When I look at the above EWTN program listing I feel like scratching my head and saying, “Is this for real? ME…on The Journey Home?!!!”
On Monday, January 26, I will tell my story on EWTN TV’s The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi. I have to be honest and tell you that I never thought that I would appear on this program. In fact, I never even thought that I had a “story”. After all, I’m a cradle Catholic who never fell away from the Church. I went to Mass every week for as long as I can remember. Big deal, right? Not much of a story…
Over the past year or so, I’ve accepted the fact that I do have a “story” and I want to share it with the world. As you watch the program (which we taped in December), here’s what I hope you’ll take away from the interview:
1. It is totally possible to go to Mass week after week and have no (or a very limited) personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. The Lord is so merciful and loves us so much that He never ceases to reach out to us over and over again. Even when we repeatedly ignore Him, He continues to call us in new and creative ways.
3. It is not only possible to meet Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him through the Catholic Church, it is the best place to have that encounter!
4. Having a close, personal relationship with Jesus is a life changing experience that will fill your life with great joy…even if you are struggling with many difficulties.
I hope you’ll tune in and let me share my story with you. You’ll hear all about how lukewarm and self-centered I was for many years. As the details unfold, you’ll be able to see how the Lord continually reached out to me and, for the most part, how I ignored Him. What’s really important, however, is the fact that I finally accepted His amazing offer and invited Him into my life. I now have a personal relationship with Jesus and I’m really glad that I do. In fact, I plan to spend the rest of my life working on that relationship and telling others about my friend Jesus.
Please join me on Monday night as I share my personal story with Marcus Grodi…and with you!
Dear Mr. Zimak,
I watched your testimonial this past Monday on “The Journey Home,? with Marcus Grodi. It wasn?t my intent to watch EWTN. There wasn’t anything redeeming on TV, and I didn’t feel like reading.
I came away feeling your struggle with being a part of the Catholic church, and not being a part. Also, you not allowing yourself to be close to the church and God.
I am a worrier. I am going to see if I can get one of your books from the library. Purchasing one is not a reality at this time.
I left the Catholic church in my early 20’s. I am now in my mid-60’s.
I feel the Mass is anemic, studying the bible is difficult regarding meaning and retainment, and prayer is an effort and not genuine. Additionally, I don?t believe.
I am contemplating contacting the priest at the church up the street from my home. I would like to discuss how I feel with him. However, I don?t want to take up his time, feeling that I will be wasting his. I strongly feel that it is a matter of wanting the attention, and that I don?t intend that there be a positive result.
Mr. Zimak, I want to thank you for the time I spent with you on Monday. Perhaps you have planted a seed.
Regards,
Lee Lavictoire, Rutland, Vermont
Thank you for your comment, Lee. You’re on the right track. I’ll send you an email.
God Bless,
Gary
Dear Lee -I too am a champion worrier, and I’ve really struggled with faith as I’ve had life-long health issues, but when I can manage to pray, read the bible, watch EWTN, etc, even for a few minutes it makes ALL the difference. My faith has saved me time and again! I hope you will go to your priest. There are lots of people who come to them without really expecting good results, and they are used to that, and would rather you came and maybe get a bit of help, then not to come at all. God bless you. – Cathy
thank U for all your Prayers!! your great writings