Is Your Catholic Church Like Mine?

[ciero]

Hi,
May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you tonight!

I sometimes get the feeling that members of my CC are not there for the right reasons.
(This is a Brazilian/Portuguese Catholic Church)
I feel their presence on Sunday Masses is becoming more of a “Culture” or “I have to be here” kind of thing - instead of being there to really learn/follow the Words of our Lord.

Myself and other family members are involved, therefore we know many people who are present each Sunday.
Most of these same people, have never read the Bible and likely have no plans to start any time soon (although I sometimes insist they start).

I’ve been to Presbyterian Churches and found it to be much more educational, more time spent on explaining the readings by the Pastor, some interaction with those present.
I know the CC cannot have the interaction, but, does it have to be so strictly timed every Sunday? Where the Priest gives us a few words and then it’s time to go already…?!

Has anyone had this type of experience before?

I mean only to bring good out of this post - My goal is to try to understand why I feel most people in my own Church aren’t as excited about learning the Lord’s Word as I am.
I mean absolutely no disrespect.

Thanks,
Marcus.

Since when did it become a catholic thing to read a bible? Why would you insist that others do so? When I went to catholic school we NEVER read the bible and were told by the good sisters to read the scriptures outside of mass was a bad thing to do. The scriptures were to be read as part of the Mass where they could be properly explained. To read the bible on your own was to be protestant, next thing ya know you will be interpreting what the bible means on your own. Not a good thing!

 

[mo2169]

Since when did it become a catholic thing to read a bible? Why would you insist that others do so? When I went to catholic school we NEVER read the bible and were told by the good sisters to read the scriptures outside of mass was a bad thing to do. The scriptures were to be read as part of the Mass where they could be properly explained. To read the bible on your own was to be protestant, next thing ya know you will be interpreting what the bible means on your own. Not a good thing!:shrug:

Hi Ciero,

…really? wow…(I am amazed at some of your statements)

Very Respectfully, I Thank you very much for your post.
I’ll leave this open for discussion (the highlighted parts above).

God Bless.
Marcus.

 

[mo2169]

First of all, if this is the Traditional Catholicism section, then you should expect about 99% of people on this section to be Catholics. You’re not going to change anyone’s mind here that is Catholic.

And sorry, but I’m really not interested in attending a Protestant service, and I doubt any of the other Catholics here are either. Not to be mean, but I really don’t think this is the section you need to be posting on if you’re trying to convince people about your faith. We all know what Protestant services are like. They’re all similar in atleast some ways. We’re not going to stop attending our Catholic Churches. Please, don’t tell us we’ll be “enlightened” by Protestant services. And I’m actually surprised you found ljubim’s post offensive since Protestants really don’t believe in the real presence. Just out of curiosity, how was that offensive if it’s true?

**Joh 13:34 I give you a new law: Have love one for another; even as I have had love for you, so are you to have love one for another. **

…not “Love one for another” from just your CC, PC, Town, City, Country…
but “Love one another as I have Loved you”…

Think about that for a minute…

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

"cicero:

Since when did it become a catholic thing to read a bible? Why would you insist that others do so? When I went to catholic school we NEVER read the bible and were told by the good sisters to read the scriptures outside of mass was a bad thing to do. The scriptures were to be read as part of the Mass where they could be properly explained. To read the bible on your own was to be protestant, next thing ya know you will be interpreting what the bible means on your own. Not a good thing!

Hi Ciero,

…really? wow…(I am amazed at some of your statements)

Very Respectfully, I Thank you very much for your post.
I’ll leave this open for discussion (the highlighted parts above).

God Bless.
Marcus.

I do believe cicero is speaking in jest. And if that is the case, it is certainly not helpful for someone trying to learn more about their Catholic faith. I believe this statement was spoken in jest because of all the disinformation out there that claims that Catholics never read the Bible. In other words, spoken perhaps more out of frustration with persons tending to believe that Catholics don’t read their Bible.

It appears on the surface that you have fed into the same misinformation that Catholics don’t love the Word of God. I’m not saying this is the case, but it at least appears that you believe that at your parish, the people there don’t have a Love for the Bible as (per your example) parishioners at a Protestant church you attended.

The liturgy at Mass is split into two parts: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Both are very important and work together. There is a parish I attend where the priest explains what is going on in the Scripture readings and I find it quite helpful when the readings are actual read. At another parish I attend, there is no explanation prior to the readings, but the homily applies to the readings that were read. At Mass, we are fed by both the Eucharist and the written Word of God.

 

[mo2169]

I do believe cicero is speaking in jest. And if that is the case, it is certainly not helpful for someone trying to learn more about their Catholic faith. I believe this statement was spoken in jest because of all the disinformation out there that claims that Catholics never read the Bible. In other words, spoken perhaps more out of frustration with persons tending to believe that Catholics don’t read their Bible.

It appears on the surface that you have fed into the same misinformation that Catholics don’t love the Word of God. I’m not saying this is the case, but it at least appears that you believe that at your parish, the people there don’t have a Love for the Bible as (per your example) parishioners at a Protestant church you attended.

The liturgy at Mass is split into two parts: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Both are very important and work together. There is a parish I attend where the priest explains what is going on in the Scripture readings and I find it quite helpful when the readings are actual read. At another parish I attend, there is no explanation prior to the readings, but the homily applies to the readings that were read. At Mass, we are fed by both the Eucharist and the written Word of God.

Thanks for this post.

From my point of view, it doesn’t seem like too many people (I know of) in my Parish are interested in spending the time outside of Mass to learn the Word of God. Therefore “I think” (my humble/personal opinion) the Liturgy cannot be fully understood and practiced.

Not trying to generalize Catholics - instead I’ll say, “those I know well in my Parish”.

I know I judge when I point this out, but I see this in my Parish and was wondering how other Catholic Churches are…

Thanks again for the Comments.
God Bless.
Marcus.

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

mo2169:

I know I judge when I point this out, but I see this in my Parish and was wondering how other Catholic Churches are…

There is nothing wrong with judging the actions of others. We get into trouble when we judge the person making the action.

It’s a fair statement to say that everyone ought to read the Word of God. After all, ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. When someone doesn’t read the Word of God outside of Mass, you are judging the action that this person experiences the Word in a manner that may be deficient if they want to have a fuller understanding of what is taking place at Mass. The key word here is may. You can’t possibly know if this person reading Scripture outside of Mass will enhance their understanding of the Mass or not. I would be willing to go so far as to say that them reading Scripture outside of Mass may hinder their understanding of the Mass. Again, the key word here is may. I try to keep in mind that certain theologians throughout history have read into passages of the Bible that diminish what is taking place at Mass to the point that they have broken away from the Catholic Church (and therefore also the Mass) altogether.

From my perspective, catechisis is needed to understand what is taking place at Mass. This of course includes reading the Holy Scriptures outside of Mass to grasp a fuller meaning of what is taking place.

 

[mo2169]

There is nothing wrong with judging the actions of others. We get into trouble when we judge the person making the action.

It’s a fair statement to say that everyone ought to read the Word of God. After all, ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. When someone doesn’t read the Word of God outside of Mass, you are judging the action that this person experiences the Word in a manner that may be deficient if they want to have a fuller understanding of what is taking place at Mass. The key word here is may. You can’t possibly know if this person reading Scripture outside of Mass will enhance their understanding of the Mass or not. I would be willing to go so far as to say that them reading Scripture outside of Mass may hinder their understanding of the Mass. Again, the key word here is may. I try to keep in mind that certain theologians throughout history have read into passages of the Bible that diminish what is taking place at Mass to the point that they have broken away from the Catholic Church (and therefore also the Mass) altogether.

From my perspective, catechisis is needed to understand what is taking place at Mass. This of course includes reading the Holy Scriptures outside of Mass to grasp a fuller meaning of what is taking place.

My personal experiences do not allow me to agree with you on your “Hinder” statement above (I know you stated “may”). I used to be completely lost on every reading at Mass until I read the Bible and Catechism of the CC.

I guess I shouldn’t assume others feel the same way.

Thanks again for the posts.
God Bless,
Marcus.

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

My personal experiences do not allow me to agree with you on your “Hinder” statement above (I know you stated “may”). I used to be completely lost on every reading at Mass until I read the Bible and Catechism of the CC.

My personal experience has been mixed. I can’t say that I was completely lost on every reading at Mass until I read the Bible and catechism of the Catholic Church. But then again, my parents did a fairly good job in teaching the faith to us kids (although not perfect - then again, who is?) when we were growing up. Having said that, as I grow in my faith, the Catechism has been an effective tool for me to continue to grow in my faith. However, I have found in my personal experience with others I know that even with a combination of reading Scripture with the Catechism has not been enough to enhance one’s understanding of the Mass. I have found that a person needs to be in the right frame of mind when taking on their understanding and acceptance of what is going on at the Mass.

mo2169:

I guess I shouldn’t assume others feel the same way.

I will admit that there does appear to be too many people who do not know what’s going on at Mass. As you said in your OP, many people appear to go merely out of obligation instead of the sense of the supernatural essense of what is taking place. I’m not so sure pure instruction will make it click for someone, although it would certainly help. As I stated above, the person’s frame of mind when being instructed needs to be taken into consideration when the instruction takes place. That varies with each individual. Even so, there’s no guarantee that the person will ever grasp something that takes (in the end) faith to comprehend.

I do concur with an earier poster that perhaps you ought to consider a Bible study group at your parish so that the Mass will have more meaning to other like-minded individuals. This may be your calling. Take it to prayer and see where it leads you. My best to you.

 

[mo2169]

My personal experience has been mixed. I can’t say that I was completely lost on every reading at Mass until I read the Bible and catechism of the Catholic Church. But then again, my parents did a fairly good job in teaching the faith to us kids (although not perfect - then again, who is?) when we were growing up. Having said that, as I grow in my faith, the Catechism has been an effective tool for me to continue to grow in my faith. However, I have found in my personal experience with others I know that even with a combination of reading Scripture with the Catechism has not been enough to enhance one’s understanding of the Mass. I have found that a person needs to be in the right frame of mind when taking on their understanding and acceptance of what is going on at the Mass.

I will admit that there does appear to be too many people who do not know what’s going on at Mass. As you said in your OP, many people appear to go merely out of obligation instead of the sense of the supernatural essense of what is taking place. I’m not so sure pure instruction will make it click for someone, although it would certainly help. As I stated above, the person’s frame of mind when being instructed needs to be taken into consideration when the instruction takes place. That varies with each individual. Even so, there’s no guarantee that the person will ever grasp something that takes (in the end) faith to comprehend.

I do concur with an earier poster that perhaps you ought to consider a Bible study group at your parish so that the Mass will have more meaning to other like-minded individuals. This may be your calling. Take it to prayer and see where it leads you. My best to you.

Great post.
I very much agree with the “right frame of mind” part. That was definitely key for my initial interest and involvement.

The Bible study group looks to be the right path for me…I am getting more and more involved and familiar with the large amount of materials available. Still learning and getting ready right now.

My best wishes to you as well…May Jesus continue to light the way for all of us.

Marcus.

 

[twopekinguys]

This. The homily on Sunday is menat to explain the readings to us, but it is not the high point of Mass. Reading and learning about Holy Scripture should also take place outside of Mass. Please do consider starting a study with your friends at mass.

I’m sorry, was this directed to me, or were you agreeing with what I said?

I’m confused.

 

[SpiritusSanctus]

**Joh 13:34 I give you a new law: Have love one for another; even as I have had love for you, so are you to have love one for another. **

…not “Love one for another” from just your CC, PC, Town, City, Country…
but “Love one another as I have Loved you”…

Think about that for a minute…

What are you implying?

 

[mo2169]

What are you implying?

Just trying to keep the peace and love Jesus our Lord gave us.
I am willing to listen and hopefully learn something positive from all.

 

[SpiritusSanctus]

Here’s something to learn: it’s ok to want “peace” on here, but if a Protestant comes on here trying to tell Catholics how wrong they are then I’m going to tell him the truth, not go “Oh, well, it doesn’t matter what church you go to, I’m fine, you’re fine, we’re all fine”. I’m just saying you don’t need to get onto me for defending the Catholic faith when a Protestant tries to get us to attend their church on a Catholic section of the forum.

 

[Deblette]

Hi,
May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you tonight!

I sometimes get the feeling that members of my CC are not there for the right reasons.
(This is a Brazilian/Portuguese Catholic Church)
I feel their presence on Sunday Masses is becoming more of a “Culture” or “I have to be here” kind of thing - instead of being there to really learn/follow the Words of our Lord.

Myself and other family members are involved, therefore we know many people who are present each Sunday.
Most of these same people, have never read the Bible and likely have no plans to start any time soon (although I sometimes insist they start).

I’ve been to Presbyterian Churches and found it to be much more educational, more time spent on explaining the readings by the Pastor, some interaction with those present.
I know the CC cannot have the interaction, but, does it have to be so strictly timed every Sunday? Where the Priest gives us a few words and then it’s time to go already…?!

Has anyone had this type of experience before?

I mean only to bring good out of this post - My goal is to try to understand why I feel most people in my own Church aren’t as excited about learning the Lord’s Word as I am.
I mean absolutely no disrespect.

Thanks,
Marcus.

I have read through all of the responses and maybe I am reading something into your question that others haven’t. If I am wrong, please let me know. I would like to toss in my two cents.
First, going to Mass on Sunday is primarily to give thanks to God, to offer up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, to ask for forgiveness and mercy and to worship, praise and adore God who allows us to receive the most Blessed Sacrament.

The Liturgy of the word gives us a beautiful taste of the bible through the readings and the psalms and the Gospel. We are to ask God to open us up to his WORD so that we may understand it. It is the Priest or Deacon’s job to tell us via their homily,how we can bring what we have heard into our life and thus closer to God.

If we are praying for God to open our hearts and minds to his Word, we will understand it. At my church, most people bring their bible to Mass, to read along while it is being read. I don’t because I have usually read it once or twice before Mass and I want to hear the word proclaimed.

What I picked up on, if this is what you were saying, is that many people don’t seem to be showing up for Mass for any other reason than obligation. They have no clue what is going on and it is hard to tell, externally, that they even care. These are the people chatting in the sanctuary, figeting, ignoring their unruly kids etc. etc. They are all alive once Mass is over and they head for the coffee and donuts.
It is sometimes hard to fathom why they even bother showing up.But, they do and hopefully the Lord is planting seeds in them and opening their eyes very slowly.

Not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual journey. It is hard when one is totally in love with our sweet Lord Jesus and enters into the Mass solely to be united with God for that hour, to be sitting next to the butt-kneelers who fidget and chat with those around them throughout the whole Mass. My issue is with the ones who have just received communion, Mass ends and instead of respecting the sanctuary as an adoraton chapel, where Christ is reposed in the Tabernacle, they jump up, turn their backs on God and start chatting about a fishing trip or a new hair do. They can’t leave in silence and have no problem standing next to a person (usually me) who is on their knees, still praying in thanksgiving to my God for the incredible gift he has just graced me with.

I believe that most Catholics know very little about the Mass, their faith or what they believe in. They haven’t bothered to read the bible, the catechism or the reams of books out there on the history of the Church and the history of Christianity. It is amazing when one can see that we are doing exactly the same things that were done by the Apostles in Mass and by the early Fathers. Anyone who finds these things will find the Truth…that the Catholic Church is the one and only Church with Jesus Christ as its head. All the other denominations are just that, offshoots created by man and constantly changing based on the whims of whomever is in charge and secular society. Only the Church started by Christ and protected by the Holy Sprit has the Truth. They will not change iit for anyone,.

I do not think that anyone can grow in faith in the Catholic Church until they understand the Trinity inside and out and have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit will show you the truth in all you do. He will make the bible and easy and beautiful book to read. He will bring you personal revelation from it. He will guide you and transform you just as he transformed Paul.

All one can do though, is pray ardently for all those who do not know God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Pray for those who are lukewarm. Pray that the Great Father will open up their hearts and minds so that they can hear his voice. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day, pray the rosary, go to adoration and the Lord will use you to bring others to him. The power of prayer is enormous.

I would suggest for your church that you check out brining in the Jeff Cavins bible study courses. They are solid Catholic, they are all over the country and they are the best. Buy one course yourself and have people over to study. We can bring people to God by our actions and our witness.

 

[sdtouchton]

We know because The Catholic Church is the Most Hated Christian Church in the World.

Just as the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, so she naturally must follow the trials and tribulations of her founder and Head. His physical body endured an unmerciful persecution and scourging, and so must His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, endure the same.

A comparison between Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. They are one and cannot be separated.

What happened to the One also happens to the other.

Jesus Christ persecuted…His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church persecuted…

They rebelled against His Authority…They rebel against its Authority. 2Peter 2:10

They said Crucify Him…They have tried to destroy it for 2000 years.

He is called Beelzebub…It is run by Satan. Matthew 10:25.

He is a false messiah…It is a false church. Luke 22:70-71

He called Himself the Son of GOD…It claims it was founded by GOD, Matthew 16:18.

He called Himself Truth…It claims to be infallible, 1Timothy 3:15.

He called Himself King…It says it is the only true Church, Matthew 16:18.

He could not sin…It has no spot or wrinkle, Ephesians 5:27.

He was not be believed by many…It is not believed by many. Luke 22:67

He was denied by many…It is denied by many. Luke 22:57-60

Not understanding Him, they walked away…Not understanding it, they walk away. John 6:66

He had false accusers…It has false accusers. Mark 14:56-59

He was mocked…It is mocked. Luke 23:35-37

He was scandalized…It is scandalized. Luke 17:1-2

He was hated without a cause…It is hated without a cause. John 15:18-25

His accuser, Judas, died…Its accusers die, but still, the Church lives on.

His enemies would stumble and fall…Its enemies stumble and fall. John 18:6

We have no king but Caesar…We have no need of it, as we have the Bible.

Can anything good come out of Nazareth?..Can anything good come from Rome? John 1:46

They cried out, “Not this one but Barabbas”…It is also rejected by the world. John 15:18-25

He bore His Cross…It bears a cross also, the cross of persecution.

He died on the Cross…It has thousands of martyrs, many on crosses.

1970 years later, He lives, stronger than ever…1970 years later, it lives, stronger than ever.

However, no matter how hard the persecutors try…

His Kingdom will last forever, Daniel 7:14, Hebrews 1:8.

His Church will last until the end of the world as promised by Him in Matthew 28:20.

“BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU POWER TO TREAD UPON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE MIGHT OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU.”

Luke 10:19

“Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks AND TO THE CHURCH OF GOD”

1Corinthians 10:32

Anyone who persecutes the Catholic Church has made himself/herself a stumbling block to the Church of GOD. It is a clear violation of Holy Scripture.

“For I am the least of the Apostles, and I AM NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, BECAUSE I PERSECUTED THE CHURCH OF GOD.” 1Corinthians 15:9

“Do not be surprised, brethren, IF THE WORLD HATES YOU.” 1John 3:13

"IF THE WORLD HATES YOU, KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE YOU.

IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE ITS OWN. BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATES YOU.

REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU: NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY WORD, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.

BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS THEY WILL DO TO YOU FOR MY NAME’S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW HIM WHO SENT ME.

IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR THEIR SIN. HE WHO HATES ME HATES MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM WORKS SUCH AS NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE SEEN, AND HAVE HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER;

BUT THAT THE WORD WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW MAY BE FULFILLED, ‘THEY HAVE HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE’, (Psalms 35:19)".

John 15:18-25

I would say that Jesus Christ said it all in these verses written with the inspired pen of Saint John wouldn’t you?

Name another Church which is attacked so much on a daily basis as is the Catholic Church?

Jesus Christ warned us, “You will be HATED BY ALL NATIONS for My Name’s sake.”

Matthew 24:9

“Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake. REJOICE AND EXULT, BECAUSE YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

Everytime you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.

It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.

(Source : home.inreach.com/bstanley/)
biblicalproof4catholicfaith.blogspot.com/

 

[mo2169]

We know because The Catholic Church is the Most Hated Christian Church in the World.

Just as the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, so she naturally must follow the trials and tribulations of her founder and Head. His physical body endured an unmerciful persecution and scourging, and so must His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, endure the same.

A comparison between Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. They are one and cannot be separated.

What happened to the One also happens to the other.

Jesus Christ persecuted…His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church persecuted…

They rebelled against His Authority…They rebel against its Authority. 2Peter 2:10

They said Crucify Him…They have tried to destroy it for 2000 years.

He is called Beelzebub…It is run by Satan. Matthew 10:25.

He is a false messiah…It is a false church. Luke 22:70-71

He called Himself the Son of GOD…It claims it was founded by GOD, Matthew 16:18.

He called Himself Truth…It claims to be infallible, 1Timothy 3:15.

He called Himself King…It says it is the only true Church, Matthew 16:18.

He could not sin…It has no spot or wrinkle, Ephesians 5:27.

He was not be believed by many…It is not believed by many. Luke 22:67

He was denied by many…It is denied by many. Luke 22:57-60

Not understanding Him, they walked away…Not understanding it, they walk away. John 6:66

He had false accusers…It has false accusers. Mark 14:56-59

He was mocked…It is mocked. Luke 23:35-37

He was scandalized…It is scandalized. Luke 17:1-2

He was hated without a cause…It is hated without a cause. John 15:18-25

His accuser, Judas, died…Its accusers die, but still, the Church lives on.

His enemies would stumble and fall…Its enemies stumble and fall. John 18:6

We have no king but Caesar…We have no need of it, as we have the Bible.

Can anything good come out of Nazareth?..Can anything good come from Rome? John 1:46

They cried out, “Not this one but Barabbas”…It is also rejected by the world. John 15:18-25

He bore His Cross…It bears a cross also, the cross of persecution.

He died on the Cross…It has thousands of martyrs, many on crosses.

1970 years later, He lives, stronger than ever…1970 years later, it lives, stronger than ever.

However, no matter how hard the persecutors try…

His Kingdom will last forever, Daniel 7:14, Hebrews 1:8.

His Church will last until the end of the world as promised by Him in Matthew 28:20.

“BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU POWER TO TREAD UPON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE MIGHT OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU.”

Luke 10:19

“Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks AND TO THE CHURCH OF GOD”

1Corinthians 10:32

Anyone who persecutes the Catholic Church has made himself/herself a stumbling block to the Church of GOD. It is a clear violation of Holy Scripture.

Everytime you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.

It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.

(Source : home.inreach.com/bstanley/)
biblicalproof4catholicfaith.blogspot.com/

Hi sdtouchton,

I guess I’m confused by your post. You didn’t “quote” any previous posts, therefore I’m not sure what question(s) or specific subject you are responding/referring to.

You are right, the CC has been persecuted since the early days. It is up to us Catholics to learn/teach Jesus’ Word to help others who are not aware of it (as the Apostles, other Disciples, and Saints did).

God Bless,
Marcus.

 

[mo2169]

I have read through all of the responses and maybe I am reading something into your question that others haven’t. If I am wrong, please let me know. I would like to toss in my two cents.
First, going to Mass on Sunday is primarily to give thanks to God, to offer up the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, to ask for forgiveness and mercy and to worship, praise and adore God who allows us to receive the most Blessed Sacrament.

The Liturgy of the word gives us a beautiful taste of the bible through the readings and the psalms and the Gospel. We are to ask God to open us up to his WORD so that we may understand it. It is the Priest or Deacon’s job to tell us via their homily,how we can bring what we have heard into our life and thus closer to God.

If we are praying for God to open our hearts and minds to his Word, we will understand it. At my church, most people bring their bible to Mass, to read along while it is being read. I don’t because I have usually read it once or twice before Mass and I want to hear the word proclaimed.

What I picked up on, if this is what you were saying, is that many people don’t seem to be showing up for Mass for any other reason than obligation. They have no clue what is going on and it is hard to tell, externally, that they even care. These are the people chatting in the sanctuary, figeting, ignoring their unruly kids etc. etc. They are all alive once Mass is over and they head for the coffee and donuts.
It is sometimes hard to fathom why they even bother showing up.But, they do and hopefully the Lord is planting seeds in them and opening their eyes very slowly.

Not everyone is at the same place in their spiritual journey. It is hard when one is totally in love with our sweet Lord Jesus and enters into the Mass solely to be united with God for that hour, to be sitting next to the butt-kneelers who fidget and chat with those around them throughout the whole Mass. My issue is with the ones who have just received communion, Mass ends and instead of respecting the sanctuary as an adoraton chapel, where Christ is reposed in the Tabernacle, they jump up, turn their backs on God and start chatting about a fishing trip or a new hair do. They can’t leave in silence and have no problem standing next to a person (usually me) who is on their knees, still praying in thanksgiving to my God for the incredible gift he has just graced me with.

I believe that most Catholics know very little about the Mass, their faith or what they believe in. They haven’t bothered to read the bible, the catechism or the reams of books out there on the history of the Church and the history of Christianity. It is amazing when one can see that we are doing exactly the same things that were done by the Apostles in Mass and by the early Fathers. Anyone who finds these things will find the Truth…that the Catholic Church is the one and only Church with Jesus Christ as its head. All the other denominations are just that, offshoots created by man and constantly changing based on the whims of whomever is in charge and secular society. Only the Church started by Christ and protected by the Holy Sprit has the Truth. They will not change iit for anyone,.

I do not think that anyone can grow in faith in the Catholic Church until they understand the Trinity inside and out and have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit will show you the truth in all you do. He will make the bible and easy and beautiful book to read. He will bring you personal revelation from it. He will guide you and transform you just as he transformed Paul.

All one can do though, is pray ardently for all those who do not know God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Pray for those who are lukewarm. Pray that the Great Father will open up their hearts and minds so that they can hear his voice. Pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day, pray the rosary, go to adoration and the Lord will use you to bring others to him. The power of prayer is enormous.

I would suggest for your church that you check out brining in the Jeff Cavins bible study courses. They are solid Catholic, they are all over the country and they are the best. Buy one course yourself and have people over to study. We can bring people to God by our actions and our witness.

Hi Deblette,

Thank you very very much for the reply.
You said it all.

You’ve made so many great points! I definitely agree with you.
I can definitely relate to the things you’ve mentioned in my own Parish.

I believe so much in the Trinity. Through the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, my life has completely changed for the better. This is what I’d like for others.

I will definitely pray for those who (I think) have not understood that Jesus’ Word is one of the key elements in understanding and following our Catholic Church. (amongst other things)

I will pray that those same people become ready in spirit, in order to receive this ‘gift’ (His Word). I now understand how important is for a person to be “ready”.

I will continue to pray for Jesus to guide me in the right path; direct me to my calling.

Thank you again!
God Bless you…