Modern atheists often quote the English Philosopher Bertrand Russell as a pin up guy for them. Here he is an old man back in 1959. Funnily enough I agree with some of what he says. I sometimes think athesits have rejected a religious belief system that does not really or rarely exists. I just felt sad for the poor old guy, I hope he made it through those pearly gates. Sad, so sad.
'Russell died of influenza on 2 February 1970 at his home, Plas Penrhyn, in Penrhyndeudraeth, Merionethshire, Wales. His body was cremated in Colwyn Bay on 5 February 1970. In accordance with his will, there was no religious ceremony; his ashes were scattered over the Welsh mountains later that year' So sad, so very,very sad. Must pray for his poor soul. Sigh.
I have struggled with this central question about whether God is a personal God or not. This seems to be the question of many saints and sinners but unlike many of the saints and sinners, God revealed to me that He has a personal interest in my life! So I am blessed beyond others, which can at times be a hard cross to bear, especially when God reveals that I am so sinful that I deserve Hell. The merciful God took pity on me a small and insignificant child and showed me with undeniable certainity that He is a personal God to me and also a personal God to everyone. However, I can also atest that in my most desperate needs and prayers, God has remained silent and then I have to marry the two extremes and ask the question Why did God not intervene in this dilemma which seems to have the same significance (or even worse) for me as the previous dilemma in which He revealed Himself and His Love undeniably. I console myself with the thought that God sees all! and far more than I can see. I see only a snippet of the truth of His love. Therefore when I consider the times He does not answer my prayers (as I would have them answered) I believe there is some higher reason and maybe that reason will be revealed to me or maybe it won't be revealed, thereforeI must trust and have faith. But yes I am blessed among the Blessed and I pray for those that have not had this confirmation!. I too would be in their shoes but for the grace of God. Therefore another question surfaces; that being...... if God showed His love to sinful me but He loves all His children equally, than maybe there is a high chance that it could have been me left wondering about a personal God and what then? I know, I would be hoping in my soul, that those more fortunate than I, those priveldged to have been given the graces of confirmation of His existance , would be rallying and praying for me in my obvious need! So I pray for all unbelievers!............... for there go I but for the grace of God.
When I was a Staff Weenie in Korea, my ROKAF partner, Kwon, was an atheist and his wife a Christian. They were both great people. I got into a discussion with Kwon about religion and I remember him quoting ole Bertrand. The Message of The Divine Mercy gives me great comfort ... for me and non-believers! Merry 7th Day of Christmas .... & 2016 GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!
I think Our Lady in her messages at Medugorje did not call Atheists, 'Unbelievers', I think she used another word or phrase. I forget what. I will try to remember. She is very kind.
A real Mother. My mother was like that, she had ten children, she would never ,ever let any of us criticise any of our brothers and sisters to her face. My father though...my father, I seem to remember, would always lend a listening ear. ..and maybe a comment or two himself.
I have always found it one of the most remarkable events in the Spiritual Life to encounter someone who never says anything bad about other people. I always take it as a sure sign of a High Degree of Sanctity So rare. So very,very rare. But delightful.
