Your thoughts on 'Reflective light of Christ'?

[PiousTemplar]

This is a conversation going on on Jimmy Akin’s main page:

James Battle:
If you ever start to feel tempted to think your fans are more important than Holy Mother Church, remember our dear Father Corapi.
Your reflected light of Jesus was one of those guiding my swim across the Tiber through the dark night. Thank you Jimmy!

Tony Grgas:
@James, with all due respect, that is precisely the type of dangerous language people need to avoid saying. It doesn’t need to be said to Jimmy. Thank God for any graces, people who helped you, etc., but give a subdued thanks to the person himself. It’s the best act of charity you can show; that is, to not lead someone down the path of pride.
Jimmy can no doubt confirm if this is accurate. I heard that one time, a person came up to St. John Chrysostom after Mass and told him that his homily was beautiful. Dejectedly, Chrysostom said, "I know. The Devil told me before I even had a chance to sit down (after giving the homily). Resist the temptation to heap praise…for the other’s own good.

James Battle:
@Tony - what was ‘dangerous’ about my statement? The praise given in sincere gratitude for Jimmy’s cooperating with Grace that lead to an opportunity for Grace for myself?

Tony Grgas:
Well, referencing Jimmy’s “reflected light of Jesus.” Perhaps you are a very poetic guy by nature, which is cool, but it sounds a bit much to me. Maybe it’s just me. I’m sorry if I’m off the mark, but it’s better to keep it simple, lest other readers think he’s more than he is - a solid Catholic apologist. (No offense, Jimmy.)

Then I (Thomas) said:
I disagree. We are called by Christ to be transformed in the Spirit to become Christ like. When you love others, you love the Lord, and the Lord is visible in you.

Who is right or wrong? My theology is pretty amateur so can I hear your thoughts?

God Bless,

PiousTemplar.

 

[jochoa]

One must proceed with great care and an open mind when asking questions of “Who is right/wrong?” For all four of us (James, Tony, you, and me) are right and wrong.

James is righteous in giving appreciation and credit towards Jimmy.
Tony is righteous in desiring all praise and glory go to God and being cautious of encouraging pridefulness.
Your statements are easily perceived as righteous.
I am righteous in some of my analysis of the scenario.

In order to understand how each actions/perspectives are unrighteous and more importantly consider how to make the actions more righteous, a truly open-mind to God’s Word is required:
James is unrighteous in his lack of glorifying God. James would need to do a few things in order to give proper Glory to God,: 1. Change the “Your reflected light of Jesus…” to “The Light of Jesus…” 2. Remove any mention of Father Corapi. 3. Change “Thank you Jimmy!” to “Thank you God!” 4. Send a private thank you message to Father Corapi for “Reflecting the Light of Jesus.” in James’ life.
Tony is unrighteous in his destructive and public criticism and poor wording. Since some of his words are very strong (“dangerous” and “need”), they have the tendency to promote strife/distress in relationships. Tony states, “[Thanks] does not need to be said to Jimmy,” but then states, “but give a subdued thanks to [Jimmy].” Though I understand that Jimmy is initially saying, “[Public Thanks/Glorification] does not need to be said,” his poor wording makes his request much more difficult to discern. Now in order for Tony to make his statement more righteous he could possibly lead by example: He could send a private message to James regarding his criticisms.
Your statement regarding love could be considered more righteous if reordered: “When you love the Lord, you love others, and the Lord is visible in you.” This order could be greater aligned with the order of commandments: 1. “Love the Lord.” 2. “Love others.”
I am unrighteous in assumption and hypocrisy. I assume Tony’s stance on when and where to give thanks. I am a hypocrite in that I do not fully understand and perfectly practice God’s Will in my life and even in this reply.

And now, I will attempt to give proper thanks based on my understanding:
Thank you God for desires! I have thoroughly enjoyed pondering about these questions today. Thank you God for reflecting the light of Jesus through James, Tony, and Thomas! I have a greater understanding of your will because these fellas have helped open my mind to your will. Thank you Thomas for asking such a thought-provoking question! I hope I have not wasted your time because you have added great value to my day.

May peace be with you!

Jonathan Ochoa

 

[PiousTemplar]

Wow - I was not expecting such an in-depth reply. Very thought provoking, thanks!

God Bless you,

PiousTemplar.