Support for Atheists

"An atheist is a man with no invisible means of support." (attr. to Bishop Fulton Sheen)

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Atheism is often based on a false conception of human autonomy, exaggerated to the point of refusing any dependence on God. Yet, "to acknowledge God is in no way to oppose the dignity of man, since such dignity is grounded and brought to perfection in God...." "For the Church knows full well that her message is in harmony with the most secret desires of the human heart." (Catholic Catechism Par. 2126)

Can't Always Get What You Want (or How)

The flood watch was in effect and the voice from the police car called on the residents of the lowlying area to evacuate. "Don't worry about me," yelled one old man from his yard. "The Lord will protect me." The waters rapidly surrounded his house and a few of his neighbors came by in a boat to offer a ride. "Go help the others," he told them from his porch. "I have faith the Lord will protect me."

The waters continued to rise and the man was forced to the second floor of his house. A Coast Guard boat came by and asked him to leave the house. "Go help where it is needed," said the man. "I have called on my Lord to save me." But the water rose still higher and the man had to climb onto his roof. A helicopter spotted him and offered a ladder, but the man waived them away. A while later the water rose over the top of the house and the old man slipped into the flood and drowned.

When the man got to heaven, he told St. Peter, "I need to speak to Jesus." St. Peter made the arrangements and when the man saw Jesus face to face, he said, "Lord, I am really happy to be here, but you didn't answer my prayers. I called on you to save me from the flood." Jesus looked at him and said, "What are you talking about? I sent a policecar, two boats and a helicopter."

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"Do not be troubled if you do not immediately receive from God what you ask him: for he desires to do something even greater for you, while you cling to him in prayer. God wills that our desire should be exercised in prayer, that we may be able to receive what he is prepared to give." (Catholic Catechism Par. 2737)