P
palmas85
Guest
I’ve posted several things that my best friend, who is entering the Church through the RCIA Program, has told me about the process and what he is going through Several things he has told me recently bother me somewhat so I’ll lay them out here.
Several weeks ago, they were treated to what was described as the TRUE Mass, the Agape. There were several tables set up in the shape of a cross. It was covered with candles, and had a loaf of bread and a jug of grape juice in the center. The inquirers were sitting in a circle around the tables. They were told that what they were about to experience was the original form of the Mass. First they were told to clear their minds , meditate on the candles, and look within themselves, seeking their inner light, their own burning candle. Afterwards, the director read from an account of the Last Supper, passed the bread out and everyone took a piece and ate. Then the Director read again from an account of the Last Supper, and passed around the grape juice. Everyone took a sip. They were then told to meditate on the Candles silently for a while, looking inward for truth. It was stressed that they were to clear their minds and not to pray during this experience.
After this they had a spirited talk describing the curent Mass by, as my friend described him, a Deacon. The Deacon said that inquirers will be tested by many who want to pull the faith backwards and stop it’s progress and that they should watch for and be on guard against such things. He then explained that since the first Mass was said in Greek, no one should expect or push for a return to Latin usage and those that do are merely looking for something that is comfortable to them… He said the “Old Mass” celebrated until Vatican II was full of errors and almost never celebrated properly He shared that as a young man he hated the Mass because of this and almost left the Church… According to him, the Church was on it’s knees and then Vatican II swept in and saved it.
He ran through the Mass, giving most of his attention to the Consecration when he told them that it was the belief of the Congregation coupled with the prayers of the Priest that changed the Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. While the Priest alone could not accomplish this, the congregation somehow could and without the congregation such a change is impossible.
He went on a while more telling them that the only proper way to receive Holy Communion was in the hand, although some “old timers” felt more comfortable receiving on the tongue. He said they should not be laughed at although it does look funny seeing grown people stick their togues out. Apparently the class thought that was funny as my friend reported a good chuckle at the joke.
He concluded his talk on the Mass by mentioning that since the word Eucharist means thanksgiving, Catholics should no longer feel that the Mass is the re presentation of a Sacrifice, but rather a celebration of all Christians, both Catholic and “Beloved Separated Brethern”, in the unity of Christ.
I don’t really know what to make of these statements
Several weeks ago, they were treated to what was described as the TRUE Mass, the Agape. There were several tables set up in the shape of a cross. It was covered with candles, and had a loaf of bread and a jug of grape juice in the center. The inquirers were sitting in a circle around the tables. They were told that what they were about to experience was the original form of the Mass. First they were told to clear their minds , meditate on the candles, and look within themselves, seeking their inner light, their own burning candle. Afterwards, the director read from an account of the Last Supper, passed the bread out and everyone took a piece and ate. Then the Director read again from an account of the Last Supper, and passed around the grape juice. Everyone took a sip. They were then told to meditate on the Candles silently for a while, looking inward for truth. It was stressed that they were to clear their minds and not to pray during this experience.
After this they had a spirited talk describing the curent Mass by, as my friend described him, a Deacon. The Deacon said that inquirers will be tested by many who want to pull the faith backwards and stop it’s progress and that they should watch for and be on guard against such things. He then explained that since the first Mass was said in Greek, no one should expect or push for a return to Latin usage and those that do are merely looking for something that is comfortable to them… He said the “Old Mass” celebrated until Vatican II was full of errors and almost never celebrated properly He shared that as a young man he hated the Mass because of this and almost left the Church… According to him, the Church was on it’s knees and then Vatican II swept in and saved it.
He ran through the Mass, giving most of his attention to the Consecration when he told them that it was the belief of the Congregation coupled with the prayers of the Priest that changed the Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. While the Priest alone could not accomplish this, the congregation somehow could and without the congregation such a change is impossible.
He went on a while more telling them that the only proper way to receive Holy Communion was in the hand, although some “old timers” felt more comfortable receiving on the tongue. He said they should not be laughed at although it does look funny seeing grown people stick their togues out. Apparently the class thought that was funny as my friend reported a good chuckle at the joke.
He concluded his talk on the Mass by mentioning that since the word Eucharist means thanksgiving, Catholics should no longer feel that the Mass is the re presentation of a Sacrifice, but rather a celebration of all Christians, both Catholic and “Beloved Separated Brethern”, in the unity of Christ.
I don’t really know what to make of these statements
I thought Gnostic but then I remembered the NeoCats. Yes, most definitely blow the whistle on this group, now.