Mortal Sin Not to Accept Vocation?

[vinessa]

I have a very weird question. I noticed that the original poster (OP) is listed as “banned”. And the original question struck me as extremely odd. If you read it again, this man is very negative, limiting, and judgmental – probably why he was banned? And yet he says he is certain he is called to be a priest. I don’t know how such a question can even be asked, much less taken seriously. And that’s my question to all the rest of you.

How on earth could someone so whiney and negative convey to others the best news someone could ever hear? The gospel. The glory and hope and light of life.

I’m confused about priests anyway. I’m in RCIA and I understand that they are just men, but men empowered to convey (?) or be a vessel for the Holy Sprit which mystically and mysteriously BECOMES Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. But can a man do this when his own spirit is so mean and limiting?

I need to ask more questions about priests, but if anyone wants to address this I would be most appreciative.

Thanks!

 

[vocatio]

Viness, I would recommend that you actively ask these questions to the person teaching RCIA and a priest with whom you feel comfortable addressing difficult issues. Trust me, you will be better off than attempting to get good advice on this board. It takes time to learn and understand Catholic teaching if you do not already have this background. You will encounter good people and difficlt people on this forum. I strongly suggest you talk about this with your instructor and priest. You could even download some audios on the subject form EWTN, The Comming Home Network, Catholic Answers, New Advent, Salvationhistory [Scott Hahn’s webpage] and others, but be careful there are schimatic groups that profess to be “catholic” but are not in communion with Rome. I hope I typed this all correct. I’m sure someone will intervene.

Priests are sinners too. Being mean or harsh is not necissary the criteria you should look for in verifying “validity” of Holy Orders. The early Church was very harsh. Some sins were met with harsh long penances in the early church…lots of historical facts on that later. But just as people marry and are harsh at time to each other does not make their marriage invalid. The “laying on of hands” to convery holy orders is scriptural…New Testament. Paul tells Timothy to be careful who he “lays hands on”…Holy Orders. Look at Judas from the original 12 apostles. Doubting Thomas…Peter cut off a guard’s ear…not to mention denied Christ. Thomas would believe because of his pride or whatever. Even on the day Jesus assended to Heaven, he rebuked them for doubting.

That’s just not a valid criteria to guage the priesthood. The Eastern Orthodox that goes all the way back to the Apostles too are very harsh in some cultures while their parishoners are waiting in lines for confession. I’ver heard stories on this forum about it. I’ve dealt with a few myself very harsh priests. Personallity differences will always be an issue. Just find a priest you feel comfortable with spilling your guts in confession. I would say that most priests are not bad. This OP is not even a seminarian and if he was what you suspect, I doubt he’ll make it even in the final line up to be accepted to the seminary…but he might. And if he didn’t not transform, most likely he would not make it to ordination. But all of it is possible. Only God knows.

Hope this doesn’t become a stumbling block for you. Ask question in RCIA class. Get it out now.

 

[Al_Masetti]

Just because someone “feels” or “is certain” that he is called to a priestly vocation [or ANY specific vocation, for that matter] doesn’t mean that that person is ENTITLED to enter that vocation.

The person may simply lack the basic qualifications.

I have a very weird question. I noticed that the original poster (OP) is listed as “banned”. And the original question struck me as extremely odd. If you read it again, this man is very negative, limiting, and judgmental – probably why he was banned? And yet he says he is certain he is called to be a priest. I don’t know how such a question can even be asked, much less taken seriously. And that’s my question to all the rest of you.

How on earth could someone so whiney and negative convey to others the best news someone could ever hear? The gospel. The glory and hope and light of life.

I’m confused about priests anyway. I’m in RCIA and I understand that they are just men, but men empowered to convey (?) or be a vessel for the Holy Sprit which mystically and mysteriously BECOMES Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. But can a man do this when his own spirit is so mean and limiting?

I need to ask more questions about priests, but if anyone wants to address this I would be most appreciative.

Thanks!

 

[BarbaraTherese]

How on earth could someone so whiney and negative convey to others the best news someone could ever hear? The gospel. The glory and hope and light of life.

Many a person has started out on the religious road a long long way from ‘the type’…and gone on to make a good and holy religious/priest.

I’m confused about priests anyway. I’m in RCIA and I understand that they are just men, but men empowered to convey (?) or be a vessel for the Holy Sprit which mystically and mysteriously BECOMES Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. But can a man do this when his own spirit is so mean and limiting?
Many a person has started out on the religious road a long way indeed from any sort of “perfection”

According to St. Augustine, the spiritual disposition of the priest has no affect or effect on the intrinsic matter of transubstantiation in the Mass. If a priest is validly ordained and affirmed by The Church as a validly ordained priest, then his spiritual disposition can neither increase nor decrease transubstantiation itself nor can it have any affect or effect on the celebration of any of the sacraments. The Sacraments retain their full validity and integrity despite the disposition of the celebrating priest. (transubstantiation is the moment bread and wine is changed into The Body and Blood of Christ in The Mass).

Blessings - Barb

 

[lizzy_bird]

Ask yourself how you will go away from Jesus if you do in fact continue to deny a vocation you say you are sure you have-unhappy and sad like the rich man?

 

[Al_Masetti]

There are many acceptable and valid ways of discerning a vocation.

For example, checking in to a retreat center near you and discussing your feelings with the retreat master. Spend some time.