Romney's Faith in America Speech
- a personal commentary on the speech and the 2008
election.
Based on the personal faith journey
and experiences I have had, I wanted to share some reflections
on being an effective witness for the Lord Jesus as a
simple lay Catholic; in your parish as a parishioner
of your local Church; in the workplace, as well
as within your domestic church, your immediate family
at home.
If you ask my immediate family members
about my personality and character now, as from 10 -
15 years ago, they would probably say it has changed;
in some instants, changed a lot. Back then I would be,
and probably still am today, considered the "religious
freak" in the family. I take that as a compliment.
I know of a lot of "good-hearted" "religious
freaks" who truely mean well, but because of their
approach, they turn OFF many family members and friends.
To those reading this commentary, WHO ARE NOT "religious
freaks", I want you to just re-consider: weather
you are having a tough time with a religious friend
or family member:
He has a good heart
and good intentions. It would be unjust on YOUR part
NOT to recogize this.
Ten to fifteen years ago, I would be
the one probably be the one, saying, "You can't say that
about Our Blessed Mother!!!" or "You can't
say that about our Holy Father!!!"
I would be
the one probably demanding that my family members go
to Church on Sunday and if possible to daily Mass, demanding
that they say the Rosary on a daily basis and demanding
they go to confession on a regular basis. I still encourage
all this even today.
The difference: Taking the proper
approach with a different attitude.
A lot of these reflections have
come from three main sources:
- Some wise advise
from Steve Wood who runs a fine web site at dads.org,
- St. Francis of Assisi and
- Reflections the Lord has place on my heart during
my weekly Adoration Hour.
I was watching Steve's show once on
EWTN, and he was talking about transmitting religious
values.
He was explaining that many "good-hearted"
Catholics too many times make the mistake of trying to
transmit religious values before establishing a relationship.
Weather it be establishing a relationship among your
family members or co-workers, if you don't establish
that relationship first, no one will listen to you and
the tough part guys is that:
Establishing a relationship
takes time!!
Establishing a relationship means getting
involved in what your friend and family are involved
in, even if at times it means doing some 'naughty" stuff
and going over the line at times. The goal is establishing
a relationship.
But there is still another adjustment
that has to be made. Where: IN YOU! I know you want the
best for your family. I want the best for your family.
The question: How do you achieve it!
The answer: By respecting THEIR free
will.
What do I mean?
My examples: goofy and holy. |
