Eliane –

I think it’s rather obvious that we tend to think along the same lines.  Long ago, I gave up the classification system of Catholic versus Protestant or non-Catholic.

Having spent twelve years in Catholic schools (including boarding school) and having six aunts/great-aunts (three now deceased) who are/were nuns, I have a pretty good grounding in Catholic Catechism (at least the old one).  But years ago, the Catholic Church began revealing their human side to me as I became a young adult.  For example, for as long as I could remember it was a mortal sin to eat meat on Friday – then VOILA! the Vatican said it was okay to eat meat on Friday except during Lent.  I thought, “Wait a minute.  Last week I was in danger of losing my immortal soul if I ate meat on Friday; this week I can eat steak on Friday without so much as a ‘by your leave’.” 

As a result, I started my journey toward membership in the Church of the Body of Christ (a concept I’d always heard quoted in the Catholic Church, but never really understood).  It is the membership in this Church that I share with you, Eliane, and the rest of the doves.

I am still nurtured by the Catholic Church, however.  This past Sunday, my sweet elderly pastor, Fr. Joe, gave a homily on Matthew 3, and the pastor gently reminded all of us to let the chaff grow up with the wheat, that it’s God’s province to separate the two.  There was no bellowing or thundering, but I walked away with a refreshed spirit,  determined to, once again, judge the sins - not the sinners. 

I could go on for hours, but I’m sure you and the other doves need to go feel the sunshine on your faces and know that the King of Kings rains love and hope on us all as we wait for His soon call.

Love and blessings in Christ’s holy name,

Carla