I have to talk to the RCIA class tonight. I am very nervous. These people have made the choice for what ever reason to join the church and are attending these classes looking for a variety of information. I'm just not sure what. Usually there is a team to lead RCIA, they have a big thick binder and it takes 9 months to review all the material including home work. This year it's the condensed version,with our visiting priest, and will touch on the high points. Personally, I think this may be the better version. I tend to get a little frustrated with those who think they need to judge when someone else is ready. What is the important stuff to know before joining? What's the right reason? When do you have all the answers.? I know that I never will, at least not until I come face to face with my Lord.
Sometimes, I think it is human nature to test those who want to join us. I think it has more to do with our sense of security than theirs. What if they don't really think like we do, or worse yet want to change us. I would like to have a little more trust than that. God is good all the time. And what ever your reason for coming to him it's good, always, I think we miss the whole point when we are less than welcoming. The Catholic church is the universal church. There is room for everyone. Some of us will pray the rosary daily, and others will barely make it to Mass. Neither person is more important to the Lord.
Catholics are often attacked for believing we need to practice good works rather than Grace alone. I don;'t really get this argument. If you are truly filled with Grace, good works should flow from you. you couldn't stop them if you wanted to, which you wouldn't cause...duh. you're full of Grace. Ultimately I think we are both saying the same thing. Martin Luther agreed on his death bed.
I think the thing to remember is our faith should be a conscious choice, it should be deliberate and active.