Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 7/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

Me again. I don't know what to do. I've been trying very hard to become a better person. But, it's very difficult. I went to church today and I felt great while I was there. I felt like I wanted nothing more than to become a better person and to learn all I could about Catholicism. Before I went home, I went out to eat with my brother, my mom, and my grandfather. And I felt like I wasn't being a good person at all and I had lost that strong desire to become a better person. I don't know why. And I have felt awful ever since. I feel like I'm doing everything I can to better myself. But, it's just so difficult and I'm struggling a lot, partly because of my mood, teen angst I suppose. Why is becoming a better person so difficult? I can't shake this awful feeling that I've had since I got out of church. Is God trying to tell me something? I don't know what to do.

Thanks.



ANSWER: Peace


Matt,

   You might be experincing  a form of scruples. A sense that God isn't pleased with you, even at one has truly asked for His mercy.

   Sometimes, what is need is a good examination of conscience with the help of a priest and then receiving the Sacrament of Reconcilation, followed by communion.

Sometimes, it takes more. I had bad case of scruples that took me about 2 months to get rid of. I was attending seminary at the time, thank God for Father John, who helped cure me.
 

I suggest start by finding a priest that can help you to discern if you are indeed experincing such or something else.

         your servant but His first
         George

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

Me AGAIN. Hehe. Well, I've got it figured out and I've reconciled with God. And I'm trying to make changes :). One more thing. A while ago I was telling you about my older brother and my dad. They have little faith and what not. My brother has once said that he doesn't believe in God. My dad thinks lowly of religion also. So, I am finding it gradually more difficult to be with them. They both seem always angry or irritated. And I hate to say it, but it's just becoming unpleasant to be with them sometimes. I don't want to dislike them. I love them and always will, and I don't want feel distant. I really don't want to approach them about it though. It would be awkward. What should I do?

Thanks again.

Answer
Peace

dear Matt
    Perhaps, there two things you can. These two things have kept me relatively sane in relation to my own brothers and sisters, who are either anti-Catholic or just indifferent to religious "ideas". Sorry for the double pun, I couldn't help it.
  First, pray daily for them. Second seek ways to being good to them as means of sharing God's love for them as well. Read about St. Augustine and his mother, St. Monica. She prayed for his conversion for several years before his turning toward God. There are other such stories among the saints. Maybe look for one you can identify with. The following site might be good place to start: www.catholic.org


I will be going on mini-vacation starting tommorrow, so I wouldn't be able to answer questions again until after Monday.


         Your friend but His First
         George