Fight the Good Fight...

So, this afternoon I've come home from school in a terrible mood. Let me tell you why.

I am (obviously) a Catholic- and I love apologetics. Since eighth grade I've had many people question my beliefs and put me down for being devout. Now, this has had quite a positive effect on me. Not only did it make me really look into the Church's teachings and better educate myself, but it also helped me develop a real love for the Catholic Church.

Today, I had a run-in with a friend of mine. Our discussion upset me quite a bit. But, as I was sitting here thinking about it and trying to come up with something to post, it occurred to me that this tussle makes the perfect subject.

I know that when you feel belittled or judged by others for your faith, it is hard to persevere and continue to fight. But I encourage you not to give up, never back down!!! We have something that no other church can claim. We have the fullness of truth! We have a Pope who can trace his "lineage" right back to Peter- who was appointed by Jesus himself! We have the presence of Christ in the Eucharist! We have the same universal beliefs worldwide! And, we have over 2000 years of tradition!

So take up your cross, brothers and sisters, and follow Christ! There is a song by Breaking Benjamin with a really awesome chorus. It goes:

All is lost again,

but I'm not giving in.

I will not bow,

I will not break,

I will shove the world away.

I will not fall,

I will not fade,

I will take your breath away.

This is my battle hymn, and my encouragement to all of you. It may seem like "all is lost" but do not give in! Shove the world and all of its deceit away and hold to what you know is true! Do not fall or fade, because some of the most courageous stories in history are those of the saints who fought to the death, like Joan of Arc. And these stories truly take my breath away!

Reflect on this during Lent, and may you all use this time to fall in love with Christ and his Church in a whole new way!