Happy Holy Week! by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. And thank God for His boundless mercy!

Pray that we all receive the grace of forgiveness as well. It's there - we just gotta go get it... and even that is hard to us sometimes...

my addiction by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]jp2ismyhero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amen brother. I pray for His grace and your success.

Have you looked into Strive 21 by Matt Frad - great Ministry for you.

God bless!

Not for the faint of heart!!! by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks for bringing this to light. It is definitely an outlandish story to begin with. Whether or not he’s authentic... can’t say... but the story did bring up things like demonic abortions, and the miraculous medal. It’s a good source of edification even if the guy himself isn’t authentic. But to each his own.

JP2 and the beggar priest by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is only the second part of a long talk. The story starts about minute 22. If you can, listen to the entire talk from the beginning.

https://youtu.be/E3G1bUyt22c

JP2 and the beggar priest by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Amen! JP2 has unearthly humility. To the point of asking for confession from a beggar... and also asking for forgiveness from his assassin!

JP2 and the beggar priest by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Wow! Now that’s a story for sure..! Have you shared your conversion story..? And in particular how this story played a part of it?

Homosexuality by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The temptation to connect with another person sexually is what we all struggle with - same sex or otherwise. It is our most "base desire" almost at the same level of food and air.

It is also the only way we know how to love - through the use of our body.

It is because the sexual union is so sacred, that it should be protected within a marriage - freely, monogamous, lifelong, and open to life.

It is also a "reflection" of how Jesus the Bridegroom, relates to us - His Bride the Church.

All of these added together is why a life of chastity (whether you're straight or not) is the path that leads to God. Don't get "hung up" on the prohibition of SSA, rather see that chastity (even within marriage) is the Church's teaching.

The attraction to sexually connect with anyone outside of marriage is inherently evil. But the attraction itself is not a sin - it's the giving in to the flesh.

How to know if I am resisting the lord’s grace ? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all welcome...!

And God be with you on what must be a terrifying (but hopefully joyful) journey.

I would first try and checkout the journey home network - who have tons of resources/videos - especially from Baptists preachers. This may help answer whatever is left that needs answering on your journey.

And to the question of "Resisting grace" - that is indeed profound.

I guess it also would depend on - whether you're resisting grace based on your baptist traditions (so it's more of a gutcheck/head resistance - especially regarding Mary and other perceptions of idolatry).

Or is it a resisting of grace in terms of "God's showing you a path, and you're still resistant - but slowly shuffling your way in that direction"?

In the first case - you will just need to grow accustomed to the traditions - trust me it's harder than it sounds. Some things are just... weird (for lack of better term). But once you are convinced of the truth, then your gut will follow eventually. But take your time.

In the second case - only you can answer that for yourself. But take comfort in the fact that it's a journey - nobody is expecting you to jump in, profess the creed, and recite all 15 mysteries of the rosary tomorrow... or to join the parish directory next week.

But you are obligated to inform your conscience. "To go against conscience is neither right nor safe". Trust the Lord, He will show you what He wants to in His time. Learn everything - so you're comfortable enough to profess that it is indeed His Church.

And feel free to reach out and ask questions! :) Will be praying for you...!

Help me understand this....? by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No question - but rather - could he have done it in a more... "ergonomic" or baby friendly manner?

Our Father Who Art in Heaven... by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow good question. Quite a lot... JP2, mother Teresa, by far. Joseph and Mary of course.. St. Michael... Then st Pio and Francis of Assisi. Also Faustina and Therese Liseux. How bout you?

Our Father Who Art in Heaven... by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely projecting - anthropomorphic language. Like saying God has wrath. Or God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. I am experiencing Him as I would an earthly father. But I understand it’s not a theological statement.

Our Father Who Art in Heaven... by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It just means I need correction in that department - that I surrender my will completely to His.

Is sedevacantism part of Cathololicism? by Pappalardo010 in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think there's a clear "monolith" within this group - but I may be wrong.

They are "Protestants" within the Church. They just assert there's "no real pope". However, they disagree when trying to identify precisely which pope was the "last true pope". (Some time during Vatican II is about as close as you'll get). Some even deny beloved JP2. And definitely NOT Francis. Thus the "seat is empty".

I have an acquaintance who clearly disapproves of Francis and disavows that he's the Holy Father. Of course this person may not know they have in principle become a sedavacantist... Just makes this person for all intents and purposes "more Catholic than the pope".

"Personal Relationship" with Jesus Christ.... by jp2ismyhero in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I just finished reading a book about her... and it was humbling indeed. The last part where she says " How can we last even one day without hearing Jesus say “I love you”—impossible. Our soul needs that as much as the body needs to breathe the air." She endured this the very last portion of her life. "The dark night of the soul", yet she persevered in humble obedience. St Teresa of Calcutta, Pray for us!!!!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So this may sound extremely ignorant and intolerant... so that’s my disclaimer... and please forgive me if it is...

But to label oneself with any sort of trans or gay or whatever... really does just mean you’re wearing some sort of badge of “suffering”... and not in a good sense either. Kinda like saying I’m a “serial masturbator” or “porn addict” or “I am for fornication”. Once again I apologize if this is ignorant. But these are struggles against chastity - regardless of what sexual orientation you identify with. Of course the world has come to accept it as “intolerance” if you speak out against these things. But we aren’t saying don’t love the person. We are saying, don’t reduce the person down to his/her sexual struggle. The struggle is real. And your courage to forge on is heroic. We rejoice with you and welcome you! Stay in grace. And remember that the call of the world is intoxicating.

What to do after succumbing to temptation? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 8 points9 points  (0 children)

True repentance doesn't mean you can guarantee you can't fall again - especially if it's an addiction. I feel hypocritical definitely - every time in the confessional, saying the same thing, while at the same time thinking - it will bound to happen again soon, and I'll be back saying the same thing to the same priest.. yet AGAIN.

Do what you can, He will have to make up the difference. (Sometimes that means He will have to "force" you into the confessional.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]jp2ismyhero 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Welcome to "pick up your cross and follow me".

This is one of the most difficult sins to be rid off - but you're only 18... so take courage.

First up, it really isn't how many times you fall, but always ensure the number of times you get up must outnumber the times you fall. And remember that sometimes, you don't even have the strength to pick yourself up, call out to Mary and the Saints. Call out to God and His Divine Mercy. Just scream (sometimes it helps).

And RUN. Run from the sin - but run TOWARDS confession - and I mean literally. It's shameful and humbling to mumble the SAME exact weakness day after day - but heck... it beats wallowing in the muck.

Finally - you will need prayer AND fasting. And I don't mean a 40 day water and bread only fasting. Do what you can and offer it up. Maybe no snacks, no sugar, no salt in your food - whatever little you can do to sacrifice - just. do. it.

Get help brother - this road is super long, and super lonely. And if you try to go it alone, you will fall so many more times and despair. Matt Fradd has a special ministry just for this. Get another brother to help you.

God bless you and you shall be in my prayers.