Reflections of a Wandering Mind

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, ...

But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ~Romans 5:3-4 I'm feeling a little persecuted lately. Nothing I do seems good enough, no matter how hard I work. My motives are questioned; someone in authority over me assumes the worst. Forming opinions without considering all the circumstances and using only the one-sided, limited knowledge they have. I'm fighting a losing battle against a closed mind, and it presses down on me like a ton of rock. Why do we give such unworthy people that kind power over us? Why do we allow them to destroy our peace of mind, our happiness? The answer is clear...we lack the strength and comfort we need, the things that God offers freely to us. Caught up in our daily lives, we fail to partake of the gifts ever at our disposal. The power in Christ to be content with the knowledge that we know the truth of our worth and motivations and not to be bothered with th...