Question for respectful protestants only!

[AbideWithMe]

I can try to help with this

I see Wikipedia has a useful article under “Sign of the Cross”. In the “gesture” section there, it talks about the “small sign of the cross”: “May Christ’s words be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart”–very cool, and Baptists should be able to respect that as well as relate to it.

If you, Razanir, and others could compile or source some short explanations of these things, maybe they could be printed out if the OP thinks her family might be curious.

 

[Reuben_J]

I see Wikipedia has a useful article under “Sign of the Cross”. In the “gesture” section there, it talks about the “small sign of the cross”: “May Christ’s words be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart”–very cool, and Baptists should be able to respect that as well as relate to it.

They do that in response to the Gospel just when it is about to be read. Three small crosses on the forehead, the lips and the breast (heart).

Glad to hear this from our Protestant brethren.

 

[Razanir]

I see Wikipedia has a useful article under “Sign of the Cross”. In the “gesture” section there, it talks about the “small sign of the cross”: “May Christ’s words be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart”–very cool, and Baptists should be able to respect that as well as relate to it.

If you, Razanir, and others could compile or source some short explanations of these things, maybe they could be printed out if the OP thinks her family might be curious.

They do that in response to the Gospel just when it is about to be read. Three small crosses on the forehead, the lips and the breast (heart).

Glad to hear this from our Protestant brethren.

Huh. So I’ve been saying it wrong this whole time? I normally just say “In my thoughts and in my words and in my heart”

Also, I was really just offering to peruse the internet for something. I suppose I could actually write something up…

 

[AbideWithMe]

Also, I was really just offering to peruse the internet for something. I suppose I could actually write something up…

Oh, sorry…I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. If there’s already a site with some brief explanations in one place, that would help, IMO.

 

[LEMAITRE]

Your family are free to receive a blessing from the Priest when others go up for the Eucharist, just make sure they cross their arms across their chest, that is the sign for the Priest to know that these are non-Catholics who wish to receive a blessing.

 

[DeSanto]

If I may offer some advice, find out if your friends can receive a blessing instead of communion. Some Catholic churches do this, some don’t. It could lessen the sting of them feeling rejected.

I believe ones in line to receive the sacraments ie. RCAI classes, can receive a blessing but, be sure to receive the blessing from the priest. Only the priest can give the blessing.

 

[Razanir]

It’s for the old translation, but this site shows where almost everything said in Mass can be found in the Bible

 

[Woody87]

I hope that this did not happen or the child has not been baptised yet.

I only went once to a catholic service, partly because they refused to let me receive the Eucharist. Which I found extremely offensive. The parishioner knew I was a protestant visiting to find out answers about what catholics believe.

This might not be a problem for your relatives, but you might want to warn them about going up receive the Eucharist and that they might only receive a special blessing from the priest instead.

 

[x1980x]

…

Protestant denominations generally allow you to take communion if you’re a Christian (of any denomination), so they probably won’t know any better unless you inform them.

And you may want to explain the sign of the cross. I remember thinking the first time I met a Catholic, “Why do they always do that?”

I’ve taken Episcopalian (same faith as CoE) and ELCA Lutheran communion on several occasions. As far as I can tell my church has no problem with it either.

Some Protestants (mostly high-church) do make the sign of the cross, but it is optional and a sign that you are rather on the high church end. Lutherans and Episcopalians may do this, while Baptists are much less likely to do so. Certainly no or very few Protestant churches will make it an issue if you don’t, and many or most won’t make it an issue if you do, but it may draw attention to yourself.

 

[Boltz44]

If I may, and others may clarify better than I can, but He is not being re-crucified at Mass. Rather, we are participating in the original sacrifice Jesus made. God transcends time and the sacrifice during Mass is the same one at both places at both times. Christ’s crucifixtion is present at Mass.

That is not the position of the Baltimore catechism, and if it was accepted 2000 years ago “on earth” why “on earth” do we need to pray for it to be accepted now? If it was then it doesn’t need to be now and if it wasn’t then it wont be now. Hebrews is referring to that which is taking place on earth, and if Christ was crucified on earth, he was crucified ONCE and he only suffered ONCE the writer is making a point of telling his readers this, comparing the Old Testament sacrifices which were repeated but the sacrifice of Christ is done ONLY ONCE. Once is once, and you cant get around it. And is it not the SACRIFICE of the mass? Also the Bible says *And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. *If it is the un-bloody sacrifice where then is the remission of sin , but if sin has been remitted by the original sacrifice there is no need for it to be repeated.

 

[classica87]

I’ve taken Episcopalian (same faith as CoE) and ELCA Lutheran communion on several occasions. As far as I can tell my church has no problem with it either.

Some Protestants (mostly high-church) do make the sign of the cross, but it is optional and a sign that you are rather on the high church end. Lutherans and Episcopalians may do this, while Baptists are much less likely to do so. Certainly no or very few Protestant churches will make it an issue if you don’t, and many or most won’t make it an issue if you do, but it may draw attention to yourself.

I knew about the Lutherans and Episcopalians; they will sometimes make the sign of the cross. Southern Baptists, however, will “make an issue,” with the sign of the cross, and are generally not okay with “formal” things. At least, the church I grew up in.

I second the idea for keepsake cards or something like that to help family members during Mass. I think that combined with perhaps a brief explanation will lessen the shock of things. Baptists have almost no sense of tradition, so a Mass could be a lot to process.

 

[SonCatcher]

If I may, and others may clarify better than I can, but He is not being re-crucified at Mass. Rather, we are participating in the original sacrifice Jesus made. God transcends time and the sacrifice during Mass is the same one at both places at both times. Christ’s crucifixtion is present at Mass.

That is not the position of the Baltimore catechism, and if it was accepted 2000 years ago “on earth” why “on earth” do we need to pray for it to be accepted now? If it was then it doesn’t need to be now and if it wasn’t then it wont be now. Hebrews is referring to that which is taking place on earth, and if Christ was crucified on earth, he was crucified ONCE and he only suffered ONCE the writer is making a point of telling his readers this, comparing the Old Testament sacrifices which were repeated but the sacrifice of Christ is done ONLY ONCE. Once is once, and you cant get around it. And is it not the SACRIFICE of the mass? Also the Bible says *And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. *If it is the un-bloody sacrifice where then is the remission of sin , but if sin has been remitted by the original sacrifice there is no need for it to be repeated.

From the Baltimore Catechism:
Q. 920. Is the Mass the same sacrifice as that of the Cross?

A. The Mass is the same sacrifice as that of the Cross.

Baltimore used rather terse language but does indeed teach that the celebration of the Eucharist and Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary are one in the same.

 

[hn160]

If I may offer some advice, find out if your friends can receive a blessing instead of communion. Some Catholic churches do this, some don’t. It could lessen the sting of them feeling rejected.

Our pastors completely reject having children or non-LC-MS visitors come to the altar rail because they do not receive anything in a blessing.

 

[hn160]

I have been to Catholic Mass and I found that the liturgy is a lot like our Lutheran Mass except for musical settings. The biggest of course is the Sacrifice and prayers that include the Virgin Mary.

 

[Reuben_J]

That is not the position of the Baltimore catechism, and if it was accepted 2000 years ago “on earth” why “on earth” do we need to pray for it to be accepted now? If it was then it doesn’t need to be now and if it wasn’t then it wont be now.

I don’t know how you can see that Baltimore catechism as teaching that the mass is not a re-enactment or representation of that sacrifice? That it is not a repetition of the sacrifice. The Catechism is teaching the position of the Catholic Church. Even if you misunderstand the words of the Catechism, you surely should not with the Church’s teaching. You should go for the Catechism class for a better understanding of the Catechism because then it will be explained to you as it is for everybody else who really want to know.

Your problem with the mass is because you think it is a sacrifice all over again instead of representation of the sacrifice of the Calvary. Would it be alright with you now if the mass if a representation of the sacrifice? I guess not from the sound of your post.

The mass is not a prayer of asking the sacrifice at Calvary to be accepted as you may want to imply.

Calvary is a grace and when it happened many of us are not there. Human mind is limited and our memory is short; and we may want to be at Calvary again, and again. Do you have problem with this? Where and what were you when Jesus was sacrificed? Don’t you want to be at that scene? Were you the centurion, the thief at His side, the Sanhedrin, the crowd, etc.?
Boltz44;10121346:

Hebrews is referring to that which is taking place on earth, and if Christ was crucified on earth, he was crucified ONCE and he only suffered ONCE the writer is making a point of telling his readers this, comparing the Old Testament sacrifices which were repeated but the sacrifice of Christ is done ONLY ONCE

. Once is once, and you cant get around it. And is it not the SACRIFICE of the mass? Also the Bible says *And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. *If it is the un-bloody sacrifice where then is the remission of sin , but if sin has been remitted by the original sacrifice there is no need for it to be repeated.

Yes, the Lord was sacrificed once, and for all. That’s exactly the understanding of the Church and the mass. There is no repetition of the sacrifice. The mass is not about repetition of the sacrifice.

The question for you – do you have a problem if the sacrifice is re-enacted all over again in front of you? Please do not go around that too. It is not and never a repetition of the sacrifice. The Church never says that is so.

 

[DeSanto]

One who is genuinely interested in understanding the true meaning of the Catholic Mass, the answers are out there. I am not so great at explaining things so instead, I will just post some references…

“Unlocking the Book of Revelations” by Dr. Michael Barber

here is a video that will give you the gist of the above reference…

youtu.be/NNypSpAMDnI

(I don’t normally reference YouTube videos but, I will make an exception this time, its definitely worth it!)

scripturecatholic.com/revelation_and_the_mass.html

fisheaters.com/revelation.html

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=216965

 

[DeSanto]

To understand Mass one must understand the word “Parousia”, one must understand “the Eucharist”, the Real Presence!

Historical evidence is there…mass was celebrated long before the bible was compiled.

Prayers for those who are searching for truth…

 

[Boltz44]

It’s not repeated! That would be impossible, for the simple fact that Jesus is in heaven. I never understood, as a former protestant, why protestants were lead to believe that… That one sacrifice of Calvary is simply renewed at each and every Mass; it’s not another sacrifice! Very important to remember that…

I don’t know how you can see that Baltimore catechism as teaching that the mass is not a re-enactment or representation of that sacrifice? That it is not a repetition of the sacrifice. The Catechism is teaching the position of the Catholic Church. Even if you misunderstand the words of the Catechism, you surely should not with the Church’s teaching. You should go for the Catechism class for a better understanding of the Catechism because then it will be explained to you as it is for everybody else who really want to know.

Your problem with the mass is because you think it is a sacrifice all over again instead of representation of the sacrifice of the Calvary. Would it be alright with you now if the mass if a representation of the sacrifice? I guess not from the sound of your post.

The mass is not a prayer of asking the sacrifice at Calvary to be accepted as you may want to imply.

Calvary is a grace and when it happened many of us are not there. Human mind is limited and our memory is short; and we may want to be at Calvary again, and again. Do you have problem with this? Where and what were you when Jesus was sacrificed? Don’t you want to be at that scene? Were you the centurion, the thief at His side, the Sanhedrin, the crowd, etc.?

Yes, the Lord was sacrificed once, and for all. That’s exactly the understanding of the Church and the mass. There is no repetition of the sacrifice. The mass is not about repetition of the sacrifice.

The question for you – do you have a problem if the sacrifice is re-enacted all over again in front of you? Please do not go around that too. It is not and never a repetition of the sacrifice. The Church never says that is so.

Ok, so what is the point? The word of God says my sin is put away by one sacrifice, I only have to believe it. Re-creating it as you say will not change the effect. It is question of faith, the Bible says it I believe it that’s all that matters. Ask yourself this: do I have the faith to believe it once and for all or do I need a reminder?, when I can study the Bible because it says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I still dont understand if it is re-created why the priest must say" we pray this sacrifice be acceptable in your sight oh God if it was already

 

[Razanir]

Ok, so what is the point? The word of God says my sin is put away by one sacrifice, I only have to believe it. Re-creating it as you say will not change the effect. It is question of faith, the Bible says it I believe it that’s all that matters. Ask yourself this: do I have the faith to believe it once and for all or do I need a reminder?, when I can study the Bible because it says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I still dont understand if it is re-created why the priest must say" we pray this sacrifice be acceptable in your sight oh God if it was already

Again, we aren’t re-creating it. We’re re-PRESENTING it. Like the Baltimore Catechism says, Mass is the same sacrifice as on Calvary.

EDIT: And the way you word everything, it sounds like OSAS. Remember, faith without works is dead. Believing in God is not a “Get out of Hell free” card

 

[SonCatcher]

Believing in God is not a “Get out of Hell free” card

indeed
[BIBLEDRB]James 2:19[/BIBLEDRB]