granny…you are right…very interesting and way over my head!! But the charismatic reneweal actually deserves the respect but it is almost like your own church family is not, i guess you would say “supporting” but tearing you down spiritually…is this a fair statement to make or assume?? My inlaws attend a charismatic movement with the catholic church like one a month or something like that. She tells me that if they brought it into regular mass the people would flip out. I kind of feel bad because they have to search out these groups and attend to get the fullness of what they want but yet still be catholic. And only get that every so often. I just couldn’t deal with that and only worshipping god the way i feel led once a month . Thank god i am pentecostal. To me it sounds like having something approved but having to fight then about it being this and being that. Anyway, hope it all comes together for your group.
My apology for taking so long to respond to your question: “Is this a fair statement to make or assume??” Since that question can be answered no, yes, maybe, I’ll give you some background and you can decide. It should not be surprising that squabbles, contrary personalities, and misunderstandings exist in the Catholic Church. Look at the first Apostles. There were the sons of thunder, foot-in-the-mouth Peter and doubting Thomas. It had to be the Holy Spirit Who held together this motley crew of cowards, hiding in the upper room. Thinking about the amazing powers which the Holy Spirit showered on the people in that upper room on Pentecost gives me goose bumps.
Without going into Church history, it is obvious that squabbles became serious disagreements and divisions as to the meaning of God’s Revelation. As far as the Catholic Church, the major interpretations of Revelation have been settled. This includes the Seven Sacraments and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which are the means that can be used to bring us to eternal bliss with God.
In addition, there are a variety of ways in which one can live one’s life. One can be a great preacher or a worker in a soup kitchen. There are various methods of prayer or forms of spirituality. St. Francis is a wonderful example of one form of spirituality; yet, not all of us are called to his form. Since St. Paul, there have been a number of great saints who have practiced and preached other forms of spirituality. There are a lot of characters and opposing personalities, as well as a fair share of mudgies in Catholicism so as far as individuals, one size of spirituality does not fit all.
What does unite all–brings us together–is the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus, Our Savior, in the Holy Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament.
Historically speaking, some people would offer that in the 1900’s, Christianity as a whole was in a period similar to the challenges of the Apostolic Church. There was a need for a “new” Pentecost. And historically, the Holy Spirit did come in a special way to renew Christianity, showering upon us His gifts. The Holy Spirit has not left.
There are lots of reasons why people embrace the outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and there are an equal amount of reasons why people do not. You are right that it sounds like having something approved but then having to fight about it being this and being that. What can I tell you? Despite all, the Charismatic Renewal’s benefits to Christianity are many – but that is a topic for another thread.
In a real way, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, including the renewal of praying in prayer tongues, has touched the Catholic Mass and the Church as a whole. Most of the time, people interested in the gifts of the Holy Spirit go to a series of classes intended to deepen one’s personal faith. They are also encouraged to serve the Church. As a result, there are many “charismatics” who don’t belong to any formal group but who are extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors at Holy Mass, serving on parish commissions, etc. and being responsible citizens in their community. And there are many, many people who continue to praise God in prayer tongues.
Blessings,
granny
All human life is meant for eternal life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
