In God's Time

In my family, my oldest brother and sister have left the Church. And they have not come back. Why would they leave a Church that Jesus himself founded? And then join one of the more than 40 thousand other churches founded by a charismatic “pastor”? Why? I know that siblings’ actions left my parents sad and disappointed. My parents died not seeing their son and daughter reunite with the Church.

A lot of families yearn to have their sons or daughters return to the faith, to come home to the Catholic Church where they were baptized, formed, and nourished. This longing is not rooted in pride or a desire to “win an argument,” but in love—a love that desires unity, truth, and the fullness of life in Christ. We know that faith cannot be forced. Each person must respond freely to God’s grace.

Yet we are not powerless. We can pray persistently, love unconditionally, and witness joyfully. Our example, how we live, how we forgive, how we remain faithful even in difficulty, often speaks louder than any explanation we could offer. The Church that Jesus Christ established continues to stand not because of human perfection, but because of divine promise. In moments of discouragement, we hold fast to that promise and entrust our loved ones to God’s mercy. May we never lose hope. May we continue to invite, to welcome, and to pray trusting that, in God’s time, hearts can be stirred and paths can lead home once again.