Speaking with a Gentle Spirit.

Father Jim of Dappled Things brought up the issue of C&E Catholics (Christmas and Easter Catholics).

Father in italics followed by my reply.

What I think this leaves us with is this: Even without budging an inch on the orthodox requirements of the moral law, we needn’t feel at all compelled to “write off” the people who are falling seriously short of the mark of objective observance of the moral law. It’s probably impossible for any of us to look at a person from the outside and know whether he’s fulfilled the three conditions of mortal sin, especially when the matter at hand is one of these contentious and gut-wrenching questions. Even looking from the inside, the thing is often far from clear. In the end, it’s God Who will have to untangle the knotted skein of motives and fears and desires and knowledge and misunderstanding and pressure and emotion and goodwill and malice. That’s where the judgment ultimately lies, and He’s the only one Who can say whether the man who’s chosen to live with his contradictions has won or lost the bet.

I agree with you Father. We should not feel compelled to write off anyone, except perhaps those who obstinately fill all three of the requirements for mortal sin – and even those I think we are still compelled to pray for!!

At the same time however, we are required to speak the truth in love, to instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinner, and counsel the doubtful. After all that is, in the end, what God will judge US on. This can be done in a number of ways I believe. Certainly you have the opportunity every time you give a homily, hear a confession, etc. I have the opportunity in trying to live my vocation as wife and motherhood as an example, and give counsel with a gentle spirit when it is requested or required. That, in my opinion, is the example of Jesus Christ.

I enjoy your blog very much.

Elena