Discernment of spirits
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I've hardly read anything written in its entirety by Christopher Hitchens save for an article in this month's Vanity Fair concerning his reaction to the day of prayer for his conversion, salvation, healing, what have you. He makes some very good points about illness and suffering and how the good and the bad all share the same fate. It is no wonder he doesn't 'get' religious people or faith after reading some of the stuff written about him online. (I know, he's said hateful things himself.)
One blogger/commenter Hitchens' cites hoped CH suffered eternal torment for his blasphemies - after suffering the full effects of his cancer of course. Others prayed for his healing, conversion or salvation. It seems to me most of these had some sort of self-interest in the outcome of their prayers - like they might be winning a bet or something - indeed, Hitchens found a betting site online for just that purpose.
I'm wondering now, if Hitch converts on his death bed - which I always think is a nice way to go - does that mean prayers were heard? And if he doesn't - does that mean the prayers went unanswered? Does either outcome prove there is a God? If he's lost for all eternity, does anyone win?
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I think we Christians get in God's way many times. I appreciate today's Gospel from Mass, when Christ rebuked the disciples for wanting to call down fire from heaven upon the Samaritans who would not welcome Jesus because he was heading towards Jerusalem. [Luke 9: 51-56] Other sources reveal what Christ told the disciples in his rebuke: "You know not of what spirit you are."
St. Faustina received a message from Jesus that each soul, at the "moment" between physical death and the "particular judgment", He would knock three times; if the door to the heart was open a "crack", He would enter.
ReplyDeleteVery consoling, in many ways. He does pursue us as "The Hound of Heaven", esp. thick-headed, arrogant sobs...
I just don't anyone, I mean ANYONE to be the subject of eternal separation from God; I don't care what they've done, even to me.
That should be the motivation here...and if we don't know until we're all together at the general judgment, fine by me.
St. Therese offered her Viaticum for an apostate Carmelite priest who had caused all kinds of ruckus in France.
Now THAT'S holiness!!
I get the feeling that you'll find this commentary quite interesting.
ReplyDelete"...at the "moment" between physical death and the "particular judgment", He would knock three times; if the door to the heart was open a "crack", He would enter."
ReplyDeleteFather, I had read that, too. I find it comforting.
Gina - the link doesn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteFather - I like that from Faustina as well.
Inasmuch as I'm going to need many prayers when I depart this "vale of tears", I'm of the opinion that I should pray for lots of people, including the "usual suspects" who might be going before me as they may find out that my prayers were the final straw and had a role to play in their salvation. You can better believe that they would be grateful.
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