Re: Catholic Religion?

Question

This question is for anyone who is Catholic. I've got a friend who has lately used her catholic religion as a reason not to do various things. I asked her to go on vacation with me on Easter and she said, she couldn't because it was too sacred of a holiday and that it's too disrespectful to travel on Easter, however what's the problem with that? It doesnt make you a sinner to travel! Secondly, there was an occasion where she seemed to be lying about something, so I asked her to swear to god she wasn't lying, and she wouldn't do it, saying it's not right to do, however she feels free to swear like a trucker if she's mad at somone, and she's not at all a perfect catholic girl if you can catch my drift. So, does this sound like an excuse or can it be really all about being Catholic? I don't really know, cuz I'm not too religious. Is she just trying to get out of things with this excuse? Thanks anyone who answers!

Answer 1

I feel for you, it must be frustrating to see your friend using the Catholic religion at some times but not seeming to follow it at other times.

It may be that your friend is experiencing a conversion. We are all called to lives of conversion and at times we really feel God calling us to do better in certain areas of our lives. I have had times in my life when I am so focused on bettering one area of my life that I forget that I need to improve other areas as well. This might be what is happening with your friend. She is trying to improve her relationship with God and with her practice of religion but at the same time she has areas that still need improvement.

No one is perfect - even the Pope is the first to admit that he is a sinner and in need of forgiveness and healing. Your friend is trying to understand and live her faith as best she can, even though it seems like she is using it as an excuse I think she is probably just trying to do what she thinks is right.

Try not to judge, but to understand. Even better, maybe God has called you into her life because you can help her see the areas of her life that need improvement. Maybe you can gently guide her when you see that she is doing things that she might regret later; for example, if she is angry and she is cussing like a truck driver, say to her, "You are so right to be angry, but I don't want you to regret later all the cussing and swearing. Let's go do something together to take your mind off of things."

A key part of friendship is respect. If she feels strongly that she doesn't want to travel for Easter, try to respect that. Even though you think it is fine, it is something that is important to her. Why don't you join her for Easter Mass? Or plan a brunch or party for later in the day for Easter? Easter is such a beautiful holiday that many people want to be at their own churches for the special day. If it's important to her then you should respect that.

I hope you can work through these problems and find a way to enjoy your friendship together! Every relationship is going to have its kinks here and there. Keep talking to her about her faith so that you can understand why it means so much to her.

Answer 2

Easter is the most sacred time of the year for devout Catholics. It is a time of remembrance of Jesus' dying on the cross. It is not a time for celebration and holidaymaking.
It is also not right to take the name of God in vain (see the 10 commandments).
You could muster some compassion for this girl because being a good Catholic is not an easy thing.
How about remembering a true friend will accept even if she does not approve?

Answer 3

Are you doing your actual traveling on Easter Sunday itself? If so, your friend is probably concerned she will miss Easter Sunday mass celebrations. While traveling, in and of itself, is not sinful, I believe your friend's intent is to not do anything that could jeopardize an opportunity for Divine Worship on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday is the single most significant religious observance in all of Christianity. It is no mere hallmark holiday. As inportant as Ramadan is to Muslism, as Passover is to Jews, so Easter is with Christians.

As far as swearing and "not being a perfect Catholic", (whatever that means) you need to understand that the Catholic Church is not a house of saints. It is a hospital for humble sinners. Everyone has flaws in their moral character, but that doesn't mean they cannot speak in favor of their religion.

As far as "getting out of things" goes. Do not people have the right to worship in this country? Sometimes, depending on the nature of the religious observance, it may require a day off from work or other activity.

Your friend probably should work on her potty-mouth, no doubt about that. But perhaps in return, you can try to be more understanding of her religious predispositions.

Answer 4

Your friend is truthfully reflecting what is taught to children in Catholic Schools, except for the trucker vocabulary. Is your friend related to any truckers? or sailors?

She may have been using it as an excuse, or her parents may not allow her to go anywhere frivolous during lent, or both.

When I was in school, our easter vacation did not begin until the Monday following Easter, so they could be sure we would not be out yucking it up during the solemn week before Easter, when we should be deeply contemplating the sufferings of our Lord and the sins that led to them.

I am no longer Catholic, but I have no criticism for them for this practice.

Answer 5

All people are hypocritical to some extent. We all try not to sin, but do it anyhow, and each of us tend to succumb to different temptations. You can travel during Holy Week, but Catholics do try to be at church from Thursday - Easter. It is also a week that we are supposed to mourn our sins. Each person takes this to a different extreme depending on how his/her conscience guides him/her. So to say that she is using her religion as an excuse is being judgemental and unfair. Now, swearing is also wrong and may be where she falls to temptation, a temptation she will hopefully overcome.

As for the guy who thinks Catholics should not call priests father, I suggest he look up http://www.davidmacd.com/catholic/priests_forgive_sins_call_no_man_father.htm

There is some interesting information there. As for his other questions, I would suggest he attend an RCIA class at a local parish and learn why Catholicism is the correct form of Christianity in leading a soul to heaven.

Answer 6

Swearing like a truck driver doesn't make someone bad. I think it tells me that their language is limited but vulger. Now anger is bad and that is wrong and should be corrected. Easter is a special day and the day that Catholics and other Christians celebrate the risen Lord and the redemption that he brought us. (that means we are going to heaven with him when we finish our time on earth) I would want to be with my family on Easter day and go to church, so traveling is out unless I was going to visit my family. But church on Easter Sunday, I would never miss!
Swearing an oath to God is different and is not to be taken lightly. Tell the truth and belive someone telling you the truth. But to ask them to swear to God is wrong, and she was right by not doing it. It was unnecessary. Anyone that is a Christian knows that they are human like everyone else. We do know that when we do go off and lie or get angry or steal or have sex without marriage we violate God's simple laws of love and forgiveness and the 10 commandments that guide each Christian and Jew. If we repent and say we are sorry and really try not to do that sin that sin is forgiven in confession or sometimes a simple act of saying sorry to God.(for lessor sins) If anyone is looking to a Catholic and looks for perfection, I don't think they will find it in a friend or me. I try and it seems like your Catholic friend is trying. Give her a chance to honor her God and do her best.

Answer 7

You've got it! She could have said she was spending time with her family that day. But she's using religion as an excuse, by saying it is too disrespectful is not true. Evidently, she is weird, a liar and a hypocrite. That is not what being Catholic is all about. Watch "Terrorstorm" on Google video, pay attention to what is going on in this world, it is important that people wake up. Don't worry about your friend, take care of you, make other friends, enjoy life, she seems to be into less important things.

Answer 8

Are you sure she is a good friend of yours?

Sounds like she's using her religion as a way of getting out of doing stuff with you. She knows you aren't into the Catholic religion, so this becomes a convenient way of putting some distance between you two.

Answer 9

well... i think it's an excuse. but, me being a Catholic, i've never heard it was bad to travel on Easter, i do swear and cuss when i'm mad, but i do not swear to God. i say i won't swear, but i will promise. she would say that if she really was being truthful

Answer 10

As far as her not wanting to travel, this is Holy Week, a very special time for Catholics. If she is spending this time reflecting on and adoring our Lord, please respect this.

As far as the cursing and other behavior, no, she is not supposed to be doing that anything. It has nothing to do with being Catholic; just a sinner, like you and me and everyone else. As far as that, pray for her, and be a witness of Christ to her in you daily walk of the Faith.

God bless.