling you the truth...How do you test Aquinas???

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

I really hope you don't tell me you need Aquinas to decipher that verse for you...

So if it is impossible for God to sin, then it was impossible for Jesus to sin because Jesus is God.

According to God's word, Jesus fulfilled the law...If Jesus wasn't capable of sinning he accomplished nothing...

Jesus came here so he could deny sin...He did that for us...Because we are not capable of denying sin...

His Mother was spared from Original sin from her parents through the grace of God. the Blessed Mother followed the will of God as an obedient servant and did not sin.

You don't have any idea what Jesus' mother did...She may have hit the wine skin a little too often late at night when everyone else was asleep...She may have constantly cursed at Joseph because she wanted him to build her a bigger house...You don't know...No one knows...Your story is nothing more than a fable...

In the final analysis some people follow Joseph Smith, some follow Mohammed and some follow Thomas Aquinas...I will follow God who has revealed himself in the scriptures, that I have a copy of...

[ADSUM]

I realize that many minds are made up already by man-made religions and the Truth has a hard time visiting. Many seem to ignore the Truth when it doesn’t meet their opinion.

It is a shame that many tell us they read the Bible but still do not understand the Truth of the Bible and make up their own version.

Tim. 3:14-15:

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark (foundation) of the truth.

Further, we see explicit references in Scripture to the authority of the Church being the final authority given by God to the world.

Matt. 18:15-18:

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Why are you so anti-Catholic? The vitriol in your remarks about Catholicism, may be preventing you from understanding the Truth of God.

[metmom]

But you ignore these words of Jesus: “Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54Whoever eats* my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”

We recognize that Jesus would not command someone to break the Law.

Catholics do believe that the Law is still in effect, right?

Catholics ignore these words of Jesus.

John 6:53-58 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

Do Catholics teach that they will live forever, literally, in this body after they literally eat and drink His flesh and blood?

It says they will never die. What's with all the Catholic funerals I see?

Catholics also ignore this....

John 6:29 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Do you hunger or thirst?

Or this verse.

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

The flesh is NOT HELP AT ALL.

The SPIRIT gives life.

And Catholics tell us that we can't be sure of going to heaven. What about these verses? Do you believe them or not?

John 3:3-8 Jesus answered him,“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Or this verse.....

Matthew 23: 8-10 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.

You mock sola Scriptura?

This is Jesus' opinion on Scripture.

Matthew 22:29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

[metmom]

I stand corrected......

They pick and choose the ECF writings just like they pick and choose Scripture to believe.

[imardmd1]

I all so get to feeling ashamed of my self when I am dealing with the likes of imardmd1 so the only thing I can do is quit and let him have the last word.

There is no intent to make you feel ashamed of yourself. The exchange on FR Religious Forum is meant to help each one come closer to the Truth of God and the Jesus of the Bible. The object is to sense one's own lack and have it repaired through the sharing of another through his/her supply.

Contentions and remonstrations come up when one cannot come to grips with his own perceptions of what that truth is, when he/she comes up against someone with a different view.

Some react badly, and others with assessing whether a resolution might be made when one's viewpoint seems threatened; and in this forum, to each his/her own way of managing one's conduct. Under the forum' s stated rules of engagement, that is, which are not meant to bring a sense of shame to anyone, AFIK.

[ealgeone]

The Protestant idea of the “Bible alone” (sola scriptura) is, ironically, nowhere in the Bible. On the contrary, the Bible speaks of an infallible Sacred Tradition and an infallible Church that has authority to interpret Scripture. The Bible even warns against sola scriptura.

I don't think you really want to go there with this argument.

The Marian dogmas, which are required belief by Roman Catholics, are not found anywhere in the Bible. And as noted, Rome's own Catholic Encyclopedia Online admits this about the Immaculate Conception.

Did the apostles talk about the Immaculate Conception? Nope. So this wasn't "passed down" as Rome likes to claim. It was something that came about much later.

The Mass has to be said in Latin? Nope. No Mass in Latin in the NT church. No Mass in the NT church as we see it today either for that matter.

Those two examples alone completely undermine the Roman Catholic claim to "Tradition" being equal with Scripture.

The Roman Catholic has been asked numerous times for exactly what this "Tradition" is they claim is taught in the Bible to which none so far have been able to provide.

I will also continue to note that not one of the writings that Roman Catholicism claims as "Sacred Tradition" was approved as Scripture at Trent when Rome declared its Canon. Ever wonder why? If I were a Roman Catholic that would bug me to no end.

The Bible itself testifies to why we rely upon Scripture and not Tradition.

I recommend you do a word search on "It is written" and "write". The study would do you good.

[ealgeone]

Nicely done. They do rely upon some selected writings of the ECFs.

[ealgeone]

.....and His Mother was spared from Original sin from her parents through the grace of God. the Blessed Mother followed the will of God as an obedient servant and did not sin.

Of which you have zero proof from Scripture.

Indeed, it contradicts Scripture where Paul writes, all have sinned.

But it further illustrates the Roman Catholic worship of Mary.

As Jesus was sinless so must be Mary....per Rome.

[Mark17]

Shake the dust off your feet.

[ealgeone]

What I find fascinating in speaking with non-Catholics about this is almost all of them agree with a Catholic understanding here when it comes to the authority of Jesus.

Actually, it's a Biblical understanding of His authority. Roman Catholicism undermines His authority with its insistence on the worship of Mary and equating her as co-redemptrix, advocatrix, etc.

But here is what they almost universally miss: Just about every time the New Testament reveals the radical nature of Christ’s authority, you will find in close proximity Christ then giving a similar authority to the Church.

Matt. 28:18-20:

… All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age

(the implication is go with my authority).

Whoa....where do you get this last part from? Your opinion? Or is this official Roman Catholic dogma? We've been told that you, as a Roman Catholic, cannot read and understand Scripture on your own.

This is not the church. There were far more believers than just the eleven.

But you ignore these words of Jesus: “Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54Whoever eats* my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”

As all Roman Catholics ignore these words: 35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35 NASB

I'm willing to bet you had breakfast, lunch and will most likely have dinner. And I'm willing to bet you were thirsty today.

If the Roman Catholic wants to take John 6:53 as literal then they have to take 6:35 as literal as well.

But you don't because you've eaten food today.

Roman Catholicism cannot even be consistent in its rendering of 23 verses of Scripture!

[ealgeone]

“[I]f he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 18:15-18).

Ummm....something is missing in this and something has been added.

What is missing is Roman Catholic.

What has been added is putting church in capital letters...much as Rome does with things of Mary.

Not even the Douay-Rheims renders the text as you have. Only one translation does and that is the Weymouth New Testament.

[ADSUM]

Your comment: “ This is Jesus’ opinion on Scripture.

Matthew 22:29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.

Yes, I could see Jesus telling the man-made Sola Scriptura followers the same thing.

Old Testament law, as such, is not binding on Christians. It never has been. In fact, it was only ever binding on those to whom it was delivered—the Jews (Israelites). That said, some of that law contains elements of a law that is binding on all people of every place and time. Jesus and Paul provide evidence of this in the New Testament.

Matthew’s Gospel enlightens us to Jesus’ teaching concerning Old Testament law:

[A Pharisee lawyer] asked him a question, to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:34-40)

In saying this, Jesus declared the breadth of the new law of his new covenant which brings to perfection the old law. He explained further to his disciples:

“Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:17-19)

How could Jesus fulfill the Old Testament law without relaxing it? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Law has not been abolished, but rather man is invited to rediscover it in the person of his Master who is its perfect fulfillment” (CCC 2053).

Most believers in Christ would accept the invitation from Jesus to eat His Body and Blood for our eternal salvation that we would do so. I realize that when one rejects the Catholic Church, one also rejects Jesus and His Sacraments.
He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

Your question: “Do Catholics teach that they will live forever, literally, in this body after they literally eat and drink His flesh and blood?

It says they will never die. What’s with all the Catholic funerals I see?”

Yes. We believe in the Resurrection and expect to gain everlasting life with God upon our earthly death. I guess non-Catholics have different expectations?

[ealgeone]

[A Pharisee lawyer] asked him a question, to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:34-40)

Yet Rome advances this while allowing their adherents to bow before idols of "Mary".:

My Queen and my Mother, I give myself entirely to you; and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, good Mother, as I am your own, keep me, guard me, as your property and possession. Amen.

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=536

[ealgeone]

Tim. 3:14-15: I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark (foundation) of the truth.

You did notice this was a letter to one individual...Timothy? Right?

Did you also notice this....."I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write...

The written word....not "Sacred Tradition".

[metmom]

Where does it say “Catholic church”?

Why do you presume it means Catholicism when it doesn’t say so?

[metmom]

The Bible even warns against sola scriptura.

Where?

Give us the verses.

[metmom]

Yes, I could see Jesus telling the man-made Sola Scriptura followers the same thing.

No. The Pharisees had added reams of tradition to God's Law. It's THOSE men to whom Jesus is speaking about their tradition.

Jesus condemns tradition whenever He encounters it.

With Jesus, it's all about Scripture, "It is written..." and His fulfillment of it.

[imardmd1]

The people with whom the one and only covenant was made at the first Shavuot at Sinai, and renewed in sinless blood at Golgotha.

No, that First Covenant of temporary remission of sins through the blood of animals was abolished at Calvary, having been fully fulfilled by the only human Who could meet the requirements--the obedient Lamb of God. And at that summit of appeasement, a New Covenant was established by Him in His Blood, and a New Kingdom also, to which admission as a new subject is obtained by faith alone in Jesus as Lord and King.

Your concept of reality has no place in what now exists as God's determined Will in this Age of Grace.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I,

Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin
thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he,

Lo, I come to do thy will^θελημα, O God.

He taketh away the ^oldfirst^{θελημα/covenant/testament}, that he may establish the ^newsecond^{θελημα/covenant/testament}.
By the which ^{new second}will^{θελημα/covenant/testament} we are sanctified through the offering
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Heb. 10:8-10 AV; my superscripted notes).

Your false gospel begone!

". . . Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"

(Mt. 16:23_cde AV).