Dear Joan,

Yes, it is sad that so many see the Bible/the Commandments as rules that limit their freedom when it actually is a road map/guide to following Jesus. When we truly abide by the Commandments, we are actually free because it is then that we take responsibility for our sinful natures rather than be prisoners to them! I am grateful to be Catholic and grateful for the graces we as Catholics can receive from God through the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist (Jesus' Real Presence) and Confession regularly and of course the other Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders! It is interesting to see that when one speaks from the heart and soul about their faith in Jesus and trying to do their best to obey Jesus' words in Holy Scripture or by obeying the 10 Commandments but also admitting being weak and falling into sin but grateful for God's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession, one is here at the Catholic Reporter misunderstood or taken as being on a religious crusade.