The Catholic Defender: My Encounter With An Atheist

Not long ago while I had an appointment at the Fox Medical Clinic, before I began work one morning at the Red Stone Army Installation, I first went to grab a quick bite to eat at the small cafeteria.

As I was waiting for my bowl of potato soup, I made a comment about Dr. Pepper because they did not sell it there. Another Veteran happened to have been sitting near by agreed with me that Dr. Pepper should be offered.

Johnny began speaking with me when I grabbed my tray and my sprite, and so I sat near him to talk for a few minutes. He was telling about his history in the Army, and that is always interesting. I asked him if he was already looking forward to the 2020 November election. He was not all that interested in the subject, he didn't seem to support anyone in the race.

I spoke up that I support Donald Trump in this election because he is all about supporting the Veterans and the Military. I told him there were many reasons I support Trump but most importantly, faith is so important to me. I certainly support conservative, religious concerns such as the Pro-Life cause, traditional marriage, and faith in America.

That is when Johnny came out that he was an Atheist, that he could not find anyone who could prove there was a god? He gave examples of tragedies he had seen in his life as his foundation.

Knowing my time was running short, I couldn't help giving some points of interest that could cause him to re-think his position.

I first gave a quick background of the Old Testament, that Jesus Christ fulfills hundreds of prophecies ranging thousands of years and multiple authors. From the coming of a star (Numbers 24:17), the Wise men following this star (Isaiah 60:1-5) to Jesus being buried in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah 53:9) and (Matthew 27:57-60).

I told Johnny that science is useful because of the investigations on miracles such as Lanciano Italy where the Eucharist transforms not only the substance, but the appearance as well. That the medical professionals observing this miracle in the 1970's, 80's did so for a two year period. They found the Host turn flesh was cardiac tissue, that rigor mortis had not set in. The blood type was AB + without a male blocker, Jesus had no human Father.

At this point, Johnny became very interested in what I was saying, he had never heard anything like this. I quickly shared the story of Fatima and how Our Lady has appeared many places giving many warnings that had come true.

Johnny then asked why there was so many different religions, I gave him two words, "Sola Scriptura". Rebellion cause men to go many different directions (40,000 plus) who could not agree on the bible. I gave these reasons why I put total faith and trust in the Catholic Faith. That Jesus Christ is the founder of the Catholic Faith. Jesus promised the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18-19), that he would remain with it until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20), and that Jesus gave the Church the Holy Spirit (Act's 2:1-13).

I also pointed out that St. Peter was the first Pope who was crucified upside down at Vatican Hill in 67 A.D and Pope Francis today is the 266th successor.

One last point I made concerned Christmas, that Jesus was truly born on December 25th 2 B.C. and proved scientifically by the Star of Bethlehem that was the happening of Ragulas and Jupiter coming together.

I could tell by the look and expression on Johnny's face that he was touched with what I said. He told me as I was getting up with a straight face, "you have a very special gift" and thanked me for talking with him this day. I was humbled with what he said.

We are called by Our Lord to plant seeds, I left thanking the Lord for this opportunity and I did get to work just right on time.

Colossians 4:2-6 states, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; and pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one."