Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world are immersed in extreme poverty. Yet, disproportionate wealth remains in the hands of a few. It is an unjust scenario, in the face of which we cannot fail to question ourselves and commit to change things. There is no lack of resources at the root of disparities, but the need to address solvable problems related to a more equitable distribution of wealth, to be achieved with moral sense and honesty.
Sometimes people know the clear and obvious correct choice, a better choice but they willfully choose the wrong and other choice.
No way those guys chose Barabas over Jesus.
Dear Catholics,
Since this has been brought here, let me say this clearly.
My concern is not about attacking the Catholic Church. My concern is about how we as Catholics now respond when people express genuine spiritual concerns.
If someone says, I was not spiritually fed, why has our first reaction become defensiveness? Why do we immediately turn it into, You are not Catholic enough,or If you do not like it, go to another church ??? Whyyyy???
That response is so so wrong on every level.
Christ Himself made it clear that He came for sinners, not for the self acclaimed righteous. So when someone expresses spiritual hunger, confusion, or even dissatisfaction, that should not be an opportunity for judgment. It should be an opportunity for guidance, compassion, and love.
Not every concern is rebellion. Sometimes people are simply yearning for a deeper connection with God. Sometimes they are asking, in their own way, to be helped.
And genuinely this is okay! It’s okay to want a deeper connection with God. Experiences shape you and inform you. Your personal relationship with God is only known by you and God.
Yes, the Catholic faith is not about entertainment. Yes, spiritual life goes beyond feelings. But let us not ignore a truth we already know. Homilies are meant to communicate. They are meant to break down the Word of God in a way people can understand, relate to, and live out.
So why are we pretending this is not an issue that some priests have? Thankfully I have had opportunity of changing churches but how many people have the luxury of changing parishes?
Why are we choosing defensiveness over reflection?
Why are we turning people away instead of drawing them closer to the church?
Telling people to “go to another church” because they are struggling is not only dismissive, it is deeply un Christlike. How long can this continue???
What I think we should do instead -We need to return to charity in how we respond. When someone expresses spiritual distance, we should listen first, not judge. We should guide, explain, and encourage, not shame or dismiss.
Catholic Priests also need continued awareness and support in delivering homilies that truly communicate. Homilies that engage, teach, and connect the Word of God to everyday life.
And as a Church, we must create space where people can be honest about their struggles without fear of being labelled “less Catholic.”
Because the strength of our faith is not in shutting people down. It is in helping them grow.
We cannot claim to represent Christ while speaking without mercy. If our defense of the faith lacks love, then we are losing the very message we are trying to protect.
The goal is not to prove who is more Catholic. The goal is to lead people closer to God.
Let us do better!!
Don’t engage my post if you are not respectful and don’t have a constructive criticism unless I’ll block you. Thank you.
Happy Sunday!
@UcheMaryOkoli You just open your mouth waaaa and start talking owner and keeper of Catholic Church. How many people did Jesus tell to leave if they wanted to leave?
@frjamesa I agree with her in totality. Our Priests can actually do better with sermons. We use to have Biblical exegesis with spiritual connotation. Where I worshipped today for instance, the priest spent 10 minutes talking about death.