Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

[LoyalViews]

We just published a brand new, diocesan approves, parish hymnal. It includes a number of hymns by the renowned writer Fanny Crosby. I grew up with her hymns, living near Churches of England and various Wesleyan missions that my “ecumenically inspired” parish priest was always collaborating with, not to mention my father’s grandfather was a CofE priest who had an infatuation with her.

In the index of hymns I’ve seen, which includes an IMPRESSIVE amount of Marian hymns and hymns to various saints for various needs, I came across “Blessed Assurance” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”

I understand that there are some things in these hymns that aren’t palatable for the Catholic, and especially not during the Holy Sacrifice of Mass - and that is where my issue arises. Is there a way that we can reconcile “Blessed Assurance” to Catholic doctrine? To me it assumes a rather low (in churchmanship)-Protestant conviction of the “assurance doctrine” in that once we profess to believe in Jesus, we are saved, no if, and, but.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

I think the texts can be understood in a Catholic way, particularly since they are poetry expressing pious sentiments, and not theological treatises that flesh out what the words mean.

As to the first hymn, assurance admits of different kinds and degrees. The sacraments and the Church’s teaching assure us that Jesus is with us in the Eucharist and in our souls by grace. If we do as we ought, we can be assured that we are in a state of grace. To some, God also gives feelings of assurance by an interior touch, that he is present, that they are his, etc.

The other hymn is a little more problematic, but still, being “in Jesus’ arms” is a metaphor to begin with. If it implies doing his will, then clearly we will not sin so long as we remain “in his arms.” But the fact remains, the devout Christian in the state of grace does experience temptations and does fall into sin.

Then there’s the fact that the hymns have a historical association with Protestantism, and with Protestant beliefs. As a convert, personally I wouldn’t feel comfortable singing those at Mass for that reason alone; but the hymns are old enough that probably the average person in the pews has no clue about that.

 

[pianistclare]

I think the texts can be understood in a Catholic way, particularly since they are poetry expressing pious sentiments, and not theological treatises that flesh out what the words mean.

As to the first hymn, assurance admits of different kinds and degrees. The sacraments and the Church’s teaching assure us that Jesus is with us in the Eucharist and in our souls by grace. If we do as we ought, we can be assured that we are in a state of grace. To some, God also gives feelings of assurance by an interior touch, that he is present, that they are his, etc.

The other hymn is a little more problematic, but still, being “in Jesus’ arms” is a metaphor to begin with. If it implies doing his will, then clearly we will not sin so long as we remain “in his arms.” But the fact remains, the devout Christian in the state of grace does experience temptations and does fall into sin.

Then there’s the fact that the hymns have a historical association with Protestantism, and with Protestant beliefs. As a convert, personally I wouldn’t feel comfortable singing those at Mass for that reason alone; but the hymns are old enough that probably the average person in the pews has no clue about that.

True. All the hymnals have Amazing Grace in them and people don’t seem to have trouble with that one.

I’m more disturbed when Catholic hymnals contain “The Church’s One Foundation”. One of my previous Pastors actually stopped the Mass and asked the organist to never play it again.
Another Monsignor friend of mine said that Amazing Grace should be ripped out as well…

Modern Mass goers are fairly ignorant of Church history. They don’t really care.
The “like” a song for the melody or perceived “sentiment”.

 

[liturgyluver]

True. All the hymnals have Amazing Grace in them and people don’t seem to have trouble with that one.

I’m more disturbed when Catholic hymnals contain “The Church’s One Foundation”. One of my previous Pastors actually stopped the Mass and asked the organist to never play it again.
Another Monsignor friend of mine said that Amazing Grace should be ripped out as well…

Modern Mass goers are fairly ignorant of Church history. They don’t really care.
The “like” a song for the melody or perceived “sentiment”.

I dislike Amazing Grace and can see the problems with that, but what is the problem with “The Church’s One Foundation.” We often sing it as a processional hymn in Westminster Cathedral.

 

[pianistclare]

I dislike Amazing Grace and can see the problems with that, but what is the problem with “The Church’s One Foundation.” We often sing it as a processional hymn in Westminster Cathedral.

The priest I referenced said it was written as a slam against the pacacy. In other words…Christ is the foundation, not the Pope, that Catholics have it all wrong.
I don’t know much about the piece except for who wrote it. Perhaps that was his beef. But we were forbidden to use it.

 

[liturgyluver]

The priest I referenced said it was written as a slam against the pacacy. In other words…Christ is the foundation, not the Pope, that Catholics have it all wrong.
I don’t know much about the piece except for who wrote it. Perhaps that was his beef. But we were forbidden to use it.

Ridiculous. The title is lifted straight from the bible, and the hymn was written in reaction to those who questioned the authority of the church. Your priest’s interpretation is way off the mark. The hymn is often cited as an excellent example of creedal belief.

 

[pianistclare]

Ridiculous. The title is lifted straight from the bible, and the hymn was written in reaction to those who questioned the authority of the church. Your priest’s interpretation is way off the mark. The hymn is often cited as an excellent example of creedal belief.

Oh well.
He’s a retired Monsignor now.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

True. All the hymnals have Amazing Grace in them and people don’t seem to have trouble with that one.

I’m more disturbed when Catholic hymnals contain “The Church’s One Foundation”. One of my previous Pastors actually stopped the Mass and asked the organist to never play it again.

That hymn describes the eschatological relationship between Jesus and His Bride, the Church. The Church’s foundation is Jesus. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ who stands in Jesus’ place as Head of the Church until His second coming. I’m confident it does not go against Church teaching since it is contained in the Adoremus Hymnal which is used by many Traditional Latin Mass congregations. We ever sang Christ is Laid the Sure Foundation as an entrance hymn at our EF Mass, which references Christ as the head and cornerstone of the Church.