Many of us have probably found ourselves in similar predicaments. And in today's ecumenical climate, such occurrences can serve as pleasant exchanges of faith. Catholics have traditionally been regarded as a bit more reserved, hesitant to share their religious convictions. The reluctance may stem from a variety of reasons. For some persons the tendency is to lead neat, compartmentalized lives, to look upon one's religious commitment as distinct or separate from one's parenting role, one's place within society or in the work force, one's private habits.
Religion is simply one duty among others to accomplish, an obligation to meet, a task to fulfill.
Catholicism is not an outer garment that can be donned or discarded at one's convenience. Faith must become something vibrant and integral, something life-giving and nurturing, something that reaches beyond one hour a week to embrace a person's whole being. Having learned how to carve out a place in our life for reverence and wonder, we don't get stuck at the level of mechanical involvement. There may be moments in our Christian lives when we struggle with doubt, distraction or indifference. Such limitations don't overwhelm us or make us despondent, but lead us to a greater appreciation of God's provident election.