Just a hyothetical thought here…but what if the person made a good and complete confession beforehand? And at an event where there were possibly hundreds of clergy, wouldn’t it be hard for a priest or other clergy to know who was receiving worthily or not? I think that leaves the judging upto the ultimate judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is just a thought on how I see it’s possibly not as easy as we as lay people might think.
I doubt the Pope actually condones their pro-choice stance; I think the problem is a sense of powerlessness on his part to do anything about it. He may be head of the church, but I’m afraid he no longer has any of the power that was once vested in that role.
I agree with you and you said it more articulately than I.I doubt the Pope actually condones their pro-choice stance; I think the problem is a sense of powerlessness on his part to do anything about it. He may be head of the church, but I’m afraid he no longer has any of the power that was once vested in that role.
All he can really do now is issue condemnatory statements that do little but anger the liberal elements within church, causing them to rebel even further. They push forward, he resists. It’s like watching a father deal with an out-of-control daughter.
The real problem is that no one fears any consequences for their actions. Who is there to punish them? The Pope could threaten excommunication, but so what? Will these “Catholics” really feel that much different if they no longer practice? Hell is no longer a real place, divine punishment no longer exists. He can talk until he’s blue in the face about mortal sin, but no one will listen. Remember, God does not punish; he only grants wishes and fills us full of good feelings. Should we have any compunctions whatsoever about receiving communion while adhering to a pro-abortion position? Nah. It’s be all right in the end.
That’s a good point. Also, what about protestants being given Communion ?
Which was precisely my point. Unfortunately, just because he DOES something, does not mean he approves. Same can go for Communion in the Hand. As for that, he must first formally forbid it before he can personally forbid it at a Mass.
I can agree with that. Until then though I think lay people should leave it to the Church to decide. I don’t think anyone benefits from arguing the point.
I disagree on that last comment. I think that if we, the laity, make a bigger deal of things, then changes will be made faster. Many say that “----- is what the people want.” If the orthodox Catholics start “putting their foot down” so to speak, the world (and esp. Rome) will realize that ------ is not, in fact, what the people want. It seems as though the orthodox Catholics only pray about it (which is good) but lack activity, while the liberals lack the prayer but not the vocals. Just my humble (and therefore correct
) opinion.
Right. I do believe that anyone who has authority to distribute the Holy Sacrament should assume a person’s worthiness when they come to receive it.
Ok, but still letting the Church know what Catholics want and arguing amongst ourselves are two different things.I disagree on that last comment. I think that if we, the laity, make a bigger deal of things, then changes will be made faster. Many say that “----- is what the people want.” If the orthodox Catholics start “putting their foot down” so to speak, the world (and esp. Rome) will realize that ------ is not, in fact, what the people want. It seems as though the orthodox Catholics only pray about it (which is good) but lack activity, while the liberals lack the prayer but not the vocals. Just my humble (and therefore correct
Even with celebrities or politicians or even the girl in her late teens…how do we know what is truly in their hearts at the time of Communion? We pray for people’s conversions and for them being forgiven and have to accept those Catholics who present themselves for Communion. Afterall, I think being Catholics, they should know the consequences of a sacreligious Communion.Right. I do believe that anyone who has authority to distribute the Holy Sacrament should assume a person’s worthiness when they come to receive it.
However, I do have a few problems with that idea at the same time.
What about people who are celebrities or politicians? This is a very valid question. One thing they have is fame; and with that fame comes public awareness of what they say and do. Thus, we can see first-hand those behaviors which obviously will be judged by the public, which includes the church. If a politician or celebrity outwardly supports or condones certain things which run afoul of church teaching, then can they not be punished by being denied communion?
I could take this argument even further: what if the person wasn’t a celebrity. What if the person were a girl in her late teens who always shows up to Mass in a super-ultra-mini skirt and see-through shirt (as is the case in about every suburban church that I’ve ever attended)? Is she worthy? Could she be denied?
So you can see that in fact I’m a bit torn on this issue
True enough
I think he’s waiting for guidance from the Holy Ghost as to *how *to go about abolishing this practice. I regret to say, there are many things that are wrong that I tolerate, but I do pray to know how to go about dealing with it. When the Lord is ready to inspire me to make the stand, He’ll give the inspiration. I believe the same is true in regards to the Holy Father.
I feel the same as I felt about the Washington DC Mass. And, unfortunately, Our Lord was mocked once again by Guiliani. Was he a special invitee? What a travesty! I pity our poor Lord, who bears such abuse with such patience. I fear that patience must be wearing thin, and we will all suffer the consequences of His just anger.
I’m not denying the promise, only that the promise doesn’t apply to every decision the Pope makes/doesn’t make.
