Doing the Minimum

[Robert_Burns]

One of the problems I see with anything is the pervasive attitude of doing the bare minimum and then expecting the optimal results. The simple truth is - the more effort one puts into anything the better the results. Now - applied to religion we all see the same things today as Catholics. Media against the Church to the point of ridicule and defamation. Catholic morality under attack on all fronts. Decency defiled. Catholics embracing societal norms whether they conflict with Church Doctrine or not. And at that point in time when maximum effort is needed to combat all of these things - we see a sudden lax attitude towards the many disciplines of the Church.

We no longer have to dress up for Mass. We no longer have to Kneel for Communion and we are allowed to recieve in the hand. Women for the most part wear the veil only if they feel like it. In many parrishes not at all. All of these things are a discipline. Holy Mother the Church instituted these things over the centuries for a reason.

I am not going to argue with people over the fact that they are “allowed to do these things” Or to entertain arguments that try to claim “I know more than the Pope” or other fruitless strawman arguments. But instead - forward the following opinion.

We are examples to Our Precious Catholic Youth. Like it or not - our generation has failed. Blame whomever you want for it - but we have. We have not been strong enough in resisting the world - the world has permeated even into our Clergy - with the wiles of the Devil as recent scandals attest. So the time has come to be Catholic again.

Why must we wait for the Church to say - discipline yourselves? Can we not see the correlation between this lack of discipline and the embrace of all these immoralities of dress and behavior where sins of the flesh are rampant even amongst Catholics? Denial of Catholic Truths? Denial of Catholic morals? to the point of Child abuse by some Clergy or even Abortion?

Some say the EF is not the answer. I say they are wrong. The EF is the answer if the Catholics even in the OF want to start kneeling for holy communion - not because they have to - but because they want to for GOD and to give good example to the youth who are the Priests of tomorrow. To Dress modestly. to live temperately. To have large Catholic families. and most importantly to subjugate the world the flesh and the devil to Almighty GOD in every aspect of their lives.

We can take our Church back and our religion back. Just as the publican kneeled I kneel for communion. Let it be our protest of the world. Recieve on the tongue not because you have to - because you protest this lack of discipline. Its s simple thing. But we can return the Church to discipline - one Catholic at a time. It has worked for 2000 years and it will work today.

May GOD bless you all - be a better Catholic today than you were yesterday

Pax

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I would love to kneel for Communion but there are no railings, and I can’t get down OR up without one.

I would also love to receive on the tongue but no local church has even a napkin to prevent the Host from falling by accident.

I can dress a certain way but that doesn’t prevent people from attending in what amounts to their underwear.

Even when we want to do better, it seems sometimes there are road blocks.

 

[Robert_Burns]

I would love to kneel for Communion but there are no railings, and I can’t get down OR up without one.

I would also love to receive on the tongue but no local church has even a napkin to prevent the Host from falling by accident.

I can dress a certain way but that doesn’t prevent people from attending in what amounts to their underwear.

Even when we want to do better, it seems sometimes there are road blocks.

Robert. If you do your best then you do your best. GOD knows what your very best is. GOD knows what is a road block and what isnt. GOD knows what can be overcome and what cannot.

What I am asking is for every Catholic to do their personal best. To kneel or sit if that is all you can do in Church - look at the Crucifix and see that Jesus died for you and for me. And then make the commitment not to let him down - to put GOD first and to do your best for him.

Really - its between each individual and GOD. There is a blind lady in my Church that doesnt kneel - no one cares. She does her best. Another lady has Cancer - she doesnt kneel - she used to - but today she cannot. what she does do is her best.

Are all Catholics today doing their best? I am asking them to. But I am asking them to because they Love GOD. And for no other reason.

pax

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Robert. If you do your best then you do your best. GOD knows what your very best is. GOD knows what is a road block and what isnt. GOD knows what can be overcome and what cannot.

What I am asking is for every Catholic to do their personal best. To kneel or sit if that is all you can do in Church - look at the Crucifix and see that Jesus died for you and for me. And then make the commitment not to let him down - to put GOD first and to do your best for him.

Really - its between each individual and GOD. There is a blind lady in my Church that doesnt kneel - no one cares. She does her best. Another lady has Cancer - she doesnt kneel - she used to - but today she cannot. what she does do is her best.

Are all Catholics today doing their best? I am asking them to. But I am asking them to because they Love GOD. And for no other reason.

pax

That is quite a windmill Don Quixote!

And I agree with every word!

As I have grown in my faith the past few years, I start my day, everyday, asking for God’s help to be the best person I can be, so that I can do His will. It has changed me, and the way I interact with others.
I am a better person, because I put my trust in Him!

I heard a homily last Sunday by a newly ordained deacon.
In a nutshell, he said life could be described by one of 2 acronyms:

WIFM- “what’s in if for me?”

or

FAITH-“forsake all, I trust Him!”

How do we help others to choose, what we know from experience, is the “better way”?

I guess that is the $64K question!

 

[Musicadmirer]

A priest was heard on Catholic radio saying that the church will be pared down to the Catholics who would be willing to die for the faith. It’s unfortunate, but as society falls further into the deep abyss of sin, it appears that is happening. In every situation, quality is much more important than quantity.

 

[Domnall]

I pretty much agree with you about how we need to do our best. However, bashing the OF isn’t the way. The OF can be just as reverent, but the attitudes of the people need to be changed.

On another note–I am so upset to be a teenage in such a secular age. I wish my Church was the center of the community, but that’s just what happens on Sundays. I call on all other youth to help me–we need to pass on the authentic Catholic faith to our children.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

I pretty much agree with you about how we need to do our best. However, bashing the OF isn’t the way. The OF can be just as reverent, but the attitudes of the people need to be changed.

On another note–I am so upset to be a teenage in such a secular age. I wish my Church was the center of the community, but that’s just what happens on Sundays. I call on all other youth to help me–we need to pass on the authentic Catholic faith to our children.

Poor catechesis is a biiig reason for that lukewarm attitude. Tell them to watch EWTN and read some really cool books like Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Friday? The Catholic OriginTo Just about Everything, by Michael P. Foley

We invented universities! And Cappucino! And Croissants! I love that book.

 

[GIR]

I agree, especially on the dressing issue. Most people would dress up for a wedding or even a job interview, isn’t God more important?

That said, there are many times when I cannot find a suitable clean outfit to wear, so I must do my best with what I have. It’s not about dressing UP, i suppose, but more about dressing modestly (although reserving a particularly formal outfit for Mass is something I would suggest, and ought to do myself). It is better to go to Mass, even without the best cloths, then it is to avoid Mass entirely, and it’s really hard to judge whether someone is dressing down out of a lack of reverence or some possibly more excusable reason. However, if one goes to Mass regularly, I should expect them to at least dress in a manner that doesn’t distract other parishioners (modest, no crazy or offensive logos or slogans etc)

 

[dconklin]

Holy Mother the Church instituted these things over the centuries for a reason.

I am not here to defend the lack of reverence or the loss of tradition, but you pointed out the Church instituted ‘these things’ decades and centuries ago. 60 years ago, a dad would come home from work in a suit and would wear said suit for dinner and through the evening. Head coverings were the norm 200 years ago. When religious orders were formed they dressed in that day’s ‘modern’ garb. Jesus dressed as a typical male Jew living in a world with Greek and Roman influences. He did not dress as temple leader or high level rabbi. In the Middle Ages, the common man (pheasants) did not go to Mass because they were too busy working for their ‘other’ lord.

 

[JacktheCatholic]

One of the problems I see with anything is the pervasive attitude of doing the bare minimum and then expecting the optimal results. The simple truth is - the more effort one puts into anything the better the results. Now - applied to religion we all see the same things today as Catholics. Media against the Church to the point of ridicule and defamation. Catholic morality under attack on all fronts. Decency defiled. Catholics embracing societal norms whether they conflict with Church Doctrine or not. And at that point in time when maximum effort is needed to combat all of these things - we see a sudden lax attitude towards the many disciplines of the Church.

We no longer have to dress up for Mass. We no longer have to Kneel for Communion and we are allowed to recieve in the hand. Women for the most part wear the veil only if they feel like it. In many parrishes not at all. All of these things are a discipline. Holy Mother the Church instituted these things over the centuries for a reason.

I am not going to argue with people over the fact that they are “allowed to do these things” Or to entertain arguments that try to claim “I know more than the Pope” or other fruitless strawman arguments. But instead - forward the following opinion.

We are examples to Our Precious Catholic Youth. Like it or not - our generation has failed. Blame whomever you want for it - but we have. We have not been strong enough in resisting the world - the world has permeated even into our Clergy - with the wiles of the Devil as recent scandals attest. So the time has come to be Catholic again.

Why must we wait for the Church to say - discipline yourselves? Can we not see the correlation between this lack of discipline and the embrace of all these immoralities of dress and behavior where sins of the flesh are rampant even amongst Catholics? Denial of Catholic Truths? Denial of Catholic morals? to the point of Child abuse by some Clergy or even Abortion?

Some say the EF is not the answer. I say they are wrong. The EF is the answer if the Catholics even in the OF want to start kneeling for holy communion - not because they have to - but because they want to for GOD and to give good example to the youth who are the Priests of tomorrow. To Dress modestly. to live temperately. To have large Catholic families. and most importantly to subjugate the world the flesh and the devil to Almighty GOD in every aspect of their lives.

We can take our Church back and our religion back. Just as the publican kneeled I kneel for communion. Let it be our protest of the world. Recieve on the tongue not because you have to - because you protest this lack of discipline. Its s simple thing. But we can return the Church to discipline - one Catholic at a time. It has worked for 2000 years and it will work today.

May GOD bless you all - be a better Catholic today than you were yesterday

Pax

One word…

LUKEWARM

 

[Onegin]

Good post, Robert.

I am reminded of the words of a good Priest who urged the congregation to do things in life that are difficult ON PURPOSE. The goal of life is to conform our will to what is right, which is a process that has to start somewhere. We cannot do God’s will in the big areas of life if we lack discipline.

He also stressed that the human person NEEDS discipline. Our lack of discipline is a result of our inclination towards sinfulness - sloth, etc.

That is why the Church has always encouraged practices like fasting, abstinence etc that teach us to conform our desires to a higher purpose. This is good for us and when it is taken away we become lazy and complacent. And our faith suffers.

Also, (this wasn’t mentioned in the homily - just my personal opinion) I think there is a big cultural tie-in. Previous generations had to sacrifice a lot more than my generation - WWI and WWII and the Great Depression meant that a lot of people sacrificed daily for the good of something larger than themselves (country, family, etc). When people were dying daily in the war, life was appreciated as short and precious - hard work and service were extolled as virtues, materialism was not as much of a problem because sacrifice was necessary.

Chuck Palahniuk nailed the issue in “Fight Club”: “We’re the middle children of history, no purpose or place. We have no Great War, no Great Depression. Our great war is a spiritual war. Our great depression is our lives”.

Something to think about.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Really? Like we are doing our best? My best for God may not be what YOU think is best…but it’s not about YOU…it’s about God.

Yes, I receive on the hand…doesn’t mean I don’t fully recognize who that is I am receiveing. I kind of wish parish’s would allow you a little moment there instead of rushing through.

But I also go to Mass everyday except for Sat when I’m at Eucharistic Adoration. Its not always easy because I work full time plus…so I have to do it on my lunch hour. But ahh I so enjoy Mass. And staying after to just stare at the crucifix.

Now I do not dress how some people dress…I don’t care how good you think your legs are…there are just some things that are too short! But…if I catch myself looking at those people and thinking that…I know it’s time to turn my mind back to the Mass.

I asked my priest what was a good spacing on time for confession. I told him I did not want the bare minimum…So, it’s about every couple of weeks.

To me that is my best for GOD. It’s not the bare minimum. It’s not what you would like to see…but this is between me and GOD.

PS…Never worn a veil…not going to start now.

 

[Robert_Burns]

Really? Like we are doing our best? My best for God may not be what YOU think is best…but it’s not about YOU…it’s about God.

Yes, I receive on the hand…doesn’t mean I don’t fully recognize who that is I am receiveing. I kind of wish parish’s would allow you a little moment there instead of rushing through.

But I also go to Mass everyday except for Sat when I’m at Eucharistic Adoration. Its not always easy because I work full time plus…so I have to do it on my lunch hour. But ahh I so enjoy Mass. And staying after to just stare at the crucifix.

Now I do not dress how some people dress…I don’t care how good you think your legs are…there are just some things that are too short! But…if I catch myself looking at those people and thinking that…I know it’s time to turn my mind back to the Mass.

I asked my priest what was a good spacing on time for confession. I told him I did not want the bare minimum…So, it’s about every couple of weeks.

To me that is my best for GOD. It’s not the bare minimum. It’s not what you would like to see…but this is between me and GOD.

PS…Never worn a veil…not going to start now.

I am not asking what you do or dont do. The simple fact of the matter which is evident in your post is that you are going to do what you WANT to do.

My post has nothing to do with your own justification.

And it is between GOD and you.

My advise is to look at the Crucifix and see the Cricified LORD who shed every drop of his Blood on the Wood of the Holy Cross for you and for me. Every Drop. He was crowned with thorns. He was beaten at the Pillar. He was cursed and spit upon.

And he didnt do it because he WANTED To.

So the paradigm is - do we do as WE want to do or do we do as Christ did - everything in this world including life itself given up willingly for love of GOD and Neighbor.

Yes , it is between you and GOD and the Crucifix means different things to different people.

I know what it means to me.

Pax

 

[Robert_Burns]

I pretty much agree with you about how we need to do our best. However, bashing the OF isn’t the way. The OF can be just as reverent, but the attitudes of the people need to be changed.

On another note–I am so upset to be a teenage in such a secular age. I wish my Church was the center of the community, but that’s just what happens on Sundays. I call on all other youth to help me–we need to pass on the authentic Catholic faith to our children.

First of all , I am not bashing the OF - I simple dont see it fostering devotion. Can it be more reverent isnt the question. IS IT more reverent is. My opinion is that it isnt from what I have observed over a period of years and In fact from the Early 70’s until now I see it trending towards less reverence not more.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I am not asking what you do or dont do. The simple fact of the matter which is evident in your post is that you are going to do what you WANT to do. Wrong…not simple fact of the matter…I do as I feel led. Which is not for you to judge.

My post has nothing to do with your own justification.

And it is between GOD and you. Apparently not from your post…

My advise is to look at the Crucifix and see the Cricified LORD who shed every drop of his Blood on the Wood of the Holy Cross for you and for me. Every Drop. He was crowned with thorns. He was beaten at the Pillar. He was cursed and spit upon. What makes you think I don’t? Good advice always but you can’t judge whether I do this or not.

And he didnt do it because he WANTED To.

So the paradigm is - do we do as WE want to do or do we do as Christ did - everything in this world including life itself given up willingly for love of GOD and Neighbor.

Yes , it is between you and GOD and the Crucifix means different things to different people.

I know what it means to me.

Pax

What is APPEARS that you are saying is that if Catholics are not doing as YOU would like to see it…i.e EF, CITT, etc…then they are doing the bare minimum and are luke warm. To which I obviously disagree. It that is not what you are saying then please do clarify.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

First of all , I am not bashing the OF - I simple dont see it fostering devotion. Can it be more reverent isnt the question. IS IT more reverent is. My opinion is that it isnt from what I have observed over a period of years and In fact from the Early 70’s until now I see it trending towards less reverence not more.

Personally I don’t see that as a reflextion on the OF. I see it more as a reflextion on society as a whole.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

There will always be those who are eager to tell you how much holier they are than you. Just a general observation.

 

[Robert_Burns]

There will always be those who are eager to tell you how much holier they are than you. Just a general observation.

And there are those who by their actions and the way they live their life are Holier than thou as Judged by GOD and canonized by the Church. We call them Saints. Faith without works is dead. Hense the Subject matter which offers in a non judgemental fashion a call to action to be one of those who by tangible action does exactly that out of a Love for GOD and out of that love a love of Neighbor.

Certainly someone can call anyone “a holier than thou” but as Catholics we know that GOD alone knows the motivation for any action. There are no secrets with him. And the great thing about being Catholic is that GOD knows who is Holy and who isnt.

So the question then remains - are we called to be Holy? Or arent we? And since we all should know we are - then why should any Catholic be afraid to call other Catholics to action for the greater good of all out of a Fear of being called HOLY? . If all of you are Holier than I in GOD’s Eyes is that a bad thing for me? Obviously not. I would instead rejoice much more over that fact than if I live amongst heathens hateful to GOD. . I hope that is the case with all of you and that this post is taken in the Light of Catholicism and what it stands for and not in pettiness and envy.

Pax

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Holier-than-thou types drive people away from religion in general and this Church in particular. We should be appealing to people, drawing them in, without straying from Orthodoxy.

Holier-than-thou types actually accomplish the opposite of evangelization. Again, an observation on the part of an outsider who swam the Tiber not because someone was kicking me in the butt to ‘be holy,’ but because someone gently led me there.

 

[rwoehmke]

So the question then remains - are we called to be Holy? Or arent we? And since we all should know we are - then why should any Catholic be afraid to call other Catholics to action for the greater good of all out of a Fear of being called HOLY? . Pax

Ah, wee Bobbie, and this clinging to a few past external disciplines are to be the measure of holiness? Whatever satisfies your sensibilities. Perhaps they would encourage the inner changes that are the true measure, but I would not stake my salvation on that. Good thoughts though. We do seem to have lost more than a little.