A pseudo-catholic is like confession. Every church has one. but nobody talks about it.
You know them as Mr. Smith who got in trouble with the bank or a friend who says they are Catholic, but hasn't been to church since Easter. I call them "pseudo" because they are Catholic only by name.
Before I start, let it be known to those less faithful readers that I am not going to rant. I think it is incredibely natural for you to turn your attention. That's right. I said it. I expect everyone to do it. I've done it for about 18 years. But, I am not talking about those who haven't heard the gospel. I am talking about those whom grow up in a Catholic home and learned Catholicism from a young age, but still choose to keep God off of his/her "to-do" list. I say "to-do" because it is just that; something you have to do.
Children Learn Young
I hear reasons all the time from my friends. "I was forced by my parents" or "I am too busy with school and friends." Okay. If that is what you believe then you can stop reading. You have that free will.
First off, lets talk about parenting. Parents are the most important part of a child's learning. Parents who skip out on church will have kids who skip out on church. Parents that don't include faith with learning have failed at their single most important act; the act of love. When I talk about love, I talk about the divine love God has for us, the divine love Christ has for his church and the holy matrimony between husband and wife. Let's face it guys, girls are not like wine. Physical attraction can only get a marriage so far.
Teenagers Don't Know Best
Another phenomenon I see is how vulnerable teens are to sinful nature. They are young, naive and full of hormones. School gets the better of them and parents get them at their worst. For lack of a better word, they are insecure. I was very insecure as a teen. I had bad cases of acne, I totally failed at love and I was failing school. I was faced with two options: Find things that keep me happy or grow passed it.
If I had to choose between a girl and God at the time, I'd of chosen the girl. Teenage boys can't help it. Girls are pretty and I am not sure how good God looks in a mini-skirt. That is why I think it is so important for people to have a good foundation with faith at a young age. I did not have this blessing and am forced to find answers on my own. Young adults whom have a good foundation can look passed insecurities and be comforted in the arms of Christ.
It is up to the parents how the child will look at life, but it is up to the children with whom they befriend. Those in bad company are like a seed grown among thorns. This is why the Church generally only accepts marriages if they can ensure that the children will be given a catholic-rearing. That is why most catholic marriages are between two Catholics. That is why the idea of "dating" is sometimes frowned upon in catholic homes. The bottom line is, who you surround yourself with is a reflection of who you are and who you will become.
Who Will Be Responsible
Pseudo-Catholics are everywhere and no where at the same time. Whether we like it or not, they are part of our faith community. Don't just ignore it. It isn't entirely their fault that they got lost along the various paths in life. Aren't the faithful responsible for not taking care of their own kin? Christ calls us all to meet him. Lead them.
Love this post.
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