Tag Archives: Catholic Faith

What’s It Like

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Being an Evangelical Catholic is like telling your story to the world. In other words, it’s speaking from your heart knowing no matter who might be listening; the story would be the same. It’s knowing what you heard is the truth because it’s the same truth any believer would have heard. It’s about learning some life lessons, seeing yourself in them and learning from the experience. One of my lessons is this.

When I was in the world, making my way as a wage earner I was intently focused on the rewards of my labor. I wanted the prestige work, the money and all the trimmings. I was so focused on the gifts, I forgot about the Giver of Gifts. I was so focused on me I forgot about Him. As I came to realize it was me focused on me, I got a glimpse of His Grace; it had been Jesus all along. Some one told me, we are all guided missiles on an ever-correcting course, and I actually understood some of what that meant. I was getting part of the story, at least enough to turn and look.

What I saw, was amazing; hiding in plain sight so to speak. A confirming and reassuring state of mind was making its present felt, I was heading toward a Baptism of Desire. The apprehensive aspects were fading away and the yearning and eagerness were providing the energy. This was beginning to get exciting. The possibilities were endless, this sure seemed like the vista vision I was looking for. I was about to be forgiven. Forgiven for the pain and confusion I had caused. Forgiven for being the small person I so dearly protected.

It was only after I had joyously jump on the band wagon, had taken my victory lap and stood in the adulation of my many admirers that it hit me like the five-gallon ice cold shower of gator aid; I had done it again. The same old me, just amped up, the same circuits, the same electric, the same old stuff. I had missed again. It wasn’t about me and my forgiveness; it was about Him and His Divine Mercy. It wasn’t what I was getting; it was what He was giving. OK, strike two; what’s next, I don’t know. I know where He is leading me, I don’t know how he will get me there, but I’m going with Him anyway.

My Life’s Story

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Once, not too long ago, I found my life in serious circumstances. Literally, life and death swung in the balance. To anyone who has said to himself, ‘so this is how ends’; knows exactly what I mean. For those of you who have lived through any natural disaster, who had time to prepare for the end, understand my point of view.

Did you run for your life, while people around you prayed and cried? I did, I have and I lived. But not because of anything I did. There was a stranger, who came out of nowhere and saved my life by putting his life on the line. He died saving me. When I woke up I cried. How could it be that I cried for joy and regret at the same time? How could it be, I was so full of life and so empty at the same time? Then my silent and unspoken prayer was answered, the unimaginable really happened. I found out, this stranger was alive; he didn’t die!

Now my life’s quest was really simple, find this man and thank him. Do whatever it takes, find him and thank him and one day, not too long ago this also happened. As I stood in the glow of his presence, I could feel the strength and courage of his purpose, as in that moment not so long ago, when everything of his was put aside and he saved me. It was all so clear, I didn’t know what to say, so I said it anyway, ‘what do you want, what can I do for you’? What he said was astonishing, “I want you to love the world and all its peoples with the same love, compassion and adoration you feel for me right now”! Without thinking, I said, ‘I don’t know how to do this’. He said, “Yes you do, just try.”

 

If you want something you never had, you must do something you never did.

Fear and Joy in the Lord

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For me, the biblical view is paradoxical out of necessity. Not because it is blatantly contradictory, which it is sometimes, but more to the point it brings many meanings to mind, great and small, penetrating and at times whimsical. Ask yourself, how could the truth be understood? It is obvious and self evident because it is the truth.

The truth appeals to everyone’s best intentions, highest ideals, and is the most sought after goal. The truth speaks to every aspect of the human experience regardless of the human experience. Jesus taught in parables, poets and song writers in metaphors and analogies, leaving the truth hidden in the inspiration of the moment. If its true and it is, God uses our unique life histories to bring us close to Him, then the truth must be draw on the experiences broader than our own; again the delightful web of paradox.

 

For me this paradox is found in the moment a soldier realizes all the things in life which are worth dying for are all the same things in life which are worth living for. Understanding our intent is not to redefine the words, but to refine the knowledge. Yet the biblical lens demands a distinctive portal and a focused vision. So God doesn’t help the ones who need the most hope; God hopes the ones who need the most help, for God’s hope is for sure and for certain. We don’t struggle with belief and unbelief; we are conflicted between belief and obedience. The world is not divided between good and evil, evil is the absence of good not the opposite of it. Can it be, we seek God until He finds us? God’s grace and unconditional love has been given to us without measure, yet in the moment of self realization we simultaneously receive and accept His gifts. Every one believes in the Lord, the question becomes do you trust in the Lord.

 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, you have spoken to my heart and now I will speak from my heart. There is no greater joy in this world than the fear of the Lord. From the Old Testament witnesses to the Holy Twelve who followed Jesus in fear and awe; all who glimpsed His majesty trembled in fear and cried for joy. To experience the presence of His power, to know in that moment the splendor of His creation, to realize our place in His design is as fearful as it is joyous; a joy which began before time, is now and will forever be. The mighty hand of the Lord lifts us as it stretches out over us. The cosmos exploded from His law into the laws of physics and we were there. He made us as His creation, in His creation and we were there. We were made to yield to His power and to be His power.

Dealing with a Teenage Son

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I know it must be very difficult for you dealing with him…it’s easier for me; making it a guy thing,  I can just get mad and be done with it, not so with you. Let us graciously look down the road and know his concept of what it means to be a “man” will change and in time he will “get it”. For us, we know, the path is tough, it takes time to muster strength. Perseverance bears many benefits, one being endurance and in time; insight, strategy, thoughtfulness, true confidence, compassion and empathy for those who are still struggling. We have been down the road many times and now we are empowered to dream big dreams and work to their fulfillment; we have prayed and our prayers in time were answered….and again….in the world when we hope and work for stuff and it comes true for us, we feel accomplished. When we pray and our prayers are answered we feel grateful. Sarah Young said it best; Isaiah 64:4; John 15:5; Psalm 36:9….. I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result, they live and work in their own strength—-until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness…….I think you and I know the truth in this because we cried out for help. Pope Francis said, Hope in the Lord never disappoints, only worldly optimism disappoints. Feel good about yourself; you are a great parent because you are a good person. Love you   AJ