OF FAITH – A Three-part Journey: Part Two (The Son).

Back up a bit with some information from the first part of this journey. My parents had reunited in their relationship with each other prior to moving out of state but had not consecrated the reunion in remarriage. They did finally remarry. They switched careers and eventually will end up moving back to the city.

Gospel According to St. John 8:44, Satan comes when you are down: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he stood not in the truth; because truth is not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.”

1st Epistles of Peter 5:8: “Be sober and: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.”

Graduation from the business school had brought me a decent job and I moved into an apartment suggested by a friend that was located in a better part of the city. I continued …to be a lost sheep. The apartment turned out to be too much of a financial burden and I thought that moving back in with my parents would cure the problem. Not so much. My life of sin continued with one comfort; I did have a safe place to return to after work, my parents’ apartment. In reality, I was still alone, without God (or so I thought).

Eventually I landed a more permanent job and was making enough money to pay my debts and afford to move out again on my own. Roommates, parties, nightclubs, and everything that comes with the single life in the early 80’s was the lifestyle for me. I was making good money for the times, I purchased a new vehicle, I had friends, laughter, and …

2nd Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians 11:14: “And no wonder: for Satan himself transformeth himself into an angel of light.”

Once again, my mother and father changed careers and moved out of state. This was no concern of mine; I was happy for them, that they had found each other once again and found suitable work. And I was finally happy and believed I had found a wonderful life. This “latch-key” kid had made it!

I was going on two years of a typical 1980’a single lifestyle, not thinking about anyone but myself. However, the current, false light in my life (the devil perhaps) did not last. Missing a long-lasting relationship was noticeable and I continued to feel alone, not fulfilled with anything but survival, and not truly happy. After the breakup of yet “another” relationship, I called my mother, crying that I was tired of this living, and asked her “How do I pray?” She truly did not know what to say to me, which took me by surprise, as my mother always had something to add, or perhaps she, herself was not happy. After a brief moment of silence, she finally said, “I don’t know, get on your knees and talk to God, I guess.” I did just that…

1st Epistles of Peter 3:21-22: “Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death, that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.”

Prayer, in the most pure and natural form, is truly an open door to Jesus Christ, The Son. It is here and now in this story that a genuine confession was most effective in the rest of my life. This time God had sent His Son, Jesus Christ.

…It was raining, I kneeled on my bed, head down and with folded hands, I cried deeply and confessed all of the sins of my lifestyle. Time was not relevant; I can only tell you that it was dark outside. After a while, when I looked up, out of the window I could clearly see every star visible from my view. The rain had stopped. I asked for a solution with all of my soul, all of my heart, fully attentive. I felt a strange but wonderful and warm feeling of compassion and fulfilment come over me… Warm goosebumps (if you are having them now, believe them). The room was light at that moment and for just a moment. Approximately 24 hours later I met the man I would marry…

Author/Contributor: Patricia Halbach

Please continue to check in to orateproecclesia.com for Part Three of “Of Faith – A Three-part Journey”