|
|
 |
Embarrassed Elizabeth
wrote:
|
|
Hi, guys —
I have asked my current priest this question and didn't get a satisfactory answer. [I have a complicated marital history which includes a lot of bitterness among my previous ex-husbands and sons. I was also sexually abused when I was very young.]
My entire life has been one aggravating situation after another. Nothing tragic, just bad luck. My mom said she didn't have bad luck until we moved in with her. She was telling the truth. I'm embarrassed for friends to know how much it happens. I converted 23 years ago.
I'm embarrassed that my parish has to help me financially. I swear I don't do anything evil: cards, stones, candles, etc. I'm not perfect; I am better than I was. I don't drink, smoke or do drugs.
- Please tell me why I'm so unfortunate?
- Am I too bad to be forgiven?
Elizabeth
|
| {
Why has my life been so aggravating and why am I so unfortunate; am I too bad to be forgiven? }
|
|
Eric replied:
|
Elizabeth,
No one is too bad to be forgiven, if they humbly acknowledge and repent of their sins, and bring them to the Lord in the Sacrament of Confession! We know we are forgiven when the priest pronounces those words of absolution.
I don't know why you were so unfortunate. Job had the same question and Scripture records what God told him. Read the book of Job in the Bible and it may give you some insight. Hint: God basically said such knowledge is not in our domain. Life is like a tapestry. If you've ever seen a tapestry, on the back the pattern makes no sense and it's all ratty and ugly, but on the front, it is beautiful. What we see now is like the back of the tapestry of our lives that God is weaving for us. Adversity forges us into better people. Romans 5:3–5 says:
3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3–5 |
It's important to remember that this life is not the end. We are made to be immortal, and in the life to come — if we are faithful to Christ — all our suffering will be wiped away, and every tear will be wiped away. The infinitesimal sliver of time our tenure on earth will be nothing compared to eternity. Ten thousand years from now you will have long forgotten your sufferings, indeed, even 100 years from now. Live for the life to come. This is but a vale of tears, as the popular prayer has it.
Eric
|
Bob replied:
|
Dear Elizabeth,
One thing worth pursuing is an exorcism. I'm not implying that your are possessed, but it is well known that demonic spirits have a great deal to do with sexual abuse and, at the very least, they can stick around to make your life miserable. I would use the sacraments frequently, sacramentals like holy water, blessed salt, St Benedict medals and a book of prayers of exorcism you can find online here:
Lastly, if you can get hold of a legit exorcist, perhaps through your diocese or Bishop, he could really help you diagnose the situation. Also, search the internet (You Tube) for Fr. Chad Ripperger for insightful videos.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
|
|
|
|
