Okay, I read this page: https://www.padrepiodapietrelcina.com/en/life-padre-pio-biography/#Young_Padre_Pio
Now what does God look like and where can I meet him? Does he do appointments?
Yes, he is available evey day at your local Catholic church. You can go and see him.
So what you're saying is he's not visible distinguishable from my local Catholic priest. Does that work like Santa's helpers? How can you say he's not hiding on one hand and that there's no way to recognize him on the other?
So to jump to the end argument.
If you wanted truth you'd be asking questions, not what ever it is you are doing.
People spend their lives in search of truth, it requires that you have an open mind and are able to value other peoples experiences.
You don't want truth however vaguely defined, you want to find a way to have your own opinions fed back to you so you can look smart without having to do any actual work or give anything up.
We have Truth, it's Jesus Christ. A study of the life of Padre Pio really can help you find him.
It cost Padre Pio everything, it will cost you everything. It has cost me a great deal.
Truth isn't cheap, you'll find it when you actually listen to the people who answer your questions.
As a direct reply, yes. The priest is a stand in for Christ. So you can have a horrible priest who does all of the horrible things - and the sacraments are still valid. Christ does the work, not the priest.
However God is there fully all on his own.
Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice and listen to me."
Are you his sheep?
Countless people have died for the faith. Are they all fools or just maybe they see something that you can't. It's something ti think about.
As an addendum: I am being very direct and I know that can come through as rude, but subtlety doesn't work well. I will continue to pray for you, and I do wish you the best.
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