Conversation starters

[Sojourner]

I had a couple of interesting conversations today ... just wondered if anyone else has had similar moments recently.

The first happened when I was on the way to a movie with a friend. We're talking about random things, and all of a sudden he blurts out, "You know, I've come to the conclusion that there's a 'God-energy' out there, and we're all vessels for it. We just have to let it fill us."

I looked at him with a totally straight face, and I said, "You know, some people might call that 'grace.'"

"Yeah," he said. "That's a great word for it."

I went on, "And some people would even say there are definite means of getting that grace."

What a perfect lead-in to talk about the sacraments! We didn't get too far, but the groundwork is laid for a much more in-depth conversation later.

Then just a few minutes ago, I was sitting in the office of my former church laying out the bulletin for next week, and my former pastor came in to ready the elements for communion for the evening service. He told me that one of the artists in the congregation is making a ceramic chalice to use during communion because it's "more symbolic" than the little cups they currently use.

I didn't jump on that one right away, but again, it's laying the groundwork for future good conversations.

[journeyman]

I think my conversation ended more like . . . "you mean it already has a name?" . . . but I still ended up in RCIA . . . I've got a sneaking suspicion about that God-energy . . . it's kind of like the DRE at our parish, once you're in the sights . . . they don't let go

[Sojourner]

[quote name='journeyman' date='Nov 27 2005, 10:01 PM']I think my conversation ended more like . . . "you mean it already has a name?" . . . but I still ended up in RCIA . . . I've got a sneaking suspicion about that God-energy . . . it's kind of like the DRE at our parish, once you're in the sights . . .  they don't let go
[right][snapback]802067[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
I don't think my friend is ready to jump into RCIA just yet ... he still thinks I'm not a "real" Catholic and that I'm too heavily influenced by celibate men. But I definitely think he's in someone's sights. Mine, for one ... :

[PedroX]

Sojourner,

Hey, there's nothing wrong with celibate men!! :

Hope all goes well, oh, and it was great having breakfast. Thanks!

peace...

[Sojourner]

[quote name='PedroX' date='Dec 18 2005, 11:26 PM']Sojourner,

Hey, there's nothing wrong with celibate men!!  :

Hope all goes well, oh, and it was great having breakfast.  Thanks!

peace...
[right][snapback]830298[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
:

I personally have no problems with the level of influence celibate men have on my life. Although as I made clear at breakfast I'm not interested in adopting that lifestyle for myself. The celibate part, that is.

I also enjoyed breakfast! It was great seeing you.

[homeschoolmom]

Or the manhood part... right?

[Sojourner]

[quote name='homeschoolmom' date='Dec 20 2005, 05:11 PM']Or the manhood part... right?
[right][snapback]832008[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
Right. Not interested in any sort of activity that would lead to my gaining a Y chromosome.

[spiritmech]

That's actually very interesting. I do think there's something to it. I think I'm beginning to see how non-graceful energy is not just neutral, it's diabolical.

The thing is, negative, demonic energy hides itself as that. It tries to present itself as neutral, if not positive.

I know I need all the grace I can get!
sm