As a person ages, he begins to wonder about the great mysteries of life. Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? Is death really the end? Does God exist? Does He really care about humanity?
The thoughtful seeker may decide to investigate these questions for himself. Where should he start? Many Christians would suggest that he begin by reading the Bible, especially the four Gospels found in the New Testament.
The writers, called the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, wrote accounts of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, each from his own perspective. They were so convinced that Jesus Christ was divine, that the first three, along with many other early Christians, went willingly to martyrdom as witnesses to their faith. John is believed to have died a natural death in extreme old age at Ephesus, a city in ancient Greece.
The seeker should read the Bible with an open mind. Did the Evangelists have enough evidence to justify their faith? What was it about Jesus that has enabled belief and devotion to Him to survive throughout two thousand years of turbulent history until the present day?
As the seeker is reading and reflecting, he is advised to look around at his family and neighbors. Some will probably be Catholic, others may belong to other faith traditions, and still others have no religious affiliation at all. Is he able to notice any difference in their behaviors and lifestyles?
Jesus' law of love is, " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-31
This is not to say that Catholics are perfect by any means, but if they are trying to obey Jesus' command, they should be making the world a little better place because of their presence in it.
Unfortunately, we imperfect Christians have had differences over the past two thousand years. Christianity has become divided into many different denominations. The presence of these schisms has damaged our witness and our credibility to non-Christians throughout the world. Many men and women of good will are continually working and praying that we will soon find a way to repair these divisions.
Study the history of Christianity. Research the founder of each branch of the Christian faith. Which leader was commissioned by Jesus himself? Which church, despite obstacles and difficulties, has endured for over 2,000 years?
Finally, visit the Catholic Church in your locality. Get to know the people there. Attend some celebrations. Join the R.C.I.A. (the Rite of Christian Initiation) program. It's free and you are under no obligation to continue. You can stop attending whenever you wish.
During R.C.I.A. meetings, you'll discuss the great mysteries of life. You'll find a pastor and friends who have found satisfactory answers to these queries, and you may find that, as a bonus, you have found a new church home.
From then on, you'll have companionship, spiritual support and encouragement as you progress, with your Church community along the lifetime journey into faith.
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