Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Immaculate Mary
Thank you Jesus, for creating Mary, Immaculate. Thank you, Blessed Mother for Jesus.
6th Year Anniversary ...
Immaculate Mary
Today Rich and I have been back in full communion with the Church for 6 years having been away from Her for 26 years. It is the Church Jesus established, built on Peter, our first Pope. We are JOYFUL, and PROUD to be CATHOLIC.
Please come Home if you've been away or want to be Catholic.
There's no time is like "NOW."
'Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.'
COME HOME to ROME SWEET HOME.
Today Rich and I have been back in full communion with the Church for 6 years having been away from Her for 26 years. It is the Church Jesus established, built on Peter, our first Pope. We are JOYFUL, and PROUD to be CATHOLIC.
Please come Home if you've been away or want to be Catholic.
There's no time is like "NOW."
'Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.'
COME HOME to ROME SWEET HOME.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Everybody loves Santa Claus. He embodies holiday cheer, happiness, fun, and gifts—warm happy aspects of the Christmas season. How do Santa Claus and St. Nicholas differ?
Santa Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.
Santa Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.
Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.
Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.
—J. Rosenthal & C. Myers
Interesting: The REAL FACE of St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus?
Saint Nicholas Center
St. Nicholas had a difficult time during the 16th century Protestant Reformation which took a dim view of saints. Even though both reformers and counter-reformers tried to stamp out St. Nicholas-related customs, they had very little long-term success except in England where the religious folk traditions were permanently altered. (It is ironic that fervent Puritan Christians began what turned into a trend to a more secular Christmas observance.) Because the common people so loved St. Nicholas, he survived on the European continent as people continued to place nuts, apples, and sweets in shoes left beside beds, on windowsills, or before the hearth.
St. Nicholas had a difficult time during the 16th century Protestant Reformation which took a dim view of saints. Even though both reformers and counter-reformers tried to stamp out St. Nicholas-related customs, they had very little long-term success except in England where the religious folk traditions were permanently altered. (It is ironic that fervent Puritan Christians began what turned into a trend to a more secular Christmas observance.) Because the common people so loved St. Nicholas, he survived on the European continent as people continued to place nuts, apples, and sweets in shoes left beside beds, on windowsills, or before the hearth.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Gospel reading for today...
Jesus said to His disciples: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Hmm. "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and ACTS on them..." Thinking on that a bit. He does not say, "Everyone who just believes in Me" will enter the Kingdom, but that 'belief' must mean, in effect, ACTING, DOING and 'working out' that belief, that 'salvation.' It's not just a 'mental ascent' and or a heart 'belief' alone, with no action. It is not "faith" alone as James also tells us, but it is grace that saves us, and then that grace of a transformed heart/soul is evident in the working out of that faith/belief, resulting in actions of love and goodwill. Love generates good works, but not all good works stem from love. Many 'good works' can stem from pride. So we're to believe, but it has to be more than 'belief' alone, for even devils 'believe.' They not only 'believe' but they can quote scripture inside out and backwards. Remaining IN Christ is essential. We are constantly warned to 'remain in Him' for apart from Him we can do nothing, and will 'collapse' in ruin. Isn't it then also wise to not only remain in Christ as a personal effort, but also as a 'Church' and remaining in HIS Church, also then essential for our safety and salvation? For He and His Church are One. Dis His Church and you risk dissing the Rock of Salvation and you risk collapsing in ruin. Just a thought.
Hmm. "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and ACTS on them..." Thinking on that a bit. He does not say, "Everyone who just believes in Me" will enter the Kingdom, but that 'belief' must mean, in effect, ACTING, DOING and 'working out' that belief, that 'salvation.' It's not just a 'mental ascent' and or a heart 'belief' alone, with no action. It is not "faith" alone as James also tells us, but it is grace that saves us, and then that grace of a transformed heart/soul is evident in the working out of that faith/belief, resulting in actions of love and goodwill. Love generates good works, but not all good works stem from love. Many 'good works' can stem from pride. So we're to believe, but it has to be more than 'belief' alone, for even devils 'believe.' They not only 'believe' but they can quote scripture inside out and backwards. Remaining IN Christ is essential. We are constantly warned to 'remain in Him' for apart from Him we can do nothing, and will 'collapse' in ruin. Isn't it then also wise to not only remain in Christ as a personal effort, but also as a 'Church' and remaining in HIS Church, also then essential for our safety and salvation? For He and His Church are One. Dis His Church and you risk dissing the Rock of Salvation and you risk collapsing in ruin. Just a thought.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Mary – Eschatological Icon of the Church
After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude, than by looking to Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own "pilgrimage of faith," and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, "in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity," "in the communion of all the saints," the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Profession of Faith, Part I, § 972.
Remember Elizabeth (house of God) represents the Church, when Mary came to visit her and help her in her latter days of pregnancy to give birth to John the Baptist. Remember what Elizabeth says?
And it came about that Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" [Luke 1:41-43; NASB]
For those of you who have a 'hard time' with Mary being the Mother of God, please read, and think, reason, consider and like Mary, PONDER in your hearts this:
Mary, The Mother of My Lord
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Profession of Faith, Part I, § 972.
Remember Elizabeth (house of God) represents the Church, when Mary came to visit her and help her in her latter days of pregnancy to give birth to John the Baptist. Remember what Elizabeth says?
And it came about that Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" [Luke 1:41-43; NASB]
For those of you who have a 'hard time' with Mary being the Mother of God, please read, and think, reason, consider and like Mary, PONDER in your hearts this:
Mary, The Mother of My Lord
About the Eucharist, i.e. The REAL Presence ...
They hold aloof from the Eucharist and from services of prayer,
because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior,
Jesus Christ...therefore, those who argue against this gift of God,
will die in their disputes. - Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Saturday, November 20, 2010
"Oh My Mother,..."
Dear Mother, make me love him! Pour into my heart that love that burned in yours for him. Even though I be clothed in misery, I revere the mystery of your Immaculate Conception, and I ardently wish that through it you may purify my heart so that I may love your God and my God.
Cleanse my mind that I may reach up to Him and contemplate Him and adore Him in spirit and in truth. Purify my body that I, too, may be a tabernacle for Him and be less unworthy of possessing Him when He deigns to come to me in Holy Communion.
Friday, November 19, 2010
By: Rev. Adrian Dieleman of the Reformed Church...
This is very remarkable and I thought it worthy to post, in the hope of spreading real Christian unity. When a Protestant gets it right, and defends the Catholic Church/faith, I will give them credit and due 'kudos.' Here is a phenomenal message about the tepid, the lukewarm.
Sermon on Revelation 3:15-16
Sermon on Revelation 3:15-16
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Why Can't Protestants Receive Communion in the Catholic Church?
Bread from Heaven
“We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true…”
-Justin Martyr -FIRST APOLOGY, 66,20–(150 A.D.)
Rebellion in the Church ...
Dissidents and Schismatics of the
"Emerging Church"
are working feverishly to form a
"New Catholic Church."
Do not be lured by their 'feel good' theology.
Do not follow those rebels!
STAY WITH PETER!
Where "Peter" is...
there is the Church.
Where the Church is
There is Jesus
the Head
the Author and Finisher
of our Faith.
"Emerging Church"
are working feverishly to form a
"New Catholic Church."
Do not be lured by their 'feel good' theology.
Do not follow those rebels!
STAY WITH PETER!
Where "Peter" is...
there is the Church.
Where the Church is
There is Jesus
the Head
the Author and Finisher
of our Faith.
Again, For Ex, Lapsed, Lukewarm, or Anti Catholics:
Catholicism is not mere mysticism; it is even now defending human reason against the mere mysticism of the Pragmatists. Thus, when the world went Puritan in the seventeenth century, the Church was charged with pushing charity to the point of sophistry, with making everything easy with the laxity of the confessional. Now that the world is not going Puritan but Pagan, it is the Church that is everywhere protesting against a Pagan laxity in dress or manners. It is doing what the Puritans wanted done when it is really wanted. In all probability, all that is best in Protestantism will only survive in Catholicism; and in that sense all Catholics will still be Puritans when all Puritans are Pagans.
Thus, for instance, Catholicism, in a sense little understood, stands outside a quarrel like that of Darwinism at Dayton. It stands outside it because it stands all around it, as a house stands all around two incongruous pieces of furniture. It is no sectarian boast to say it is before and after and beyond all these things in all directions. It is impartial in a fight between the Fundamentalist and the theory of the Origin of Species, because it goes back to an origin before that Origin; because it is more fundamental than Fundamentalism. It knows where the Bible came from. It also knows where most of the theories of Evolution go to. It knows there were many other Gospels besides the Four Gospels, and that the others were only eliminated by the authority of the Catholic Church. It knows there are many other evolutionary theories besides the Darwinian theory; and that the latter is quite likely to be eliminated by later science. It does not, in the conventional phrase, accept the conclusions of science, for the simple reason that science has not concluded. To conclude is to shut up; and the man of science is not at all likely to shut up. It does not, in the conventional phrase, believe what the Bible says, for the simple reason that the Bible does not say anything. You cannot put a book in the witness-box and ask it what it really means. The Fundamentalist controversy itself destroys Fundamentalism. The **Bible by itself cannot be a basis of agreement when it is a cause of disagreement;** it cannot be the common ground of Christians when some take it allegorically and some literally. The Catholic refers it to something that can say something, to the living, consistent, and continuous mind of which I have spoken; the highest mind of man guided by God."
The above is an excerpt from this G.K. Chesterton link - previously posted.
For All Ex-Catholics...Expressly For Russell...
Why I Am A Catholic
my conversion, or 'reconversion' to the Catholic Church
is posted in my blog, in archives found in May, 2006.
I am posting this now, for you as an end to the futile, circular argument
and because it is squarely why I am
Catholic, also...
Because Catholicism IS TRUE.
We are to worship in spirit and in
TRUTH.
God bless.
my conversion, or 'reconversion' to the Catholic Church
is posted in my blog, in archives found in May, 2006.
I am posting this now, for you as an end to the futile, circular argument
and because it is squarely why I am
Catholic, also...
Because Catholicism IS TRUE.
We are to worship in spirit and in
TRUTH.
God bless.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Just What Are the Essentials? ...
Excerpt from embedded link:
"Protestants reply that they agree on the essential issues and disagree on the peripheral issues. But calling baptism, Holy Eucharist, ecclesiology, liturgy, matrimony, sin, salvation, and eschatology “peripheral issues” does not change anything. They are major doctrines, tenaciously held by their respective denominations."
This is a very informative work, Questions to ask Protestants, and is written to/for Catholics to know how to evangelize brothers and sisters in other denominations. Don't be to quick to 'disregard' this. Please, if you're a Protestant or an Evangelical, 'put down the 'anti-Catholic' "sword" and read, consider, ponder, think, and ask yourself these same questions. Do your own homework, and realize that Catholics ARE Christians, and we are only desiring that you, too, come back or into the Fullness of Communion with TRUTH, where TRUTH resides, wholly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Church Jesus built, founded, established. He did not build "many" but only One. The Catholic Church. Let us ALL be united, and make Jesus happy by fulfilling His prayer to His Father in JOHN 17. ONE Bread ONE Body.
"Protestants reply that they agree on the essential issues and disagree on the peripheral issues. But calling baptism, Holy Eucharist, ecclesiology, liturgy, matrimony, sin, salvation, and eschatology “peripheral issues” does not change anything. They are major doctrines, tenaciously held by their respective denominations."
This is a very informative work, Questions to ask Protestants, and is written to/for Catholics to know how to evangelize brothers and sisters in other denominations. Don't be to quick to 'disregard' this. Please, if you're a Protestant or an Evangelical, 'put down the 'anti-Catholic' "sword" and read, consider, ponder, think, and ask yourself these same questions. Do your own homework, and realize that Catholics ARE Christians, and we are only desiring that you, too, come back or into the Fullness of Communion with TRUTH, where TRUTH resides, wholly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Church Jesus built, founded, established. He did not build "many" but only One. The Catholic Church. Let us ALL be united, and make Jesus happy by fulfilling His prayer to His Father in JOHN 17. ONE Bread ONE Body.
Monday, September 20, 2010
This Is A BIG Dilemma...Where Do You Stand?
Something to pray about...
Something to learn about...
Something to "do"
about
because it
DOES
matter
what you believe
after all.
"We can believe what we choose.
We are answerable for what we choose to believe."
Blessed Cardinal John Henri Newman
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
In Joel's Words...
How does "joke telling" accomplish "life giving change?" How does gathering for a meeting like this really 'transform' a soul? I've nothing against him personally, but this is a far cry from what the Early Church celebrated when they gathered together! (Mass of the Early Christians) It was for MASS that they gathered and were hunted and slaughtered like animals, for their belief IN the EUCHARIST, the Lord's Supper. They had to meet under the dire threat of injury or death as many in other parts of the world are still doing, under penalty of death!
A big gathering of people in a (click for video -->) "mega church" such as this is no threat to the devil at all! In fact, he's pretty much laughing at this "modern church" calling itself 'Christian.' The only Church the devil is attacking regularly is the same One he's been attacking since its founding by Jesus himself! The Catholic Church!
This is a 'sad joke' in comparison. When Joel closes with the words: "...a bible based church" what exactly IS a bible based church? There are countless fellowships out there, claiming to be just that, yet bicker and destroy one another so another can be "planted." Is THAT the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17? There's only ONE CHURCH that canonized the books to complete the "bible" as we, Catholics and Protestants know it. (Martin Luther's scissors and arbitrary editing aside)
This may be a few 'clean jokes' told, and some laughs, but in the end, it's a very sad joke to play on the vulnerabilty of humans in search of Truth, as all of us are 'created to know, and love truth. To tell others all they have to do is just "pray a prayer" (the 'sinners prayer' I presume?) and "go to a 'bible-based' church" is nothing short of a gleefully added mark on Satan's scorecard.
No,I'm not saying anyone there is "going to hell" for I'm not God. But neither can anyone there in that congregation claim Catholics are 'going to hell' either, for they are not God. I don't know what they all believe and cannot read everyone's heart.
The sad thing is, get 3 or more from that congregation in a room and there will be a wide array of beliefs, potentially even bitter disagreements over doctrine(s). But no one cares to do that, for they're mostly too comfortable w/ the Osteen status quo' to "make any waves." A sad commentary again, because Truth is Truth and to compromise Truth w/ "untruth" is only "untruth."
When a "bible based" church states one thing is true, and yet another bb church states another thing is true, then pray tell WHICH ONE IS TRUE? Come on....and COME HOME TO ROME! Your MOMMA is waiting for you! Holy Mother Church is TRUE! The Catholic Church is the ONE CHURCH Jesus built, to REMAIN, even if the gates of Hell pound it, SHE WILL STAND, and never crumble.
No suffering is in vain, and it is a suffering Church, a Church of martyrs, which becomes a sign-post for man in his search for God" - (then) Card. Joseph Ratzinger
Where will Osteen's mega (non-suffering) church be in 2000 years? Anyone? Buehler?
A big gathering of people in a (click for video -->) "mega church" such as this is no threat to the devil at all! In fact, he's pretty much laughing at this "modern church" calling itself 'Christian.' The only Church the devil is attacking regularly is the same One he's been attacking since its founding by Jesus himself! The Catholic Church!
This is a 'sad joke' in comparison. When Joel closes with the words: "...a bible based church" what exactly IS a bible based church? There are countless fellowships out there, claiming to be just that, yet bicker and destroy one another so another can be "planted." Is THAT the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17? There's only ONE CHURCH that canonized the books to complete the "bible" as we, Catholics and Protestants know it. (Martin Luther's scissors and arbitrary editing aside)
This may be a few 'clean jokes' told, and some laughs, but in the end, it's a very sad joke to play on the vulnerabilty of humans in search of Truth, as all of us are 'created to know, and love truth. To tell others all they have to do is just "pray a prayer" (the 'sinners prayer' I presume?) and "go to a 'bible-based' church" is nothing short of a gleefully added mark on Satan's scorecard.
No,I'm not saying anyone there is "going to hell" for I'm not God. But neither can anyone there in that congregation claim Catholics are 'going to hell' either, for they are not God. I don't know what they all believe and cannot read everyone's heart.
The sad thing is, get 3 or more from that congregation in a room and there will be a wide array of beliefs, potentially even bitter disagreements over doctrine(s). But no one cares to do that, for they're mostly too comfortable w/ the Osteen status quo' to "make any waves." A sad commentary again, because Truth is Truth and to compromise Truth w/ "untruth" is only "untruth."
When a "bible based" church states one thing is true, and yet another bb church states another thing is true, then pray tell WHICH ONE IS TRUE? Come on....and COME HOME TO ROME! Your MOMMA is waiting for you! Holy Mother Church is TRUE! The Catholic Church is the ONE CHURCH Jesus built, to REMAIN, even if the gates of Hell pound it, SHE WILL STAND, and never crumble.
No suffering is in vain, and it is a suffering Church, a Church of martyrs, which becomes a sign-post for man in his search for God" - (then) Card. Joseph Ratzinger
Where will Osteen's mega (non-suffering) church be in 2000 years? Anyone? Buehler?
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
A Friend Writes About His "Epiphany" Moment...
Russ answered a post of mine on Facebook, about how it seems that MANY Christians, here in America, at least, are more likely to make the "Burger King" their "King" all while claiming to follow the One King, Jesus Christ...simply by the numerous sects and countless denominations scattered around the country/globe now, since the earliest times, but ever so much more widely abounding since the Reformation's "cancerous spread" of them.
It's not that these people are bad, (some might be) but most are not "bad" at all, most are simply just "wrong." Many are even 'brainwashed' into thinking the Catholic Church is the "Whore of Babylon" and are almost like 'robots' programmed to bleat out falsehood/misinformation/downright lies about the Catholic Church/Faith. So they continue to search and wander amid the countless thousands of sects/denoms/fellowhips, etc.
Going hither, thither and yon to find that "one place" where they can hang their spiritual hat and call 'home.' But then, the sad thing is, that place, too, will come under attack, something will happen that others don't agree with and the "exodus" of congregants will begin. They will leave for another fellowship, or perhaps order the "Start Your Own Church" kit on line, and do just that.
It is a very sad commentary on "Christendom," and how it must grieve our Lord and the Holy Spirit who was sent to 'lead and guide the Church' into *ALL* TRUTH. But the way it is anymore is that many still prefer 'their own church' and 'their own Jesus' to accommodate 'their own interpretation' of scriptures and thus prefer Burger King's dictum: Have it 'your way.'
Yes, Susie, one of the tenets of the reformers could have been SOLO MIO!
" Only MY WAY of understanding God."
I blogged on this idea of surrendering my personal kingship when I had that epiphany :
...In the early spring of 2004, while watching the Passion of the Christ, for the first time I saw how much Christ had suffered for me. It was as if my eyes were opened anew despite years of having read the gospels. I had always believed it but not until I saw his suffering displayed so graphically did I finally say: "Ok, God, since you did that for me, I will do anything for you." "Anything?" He asked me in the quiet darkness. "Yes, Jesus" I said back to him with hot tears running down my cheeks trying to contain my sobs. "I will do anything you ask of me." My next thought was "I'd even become Catholic!" One of the most contrary things I could think of at the time.
* I would even surrender MY IDEA of what a church should look like.
* I would even surrender My RIGHT to understand the Bible my way.
* I would even surrender MY PREFERENCE of worship styles and practices.
* I would even surrender MY BITTERNESS against the Church of my youth and my parent's religion.
Giving up our rights as a King of out own theological kingdom is a tough thing to do, especially if we are mistakenly thinking we are submitted to the Bible only and the Holy Spirit. What we really are is submitted to is our interpretation or our pastor's interpretation etc.
We all have a magisterium of one type or another over us. Catholics are just more honest about it and admit, it's the Church, not me.
It's not that these people are bad, (some might be) but most are not "bad" at all, most are simply just "wrong." Many are even 'brainwashed' into thinking the Catholic Church is the "Whore of Babylon" and are almost like 'robots' programmed to bleat out falsehood/misinformation/downright lies about the Catholic Church/Faith. So they continue to search and wander amid the countless thousands of sects/denoms/fellowhips, etc.
Going hither, thither and yon to find that "one place" where they can hang their spiritual hat and call 'home.' But then, the sad thing is, that place, too, will come under attack, something will happen that others don't agree with and the "exodus" of congregants will begin. They will leave for another fellowship, or perhaps order the "Start Your Own Church" kit on line, and do just that.
It is a very sad commentary on "Christendom," and how it must grieve our Lord and the Holy Spirit who was sent to 'lead and guide the Church' into *ALL* TRUTH. But the way it is anymore is that many still prefer 'their own church' and 'their own Jesus' to accommodate 'their own interpretation' of scriptures and thus prefer Burger King's dictum: Have it 'your way.'
Not exactly the "unity" Jesus prayed for in John 17 is it?
Here's Russ's reply:
Yes, Susie, one of the tenets of the reformers could have been SOLO MIO!
" Only MY WAY of understanding God."
I blogged on this idea of surrendering my personal kingship when I had that epiphany :
...In the early spring of 2004, while watching the Passion of the Christ, for the first time I saw how much Christ had suffered for me. It was as if my eyes were opened anew despite years of having read the gospels. I had always believed it but not until I saw his suffering displayed so graphically did I finally say: "Ok, God, since you did that for me, I will do anything for you." "Anything?" He asked me in the quiet darkness. "Yes, Jesus" I said back to him with hot tears running down my cheeks trying to contain my sobs. "I will do anything you ask of me." My next thought was "I'd even become Catholic!" One of the most contrary things I could think of at the time.
* I would even surrender MY IDEA of what a church should look like.
* I would even surrender My RIGHT to understand the Bible my way.
* I would even surrender MY PREFERENCE of worship styles and practices.
* I would even surrender MY BITTERNESS against the Church of my youth and my parent's religion.
Giving up our rights as a King of out own theological kingdom is a tough thing to do, especially if we are mistakenly thinking we are submitted to the Bible only and the Holy Spirit. What we really are is submitted to is our interpretation or our pastor's interpretation etc.
We all have a magisterium of one type or another over us. Catholics are just more honest about it and admit, it's the Church, not me.
Find out more and learn more about the Catholic Church/Faith here:
Russ's Blog
Are you going to continue to 'split off' and have it [Christianity/church/Faith/the bible]
"your way?"
Or GOD'S?
What "King" will you serve?
Come Back to the
"MAIN BRANCH"
JESUS
&
HIS CHURCH
Russ's Blog
Are you going to continue to 'split off' and have it [Christianity/church/Faith/the bible]
"your way?"
Or GOD'S?
What "King" will you serve?
Come Back to the
"MAIN BRANCH"
JESUS
&
HIS CHURCH
Monday, August 23, 2010
Syllogism ...
Syllogism; n. Logic . A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion; for example; Jesus is God. Mary is the mother of Jesus. Therefore, Mary is the Mother of God.
Seriously, why is that such a s-t-r-r-r-r-e-t-c-h for some Christians??? Anyone? Buehler??
Seriously, why is that such a s-t-r-r-r-r-e-t-c-h for some Christians??? Anyone? Buehler??
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Presentation Ministries...
One Bread, One Body
"I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see My glory." —Isaiah 66:18
Years ago in the fire and brimstone era of the Church, we got the idea that hardly anyone went to heaven. Most people hoped to just slip into the back door of purgatory. Nowadays, we get the idea that everyone goes to heaven. Some people even say there is no hell, or if there is, no one's there but Judas, Hitler, and Jack the Ripper.
What does Jesus say? In answer to the question about whether few would be saved, Jesus replied: "Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable" (Lk 13:24). Jesus also said: "The invited are many, the elect are few" (Mt 22:14).
It seems unbiblical and presumptuous to think that almost everyone accepts Jesus as Lord and goes to heaven. On the other hand, it is not part of our heavenly Father's plan that even one person be lost (Mt 18:14), for He wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4). If God had His way, all would be saved and go to heaven.
Therefore, we should be confident but not presumptuous about our eternal life with Jesus. "Be solicitous to make your call and election permanent, brothers; surely those who do so will never be lost. On the contrary, your entry into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for" (2 Pt 1:10-11).
Prayer: Jesus, Savior, have mercy on me!
Promise: "Make straight the paths you walk on, that your halting limbs may not be dislocated but healed." —Heb 12:13
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus. You came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10). You are our Salvation (Ps 27:1). Alleluia!
Presentation Ministries, Fr. Al Lauer
"I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see My glory." —Isaiah 66:18
Years ago in the fire and brimstone era of the Church, we got the idea that hardly anyone went to heaven. Most people hoped to just slip into the back door of purgatory. Nowadays, we get the idea that everyone goes to heaven. Some people even say there is no hell, or if there is, no one's there but Judas, Hitler, and Jack the Ripper.
What does Jesus say? In answer to the question about whether few would be saved, Jesus replied: "Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you, will try to enter and be unable" (Lk 13:24). Jesus also said: "The invited are many, the elect are few" (Mt 22:14).
It seems unbiblical and presumptuous to think that almost everyone accepts Jesus as Lord and goes to heaven. On the other hand, it is not part of our heavenly Father's plan that even one person be lost (Mt 18:14), for He wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4). If God had His way, all would be saved and go to heaven.
Therefore, we should be confident but not presumptuous about our eternal life with Jesus. "Be solicitous to make your call and election permanent, brothers; surely those who do so will never be lost. On the contrary, your entry into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for" (2 Pt 1:10-11).
Prayer: Jesus, Savior, have mercy on me!
Promise: "Make straight the paths you walk on, that your halting limbs may not be dislocated but healed." —Heb 12:13
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus. You came to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10). You are our Salvation (Ps 27:1). Alleluia!
Presentation Ministries, Fr. Al Lauer
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A Word From G.K. Chesterton, Catholic Convert...
"It is the fashion today to talk of institutions as cold and cramping things, the truth is, that when people are in exceptionally high spirits, really wild w/ freedom and invention, they always must and always do create institutions. When ...men are weary they fall into anarchy but while they are happy and vigorous, they invariably make rules. This is true not just of the churches and republics throughout history, it is also true of the most trivial parlor game. We are never really free until some institution frees us, and liberty cannot truly exist until it is declared by authority." GKC circa 1906
Jesus Said to His Disciples in Matthew 18:
“If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church.
If he refuses to listen even to the Church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector."
I have only one question for my Protestant/Evangelical friends:
"To *which church* are we to take our brother?"
If you say "Go to the 'elders' of your church," what if they are not in agreement w/ the 'elders' at my church? Or the elders at my friend's church? Then what? Truth is at stake here ... and so are souls. Think about it. Ponder this.
There is only "One Church" and it's been around since 33 A.D. It's not been "planted" only 2 years ago, 2 weeks ago, or 2 days ago by "John Doe or Joe Blow Bible Christian" down the street. It had better be the Church Jesus built that we go to, the One "planted" by Christ, w/ His anointed and appointed Vicar, the Pope, its head, (on earth) and the Magisterium, i.e. authority under that vicar of Christ, that is guided by the one, HOLY SPIRIT, who cannot deceive or be deceived. If it's not that Church to which we go, we're all pretty much on shaky ground, and or 'thin ice' as the saying goes, because if we can just go to "any church" who has "elders," what about the ones that only have one pastor and no elders? What about the new 'Emerging' church nonsense, being widely thrown about Christendom these days, that says, "You don't even *need* to go to a church?" Then what?!? Are we to go to a church where only partial truth is taught, but not the Fullness of Truth?
Yes, we all need to seriously consider Pilate's age-old question: "What is Truth?" And mine, "Where is Truth?"
It can't be the 'bible alone' as the 'sole authority' (according to Pastor So & So,) because every church "planted" and pastored by "John Doe/Joe Blow Bible Christian" is built on *his own* self-interpretation of the bible, and guided by his own opinion(s). That cannot mean, at all times, that he is necessarily always 'led' by the Holy Spirit. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will not and cannot lead anyone astray and He cannot be 'reduced' down to a man's or woman's 'whim.' Man on the other hand, can and does, lead many astray! Like sheep we wander and wander, scattered all about, everyone going 'his own way' getting itching ears delightfully tickled, but then what? What about when a serious sin is committed by someone against another? Where do we go to settle a theological or faith based dispute? Many really do go astray 'out in the fray' and find themselves on the road to perdition (headed straight to hell) when it could have been so easily avoided, and settled by the 'authority' Jesus gave His Church.
When we've left the One Shepherd Jesus placed in His Church, to go off on our own path, to those more 'fun' and seemingly more friendly fellowships, what we are doing is nothing less than 'dissing' our Beloved Savior! He and His Church are One. The Church is not ONLY a 'spiritual body' of believers, but is also a physical entity, a governing Holy Institution, located at this point in time and as for centuries existing in Rome. It is the Church of Christ that is 'seen' by all!
2nd Peter 1:16-21
In the...
That's the way God planned it - or if you prefer, "planted" it.
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church.
If he refuses to listen even to the Church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector."
I have only one question for my Protestant/Evangelical friends:
"To *which church* are we to take our brother?"
If you say "Go to the 'elders' of your church," what if they are not in agreement w/ the 'elders' at my church? Or the elders at my friend's church? Then what? Truth is at stake here ... and so are souls. Think about it. Ponder this.
There is only "One Church" and it's been around since 33 A.D. It's not been "planted" only 2 years ago, 2 weeks ago, or 2 days ago by "John Doe or Joe Blow Bible Christian" down the street. It had better be the Church Jesus built that we go to, the One "planted" by Christ, w/ His anointed and appointed Vicar, the Pope, its head, (on earth) and the Magisterium, i.e. authority under that vicar of Christ, that is guided by the one, HOLY SPIRIT, who cannot deceive or be deceived. If it's not that Church to which we go, we're all pretty much on shaky ground, and or 'thin ice' as the saying goes, because if we can just go to "any church" who has "elders," what about the ones that only have one pastor and no elders? What about the new 'Emerging' church nonsense, being widely thrown about Christendom these days, that says, "You don't even *need* to go to a church?" Then what?!? Are we to go to a church where only partial truth is taught, but not the Fullness of Truth?
Yes, we all need to seriously consider Pilate's age-old question: "What is Truth?" And mine, "Where is Truth?"
It can't be the 'bible alone' as the 'sole authority' (according to Pastor So & So,) because every church "planted" and pastored by "John Doe/Joe Blow Bible Christian" is built on *his own* self-interpretation of the bible, and guided by his own opinion(s). That cannot mean, at all times, that he is necessarily always 'led' by the Holy Spirit. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will not and cannot lead anyone astray and He cannot be 'reduced' down to a man's or woman's 'whim.' Man on the other hand, can and does, lead many astray! Like sheep we wander and wander, scattered all about, everyone going 'his own way' getting itching ears delightfully tickled, but then what? What about when a serious sin is committed by someone against another? Where do we go to settle a theological or faith based dispute? Many really do go astray 'out in the fray' and find themselves on the road to perdition (headed straight to hell) when it could have been so easily avoided, and settled by the 'authority' Jesus gave His Church.
When we've left the One Shepherd Jesus placed in His Church, to go off on our own path, to those more 'fun' and seemingly more friendly fellowships, what we are doing is nothing less than 'dissing' our Beloved Savior! He and His Church are One. The Church is not ONLY a 'spiritual body' of believers, but is also a physical entity, a governing Holy Institution, located at this point in time and as for centuries existing in Rome. It is the Church of Christ that is 'seen' by all!
2nd Peter 1:16-21
16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."a]">[a] 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Not every "John Doe/Joe Blow Bible Christian" is 'carried along by the Holy Spirit' or there'd not be the chaos in Christendom we see today, with the plethora of thousands of denominations and sects, all teaching different things/doctrines, hardly agreeing on two 'basics' of True Christian Doctrine! Try discussing 'baptism' and see how far you get and how many 'definitions' are bantered about in 'this or that church.' You will be stunned! And if you're desiring and seeking 'true' Truth, you'll hopefully be alarmed and stunned enough to 'find' it where it is.In the...
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
That's the way God planned it - or if you prefer, "planted" it.
Friday, August 06, 2010
It Doesn't Get More "Christian" Than This! ...
One Jew's Journey to Evangelicalism, to Catholicism, to ... being a NUN? Wha?
Here's Sister's Story in a Nutshell
Video her story as she shared on the Journey Home.
Here's Sister's Story in a Nutshell
Video her story as she shared on the Journey Home.
Rock of the Church ...
A trustworthy friend of mine, (TJ, ) who has never 'steered me wrong,' directed me to Brantly's blog (Embedded below - Jeremy's Post).
I went there this morning, about 2 hours ago, and read the *Guest post* by Jeremy Heuslein, I was moved to comment. Why? Because I thoroughly understand his struggles, his extensive search for Truth as I was a "young" Christian years ago! :) These "journeys" are all so similar, no matter how varied the people or circumstances or age. No matter how late we 'arrive at the Door.' I'd heard much of the same in my early years, (and believed the same answer) to the question he'd asked of his parents, "Are Catholics saved?"
When the time comes to 'humble oneself' and bend the knee, to really hear, really listen, receive and accept the grace to understand the Truth about some 'thing' or some 'one' or in this case, the Church...well, that's where the 'rubber meets the road.' The pivot point came for me, only 5.5 years ago after a weekend w/ my nose in 3 books. One Sat. One Sun. and one Monday in Dec. 2004. It took a long time to wrestle this little 'know it all' (Moi) to the ground, but the Hound of Heaven did, and He accomplished His mission! Although I was not nearly as young! Wisdom does come w/ age it seems. Happily, there's no turning to the left/right/or back for me/us, either...for like Saint Peter said, "Where would we go?"
Having been to Rome as an 18 yr. old, then at 52, walking into those same ancient basilicas and churches and ruins, where Christians so long ago had walked,stood,knelt,prayed,bled,died that were 'drenched' and dripping w/ a history, Truth confronted me profoundly. It was a 'history' I never knew, or more correctly never cared to acknowledge. It was a history too far out of reach and one I just never wanted to 'seek to much after' for fear of knowing and acknowledging I might not 'know it all'...after all. Shorten that to: "Pride." But so strong was/is the "pull" of an 'ever ancient, ever new' Church. At 18 I knew and could palpably feel something was different in those old buildings, so majestic and huge, but yet an intimate and warm Presence filled them, too, but simply couldn't then grasp what 'it' was. I just knew that our little Methodist clapboard church in our little town across the Atlantic back in Nebraska was a "long way" (not just geographically) from what these magnificent structures actually "held" within those thick stone, marble, granite walls, that echoed with ancient voices that were still speaking the same thing. [A side note: In fact, after some research, in my early 20's, I found our Methodist church to be actually quite far from what its founder, John Wesley, had preached and believed as well. And today, in 2010, there'd be NO WAY he'd recognize the church he founded!! Something's very wrong w/ that picture!] But there in 2007, in those Roman churches, and those in Assisi, the masses being celebrated in those side chapels were *STILL* 'speaking the same Truth that had not changed one iota over centuries and centuries ~ nothing was altered in the dogma/doctrine. That must have been what I was 'feeling' and thinking in 1973, but I say that now with 20/20 hindsight. I think I 'knew something' wasn't quite 'right' or didn't 'add up' or 'make sense' back then (at 18) but couldn't articulate it. It must have whetted my appetite for Truth, though and penetrated me, enough, to bring me "back" 26 years later (to the "Nub") when I thought I was 'out in front' w/ the rest of the 'Jesus People' flock! I thought I was 'finding it all out' and expressing it, living it in a "new" way, that was like the 'early Church' but yet, I didn't really 'have a clue' having 'chucked' any possibility of the CC being of any importance. At 52, being a practicing Catholic, what a difference going to Rome was!!! Deepest comfort and stability and the solidarity w/ 'ancient Christians' and newbies like myself was at times almost overwhelming! I burst into tears seeing Pope Benedict XVI...he wasn't the "Anti-Christ" I'd heard and read about in some "Christian" books, but he was our, (my) Papa! And I was overcome w/ joy!
So as we delve into history, (we all need to eventually, because "history doesn't lie") like Jeremy, I too 'had to know' the Truth about what I'd just read in those books about this 'antiquated, dusty, stodgy, traditional, old-fashioned, religious institution, so mysterious, such an enigma that I'd "joined" in 1980, mostly b/c Rich was Catholic, but then had to 'leave' after a couple of years, (b/c suddenly, after reading a few 'anti-Catholic tracts by Keith Green) I 'knew it all' and I simply could not remain in a 'man-made' "stained glass tomb" of a church!'
Then along come God, with his STUNNING sense of humor and 26 years later, I was suddenly forced (due to my husband's longing for Truth, not misguided tracts) to 'taste and see and acknowledge' how GOOD it [that stodgy old place] really is!! No other fellowship I'd been involved in had stood over 2 millenia, and I was now, gently but firmly "forced" to see how wrong I was about that old, musty, what I'd dubbed as a proud, smug little "Christian a "stained glass Tomb" of a Church. Lord Jesus,how sorry I am now, for being such a 'hard nut' to crack! Thanks for 'putting the hammer' to me!!
You might ask, "why am I sending this?" Well, believe me, I'm not sending it to "convert" anyone, to argue or pick a fight. I am sending it because we all are created to know and 'love the Truth.' And since the Truth is an Eternal Person, with no limits, there's always more about Him to learn, right? Even about what we think we 'already know!' or rather to be more specific, 'especially' about what we already 'think' we know! I believe it's best to go to the 'Source' to learn about anything, or anyone (or at least to those 'closest' to that thing/person, if possible) than to believe 'hearsay' and misconceptions and misinformation, no matter how intelligently spoken, or how well-intentioned they may be who speak. Truth is Truth.
In the end, there's always the "NUB" we have to whittle down to isn't there? To finally see 'what's what.' To know and understand, finally, (never exhaustively) what has been so cloudy and hazy, before the Light of Truth shone on the path and made 'clear as day' what was so scary and mysteriously nebulous. To now see with eyes of faith how 'mistaken' I was (about the CC) has truly 'set me free!'
An excellently written, thought provoking (I love to think and ponder!) post, by a young man who's searched, who's gone "out to the deep" and has pulled, and keeps pulling up a FULL and overflowing net! The "catch" really never ends - once you're at The Source.
Jeremy's post, "The Hidden Option"
As Jeremy writes: "...what I do need is Truth, a place of rest where I can receive instruction from authority and follow Jesus and live in the Spirit with grounding."
I can only completely concur!
There's always more - in the "Land of More!" -- a good book by Leona Choy, another who returned to The Source at almost 80 years of age! Never too late!!
In the PEACE of CHRIST,
susie
--
Nothing is far from God. -- St. Monica - mother of St. Augustine
I went there this morning, about 2 hours ago, and read the *Guest post* by Jeremy Heuslein, I was moved to comment. Why? Because I thoroughly understand his struggles, his extensive search for Truth as I was a "young" Christian years ago! :) These "journeys" are all so similar, no matter how varied the people or circumstances or age. No matter how late we 'arrive at the Door.' I'd heard much of the same in my early years, (and believed the same answer) to the question he'd asked of his parents, "Are Catholics saved?"
When the time comes to 'humble oneself' and bend the knee, to really hear, really listen, receive and accept the grace to understand the Truth about some 'thing' or some 'one' or in this case, the Church...well, that's where the 'rubber meets the road.' The pivot point came for me, only 5.5 years ago after a weekend w/ my nose in 3 books. One Sat. One Sun. and one Monday in Dec. 2004. It took a long time to wrestle this little 'know it all' (Moi) to the ground, but the Hound of Heaven did, and He accomplished His mission! Although I was not nearly as young! Wisdom does come w/ age it seems. Happily, there's no turning to the left/right/or back for me/us, either...for like Saint Peter said, "Where would we go?"
Having been to Rome as an 18 yr. old, then at 52, walking into those same ancient basilicas and churches and ruins, where Christians so long ago had walked,stood,knelt,prayed,bled,died that were 'drenched' and dripping w/ a history, Truth confronted me profoundly. It was a 'history' I never knew, or more correctly never cared to acknowledge. It was a history too far out of reach and one I just never wanted to 'seek to much after' for fear of knowing and acknowledging I might not 'know it all'...after all. Shorten that to: "Pride." But so strong was/is the "pull" of an 'ever ancient, ever new' Church. At 18 I knew and could palpably feel something was different in those old buildings, so majestic and huge, but yet an intimate and warm Presence filled them, too, but simply couldn't then grasp what 'it' was. I just knew that our little Methodist clapboard church in our little town across the Atlantic back in Nebraska was a "long way" (not just geographically) from what these magnificent structures actually "held" within those thick stone, marble, granite walls, that echoed with ancient voices that were still speaking the same thing. [A side note: In fact, after some research, in my early 20's, I found our Methodist church to be actually quite far from what its founder, John Wesley, had preached and believed as well. And today, in 2010, there'd be NO WAY he'd recognize the church he founded!! Something's very wrong w/ that picture!] But there in 2007, in those Roman churches, and those in Assisi, the masses being celebrated in those side chapels were *STILL* 'speaking the same Truth that had not changed one iota over centuries and centuries ~ nothing was altered in the dogma/doctrine. That must have been what I was 'feeling' and thinking in 1973, but I say that now with 20/20 hindsight. I think I 'knew something' wasn't quite 'right' or didn't 'add up' or 'make sense' back then (at 18) but couldn't articulate it. It must have whetted my appetite for Truth, though and penetrated me, enough, to bring me "back" 26 years later (to the "Nub") when I thought I was 'out in front' w/ the rest of the 'Jesus People' flock! I thought I was 'finding it all out' and expressing it, living it in a "new" way, that was like the 'early Church' but yet, I didn't really 'have a clue' having 'chucked' any possibility of the CC being of any importance. At 52, being a practicing Catholic, what a difference going to Rome was!!! Deepest comfort and stability and the solidarity w/ 'ancient Christians' and newbies like myself was at times almost overwhelming! I burst into tears seeing Pope Benedict XVI...he wasn't the "Anti-Christ" I'd heard and read about in some "Christian" books, but he was our, (my) Papa! And I was overcome w/ joy!
So as we delve into history, (we all need to eventually, because "history doesn't lie") like Jeremy, I too 'had to know' the Truth about what I'd just read in those books about this 'antiquated, dusty, stodgy, traditional, old-fashioned, religious institution, so mysterious, such an enigma that I'd "joined" in 1980, mostly b/c Rich was Catholic, but then had to 'leave' after a couple of years, (b/c suddenly, after reading a few 'anti-Catholic tracts by Keith Green) I 'knew it all' and I simply could not remain in a 'man-made' "stained glass tomb" of a church!'
Then along come God, with his STUNNING sense of humor and 26 years later, I was suddenly forced (due to my husband's longing for Truth, not misguided tracts) to 'taste and see and acknowledge' how GOOD it [that stodgy old place] really is!! No other fellowship I'd been involved in had stood over 2 millenia, and I was now, gently but firmly "forced" to see how wrong I was about that old, musty, what I'd dubbed as a proud, smug little "Christian a "stained glass Tomb" of a Church. Lord Jesus,how sorry I am now, for being such a 'hard nut' to crack! Thanks for 'putting the hammer' to me!!
You might ask, "why am I sending this?" Well, believe me, I'm not sending it to "convert" anyone, to argue or pick a fight. I am sending it because we all are created to know and 'love the Truth.' And since the Truth is an Eternal Person, with no limits, there's always more about Him to learn, right? Even about what we think we 'already know!' or rather to be more specific, 'especially' about what we already 'think' we know! I believe it's best to go to the 'Source' to learn about anything, or anyone (or at least to those 'closest' to that thing/person, if possible) than to believe 'hearsay' and misconceptions and misinformation, no matter how intelligently spoken, or how well-intentioned they may be who speak. Truth is Truth.
In the end, there's always the "NUB" we have to whittle down to isn't there? To finally see 'what's what.' To know and understand, finally, (never exhaustively) what has been so cloudy and hazy, before the Light of Truth shone on the path and made 'clear as day' what was so scary and mysteriously nebulous. To now see with eyes of faith how 'mistaken' I was (about the CC) has truly 'set me free!'
An excellently written, thought provoking (I love to think and ponder!) post, by a young man who's searched, who's gone "out to the deep" and has pulled, and keeps pulling up a FULL and overflowing net! The "catch" really never ends - once you're at The Source.
Jeremy's post, "The Hidden Option"
As Jeremy writes: "...what I do need is Truth, a place of rest where I can receive instruction from authority and follow Jesus and live in the Spirit with grounding."
I can only completely concur!
There's always more - in the "Land of More!" -- a good book by Leona Choy, another who returned to The Source at almost 80 years of age! Never too late!!
In the PEACE of CHRIST,
susie
--
Nothing is far from God. -- St. Monica - mother of St. Augustine
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Part 2 ...
This is the 2nd video by my friend, Russ, to answer and 'set straight' common misconceptions about the Catholic Church that were sadly posted on
a video on You Tube, by a 'ex-Catholic' that I came across a few days ago.
It is the obligation of every practicing, orthodox and faithful Catholic to
evangelize all peoples, even 'Catholics' and 'ex-Catholics' who have wandered
from the Truth.
RECONNECT to the TRUTH,
for only the Truth will
SET YOU FREE!
a video on You Tube, by a 'ex-Catholic' that I came across a few days ago.
It is the obligation of every practicing, orthodox and faithful Catholic to
evangelize all peoples, even 'Catholics' and 'ex-Catholics' who have wandered
from the Truth.
RECONNECT to the TRUTH,
for only the Truth will
SET YOU FREE!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Leona Choy ...
Crosses the TIBER to become a Catholic. She was near 80 when she decided she had to enter the Catholic Church. And I would like to say, "Welcome Home, Leona!" I was 49 when I made the 'splash' and find that no matter how "late" we are in 'coming to Supper', He is always there, waiting, with a candle always lit. Leona writes about her life-long faith walk in her new book: My Journey to the Land of More
Monday, July 26, 2010
1 Corinthians 3:4 We Are Told...
explicitly NOT TO FOLLOW Apollos or this or that guy. But when there's NO FINAL AUTHORITY, how easy it is to simply 'start yer darn church' by golly! This is a very sad thing...I see NO UNITY in this approach at all. This is surely NOT living out John 17!! Lord have mercy on us. Mother Mary, Mother of mercy, pray for us sinners now, for we all have gone astray, each following his or her "own way." House Churches are now on the rise. Truly the Protestant/Evangelical world is 'breaking up' and splitting apart at a phenomenal rate... it's like a 'cancer' metastasizing ... out of control. Pray for the 'unity of all Christians' at Mass as often as you can, because this is as I said above, very sad. It's not about "US!" It's about CHRIST and HIS CHURCH. Come back HOME to HIS CHURCH and don't wander in the tall weeds any more. Tall weeds obscure the view...and hide the edge of very steep, high cliffs!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wondering if the Catholic Church is true?
Phil. 4:8
Finally,brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Notice what is 'first' to think about. "Whatever is TRUE." Thinking about Catholicism? Wondering if it's true? Then the 'nudge' is no doubt from the Holy Spirit, who is the Person to lead and guide us into ALL TRUTH. We're to worship in "spirit and in truth." So, 'Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened ... See Moreto you." Either the Catholic Church IS what it claims to be, or it is a horrific and dangerous cult. There's no middle ground to 'dance on.' One cannot sit on a fence for long! ( I can attest to that!) Only the Catholic Church proclaims to contain the "FULLNESS of TRUTH." Don't take my word for it, or anyone's word here. ASK the Holy Spirit to tell you what is 'true.' Then follow Him.There are really no excuses anymore to "be ignorant" about the Catholic Church. With all the resources, books, EWTN, websites, it is really now up to every individual to 'seek the Truth' for we are all created to know "truth" and live in the truth ourselves, and *preferably* IN the Church Jesus founded! That is where He desires all his children to be, for their GOOD! To be safe in the arms of HIS BRIDE, our HOLY MOTHER CHURCH is what our Lord desires for us all. It would be most dangerous for a soul, then, to continue to wander about in the 'frayed ends" and the myriad 'factions' of the Protestant world and to continue to believe misinformation and falsehoods about the One Church Jesus built. To believe it to be anything else but TRUE and GOOD is to, in fact, deny the very word of Jesus who said...(Mt. 16:18)
"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH." Emphasis mine b/c I'm a real "zealot" for Truth! :)
- God bless you all, as you dive deep into what might be scary, murky water- it's not really as murky as it appears. It's crystal clear w/ 'eyes of faith' opened by Jesus, as in the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus using mud and his spittle (a "sacramental" btw) rubbed it on the eyes of the blind man, who then saw people as 'trees walking' but a little later, clarity came! He rejoice to SEE! When you come up on the other side of the Tiber, that river that seemed so murky, dark and scary, you will be so grateful to finally SEE clearly the "TRUTH" ... and to be HOME at last!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Another Wonderful Blog ...
please scroll down to the post,
Below are Pope Benedict's views as laid out in his excellent book,
Spirit of the Liturgy:
"Whenever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human acheivement,it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared, and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment."
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 09, 2010
Hunting for God? ...
Meet Father Joseph Classen, who also 'fishes for the Lord as well as hunts, hikes, bikes, swims, camps in the glorious creation our God has made for his children, for their survival as well as their enjoyment and pleasure.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Latin Mass - Omaha ...
You can listen to Father Brancich and his associates here. His 4th of July homily on "Americanism" is "spot on!"
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
On Private Interpretation of Scripture...
"The Word" is the "final authority" many Christians will say. I did too. For years I believed that. But something happened about 5.5 years ago that first made my jaw hit the floor and then, profoundly changed and transformed my way of thinking/believing. You see, for so many in the 'evangelical/fundamentalist' sects, the "bible" is their only authority. OK. But that really poses a big problem, a real dichotomy. So I ask, "Who then interprets?" They are quick to boldly proclaim "The Holy Spirit!" Ok. Again, that's a big problem. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is not a "multi-personality entity. He isn't "Sybil." So, another question needs to be asked, "Why so many private interpretations?" And, "Why doesn't it matter to most that there are so many 'churches' teaching so many different doctrines?" The mental and spiritual gymnastics needed to avoid the obvious is absolutely baffling when one stops to really THINK about it, isn't it?
I read something recently that provoked some pondering on my part. A woman wrote a blog post and the two words that LEAPED off the monitor at me were only written twice in the entire post. It wasn't about doing this, but another subject altogether. She was writing about how she'd met a 'new friend' but what jumped out at me, was that they had "changed churches..." again. They are now in their 3rd church in the 13 years that I've known them. That's actually a good record for that many years. We were in 3 also, over a 26 year period. He [Jesus] built ONE CHURCH, and it's not the one in the theater at the Mall, that started 5 years ago with a man/woman and their 'own private interpretation' of the bible. It is the Catholic Church down the street, where He is in the Tabernacle...waiting...for you.
One Bread. One Body. One Heart. One Mind. ONE CHURCH.
You're loved. You're missed. You're needed!
COME HOME!
I read something recently that provoked some pondering on my part. A woman wrote a blog post and the two words that LEAPED off the monitor at me were only written twice in the entire post. It wasn't about doing this, but another subject altogether. She was writing about how she'd met a 'new friend' but what jumped out at me, was that they had "changed churches..." again. They are now in their 3rd church in the 13 years that I've known them. That's actually a good record for that many years. We were in 3 also, over a 26 year period. He [Jesus] built ONE CHURCH, and it's not the one in the theater at the Mall, that started 5 years ago with a man/woman and their 'own private interpretation' of the bible. It is the Catholic Church down the street, where He is in the Tabernacle...waiting...for you.
One Bread. One Body. One Heart. One Mind. ONE CHURCH.
You're loved. You're missed. You're needed!
COME HOME!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
To Go Deep In History ...
Is to find yourself at the 'threshold' of the Catholic Church. What are you going to do? Enter or turn away? You have to decide, because to "go deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." - John Henry Newman
And to cease to be an "Independent" Evangelical/Fundamentalist/Pentecostal/Agnostic/Atheist, and whatever else you are, too.
Jesus and His Church are one, and are joined in the most deeply profoundly spiritual/physical way. Jesus had a Body on earth. His Body of believers also has a "Body" to be in Communion with and to be guided by into all Truth. That "Body" that Physical Presence on Earth, globally, is the Catholic Church. She is the Pillar and Foundation of all Truth. The 'Bible" is not. The Bible wouldn't be here without first the Church, in her wisdom and w/ Sacred Tradtion, to 'put the books together' and give us the Bible.
Period.
Believe it or not.
Truth is truth and is not subjective to our own whims or what 'we make it to be.'
Truth is a PERSON. Truth built His Church that has stood for over 2000 years. He's NEVER left her to 'go off the rails.' It might be time for you to love Jesus enough to ask Him what and where His Church is, and come back Home, where you should be. The red flickering flame near the Tabernacle is always there, letting you know He's there, too, and waiting for you to just come Home. You might have left the Church to 'find Jesus' elswhere and now you're wandering in a sea of doubt, or you might have never been Catholic but have believed lies about the Catholic Church and faith for years, turning from her in disgust.
Whatever your past has been doesn't matter. Make your present NEW and your future secure by coming Home and remaining in His grace, INSIDE the "Bark of Peter" because the storm that is coming will toss you more than ever. Jesus built a Church for us to be safe in, not for us to change her, but for her to change us! Come Home Soon! The clouds are gathering and the rumbling of thunder is growing louder, the skies darker, and sin abounds, but even more, His grace abounds! Don't let another day go by as you wobble on the fence of the "I'm Ok, You're Ok Corral." Either the Catholic Church is what it claims to be, or it is not. But if she is the TRUE Church, as she claims, then where you are is not. Period. Now, where do you want to be?
Dr. David Anders discusses (here) his search for Truth, and his finding of Him, and HIS CHURCH.
Here is another interview you can watch. Well, you can't really watch "him" but you can hear him talking to Marcus Grodi.
And to cease to be an "Independent" Evangelical/Fundamentalist/Pentecostal/Agnostic/Atheist, and whatever else you are, too.
Jesus and His Church are one, and are joined in the most deeply profoundly spiritual/physical way. Jesus had a Body on earth. His Body of believers also has a "Body" to be in Communion with and to be guided by into all Truth. That "Body" that Physical Presence on Earth, globally, is the Catholic Church. She is the Pillar and Foundation of all Truth. The 'Bible" is not. The Bible wouldn't be here without first the Church, in her wisdom and w/ Sacred Tradtion, to 'put the books together' and give us the Bible.
Period.
Believe it or not.
Truth is truth and is not subjective to our own whims or what 'we make it to be.'
Truth is a PERSON. Truth built His Church that has stood for over 2000 years. He's NEVER left her to 'go off the rails.' It might be time for you to love Jesus enough to ask Him what and where His Church is, and come back Home, where you should be. The red flickering flame near the Tabernacle is always there, letting you know He's there, too, and waiting for you to just come Home. You might have left the Church to 'find Jesus' elswhere and now you're wandering in a sea of doubt, or you might have never been Catholic but have believed lies about the Catholic Church and faith for years, turning from her in disgust.
Whatever your past has been doesn't matter. Make your present NEW and your future secure by coming Home and remaining in His grace, INSIDE the "Bark of Peter" because the storm that is coming will toss you more than ever. Jesus built a Church for us to be safe in, not for us to change her, but for her to change us! Come Home Soon! The clouds are gathering and the rumbling of thunder is growing louder, the skies darker, and sin abounds, but even more, His grace abounds! Don't let another day go by as you wobble on the fence of the "I'm Ok, You're Ok Corral." Either the Catholic Church is what it claims to be, or it is not. But if she is the TRUE Church, as she claims, then where you are is not. Period. Now, where do you want to be?
Dr. David Anders discusses (here) his search for Truth, and his finding of Him, and HIS CHURCH.
Here is another interview you can watch. Well, you can't really watch "him" but you can hear him talking to Marcus Grodi.
Where Have All the "Followers" Gone?
A woman wrote these two analogies in a comment and I thought they were great and had to 'borrow' one of them. Judy's analogies:
"Can a well produce polluted water and pure water? Can a bad root produce a good crop?"
I guess I can use the 'well' analogy as the Church (the most Pure Well if you will) that Jesus built, on Peter and declared He would "Never leave or forsake." But strange as it seems, she is then thought to have gone miserably 'off the rails!' Huh?? I believed it too, for many years. The Church Jesus HIMSELF built, founded is believed by so many in Protestantism/Evangelicalism, etc. to have 'gone off the rails" and became "corrupted" by men and their 'traditions' and 'rituals.'
Forgive me, but that is in all truth, ludicrous, folly and purely absurd!
Well-meaning as they are, they hold to that misguided notion so fiercely, thinking that this Church went "off the rails" and became 'corrupt' but they don't see it in their OWN 'churchlings' (like saplings, they "plant" churches you know) Believing such a thing, one really would have to think -- the Church founded by Jesus Himself -- was in fact "left" by Jesus, and wasn't led by the Holy Spirit any longer, but went 'down the tubes!!' Pray tell, how on earth can that be the case and believed so fiercely? Then after some 2000 years, "Mr. So & So" or "Ms. So & So" w/ his/her "Message Bible" can NOW have it [the message] so crystal clear and so pure as the driven snow and maintain the notion that they're now just like the "Early Church" was??
Here, in 2010, in their independent little sect,they 'have it down??!!" It's sad and laughable at the same time! And if they don't 'have it down' completely, no prob. they just move on to another little group, or even feel confident enough in their "OWN" interpretation and start another little "churchette" where they can gather with 'like-minded' ones, until they have to split again to go to or form another group that's even 'more pure' than the one they apparently had to leave, due to a "falling out" among some, and/or theological disputes and disagreements. THAT IS PURITY? That is the "pure remnant" of the faithful??? Give me a break!!
A little "house church," or a huge "mega church" doesn't much matter, it's still only a 'church' started by a SINNER(S) and his or her bible!!! PURE??? Hardly!!! Pastor Murdoch, Pastor Les, Pastor Rob, Pastor Gene (all the pastors we sat under over 26 years) were only MERE men! Sinners, w/ only their opinions and their own interpretations of scriptures to preach! Not that they were 'bad men' not at all, but they weren't as PURE as CHRIST either!
Why, it just BOGGLES my mind to ponder that now! Sorry to rant, but it really is stunning to me -- all of the arguments against the Church Jesus established, seem so valid in these peoples' eyes, while they proclaim to "love" the "Word of God" so much, yet harbor such disgust and hatred for the Catholic Church, even some despising viciously the Church that gave them that "Word of God they love to quote!!" It all rather makes my brain spin dizzily and my heart hurt and ache severely. I feel worthy to type all of this, because having 'been there, done that' as an "evangelimentalist" for so many years.
Yes, I pray for our 'separated' brothers and sisters to come Home to Rome Sweet Home. That is not arrogance, but a deep longing and desire put in my heart BY the Holy Spirit, who Jesus gave HIS CHURCH to "guide us, members of His Body, into ALL TRUTH!" The word 'separated' isn't spoken as a derogatory or condescending term, either. It is simply true. They even separate from themselves from their evangelical "brothers and sisters" all the time w/out so much as a blink, and yet continue to be "ok" with all of the factions and divisions. How? By "ignoring" them and leaving them! How is that true Christian 'Agape' at all?? How does that even resemble the doctrine given by Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior? It doesn't! Not one whit!! It's just mind boggling and heart-wrenching! God gave us brains. We really do need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and "use" them...and think PAST 1500. The CHURCH is ever ANCIENT ever NEW. She's NEVER been 'off one rail' let alone both and She never will be! Jesus would NEVER let that happen!
But what do I hear? Silence. I hear crickets chirping when I ask questions. I mostly get ignored when I bring up the subject of our return to the CC and ask sincere, honest questions of some of my evangelical friends these days. These friends that I used to share on a spiritual level would choose now to simply "not go there." Ok. But how can one who loves to think and ponder, like a couple of my friends in the past love to do, "NOT" think and ponder the deepest truths that lead to the Church Jesus founded on Peter and w/ documented, proven apostolic succession???? :o If you ask the Father for a loaf of bread is He going to give you a serpent? No! He'll give you JESUS, the BREAD OF LIFE! The Eucharist!! Mass!
What is Mass? Heaven ON and COME to earth! Every hour of every day!! Jesus giving us HIMSELF, feeding us His Flesh 'for the Life of the world! Giving Himself to us so intimately at Holy Communion. True food and True drink given though his CHOSEN priest to the 'faithful remnant' of HIS CHURCH every single day! Not as a 'symbol' either! The FULLNESS of TRUTH in the Eucharist is shared at only ONE CHURCH, the Catholic Church. His Holy Spirit is in other churches, of course, trying to WOO they HEARTS of those 'faithful to His Voice' back Home. Jesus is present IN the Eucharist because He IS the Eucharist! He give Himself in that special Communion in only ONE PLACE, the Church that has stood for over 2000 years, not Pastor Joe Blow's who's 'here today, gone tomorrow!'
Oh well. Jesus was ignored, too. All is well. God be praised.
As John Lennon sang, "I hope someday you'll join us, and we will all be as One." Kind of like Jesus prayed in John 17, isn't it? Of course, Jesus meant a HOLY, PURE unity of God's children, in ONE CHURCH, not the "Brotherhood of man" in the Communist sense, but you get the idea.
Time for breakfast. Nectarines and Cheerios. Yay!
Cheerio!
PAX CHRISTI~
"Can a well produce polluted water and pure water? Can a bad root produce a good crop?"
I guess I can use the 'well' analogy as the Church (the most Pure Well if you will) that Jesus built, on Peter and declared He would "Never leave or forsake." But strange as it seems, she is then thought to have gone miserably 'off the rails!' Huh?? I believed it too, for many years. The Church Jesus HIMSELF built, founded is believed by so many in Protestantism/Evangelicalism, etc. to have 'gone off the rails" and became "corrupted" by men and their 'traditions' and 'rituals.'
Forgive me, but that is in all truth, ludicrous, folly and purely absurd!
Well-meaning as they are, they hold to that misguided notion so fiercely, thinking that this Church went "off the rails" and became 'corrupt' but they don't see it in their OWN 'churchlings' (like saplings, they "plant" churches you know) Believing such a thing, one really would have to think -- the Church founded by Jesus Himself -- was in fact "left" by Jesus, and wasn't led by the Holy Spirit any longer, but went 'down the tubes!!' Pray tell, how on earth can that be the case and believed so fiercely? Then after some 2000 years, "Mr. So & So" or "Ms. So & So" w/ his/her "Message Bible" can NOW have it [the message] so crystal clear and so pure as the driven snow and maintain the notion that they're now just like the "Early Church" was??
Here, in 2010, in their independent little sect,they 'have it down??!!" It's sad and laughable at the same time! And if they don't 'have it down' completely, no prob. they just move on to another little group, or even feel confident enough in their "OWN" interpretation and start another little "churchette" where they can gather with 'like-minded' ones, until they have to split again to go to or form another group that's even 'more pure' than the one they apparently had to leave, due to a "falling out" among some, and/or theological disputes and disagreements. THAT IS PURITY? That is the "pure remnant" of the faithful??? Give me a break!!
A little "house church," or a huge "mega church" doesn't much matter, it's still only a 'church' started by a SINNER(S) and his or her bible!!! PURE??? Hardly!!! Pastor Murdoch, Pastor Les, Pastor Rob, Pastor Gene (all the pastors we sat under over 26 years) were only MERE men! Sinners, w/ only their opinions and their own interpretations of scriptures to preach! Not that they were 'bad men' not at all, but they weren't as PURE as CHRIST either!
Why, it just BOGGLES my mind to ponder that now! Sorry to rant, but it really is stunning to me -- all of the arguments against the Church Jesus established, seem so valid in these peoples' eyes, while they proclaim to "love" the "Word of God" so much, yet harbor such disgust and hatred for the Catholic Church, even some despising viciously the Church that gave them that "Word of God they love to quote!!" It all rather makes my brain spin dizzily and my heart hurt and ache severely. I feel worthy to type all of this, because having 'been there, done that' as an "evangelimentalist" for so many years.
Yes, I pray for our 'separated' brothers and sisters to come Home to Rome Sweet Home. That is not arrogance, but a deep longing and desire put in my heart BY the Holy Spirit, who Jesus gave HIS CHURCH to "guide us, members of His Body, into ALL TRUTH!" The word 'separated' isn't spoken as a derogatory or condescending term, either. It is simply true. They even separate from themselves from their evangelical "brothers and sisters" all the time w/out so much as a blink, and yet continue to be "ok" with all of the factions and divisions. How? By "ignoring" them and leaving them! How is that true Christian 'Agape' at all?? How does that even resemble the doctrine given by Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior? It doesn't! Not one whit!! It's just mind boggling and heart-wrenching! God gave us brains. We really do need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and "use" them...and think PAST 1500. The CHURCH is ever ANCIENT ever NEW. She's NEVER been 'off one rail' let alone both and She never will be! Jesus would NEVER let that happen!
But what do I hear? Silence. I hear crickets chirping when I ask questions. I mostly get ignored when I bring up the subject of our return to the CC and ask sincere, honest questions of some of my evangelical friends these days. These friends that I used to share on a spiritual level would choose now to simply "not go there." Ok. But how can one who loves to think and ponder, like a couple of my friends in the past love to do, "NOT" think and ponder the deepest truths that lead to the Church Jesus founded on Peter and w/ documented, proven apostolic succession???? :o If you ask the Father for a loaf of bread is He going to give you a serpent? No! He'll give you JESUS, the BREAD OF LIFE! The Eucharist!! Mass!
What is Mass? Heaven ON and COME to earth! Every hour of every day!! Jesus giving us HIMSELF, feeding us His Flesh 'for the Life of the world! Giving Himself to us so intimately at Holy Communion. True food and True drink given though his CHOSEN priest to the 'faithful remnant' of HIS CHURCH every single day! Not as a 'symbol' either! The FULLNESS of TRUTH in the Eucharist is shared at only ONE CHURCH, the Catholic Church. His Holy Spirit is in other churches, of course, trying to WOO they HEARTS of those 'faithful to His Voice' back Home. Jesus is present IN the Eucharist because He IS the Eucharist! He give Himself in that special Communion in only ONE PLACE, the Church that has stood for over 2000 years, not Pastor Joe Blow's who's 'here today, gone tomorrow!'
Oh well. Jesus was ignored, too. All is well. God be praised.
As John Lennon sang, "I hope someday you'll join us, and we will all be as One." Kind of like Jesus prayed in John 17, isn't it? Of course, Jesus meant a HOLY, PURE unity of God's children, in ONE CHURCH, not the "Brotherhood of man" in the Communist sense, but you get the idea.
Time for breakfast. Nectarines and Cheerios. Yay!
Cheerio!
PAX CHRISTI~
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Regarding "CHICK" tracts ...
From a facebook friend:
Though these fundamentalists have sincere intentions their "claims" are based on sloppy interpretation of the Bible. Consider these claims to be lies exploited by the diabolical. Quick responses:
1.Baptism. Adult baptisms are shown b/c examples in Acts involve new converts before the 1st generation of children born to Christian families. Baptism ... See Morereplaces circumcision. See Colossians 2:11-12.
2. The Pope. Is Pastor for the worldwide Church. He speaks on matters of faith and morals. This should not conflict with being a good Citizen.
3. Sacrament of Penance. Catholics have an advantage to make a good confession to Christ through the priest who is bibilcally an ambassador of Christ 2 Cor 5:20. Protestants generally are lacking in repentance and confession because they don't celebrate this sacrament (I was Protestant last year!).
4. The Eucharist. They deny Lords own words in Matt 26:26. Just memorize this verse. Jesus commanded us to remember Him by believing in the Eucharist.
5. Burning of heretics in the 15th century. Reformed protestants were guilty of doing like wise to Baptists back then. Both sides are guilty of violence.
6. Connecting the Blessed Mother to paganism. This is a complete invention w/o historical proof. In fact, historical proof shows Christians have always honored Mary since early Christianity. Anybody can invent stories.
And from another friend's blog a great "Chick schtick!"
Catholic Homilies...
Homilies for the most part are not long. Most are a few minutes, maybe up to 10-25, but most of them are about 1-2-5 minutes. I've remember more from a one minute homily than by long winded preachers. Nothing against 'wordy' preachers, but ... but 'too many words' "spoil the stew."
A few tasty ingredients are good, but too many ingredients, no matter how great the ingredients are individually, such diverse flavors can make a stew taste horrible to any palate. Too many words every week can be hard to digest. The Eucharist, however, is JESUS, the ONE AND ONLY "Ingredient" needed, our Daily Bread! One can never get too much of ... See MoreHim! Even MINUS a homily, as in "no homily at all," there's always the Bread of LIFE, given to us by His priest, who in 'persona Christi' gives us True Food and True Drink. His Body and His Blood.
"If you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood you will have LIFE within you!" Words to LIVE BY, spoken by Jesus Himself, not a mere man in a fine Italian suit ... with or w/out a nice head of hair, white teeth and a big, big bible!
A few tasty ingredients are good, but too many ingredients, no matter how great the ingredients are individually, such diverse flavors can make a stew taste horrible to any palate. Too many words every week can be hard to digest. The Eucharist, however, is JESUS, the ONE AND ONLY "Ingredient" needed, our Daily Bread! One can never get too much of ... See MoreHim! Even MINUS a homily, as in "no homily at all," there's always the Bread of LIFE, given to us by His priest, who in 'persona Christi' gives us True Food and True Drink. His Body and His Blood.
"If you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood you will have LIFE within you!" Words to LIVE BY, spoken by Jesus Himself, not a mere man in a fine Italian suit ... with or w/out a nice head of hair, white teeth and a big, big bible!
Today's Reading of the Gospel ...
Reading 2
Brothers and sisters:
We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law
but through faith in Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Christ Jesus
that we may be justified by faith in Christ
and not by works of the law,
because by works of the law no one will be justified.
For through the law I died to the law,
that I might live for God.
I have been crucified with Christ;
yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God
who has loved me and given himself up for me.
I do not nullify the grace of God;
for if justification comes through the law,
then Christ died for nothing.
Where above are the words, "faith alone?" It is by "grace we are all saved." We do not "nullify" that it is "grace" ... as St. Therese said, "Everything is grace!" Yet, when we are 'saved' at our baptism, we will, by our choices, for the *good,* live 'out' our life of 'faith in Christ' by 'doing good deeds.' Faith is 'worked out' and our 'salvation is 'worked' out for others to see and come to know Jesus and the Father's love. We know, we get it, that we can't be saved by 'works of the law' alone, but it doesn't at all say, "faith alone' either!
This is why a Church, w/ a magesterium is needed...for left to our own devices and our own interpretations, we can 'fall away' so easily. This is the Church Jesus gave us, His Church...the Catholic Church, based in Rome over the bones of Saint Peter, the first Pope. And how blessed we are to have been 'graced' to see, hear, believe, repent, convert and now 'live life to the full' where the Fullness of Jesus IS! In the RCC! Thank you Lord for building YOUR Church on the rock of Peter. Thank You for giving us a faithful authority on matters of faith and morals to guide us, teach us, and keep us safe in the bark of Peter, the "Ship" where You are...at rest, even in the storm, for You are PEACE and You are with us and where we are always "safest" (only) if we never leave Your Church, Your Bride.
For to 'go our own way,' though it may be a 'rockin' song' by Fleetwood Mac, is NO WAY to live the Christian life!! How many Protestants, and all those who don't even think of themselves as that, but actually *pride* themselves on being 'non-denomers' and "independents" need to 'take this to heart!! We all do, for but by the "Grace of God go I!"
"If you love Me, YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS," says the Lord. But yet, so many seem to dwell completely on "loving' Jesus, while dissing the second part completely! His commandments ARE important! That's why we have the Church He built and not "churches" independent of the SOURCE and SUMMIT of the Faith, the Eucharist!! Of course we're Not to "ONLY" follow rules, and *pride* ourselves on keeping 'laws' but we're to LOVE JESUS enough to "obey" them! For to "obey" is better than sacrifice!
Jesus puts a lot of emphasis on the word "obey" for a reason, yet so many now put the emphasis on 'love' ah yes... la la la la love, like Barney& Friends. singing 'Kumbaya' and holding hands, and back-slapping, hand clapping in Mass or elsewhere does not make one Christian! No way! It's "both, and" in the RCC, as well it needs to be! For 'all we like sheep have gone astray ... everyone 'turning' to 'his own way.' That is NOT good to do ... and come to think of it, it's really not that great a song either.
~ PAX CHRISTI
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