Finding the Words

I have been mulling over the many recent events, trying to figure out what to say. I am baffled at how the world has come out to attack the Catholic Church. Though, when I think about it more, how can I really be surprised?

The Church has unwaveringly stood solid on the foundation of her teachings. Now, things like this HHS mandate are coming at her, and she does not back down. Eyes are beginning to open and see how strong she really is, even under tremendous pressure.

I have never been anything but Catholic my whole life. So, it is sometimes difficult for me to see where others are coming from when looking at these types of situations. I feel blessed to have my own "life reference book" -- otherwise known as the Catchechism of the Catholic Church. If I have any question about my faith, some answer can be found... and I don't stop there. I do not recommend living your life blindly accepting what is presented before you. I do my research to understand WHY my Church teaches what it does. The more I investigate, the more sense it makes. I used to be a "Catholic lite" where I would only look at the surface and only accept what I understood without finding any reason to search deeper for Truth.

Now, we are amidst quite possibly one of the most important election years to date. So many things are happening and I'm finding that we are being robbed of our freedoms... ever so slowly. The more government that steps in, the less say we have as citizens.

I have to say, I really am not a fan of politics. I get annoyed with all the fake politicians and people who are in it for the wrong reasons. But, when my freedoms are being threatened, I'll suck it up and do something about it. I am not going to mention any names right now, but I do wish to ask that if you are reading this... PLEASE think about what it would mean to vote for whomever you are giving your vote. Would that person impose more government or less? What would America look like after years of his or her policies?

We need more people who are willing to REALLY research candidates and not just accept what the media tell us. I think it is very important for everyone to vote. However, whatever you do, don't take my word for it - do your own research and really think about the impact you are making with your vote.

Discoveries

As I have taken more steps towards (what I feel) is my true purpose in life, I have discovered a great deal. I have learned on a deeper level what it takes to truly stand for something. Even as little as 3 weeks ago, I may not have found certain things in the political arena to be of high importance. However, now that I am fully living out my faith and beliefs- I have gained a greater understanding of what it means to do so. It is certainly not easy, but completely worth it.

Something else I have come to realize is quite scary. I have become aware of just how much the sacredness of God and the Holy Catholic Church have come under full attack. Never before has it been even remotely possible for such an extreme amount of blasphemes to be said in public. There are books, movies, TV shows, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles.... just about any form of public communication has partaken in some form of attack. Not all have been obvious or incredibly harmful. But, every attack makes way for another. One example that was brought to my attention is a new show coming out on Comedy Central. I don't know a lot about it, but from what I'm told-- it depicts Jesus as someone who is trying to break away from his "powerful but apathetic" father and winds up "finding himself" in New York. I really think that there is a difference between a good joke and an all-out mockery. I can laugh at jokes about my religion, but this show is way over the line.

Along the same lines of "blaspheming"-- I have come upon many organizations that pretend to be something they aren't. They try to represent something that is clearly-defined on its own... while making their own revisions. No matter what idea, religion or organization we are talking about, this is deception. If you don't understand something, go to the original source and discover its truth. For EXAMPLE... if you're going to run a "Catholic" organization, you better be ready to refer to the Bible, the Catechism and the hierarchy of the church for reference. I will admit that many people who run these organizations could be severely misguided under no fault of their own. As Catholics, it is our responsibility to show others the Truth. I know I am by nature a seeker of Truth. I think all humans have that natural inclination. Otherwise, we would all be completely disordered.

Lastly, my final thought for today-- logic and reason could save you and others from a lot of aggravation. I have been asked why I am Catholic. My constant reply will always be along the lines of this: I can find nothing more logically sound and filled with reason. Every question I have can be directed through prayer, logical reasoning and reference. If there is anything I have discovered about the Catholic faith, it's that if you are seeking Truth, you will find it in the Catholic Church. I do not mean this as an attack on those who are not Catholic-- I am only stating why I believe what I do. As my life goes through countless changes, I know that the only change within my faith will be an increase in strength.