If we are to accept the teaching of Jesus at all, then the only
test of the reality of a man’s religion is his attitude to his
fellow men. The only possible proof that a man loves God is the
demonstrated fact that he loves his fellow men.
test of the reality of a man’s religion is his attitude to his
fellow men. The only possible proof that a man loves God is the
demonstrated fact that he loves his fellow men.
— William Barclay
I am posting this quote that came from one of my Catholic email groups because I believe this in my heart.
I had to stick up for an old Catholic friend this morning, who even though he has done things to me, I still love and pray for him as a true friend would. He may not know or value the true friend I have always been and am, but I know in my heart that by praying for him with love in my heart is what Christ would have me do.
Why do some Catholics feel the need to judge other Catholics who they do not know in person, who don’t agree with them, and want to kick them out of the church. Who made them the Pope to say which Catholic brothers and sisters should be thrown out of the church?
Aren’t we told to pray for our Catholic brothers and sisters who sin against us? Aren’t we told to not judge others are we will be judged the way we judge others? How is it showing our Catholic love toward our fellow Catholic by judging them harshly and wanting him thrown out of the church? How is it showing the love of Christ by judging people and not praying for them with true love in our hearts?
Some of you might not like the article I posted before this about Phoenix, AZ where I live right now. I am proud that we have a program to help the hurting in the world have a chance for a better life. I know what it is like to need a helping hand and being told it isn’t th eir problem and people just turning their heads and backs and talk about me and write things about me that are not true. Did they take the time to talk to me in person looking in my eyes? Did they reach out to me in Catholic love or did they harshly judge me?
It doesn’t surprise me that others are harshly judging them because I was harshly judged by them. Yet, why do I reach out to those who hurt me the most with love? I would like to think that it is because that inspite of my many mistakes that I know that the truth path that Jesus would have us take is one of love and forgiveness and si I will continue to seek and strive to do the right thing and seek fogiveness and truth with this person. Maybe someday, someone who would be an honest broker between both of us will be able to bring this about.
So once again, I defend a Catholic brother who didn’t have the courage or should I say have the courage to face the truth and do the right thing.
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