Why am I Catholic?

To me, this is a rather misleading question.. because it implies that I first chose to be Catholic; that I first chose Him. But as I grow in faith and in understanding of what being Catholic entails, it has become clearer than ever that I couldn’t be more wrong in thinking that. It seems almost arrogant for me to even entertain the thought that I had chosen my Creator – the one who, for no reason other than love, chooses to keep me in existence every single waking moment. Every single moment!! The more I find out about Him, the smaller I shrink in comparison.. so much so that I cannot help but be in disbelief that someone could love me the way He does.

Being Catholic is holding on to hope. In spite of the painful daily struggle to be a good person, and in spite of all the frustration I experience when I recognize that my sinfulness is just so much a part of my fallen human nature, I can hold on to the knowledge that He looks at me with tender eyes, forgives, and gives me the strength to be a better person if I would just humble myself and turn to Him. It continues to astound me – how could I even hesitate to say yes and return to Him, although I know just how much He loves me? Being Catholic makes me want to be a good person and claim the freedom that He meant to be mine, because I want Him to be happy, and those He loves to be happy too. Being Catholic is… being in love. With the one who loved me first.

What makes this faith most beautiful is the fact that it isn’t meant to be savoured alone. As one approaches the truth, the desire to share it blossoms into love and joy which drives you to direct all your energies outward, while the self becomes less and less significant.. And I really thank God for the presence of all the wonderful people in my life, who have made a difference to me and lovingly helped me grow as a person and in faith. You’re special to me :) I would never have become the person that I am today if not for all of you.