What Catholicism seems to be missing

[YADA]

I have been reflecting on your thoughts … you never did respond to the differences between homilies and sermons …

I am sorry you have been unchallenged and uninspired by the homilists you have heard that is very sad … I am often inspired and challenged by my priests …

But my thoughts have moved on … St Francis is who said “Preach the Gospel [Good News] always … use words when you must” I had mentioned that as well back in post 71 or so … but it was that that got me thinking …

Jesus founded a Church … He established Peter as its leader and another 11 men [after they replaced Judas] … some of them may have been great preachers able to offer moving sermons that saved many … but the Scriptures don’t reinforce that reality … Paul was a prolific writer and was recruited by Christ far later in the early Church after he persecuted the Church - thus much of his preaching probably was lost because of that role … we know when Paul preached in Athens - he was not overly persuasive … not in the Synagogue, better on the street corner … but at the Acropolis - only three converts …

So if Jesus could select less then outrageously wonderful preachers … why is it that the Church is lacking in her Sunday worship due to the average homily ? - and why do you think that people are in danger of loosing their salvation because they don’t hear exactly the most dynamic presentation?

Jesus is in charge - I have faith in Him … the Church has survived for 2000 years - it will continue to thrive … there is no government on earth that has operated continuously for that same time period … no company … that is amazing

Personally, I hear great homilies, some priests and deacons have better skills … we had a deacon once for whom homiletics was not his gift … he was - however, most gifted in dealing with the elderly, shut ins and those in institutions. His strength in this area was tremendous. He was a loving and caring man …

The Church is not missing anything - she has great homilists, great administrators, great councilors, great educators, great spiritual advisors, great healers … probably few are great in every one of these aspects …We have greatness in the Church all thanks to our God :yup:

 

[boomerang]

Not every Sunday, but more than never…
Obviously this will vary from Parish to Parish… there are plenty of priests out there that do more than there share in this area. Maybe just not around here…

Honestly, when I sit in the pew and look around at Mass I wonder how many really know the gospel… It really bugs me. I mean the gospel is NEVER conveyed in plain English at Mass. Yes, I know that Mass is a representation of the gospel message… but in a mysterious way. A way that would be completely lost on the “lost” so to speak.
If I was the Priest, at least every once in a while I would simply spell out the gospel for everyone, in plain English.
I know that many Catholics are baptized as infants, confirmed etc later, but never really evangelized… or even Catechized.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” In other words, why are you assuming that everyone at Mass doesn’t know the Good News except you? Why are you imagining that large numbers of parishioners are “lost”? Isn’t that a little arrogant? You don’t truly have any idea of your fellow church-goers relationship with our Lord. Are you a mind reader? Do you see into their souls and see that they are “lost”? How do you know that you are not just as lost? It sounds like you are judging others and that alone might get you a long stint in purgatory. You remind me of many evangelical protestants that always assume Catholics are 1. Pagan 2. Ignorant of the Bible 3. Mary worshippers, and 4. Going to hell. Why don’t you leave some Chick tracts around the pews to educate all those poor lost ignoramuses?

 

[Kamaduck]

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” In other words, why are you assuming that everyone at Mass doesn’t know the Good News except you? Why are you imagining that large numbers of parishioners are “lost”? Isn’t that a little arrogant? You don’t truly have any idea of your fellow church-goers relationship with our Lord. Are you a mind reader? Do you see into their souls and see that they are “lost”? How do you know that you are not just as lost? It sounds like you are judging others and that alone might get you a long stint in purgatory. You remind me of many evangelical protestants that always assume Catholics are 1. Pagan 2. Ignorant of the Bible 3. Mary worshippers, and 4. Going to hell. Why don’t you leave some Chick tracts around the pews to educate all those poor lost ignoramuses?

I think it’s because that’s how many Protestants (Evangelicals more than Lutherans) talk about the people in their own pews- as though many of them are going to hell unless they can be saved. You can never really be sure who the lost are- I was never sure whether I was one of them- but you’re pretty darn sure there are massive numbers of them.

In my Lutheran church, the assumption was that the people who go to church are saved, and that they’re consistently saved. They may be lazy, arrogant, uninformed, or generally ineffective as the body of Christ, but if they believe at all, they’re pretty much saved.

Catholicism is different because everybody in the pews is Catholic (for the most part), but may or may not be in a state of mortal sin, even if they know the gospel.

 

[Peebo]

Billy Graham would have to be the greatest preacher of the gospel in recent times…countless people have come to Christ through his preaching…no politics…no social sermons…and he always told them to follow up with what ever church they belonged to…we have had a couple of young priests in the last few years who give really good homilies…in fact one young priest would step down in front of the congregation and pace to each side of the congregation while giving the homily…no written script…and you were like eyeball to eyeball with him…and you would remember the message of that homily after mass…hopefully this younger generation of priests are being taught…our present young priest is a Protestant convert…often he will throw in a bit of light banter before starting his homily…it usually puts a smile on everyones faces…so everyone is paying attention for his homily…which is always uplifting…a great inspiration to receiving the Holy Eucharist.

 

[CreekCrawler]

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” In other words, why are you assuming that everyone at Mass doesn’t know the Good News except you? Why are you imagining that large numbers of parishioners are “lost”? Isn’t that a little arrogant? You don’t truly have any idea of your fellow church-goers relationship with our Lord. Are you a mind reader? Do you see into their souls and see that they are “lost”? How do you know that you are not just as lost? It sounds like you are judging others and that alone might get you a long stint in purgatory. You remind me of many evangelical protestants that always assume Catholics are 1. Pagan 2. Ignorant of the Bible 3. Mary worshippers, and 4. Going to hell. Why don’t you leave some Chick tracts around the pews to educate all those poor lost ignoramuses?

Wow Boomerang… great post! You really got to the heart of the issue didn’t you!?
You Obviously have not been paying attention. I never said I assumed ANYONE was lost. Where did you get that silly idea from ?
I simply said it is prudent to assume some MAY be lost… and why not ? What true Christian has a problem with the clear presentation of the gospel just in case some there don’t know it ? Unbelievable.

Slow down and read…

 

[boomerang]

Wow Boomerang… great post! You really got to the heart of the issue didn’t you!?
You Obviously have not been paying attention. I never said I assumed ANYONE was lost. Where did you get that silly idea from ?

Uhh, from all of your posts?!:

---

There is a certain percentage of people occupying those parish pews that are lost ! Some of which are cradle “Catholics” !

I feel the same way EVERY time I turn on Catholic radio… All while countless ppl within the listening area are dying without knowing our Lord.

…While Most Catholics seem to have lost the way in almost completely neglecting the latter (preaching to the lost) in favor of being content with the Mass alone.

…And quite frankly most Catholics could learn something from them (protestants).

…if you leave the lost to learn of the gospel through the liturgy of the Word (Mass), then they will never learn it… WHEN DO WE FEED THE LOST ? And why do we assume there is none lost in the pews next to us ?

Your first point in the above quote has been made by others here. Why would you assume everyone in the Parish is “saved” ? That is a horrible assumption to make… especially by a Priest!!!

Im not looking for rhetoric. I’m looking for the gospel… I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about the lost.

I never said anything about being “bored” or not entertained enough. What nonsense… Im talking about saving souls through the clear presentation of the gospel.

Seriously, to everyone who has replied along the lines of the Mass being for the Christians to worship Christ and be fed… When do we fulfill the great commission ? Who is preaching the gospel to the lost ?

Honestly though… I’m worried that most of these good people (Catholics) dont even know what the gospel is. When I went through RCIA it became very apparent that I knew more about the Catholic faith than many of the RCIA instructors who were cradle Catholics!

… there are untold numbers of ppl who, if you asked them, would say they are Catholic who will never make it to heaven.

I’m using it to describe the lost in the pews

I think the far more prudent thing to do is to assume that most people need to hear the gospel message,( and see it lived out ) rather than assume most people will be in heaven anyway.

---

I simply said it is prudent to assume some MAY be lost… and why not ? What true Christian has a problem with the clear presentation of the gospel just in case some there don’t know it ? Unbelievable.

Slow down and read…

The tone of your posts point to the opinion that Catholics don’t “get it” when it comes to our salvation. That we need to “hear the gospel” hammered into our thick skulls every Sunday, because we just don’t understand what Jesus did for us. Also, I’m sorry about the cranky tone of my previous post. It’s just that your questions, although well intended, strike a nerve with me. It’s that old assumption that Catholics need to “hear the gospel” and we aren’t saved because we don’t have a “personal relationship with Jesus”. What B-S-.

 

[CreekCrawler]

The tone of your posts point to the opinion that Catholics don’t “get it” when it comes to our salvation. That we need to “hear the gospel” hammered into our thick skulls every Sunday, because we just don’t understand what Jesus did for us. Also, I’m sorry about the cranky tone of my previous post. It’s just that your questions, although well intended, strike a nerve with me. It’s that old assumption that Catholics need to “hear the gospel” and we aren’t saved because we don’t have a “personal relationship with Jesus”. What B-S-.

It has nothing to do with Catholics… it has to do with the lost. As you can see in the quotes above the word Catholic is surrounded by quotation marks. “Catholics”
And I never stated that I believed CERTAIN people in the parish are lost, only that I believe that it’s prudent to assume ‘some’ are. And that goes for all professed Christians, Catholic or otherwise.
Anyway, my intention was not to offend.
God bless

 

[david_patrick]

not to seem too pedantic here, as the forward movement is dry, and you ask why?
i think your OP suggests that you…are on the edge of a dry spell in prayer…
if i am correct, then proceed/
if i have misinterpreted your post-i digress to :“i am indeed being too pedantic…”
later In my conclusion-i suggest a long shot at actualy taking action-maybe it might work…

so, i admit my appreciation of my favorite southern baptist ‘black’ preacher on the radio/ the message is just right, not too political, not at all divisive/ oh did i say i am catholic? yes catholic, yet human and listen and absorb information…
in pretext to the following-i add a choice, if that were the only choice (in this 'l imperfect world)…of where would i rather be? in the black church, in question? or the spanish mass went -a-rye-went dry… when the priest-was talking into a microphone-unaware (to my ears complaint) that the thing had malfunctioned and garbled the message (young -new priest there)-and not only that the same priest, of whom i observed near the door, generally a spot , the exit-then i saw the situation , the priest proceeded to say hello to his old friend and ignore the whole crowd leaving/ imperfect dryness-i would say…yep-i should have been happier in the black baptist church, and i am white…why is all imperfect sometimes?

at any rate, my favorite ‘black’ preacher is both charismatic and an anomaly/ while the risk to ‘hear’ protestant preachers risks a bit of the catholic soul…(sorry) but, protestants doth protest-and that could be (i emphasize) could be…a message ‘against’ the roman catholic church…as the protestants have had historical disagreements/ my experience was once to listen to the local protestant radio…to hear a vague ‘protest’ (in just a statement) and the next thing I know-i had to challenge myself to remain in the identity of my catholic faith…that was dry…

as for the catholics in the pews-well assuming the above situation is not your case, or discerning a step further…Pray for others…that is what catholics do best; as evidenced by the forum; this is good practice in church; needy souls are near you, walking passed to return to their seats; they sing with you/so pray for them…and something special will happen to you…yet to be discovered…

I have had many trends of isolation…isolated from protestant neighbors, isolated from catholic neighbors…while, praying for them breaks trends…
i feel there is a trend in your growing faith-i predict -in positive terms , i say, ‘that other options are available’…Hypothetically, let’s say-your trend is every sunday for the next year-seeing things wrong and/or dry -you must look for what is right in an imperfect world-a new vision comes with a life of prayer/ a good sacramental life makes a good prayer life/ you will have the presence of God/ Is the presence of God in all protestant churches? No…
If the dryness continues in mass per homily or luke warm worship, would you be dedicated to the catholic mass in two years from now? (would you give up the faith?) i don’t have an answer; it is a ligitimate question-answers to Why" need a new discovery! now is the time to discuss-your thoughts and feelings with your parish priest…(i conclude with how);

meanwhile, the mass is a beautiful thing/ the harmony is in the singing; the genuflection is low coordinated on the knee; the sign of the cross is synchronized in the exact moment-when those persons leaving mass, then are to be seen, to dip into the same Holy water (as you)…so you see? I am not too pedantic?..we share the same baptism/

I conclude: priests can be lonely people/ except for your priest’s day of rest-perhaps, you can invite him to lunch or dinner-the reason being that he also needs to get to know people/once he gets to know you-he writes the homily to fit the message to help your soul…and once you get to know him-i believe that you will not forget to pray for him…and I am a great believer in humanity/I think what will transpire-well,the priest will be suggest to you, “we need you…” this will be the topic over pasta…(seems true that needs are reciprocal, working both ways) and i have confidence that what ever the imperfect thing that does occur-you will not be missing…

 

[Tony_the_mad]

I have been reflecting on your thoughts … you never did respond to the differences between homilies and sermons …

I am sorry you have been unchallenged and uninspired by the homilists you have heard that is very sad … I am often inspired and challenged by my priests …

But my thoughts have moved on … St Francis is who said “Preach the Gospel [Good News] always … use words when you must” I had mentioned that as well back in post 71 or so … but it was that that got me thinking …

Jesus founded a Church … He established Peter as its leader and another 11 men [after they replaced Judas] … some of them may have been great preachers able to offer moving sermons that saved many … but the Scriptures don’t reinforce that reality … Paul was a prolific writer and was recruited by Christ far later in the early Church after he persecuted the Church - thus much of his preaching probably was lost because of that role … we know when Paul preached in Athens - he was not overly persuasive … not in the Synagogue, better on the street corner … but at the Acropolis - only three converts …

So if Jesus could select less then outrageously wonderful preachers … why is it that the Church is lacking in her Sunday worship due to the average homily ? - and why do you think that people are in danger of loosing their salvation because they don’t hear exactly the most dynamic presentation?

Jesus is in charge - I have faith in Him … the Church has survived for 2000 years - it will continue to thrive … there is no government on earth that has operated continuously for that same time period … no company … that is amazing

Personally, I hear great homilies, some priests and deacons have better skills … we had a deacon once for whom homiletics was not his gift … he was - however, most gifted in dealing with the elderly, shut ins and those in institutions. His strength in this area was tremendous. He was a loving and caring man …

The Church is not missing anything - she has great homilists, great administrators, great councilors, great educators, great spiritual advisors, great healers … probably few are great in every one of these aspects …We have greatness in the Church all thanks to our God :yup:

In 1 Corinthians, which was also a reading that was read recently during the mass, Paul says:

'For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning…

… Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of this world foolish?’

Don’t get me wrong, I would like to have better homilist in the Catholic Church than most of those that I have seen. (If the Church had more priests and deacons then every parish could have a great homilist. Instead every priest is forced to do a homily on his own whether or not that is his strength.) Paul after all is quite eloquent in his insistence that eloquence distracts from the message of the cross.

We live in a world where ‘truthiness’ is more important than the truth. It is too often more important that someone says something in a way that seems true than that they say the truth. The truth is much harder to learn than truthiness. You have to actively seek it and to open your ears to it. And sometimes we have to shut up and listen. Much like Elijah (1 Kings 19 12-13) we must find God in the quiet whisper.

It would be better if we had a great preacher in every parish. But the wisdom of God is present in all of them and in the sacrifice of the Mass.

 

[CreekCrawler]

In 1 Corinthians, which was also a reading that was read recently during the mass, Paul says:

'For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning…

… Where is the wise one? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made the wisdom of this world foolish?’

Don’t get me wrong, I would like to have better homilist in the Catholic Church than most of those that I have seen. (If the Church had more priests and deacons then every parish could have a great homilist. Instead every priest is forced to do a homily on his own whether or not that is his strength.) Paul after all is quite eloquent in his insistence that eloquence distracts from the message of the cross.

We live in a world where ‘truthiness’ is more important than the truth. It is too often more important that someone says something in a way that seems true than that they say the truth. The truth is much harder to learn than truthiness. You have to actively seek it and to open your ears to it. And sometimes we have to shut up and listen. Much like Elijah (1 Kings 19 12-13) we must find God in the quiet whisper.

It would be better if we had a great preacher in every parish. But the wisdom of God is present in all of them and in the sacrifice of the Mass.

Not interested in eloquence, entertainment or “truthiness”. Thanks for the reply though…

 

[Tony_the_mad]

Not interested in eloquence, entertainment or “truthiness”. Thanks for the reply though…

Huh?

I don’t know if I am that much interested in them either. (I made no mention of entertainment that I remember.) But we have to deal with the world the way it is and not the way we wish it to be. Whether we care about ‘truthiness’ or not (or even if you use another word to describe the phenomenon) it is a large part of our society. It is something that the Church has to deal with.

Eloquence, too, is merely a tool. It is a tool that society has elevated above the truth it can help reveal. Much like a chisel can carve out both good and bad sculptures so can eloquence carve out the truth or a lie. The Church has rightly valued the truth above eloquence, but we certainly need more people who can use eloquence to show the truth.

 

[YADA]

Not interested in eloquence, entertainment or “truthiness”. Thanks for the reply though…

Personally - it appears to me you are not interested in any view point but your own … In fact you reject anyone who disagrees with you - has an opinion from a different viewpoint - … You ignore many posts that offer information -

You seem to believe that you know what it means to preach the Good News of Salvation and if someone does not hear that message you are so sure they should - they will remain or become lost …

You rile against messages that denounce the greatest sin of our day - abortion - the intentional murder of our most innocent people - because you want to hear a massage on what? Jesus loved children - God is the author of life - to harm a child or to lead a child away from God was so serious that Jesus said very clearly it would be better not to have been born … that is a soul that will be lost …

How about the Sacrament of Reconciliation - does not that bring people to Christ? Will those who acknowledge their offenses against their fellow man and God - like Peter crying tears of repentance find the Good News of Salvation?

Jesus said that we give Him drink, food, shelter whenever we serve the least … Is not that service hearing, knowing and living the Good News … me thinks you need to expand what preaching the Gospel really means …

The Church has existed for over 2000 years without your counsel … it will survive and continue to thrive long after all of us have made it to heaven and gotten all of our questions answered! God is in control - He calls each of us - priests included - for our unique and particular gifts …

 

[Tony_the_mad]

Personally - it appears to me you are not interested in any view point but your own … In fact you reject anyone who disagrees with you - has an opinion from a different viewpoint - … You ignore many posts that offer information -

You seem to believe that you know what it means to preach the Good News of Salvation and if someone does not hear that message you are so sure they should - they will remain or become lost …

You rile against messages that denounce the greatest sin of our day - abortion - the intentional murder of our most innocent people - because you want to hear a massage on what? Jesus loved children - God is the author of life - to harm a child or to lead a child away from God was so serious that Jesus said very clearly it would be better not to have been born … that is a soul that will be lost …

How about the Sacrament of Reconciliation - does not that bring people to Christ? Will those who acknowledge their offenses against their fellow man and God - like Peter crying tears of repentance find the Good News of Salvation?

Jesus said that we give Him drink, food, shelter whenever we serve the least … Is not that service hearing, knowing and living the Good News … me thinks you need to expand what preaching the Gospel really means …

The Church has existed for over 2000 years without your counsel … it will survive and continue to thrive long after all of us have made it to heaven and gotten all of our questions answered! God is in control - He calls each of us - priests included - for our unique and particular gifts …

That last sentence includes CreekCrawler whether or not we want to admit it.

We must trust in the Lord, but we must always remember that He has also put His trust in us. (For what reason, I cannot possibly imagine.) And we must do the best we can to live up to that trust. As Paul says: ‘If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.’

The Church as whole has not lived fully up to her potential. She has not preached against abortion nearly enough; nor has she preached against so many other issues such as divorce, mistreatment of the poor, care for those ravaged by drugs, compassion for all people including minorities, immigrants, gays, etc…

We need people to tell us when we don’t do enough. But we also need people to tell us when our preaching becomes unbalanced such that we focus too much on one issue (even if it is the most important issue of the day) at the expense of other important issues.

 

[InNomineDomini]

Protestant preaching can be quite “boring” and “dry” and “canned” in its own right. It can even verge on the utterly bizarre, or have its own political or even scientific themes that it consistently focuses on. Before getting too excited by the celebrity preachers, have a listen to some of your more local Protestant sermons.

There is a place for a charismatic public speaker to give wonderful and enthusiastic talks about all sorts of Catholic topics, ranging from prayer to theology. But I thank God that the Church recognises that the place for such things is not during the Holy Mass, but in any number of other meetings that a parish can organise and enjoy.

Incidentally, Venerable Fulton Sheen is surely the most golden example of the sort of thing that you’re going after. I don’t think that such a man should be considered the norm, however, for what each local parish should have access to.

 

[YADA]

That last sentence includes CreekCrawler whether or not we want to admit it.

We must trust in the Lord, but we must always remember that He has also put His trust in us. (For what reason, I cannot possibly imagine.) And we must do the best we can to live up to that trust. As Paul says: ‘If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.’

The Church as whole has not lived fully up to her potential. She has not preached against abortion nearly enough; nor has she preached against so many other issues such as divorce, mistreatment of the poor, care for those ravaged by drugs, compassion for all people including minorities, immigrants, gays, etc…

We need people to tell us when we don’t do enough. But we also need people to tell us when our preaching becomes unbalanced such that we focus too much on one issue (even if it is the most important issue of the day) at the expense of other important issues.

Well - I never said that we do not need to hear good homilies … or good preaching, exegesis, challenging sermons… In fact - I shared my experience which is that the majority of homilies I hear are challenging, to the scriptures and moments of learning …

Many people have failed in their service to the Church - just as I have failed to live up to the challenge to ‘be perfect our Father in heaven is perfect’ However, the Church has survived and will continue to survive …

The OP is fixated on sermons that fit their particular view of what a sermon should be … they never once addressed the difference between a sermon and a homily … nor the difference between Catholic worship in the Mass and an evangelical Sunday Service [as jus one example] - they are different.

The OP pretty much rejected the idea of living the Gospel - rather then speaking the Gospel or about the Gospel.

The barely acknowledged the difference between a priest having to prepare a homily 6 to 7 times each week as opposed to once …

 

[gmanlq]

When heaven comes to earth in the Mass as it does every time at the Eucharistic meal why would any Catholic who knows Christ is truly present there want to go anywhere else? For a Protestant sermon. All the great sermons every made pale in comparison to receiving the Lord in the Eucharist. Just saying.

 

[Amandil]

Tony the Mad:

The Church as whole has not lived fully up to her potential. She has not preached against abortion nearly enough; nor has she preached against so many other issues such as divorce, mistreatment of the poor, care for those ravaged by drugs, compassion for all people including minorities, immigrants, gays, etc…

Yeah, I don’t know where you’ve been, but with all due respect, that’s all the Church DOES preach about.

“Lived up to her full potential”? What does that even mean? The Church is spread throughout*the world. She is the mystical Body of Christ, the abode of the truth and guided by the Holy Spirit. She is precisely what God through His eternal providence has ordained her to be.

 

[CreekCrawler]

You ignore many posts that offer information -

You rile against messages that denounce the greatest sin of our day - abortion -

How about the Sacrament of Reconciliation - does not that bring people to Christ ?

1. I am very busy and cannot reply to every post. But I have aknowledged good points made by others here.
2. I “rile” against messages denouncing abortion ? That’s ridiculous, and I think you know that. I’m simply standing in agreement with Pope Francis when he said that the Church needs to re focus, being hyper focused on abortion, gay marriage and contraception… we need to be equally passionate about bringing the simple message of the gospel to the lost.
3. No! The sacrament of reconciliation doesn’t bring ppl to Christ! (initially) Lost people do not simply stumble into a confessional and realize the good news of salvation… they learn of the gospel from good Christians willing to share the truth and go to confession as a result of knowing Christ, and the fact that they have sinned against him.

.

The OP pretty much rejected the idea of living the Gospel - rather then speaking the Gospel or about the Gospel.

The barely acknowledged the difference between a priest having to prepare a homily 6 to 7 times each week as opposed to once …

1. Again, that’s a ridiculous statement with no foundation. I reject the idea of living the gospel ? LOL !
2. I did acknowledge that and said it was a great point. so…?

 

[rfournier103]

I find myself in a little bit of a dilemma… You see, I am a recent convert from Protestantism. I converted and was baptized and confirmed last May. So I freely admit that my views in this post could easily be skewed by the simple fact that I don’t have much experience in the CC.

Congratulations!!! Welcome aboard, and we are thrilled to have you! My wife also came into the ‘fullness of the Faith’ last May, as well. Please stick around. I think you’ll be a great contributor here. I like to say that Protestant converts tend to throw the best logs on the fire. You bring a passion and knowledge of Scripture that so many ‘Cradle Catholics’ lack. However, you will find that the vast majority of Catholics here are VERY knowledgeable, and eager to answer any queries you may have. As I said, welcome aboard!

First of all, I love the Catholic Church. It is absolutely beautiful, the liturgy is amazing. I spent the time in mass yesterday finding myself wiping tears from my eyes, simply struck by the presence of God and the beauty of The Church, ( along with the reality of my own sin and feeling unworthy yet grateful to be there. )

Thank you for sharing that!

**I feel the same way EVERY time I turn on Catholic radio, with the exception to Catholic Answers. If I turn on the radio, I promise you there is an 80-90 percent chance they are talking about either abortion, contraception or marriage. All day every day… All while countless ppl within the listening area are dying without knowing our Lord. It just drives me nuts ! **

The huge emphisis on abortion, marriage, and contraception is necessary, but I agree that other important things fall by the wayside. Much to our detriment. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to cover everything. Abortion is a particularly heinous evil, because the victims have absolutely NO means to defend themselves in any way. There MUST be discussion and action on this issue!!! What actions need to be taken could fill a thousand threads.

I think that if ALL Christians spent more time driving home the teachings of Christ to those who don’t care; I think that the tide could be turned on the issues of abortion, marriage, and contraception.

A two pronged attack, if you will…

1. Attcak the issues. We seem to be pretty enthusiastic about that.
2. PREACH THE GOSPEL.

I would say that worldwide, most people know who Christ is; but how many actually think Christ is relevant? Thousands of American politicians who claim to be Christians clearly put NO importance on Jesus and what HE wants from them. You seem like a smart guy so I don’t need to name them for you; you can certainly figure out who they are.

So, how do we reach the politicians and their constituencies and OPEN THEIR EYES? They know Jesus is out there. They know the Gospel is out there. WE MUST DO A BETTER JOB OF TEACHING.

Catholic radio probably could devote more time to a “preaching” style; but honestly, it comes down to US. The flock. The laymen. The priests give us our marching orders on Sunday, and we spend the week doing the legwork. Just like Jesus sent out the Aposles (apostle means “one who is sent”), the priest sends us out every Sunday morning with an earful of the Gospel and our bodies and souls fueled by the Eucharist to do the Lord’s work. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be. That’s the way Christ intended it.

If you own a Missal, you will see on the page that has the Concluding Rites that the priest has four options for his Dismissal:

A: Go forth, the Mass has ended.
B: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
D: Go in peace.

I am starting to hear “B” more often. Until this year, I had never heard anything but “A” or “D”.

It’s up to all of us, Creek. I promise you that I will be more enthusiastic in doing my part. Thank you for posting this.

God go with you.

 

[CreekCrawler]

Congratulations!!! Welcome aboard, and we are thrilled to have you! My wife also came into the ‘fullness of the Faith’ last May, as well. Please stick around. I think you’ll be a great contributor here. I like to say that Protestant converts tend to throw the best logs on the fire. You bring a passion and knowledge of Scripture that so many ‘Cradle Catholics’ lack. However, you will find that the vast majority of Catholics here are VERY knowledgeable, and eager to answer any queries you may have. As I said, welcome aboard!

Thank you for sharing that!

The huge emphisis on abortion, marriage, and contraception is necessary, but I agree that other important things fall by the wayside. Much to our detriment. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to cover everything. Abortion is a particularly heinous evil, because the victims have absolutely NO means to defend themselves in any way. There MUST be discussion and action on this issue!!! What actions need to be taken could fill a thousand threads.

I think that if ALL Christians spent more time driving home the teachings of Christ to those who don’t care; I think that the tide could be turned on the issues of abortion, marriage, and contraception.

A two pronged attack, if you will…

1. Attcak the issues. We seem to be pretty enthusiastic about that.
2. PREACH THE GOSPEL.

I would say that worldwide, most people know who Christ is; but how many actually think Christ is relevant? Thousands of American politicians who claim to be Christians clearly put NO importance on Jesus and what HE wants from them. You seem like a smart guy so I don’t need to name them for you; you can certainly figure out who they are.

So, how do we reach the politicians and their constituencies and OPEN THEIR EYES? They know Jesus is out there. They know the Gospel is out there. WE MUST DO A BETTER JOB OF TEACHING.

Catholic radio probably could devote more time to a “preaching” style; but honestly, it comes down to US. The flock. The laymen. The priests give us our marching orders on Sunday, and we spend the week doing the legwork. Just like Jesus sent out the Aposles (apostle means “one who is sent”), the priest sends us out every Sunday morning with an earful of the Gospel and our bodies and souls fueled by the Eucharist to do the Lord’s work. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to be. That’s the way Christ intended it.

If you own a Missal, you will see on the page that has the Concluding Rites that the priest has four options for his Dismissal:

A: Go forth, the Mass has ended.
B: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
D: Go in peace.

I am starting to hear “B” more often. Until this year, I had never heard anything but “A” or “D”.

It’s up to all of us, Creek. I promise you that I will be more enthusiastic in doing my part. Thank you for posting this.

God go with you.

Great post! Thank you so much for understanding my point, and thanks for the welcome!
God bless