The Catholic Church and Homosexuality

This is an extremely controversial topic, I know... But people have been asking me to post the research, studies, observations, and Catholic Church teaching on this one... So here goes. Please refrain from sending hate mail or negative comments; I am only placing information on here that supports Catholic Church teaching. I've heard the other side, the other arguments, and so have you, so here's the other side.

Most Christians have no idea how to argue this point without "throwing God/religion into the mix". It's not an easy topic. We as heterosexuals innately recognize that our attraction to the opposite sex is 'normal' (in other words, it falls under the category of natural law). Don't forget when making this argument that we are called to love the sinner, not the sin, we don't condemn the person because that is God's job on judgment day.

Homosexuality. What's the big deal? It's just about who you choose to love, right? I mean, everybody's doing it now. It kinda seems more like a fad than really a true way of life. Well, let's take a step back and look at it from a different perspective.

BORN GAYI've heard a few different arguments for living the 'gay' lifestyle. The first that comes to mind is that people are just born that way. Back in 1993, a molecular biologist by the name of Dean Hamer published a study that brought about this 'born gay' idea. In his study, Hamer stated science was "on the verge of proving that homosexuality is innate, genetic and therefore unchangeable - a normal variant of human nature." People went crazy. What they read and what the understood from this study were two completely different things. Hamer stated that science was on the VERGE of proving, they had not yet PROVEN that people could be born gay. The media started spreading the news of the 'gay gene', only in the fine print could one find the true statement that it was only a possibility and no real discovery had been made. Of course, as many of us know, most of us don't take the time to read the fine print or listen to the extra info; we just want the juicy story as the media feeds it to us.

NATURAL LAW

So how do you tell people that heterosexuality is natural law and homosexuality is not? First let's take note of how the human body is made. Basically, men and women have the same build, two arms and eyes, two legs and ears, a nose, mouth, feet and hands, not to mention hips, stomach, shoulders, chest/breast, head and eye brows, we even have the same 'butt hole' (not to be crude, just speaking the truth). If you think about it, we may LOOK different, but we all have the same basic body parts. So what's different? Our reproductive organs.

Take the woman's reproductive organs: Her vagina is a hole, something which is meant to be filled (from time to time). She is RECEPTIVE. Now let's look at the man's reproductive organs: His penis protrudes out of his body, and honestly, it's kind of awkward and doesn't make much sense with the rest of his body. His penis is meant to be put into something. He is the GIVER.

Obviously we are all meant to give and receive, but our bodies speak a language that our mouths can't. Our bodies show what the relationship is supposed to look like, the man giving all of himself to his wife and the woman receiving all of her husband into her own body and then giving back to him. This makes them one, unites them. Not to mention that one result of intercourse is children. Between union, communion, and reproduction… sexual union in its natural state, becomes complete.

So, what happens when homosexuals unite? Either we have two RECEPTIVE people or two GIVERS. They are identical, what are you supposed to do with them? Come up with artificial ways of ‘arousing’ oneself or the other. Thus provokes the question, is it really love? No children can come of a homosexual union… they have to go outside the relationship in order to bring children into the ‘family’. If homosexual unions were natural, why can’t they reproduce? (This is a more difficult point to argue… if you don’t feel comfortable with it, don’t use it).

There is also evidence which shows us that there is a correlation between the rise in homosexual activity and the rise in AIDS. The following are websites which show this evidence:

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/archive/ldn/2009/aug/09082609

http://www.avert.org/young-gay-men.htm

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/homosexuality/ho0075.html

http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/6/1003.full.pdf

http://fathersforlife.org/dale/aids1.html

There are many more resources; all you have to do is look. If you personally want to do more research, a great website is http://narth.com

They do not associate with any religion or political party; they are simply trying to put the truth out there. They have done extensive research for many years and are doctors and scientists. They offer help to those who do not want to be homosexual. Here is an article on the myths of homosexuality that they wrote:

The Three Myths
About Homosexuality

Myth #1

Homosexuality is normal and biologically determined.

The truth...

There is no scientific research indicating a biological or genetic cause for homosexuality. Biological factors may play a role in the predisposition to homosexuality. However, this is true of many other psychological conditions.

Research suggests that social and psychological factors are strongly influential. Examples include problems in early family relationships, sexual seduction, and sense of inadequacy with same-sex peers, with resulting disturbance in gender identity. Society can also influence a sexually questioning youth when it encourages gay self-labeling.

Myth #2

Homosexuals cannot change, and if they try, they will suffer great emotional distress and become suicidal. Therefore, treatment to change homosexuality must be stopped.

The truth...

Psychotherapists around the world who treat homosexuals report that significant numbers of their clients have experienced substantial healing. Change has come through psychological therapy, spirituality, and ex-gay support groups. Whether leading married or committed celibate lives, many report that their homosexual feelings have diminished greatly, and do not trouble them as much as they had in the past.

The keys to change are desire, persistence, and a willingness to investigate the conscious and unconscious conflicts from which the condition originated. Change comes slowly, usually over several years. Clients learn how to meet their needs for same-sex nurturance and affirmation without eroticizing the relationship. As they grow into their heterosexual potential, men and women typically experience a deeper and fuller sense of themselves as male or female.

If some homosexuals do not wish to change, that is their choice, yet it is profoundly sad that gay-rights activists struggle against the right-to-treatment for other homosexuals who yearn for freedom from their attractions.

Myth #3

We must teach our children that homosexuality is as normal and healthy as heterosexuality. Teenagers should be encouraged to celebrate their same-sex attractions.

The truth...

Scientific research supports age-old cultural norms that homosexuality is not a healthy, natural alternative to heterosexuality. Research shows that gay teens are especially vulnerable to substance abuse and early, high-risk sexual behavior. It does far more harm than good to tell a teenager that his or her attractions toward members of the same sex are normal and desirable. Teens in this position need understanding and counseling, not a push in the direction of a potentially deadly lifestyle.

A 1992 study in Pediatrics found that 25.9% of 12-year-olds are uncertain if they are gay or straight. The teen years are critical to the question of self-labeling, so the facts must be presented in our schools in a fair and balanced manner.

IN CONCLUSION

Hopefully all this info isn’t too overwhelming for you and more helpful. Unfortunately I do not have the space to make my full argument here, but that would definitely be overwhelming. I hope you will take some time to read the websites I quoted and realize that there is solid evidence for my argument. Please don’t forget… I do not write this to condemn. Love the person, not the sin. Love the people who support them and don’t know the truth. They need our love and kindness just as much as we do. God be with you as you discuss this difficult topic.

You Decide

Sometimes God is silent. When you are trying to make a big decision because He has given you the tools you need to make the decision without having to wait for an answer from Him, can be one of those times. He's not going to tell you how to make every move your whole life. He has given you tools to know your heart, know the difference between right and wrong, and to choose. There are times when He has a definite choice He wants you will make, but other times, He leaves it entirely up to you to decide what is best. Sometimes the things you have to choose, don't feel right or don't make any sense in the moment but later you realize there was a very good reason for that decision. When it doesn't make sense, it is often painful... You have to remind yourself constantly why you made the decision in the first place.

This is what I have been going through. I had to choose something that was the opposite of what I originally thought I wanted. But I made the decision anyway. It's a constant emotional battle now. Did I make the right decision? Yes. Do I feel like it? No. Hurting another person causes me great pain, but it's not just that this time... I wish I could put into words how the decision has affected me... It's worse... more painful than anything I've ever felt in the past. I want to hold on, to reverse the decision, and I want to let go and just TRUST in God.

Feelings are deceptive, especially when you don't know what to do with them. I can honestly say there is not much advice I can offer in this case, except to pray constantly. Don't let yourself become numb to what you feel, and turn what you feel into a prayer, a cry to God. In the past, I would let myself become numb when I was in pain and eventually, I didn't feel hardly anything at all, save the emptiness inside. Personally, I choose to feel every ounce of pain rather than the emptiness which comes from numbing. The pain makes me feel alive, human.

Here is a method of prayer I found that I am attempting to deal with the pain and seek healing: http://www.chastitysf.com/healing.htm

Giving the Pain to God

Pray, therefore, that the healing process will happen within you. But pray for it specifically:

• Ask God that you will be enlightened.

• Ask God for the courage to see the truth of your life, especially its ugly and embarrassing resentments and temptations.

• Ask God for the strength to not flinch from the pain.

• Ask God that everything you do will be directed to your purification.

Then, all it takes to give the pain to God is to work through four successive phases of understanding whenever you feel hurt.

God bless you all!

Your Way

I walk this road alone, cut deep by the knife of life. I choose to live this way, to cause my own suffering. I don't have to, but somehow, I have convinced myself that this is the way You would want it. That somehow, this sacrifice of mine will get me to You. But it won't. Am I still sabotaging myself? Lord, what are you going to do with me? There are so many things I try to do on my own, so many ways I try to prepare myself. It is all for naught. What You ask of me is simple, made just for me. All my own efforts are fruitless and often take me further from You. I have discovered the path which You ask all of us to travel, yet manage to get off it because I think I know a better way, a "short-cut" you might say. Who made me god? And what makes me think that I can figure out a way to You better than You can lead me to the One Way You have already established?

1. Frequent the sacraments
   1. Mass
   2. Confession
2. Pray
3. Read The Word

It's all there, laid out like a map. However, none of this matters if it is not approached with an open heart. Opening your heart to the Lord is not easy. I always feel that, when I put my heart out there, I am about to get hurt. With man (humanity), that is true, due to the fall of man, we often hurt each other when we lay our hearts out. But God won't hurt us, ever. That being said, we must invite the Lord into our hearts, to see the ugliness of our souls. We must choose to allow Him to enter in, otherwise, He will always remain knocking on the outside. He waits for us, longs for us, loves us. Jesus wants to heal our ugliness and make us beautiful.

So make the decision today to open your heart to the Lord. Tell Him you want Him in your heart and life. Jesus will pour out His Grace and Strength to see you through, no matter how difficult your life may seem. He stands by us, holds and comforts us, leads us to victory. If you choose to open your heart to Him, remember... Jesus wins in the end! Give your heart to Him and you join the winning team!

Novena to have an open heart to the Lord:

Lord work on my heart
until it becomes like your Sacred Heart.
Give me hope.
Then I can love you and all my sisters and brothers
with the respect, compassion, and forgiveness
that you have for everyone. I ask this in your name. Amen.

I ask you to grant my special request during this novena:
( - make your intention here - ) .

If what I ask is not for my own good
and the good of others,
grant me what will most help
to build up your kingdom of justice, love and peace.
I make this prayer with confidence in your love.
Amen

Post-Desert Life

I never realized how protected I would be by consciously choosing to enter into the desert. I went deeper and deeper into to prayer, and my time in Adoration became more intimate and meaningful.

For the better part of the last 3.5 years I have struggled with reading the Bible, praying on a regular basis, and trusting God in all things... even as He was drawing me closer to Him every day. For those of you who are just beginning this journey, learning to have faith in God, believe me when I say I know how hard it is, but if you are vigilant... every moment is worth it. All the pain, suffering, joys, sorrows, laughter, successes, tears, loneliness.... every emotion you could possibly imagine. This journey is worth it!!!

So I just got back from taking the second TOB II course in PA with Christopher West as my instructor. Let me tell you, it was amazing!

While I was in the desert, I felt as if God were preparing me for something great. I didn't know for sure what that 'great' thing was, but I knew it was coming. The Lord spoke some incredible things to me the Sunday prior to Christmas, and then, two days later, He called me out of the desert. I think I was a bit shell-shocked. Then, on New Year's Day, I flew out to PA for the class/retreat.

The Lord was taking me deeper, into a more intimate relationship with Him. He helped me to get to know my Mother a little better. I met some of the most incredible people in the world (love you guys!!). But most important, He healed me. There was a wound, so deep within me that was reaching every corner of my life and stained it all black. It was ugly, but it wasn't me. And the Lord took it away, cleaning the wound ever so carefully and planted something beautiful in it's place... Me.

I have learned that we humans are desiring beings, that my desires are good, but have been twisted by the lies this world offers. If I take my desires to the foot of the cross, I will discover my true desires, in all their goodness, truth, and beauty. I also began learning true humility. Acknowledging the gifts I have been given and thanking God for them.

I know this blog was all over the place, but I have so much to tell and so little time! If you have any questions for me, please comment and I will try to answer it in another blog. Thank you for reading!

Into the Desert: In Adoration

Be still my heart, be silent. Quiet you, mind. You will only be restless until you rest in Him. You will be held captive, unless you let Him set you free. You will remain a sinner until you let Him make you a saint. Put aside the worries of the day, empty your burden into the hands of our Lord. Wipe the tears from my face... dwell in me, have Your way with me.

Oh that we could only recognize the mystery, the unique opportunity we have in Adoration. To be in Your presence! Praise Jesus who bridged the gap, who tore the veil... So that we could experience You! This is where I find my ecstasy... completely consumed by Jesus Christ; completely consumed by His unfailing Love.

This is the moment, this is the time. Set my heart on fire, let it burn only for You. Ecstasy!

(Here is the dictionary definition of ecstasy: 1. Intense joy or delight. 2. A state of emotion so intense that one is carried beyond rational thought and self-control: an ecstasy of rage. 3. The trance, frenzy, or rapture associated with mystic or prophetic exaltation.)

This is what I experience when I am on my knees, intensely praying before our Lord in Adoration. Ecstasy!!! Oh... what love He pours out, this great Lover of my Soul. The Only Lover of my Soul.

Who needs drugs (including 'ecstasy'), alcohol, cigarettes, sex, etc... when this ecstasy that I experience... when we are ALL created to experience this kind of union with our Creator? We are all called, but few respond. If only they knew... if only they realized that they would wake up without a hangover, sickness, death, or a broken heart... If only they knew that they could wake up with joy, knowing they are fulfilled by union with Jesus! If only....

Into the Desert: Who Am I?

The other night, as I was kicking myself for all the times I repeat sins that I want to be free of, I realized something.... Abouna actually has the credit for this idea in my head, and that is this:

Some of my gravest sins are committed with that which is meant to be my greatest gifts from God. In other words, I don't know how to use the gifts God has given me yet, the only thing I know about them is what I've been taught by the world. Therefore, the only thing I can do with my gifts is misuse them. If that makes any sense.

As a result: I am a complete and utter disaster! My idea of my gifts are a mess; twisted so much that I cannot even recognize them. I am not me, I am not free. Then to top it off, when I realize what is going on, I go to confession, get rid of the sin, and then noncommittally tell the Lord I'll do better next time. That's when I need to read and pay attention to Luke 11:24-26 (Read it!). The demons which dwelt within me leave, and upon finding no place to rest, it returns and finds the place (me) clean and brings seven more that are stronger to dwell there.

This brings an attitude. A bad one too. "I can't do it!" Like a little kid I cry to God. But you know what? He believes in me. He TRUSTS me. He trusts that I will do the right thing because He knows I CAN. That is the Truth. Now I just have to learn to accept it.... And that's a completely different story.

Into the Desert: October

In the last several years, I've realized that October is a difficult month for me. Perhaps it is because of the changing seasons, warm summers shifting to cool, and sometimes wet, autumns. Often, I find myself running from the inevitable: Summer's end. It's my favorite season of the year, although I like the other three seasons almost as well. Perhaps though, it is more spiritual. In the summer, I rejoice in the sunshine and warm weather. When autumn arrives, however, I welcome it with much less enthusiasm, I am less thankful. Even depressed. Throw into the mix making some tough (and painful) decisions, and Elizabeth is a mess... Thank God for His grace and mercy.

What does this have to do with my journey into the desert? I don't know. Honestly, I'm searching for answers just as much as the rest of you. And funny how, as I type this, the very words I am writing are playing in a song immediately after I type each word. "I'll stop searching for the answers, I'll stop praying for an escape, and I'll trust You God with where I am and believe that You will have Your way" (Britt Nicole). Good song; fully expresses where I am and how I'm feeling right now. God speaks to me through songs a lot.

Guess God is asking (reminding) me to trust Him. It's hard sometimes, you know? Putting my life into the hands of Someone we can't physically see... I mean, we can see signs of Him in all of His creation, especially in each other. So... I guess I'll ask God to carry me through this difficult month and help, rather, teach me to trust Him.

Into the Desert: Loving God

I went to California for a wedding, rather, the wedding of two of my dearest of friends. While there, I had a conversation with the bride's aunt about God's love for us. What she said was so simple, so true, and so obvious that it should not have been profound if I had realized it myself. But I didn't. She said, "God wants us to love Him for who He is." That's it. So simple, yet so profound. It's no wonder we have such a difficult time understanding God when we don't take the time to get to know Him.
So how can we get to know Him to love Him? Well, as a devout Catholic, there are two concrete ways. One is reading the Word, the other is receiving the Eucharist. Both need to be supplemented with prayer. This is what I have been thinking and praying about over the last couple of days and I will continue to meditate on it for some time.
Don't let me forget to tell you about sinning against the Holy Spirit in my next blog. I pray God's blessing on all of you and that hopefully, God is using me to reach you. My heart burns for yours.

Into the Desert: A Divine Romance

The following is what I wrote in my journal today. I wanted to share it with you so that you can see how amazing the desert actually is and hopefully, desire to go there yourselves. Just remember, all our journeys are different, so don't expect what I'm experiencing, to happen to you too.

(Just a note: When I write, it is usually a conversation, so I will refer to God as You.)

I took another step into the desert and this is what I saw: You standing, waiting for me, ever so patiently. You took me by the hand, which I offered gingerly; then swept me off my feet, unexpectedly. We walked through the rain. I laughed as You carried me, clinging round Your neck. Surrounding us, I saw a narrow path through green... trees, grass, colorful little flowers dotting a field of green with the bright sun in the blue sky. I didn't see a desert at all as You spun me around, still in Your arms. At last You set me down, but never left my side, arm around my shoulders, walking in stride. I questioned why I did not see the desert and this is what You said, "My desert does not look like yours, I ravish you instead. It is My time to be with you, to romance you if you wish, but you must listen to Me, My bride. Silence and prayer will be your guide, as well as My Word and Flesh. Will you go deeper with Me now? Deeper than before?"

Tears of joy ran down my face as I realized that submitting myself to His love and receiving His grace are only difficult when I make it that way. "Yes." I replied, how could I say 'no'? He is the lover I have always wanted, always needed and has always been right in front of me. To deny Him would be a denial of myself and who I am; a beautifully created daughter of God.

To be romanced by Him would be divine! How can I say no? I was happy and at peace with Him in that moment in the "desert", if I let Him more often, would I not have even greater joy and peace? No, I cannot say no. So You'll hear me say, "Lord, have Your way with me. Penetrate my soul."

Into the Desert: Beginning the Journey

Have you ever been called into the desert by God? It's kind of intimidating. I've heard the call more than once, but have pretty much run from it every time. The last time I heard the call was different. I was in Mass, on my knees in prayer when I heard a nearly audible "GO". I was like, go where? Then I saw it, in my mind. A narrow pathway leading straight into the desert (insert dramatic music here). That was on August 1st. Since then I have started, stopped, started again, run away, crawled back.... Wonder if I'll ever figure this out??

I started out asking the Lord to help me to accept His love, which I was having a really difficult time doing. Last Sunday, however, I had a divine revelation (yes!), it is not so much accepting as it is submitting. Since this realization, I have had a bit easier time accepting God's love for me, though it's still a challenge.

The first week, I laid out a plan to aid me in my journey. The following is a list of steps I'm taking to try to get to and stay in the desert with the Lord until... whenever. ;)

1. Attend Mass regularly. This does not mean just on Sunday. I try to go ever Monday and Tuesday, and hopefully Wednesday or Friday if I can.

2. Go to Adoration. I am trying to do this every Thursday after work, but sometimes I forget and get home before I remember. Perhaps it would be good to choose at least one other day of the week to go as well.

3. Read the Bible. This is hard. I don't read it enough. I'm starting with the goal of reading it once a week, and that doesn't include hearing the readings at Mass.

4. Read other literature that will assist me on my journey. I'm currently reading "The Road Less Traveled", "Deep Conversion Deep Prayer" and "Living Your Strengths". The second book has been the most helpful by far.

And finally...
5. Spend at least 15 minutes a day in prayer. I'm actually aiming for an hour, but if I don't make it, then I get discouraged and feel like I'm not making any progress. So 15 minutes is a little more attainable for me.

In my next blog, I will talk about my experience in the desert and hopefully it will encourage you to go into the desert as well. As my priest says, the Lord will ravish you in the desert. (Definition of ravish: To overwhelm with emotion; enrapture).