The scene: Two women friends are chatting about life, love, and God. One has stayed committed to the faith and traditions of her Catholic community since the cradle. The other is a “late arrival” to the practice of her faith. Having walked away from the church for many years, she has only recently returned in response to a profound experience of conversion and reconciliation. Their converation goes something like this:
Cradle Catholic: Your zeal for the faith is amazing. It makes me feel old and tired! The pews are full of people like me. We are so committed, but in many ways w e are simple going through the motions. We have lost that fire of conversion.
Returning Catholic: Your constancy is what amazes me. Don’t forget that it is only because all you “tired old Catholics” are still here that I have a church to come back to!
Cradle Catholic: Your enthusiasm is refreshing. It challenges us.
Returning Catholic: Your commitment is challenging. It is all very well to be on fire with faith, but now I have to ask myself: Can I hang in there for the long haul?
Cradle Catholic: Sometimes I feel a little envious of your newfound faith. I mean, it seems like you go off and “live it up” for twenty years and then God showers you with blessings!
Returning Catholic: But I also have to live with the things I have done. There are heartaches here which you have been spared because you chose differently.
-Theresa Pirola
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