Image from private blogger granting written permission to reprintDear Friends in Christ,
When I started this blog last fall, I never imagined that I would ever encounter another Catholic blogger's harassment. Lately, the level of negativity she has directed towards me has reached a point that I had no other choice but to engage in one of the "SPIRITUAL ACTS OF MERCY" - - - to admonish the sinner (see complete list of Spiritual Acts of Mercy in the sidebar).
However, the devil knows the weaknesses of humans and takes over in those areas ..... he is working amidst us through this particular blogger who has harassed me twice in just 24 hours directly through my personal e-mail address!
So what does the Catholic Church teach us regarding the "admonishment of sinners"?
Quoted directly from "The Catholic Community Forum" by Father Albright, he states that "admonishing a sinner" is:
". . . the most loving thing we can do is tell people the truth, and try to save their soul. . . in certain situations, there comes a point when nothing we say or do will help. Some conversions are not intellectual. Our words and thought processes will not convince. Once you have clearly made your point in charity and sincerity, all that is left is to pray (and fast) for his (the sinner's) conversion . . . . If we lose someone in our life, we lose also the chance to help them grow and to grow ourselves because of them. . . It is true that, as we grow close to God and stand firm in faith, people we know and encounter - even friends - will be turned off. If they are living sinfully or inauthentically, they will shy away from "too much religion. . . "
As I said before and will always say, THE DEVIL CANNOT STEAL MY JOY nor THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN MY LIFE!
So what does the Catholic Church teach us regarding the "admonishment of sinners"?
Quoted directly from "The Catholic Community Forum" by Father Albright, he states that "admonishing a sinner" is:
". . . the most loving thing we can do is tell people the truth, and try to save their soul. . . in certain situations, there comes a point when nothing we say or do will help. Some conversions are not intellectual. Our words and thought processes will not convince. Once you have clearly made your point in charity and sincerity, all that is left is to pray (and fast) for his (the sinner's) conversion . . . . If we lose someone in our life, we lose also the chance to help them grow and to grow ourselves because of them. . . It is true that, as we grow close to God and stand firm in faith, people we know and encounter - even friends - will be turned off. If they are living sinfully or inauthentically, they will shy away from "too much religion. . . "
As I said before and will always say, THE DEVIL CANNOT STEAL MY JOY nor THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IN MY LIFE!
.
One final note that I was so profoundly reminded by Father Corapi in his CD "Consecration to Our Lord Through Mary", . . . in which he reminds us of what Jesus said in His Beatitudes "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED". Father Corapi also says to PRAISE GOD for those that persecute you as a disciple of Christ.
Much love and blessings to my beautiful friends in blog-land,
~Bella
I'll pray the following prayer to St. Michael as much as I have to:
.
Prayer to St. Michael
.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
.
Amen.
Amen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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7 comments:
I know what you are talking about. There are a few out there who are not living their faith authentically. I will pray for your protection from further attacks. With love, Jay
Why on earth would someone choose to do something like that? Your blog is lovely, Christ centered, Church centered,... it just boggles the mind. How sad that this person refuses your humble, beautiful gift.
I've been attacked before too, by other catholics, not in my blog (yet) but on websites. I was comod. for a catholic group for a while, and ultimately gave it up because it was deemed by some hypocritical that I, an admitted sinner, do support the church 100% and was not willing to compromise truth for comfort, although I did always try to offer truth along with kindness. That still rubbed some the wrong way and I realized it isn't truth or knowledge about our faith they want but rather just a place for liberal so called "catholics" to hang out.
I'm dying of course, to know what that person could possibly find fault with on your blog, and twice? I mean, it's YOUR blog! If someone doesn't like it or what you offer, they don't have to read it. Ah, the day someone does the same to me, you know I am going to probably bawl. I'm altogether too sensitive!
100 blessings on you today, to take away whatever this has done to your heart and mind, and sense of peace. May your tomorrow hold an abundance of joy and smiles.
Hi
Just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I kept having people leave quaranic verse in my comment box so now I have to check comments before publishing. Your attitude is generous and a true example.
Dear Bella,
So sorry to hear that you have come under attack - you must be doing something good or they would have left you alone. "Praise God".
I also had a web site that was attacked by WHO or WHOM? - but I am sure the enemy of God and of His Holy Catholic Church was envolved. They managed to close it down - but today I have opened up my first blog entry in the hope of sharing my love of God and His Church with others.
If you would like to visit some time you will find me at -
www.glorybetotheholytrinity.blogspot.com
Continue on giving praise to God for The Beautiful Catholic Faith that we profess dear friend in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Pam
Margaret from Australia.
Hello Dear Pam (Margaret), I am blessed to call you my friend and have added you to my prayers regarding the horrible fires in Australia. I am also happy for your new blog and have already visited it. I will certainly add you to my blog list and would like to "follow" if you have a follow button added. Much love and prayers for you and Australia!!!
Roz (aka Bella)
Hi
I jus came across your blog and across the post where you tal about being attacked. It reminded me of the words in the John Michael Talbot hymn-Be Not Afraid-
" And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you"!
You're obviously doing something right!
May Jesus be with you today and ALL the days of your life. God Bless you.
The best we can do for people who attack our faith, is to continue to pray for them... "for they know not what they do"
I don't know your nationality, however i am certain that before you started the blog, you would have anticipated being attacked by people.
My advice to you is that in this world, there a lot of sick people walking around like normal human beings. So keep on praying for them because they have a very big burden to unload.
God bless you
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