Disclaimer: If you’re expecting?a long, detailed theological dissertation, let me apologize in advance.? Being somewhat of a simple minded person, I’m going to present a basic reason why I believe everyone should be Catholic.?? On a very broad level, everyone should be Catholic because the Catholic Church contains the fullness of truth.? However, since this can be a little abstract, I’m going to offer a reason that is a little easier to grasp.?
One of the great things about being a Catholic is our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.? Just to make sure that everyone understands me, let me elaborate a bit.? In the Eucharist, what looks like a round piece of bread (or a wafer) and what appears to be wine is actually Jesus.? You got it, it’s REALLY Him – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity!? It’s not a representation, it’s not some sort of spiritual presence, but it is actually Jesus Christ.? As a member of the Catholic Church, I get to pray before Him and receive Him every day!? If your “fluff meter” is going off, I suggest you back up and read this last paragraph again.? I wasn’t speaking figuratively and I wasn’t referring to anything abstract.? As a Catholic, I take Jesus at His word (John 6:22-71) and believe that He is fully present in the Eucharist.? It’s Him!
This past?Saturday night, as I do?each week, I visited the local adoration chapel and prayed before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.? Before doing so, I put?out a?notice on Facebook asking for prayer requests.? As usual, I got a few responses, but most ignored the offer (By the way, don’t tell anyone,? but even?though many of my Facebook friends ignore the invitation, I pray for them anyway.? After all, what kind of friend would I be if I saw Jesus face to face and didn’t put in a good word for them?).? Interestingly enough, one person replied with a “thanks, but no thanks” indicating that he’ll talk to Jesus Himself.? While that is strongly encouraged and definitely possible, I replied that unless you’re Catholic and believe in the Real Presence, you’re passing up meeting the Lord in person and settling for?a “phone call” or “email”? instead.? As expected, he disagreed and made a comment about tolerance and love.? We did agree to pray for each other, but I got the feeling that I should write some more.
As baptized Catholics, we are all called to evangelize (sorry, fellow Catholics, but it’s true!) and that means sharing the “Good News” of our Faith with others.? Unfortunately, some people don’t want to hear what we have to say.? There’s no getting around this.? It happened to the prophets and it even happened to Jesus.? As Catholics, we believe that we have the fullness of truth and that our Church was founded by Christ (Matthew 16:18).? Why wouldn’t we want to share that truth with others, especially if it gives them a chance to TRULY meet Jesus?? Again, no “phone calls”, “letters” or “emails”, I’m talking about a chance to REALLY meet HIM!? I would have to be a real jerk to keep that to myself!?
My statement that “everyone should be Catholic” doesn’t mean that I think I’m better than anyone or part of an exclusive club.? Rather, it means that I’ve found the “pearl of great price” and I want to share it with others.? In other words,? I’d like to invite everyone to become a member of the Church founded by Christ.? In the meantime, if you’re not a Catholic and you don’t want to be, you better believe that I’ll be tolerant of your beliefs.? In fact, I’ll be happy to pray for you and ask you to pray for me. We can even discuss the beliefs that we share in common.? And when I visit Jesus each week, I’m still going to put in a good word for you.?
If?you decide that you want to meet the Lord in person, contact your local Catholic parish or send me an email ([email protected]).
Gary, pray for me. Pray for my daughter and her husband to return to the practice of the Catholic faith. Pray for the conversion of sinners.
I, too, go to adoration each and every Wednesday. I’ll pray for you, if you like. God bless you.
I will pray for you, Ruth Ann and I’d GREATLY appreciate your prayers too!
Thanks and God Bless,
Gary
This is a great commentary that should be shared with the whole world. Wait…you just did!! I have been Catholic for nearly 3 years (longer if you count the year of preparation & another year of discovery on my own). I wouldn’t change it for anything. I tell everyone I can how wonderful this beautiful, ancient, truthful faith is. Most are glad I’ve found something so “satisfying” for me but miss the whole point of the universal church – the Catholic Church! I just keep talking – maybe I will change someone’s perspective eventually. God bless and keep doing what you’re doing!
Thanks for your comments, Cindy. As a cradle Catholic, it’s sometimes difficult for me to look at the Faith from a convert’s point of view. Statements like yours really help!
God Bless,
Gary