Scenario #1 The Case of the Skiing Apologist

Martin is laid up in a hospital with a badly broken leg, following a skiing accident. His leg may be weak, but his Catholic faith isn't. He's had nothing better to do than to read back issues of Envoy for the last two weeks. Bob, a heart-attack victim, occupies another bed in the same room. Martin is a friendly guy, and has gotten to know his roommate in recent days. He knows that Bob was baptized Catholic, but hasn't practiced in years. Daily, a young Protestant preacher comes by to share his faith and offer encouragement. The pastor is intent on saving Bob's soul, and in the process, he is encouraging Bob to be re-baptized as a Christian. Bob's heart is weak. Who knows how long he may live?  What should Martin do?
What would you do?


Here's a few responses from readers like you!

From: Greg Tyska
Since Martin obviously has some sort of relationship with Bob, Martin should ask Bob about his new search for faith. This would give Bob the opportunity to tell Martin what Bob is seeking. Since the Catholic faith holds all the truths of Christ, Martin would be able to witness to Bob how the Catholic faith provides the path back to Christ that Bob is seeking. Martin should avoid directly confronting the Protestant pastor by first explaining the true Catholic teachings fully. Martin should pray constantly and trust the Holy Spirit to guide Martin, Bob, and the Protestant preacher to understand and experience Jesus in his Catholic Church.
From: Jim Dobbins
I would first explain how much God loves Bob, and then assure him that he was already baptized and only one baptism is necessary and sufficient. Being baptized again will have no effect. Then I would explain to him, using material directly from scripture, that (1) God is pure love and therefore it is the nature of our infinite God to love us infinitely, (2) Jesus told us that hell was created for Satan and his devils, not for man, and therefore man has to choose to go there by rejecting Jesus by not keeping Jesus' word, (3) Jesus said in John 14:23 that if we love Him, we will keep His word, and the holy Trinity will dwell within our soul, (4) to keep Jesus' word we must do as he told us, (5) the one and only way Jesus gave us for forgiveness of our sins was through His Church when He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of Heaven and, through him to the apostles and disciples, the Divine power to forgive sin, (6) that Jesus, in the gospel of Luke chapters 9 and 10, gave the disciples the same powers He gave the apostles to preach and work miracles in His name, (7) that the Church is still His Church, founded on the apostles, and His power to forgive sin, given to the apostles, is still in His Church, and only in His Church, through the ages to the present day through apostolic succession, (8) that His Church is His Body, as He, after He had risen and was glorified, asked Paul on the road to Damascus, "Why do you persecute Me?", not "Why do you persecute the Church?", and therefore He has identified His Church with Himself, confirming He and His power will be with His Church for all time for He cannot be separated from Himself. This also confirms He still suffers for His Church even in His glorified state, and therefore also confirms what has been taught by the Church through the ages, that the holy sacrifice of the Mass is a real participation in the liturgy of Heaven as described in the book of Revelation, i.e., the two visions given to St. John corresponding to the two parts of the Mass, the liturgy of the word and the liturgy of the Eucharist. In Revelation, in the second vision, Jesus appears, not glorious, but as the Lamb who appears as if slain, who stands at the altar of Heaven to offer the continual sacrifice to the Father. The sacrifice He offers is the Holy Eucharist offered for the remission of our sin at all the Masses said by the priests, who stand in His person, every minute of every day, throughout time, until the Father determines the time for the end has come.

Therefore, the only action Bob can take, that makes any sense at all, is to accept the abyss of mercy offered by Jesus, approach Him in loving humility, respond to the grace of the Holy Spirit received when he was baptized, go to confession to a Catholic priest, receive Confirmation, receive Holy Eucharist, receive the anointing of the sick, and then be assured of God's infinite love and his own salvation, and accept the peace of Jesus in His own heart from Jesus residing within his soul. However well meaning the minister may be who is visiting Bob, there is nothing he can offer Bob but words. The only one who can offer Bob anything of substantive worth is a Catholic priest.
From: Muriel Black, Sanford ME
ONE WORD. PRAY! Actually put it in God's hands, pray consistently for the Spirit to touch him and by all means explain how your Catholic faith sustains you through hard times and of course Evangelize the best way possible, pass on your Envoy magazines.
From: James
I would continue to develop the already good rapport that the two men have and I would gently point out that the intention of the minister would be redundant, as he is already baptized the correct way,the biblical way in water and in spirit...why would he want a cheap imitation. I would also call one of my parish priests or deacons to come for a visit with a covert mission of educating my roomate gently with the help of the holy spirit....all the way letting the roomate know that it was no coincidence that they became roomates!
From: Michael
Although Bob hasn't practiced the Faith in some time, Martin should try to get Bob to take a walk down memory lane. Recalling Bob's days as a youth most likely attending Mass with his parents he should certainly be able to recall from memory some of the antiphonal responses during Mass, like the Creed. "We believe in one God.....one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body...." Fondly recalling his memories will bring him in touch with the Truth of the Faith, and the Bible. All in a fond manner. Who knows, this might be the spark Bob needs.
From: Unknown
Hmmm. I would introduce myself to the other guy in the room. I would tell him when the protestant pastor left that he doesn't need to be re-baptized to re-establish his relationship with God. I'd give him some of the magazines for him to pass the time. I would receive the Eucharist in my room daily. I would be a soft-cell
From: Monique (from France)
I think a catholic is already a Christian and there is no need to push Bob to be re-baptized. There should be an amount of personal desire to be re-baptized. And asking to be re-baptized would be an insult to the parents who had him baptized. And one should honor one's parents. If a baptized protestant should abandon the right path in life for different reasons, should he/she re-baptized also when he comes back to Christian life ? First of all, much would be gained if Martin and the preacher got together to pray for Bob to evolve positively and live more by the Words of God. Then, now that Martin knows his roommate better, he could start dialoguing with him, and touching strong subjects as eternal life, joy, love, etc...start asking him if he ever read the Bible ; is he ready for it ; show that all kinds of answers are given to all kind of questions. I personally think that one cannot rush to save somebody. One should treat the person to be saved the same way God treats us, softly, gently. Good surprises might come out of it, provided prayers are made sincerely and regularly.
From:Lori
I would explain to Bob or his family that he does not need to be baptized again and shouldn't be (once is for always). However, he should contact a priest to make a good confession and to receive last rites ASAP.
From: Ray
I would share my envoy magazines with Bob and ask the hospital to have a priest visit him. I would explain to Bob that he does not need to be baptized again as a Christian. I would also share with Bob stories of my families religious practices very gently and not in a pushy manor. I would also encourage him to receive the Eucharist after a good confession.

From: Joan
If I were Martin, I would ask my priest to come and visit me in the hospital, and arrange it so I could speak privately to him, preferably without Bob's knowledge. I would explain Bob's situation, and about the Protestant minister's well-intentioned efforts. Then, the priest could come to visit Martin at a time when Bob was there, and could reach out to him at that time. After visiting with Martin for a while, it would be the most natural thing in the world for the priest to be introduced to Martin's room-mate and to strike up a conversation with him as well. A simple, "Is there anything I can do for you, Bob?" from the priest may open the floodgates! On the other hand, Bob may simply demur, in which case the priest should be prepared to follow up. It may take a few visits to reach the point where Bob is comfortable enough to speak, too.

I would only do this if it seemed that Martin was at all interested in what that Protestant minister had to say. If Martin has rejected God, then being approached by a priest may be incredibly disturbing for him, and that's not something he should be subjected to.

However, I like to think that Martin, like most of us, longs to come home to the Lord. A gentle approach, an invitation to be reconciled, delivered in the appropriate manner can open the doors for someone when they are feeling unworthy of the Lord. If Martin knows a priest that can reach out to Bob in this way, he would be doing a great good to connect the two of them. Someone needs to remind Bob that our Lord is always waiting for us, his prodigal sons and daughters. Since a priest can offer absolution and speaks from knowledge and experience, Bob would be more inclined to listen to him than to a lay person. After all, what does a lay person know -- that might be the question that Bob asks.

The priest should bring along with him some of the briefer summaries of the Catholic faith, such as "Pillar of Fire, Pillar of Truth," or the wonderful booklet that my parish distributed last year, "Outlines of the Catholic Faith." Bob can look through these and be reminded how very little our Lord really asks of us, and he will see how much good sense and love is in His laws. It's past time for Bob to come home!

Also, and this is very important, Martin should pray for Bob, not just his physical recovery but his spiritual renewal. Pray that he will accept the Lord. Without knowing Bob, I would caution Martin not to mention this to him, as many people feel patronized if they hear "I'm praying for you." I imagine they think that they don't need any help, and of course, it is just the ones with that attitude that need the most help of all!

Sorry this is quite long, but you see it struck a nerve with me. I had lapsed for nearly 11 years before coming back to the Lord, and the quantity and magnitude of the sins I confessed was absolutely horrifying. But I have been washed clean, and learned from my mistakes as well. If the good Lord can accept me back to be showered with the blessings I now have, I know He will accept any of us, even at our worst, as long as it is what we truly desire.
From: Charlane
I would call the nearest priest and ask him to pray with martin and Bob. Include the minister in the prayers. And let the spirit work.
From: MaryAnn
I think I would do 2 things. One, I'd try to share by faith with Bob and try to get him to see things from a Catholic perspective. I'd try to help him see that as Catholics, we ARE Christians, and there is no need for him to be re-baptized. I'd try to share God's love and mercy with Bob the best that I could. Second, I'd call a Catholic priest and ask him to begin to visit Bob as well. The problem as I see it is that the Protestant minister is willing to give his time and energies for Bob's soul. Where is the Catholic clergy at this time in Bob's life? Isn't there a Catholic chaplain at the hospital? The final thing I'd do is pray, pray, pray for Bob. Perhaps I'd even ask Bob if he minded if I prayed over him (from my hospital bed). Perhaps he would appreciate saying the Our Father with me. I would try to get hold of some Catholic prayer books for him to use and encourage him to participate in the sacrament of the Sick.
From: Pat
In response to "What would you do"... First I would share my copies of Envoy magazine with Bob. I would gently remind him that our Lord doesn't expect him to be re-baptized into the faith...a simple confession and reunion with Him would be just fine. I would also find out if there is a Catholic chaplain in the hospital who could visit the room, or if not, invite my parish priest to come and speak with both of us. Lastly, I would pray, pray, pray for Bob's reconciliation with Jesus.
From: Anita
I would join the conversation, listening for a while at first. Then I would gently but clearly explain, using Bible references (when possible), the truth. The key to this method is to smile, listen and use a gentle tone of voice (even if you are seething inside). I like to use bible references when talking to protestants, because then they can investigate for themselves and because to them it may be the only "creditable" source. If nothing else this method tends to spark some conversation.

From: Mary
Sounds like a wonderful place for both of them to be. Martin obviously is there for such a time as this. The most powerful weapon is the shield of Martin's faith, he may have to hobble over to Bob's bed and perhaps ask some hard questions, but with his faith strong Martin should easily be able to win Bob's confidence. In just a short space of time, Martin already knows a lot about Bob. He needs to find out a little bit more. Why did you leave Bob, what was it that hardened your heart towards Catholicism? Most of the time it is misinformation or misunderstanding that leads to a departure.

Since the situation appears to be ordained, the answer to Bob's dilema is most likely in one of the issues of the magazine. It really should be easy, obviously Bob is searching and the young minister has the answer, Bob just doesn't know that he is already sealed, he just needs someone to open the eyes of his understanding. And it goes without saying that Martin could pray with Bob it sounds like he would have no objection to that.

From: Roger
In my opinion there is no better way to evangelize then by good example. That's long term. Short term is different and I would "witness" which I believe is lacking in the Catholic Church. There are miracles happening to me almost on a daily basis, however we may be to blind to see them. Stop and in a Christian light, analyze what has happened to you today and I bet you will see at least one miracle which has happened to you without you even realizing it. Use these situations to bring Jesus into your conversation and He will do the rest. Trust Him.

Short Story: I was stationed in Fort Lewis Washington. I lived in Milwaukee, Wi. My sister was making her First Communion. I wanted to be home for that great occasion. I prayed to Jesus that if I could get home and back safe I would like to go, and if I couldn't get a leave I would understand. I got the leave and left with only ten dollars in my pocket. I hitchhiked and met some of the most beautiful people along the way. Home and back without a hitch and money left in my pocket.
From: Teresa
I would talk to Bob about my religious experiences in life. One thing I'd be sure to shsare is that as a child I practiced the religion of my parents, but as an adult, I made made the choice on my own. I was baptized a Catholic as an infant, I was confirmed as a child in grade school, but I continue to be a Catholic because it is my choice. Some Protestant denominations have altar calls when people profess their faith in Jesus as their lord and savior. Each Sunday when I recite the Nicean Creed at liturgy, I believe I am making a personal profession of faith. I can choose to believe in God or not; I can choose to participate in a religious group, or not. I choose to be Catholic. There is also a widespread belief that Catholics don't read the Bible. Well, I read it and study it and if it is possible for Martin to do that with Bob, he should. If he can't, it's not too late to start. Perhaps he and Bob could start together. They should also pray together, and with Martin's priest and even the visiting minister. Bob needs the peace that passes understanding and Martin has the opportunity to be a channel of God's grace.
From: Ray
After Daily had left, I would ask Bob what he thought of Daily's views on the faith. I would ask Bob how much he knows about the Catholic faith, since I was myself just 'refreshing' myself on the church myself. "I don't mean to pry, but how much of OUR church do you know, Bob?" If he seemed open, I would offer to get a Catholic priest to come in and share some with him. If Bob seemed a bit uninterested, I would probably arrange for a priest to visit me, and then introduce Bob to him. Of course, I'd let the priest know ahead of time what the story was. If possible, I'd try to get the priest to visit often. If Bob was still uninterested, the priest and I could have a lot of talks. At the worst, it would help my faith. At best, Bob would listen in and become interested.

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