An Open Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste
This past weekend myself and some good friends got together and fixed up a chicken coop. The Catholic men around my town do things like that from time to time. It's a fallen world and our fellow travelers help us keep our courage.
The conversation is always interesting and always ranges in topics. With a retired fire chief, a professional engineer, and a beekeeper among the ranks we can typically get to "dialoguing" easily. This past weekend was no exception.
Our resident elderly person, who has a great sense of humor I might add, was very adamant at one point when we were discussing open minds. From his point of view, and what most think about the subject, is that an open mind is similar to being wish-washy and easily lead astray. They contend perhaps that an open mind leads to those tickling ears St. Paul teaches us about.
I contended otherwise.
In my case, from personal experience, an open mind saved me from the dregs of slavery. You see up to my reversion I had lived a life of somewhat ill repute. I had no definitive moral compass or code. I hardly had allegiances. I was like the walking dead in some respects. But, God called. Perhaps it was my last chance. When you tend to continually deny Him entry He doesn't seem to hang about begging for you to change your mind.
It just so happened, in His time I found my way back to the truth. By the Grace of God I became a supernatural Catholic again. Even better, my open mind not only led me back to Mass, but it sent me a on a journey of discerning truth and God's mysteries that continues to this very moment.
A truly open mind should end in conversion, which the Church contends is not a one time affair but continual.
If I had walled off my mind and insisted what was already in there was enough I would have missed every light and grace sent my way. At the moment, in my current state I miss enough of them. I can't imagine my shape if I had missed them all.
Alas, my contention was to no avail.
Did I mention that he was a stubborn elderly person who has a great sense of humor?