To live by faith

[Craig_Kennedy]

I would also say that for me living by faith means love and complete trust in God and his Will for us - and as a friend of mine says, His Will is Love, so even if bad stuff happens to us, it is all part of God’s plan and He can into into something good (Romans 8). Trust that His Word is the Truth, that the Church is His body and even though imperfect, He wants me in it and serve my fellow brothers and sisters - no matter what religion - in the Church.

The perfect examples for me of that kind of faith from the Bible are Abraham and Mary.

And talking of Abraham, if you look at Paul’s and James letters, you will see that they stress different aspects of his faith. Paul seems to put more emphasis that he believed that he will be the father of the nation. James puts the stress on the fact that he acted on it - he was ready to sacrifice his son that God gave him still believing that if God promised something, He will keep his word.

Hi Danuska,

When you state that the Church is the Body of Christ, what do Catholics mean by this designation?

Who is in the Body of Christ? Who is excluded from the Body of Christ in the Catholic estimation of the truth? And why?

Blessings, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

Every Catholic lives the faith differently, in the sense that everyone has their own individual devotions and spiritual practices. However, there are certain “rules” that every faithful Catholic follows. I will list the things that all Catholics are required to do:

The Six Precepts of the Church

1. 
   *]To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation.
   *]To fast and abstain on the days commanded.
   *]To confess our sins at least once a year.
   *]To receive the Blessed Eucharist at Easter or within the time appointed.
   *]To contribute to the support of our Pastors.
   *]Not to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times; nor to marry persons within the forbidden degrees of the kindred, or otherwise prohibited by the Church, nor secretly.
   
   Penitential Rule of the Church
   
   All Christ’s faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a common practice of penance, days of penance are prescribed. On these days the faithful are in a special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety and charity, and to deny themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence which the following canons prescribe.
   
   The days of penance for the universal Church are each Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.
   
   Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Friday’s, unless a solemnity (i.e first-class feast or first-class day within an octave) should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
   
   The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have reached their majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.
   
   The Episcopal Conference can determine more particularly ways in which fasting and abstinence are to be observed. In place of abstinence or fasting it can substitute, in whole or in part, other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises od piety.
   
   (Code of Canon Law 1249-1253)
   
   ABSTINENCE
   
   “The law of abstinence prohibits meat and soups made of meat but not of eggs, milks, and other condiments, even if taken from animals.”
   
   FASTING
   
   "The law of fast prescribes that there be only one meal a day; but it does not forbid a little taken in the morning and evening, observing, nevertheless, the aproved custom of places concerning the quantity and quality of the food.
   
   It is not forbidden to mix meat and fish in the same meal; or to exchange the evening meal with lunch."
   
   (Pio-Benedictine Code [1917], 1250-1251)
   
   Source: The Roman Missal (1962), Baronius Press
   
   These are the things that faithful Catholics must do. However, Catholics do more than this; they meditate on the Scriptures, confess their sins regularly, and pray the Scriptures through the recitation of the Holy Rosary. Not all Catholics pray the Rosary, but many do.

1. 
   Thank you Dempsey, 1919
   
   I found your post to be instructional and edifying.
   
   I am now clear on the things that faithful Catholics must do.
   
   A couple of questions, in this connection and regard:
   
   Firstly, do faithful Catholics observe a strict Sunday observance? Why or why not?
   
   Secondly, when you say that faithful Catholics must support the work of the Pastors (or Priests) is there a minimum amount that must be given to fulfil this requirement? Is, for example, tithing enjoined on the Catholic faithful? Is there Church canon law on this subject or is there freedom?
   
   I am impressed by the quality of this post and I await your responses to bring me greater light on these subjects.
   
   God bless you, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

I’m a former Protestant. My Protestant parents introduced me to the Lord, and I came to know Him personally at the age of 15. He gave me many wonderful spiritual experiences as a Protestant, and ended up leading me into Catholicism at the age of . . . last Pentecost, so 23.

I can tell you how living by faith in day to day life has changed for me, upon becoming Catholic.

While I was Protestant, this was my system of behavior when I wanted to know things from my dear Lord:

I would first pray and ask Him for his view. Then I would research what the Scripture has to say on the matter. Then I would come to an interpretation that appeared to me to make the most sense. I would ask the Spirit to direct me to God’s will on the matter, would often have a spiritual experience or moment of illumination, and then would feel I had Scripture, Reason and the confirmation of the Holy Ghost on the matter (our Counselor, as Christians), so for me the matter was settled.

I would pray to the Lord throughout day to day activity, receiving signs often or other words in answer to my prayers. I think God did greatly bless me.

The shift to Catholicism came after a spiritual dark spot in my life and, I believe, the Virgin Mary’s intercession. I described that side of the shift recently in the patron saints thread in this Spirituality forum.

The change for me was monumental. Like smacking your face in ice water.

I HAD THE EUCHARIST! HALLELUJAH!!!

There is nothing in the entire world like the Catholic Eucharist. I had reverenced the Protestant Eucharist and had gone to different presentations of the Protestant Eucharist, from an Episcopal church to an Assemblies of God, but they are nothing in comparison. Nothing. Like eating a peanut vs. eating a steak and mash potatoes. Sorry if you find that insulting at all .

The Catholic Eucharist is at the heart of my faith life. It is the single most important feature of what makes me Christian. It is Life.

The kinds of spiritual experiences I’ve had surrounding that Eucharist blow me away. Eating the Eucharist itself blows me away. Glory be to God. His glory consumes the Eucharist completely. It is the most exquisite delight anyone can partake of on Earth.

That’s the most dominant feature of what changed for me, the glory of the Eucharist sweeping up my earlier spiritual existence and filling it with overflowing new life.

The Eucharist is what matters most.

Aside from it- the other sacraments were big changes. The Catholic Confession, I found, is wildly powerful to knock out sins. It’s like a giant hammer. Wham. Sin gone. Lol.

Sins also can be relieved through personal praying to God, yet that is a less perfect way. In my experience when praying for forgiveness and removal of sin from my life as a Protestant, I would often feel some spiritual burden left over when I was done. It wasn’t 100% release, and the battle against spiritual evil within me that I fought afterward was sometimes very long and wearisome.

The Confessional is more powerful, and there are a lot of reasons for that. I won’t get into them all here, as that’s not the point of your question.

Then, living by faith also includes for me now hearing and feeling the guidance, protection and blessings of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her intercession has made a very large difference in my life.

My practice with Sacred Scripture remains basically the same as it was when I was Protestant, on matters where the Church has not given an authoritative teaching. I feel that the Church’s authority saves me from a lot of subjectivity when it comes to really important matters, and the subjectivity is inherent in my former triad of ways of structuring my doctrinal beliefs: Reason (is a personal viewpoint, which others may disagree with, so it’s subjective) + Scripture (my interpretation of Scripture verses- others may disagree with it, so it’s subjective) + Spirit (If spiritual experiences aren’t required to conform with certain teachings authoritatively known to be true, but instead are paving the doctrinal ground for us themselves, we can’t know whether or not they’re misleading us).

This is why the Tradition and Magesterium of the Church are so important to me, filling out and finalizing what is doctrinally true on extremely important matters.

I reverence the Scripture and read it to know God’s will.

I still have many experiences with the Spirit of God. I still seek Him, as I did before, and find Him, and He answers my prayers.

I seek the Lord in faith.

Does this answer your question? I’m not completely sure what your question was after.

Jim gave a really good response:

I emphatically agree with him on this.

This post does answer my question. It was most enlightening and I read it with great interest. I have gained a lot from it.

One question ensues from this post:

Lief Erikson discusses the monumental shift in spirituality in embracing the Catholic Eucharist. Are faithful and devout Catholics happy and comfortable with this terminology rather than the traditional and historic MASS?

I look forward to being instructed further here. I have enjoyed all the posts in this thread and have profited from them.

Blessings in Christ, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

Oh, well then yes, the Precepts apply:

The Six Precepts of the Church

To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation.
To fast and abstain on the days commanded.
To confess our sins at least once a year.
To receive the Blessed Eucharist at Easter or within the time appointed.
To contribute to the support of our Pastors.
Not to solemnize marriage at the forbidden times; nor to marry persons within the forbidden degrees of the kindred, or otherwise prohibited by the Church, nor secretly.

But other than that? It would depend on the Catholic. Probably the greatest differences is that a Catholic will have devotions to help him or her get closer to God that they will use throughout the day. A Catholic devotion is usually a specific prayer or practice, versus Protestant devotions that are usually meditation on Scripture.

Also, Catholics have more support. They view the world as being surrounded and filled with angels whom they can ask for assistance and help or prayers, and with saints in Heaven who can interceede for us, at any time of any day.

Hi Rawb,

I like your observation that Catholics have more support in their daily spiritual walk. You write:

“Also, Catholics have more support. They view the world as being surrounded and filled with angels whom they can ask for assistance and help or prayers, and with saints in Heaven who can interceede for us, at any time of any day.”

How true! I agree with you on this!

Again, I am so grateful for all the insights shared in this thread. I am learning. Praise be to God!

May God bless you, Craig

 

[Rawb]

In the interest of keeping your thread going and answering your questions quicker, I’ll try and answer some of your questions to others, Craig:

Hi Danuska,

When you state that the Church is the Body of Christ, what do Catholics mean by this designation?

Who is in the Body of Christ? Who is excluded from the Body of Christ in the Catholic estimation of the truth? And why?

Catholics view The Church as being the body of Christ. All who are baptized are members of The Church, those who willingly disagree with Church teaching place themselves outside the body. In other words, The Catholic Church is the body of Christ, Protestants are imperfectly joined to the body of Christ (still technically a part because of their valid baptisms, but seperating themselves by not believing all the doctrines of the Church).

Firstly, do faithful Catholics observe a strict Sunday observance? Why or why not?

Catholics are required to attend Holy Mass on Sundays, yes. To not do so without a valid reason (Sickness, caring for someone who is sick, severe weather obstacles, extreme distance, etc.) is a mortal sin, which would require Confession before we could recieve Communion again.

Secondly, when you say that faithful Catholics must support the work of the Pastors (or Priests) is there a minimum amount that must be given to fulfil this requirement? Is, for example, tithing enjoined on the Catholic faithful? Is there Church canon law on this subject or is there freedom?

This isn’t even necessarily referring to money. I can’t afford to give much to the Church, and I’ve already pledged to an apostolate who does worthy work (Catholic Answers, actually), so I give of my time and teach CCD (Sunday School) or volunteer for fundraisers. You do what you can.

Lief Erikson discusses the monumental shift in spirituality in embracing the Catholic Eucharist. Are faithful and devout Catholics happy and comfortable with this terminology rather than the traditional and historic MASS?

I think you might be confused. “Eucharist” is another word for “Communion”. The Mass is our Sunday religious service, in which Communion, or the Eucharist, is celebrated. The Mass is divided up into two ‘parts’. The First is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we hear two Bible passages and a Gospel passage and a homily on what they mean and how they are applied to us today. Then we have hte Liturgy of the Eucharist, in which we recieve Communion. I’ve never heard someone say “I’m going to Eucharist”.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

This post does answer my question. It was most enlightening and I read it with great interest. I have gained a lot from it.

One question ensues from this post:

Lief Erikson discusses the monumental shift in spirituality in embracing the Catholic Eucharist. Are faithful and devout Catholics happy and comfortable with this terminology rather than the traditional and historic MASS?

I look forward to being instructed further here. I have enjoyed all the posts in this thread and have profited from them.

Blessings in Christ, Craig

Blessings to you too .

There’s something important we need to clarify about the Mass, which will explain why I described the Eucharist alone as the dynamic change in my spiritual life.

We believe that the Eucharist is actually Jesus Christ. It miraculously is transformed into the flesh and blood of Jesus when the priest prays over it.

The Mass is built around the Eucharist. It is entirely about the Eucharist . The Eucharist is the point of the Mass. That is because the Eucharist really is Jesus, the One whom every part of the Mass glorifies.

So of course the One we glorify is going to be greater than the means by which we glorify Him, the rest of the Mass.

The Mass itself is, I believe, essentially a prayer. We should all pray the Mass. Through liturgy, scripture, hymns or prayers we can hear God speaking to us and blessing us directly in the words of the Mass. Through our own praises, responses, reading and praying, as well as internalization of what we are hearing, we can pray back to God throughout the Mass, raising it all to Him, to his glory.

The Mass, this wondrous prayer, is all about becoming more completely united with the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Partaking of Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Eucharist is the completeness of that unity.

This is one reason why some Protestants think we are idolaters, because we worship the Eucharist. They think it is only bread and wine, that it is not really, literally, the blood and flesh of Jesus, so they think we are idolaters.

Praise be to God for the glorious ways in which he reveals His presence amongst His servants!

 

[Dempsey1919]

The Holy Mass is the most important aspect of Catholic worship and spirituality. Here is what Pope St. Pius X had to say:

“The Holy Mass is a prayer itself, even the highest prayer that exists. It is the Sacrifice, dedicated by our Redeemer at the Cross, and repeated everyday on the Altar. If you wish to hear Mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart, and mouth all that happens at the Altar. Further, you must pray with the Priest the holy words said by him in the Name of Christ and which Christ says by him. You have to associate your heart with the holy feelings which are contained in these words and in this manner you ought to follow all that happens at the Altar. When acting in this way you have prayed the Holy Mass.”

The Mass is the one true Sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. During the Mass we are transported back to that fateful day in Jerusalem and we see Our Lord give his life for us. There is only one Sacrifice. We do not re-sacrifice Jesus on the Altar; we participate in the one, eternal Sacrifice that happened two millennia ago.

The Mass is the most beautiful thing this side of heaven. In the Mass, we recieve the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that Christ is truly present physically in the bread and wine, although the appearance, taste, and texture of the bread and wine remain.

Read John, chapter 6 for a better understanding of what we believe.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

Wow, cool! Dempsey, I love that quote from Pope Pius X! I have been advocating praying the Mass, and have been practicing it myself, and I didn’t realize that this was Catholic teaching (though I felt confident it wasn’t against it). So cool!!!

I love that quote .

He put it so, so well.

 

[littleone]

To me I understand that God chose me to be saved for life with Him, He sent Jesus to help me to show me the way and the Holy Spirit to guide me fill me with the spirit of God, to give me a faith that lives first and before any thought of living in the world by any thing I need from the world.
I need nothing of the world, putting first the kingdom of God. Accepting that God can and will use any person who He desires to help me and I must be ready to hear and acknowledge God’s desire of me.
I am not called to live in a monetary so I used my money from the sale of my house and from art I carved to help the poor and needy, I don’t want to become clinging to the fleshly desires such as money. I don’t buy clothing and live mostly by those others have lived out of. I find that any time I think of anything within a day or two someone will come with exactly what I thought of so I don’t go without. I so as to speak ruin my food so that it does not tend to the niceties of my taste buds.
To read the bible, becoming changed by it must come before all other thoughts readings applications in learning.
Self denial is a strong part of my life to do away with much to think and desire change within me through denying the flesh so that the spirit my live more and more within me. This on many occasions means not buying what I would like to have (eg. car stereo, music, etc) going to l places giving up doing things I would like to to help others or to deny the want to gain my need to have God more and more within me.
St John once said " I must become nothing so that He will become all"
Thats a little but enough, you might like to ask for more if you wish.
Godbless

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

In the interest of keeping your thread going and answering your questions quicker, I’ll try and answer some of your questions to others, Craig:

Catholics view The Church as being the body of Christ. All who are baptized are members of The Church, those who willingly disagree with Church teaching place themselves outside the body. In other words, The Catholic Church is the body of Christ, Protestants are imperfectly joined to the body of Christ (still technically a part because of their valid baptisms, but seperating themselves by not believing all the doctrines of the Church).

Catholics are required to attend Holy Mass on Sundays, yes. To not do so without a valid reason (Sickness, caring for someone who is sick, severe weather obstacles, extreme distance, etc.) is a mortal sin, which would require Confession before we could recieve Communion again.

This isn’t even necessarily referring to money. I can’t afford to give much to the Church, and I’ve already pledged to an apostolate who does worthy work (Catholic Answers, actually), so I give of my time and teach CCD (Sunday School) or volunteer for fundraisers. You do what you can.

I think you might be confused. “Eucharist” is another word for “Communion”. The Mass is our Sunday religious service, in which Communion, or the Eucharist, is celebrated. The Mass is divided up into two ‘parts’. The First is the Liturgy of the Word, in which we hear two Bible passages and a Gospel passage and a homily on what they mean and how they are applied to us today. Then we have hte Liturgy of the Eucharist, in which we recieve Communion. I’ve never heard someone say “I’m going to Eucharist”.

I am replying to all these posts as an indication of my appreciation
for the excellent and solid (name removed by moderator)ut given by everyone. It is a mark of my respect; to not do so would be discourteous, in my opinion.

Rawb, this was an excellent post. You have explained to me the true meaning of the MASS and the celebration of the Eucharist. I never saw this distinction before.

Thank you, too, for pointing out that Catholics are not “bludgeoned” into giving all their money to the Church. As you say Catholics give what they can but there is no mandatory amount to give.

One question, however, that does arise out of your post:

Although I can see that Catholics are required to believe in the fundamental tenets of the faith, is there liberty in some of the finer points of doctrine in “secondary” matters; for example, the age of the universe, eschatology etc?

I look forward to your thoughts.

God bless, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

Blessings to you too .

There’s something important we need to clarify about the Mass, which will explain why I described the Eucharist alone as the dynamic change in my spiritual life.

We believe that the Eucharist is actually Jesus Christ. It miraculously is transformed into the flesh and blood of Jesus when the priest prays over it.

The Mass is built around the Eucharist. It is entirely about the Eucharist . The Eucharist is the point of the Mass. That is because the Eucharist really is Jesus, the One whom every part of the Mass glorifies.

So of course the One we glorify is going to be greater than the means by which we glorify Him, the rest of the Mass.

The Mass itself is, I believe, essentially a prayer. We should all pray the Mass. Through liturgy, scripture, hymns or prayers we can hear God speaking to us and blessing us directly in the words of the Mass. Through our own praises, responses, reading and praying, as well as internalization of what we are hearing, we can pray back to God throughout the Mass, raising it all to Him, to his glory.

The Mass, this wondrous prayer, is all about becoming more completely united with the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Partaking of Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Eucharist is the completeness of that unity.

This is one reason why some Protestants think we are idolaters, because we worship the Eucharist. They think it is only bread and wine, that it is not really, literally, the blood and flesh of Jesus, so they think we are idolaters.

Praise be to God for the glorious ways in which he reveals His presence amongst His servants!

Hi Lief,

I have enjoyed your posts and I have got a lot out of them.

Your joy and delight in the Eucharistic celebration is clearly evident!

In your post you write:

"The Mass, this wondrous prayer, is all about becoming more completely united with the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Partaking of Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Eucharist is the completeness of that unity.

This is one reason why some Protestants think we are idolaters, because we worship the Eucharist. They think it is only bread and wine, that it is not really, literally, the blood and flesh of Jesus, so they think we are idolaters."

In view of your convictions in these matters I ask this sincere question:

Why does the Catholic Church only permit the faithful to eat the consecrated wafer? Why cannot the faithful Catholics also partake of the consecrated wine, the blood of Christ? Why are faithful Catholics denied the blood of Christ?

Your responses, so far, have been full and edifying. I await your responses eagerly, on these matters.

God bless, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

Craig, for me, it’s always to try to be like Jesus. To forgo my natural selfishness in making choices, in performing my work, in dealing with people.

I wear a scapular, which is a nice and very present reminder to myself of Jesus’ sacrifice.

It’s vital to go to church each week (I understand many Protestants view this as optional, kind of go when they feel like it), since the Holy Eucharist, the Body of Christ, is available to us.

Hi Maxply,

I appreciated your post.

In your post you state:

“Craig, for me, it’s always to try to be like Jesus. To forgo my natural selfishness in making choices, in performing my work, in dealing with people.”

This spoke to me powerfully.

Out of interest, how are you guided in making good and proper choices as a Catholic? How do you know that something is - or isn’t - the will of God?

I’m getting a lot out of this and genuine Catholic spirituality is shedding some light for me in many areas.

God bless you, Craig

 

[Rawb]

Although I can see that Catholics are required to believe in the fundamental tenets of the faith, is there liberty in some of the finer points of doctrine in “secondary” matters; for example, the age of the universe, eschatology etc?

…I would give a hesitant yes. For example, we are allowed liberty in the age of the universe, but we all have to believe that God created said universe. Another would be the Assumption of Mary. Did she die before? Did she just ‘fall asleep’? We can disagree, but we have to believe she was assumed.

I’m hesitant because of what some might list as ‘secondary’, that might even appear to be, but really isn’t. For example, using artificial birth control is inherintly a mortal sin, and some might consider this seconday so they disagree with it, but when we look as to why this is a sin we find that it speaks to our teachings on the Blessed Trinity, the roles of men and women, and the teachings on the inherint dignity of life as well as our trust in God’s Providence. It’s hardly seconday, though at first glance it might be. There are a few teachings like that.

I don’t know what ‘eschatology’ is. Someone else might have to answer you on that.

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

The Holy Mass is the most important aspect of Catholic worship and spirituality. Here is what Pope St. Pius X had to say:

“The Holy Mass is a prayer itself, even the highest prayer that exists. It is the Sacrifice, dedicated by our Redeemer at the Cross, and repeated everyday on the Altar. If you wish to hear Mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart, and mouth all that happens at the Altar. Further, you must pray with the Priest the holy words said by him in the Name of Christ and which Christ says by him. You have to associate your heart with the holy feelings which are contained in these words and in this manner you ought to follow all that happens at the Altar. When acting in this way you have prayed the Holy Mass.”

The Mass is the one true Sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. During the Mass we are transported back to that fateful day in Jerusalem and we see Our Lord give his life for us. There is only one Sacrifice. We do not re-sacrifice Jesus on the Altar; we participate in the one, eternal Sacrifice that happened two millennia ago.

The Mass is the most beautiful thing this side of heaven. In the Mass, we recieve the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that Christ is truly present physically in the bread and wine, although the appearance, taste, and texture of the bread and wine remain.

Read John, chapter 6 for a better understanding of what we believe.

Hi Dempsey 1919,

In your post you devoutly express the sentiments:

“The Mass is the most beautiful thing this side of heaven. In the Mass, we recieve the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We firmly believe that Christ is truly present physically in the bread and wine, although the appearance, taste, and texture of the bread and wine remain.”

You have, further, encouraged me to read John chapter 6 for a better understanding of what you believe. I have done this.

I ask you the same question I have asked Lief:

Why are the Catholic faithful denied the consecrated wine, the blood of Christ? Why are the Catholic faithful only given the consecrated wafer?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Blessings in Christ, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

…I would give a hesitant yes. For example, we are allowed liberty in the age of the universe, but we all have to believe that God created said universe. Another would be the Assumption of Mary. Did she die before? Did she just ‘fall asleep’? We can disagree, but we have to believe she was assumed.

I’m hesitant because of what some might list as ‘secondary’, that might even appear to be, but really isn’t. For example, using artificial birth control is inherintly a mortal sin, and some might consider this seconday so they disagree with it, but when we look as to why this is a sin we find that it speaks to our teachings on the Blessed Trinity, the roles of men and women, and the teachings on the inherint dignity of life as well as our trust in God’s Providence. It’s hardly seconday, though at first glance it might be. There are a few teachings like that.

I don’t know what ‘eschatology’ is. Someone else might have to answer you on that.

Hi Rawb,

One aspect of your post here has fascinated me. You state:

“I’m hesitant because of what some might list as ‘secondary’, that might even appear to be, but really isn’t. For example, using artificial birth control is inherintly a mortal sin, and some might consider this seconday so they disagree with it, but when we look as to why this is a sin we find that it speaks to our teachings on the Blessed Trinity, the roles of men and women, and the teachings on the inherint dignity of life as well as our trust in God’s Providence. It’s hardly seconday, though at first glance it might be. There are a few teachings like that.”

Could you please explain to me for my edification what constitutes mortal sin?

Furthermore, could you please explain in more depth why artificial birth control is inherently a mortal sin?

I ask this, obviously, from a clean and pure heart but does the Catholic church teach that sex is only for the procreation of children?

I will be interested to obtain your mature and integrated thoughts here.

May God bless you, Craig

 

[Craig_Kennedy]

To me I understand that God chose me to be saved for life with Him, He sent Jesus to help me to show me the way and the Holy Spirit to guide me fill me with the spirit of God, to give me a faith that lives first and before any thought of living in the world by any thing I need from the world.
I need nothing of the world, putting first the kingdom of God. Accepting that God can and will use any person who He desires to help me and I must be ready to hear and acknowledge God’s desire of me.
I am not called to live in a monetary so I used my money from the sale of my house and from art I carved to help the poor and needy, I don’t want to become clinging to the fleshly desires such as money. I don’t buy clothing and live mostly by those others have lived out of. I find that any time I think of anything within a day or two someone will come with exactly what I thought of so I don’t go without. I so as to speak ruin my food so that it does not tend to the niceties of my taste buds.
To read the bible, becoming changed by it must come before all other thoughts readings applications in learning.
Self denial is a strong part of my life to do away with much to think and desire change within me through denying the flesh so that the spirit my live more and more within me. This on many occasions means not buying what I would like to have (eg. car stereo, music, etc) going to l places giving up doing things I would like to to help others or to deny the want to gain my need to have God more and more within me.
St John once said " I must become nothing so that He will become all"
Thats a little but enough, you might like to ask for more if you wish.
Godbless

Hi littleone,

I am challenged by your strong self denial in order to follow Christ more nearly and more dearly.

Is asceticism enjoined on the Catholic faithful as a way of life and as a mark of spirituality?

May God bless you, Craig

 

[Rawb]

Why are the Catholic faithful denied the consecrated wine, the blood of Christ? Why are the Catholic faithful only given the consecrated wafer?

This is actually a pretty quick answer. First, we’re not always denied the cup, and some Eastern Catholics always recieve by intinction. In the Roman Rite it is up to the priest whether or not to offer the cup, but even if we only recieve the host we recieve all of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. You cannot seperate His Body and Blood because He is alive, and living things do not have seperate bodies and blood.

In short, it would be incorrect to say the bread is the body and the wine is the blood. Each contains the Fullness of Christ, because we cannot seperate Him into pieces; He is one living body.

Could you please explain to me for my edification what constitutes mortal sin?

There are three marks of Mortal Sin: 1) It is a serious offense 2) That is committed of your own free will 3) that you know is a sin before you committ it.

Furthermore, could you please explain in more depth why artificial birth control is inherently a mortal sin?

…You know, now that I look at that, I worded that badly.

ABC is a sin when used to prevent the birth of a child. Sometimes it is used medicinally and the infertility is an unfortunate side effect. If using the pill to treat a condition (unlikely, since there is very little the pill actually treats or cures) then the fact that it causes sterilization isn’t your fault and does not constitute a sin.

It is a sin to use when preventing conception for several reasons:

We believe that the sexual act is a foreshadowing of the Blessed Trinity, wherien the unbridled love of the Father and Son pour forth to produce the Holy Spirit. Each having given ALL of Himself to the other, witholding nothing, produces a living love, contianing all of that poured out by the others. Likewise a man and a woman cannot give all of themselves if they are withholding their fertility from one another and delibereratly attempting to prevent the natural blessing of the act. Contracepted sex is mocking the Trinitarian God.

It also betrays a lack of trust in God’s plan, in that men and women decide for themselves when they are willing to assist Him in the creation of Life. Catholics view salvation and creation in a more fluid manner than Protestants. We believe God acts through men and women all the time, and in contracepting you are upsetting this gift that God has given us in playing our part in Creation.

The pill can also act as an abortificent, it can cause an abortion, so Catholics are forbidden from using it.

I ask this, obviously, from a clean and pure heart but does the Catholic church teach that sex is only for the procreation of children?

This is the primary purpose of sex. yes. Secondary is the creation of a bond and strengthening of said bond between man and wife. It is said that every time a husband and wife have sex they are renewing their wedding vows. It is also said that sex is a prayer, and a baby is an answer to that prayer.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

Hi Lief,

I have enjoyed your posts and I have got a lot out of them.

Your joy and delight in the Eucharistic celebration is clearly evident!

In your post you write:

"The Mass, this wondrous prayer, is all about becoming more completely united with the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Partaking of Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Eucharist is the completeness of that unity.

This is one reason why some Protestants think we are idolaters, because we worship the Eucharist. They think it is only bread and wine, that it is not really, literally, the blood and flesh of Jesus, so they think we are idolaters."

In view of your convictions in these matters I ask this sincere question:

Why does the Catholic Church only permit the faithful to eat the consecrated wafer? Why cannot the faithful Catholics also partake of the consecrated wine, the blood of Christ? Why are faithful Catholics denied the blood of Christ?

Your responses, so far, have been full and edifying. I await your responses eagerly, on these matters.

God bless, Craig

The faithful in the Catholic Church, for several centuries I believe, were not offered the wine in the Eucharist. However, in modern times, the wine is available to almost all Catholics. I take both the wine and bread regularly at Mass.

I don’t know why the Church didn’t offer the wine, and still doesn’t, in various times and places. I will point out, though, that from a theological perspective, it’s not very important.

You see, we believe the fullness of Christ is in the wine and the bread. If we already partaken of Christ in the bread, there’s no part of Him in the wine that we lack, because his fullness is in the bread. Similarly, if we took the wine but didn’t take the bread, we would still be partaking of the fullness of Christ. It’s not like half of Him is in the wine and half in the bread . His all is present in each.

 

[littleone]

Hi littleone,

I am challenged by your strong self denial in order to follow Christ more nearly and more dearly.
Why would you be challenged may I ask?

Hi Craig I don’t see any strong self denial, I only see the sinfulness of myself, each time I deny I see deeper into my wrong doing as next to Jesus asking us to “do likewise what He has done”, or again “take up our cross and follow Jesus”. These two points of life are models of change. If I am to have any ability to help others it has to be through Jesus filling me and this could not happen unless I change.
Love in this world is NEVER pure therefore for me to have “love” I must change. This is the very reason why Jesus asked the young man “Why do you call me Good master, only our Father in heaven is good”.

Is asceticism enjoined on the Catholic faithful as a way of life and as a mark of spirituality?

I had to look up the meaning of the word you used but realize it means the same as I use, self denial.
If you read the lives of the saints you would see that the center of their life was to deny so as to allow the flow of God’s love to enter at will. i don’t say this happens to me or do i try to be any person different. I only know that Love is all and I wish to love with a love I cannot have unless God so gives it to me.
Nothing else is worth living for.
I only know God’s Love is “simple” so “yes” we as Catholics are called to deny the flesh, as are all Christians, but we must remember that to one a large faith is given to another a little, it is not we who are to be glorified but our Father in Heaven, after all we are only the servants.

You may ask me other questions if you wish, I do not have much written ability so I hope you understand.

Godbless

 

[Dempsey1919]

Why are the Catholic faithful denied the consecrated wine, the blood of Christ? Why are the Catholic faithful only given the consecrated wafer?

In the modern day, Catholic faithful have the option to receive the Sacrament under both species. However, they are not obligated to drink the Precious Blood. The Catholic Church teaches that the entire body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ is fully present in the bread alone. Therefore, by only receiving the Consecrated Host, a Catholic is not missing out on something.

In previous times, the faithful were only allowed to receive the Consecrated Host for fear that the Precious Blood could spill to the floor during Communion. However, faithful are given this option to drink in the Mass of Paul VI.

You should bare in mind that the faithful were only prevented from drinking the Precious Blood in the Roman rite of the Catholic Church. There are other rites which celebrate different Masses and have different customs. For instance, certain Eastern Catholic Churches practice intinction. Intinction is the Eucharistic practice of partly dipping the Consecrated Host into the Consecrated Wine before giving it to the communicant. Other Eastern Catholic Churches totally immerse the Consecrated Host into the wine and distribute it to the faithful using a small spoon.

These various customs do not form part of the Sacred Deposit of faith but are liturgical traditions which may be changed if the Church deems it necessary for the good of the faithful.