It’s probably safe to assume you didn’t listen to the video I posted? You can hear what Father says that St. John wrote on the subject. And like I said in my post…the fact that this movement was born from Protestantism would hopefully make a Catholic pause and reflect. Obviously there are differing views within the CC on this, so I personally will ere on the side of caution…most especially in light of its origin.
I’m listening to it right now. Did you read the article by Dr. Martin? You might also check out the documentary
Fearless.
fearlessdocumentary.net
With respect to Father (don’t know his last name…the one in the video), I too am a priest. I respect this priest and his knowledge. But, even just listening to the tone of his voice indicates a deep skepticism. With more time, I could address the points that this priest makes. But, admittedly, I’m a beginner with respect to the charismatic movement in the Church. I’ve only been exposed to it very recently, but I have many brother priests who are faithful, orthodox, holy men, who have been deeply involved in this movement for years, decades in some cases. Some of them are duly instituted exorcists in the Church. They would be more well-equipped to answer these objections. (FWIW, this priest’s talk is the first I’ve heard that St. John of the Cross was an exorcist…I researched a bit on John of the Cross…of whom I am by no means an expert…and could find nothing to corroborate the claim that he was an exorcist…regardless, that’s neither here nor there.)
However, suffice it to say…I agree with him on these points, properly understood. For instance, point five…“vanity, danger, loss of humility.” Everyone involved with the authentic charismatic movement would readily agree that the charisms can lend themselves to pride. It’s why it’s vital that we stay humble, giving all honor and glory to God.
Let me address a couple of things that you say. I think there would be some who would argue your points that the movement was born out of Protestantism. But, let’s just for the sake of argument say that it was. So what? What does Jesus say when John said that there was someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name, but who wasn’t of their number? He exhorts John not to hinder them, because whoever is not against us is for us. Now, true enough…the Catholic faith is the one, true faith, instituted by Christ. But if a Protestant brother or sister is baptized, who are we to deny the grace of that sacrament? If Jesus wants to work through that person, who are we to stand in the way? Do I wish that person would become Catholic? To be sure. But it doesn’t follow that everything a non-Catholic says and does is to be rejected. Such is the height of arrogance. Furthermore, our Protestant brothers and sisters have much to teach us about a love of Scripture, having Scripture permeate our lives, an understanding of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, an understanding of prayer, etc. Do I wish we would all be one? Yes. But does that mean that even though we aren’t one currently, our Protestant brethren don’t have gifts to offer the Church? By no means.
There certainly are differing views on this. But, I think you’ll find a number of very influential priests and bishops, none less than Pope Francis himself (who prayed with representatives of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at their 50th anniversary celebration in Rome this year) saying that this is an authentic movement of the Holy Spirit, and a very potent means of evangelization which God is reawakening at this time. (I don’t want to say
giving at this time, as that implies that God didn’t give these gifts in a prior age.) Benedict XVI and John Paul II also affirmed the authenticity of charismatic prayer.
I’m by no means trying to suggest that you
must believe in this, or pray this way. Like I said, I’m a beginner, and I don’t feel like my priesthood has been deprived for lack of praying as a charismatic. That said, since I’ve been more open to this movement, I’ve seen more and more people touched with the Gospel who otherwise would have been closed to the saving message of Jesus Christ. I would just say this…don’t “ere on the side of caution.” Ere on the side of truth. I’d suggest you read Acts 1-3, and then read Acts 5, particularly verses 38-39.
