I am a recent convert. Studied my way out of Protestantism, largely based on Sola Scriptura not being true. But I have a nagging question.
I have been to multiple parishes around my state. If we have something none of the Protestant churches do in the Eucharist, why do almost all (found one partial exception) the Catholic churches rank below the Baptist one I was in, regarding:
- Being welcoming and joyful
- General knowledge of the faith
- Willingness to discuss faith
- Dedication - willing to commit extra time to the church community. 1 hour mass and
out ASAP! Not much fellowship after, or other participation in study or classes.
- More divided politically - less dedication to the “non-negotiables” even in church leadership. This one REALLY bugs me.
I would think Jesus presence *would reduce have a huge positive effect on the above?
You’d think that’s the case with Jesus presence…
As John relates, many of Jesus disciples, not only argued with Jesus, but told Him to His face His teaching was offensive to even listen to. Those guys have been with him such that they are called disciples. (different than the 12) . They’ve seen Him perform miracles, raise people from the dead, heal the terminally sick, etc etc. And yet they walked away from Him.
Jn 6:
41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that any one has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread
c] which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
d] 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; 54 he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever.” 59 This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Caper′na-um.
60 Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before?
e] 63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that should betray him. 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.
Just a few following thoughts
- Re: Mass and how to act with regards to preparing for mass, vs being chummy and talkative. I personally prefer silence and reflection. After mass is over THEN get chummy. That’s just my preference
- Catholics have a responsibility to know their faith. Unfortunately too many don’t. I always invite friends to classes that are offered. It’s up to them to act on it or not
- There are over 80 ministries in my parish. Hugely active. I personally am in the Knights of Columbus, a men’s organization dedicated 100% to service and charity.
My suggestion, check with the parish office. See if you have interest in any of the ministries
