#practicing catholic

[momentsbeforemass]

Not a real Christian

I’m a practicing Catholic. As in I’m going to keep practicing until I get it right.

But I’m not a real Christian – at least according to the people who thoughtfully send me “You can’t be a Christian if…” and “You can’t be a Christian unless…” messages and memes.

I’m also a permanent deacon.

But I’m not a real Catholic – at least according to the people who thoughtfully send me “You can’t be a Catholic if…” and “You can’t be a Catholic unless…” messages and memes.

Why? Well, I’m just not living up to their expectations.

I wasn’t baptized by immersion (we couldn’t afford the water bill), I believe that Christ is really present in the Eucharist, and I confess my sins to a priest.

Which means I’m not a real Christian to them.

I don’t say hateful things about people who disagree with what they say the Church believes and/or who don’t perfectly live every aspect of Catholic teaching every moment of their lives.

Which means I’m not a real Catholic to them.

Truth be told, I don’t perfectly live every aspect of Catholic teaching every moment of my life. Which would be why I have sins to confess.

None of this bothers me. Because I’m not worried about what “they” want.

In the end, there’s only one opinion that matters – God’s.

As it turns out, what God wants has nothing to do with any of that “You can’t be a Christian if…” and “You can’t be a Catholic unless…” stuff.

What does God really want? The answer is in today’s first reading.

And it has nothing to do with purity tests. Or perfect performance. Or arguing about which sin is worse (reality check – anything that can come between you and God will do the job).

“What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

It’s short. It’s simple. And it’s the work of a lifetime.

I know I’m going to stumble and fall. I’ve got a history with God.

But God always picks me up when I do. God’s got a history with me.

That’s where I’m headed.

If that’s where you’re headed and you’re looking for a companion on the way, I’d love to walk with you.

Today’s Readings

[bookshelfmouse]

have i ever played “among us?” no

do i feel like red being kinda sus in that meme? yes

[rosecorcoranwrites]

Writing Catholic Characters

Hey, all. I’ve seen a few posts here and there with advice about how to write characters of various religions, but I think it’s more useful to offer to answer questions about said religion.

Thus, I am here to offer my expertise as a practicing Roman Catholic. If you are going to include a Catholic character, or have any Catholic things in your setting (churches, popes, saints, priests, nuns, angels & demons of the Catholic variety), feel free to ask me any questions you might have, including:

What happens at mass (both in the modern day and pre-Vatican II), or during any of the sacraments (there are 7, by the by)?

How would a practicing Catholic view X, or what would they do in X situation?

What do Catholics believe about X (exorcism, heaven & hell & purgatory, saints, relics, Mary, angels, evolution, etc)?

Is this thing I’ve heard about Catholic history accurate?

What is it really like in a Catholic school?

And anything else you might need to know for your story. You can use my ask box or IM me. I’m here to help :)

[momentsbeforemass]

Not a real Christian

I’m a practicing Catholic. As in I’m going to keep practicing until I get it right.

But I’m not a real Christian – at least according to the people who thoughtfully send me “You can’t be a Christian if…” and “You can’t be a Christian unless…” messages and memes.

I’m also a permanent deacon.

But I’m not a real Catholic – at least according to the people who thoughtfully send me “You can’t be a Catholic if…” and “You can’t be a Catholic unless…” messages and memes.

Why? Well, I’m just not living up to their expectations.

I wasn’t baptized by immersion (we couldn’t afford the water bill), I believe that Christ is really present in the Eucharist, and I confess my sins to a priest.

Which means I’m not a real Christian to them.

I don’t say hateful things about people who disagree with what they say the Church believes and/or who don’t perfectly live every aspect of Catholic teaching every moment of their lives.

Which means I’m not a real Catholic to them.

Truth be told, I don’t perfectly live every aspect of Catholic teaching every moment of my life. Which would be why I have sins to confess.

None of this bothers me. Because I’m not worried about what “they” want.

In the end, there’s only one opinion that matters – God’s.

As it turns out, what God wants has nothing to do with any of that “You can’t be a Christian if…” and “You can’t be a Catholic unless…” stuff.

What does God really want? The answer is in today’s first reading.

And it has nothing to do with purity tests. Or perfect performance. Or arguing about which sin is worse (reality check – anything that can come between you and God will do the job).

“What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

It’s short. It’s simple. And it’s the work of a lifetime.

I know I’m going to stumble and fall. I’ve got a history with God.

But God always picks me up when I do. God’s got a history with me.

That’s where I’m headed.

If that’s where you’re headed and you’re looking for a companion on the way, I’d love to walk with you.

Today’s Readings

[caravanandparfait-books]

Practicing Catholic: The Search for a Livable Catholicism by Penelope J. Ryan || Review

rating: 4/5

genres: nonfiction > Christianity > Catholicism in United States

thoughts: I picked this book up as part of my faith discernment. The author is a cradle Catholic educator writing in 1998. In this book she discusses official™ Roman Catholic teachings as well as internal disagreements and lay perspectives, on the following topics:

change in the western Catholic church

papal infallibility

women & ordination

celibacy & priesthood

reproductive issues: birth control, abortion, fertility procedures

marriage & divorce wrt participating in sacraments

LG[B] relationships

role of dissent within church

(A glaring limitation: no discussion of gender diversity and its implications on any of the previously listed.) Though the secular conversation in the United States today on these topics has very obviously grown and changed from 1998, the fact is that from what I've experienced in the Roman Catholic church, we are still stuck on the very same issues, which makes this book feel both relevant and needed while also disappointing. I particularly appreciated the author's perspective on what it was like to be Catholic and looking for change during the years of Vatican II. Overall, this book was validating to read for its earnest questioning and compassionate dissent with the Roman hierarchy and its dedication towards having good-faith discussion. There's definitely points and perspectives that I hope to hold onto and carry with me as I keep learning and discerning.

[cmcsmen]

The Beatitudes: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven"

[leod1ed]

In church rn

[cmcsmen]

You Shall Not Covet Anything That Belongs To Your Neighbor.

Photo: Surrender

Find It Here

The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

You shall not covet … anything that is your neighbor's…. You shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant,, or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's. 317 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 318

IN BRIEF:

2551 "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Mt 6:21).

2552 The tenth commandment forbids avarice arising from a passion for riches and their attendant power.

2553 Envy is sadness at the sight of another's goods and the immoderate desire to have them for oneself. It is a capital sin.

2554 The baptized person combats envy through good-will, humility, and abandonment to the providence of God.

2555 Christ's faithful "have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24); they are led by the Spirit and follow his desires.

2556 Detachment from riches is necessary for entering the Kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are the poor in spirit."

2557 "I want to see God" expresses the true desire of man. Thirst for God is quenched by the water of eternal life (cf. Jn 4:14).

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"Select a Church of your choice and schedule yourself to be there every Sunday. Listed among the Ten Commandments Sunday belongs to God not to us. Make the scriptures your rule book of life. As the Bible quotes Joshua, Moses’ right hand man, in reordering the people of Israel under God’s laws, take Joshua’s motto as your motto where he announces to his fellows, “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him completely and sincerely … If it does not please you to serve the Lord, then decide this day whom you will serve … as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!” (Joshua 24, 14-15)"

~ Bishop Joseph Perry: Male Spirituality

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"Moderation in all things is key! The Commandments provide us with a guide to lead a holy and fulfilling life. We must remember to live by them Christ-like, by moderating our passions and living our lives with prudence. Just as importantly, we must teach our children to do the same. Living by the Commandments will help them to have a strong moral compass, learn responsibility, and be good role models for their friends and families."

~ Frank J Casella: The Response of Love That Man is Called to Give

Click here to go back to the First Commandment.