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ReVert
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 22nd, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 4 |
| First Name: | Patty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Unknowledgeable (nominal) Catholic - married Southern Baptist - Desperately Running ... |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 09:36 am |
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| How would you answer someone who says why go to Mass when you can't participate in Communion anyways? He feels like we are in the way as people make their ways up to the altar and back. He won't go for a blessing. Any good articles?
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1479 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 10:21 am |
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First of all, we are to keep the Sabbath holy by attending worship service, in the case of catholics that would be mass. We are there to praise and worship God in the liturgy that has been given to us through the ages by the church. We are there to hear the word of God proclaimed. We are there to be "in His courts with praise." Last but not least, we are in the presence of the living Holy Eucharist. Receiving a blessing is optional, and receiving the eucharist may not be possible yet, but being in the presence of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord is an awesome privilege that we really shouldn't turn our backs on.
We need to not be judgmental of people who do not go down the aisle to receive. They may be doing a much better thing if they are not in a state of grace. Also, they may be visitors from another faith who are there to see what the mass is all about.
I would encourage your friend to attend mass with the attitude of giving instead of receiving, and he will receive grace. God bless
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Intercessor
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1328 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 01:44 pm |
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http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/blsac4.htm
The prayer for spiritual communion became a source of great comfort
and strength for me during the months that I was not allowed to receive
the Lord.
It's strange that more care is not taken to educate candidates about this
sort of prayer during the Mass (as well as at other times). I found it much
easier to remain at my seat while others went forward once I had my own
spiritual reception to anticipate.
As Marsha said, though, we must remember we are not there to be
entertained by a snazzy sermon, snappy music, or some other form of
entertainment. We give the gift of praise and offer ourselves as a sacrifice
to God.
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"He who will persevere unto the end is not he who will never fall, but he who after every fall will humble himself and rise again, relying on the infinite strength of God." Divine Intimacy, p. 885 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1868 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 03:29 pm |
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I touch on somewhat related issues in this paper of mine, in answering a question from a Protestant pastor:
Exactly what is meant when a non-Catholic goes forward at communion to be blessed, but not partake? What if such a person- like myself- openly disagrees with some of the church’s teaching and is not seeking reception into the church?
If they approach the altar with an attitude of solemnity and reverence, even if not agreeing with all that we believe takes place there, we honor that and believe that such a person can receive a "spiritual communion" and/or a blessing from the priest, should the latter decide to do that (a sacramental, not a sacrament, which has a positive effect insofar as the person receiving it is properly disposed and receptive).
I think it would be much the same as when I attend a Protestant service. I recognize that I disagree with the conception they have of Holy Communion, but I respect my surroundings and appreciate the piety and worship being expressed by my Protestant brothers and sisters.
Catholics do believe that agreement in doctrine is required in order to partake of Holy Communion, which is why we have closed communion (like some Protestant denominations; e.g., Missouri Synod Lutherans do).
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I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2282 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 05:25 pm |
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Patty, one of the biggest things that people miss when discussing a topic like this is how selfish an attitude they are presenting. Why does your friend/relative think that communion is all the Mass is good for? Isn’t this the “what’s in it for me” attitude? The Mass is not just about me, it’s about God. Prayer and worship have genuine value. Otherwise we would be served just as well by entertainment.
David
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1868 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical (1977): Diverse Protestant Influences / Catholic in 1990 |
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Posted: Tue Nov 6th, 2007 05:39 pm |
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That a great point. Oftentimes, Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) have this attitude that they should be served and "entertained" during Church, rather than offering the sacrifice of worship to God. We certainly receive a tremendous thing, though: Jesus Himself!
Even if someone doesn't receive Holy Communion for whatever reason, it is amazing even being in a room where Jesus is physically present. And that should be more than enough for anyone, if only they grasp the full sublimity of the situation.
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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