Desperate Hunger Energized My Curiosity: Lawn Chair Catechism

In your own faith:

Can you remember when you became “curious” about the faith – whether as a convert, revert, or cradle Catholic just waking up to mature discipleship?
How would you explain the difference between an active and passive faith?

In your parish:

If a newcomer walked into your parish today, curious about the Catholic faith, would someone actively welcome him? Introduce him to others?
Who would help him answer his questions?

The Rich Young man in the Gospel of Matthew was not hungry or thirsty. He was curious, He did seek Jesus and ask Him questions but he was too comfortable to let go of his old way of life and trust in God alone. Jesus loved this earnest young man.

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

I was actively seeking, knocking and asking because I was not comfortable or satisfied with my life. Only 18 ,yet I knew I was hungry, thirsty for more. Not content to live only on the surface eating, drinking, shopping, buying or buried in entertainment, I had connected with the divine hollow inside which can only be filled by God the Holy Spirit.

I was hungry for more

Curious to see if the Eucharist really was the Body of Christ

Thirsty for more of God’s presence.

Searching for meaning.

Empty, even though I was ‘saved’

It drove me to

Question

Listen.

Because I was desperate

I stepped out in faith, letting go of old prejudices against the cultish, heretical Catholics

To accept the answers of the Catholic Church

Trusting in the witness of millions of saints who had gone before me

Embracing the unknown, the mysteries.

To find Him you must actively seek.

And when another hungry person is curious, both the Lord and I are drawn to him like a magnate.

8 thoughts on “Desperate Hunger Energized My Curiosity: Lawn Chair Catechism”

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active faith, Catholic Church, Catholicism, Christianity, curiosity, faith, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality

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Pingback: Desperate Hunger Energized My Curiosity: Lawn Chair Catechism | Catholic Canada

“The divine hollow inside” is a wonderful way to describe that hole inside us. I really like that phrase. Love the concept of “lawn chair catechism,” too!
\o/

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melanie jean juneau says:

July 11, 2013 at 11:16 am

just made it up on the fly AS I was typing..:writing and thinking with my “finger tips”

On Thu, Jul 11, 2013 at 9:07 AM, joy of nine9

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I was drawn to the doors of Immaculate Conception parish at 14. I was the only one in Fr Balazy’s RCIA class. He baptized me at the Easter vigil.

Then I went thru some worldly twists and turns, then returned desperately hungry. Looking back, I can say honestly that there is nothing, absolutely nothing in this world that gives peace and joy as Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament.

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