One of the biggest mistakes that many of us make when studying our Catholic Faith is to forget about Jesus! While it sounds crazy, it is actually very easy to do. We can get so wrapped up with learning the details about our faith, that we can forget that the main reason for learning it is to become closer to Our Lord.
Let me give you an example. A few years ago, I fell so much in love with the Mass that I couldn?t learn enough about it. As I studied more about it, I began to resent those individuals who didn?t respect the beauty of the Mass. I found myself becoming angry at priests who didn?t follow the approved liturgical texts, choir directors who chose ?bad? hymns and anyone who received Holy Communion unworthily. I rationalized my behavior with the idea that I was defending Jesus when, in reality, I had lost sight of Him! I eventually learned that some things are beyond my control. While I can continue to explain the beauty of the Mass and the importance of following the Church?s teaching, I cannot control the behavior of others. Above all, I must remember that the Lord?s command to ?Love one another? (Jn 15:17) also applies to those who don?t fully appreciate the importance of the Mass.
There are many other ways to neglect Jesus while learning the faith, including reading so much that you forget to pray (I?ve been there too, but that?s a story for another day?). Unfortunately, it is possible to know all the facts about the Catholic Faith and still not have a personal relationship with Jesus. As you strive to learn more about your faith, always make sure that you stay close to the Lord by following His commandments and speaking to Him frequently. In doing so, you?ll achieve your ultimate goal?becoming closer to Christ!
This post resonates with me?thx.