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DJgang
Guest
That’s not at all how I read this thread but we each have our own opinion.
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Gabbanelli911
Guest
Sounds like you are the sour one! I grew up Catholic but just until recently I’ve really started paying attention to my Catholic faith and I’ve been to some Catholic services and catholic retreats where it feels as if I’m in a protestant church due to the way that the people are acting due to the Holy Spirit. If all you do is attend mass every Sunday then you will miss much more because Sunday mass is a celebration. I’m not saying Sunday Mass is not important but there are many many many more services available for you to make your faith grew. Two years ago I lived an experienced called “Cursillo.” You should try it, it will open your eyes.
God Bles
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LizzieBelle82
Guest
I haven’t fully converted yet from my non- denominational background, but I’ve been in MANY churches ( Pentecostal because that’s my mom’s background, Methodist, Baptist, southern Baptist, " come as you are", spirit-filled, etc.) and I’ve experienced Mass and of course classes. Someone mentioned that shyness shouldn’t be used as an excuse and for that I want to share some things.
I have always been shy… PAINFULLY shy and introverted. One time at a restaurant drive- thru some guy even came to my car and said I should smile. I smile when something is funny, sweet, etc. or when catching someone’s eye. That last one, though, is very difficult for me. In EVERY SINGLE of the protestant churches I was ignored and judged because of my shyness. It has always been the loud, vivacious, exuberant, outgoing ( and every other synonym of what I’m not) people that got the warm welcome, the embrace, the " wanna join one of our groups?", the " do you need any prayer?", etc. In my experiences ( personal and through observance because we shy introverts are excellent at observation) I’ve learned that it’s oftentimes the quiet, the non-smiling, the not over-the-top, the ones in the shadows, etc. that need the most prayer. And I know this in my heart as well. You might not know what these people need prayer for, but God does. If one is not shy or introverted it’s very, very easy to judge those that are and think they just aren’t trying hard enough or they’re cold, miserable, unhappy, etc. That’s not always the case. Most times it’s not. A lot of times we simply don’t know how to react or act with strangers because any way we’ve tried before has been " wrong."
There has been so much harsh judgment within this thread of a lot of groups and individuals. Christianity, whether Protestant or Catholic, is supposed to have a backbone of love even when you aren’t seeing what YOUR interpretation of that love, joy, spiritualism, faith, etc. is. We all fall short and should focus on our own selves and how we can better serve God instead of how others can.
I have always been shy… PAINFULLY shy and introverted. One time at a restaurant drive- thru some guy even came to my car and said I should smile. I smile when something is funny, sweet, etc. or when catching someone’s eye. That last one, though, is very difficult for me. In EVERY SINGLE of the protestant churches I was ignored and judged because of my shyness. It has always been the loud, vivacious, exuberant, outgoing ( and every other synonym of what I’m not) people that got the warm welcome, the embrace, the " wanna join one of our groups?", the " do you need any prayer?", etc. In my experiences ( personal and through observance because we shy introverts are excellent at observation) I’ve learned that it’s oftentimes the quiet, the non-smiling, the not over-the-top, the ones in the shadows, etc. that need the most prayer. And I know this in my heart as well. You might not know what these people need prayer for, but God does. If one is not shy or introverted it’s very, very easy to judge those that are and think they just aren’t trying hard enough or they’re cold, miserable, unhappy, etc. That’s not always the case. Most times it’s not. A lot of times we simply don’t know how to react or act with strangers because any way we’ve tried before has been " wrong."
There has been so much harsh judgment within this thread of a lot of groups and individuals. Christianity, whether Protestant or Catholic, is supposed to have a backbone of love even when you aren’t seeing what YOUR interpretation of that love, joy, spiritualism, faith, etc. is. We all fall short and should focus on our own selves and how we can better serve God instead of how others can.
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Maria1993
Guest
YOU GET ALL THE AWARDS.
Yes. Amen to all you said.
While I understand that there definitely is some sour people, I experienced one today, there are a lot of us that are just introverted. Or we just don’t to smile, because we can’t. I have problems at home and I can’t help that. I don’t like shaking hands at the sign of peace because of ocd problems, my sister suffers from this as well. It’s not easy but she gets sour faces because of that, a mental problem…
I reverted to Catholicism at 18. I am 20. I wish older people would talk to me about the faith. I was never the girl in my high school classes screaming to the world she was going to give up chocolate for lent…I was always in the shadows. I naturally have an intimidating look lol. I have black hair with blue streaks. I get a lot of glances. I use that for evangelization purposes now. We punky Practicing Catholics exist
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Glo918
Guest
I guess my reply was a bit “sour”. My reply was more directed to a couple of posts in this thread that seemed to have an attitude that Catholics are *better *because of the Eucharist and blah blah blah.
I see this on FB a lot. (I’m off FB for Lent and so I guess I’m cheating a little by being here
). But I don’t think Christians as groups (i.e. Pentecostals, Baptists, Catholics, etc.) should judge each other’s beliefs. Pick a group and accept that others may have a different calling. Just because we do things differently, doesn’t mean it’s right. If Jesus were to come and hear some of the things that each group said about the other - in defense of His church - whichever church that may be, I doubt he would approve. (All Christian faiths should stick together as we all have Jesus)
Pendulum swings back and forth. Its going to take a while for some Protestants to get over all that happened within the Catholic church and that may never happen. No sense arguing about it. We have it all in our history books, movies, etc. There were some dark days in Catholic church. What would Jesus have said about those things? The Church needed reform.
Pendulum swung away and who knows if it will ever come all the way back or if it should? Maybe God wants it that way - having many different Christian churches. No one knows. Its a silly argument in my opinion. I know converts FROM the Catholic church and TO the Catholic church. Trying to win the FROM group back sounds like a cultish type of behavior to me. I guess I’ve wandered off the topic of this original thread a bit.
I see this on FB a lot. (I’m off FB for Lent and so I guess I’m cheating a little by being here
). But I don’t think Christians as groups (i.e. Pentecostals, Baptists, Catholics, etc.) should judge each other’s beliefs. Pick a group and accept that others may have a different calling. Just because we do things differently, doesn’t mean it’s right. If Jesus were to come and hear some of the things that each group said about the other - in defense of His church - whichever church that may be, I doubt he would approve. (All Christian faiths should stick together as we all have Jesus)Pendulum swings back and forth. Its going to take a while for some Protestants to get over all that happened within the Catholic church and that may never happen. No sense arguing about it. We have it all in our history books, movies, etc. There were some dark days in Catholic church. What would Jesus have said about those things? The Church needed reform.
Pendulum swung away and who knows if it will ever come all the way back or if it should? Maybe God wants it that way - having many different Christian churches. No one knows. Its a silly argument in my opinion. I know converts FROM the Catholic church and TO the Catholic church. Trying to win the FROM group back sounds like a cultish type of behavior to me. I guess I’ve wandered off the topic of this original thread a bit.
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Brendan_64
Guest
Mass is not all about joy and happiness. Christ suffered horrendous torture and death, His body was broken and his blood poured out. Love is not about a ‘happy’ feeling and a beaming smile. Love is also about pain and suffering. Christ died on the Cross to open the gates of Heaven and redeem us from sin, not to give us that ‘feel-good’ feeling and a beaming smile. We go to Mass to encounter Christ in flesh and blood, and that includes witnessing His sacrifice on the altar, and contemplating on His pain and suffering as an act of love for us, who did not deserve this.
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Brendan_64
Guest
Not all Christian denominations are equal, it is not simply a matter of choice. Yes there is various degrees of truth within the various Protestant denominations, but the fullness of truth lies within the Catholic Church. That there are a whole variety of many different Christian denominations is not a good thing, it reflects schism.
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ProVobis
Guest
And mostly without Apostolic Succession.
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marywarfield
Guest
Is there a difference between having Christ immediatelyI guess my reply was a bit “sour”. My reply was more directed to a couple of posts in this thread that seemed to have an attitude that Catholics are *better *because of the Eucharist and blah blah blah.
I see this on FB a lot. (I’m off FB for Lent and so I guess I’m cheating a little by being here
Pendulum swings back and forth. Its going to take a while for some Protestants to get over all that happened within the Catholic church and that may never happen. No sense arguing about it. We have it all in our history books, movies, etc. There were some dark days in Catholic church. What would Jesus have said about those things? The Church needed reform.
Pendulum swung away and who knows if it will ever come all the way back or if it should? Maybe God wants it that way - having many different Christian churches. No one knows. Its a silly argument in my opinion. I know converts FROM the Catholic church and TO the Catholic church. Trying to win the FROM group back sounds like a cultish type of behavior to me. I guess I’ve wandered off the topic of this original thread a bit.
living and present as opposed eulogized as a dead person
at a funeral?
ARE all heresies created equal? The REALITY is these
religions you are holding up as having “different views”
are for the most part heretical.
If there is no difference then you are correct. The
Catholic Church is not better.
If there is a difference maybe the sourness in your
post could be checked at the door.
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Rae8
Guest
Sadly - (excuse the pun
) - I think this way of thinking - is one reason the Catholic church is losing so many. **There is no good basis for this way of thinking. **Of course we should not forget what He did for us. But I challenge you to show me, where the bible or other sources, instruct us that we should be SAD about the Passion. God does not want us going around suffering and being gloomy (IMO). HE did that for us. He’s not asking us to go around mourning his death. His death is our reason for celebration!
Some food for thought:
**Galatians 5:22 **“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”
Psalms 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
**Psalms 47:1 **Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
**Psalms 63:5-7 **My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
Psalms 96:11-13 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.
**Isaiah 12:6 **“… Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Proverbs 10:28 The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Some Christian Quotes About Joy:
For the kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and it is not given to the wicked. Christ will come to thee, and show thee His consolation, if thou prepare a worthy mansion for Him within thee. All His glory and beauty is from within, and there it pleaseth Him to dwell. He often visiteth the inward man and holdeth with him sweet discourse, giving him soothing consolation, much peace, friendship exceeding wonderful. *** ~ Imitation of Christ*
*“It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full.” *~ A. B. Simpson
*“What I am anxious to see in Christian believers is a beautiful paradox. I want to see in them the joy of finding God while at the same time they are blessedly pursuing Him. I want to see in them the great joy of having God yet always wanting Him.” *~ A. W. Tozer
*“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” *~ C. S. Lewis
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zab
Guest
There is this little older Filipino lady who whenever she sees me her face lights up and is so happy to see me. One time she hugged me and told me that she has loved me forever. I don’t know why she loves me so much. I even had to look her name up in the directory. I feel so undeserving of her admiration. It is really she who makes me smile. Other times I feel like I am smiling inside, maybe not so big, but I feel joyful inside, but my aching body sometimes betrays my outward appearance. I feel like I’m smiling but photos don’t always show it. Perhaps this is the reason why sometimes it seems like certain individuals seem to deliberately snub me. I feel like I am smiling and ready to greet them when they look away and I get the feeling of being rejected. But there is no reason that I know of for it. It has to be my imagination. I wish that I could be like the little Filipino lady who always makes me smile so big.
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TimothyH
Guest
We join the angels and saints in heaven when we worship at Mass. See Revelation 4. There is joy in that.
We also do battle when we participate in liturgy. Liturgy is battle which changes the world. There is joy in taking part in that.
We witness the sacrifice but we also witness the resurrection. What is on the altar is not just the Christ’s sacrificed body but his resurrected and glorified body. What the priest is doing on the altar is resurrecting life. It is a foretaste of what God promises to us. There is great joy in that.
People who can’t find joy in the Mass or in the Christian faith need to speak to someone who can teach them what the Mass is really about. I recommend the study of the Book of Revelation by Great Adventure/Jeff Cavins.
Mass isn’t just about the sacrifice but about the resurrection as well.
-Tim-
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Rae8
Guest
How nice! So why not try to BE like that? Try it out by approaching the Filipino lady first. Then maybe someone else who doesn’t feel intimidating. I’ve found that all people are waiting for is for you to be the first to smile. Some people are a bit stand offish. But there are so many who WANT that kind of warmth in church. Especially the older ones. They love it and feel so much better after a little fellowship. I know I always do. We should share our joy. It can be contagious. I have one friend who tells me how the hair on his arms actually stands on end when we talk of certain things. The joy just cannot contain itself at times.
There are times I feel like dancing and singing praises. I love that feeling. Like a little bit of Heaven on earth.
When I have darker days, if i do an examination I find the reason for it is that I let my mind wander to other trivial things. If I stop, and put my mind and heart on God, the darkness lifts. The world is always trying to tempt us away from that inner peace and love. If we lived as hermits, it would be easier but we must live in this world and face trials constantly. But if we put God first, as the most important thing its so much easier. Trust in Him and everything else will take care of itself.
God Bless You!
I pray we all can have that peace beyond all understanding.
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zab
Guest
I can only be me. And I think I am smiling even if it doesn’t always show on the outside. You can’t see my pain.
Can you hear me now?
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hello123
Guest
Im one of those sour faced catholic,but im not rude.people often asked me why im pouting or grumpy,i just told them that i was born that way,but it doesnt mean that i dislike them or other people.it has something to do with my upbriinging,i struggled in life and is a worrier type.i attend And leave Mass sourfaced,but deep iniside i feel fulfilled and with overflowing joy ,as attending Mass is an accomplishment for the entire week,physically and spiritually.so if you see catholics that look grumpy,just remember what i wrote here.people .
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SuperLuigi
Guest
Ha!
I’m sure there’s people who take Communion who support so-called gay “marriage” and abortion!
I’m sure there’s people who take Communion who are practicing homosexuality or play house with their straight partner.
:banghead:
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Brendan_64
Guest
I agree with you Tim, I was merely pointing out that there are two sides to what we experience at Mass, and highlighting the other aspects.
I find it quite disturbing that some are expecting people to leave Mass with beaming smiles, and that if they don’t they are somehow not engaging properly and experiencing Jesus in the Mass.
If Protestants want to wave their hands in the air and clap with joy then that is up to them and I do not knock them for expressing their feelings like that, but then again their services do not include a painful sacrifice actually taking place on the altar, their focus seems (with some exceptions) to be entirely based on a celebration of the Resurrection without the discomfort of what immediately preceded this.
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St_Redemption
Guest
I’ve been attending the Vineyard Church down the road from me lately and have noticed that the people here seem way more excited and passionate about their faith than they are at the Catholic Church I was going to before this Church. This could be for a number of reasons I suppose, just an observation.
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Credo_in_Deum
Guest
The people could be sour faced because they come face to face with their sinfulness? Another reason could be because the Protestant Churches appeal more to our fallen appetites since most of them allow the follower to be complacent in their ways. As G.K. Chesterton said: Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried. But to be honest there could be a host of reasons for why people leave sour faced, too many to list or even bother speculating on. So, what should we focus on?
The first thing we should focus on should be ourselves. Let us look at ourselves and ask for the grace to see where we need to practice charity and a better outlook of our neighbor. Maybe we could ask the question; “why do their sour faced expressions upset us and how can we offer that up to Christ?”
Secondly, we can use this to address something which is lost on most, and that is the understanding that the Sacraments are not magical. When you receive them, your problems and your defects do not just magically go “POOF” and are gone. Grace must be received with the proper disposition in order for it to work with all the grace and healing it was intended to give you. Sacraments will change your life IF you LET THEM. If you receive the Sacraments without the desire to change your life and be close to Christ then they will not magically help you become what you do not want to become.
Let us all pray that we welcome Christ and invite Him in when He knocks on the door of our hearts.
God bless and please pray for me. .
The first thing we should focus on should be ourselves. Let us look at ourselves and ask for the grace to see where we need to practice charity and a better outlook of our neighbor. Maybe we could ask the question; “why do their sour faced expressions upset us and how can we offer that up to Christ?”
Secondly, we can use this to address something which is lost on most, and that is the understanding that the Sacraments are not magical. When you receive them, your problems and your defects do not just magically go “POOF” and are gone. Grace must be received with the proper disposition in order for it to work with all the grace and healing it was intended to give you. Sacraments will change your life IF you LET THEM. If you receive the Sacraments without the desire to change your life and be close to Christ then they will not magically help you become what you do not want to become.
Let us all pray that we welcome Christ and invite Him in when He knocks on the door of our hearts.
God bless and please pray for me. .
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marywarfield
Guest
Let’s look at the accuser however. The accuser states Catholics
are sour faced not joyful when they leave Mass.
So who has the problem here? The other people
leaving Mass (and I find it hard to believe every member
of the parish feels sour except the accuser) or the
accuser?
In the old days nuns walked about town with their
eyes on the pavement so they would
not be tempted to sin by observing, judging, condemning.
Perhaps those observing their fellow parishioners
are a bunch of bad apples need to take an inward
look.
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