When its not enough to be right

You know the truth.

You know right from wrong.

You voted your conscience. 

And now, in the words of St. Paul, you're 'perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed'  2Cor4:8-9 

What now? 

Everyone says first, and always first - pray.  Of course, 'Pray without ceasing' 1Thes5:17.  St. Paul, again!

And then how can you start again, how can you stand up for life and marriage and freedom of religion and how can you share the truth with others in a compelling and convincing and effective way?

According to Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, the truth alone is not always enough.
 As Father notes in his article, if when when we speak we have any traces of elitism, arrogance, anger, lack of respect, lack of understanding, or worse still, embittered moralizing, our truth will not be heard. 

Hmmmm.  How do I feel towards the people I talk to on these issues?  Can I speak the truth in a humble way, with authentic Christian love?  Definately something to think about.  And work on.  And pray about.

If you find Father Rolheiser's insights and article helpful, you might really like being part of the upcoming St. Raphael Adult Faith book study.  The study will be led by Suzanne Nelson our Adult Faith Director and Deacon Frank Salatto and will be using Father Rolheiser's book, Secularity and the Gospel: Being Missionaries to Our Children. 

The book study will meet on 5 Tuesday mornings from 10:00am-11:00am starting November 13, 2012.  No advanced registration is necessary, but you should bring your own copy of the book.

You can contact Suzanne with any questions, including 'where is the study located?' (since the bulletin lists the location as tba!)