Reflections of a Wandering Mind

For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. 2 Tim 4:3-4 Have you ever discussed a subject with someone who refuses to listen? Frustrating, huh?  Especially when dialog does not stay on topic or responses to valid points are unrelated.  But more than frustration, I often feel discouraged because truth is ignored for the sake of convenience, resulting in continued separation from God. People are so often swayed by arguments in favor of things that are against God's commandments because they can then live lives that suit their nature without guilt. Even more alarming are people of faith who are swayed into worldly thinking.  There is a recent quote attributed to Pope Francis that boils down to salvation is obtainable without God. In di...

Ridicule is the first and last argument of a fool. ~Charles Simmons Over the years, I've endured the insensitive and ignorant jabs and jokes about Catholicism at work. Based on comments made at every opportunity, you'd think each and every Catholic priest is a pedophile and the Church corrupt to its core. I used to get offended and defensive, but now I surprise myself with the range of emotions I feel when the religious bashing occurs. Depending on the comment, these emotions range from surprise, amusement, and indifference. It is surprising how nescient people are of the Christian faith.  They only look at the surface of truth and do not explore the basis of how it is arrived at.  Catholic principles are based on a long tradition which continues to grow and evolve because our faith is alive...not stagnant. This is not to say that things change as society deems fit, but that the same truth, never conflicting with itself, is more fully understood, ...

The first reaction to truth is hatred. ~Tertullian It's amazing how much a simple statement can inspire thought and reflection. Tertullian, an ecclesiastical writer of the 1st and 2nd century, is, of course, writing about moral truths, and nothing causes man such reaction of resistance than a moral truth. The natural human condition is one of self-indulgence. We naturally desire things that delight the senses. Only through reasoning and intellect are we able to temper these desires, a skill unique to mankind as all other creatures of the earth are driven by pure instinct. Sadly, so many ignore their consciences within and proceed to indulge in wanton fulfillment of desires in the name of freedom and rights. God is like a parent who only wants for his children the best. He wants us to enjoy the paradise of Heaven. For the good of all mankind, he has provided us a means of living, and like children, we resist because it involves temperance of ones desires. Desires so strong that...