Prayers for Prodigal Catholics
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Reprinted from St. Patrick’s Newsletter
"Jesus, Please Stop This Storm."

For Those Who Wonder Why We Do This

By MaryAnn Gardner

A five year old boy knew his Bible stories. One day, a violent thunderstorm raged. The little boy walked to the window and said, "Jesus, please stop this storm." In less than a minute, his brother pointed to the window and said, "Look, it IS stopping!" The little boy’s eyes grew wide in amazement as the edge of the storm blew past and the sun shone. He still recalls that day he knew in his little heart that God answers prayer.

His parents held their breath during his Christmas pageant that year, because he was the innkeeper, and was concerned about turning Mary and Joseph away. They thought he might invite the Holy Family in to stay!

They remember his First Communion and the day he became an altar boy.

When he had a problem, he’d go to his room and open his Bible and say, "I always find an answer." God seemed to almost speak directly to him.

One day in high-school he courageously stood alone and defended his Faith against the mistaken notions of a non-Catholic teacher.

At 17, he struggled at Good Friday services when his heart was deeply touched but he did not want anyone to see him cry.

In college, he took his problems to the adoration chapel, often in the middle of the night, prayed the rosary on road trips—even if he had to pray it by himself, and always carried the miraculous medal his grandmother had given him.

His friends say he is kind and loving—a defender of the weak.

He collects films about Jesus. His favorite is "Jesus of Nazareth." He watched the film "Joshua", (about a modern day arrival of Jesus) so often that he can recite much of the dialogue. His parents taught him to pray and faithfully took him to Mass. He professes a loving devotion to the Blessed Mother. Yet, this young man came to his parents one day and said the most painful words a Catholic mother or father can hear.

"I don’t think I can be a Catholic any more."

Why does he seek the truth outside the Church? Only God knows. Perhaps he was misled by good intentions of others who don’t realize what they, too, are missing. Perhaps it’s a blatant evil attack. Perhaps he had a bad experience and blames the Church for simple human frailty. There could be as many reasons as there are non-practicing Catholics. No doubt, he is on that same spiritual journey we all must take to search for truth.

His mother prays one day he will realize where the fullness of truth is found. She prays he will believe--not because he’s told he must--but because he finally recognizes the truth with his own heart, mind, and soul. With an aching heart, his Dad prays his son’s journey will take him into his own heart to discover the Holy Spirit of his Baptism and Confirmation waiting there.

His parents know they can’t change his mind with reason because he isn’t listening. So, like St. Monica, they pray he returns. Like the Prodigal Son‘s father, they go on loving him. They ask Our Lady to stay with him. They trust the Lord’s words, "My sheep hear my voice. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hands."

What Are You Thinking?

As you read this, does it sound familiar, or, do you hear someone else’s problem? I meet many people when I speak who offer comments about our work. There are three statements that make me cringe:

1. "I don’t have to pray about that. Every Sunday my kids are in church with their families."

2. "Why do you care? It doesn’t matter whether or not they are Catholic, as long as they are in church somewhere."

3. "Much as I’d like to see my child come back to church, there isn’t anything I can do."

These people aren’t thinking clearly, just as that young man isn’t seeing the truth clearly. If your children are all practicing Catholics, get down on your knees and thank God. Then pray that their children and those to come will remain strong in their faith. Don’t be complacent or judgmental. It is seldom the parents’ fault. This happens in "good" Catholic families, too.

If your child has joined another church, then rejoice—to the extent that they have a spiritual life and love Jesus. But, don’t let anyone convince you it’s wrong to want them to have the fullness of faith found only in the Eucharist.

Don’t ever decide to stop praying. We aren’t helpless—it’s never hopeless—because, "With God, all things are possible."

Instead, pray with us that the dark clouds of doubt swirling around our prodigal Catholics will clear, as we ask with childlike trust, "Jesus, please stop this storm."

To find out more about us call 913-526-8977 or email maryann@marianmantle.com. Learn to live a life of peace instead of anxiety. Discover what you might do to help your beloved prodigal Catholic, and others , find their way home. ♥

From "Silent Strength"  The Newsletter of the Marian Mantle Group, June, 2005
Copyright © Marian Mantle Group, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.  For permission to reprint email the Newsletter editor.