A GRAIN OF WHEAT

Have you ever met the Christian who believes in abortion? Or the Christian who thinks that homosexual love is moral? Or the Christian who hates someone because of the color of his/her skin? The Church, as we all know, is so full of sinners. Humanity, due to original sin, is imperfect and prone to sin. But is the fact that the we are inclined to be sinful a valid excuse for blatantly breaking God’s law? Doesn’t Christ expect us to struggle, and with His help, to overcome sin?

Certainly I am a sinner. I am ashamed in front of God and I constantly beg for forgiveness for my insolence. But it seems to me that some people wear their sins proudly. Whether they do so for political, social, or personal reasons, some people flaunt the degradation of human life with a proudness that is sickening to those of us who are trying to follow God’s word. These same people attend Mass weekly. While I’m sure they can use every grace they can get from the Mass, I doubt that they are really sorry for the sins they have committed. I only doubt because I don’t see an effort by them to change their words and actions.

Do you really want to follow your own path and hope that God will be merciful to you upon your death? Keep in mind that we believe in a living God, not a god trapped in the pages of Sacred Scripture. If you make an earthly kingdom your primary concern, do you think that God will let you into His Kingdom? What if you found yourself saying, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?” What do you think Christ might say? Not that I would ever put words into the mouth of the Lord, but what if he said, “I was there with you when you ignored me and led many girls to kill their children. No, you never drove them yourself, but you believed that they should do it. You did not pray for any of those children. You thought of my children as a burden. I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.” I know that I took some liberty with the book of Matthew. For that I am sorry. I just want to bring to light the fact that the teachings of Christ are alive and well and not confined to the pages of the Bible. For those of you who follow your own path, read Matthew 7:13-23.

            “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.

We believe in one God…In one holy, Catholic and apostolic church. Or at least some of us do. Some of us pick up our cross daily and follow Christ. Others, well, they take the train. They try to circumnavigate the challenges of following Christ by ignoring the teachings of His Church. These people not only hurt themselves, but they also misrepresent the Church to the public.

I understand that people are very opinionated, but there is very little room for opinion in the business of salvation. The Church has laid out a very precise path for us. Who are we to question over two thousand years of experience? The Holy Catholic Church, the Body of Christ on earth, is concerned with nothing but trying to get all of us to Heaven. We must conform our will to the Church’s will, and therefore Christ’s will.

Whether you are homosexual, pro-choice(murder), or if you do not believe in the primacy of the Pope, I implore you to study Church teachings on these subjects. Your opinion may not change, but neither will the Holy Catholic Church’s opinion change. You cannot make your lifestyle more acceptable by trying to change Church teaching. You are hurting yourself and the Church if you do this.

I love all people and my intention is not to offend. I just don’t like to hear about people expecting the Church to conform to the ideas of a few, to just abandon thousands of years of doctrine. You are welcome to an opinion, but if you expect the Church to condone your lifestyle and give you the Holy Eucharist, then don’t you dare stand next to me in Mass and profess that you believe in “…One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church”.

How good it feels to be welcomed back into my Father’s arms. With tears of joy I take my place at His table, knowing that I don’t deserve it, but my Father’s mercy is abundant. After the world had inflicted deadly wounds on my soul, my Father healed me. I was made unclean by my sin; He cleansed me. I was weary; He gave me rest. I was hungry and thirsty; He gave me food and drink. Oh how good it feels to be home.