aspen
“"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few
I am not a Catholic .... I became a Christian outside the denominational church system and I have chosen to not affiliate with any particular group.
But predominately I attend Protestant churches.
Now here is my point .... I had heard my share of "Catholic bashing" from (non-Catholics) .... . But I had a good friend (who was Catholic) and he was constantly inviting me to his Sunday service to hear his music .... I resisted at first .... then decided to go simply to support and encourage him in his musical endeavors.
It was one of the most Christian church services I have ever attended. Period.
Maybe that particular Catholic Group was unique , but I decided never again would I let someone else poison my mind with false judgements of other Christians.
Another interesting thing was I recognized many people in the congregation whom I had known and respected for many years .... it was an "Aha" moment .... I always knew there was "something different" about them. I now credit it to their Catholic - Christian lifestyle.
In the years since .... if somebody bashes Catholics ... I listen and observe carefully ...... and it is now my opinion that their motive is based on an inner pride that is saying "I am better than them"
I do not think The Lord would approve.
By the way .... my friend who invited me to hear his music (his name is Dan) .... well , he was not all that talented on his guitar ... but he persevered anyway.
He has now spent the last 22 years as a Catholic Missionary in Canada's far north ... working with Eskimos and Indians .... and yes ... teaching them to play and sing Christian music.
The few times he takes a vacation down to Southern Canada .. .... he is utterly exhausted and has to ask his friends and family to give him time to rest before his does his visiting..
I am sure I could compile a list of things I dislike about the Traditional Catholic Church ..... but I could probably make a longer list of things I dislike about the Protestant Church.
But my function as a Christian man is to examine myself and try to overcome my own faults ....
My sinful nature hates it when I stay busy examining myself ..... my sinful nature finds it much more enjoyable to find fault with others.
What does your sinful nature enjoy most ??
Best wishes
Arnie M.
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Wow Arnie!
You know, I had a similar experience. I attempted to witness Jesus to a women in my graduate program - she was Catholic after all, and obviously needed Jesus. Imagine how shocked I was that she already knew Jesus, personally - and she knew all about church history! Stuff I never even heard of! As a Protestant I was taught that Jesus died, rose and then Luther Reformed the Church......
After attending Mass, I was further shocked - it was filled with scripture! Then the priest talked for 15 minutes and said just as much as any Protestant minister shared in 45 minutes.....
Apparently I had been mislead......
Now, I do not believe Catholicism is for everyone - Jesus is for everyone. Where ever you find Him is the place you need to go - for me it was the Catholic Church.
blessings