I have always assumed that my role in the Church is to serve as a bad example. The late, great Jackie Gleason when asked his religion would respond bad Catholic, and in comparison to really good Catholics I have known, my convert Bride ranks high in that category, I find that as a description of my own Catholicism all too apt. I will strive to do better.
Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Only a person who wanted to find the Stone – find it, but not use it – would be able to get it. That is one of my more brilliant ideas. And between you and me, that is saying something.“
I get it – striving for perfection but never achieving it.
Humility is a funny thing, calling oneself “bad” at something to appear humble is not humility.
A good Catholic to me is someone who observes the teachings of the Catholic Church in their lives in all aspects. A bad Catholic is someone who is Catholic by baptism but picks and chooses what they follow according to the convenience and suitability to their lifestyle. (I probably said the same thing everyone else here but in different words, as I understand it.)
I don’t see anything proud about loving and living ones Catholic identity. I consider myself a good Catholic. By all means not perfect. But my intention is to be a good Catholic. As I am called to by my baptism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsIVhMdsbNc
Dunno. Think of the moderator as more of a Harry Morgan type.
Joan of Arc’s answer to her inquisitors is still the best: “If I have not sinned, may God preserve me; if I have, may God forgive me.”
I tried to find the first interview the friar had with Gleason. Could not seem to find it. Does anyone know if it is available?
Me?
I’ll be blessed to make it into Purgatory and that isn’t false humility on my part.
This Litany has been a part of my morning prayers. No bragging here mind you…just another practicing Catholic among other sojourners.
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-of-humility-245
I like Tom Byrne’s post.
Excellent.
Father Longenecker’s comment rubs me the wrong way. I can understand the importance of avoiding spiritual pride, but if the word “devout” can’t be used to describe a practicing Catholic in intention and action, it can never be used at least on Earth. St. Frances de Sales used the phrase “the devout life”, but the Father’s comment would only allow that phrase for Jesus and Mary. Devotion is tied to the virtue of justice, and we recognize that a person can be virtuous without being perfect in their virtue.