I used to think the term Cafeteria Catholics applied only to those Catholics who pick and choose which church teachings to apply to their political life—abortion and same-sex marriage for example. But God opened my eyes to see the hypocrite standing in the mirror staring back at me when I choose to believe all the church teachings except one: Jesus loves me.
By Lauren Heaton
11 April 2019
How crazy is it that I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, but I struggle to believe he loves me?
How crazy is it that I believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead, but I struggle to believe he loves me?
For all you cradle-Christians who have grown numb to that starting statement, I’m going to say it again: Jesus Christ, true God and true man, rose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. People don’t just do that! Rising from the dead is unheard of, impossible! But we’ve heard it so many times we just nod along.
Do a heart check with me: do you believe Jesus defeated death and rose to new life? If yes, why do we struggle to believe he loves us?
How much crazier is it that as a Catholic I believe Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist, but I struggle to believe he loves me? I believe what Jesus said in John Chapter 6. I believe that my God & King loves me so much he humbles himself becoming fully present under the appearances of bread and wine to be close to little ol’ me. To save me from sin that I cannot save myself from. I believe that is really his body, blood, soul and divinity in the most beautiful Holy Eucharist, but I struggle to believe he loves me.
No more. I will pray the prayer of the father in Mark Chapter 9 “Lord, help my unbelief!”
He loves me as I am. He loves you just the same. Do you believe?
Lauren is a young Catholic professional working in the marketing industry. She loves working with high schoolers and leads a high school youth group. She is also passionate about leading a young women’s bible study, is on the leadership team for West Denver 2:42 a young adult ministry and sings at her church. Lauren is a modest fashion enthusiast, pancake connoisseur, promoter of faith and fitness, and lover of all things family oriented.
Lauren Heaton reveals so well how we can miss the main message that Jesus loves me.