Gulf Pine Catholic

10 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 7, 2024 228-539-9800 www.RiemannFamily.com Gulfport Pass Christian West Jackson County Biloxi Long Beach Hancock County Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) Since my Confirmation in 2019, I’ve often heard of the battle between being religious and spiritual. It’s a phrase that makes both parties seem to cringe when hearing the oppo- site of what they claim to be. Being that I was once a per- son that claimed to be spiritual but not religious, I thought it might be interesting to share my thoughts on this phrase. The Oxford Dictionary defines spiritual as, “re- lating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as op- posed to material or physical things.” When I claimed to be spiritual but not religious, I can remember thinking that religion was for small minded people who couldn’t think for themselves. I thought religion was there to put people in a box, and I’ve never been a ‘think inside the box’ kind of per- son. However, while disregarding religion, I didn’t give much thought to the fact that I was studying the ways and beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Dao- ism. Looking back, I can see religion is exactly what I was searching for at that time in my life, but I also felt alone and lost on my spiritual journey. I had no idea where I was going or who was meant to help me find my way. I faced many internal hardships that be- gan to overflow and become apparent to loved ones in my life. I was on a journey of self-destruction and everyone could see it except for me. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedi- ent, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:16) Merriam Webster defines religious as, “relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowl- edged ultimate reality or deity.” This is not subjec- tive to the Catholic faith, but as religion itself. At the lowest point in my life, when I felt com- pletely alone and abandoned by the world, my spir- itual journey intertwined with two beautiful souls. These souls were those of my grandmothers, one who is still living and one who has since passed. Neither of my grandmothers pushed their reli- gious views on me. They simply listened to me with undivided attention and an open heart. When others in my life were lecturing me and quick to tell me what I was doing wrong, they instead met me where I was at that time in my life and they did it with deep compassion and empathy. My grandmothers didn’t try to lead me any certain way, they simply kept me from going astray. And they continue to succeed in that mission today. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a de- fense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentle- ness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) In the upcoming weeks, I challenge you to do the same. If you hear someone say they are spiritual but not religious, do your best not to get defensive or argue with their views. Instead, use this as a hint to walk with this person. Ask them to further explain their beliefs and what brought them to this point in their journey. Try to listen with open ears, an open mind, and most of all an open heart. Meet them where they are, rather than trying to force them to where you want them to be. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4) This is the one and only way to change the lives and souls of others. A person will never be changed by the words they hear but will always be trans- formed by the way people make them feel. Ashley Bonney is a member of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Pass Christian. Spiritual, but not religious Bonney Guest Columnist Jesus invites us to the Sacraments and into a very special love relationship, which began with His mother. By her “Yes,” Mary allowed the Holy Spirit to work within her, and she became the Mother of the Son of God! That “Yes” changed the whole world. Now, it is up to each of us, like Mary, to say “Yes” to the Father, “Yes” to Jesus, and “Yes” to the Holy Spirit. It is a tremendous invita- tion and gift that is given to us - if we accept. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love! SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 8 Bishop’s Column From page 3 O ur M other of M ercy P arish , P ass C hristian On Sunday, May 26, Confirmandi at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church participated in enrollment for the Rite of Election. Please continue to pray for them as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Rite of Election