From today:
The priest who hears confession, stressed John Paul II, must welcome the penitent, be thoughtful, warm and caring in his demeanor and "not be avaricious with his time."
He must also, said the Pope, use charity and
justice "in referring, without ideological variations, ... to the genuine
teachings of the Church."
I don't know who is on the other end of this web-link but:
I am a Catholic and a soldier in the US Army stationed in South Korea. The Army has stationed me here, away from my wife and two little girls which is a calling that I thought that I could handle. I don't know if I can handle it. This is by far the toughest thing that I have ever done. I get to go to Mass fairly seldom due to my line of work, and when I do go I find the Mass to be sometimes centered on Army Morale instead of true Catholic teachings and council. My Heart and Soul are suffering daily being away from their love both human and supernatural.
I can talk to my wife on the phone and to God anywhere but I feel so isolated up here on the boarder between North and South. I find myself giving into Anger, Depression, and Despair; even though I know that my assignment here is only for 1 year. My girls are growing up without a father around and my wife has no one to step in and give here a break from the stresses of parenthood. I did not know that serving my country meant giving up and sacrificing so much.
Looking for strength and guidance,
Christopher
How do you do, Christopher!
Thanks for your comment.
Check back at this page later to see if any other readers add their own thoughts -- we've got some other military folks around who can identify with your experience of being on assignment and being a dad.
While the world's attention is always at the trouble spots, wherever there's fighting, I hope you know that a lot of us appreciate the good you Army guys have done in Korea, keeping the truce for so many, many people.
And I can sure believe that being away from your wife and kids for that long is a tough thing. Gosh, just being away from my own town on a work trip is enough to make me miss it.
God bless you for being faithful to Mass when you can get there; you're probably also keeping up your relation with God in your prayers. If you don't yet read Scripture as part of your prayer time, I'd recommend it: I found going through the Psalms helpful when I was away from home as a student years ago.
The Mystery of Suffering. "ALL things work to good for those who love God". EVERYTHING is willed by God and used to further our own salvation and the salvation of the world. We cannot understand it now but Heaven will hardly be long enough to see how all our sufferings contributed so mightily to the plan God has for us all. Your little girls are SO proud of their Daddy and even as they miss his warm arms around them they know in their hearts (especially with the "logic" of the feminine) that they are loved even beyond the reality of the physical - the mere here-and-now. They are more likely to grow up happy and healthy because of your principles rather than your presence though they sorely miss that too. God blesses you and them every day you are away. One day you will be with them again then a short time later forever in Heaven. Thank you for doing what you are doing. The Lord is near to the broken-hearted.
Christopher
I will keep you, and all soldiers serving away from home, in my prayers.
I too spent a year away from home, in Viet Nam. I was fortunate to be single at the time but it was still hard to be away from family and friends for a year. I still feel sometimes like the year 1969 is missing from my life.
At the same time, looking back, I realize it was a good experience. It taught me to understand how much we share with people in other countries who can only imagine what life is like in the US. It also taught me something about seeing the beauty of God's creation and His intentions, even in a country torn apart by war.
I pray you will not give in to anger and depression but try to see Gods working through this experience in some way. I know this is very easy for me to say but I also know it might help.
I thank for the work you are doing and I also pray you will stay safe and come home to a joyous reunion with your family.
Ron Moffat
Christopher:
I am not in the Army, nor have ever been, but I have been away from my family (mom and dad) for 26 years now and it is still painful every time i remember them.
The good thing about your situation is that one year goes by quick. I know it doesn't look like that right now, but be patient. Pray and ask for His protection, and before you know it, a year will be gone and you will be back with your little girls.
this year will teach you and your family the real value of family. Just be patient.
My prayers are with you, your family and all the other members of the Army that are far away at the present protecting us and the ideas this country stands for.
Thanks for everything Christopher and God Bless you.