A GRAIN OF WHEAT

Have you ever really experienced a renewal of your faith? I have been Catholic all my life and I love my faith. I have always defended the Church and done my best to explain Her teachings to anyone who would listen. I have always thought of myself as a being a good Catholic. Of course, I was wrong and here’s how I realized that.

My wife spent her childhood in the baptist church and she has told me on many occasions that she never thought she would leave that church. Over time she began to ask questions about Catholicism and attend Mass with me. Then one day, after years of contemplation,  she told me that she would like to enter RCIA. I was so suprised and happy that I called my entire family to tell them. My grandmother asked to sponsor Carrie (since she probably had more of an impact on my wife that I did because she is a plethora of knowledge and she is eager to share it). So began our journey toward God together.

I attended classes with my wife at first, but eventually I had to stay home with our son. Although I wasn’t going to the classes with my wife, I was still enthusiastic and I began to read extensively on my Catholic faith. It did not take me long to realize that going to Mass and owning a Rosary do not make you Catholic. I began to realize that my prayer life was nonexistent. Sure, I babbled something if I was in dire need, but I never made a real connection. I began to crave something more. I wanted to live my faith to the fullest and humble myself before God with daily prayer and reflection. I love Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God…”. That is how I want to pray. It took me a long time to realize, but prayer is about God, not about our wants.

I have shared this with my wife and it is such a great thing when we get on our knees every night and say the Holy Rosary. Carrie was accepted into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass this year. She may be the newest Catholic in the family, but she is also one of the proudest. I am happy to say that she has a very strong prayer life and she truly loves her new faith. As for me, I have discovered a renewed sense of faith rooted in prayer and obedience to God.