The Catholic Cafe

The life of Blessed Fulton Sheen came into inspiring focus recently with his Beatification in St. Louis. He was a holy pioneer of evangelization over the airwaves where he called millions of listeners and viewers into a closer relationship with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and introduced the teachings of the Catholic Church to the masses.

Many of us have grudges, hurts, and wounds we still hold on to, and yet, we desire to receive forgiveness from God. Jesus is quite clear that to receive forgiveness, we are asked to forgive others. Our own healing in forgiveness is linked directly to our willingness to forgive.

Jesus asks if it is better to say yes to a request but then not show up or to say no and later change your mind and show up. The latter choice is the one that pleases God. This helps us see that God wants us to live a life of continuing conversion, not one of false promises.

To play the long game is to not seek only instantaneous victories, but to remain patient and vigilant, hoping that God will answer our prayer even after a long time of suffering and apparent defeat. The parable of the workers in the vineyard helps us to see the patience of God and the reward at the end of the long game.

Doubt is a natural human trait. It is not always a weakness. It can actually be a healthy and natural thing to do. Especially when it comes to contemplating the very existence of God. Our doubting naturally leads to questions, which can ultimately lead us to answers that bring us closer to God.