At many times of my life, I was far more interested in the controversies of the day: sometimes in the political realm, and more often in the arena of polemics and apologetics field: Believer vs. unbeliever, Catholic vs. Protestant, Traditionalist vs. Novus Ordo, etc. I do not say that these controversies are insignificant now, but I know in my heart that it is a distinct time in my life where I need to focus on basic spirituality and let these things go. It is vital for me, and perhaps even for you to concentrate now on something far more basic and fundamental: basic Catholic spirituality. Discovery of God, discovery of self, what I must believe, how I must act, what I must hope for, pursuing the proper object of my hope, and most especially loving God and loving my neighbor. These are the things that will get us into heaven. The aforementioned issues are also important, but a sound foundation must be laid before the building can be built. This blog is part of that foundation I must rebuild.
I am a simple Catholic layman with no particular credentials to counsel spiritually or expound on Catholic teaching. My sole qualifications are that I went to Catholic schools for eight years, with grade one through roughly grade six having more or less solid Catholic teaching before the new catechesis took over. These days, one can attend Catholic schools from K through seminary learning precious little of the glory of our Faith. However, I believe we have every reason to be optimistic about the future: there are signs of the Church finally renewing herself. We can expect no less, the Church (that is Christ coming to us throughout time) will be here until the end of time. Jesus promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail, and we see signs among many young people who give us reason for our optimism. ... but I digress.
I have almost always had a lively interest in the Catholic Faith. I remember my first grade teacher beaming with pride calling me her "little theologian." By seventh grade, I could not recognize that Faith I learned as a child in the teaching I was getting in school, so I was an early "apostate." I did not believe that the Church could so substantially change in the time I went on summer vacation, to September when I returned to find lay teachers and nuns in modified habits. Rather perceptive, I'd say. Most of my classmates followed me into disbelief, or more accurately into apathy, surely by the time they made it through four years of high school.
So, that is about the extent of my expertise on the Catholic Faith. While I hope that you will find something in here of value that you can use, it is not my office in the Church to teach or counsel, at least not more than can be expected of a simple layman. Yet, the Holy Spirit works where He will, and who is to say He will not touch your heart through the reflection of this unworthy brother in Christ? Therefore, I present this blog to you in faith, mindful of my sinfulness, and that big old beam in my eye, so it is not my intent to take the speck out of yours.
This blog is meant to be read and I hope that people will read it and profit from it through God's grace. Just as important, perhaps, is that I need to write it for my own personal welfare. I started largely to think out loud and build my own appreciation for the Faith. I need to remind myself what is important: what is lasting and what shall pass. It is my hope that it is a very different man who writes the last blog entry than the man I was when I wrote the first.
I am in a situation now where I really need to evaluate my life and where it is going. I did not think so (vain flattery was that) but circumstances pointed out to me that I have a long way to go after some very major changes in my life. Should anyone I offended in the process come across my blog and read these words (you know who you are) I beg your prayers and offer my sincerest apologies. The wonderful thing about our Faith is that we can move forward. Jesus tells us "Behold: I make all things new." (Rev. 21:22) He renews our spirits and makes for us a new heart: "And I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit within you: and I will take away the stony heart, and will give you a heart of flesh." (Ez.36:26).
Let us encourage each other on the road to Heaven, and pray for one another. God bless you!
Robert B
