4Real Forums: Trying to help ds in his journey

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: Trying to help ds in his journey

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mom2mpr
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Posted: Dec 15 2008 at 12:48pm \| IP Logged

Ds, who is 11 and fairly bright, needs some concrete things to understand the bible and our faith.
He wants to know why dreams are not "listened to" nowadays. Even we as parents state they are our imagination-especially when they are scary. "If someone went out today and said God spoke to them in a dream, we would think they were a little kookoo."
Why don't the angels come and give messages in the world today?
I have shown him marian apparitions online--yes, some of them aren't church approved but...
Miracles happen everyday--I show him the occasional story in the paper or wherever.
I am trying to bring our current world alive in our faith.
So, if anyone has any suggestions I am all ears...
Anne

Heliodora
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Posted: Dec 16 2008 at 12:35pm \| IP Logged

I'd point out that even in ancient times, God's miracles would be ignored or scorned, and God's holy prophets put to death. Part of the reason Jonah refused to deliver God's message was because he was afraid the people would think him "kookoo" and put him to death. Think of Moses and Pharaoh- Pharaoh continually rejected God despite great miracles. Or Emperors like Diocletian who were repeatedly shown God's wonders and yet refused to believe. Miracles are not for everyone- the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Christ's birth- not the important people. Explain that most people would perhaps ridicule God when shown a miracle or a mystery, and so it is almost a charity not to show them these hidden things, so that they do not heap upon themselves a greater eternal punishment for blasphemy. The tabernacle is veiled for a reason- out of respect for God's grandeur. Point out what happened to Joseph when he shared his dreams with his brothers- it incited envy and hatred, even though it all worked out in the end. Point out that God prefers humble Faith over belief through the senses, as with Thomas' doubt- "Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed."

It might also help to say that not all visions are from God. The devil can use dreams to tempt us, and he has appeared to many as Christ in order to deceive.

I'd also say that if it were true that people in ancient times ridiculed miracles, how much more would they do so in our times, where science and scientific principles are the new religion? Look at how at every Christmas and Easter, mainstream news services break their backs trying to discredit religion and the miracles of the Church.

It also isn't quite true that God doesn't use dreams and visions in our day- the many approved apparitions of Our Lady attest to that- many of these apparitions foretold the lack of Faith in our times. In short, explain that God uses miracles when he needs to (when it pleases Him)such as after Pentecost, and at other times He instead wants us to persevere in Grace.

I would supply your son with the many historical fiction reprints available from Bethlehem Books, Sophia, and other publishers. I avoid shmaltzy things at all cost. These things really bring the Faith alive, and are necessary for us to put the Faith into practice. My 13 year old son has begun to ask some difficult questions about the Faith lately as well, so I can relate- good luck with your own son!

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Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. -1 Thessalonians 5:21
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