Witnessing 101
What's a Catholic to Do?








Not Good Christians?
     Catholics get a bad rap concerning witnessing.  Often, you'll hear: "Those aren't good Christians.  Why?  Because they don't have the Word of God with them!"  And this is true, since, as Catholics, we have sorely missed out on the importance of the Bible. 
     But it's not just carrying a Bible.  How are we supposed to witness to others concerning our Catholic faith?  Welcome to Witnessing 101.


Step 1: You can't NOT witness
     Romans 1:16 says, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel.  It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes it."  In other words, we can't be ashamed of our faith.   And for some of us, we are ashamed that we feel as if we do not have the knowledge to back our beliefs up.  Yet instead of learning about our faith and witnessing about it, we prefer to stay silent.   We can't stay silent.
     Look at the blessings we have been given through the Catholic Church:  The true presence of the Eucharist, the sacraments, the Pope, the dogmas, 2,000 years of Church tradition, teaching and wisdom.  We can't not let every one we know find out about this! 
     Think about when you get an awesome new app on your phone. (not that I would know about this, since I am the proud partial owner of a 2009 Verizon Phone.  Gasp! The horror!)  When you get an amazing app, you tell everyone you know about it because it makes your life easier, and it might help them
      Think about your AMAZING faith - Catholicism.  When you discover your love for your faith, you should tell everyone you know about it because it makes your life holier and more pleasing to God, and it will make their life better. 


  Step 2: HUMILITY

     Humility.  This is a big part of witnessing.  This is also probably the hardest step that I find to follow.  When I come across someone who blatantly denies what the Church teaches and at the same time bashes me personally, the last thing I want to do is respond with humility.  But this is what we have to do as witnesses.
     The first step to learning your faith to become a witness is being humble.  When you think of someone witnessing, sometimes the stereotype that pops in your head is a Christian who pushes the Bible down your throat.  That isn't what we want to come across as because that's not what witnessing is.
     In the quote above, Ken Blanchard says, "Humility does not mean you think less of yourself, it means you think of yourself less."   This basically sums it up.  When I say, "To witness, you must be humble," I don't mean that you think of yourself as dirt and worthless, and then go talk about this amazing, priceless faith.  It means that you know you aren't conveying your opinions to people.  It means that you know you are there to represent the Church's teachings.   As a representative, you can't be a pompous and proud person.  You have the be humble and think yourself less and the Church more.
     I know that I tend to respond in a witty, albeit sarcastic, response to grab someones attention.  But this isn't humble, this is not charitable.  Respond with humility, and you've got it in the bag. 


Step 3: Help! I don't know what to say!

     The most common answer to the question: "Why don't Catholics evangelize like Protestants do?" can be answered in six words: "I don't know what to say." 
     I don't have a doctorate in Theology.  (I wish I did - but I don't)  I don't know all the answers.  But you don't need a degree to witness.  And you don't need all the answers to witness either.  If this were so, no one could witness because no one knows all the answers. 
     Start by witnessing about your personal experience - how does being a Catholic change the way you live?  No one can argue against your personal experience.  They can ask you questions about your experience, and you'll know the answer because it's about your story.
     Don't be afraid to, if in a conversation when you don't know the answer, simply say, "You know what, I actually don't know the answer to that question.  But I know that the Church does have an answer.  Let me get back to you on that one."  Then, find the answers. 
     When you are in a witness setting and you have a friend with you to back you up, pray.  When your friend is talking, pray for him/her.  When you are talking, your friend should be praying for you.   Pray for wisdom, along with all the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. 


Step 4: Help! This guy is going to think I'm a loser
          Sometimes we are afraid to talk, or even be a silent witness, because we are afraid of what someone is going to think about us.  Thoughts like:

     - "I know I should pray before meals.  But I'm at work, and I don't what people to think I'm some religious freak."

     - " I know I know the answer to that question that guy said about Catholicism.  But he might have more questions that I can't answer, so I'll just be silent."

     - " I know that guy over there is bashing Catholics, but I'm with my friends.  Jesus said to turn the other cheek, so I'm just going to do that and not respond to him."

     Take courage.  Christ told us that we will be hated because the world first hated Christ.  (Found in John 15:18)  Being a witness for your faith isn't going to make you popular.  But if your witnessing is only driven by the fact that you want to be recognized and liked, your doing the right thing for the wrong reasons. 
     What should drive us in witnessing is the fact that we belong to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Christ Himself.  So yes, some people are going to hate you and not talk to you if you  witness your Catholic faith. 
      On the other side of the coin, some people are going to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams by your witness.  It is not your choice on who will accept and who will reject the Catholic Church.   But it is up to you to be a humble witness to the Catholic Church.  You can do it!


Thoughts? Comments?  Can you tell me how you witness about the Catholic Faith? 

God Bless you all,

Chloe M. 

     

Obedience and the Government





     "Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it."
      Romans 13:1-3  



     There was a time when the Christians in Rome had decided that since they were followers of Christ, they no longer had to pay taxes to Rome.  They felt they were further justified because the Romans themselves were not followers of Christ.  That was when Paul stepped in and said that this could not continue.  As Christians, they were called to respect and obey the authorities.  Why?  Because they were appointed by God.

     Every person in authority in our life is there because their position has been given to them by God - whether they recognize that fact or not. 



     This call to obedience isn't new news either - Christ himself went through what we are going through now.  He was surrounded by men in power who were hypocrites and said that they did one thing while at the same time doing another.  Sound familiar?  Yet Christ, although answering them with humility, still respected the office the men held.  He did what they said, but not as they did. 



     So while I respect the office that is being held, I do not respect what the holder of the office does when they abuse the  privilege they have been granted.  As Christians,  we are part of the mystical body of Christ.  Christ is the head of the body, and we are to listen to Him.  We also are called to listen to those God has placed in authority over his people.  So although we may not like everything they do, unless, by following their actions we are being caused to sin, we agree to obey them as authoritative figures in their life. 



    

 God Loves Us Like: THIS






 



     Nothing more fun (for me) is to look through wedding pictures.  The best ones usually aren't the dress.  Or the flowers.  Or even the rings.  No - none of these are my favorite.  The ones I love the most when the photographer captures that moment when the groom sees his bride in pure white for the first time. It is a look of sheer love, joy, and a realization of the life long commitment to each other. 

 


     This is our story.  I know your probably thinking: "What are you talking about?  I'm not married! I'm too young to get married!" Or, "I might never get married!" Or maybe, "Well, I am married, but my husband/wife doesn't look at me like that anymore."




     Good news.  That sheer look of joy, commitment and love won't always come from a person.  Because we are human and we make mistakes and we fail.  A lot.
    
     The amazing thing is that we have a God who loves us like this:


     100% of the time, all day, every day. Even when we don't look snow white.  Every time we turn back from sin, we see His forgiving face, and it is always a look of love, adoration, and joy.

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below!

God bless,
Chloe M.

p.s. OK - I had to add one last picture on - I told you these were my favorite!

Isn't Jesus Enough?
Why Catholics have the Catechism. 




     Hello to all!  Sorry for the delayed post.  I have been incredibly busy with a new job interview,  school, new job training, school, rearranging of schedules,  reading Jane Eyre, work, and even more school.  So the blog took a back seat for a couple of days.  But I'm back!

     If you did not already know, the Holy Father has declared that this year is the year of Faith (live it, love it, learn it!).  In our diocese, twenty parishes are offering a 4 week course/lecture series on the Catechism. 

     I thought, "Well, I know the Baltimore Catechism.  I'm pretty knowledgeable in how to navigate around the actual Catechism, and I love my faith.  Sign me up!" 

     The first class was tonight.  I am attending it with my mom and my little 6 month old sister.  It is an hour long class, and I would love to share with you what I learned tonight.


Isn't Jesus Enough?
     Number one question asked by our Protestant brothers and sisters concerning the Catechism: "What is up with Catholics?  Seriously?  Aren't Jesus' words in the Bible enough for you guys?"  Or something along these lines. 

     Yes.  Christ has told us all we need to know.  The problem is, new situations arise.  Our teacher explained it likes this:
     "I had my second child when my first child was two years old.  As young parents, my wife and I told my first son everything he needed to know about how to treat his new little brother: 'Be gentle.'  That was all he needed to know - just be gentle.  Yet new situations would arise and he would have to be explained further on what 'Be Gentle' meant.  Being gentle meant not pushing your brother down the stairs, pushing him - at. all.  Poking his eyes, pinching his cheeks to hard or yelling by him when he was sleeping.  When new situations arise, he would be given further explanation on what 'Be Gentle' meant in this new context."

     So, once again, Yes.  Christ as told us everything, but new situations arise.  Christ's words are simple, and are lives are ridiculously complex.  If we need anything, we need some simplicity!  In the words of Matthew Kelly: "You never hear anyone say, 'Gosh, I wish my life was more complex.'"

     Like Pope Gregory said: "Learning grows with the one who reads it." 

     Basically, Catholic don't add to the truth of Christ, we rather apply it to our lives by developing our faith, thought, prayer, trust in the Holy Spirit and the Catholic Church's teachings.

     I have another three full pages on notes, but I think I'll stop here for the night - after all, I have to be up early tomorrow for more job training!
God bless you all!

Chloe M.

p.s.  Please comment - I would love to know how you found my blog! 

Prepare Your Kleenex...
....talking about sad movies.







     I have been watching a lot of good Christian movies lately.  Which makes me quite happy that the film industry has gone to the point of making some great movies recently.  Yet they have all been tear-jerkers. 
     Although, you have to know that I can get emotional pretty easily, so my tear-rating of a movie is highly-inaccurate for those who don't cry easily.  Yet I wanted to share with you some of the movies that I have watched recently that are excellent.



Movie #1: October Baby
Film quality: Excellent
Acting: Excellent
Subject Content: 13 +
Tearful Scenes: 3 (for me)


This is an excellent movie.  It is about Hannah, a college freshman who is having a lot of health problems.  She discovers that she is the survivor of a failed abortion and she goes on a trip and spiritual journey to find her birth mother - and the rest of the story of the abortion.  Another thing this movie has going for it is chock-full of amazing music.  I have learned three of the songs on guitar so far, and would love to learn them all.  Unfortunately, the soundtrack is only available in MP3 downloads, leaving me eagerly awaiting the hopeful release of a CD.  




Movie  #2: Grace card 
Film Quality:  Good
Acting: Good
Subject Content: 13 +
Tearful Scenes: 2 (for me)
We received this movie from one of Dad's co-workers.  The story line follows the emotional and spiritual journey of Mack, a father who lost his five year old son to a hit and run, drug-related incident over seventeen years ago.  The movie deals with content such as racial prejudice, (one half-uttered racial slur is used)   medical trauma, police drama and forgiveness   It carries with it an amazing message and made me realize how little my life troubles really are.  


Movie #3:  Saving Winston
Film Quality: So-So
Acting: So-So
Subject Content: 12 +
Tearful Scenes: None for me 

Filled with actors and actresses you will be familiar with if you watched Come What May,  Saving Winston was a new take on a horse story.  Ashley is a troubled teen with a drug abusive past and an emotionally abusive boyfriend.  After she is found guilty of breaking and entering, she goes to live with her aunt.  After finding a horse who is struggling as much as she is, she is able to learn about responsibility and Christianity.  The film quality to the movie is a step above home video, but still in the low-budget genre feeling.  Very good message though, and it was refreshing to see Ashley's transformation.

Movie #4: God or the Girl
Film Quality: Excellent
Acting: Reality TV Show
Subject Content 13 + 
Tearful Scenes: 1 (for me)

This four episode reality TV show from 2006 follows four young men who are discerning priesthood.  They are: Joe, a 28 year old who has been questioning a calling to priesthood since age 18.  Dan, a 23 year old who belongs to a Catholic fraternity and ministers to youth.  Steve, a FOCUS missionary who travels to Guatemala.  Mike, a man who must decide between the girlfriend and the seminary.  It is very good, I loved being able to walk through the vocational discernment of these young men.  If you have seen the movie and what to know what happened to each of the young men, I have done some research and know what has happened to all  four.  If you would like to know, tell me in the comments below.


To Watch List:  Movies I would love to see:      

Have you seen any of the movies I have seen recently?  Have you seen any of the movies on my "to see" list?  Let me know in the comment box below!

God Bless,

Chloe M.