Why I Am a Catholic in 200 Words or Less

Patheos asked. So…..

I am a Catholic because I have had several undeniable experiences of God usually while I was praying in front of the Eucharist. I have also had several terrifying experiences of a dark, intelligent presence that was so full of hate that it would have eaten me and all of us long ago unless Someone stronger was keeping it in check.

I said this once to an atheist, but she doubted me saying, “If God loves everyone, then why hasn’t He revealed Himself to me in the same way?” It’s humbling, but I don’t have a good answer for that. Maybe because you don’t pray? Maybe He did and you were so blinded by pride and disdain that you didn’t see it? Maybe He has and you are lying to us all and yourself? Maybe you are just some kind of nut who really believes everything came out of nothing, and then beauty came too? Maybe I have a keener sense of the obvious than you? Or, most likely, maybe the experience I had was earned for me by the prayers and sacrifice of some long dead ancestor? I dunno. But I don’t have the guts to be disloyal to the revelation I received.