As a former atheist who is going to be officially joining the catholic church next year, I have mixed feelings about the numbers of genz people that are joining, on one side its obviously a positive thing for people to have again that craving of God and to find it where it has its fullness which is the Catholic Church but on the other side I worry that a lot of people joining do so out of more aesthetical reasons? Like conservatism, or artistic enlightenment or even intellectualism. Don’t get me wrong, those are all valid reasons but I feel like they don’t go to the bottom of the line on what the faith and the church is supposed to mean. Myself I battle a lot with intellectualism when it comes to my faith, because the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist even if intellectualy understood is not yet something I believe or seek with my whole heart. And I feel like its like that for a lot of people who join, where they like the idea, the performance, the ritual, the rules but don’t go deeper.
Wonderful reflection and good reminder to let the Holy Spirit lead! Prayers for a fruitful retreat - Come, Holy Spirit!
saw your email and thought it was Monday already 😂
Great post, and it’s something I’ve had on my mind as well about the recent boom in Catholic revival.
I’ll pray for you and your retreat. Please pray for me to pass my bar exams, and for discerning.
God bless!
Father Michael, praying for you during your retreat. Remember the Hoffman family with all the twists and turns of our journey together.
Your friend,
Dan
Will do, Dan! 🙏
Dear Fr Michael, pls pray for each and everyone to be given the Grace of Holy Fear of God. Grateful Thanks Joanna
As a former atheist who is going to be officially joining the catholic church next year, I have mixed feelings about the numbers of genz people that are joining, on one side its obviously a positive thing for people to have again that craving of God and to find it where it has its fullness which is the Catholic Church but on the other side I worry that a lot of people joining do so out of more aesthetical reasons? Like conservatism, or artistic enlightenment or even intellectualism. Don’t get me wrong, those are all valid reasons but I feel like they don’t go to the bottom of the line on what the faith and the church is supposed to mean. Myself I battle a lot with intellectualism when it comes to my faith, because the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist even if intellectualy understood is not yet something I believe or seek with my whole heart. And I feel like its like that for a lot of people who join, where they like the idea, the performance, the ritual, the rules but don’t go deeper.
May your retreat be fruitful. Thank you for sharing your views. They help tremendously.
Thanks so much! 🙏