tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post2642983922012813033..comments2024-02-14T14:53:03.810-07:00Comments on Καθολικός διάκονος: "I can't get through the smoke that's surrounding you"Deacon Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385969740195992108noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-10896287601016989912011-11-25T14:42:42.592-07:002011-11-25T14:42:42.592-07:00Some lovely thoughts and experiences, which I appr...Some lovely thoughts and experiences, which I appreciate you sharing very much.Dcn Scott Dodgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09994604395739905637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-64339169631353216142011-11-25T14:29:55.560-07:002011-11-25T14:29:55.560-07:00Thanksgiving was a beautiful day. For me, a remin...Thanksgiving was a beautiful day. For me, a reminder that prayers are heard, people change, everything is possible -- because of God. <br /><br />Music brought me to this site again today. I awakened to the song Forever Young playing in my head... I thought I might find something here -- I did.<br /><br />Lady Gaga's tribute to a youth, Jamey Rodemeyer, who committed suicide. Many issues of the times we live in: bullying, longing for acceptance, gay... http://youtu.be/MpHSWMQwovA <br /><br />I find it most important to recognize the commonalities of all people. I don't necessarily understand 'gay' but I do know how it feels to be rejected and different from most others. I appreciate the inability to change in order to meet the expectations of society as whole.<br /><br />My greatest struggle with choosing Catholic faith was based on this truth. I didn't want to be mistaken for a person who wouldn't love and accept another for who they are -- as they are. The defining line between loving, accepting the person and recognizing sins of a person appears a bit muddy (in my opinion) at times. <br /><br />I recently learned my half-sister died briefly while in surgery. I had wanted desperately to be at the hospital, to support her - but due to family issues, I recognized my best support was through prayer at home. My half sister tells a tale of what occurred during her surgery. She 'talked' with God. Those present at the time: me, my stepfather, my grandmother. God told her to return- my mom needed her. Until recently, I thought this was a dream. I felt blessed that God allowed me to know that even though I wasn't there, I was of some comfort -- present in some manner. Discovering she died changes perspective a bit. My step father was a pedophile during his days on earth. He was a sinner. If seen in the presence of God, then... it seems affirmation of all I believe. God is judge. Only He knows the entirety of another person. <br /><br />We know the guidelines. Taught the ways of action through the Bible. Jesus loved those who were to take his very life. He died as much for his executioners as for the rest of us. Curiously, neither the Bible or the life of Jesus suggest a church or a people needing to judge anyone's sin outside of their own. Even in end times, we see our own lives. There isn't exception for the most holy or most faithful to rise up and assist the Lord in judgement. We are the same, equal... just bearing different crosses. <br /><br />I am grateful for God's justice. I don't understand it completely -- I cannot being human. It is simply beyond me. I do recognize it cuts through the fog and lovingly addresses the core. I trust His justice. For this very reason, I am free to love all people. I don't need to judge or weigh their actions. Nor do I find creedence in attempting to sway anothers course. Only God can move the heart/being of a person in such profound manner. I often believe those who are judged by society, and those who cannot find acceptance within the church as a whole, are those who need love and prayers most. <br /><br />I have lovingly chosen the Catholic faith. Great care has been taken to safeguard against misinterpretations. At times, mistakes are made. The church has suffered because of this. The Bible teaches to repent. Consequences for acts done are expected (God's justice cannot overlook) -- but blessings for repenting and seeking right action ensue. In my eyes, the Catholic Church stands, once again, as a pillar, a model for society while it struggles to face individual role, accountability and responsibility to following God's design/plan/word. <br /><br />Trust does not come easily or readily to me. I can trust the Catholic Church because I can see She lives as She teaches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com