The Catholic Steps

Whether it be drugs, alcohol, or gluttonous seconds. God allows Satan to tempt us so that we will turn to Him in our time of need. We become stronger than we were before. How does a silversmith know when the metal is ready? When it's done? When he can see his own reflection in it. That's how he knows. God tempers us, works us, gives us what we can take. And when he can see his own reflection in us, He knows that we are complete.

The verb used in this verse is not the classical Greek verb used for human eating, but that of animal eating: "munch," "gnaw," (τρώγω). Jesus was not being symbolic here. He was speaking about munching his flesh, the Bread of Life. This is not presented as a metaphorical suggestion, but as a condition for life. Jesus already knew what he had planned for them at the Last Supper. At that meal, He took bread, gave thanks, eucharistēsas (εὐχαριστήσας) and said, "This is my body." From this act comes the very word Eucharist, meaning thanksgiving.

This understanding of the Eucharist is not a Catholic invention. It is the belief of the earliest Christians — those closest to the Apostles themselves. Around A.D. 107, Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of the Apostle John, wrote the following while on his way to martyrdom:

"They abstain from the Eucharist… because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ."

This is not symbolic language. Ignatius is drawing a line: those who deny that the Eucharist is truly Christ's flesh are in error. As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. (John 6:66) Don't be one of these disciples. Accept the Bread of Life.

God speaks through people. Listen to the actual sound waves beating your ear drum. If you are speaking with someone who loves you, chances are, you are hearing the holy Spirit speaking through that person.

Resentments fuel sin. Making a list of our resentments is a healthy practice. Put it down on paper. If possible, look at your role in the formation of that resentment. This may not be possible. You may need the help of another Catholic to show you where your role is. Let's take an extreme example. Let's say you were molested. You are certainly the victim in this scenario and your perpetrator should be punished by your state. That being said, you control how you respond to this tragedy. Are you allowing it to ruin your life? Are you still giving your assailant that power? Forgiveness is the path to freedom from compulsion. From obsession. And from sin. You can forgive someone, while still allowing justice to run its course. Allow the law to punish the person according to his deeds. Allow God to do the same.

Forgiveness is the key to heaven on earth. Your sponsor will help you with this. Another Catholic can see your situation more clearly than you can. They don't have a dog in your fight, so to speak. Trust that they come to the table with a capacity for a clear vision of your situation. This is usually true. Unless your sponsor is a sick man (or woman). If your sponsor is not a Practicing Catholic, gently fire them and move on.

God may forgive you in the confessional. But not your earthly debt. For example, if you steal $50,000 from your company. And you go to confession for it. God will forgive your sin. But you have to repay the money in order to fully restore your relationship with God and His people. Without this restoration, your relationship with God still remains injured and you will never fully experience freedom.

Therefore, make a list of those you have harmed. Be thorough. Hold nothing back. A complete list will lead to a proper restoration of your relationship with God and His people.

Making amends will fully restore your relationship to God, His people, and more specifically, His Catholic Church. Be vigilant and persevere in this regard. It may take years to make amends, especially if they are financial. But the price will be worth it. You can walk the earth with the self esteem that comes from doing esteemable acts.

Sometimes, amends are not possible. Sometimes the offended party isn't willing to accept your amends, or even meet with you. The best you can do at this point is a living amends, doing your best to serve God and His Church wherever possible. People will notice. The offended party will notice. And who knows, many years down the line, they may even reach out to you to make amends to you! For not forgiving you all these years. Keep going. Keep serving. These are your mantras now.

As you enter the confessional, you may go face to face or from behind the curtain (usually). Courage is the virtue from which all others flow. I strongly encourage you to face your Priest. Your sins aren't as grand as you may think they are. You aren't special. Listen to your Priest. Allow him to guide you through a good confession. And remember, this isn't therapy. This is a confession. Just your sins. There may be people in line behind you. Be respectful of your fellow travelers.

You've made amends to your brother on the way to the altar. You've reconciled yourself to God in the confessional. Now receive HIM.

You are more likely than not, now prepared to admit your wrongs as they occur. You have been armed with the knowledge of yourself and your ability to deceive yourself. You can now recognize it for yourself and make wrongs right, on the spot. This is a power that most don't have. Use it.

Now that you've come to know Jesus in the Eucharist. Don't neglect your heavenly Father or the holy Spirit. The reason God comes to us in three persons, is because we are not all the same, all the time. Sometimes we need a firm Father figure. Other times we need the compassion of Christ. And most often, we require the guidance of the holy Spirit.

This Step, above all others, will add meaning to your suffering. Purpose to your travels. And joy to the world. Jesus knew this. Which is why it was the last thing he commanded before departing earth.

Let us now turn to the Old Testament for an explanation of what we can expect when the Son of Man is with us. The Prophet Daniel does an excellent job.

King Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" "Assuredly, O king," they answered. "But," he replied, "I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God." Then Nebuchadnezzar came to the opening of the white-hot furnace and called to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "Servants of the most high God, come out." Thereupon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. — Daniel 3:91-93

When we walk with Jesus in the Eucharist, we walk through the fires of earth, unfettered and unhurt. Free from fear.

Welcome to Paradise.