As part of the Church that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are to be individually empowered by the Holy Spirit. There are many spiritual practices that are now offered in the Church. Until I found the specific instruction in Scripture on how to get inner peace and strength from God after having drifted away from my Catholic upbringing, I was a weak and agnostic cradle Catholic. When I was faced with a choice of where to start looking for answers, I ended up starting with Scripture. The thought of wading through thousands of years of later teaching did not appeal to me. It was the best decision that I have ever made in my entire life.
In my own journey to the Faith, I discovered that part of those "later teachings" are the canon of Scripture and the Holy Sacraments, both of which depend on the infallible Magisterium and apostolic priesthood of the Church. Thankfully, as a Catholic there is no need to choose between Church and Scripture, and I have continuity with centuries of Tradition and saints for support.
Thankfully, the entire fourth century Catholic Church compiled Scripture for its future use. The printing press greatly expanded its use; therefore, the benefits of its own infallibility can now reach people outside of the Christian churches. My decision to start with searching the Scriptures was a logistical one because of the sheer volume of other materials to investigate. Researching Scripture on my own ended up giving me the answers for what I needed in my life. Others may benefit by having it spoken or explained to them. I did not.
Apr 16, 2023Liked by Phillip Hadden, Kaleb Hammond
Kaleb, I enjoyed your conversion story, and how Tolkien, and your Father were instrumental in returning you to the faith. Thank you for this message today, and for expanding on God's mercy which indeed this day celebrates. Also I was not aware St. John Paul established this feast day. May God continue to guide your steps my friend.
As part of the Church that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are to be individually empowered by the Holy Spirit. There are many spiritual practices that are now offered in the Church. Until I found the specific instruction in Scripture on how to get inner peace and strength from God after having drifted away from my Catholic upbringing, I was a weak and agnostic cradle Catholic. When I was faced with a choice of where to start looking for answers, I ended up starting with Scripture. The thought of wading through thousands of years of later teaching did not appeal to me. It was the best decision that I have ever made in my entire life.
In my own journey to the Faith, I discovered that part of those "later teachings" are the canon of Scripture and the Holy Sacraments, both of which depend on the infallible Magisterium and apostolic priesthood of the Church. Thankfully, as a Catholic there is no need to choose between Church and Scripture, and I have continuity with centuries of Tradition and saints for support.
Thankfully, the entire fourth century Catholic Church compiled Scripture for its future use. The printing press greatly expanded its use; therefore, the benefits of its own infallibility can now reach people outside of the Christian churches. My decision to start with searching the Scriptures was a logistical one because of the sheer volume of other materials to investigate. Researching Scripture on my own ended up giving me the answers for what I needed in my life. Others may benefit by having it spoken or explained to them. I did not.
Kaleb, I enjoyed your conversion story, and how Tolkien, and your Father were instrumental in returning you to the faith. Thank you for this message today, and for expanding on God's mercy which indeed this day celebrates. Also I was not aware St. John Paul established this feast day. May God continue to guide your steps my friend.
Very well done!