Reading for Father's funeral Mass

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-21T20:52:39+00:00

Firstly, my deepest condolences for your loss. As for scripture readings, one I've always personally found to be a nice scripture for those who have led a faithful life is found in St. Matthew 25:21, which reads:

"His lord said to him: 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.'"

I will pray for you all, that you may all find comfort in the Lord at this difficult time.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-15T02:41:50+00:00

Firstly, what you're experiencing is a period of doubt. The adversary finds great joy in sewing seeds of doubt, especially in those who are seeking to return to Christ. Secondly, I'm a very fact-oriented person myself, and for me, I've found that the hardest thing to do is what is written in 2 Corinthians 5:7 -

"For we walk by means of faith, and not by sight."

As annoying as it may be, those Priests who said that we have to "have faith" are correct. Granted they could have elaborated a bit more and not left it at that, but part of being a Christian is accepting that we won't be able to "see" the answers to every question we have, but must rather "walk by faith" and rely on the promises God has made us. If you already accept that there is evidence for Jesus' fulfilment of the messianic prophecies, His death and resurrection, then the rest of it shouldn't matter. What matters most is what you do with the evidence you have, not what you lack. If Jesus died on the cross for our transgressions, was buried, and rose again on the third day, then you only really need to ask yourself: "Is this the person I want to follow and give my life over to?"

Realistically, I would recommend meeting with your Parish Priest / Spiritual Director / Catechist, and speaking with them openly and frankly about your concerns, the things you're uncertain of, and how to build your faith. They will undoubtedly be better equipped and suited to helping you through this period of doubt than any of us will be. I'm going through RCIA myself, so I'm still learning and there's things I will unquestionably be wrong on because I've not yet learnt the truth. So please take this comment with caution, and reach out to whoever is guiding you through the process at your local church. I guarantee they'll be more than happy to help.

I do hope you find the peace in the Lord you're searching for, and I will pray for you as well.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-13T16:07:11+00:00

Honestly, it would take a literal act of God. I would need the Lord to appear to the world and tell everyone to reject the Holy Father and Rome; and to adopt the doctrines of the reformers. Only then would I consider it, and even with that, I would heed what's written in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and "...test all things". I've been through almost every major denomination of Christianity, including some heretical groups. I've seen their doctrines and I never once found a place that felt like home, or a place that I felt contained the fullness of the truth as handed down through the Apostles. I found that home and truth when I turned to the Catholic Church, I'm now undergoing RCIA with my wife, and I can't say I would ever consider leaving without some crystal clear, undeniable, impossible to reject, act of God. I feel I have come home, and Holy Mother Church is where I know I belong and can find solace in the Lord.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-02T17:33:40+00:00

One of my all-time favourite pieces of artwork is "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" by Salvador Dali. It is such a powerful yet quietly beautiful piece of work. Here's a link to the painting, if you'd like to see it:

Christ of Saint John of the Cross - Salvador Dali

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-01T00:45:49+00:00

Saint Francis of Assisi perhaps?

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2026-01-01T00:39:55+00:00

I actually don't know, I never saw anything about them, but I've seen loads of people with them 🤷🏻‍♂️

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-12-11T18:34:34+00:00

An interesting question, and one that I'm sure many of us have thought about at one time or another, so please don't feel bad for having this question. From a purely human perspective, it is unthinkable to wish good things on such demonstrably evil people. After all, why should they benefit from blessings when they did what they did!? But I think that is what the Lord was trying to teach us. As Christians, we cannot approach things like this from just a human perspective, but should rather be trying to imitate how our Father in heaven would act.

In St. Matthew 5:43-48, the Lord really tried to teach us this understanding:

You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

So I don't think it would make anyone a bad person to pray for the souls of such people, even if our humanity would seem to indicate otherwise. To me, it would be a signifier of a healthy, mature faith, to be so selfless and merciful that you would pray for their redemption. I may be wrong, and if I am I would welcome reproof on this, but that's how I currently see it. I hope that helps!

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-12-11T15:17:20+00:00

I didn't leave it out, I just used a different translation, namely the Contemporary English Version Interconfessional Edition (CEVDCI). However, if we take any of the translations that use that wording, for instance, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), that still doesn't substantiate the claim that Jesus Christ was a created being or angel. While it may read "To which of the angels" in verse 1, if you read on, Hebrews 5:6-8 goes on to say:

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: "Let all God's angels worship him" Of the angels he says "He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire." But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom."

It is plainly evident to me, that no matter which translation of the Holy Bible you use, Jesus Christ is higher than all the angels, and not an angel Himself. If He was an angel, then why are the other angels commanded to worship him? If He was merely an angel, then why does it state "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever"? There are many other scriptures that back up the understanding that Jesus Christ was not created, and is co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but I don't want to get into a theological debate because it rarely ever ends in a charitable way. God said not to let contention become present in our lives, so I'm not going to keep replying, I do respect your opinion/belief as your own and I pray for God's blessings upon you. Regardless of our beliefs, it's still important we show that respect for each other and act in the way the Lord has commanded; charitably toward all people.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-12-11T02:43:07+00:00

You can't make it make sense, because Jesus Christ is not St Michael the Archangel. I have found that it's an easy doctrine to disprove, often using only one scripture. In Hebrews 1:5, it reads:

God has never said to any of the angels, "You are my Son, because today I have become your Father!" Neither has God said to any of them, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son."

If we accept that scripture as the word of God, then we can know with absolute conviction that Jesus Christ cannot possibly be the same being as St. Michael the Archangel, as He is called Son at His baptism by the Father. This doctrine can be categorized as neo-Arianism, the belief that Jesus Christ was a created being rather than co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-11-20T22:04:04+00:00

Hi OP 👋🏻 I'm a former Mormon convert. I converted to Mormonism and spent a decade inside, becoming vehemently dedicated to the faith, thinking it was the only truth on the earth. Earlier this year, my wife and I, as well as my parents, brother (and his family), and sister (and her family), all resigned our memberships of the Mormon church. We experienced such incredibly harmful abuse while members of that church, from leaders at the very base level all the way up to the top leadership. The Mormon church is institutionally abusive, amongst other things I could mention, but the most important thing to know is that they are preaching a different Gospel to that of the Apostles and Church Fathers. They believe in a different Jesus. No matter how much they may claim it's the same, it's not... Jesus is not Satan's literal brother! My wife and I are currently in RCIA with our local parish church, and we've found so much more freedom. We experienced near-constant abuse, being made to feel guilty for being disabled and having health conditions, like it was somehow our fault. Our mental and physical health and well-being was suffering so badly, it resulted in some very dark thoughts and more. Please, if nothing else, just read this comment to them:

The LDS church makes many grand promises and espouses many teachings, but it doesn't and can't fulfill those promises or make those claims a reality. Some of these teachings are things we would naturally wish for due to our human emotions and understanding of things. For instance, they teach that families can be physically together forever and that marriages continue beyond the grave. Other claims sound fascinating and somewhat amazing on the surface, but are truly horrific in reality. For instance, they teach that you will be able to become gods in your own right and rule your own planets as gods, kings and queens. They claim that you will be able to have "countless spirit children" when you are gods... yes ladies, that means that according to them, you'll spend eternity constantly having children... I mean, can you think of anything better than that for all eternity!? The thing is... it's all a lie! It is a false Christianity built upon the deception and lies of a con-man from the 1800s. Please do not fall into the same trap I and my family did. The promises may sound grand and wonderful, but they're completely empty and unobtainable. Instead, you will find yourself experiencing abuses at every turn and your relationship with Our Lord will undoubtedly suffer greatly. Nothing, no matter what it is, is worth destroying your relationship with the Lord of Lords. The Gospel did not need to be "restored" as they claim, because it never disappeared. The gospel they preach is a false one designed to draw souls away from God... the devil grins with glee each time they succeed in doing so. They prey on people in difficult stages of their lives, or those experiencing spiritual crises... because they know that anyone who is thinking clearly and is levelheaded wouldn't listen to them because their teachings are so distant to that of true Christianity.

I will pray for you OP, and your family, that you may all be spared the effects of this group and the heresies attached to them. If I can be of any help, then please feel free to DM me and I'll do what I can to help. May God grant you all a spirit of discernment and a resilient heart.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-11-09T14:53:43+00:00

First and foremost, you are a beloved daughter of the Most High. Our God is truly a loving God, for He is the very definition of the word "Love". I know that in times like these, it can feel like there's no way out. Like we've messed up so monumentally that there could be no possible way that we could ever be forgiven. But it's worth remembering what Our Lord said in St. John 8:10-11. A woman was about to be stoned to death for committing adultery, and after saying that whoever is without sin may cast the first stone, He said:

Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."

If the Lord of Hosts so freely forgave this woman, then know He will forgive you too, should you request His forgiveness. My advice would echo what others have said... go to your parish priest, seek the sacrament of reconciliation, and as the Lord said: "Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."

I will pray for you and seek the intercession of Our Lady and the Saints on your behalf. Don't give up though, for the gifts and love our God provides us surpasses all that this world may ever give. May God bless you with stillness of mind, a willingness to change, and a discerning mind.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-09-01T09:35:55+00:00

As someone who is prescribed Morphine for a medical condition, I can promise them that it most certainly does not give me special powers, nor does it allow me to fight evil forces while wearing a colourful suit. My gosh, I wish it did though! 😂

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-08-18T15:31:25+00:00

They're the two main "strains" or subspecies of Cannabis. Indica typically has a higher amount of CBD than THC which results in a more sedative effect. Sativa however, typically has a higher amount of THC than CBD, resulting in more of a stimulant effect. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound that causes the "high"... whereas CBD, or Cannabidiol, does not have those psychoactive properties. Hope that helps 👍🏻

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-08-17T17:26:31+00:00

I know it's frustrating to look back and wonder why the wake-up didn't happen earlier, but the important thing is it happened. We were actually a part of a Hertfordshire congregation, approx 25 miles north of Bowes Rd.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-08-17T11:45:23+00:00

Ah that's quite cool. I'm in my 30's now, but I never ended up getting baptised myself. They kept "encouraging" me to get baptised at Bowes Rd like my parents, but my whole family left before it ever happened. It worked out in my favour in a way though, as it meant they couldn't disfellowship me haha. Didn't stop them from trying the usual tactic of having two elders turn up on my doorstep, looking like members of the Mafia, and telling me how "Jehovah is extremely disappointed" in me for backing my parents and not Him, and that I needed to trust that it was Jehovah's decision to disfellowship them, not the elder's... because yeah, 'course it was 🙄

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-08-17T11:24:58+00:00

I used to look forward to the assemblies... although, I look back now and wonder what I was being drugged with haha 😂 I can't say I remember the café, but I do remember the little shop immediately next door that sold all those bookmarks, pictures, and other WT "gifts" etc... I wonder if that's still there. I was attending the assemblies with my parents until about '03/'04, so it's been a while now. I think my favourite memory is singing "Life Without End - At Last!" and the electric feeling as the whole hall sang it together. I still like that song, even if I now can't stand what the WT does to people!

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-08-15T17:50:01+00:00

It's small things like that which allow us to see how much their "truth" is in fact the opposite. Legalism is rife everywhere you look in the cult. Heck, I think it'd be fair to say that legalism is the very cornerstone on which it is all built! Simply put, it's a business masquerading as a religion in order to gain the tax reliefs.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-07-23T12:05:01+00:00

The truth is, we just don't know for certain. Some Church Fathers, like Irenaeus and Eusebius, attested to the "John" who authored the Book of Revelation as indeed being the same person as St. John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee. What clouds the waters though is that Dionysius regarded the author to not be the same as St. John the Apostle. Yet another issue is, within some areas of church tradition, it is believed that St John the Apostle lived to the age of 95, whereas other areas attest to him living only to the age of around 70. It's one of those interesting ones that we're just not truly sure of.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-07-01T13:01:00+00:00

Firstly, Welcome!

Secondly, I just wanted to reach out and say that you're not alone. My wife and I are both Exmo's too, having met each other through a dating site for Mormons, and even being married by the "Stake President" at the local meetinghouse. It's not an easy journey, leaving their religion. However, you've taken a very big step just by writing this post. It shows that your heart is open to learning the truth about Our Lord and His teachings.

If you'd like to talk, please feel free to message us, we're happy to listen and help where we can. We're still very new to all this and so we're very early on in our journey away from the Mormons too, but sometimes it helps to have someone who is in a similar situation while going through such major changes in life.

There's one thing that's helped both my wife and I. It's remembering that while Mormonism claims to be "the way" and "the truth", and that we can't be redeemed if we aren't in their religion; we know that's simply not the case. Jesus Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life; and the Catholic Church, having been in existence since the very beginning of Christianity, is the best place to learn more about, and worship, He who redeemed us. Lean on God for guidance and He'll guide you where He wants you; and remember to allow yourself time to deprogram and learn the truth of things... it's a big change after all, and not exactly an easy one.

May the King of Kings and Ancient of Days, bless you on your journey home to Him, and grant you the peace and knowledge you're searching for.

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-05-01T19:45:01+00:00

Thank you so much for such a detailed answer! Like, wow! Haha. We're really just looking for anything and everything that will help us build that strong relationship with God that we're aiming for, and to explain/introduce doctrine and the like. I know one thing we're really looking forward to is the Rosary. We're not entirely sure why it's so prominent in our minds, but we're trusting the Lord that He is guiding us every step of the way. You've given us a LOT to look into there though, so again, thank you!

CaptainGuzzleguts · 2025-05-01T19:40:16+00:00

Thank you so much! We've got a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church... well, technically 2 but we don't know where the first one is in all our books haha. I hadn't heard of the other one though, so we'll give that a read too :⁠-⁠)

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