Comments on: Saturday 3/23/19 Finding your character

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 17:01:47 +0000

Thank you Stel and Brigid for your thoughtful insight. I assure you I have not separated myself from God’s love. Participating in these reflections is one way for me to keep the faith. Stel, I have forgiven these people, over and over (in my heart), because to actually tell them I had forgiven them for their behaviour toward, they would justify their behaviour. I keep asking God to send someone who knows something I may not have considered, but nothing so far. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you, and God bless you both for your thoughtfulness.

By: Brigid

Brigid — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 03:19:47 +0000

Chris, Stel is right. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t separate yourself from the love of God. That’s giving the devil a second victory.

By: Stel

Stel — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 02:49:00 +0000

Chris if Jesus could forgive his murderers then you can forgive the people in the Church who you feel let you down. Move on with your life, put the past away, and embrace the church of your choice. The only judgement worth considering is God’s. He gave you a life to fulfill — please don’t squander it with regrets and shame if what you really want is to be back inside a Church community. God bless you.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 16:55:19 +0000

The first reading from Micah and Psalm 103 fits in beautifully with the Parable of the Prodigal Son
….the God who removes guilt
and pardons sin ….
Who does not persist in anger forever,
…delights in clemency,
….have compassion on us,
treading underfoot our guilt?
….cast(ing) into the depths of the sea all our sins;

The Lord is kind and merciful
Pardons us, has compassion, heals …

Just like the Father in the story.

As of August 5, 2018 I stopped going to my Church because of the sheer humiliation I suffered from the parish priest and deacon, and the new priest I told my story to wouldn’t believe me. In fact, things just got worse. Certain new priests and the deacon started rumours about me. Lay people started humiliating me as well so I left and stopped going to any church. I have thought about going back to Church, but unless I can find someone who will listen and not judge me, like the Father, going to confession is a farce! I have had long chats with Him, but so far, have not received any direction what He wants me to do.

Today’s readings and your reflection Julie, shines a tiny light. On an aside note, I was born on the Feast of the Annunciation. I was given three beautiful names, according to biblical definitions, all three relate to Christ. I thought I was blessed, and I was, until I started working for my Church. Who knew, that ‘good’ faithful Christians can be so cruel. Then I realized Christ suffered aggregiously at the hands of those closest to Him. Unfortunately, I’m not that strong, and I pray He will touch the heart of someone who knows the story, who will have the courage to come and tell me what they know so my humiliation will come to an end.

Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all my being bless His Holy Name

God bless

By: Sandi

Sandi — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 12:16:51 +0000

Thank you, Julie. I never really thought about how I relate to all the characters in the story but it’s true. Especially as a parent when we forgive our children. I think sometimes about the parents whose children have committed heinous crimes and how they stand by them at their trials. How heartbreaking that has to be for them. I imagine it’s the same for our Heavenly Father as He stands by us through the trials of our lives, always welcoming us back with open arms and forgiveness.

By: Pk

Pk — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 11:32:50 +0000

Dear Julie, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your style of writing. I feel as though we are sitting at a kitchen table having coffee and talking and laughing and maybe even tearing up about what character we would be.

By: ogbu obinna frednard

ogbu obinna frednard — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 10:56:32 +0000

we can learn from the “son” figure by choosing to humbly return , admiting have wronged & ask the father for forgiveness

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 10:55:19 +0000

You summed it up well. A great story that gets better with age…my age. And to put yourself in all the characters shoes is a perfect growing up in life and spirituality. So well done. Written almost 2000 years ago and it never gets old. Amazing! Thank you Carolyn