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Darlene
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania USA |
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| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian, trusting His love and forgiveness |
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Posted: Fri Dec 15th, 2006 02:06 pm |
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Hello Everyone,
Just thought I'd mention to all of you that my husband has a new nickname for me. Sometime at the beginning of this week, he began a conversation with me about the Catholic faith. He started off by calling me his "Catholic sister." Now this was done in a humorous way, not antagonistically. Then a few days later he greeted me again asking "How's my Catholic sister doing?" Then after my operation yesterday he again used this title. Each time, he does it in a rather tongue--in-cheek humorous way.
After the operation yesterday, when they wheeled me back in the recovery room, I told him about the Catholic nurses that were in the operating room when I awoke from surgery. At that point, he began speaking about all the errors in Catholic doctrine from the papacy, to praying and "worshipping of Mary" to praying to and for the dead, etc. He even went on to say that when he is in Heaven and he sees Mary he will rejoice with her as a brother rejoices with his sister. But he sais that even she never wanted all the attention and worship that the Catholic's give her. Then he said something rather peculiar. He said, "I've been thinking that I really should encourage you to attend the Catholic Church for awhile because then you will see that they only have a form of religion. You won't experience Christian fellowship there. Right now, you are just reading about the Catholic faith but wait till you actually attend one of their Masses. You will find out what the Catholic Church is really like."
He went on to talk about how frustrated I become at times with our own non-denominational church wishing that the brethren were more personal and willing to fellowship in Christ. This is true. I have often mentioned how our church has a name of being friendly, but when it comes down to actually getting close to the brothers and sisters, it can be met with an aloofness or disinterest. So my husband thinks that if I attend a Catholic church and experience it firsthand, I will be even more disappointed with regard to Christian fellowship and will not want to return.
He has a point, in that the Catholic church I attended in my area closest to my home was very cold and uninspirational for me. I mentioned this in other posts and I will not be going back there.
Please pray that if it is truly God's will for me to eventually become a Catholic, that the Lord will lead me to a Catholic parish that is filled with a sincere love of God and the brethren. This is VERY important to me.
Love in Christ,
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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RonRule
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Posted: Fri Dec 15th, 2006 02:42 pm |
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I can relate to the light-hearted teasing.
My wife is Reformed Baptist and currently has no desire to even read a book on Catholicism by a Catholic.
But we do tease each other back and forth quite a bit:
Wife: "Have fun worshipping the Pope!"
Me: "Enjoy reading those Church Fathers! You know, like Spurgeon!"
**************
Wife: "I think I'm going to get my grandma that MacArthur Daily Bible"
Me: "Great idea. Except it's got MacArthur's writing in it."
Etc.
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BodRod
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Apple Valley, California USA |
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| First Name: | Cliff | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Raised an SDA, then Generic Christian, finally at home with ... |
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Posted: Fri Dec 15th, 2006 03:25 pm |
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When I started getting interested in religion and then in the RCC, my wife told me I was turning into a "religious nut", without any humor! 
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Dec 15th, 2006 05:07 pm |
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Darlene wrote: Just thought I'd mention to all of you that my husband has a new nickname for me.
Do you realize that the giving of a new name is the symbol of a new life in God in the Jewish and Christian faiths? Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Saul became Paul, Simon became Peter, etc.
Maybe your new name is more significant than you thought?
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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pam
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 12:43 pm |
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Darlene,
I hope you will find a parish that is what protestants call "conservative." I think in the Catholic Church, it is called "orthodox." But one where you can experience all the awesome worship and depth of the Church. If you find that, then in time, like-minded friends will appear. When my daughter and I first walked into a Catholic Church 3 years ago this week, we had two impressions. First, the totally amazing worship which was what we were longing for. Second, the unfriendliness of the people. We decided the first was most important! It took a long time to make friends, but in time, we found several women who are close and cherished friends now. By the way, we met them all at daily mass. We also realized later that what we termed unfriendliness was in many cases a focus on private worship, rather than all the "fellowshipping" in our protestant churches.
Pam
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CajunRick
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 02:36 pm |
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pam wrote: Darlene,
I hope you will find a parish that is what protestants call "conservative." I think in the Catholic Church, it is called "orthodox." But one where you can experience all the awesome worship and depth of the Church. If you find that, then in time, like-minded friends will appear. When my daughter and I first walked into a Catholic Church 3 years ago this week, we had two impressions. First, the totally amazing worship which was what we were longing for. Second, the unfriendliness of the people. We decided the first was most important! It took a long time to make friends, but in time, we found several women who are close and cherished friends now. By the way, we met them all at daily mass. We also realized later that what we termed unfriendliness was in many cases a focus on private worship, rather than all the "fellowshipping" in our protestant churches.
Pam
There are two factors that lead to the mistaken belief that Catholics are unfriendly.
First, we can attend any mass in any church. People don't know that you're a stranger. They generally will assume that you normally attend a different mass, or that you are visiting from another parish because the time is convenient.
Second is the aspect of private worship, as you said. When you enter a Catholic church, you are entering the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. You wouldn't expect people to run up to introduce themselves if Queen Elizabeth was in the room. Well, it's not appropriate when King Jesus is in the room, either.
If you attend weekday masses or other church functions such as bible studies, or volunteer to be part of ministries from folding bulletins to cleaning the church to being a lector to being part of the bereavement committee, you'll make like-minded friends. But it won't happen at weekend masses unless you reach out to them, and that usually takes place outside after mass, or at fellowship functions like a coffee-and-biscuits breakfast after or between morning masses. You can also walk up to the priest after mass and introduce yourself. He usually stands outside to greet people, and he is the one most likely to have noticed that you're not a regular parishioner. Or call the parish office and ask if they have a welcoming committee, RCIA coordinator, hospitality ministry, or special functions designed for visitors.
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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nonsumdignus
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| Joined: | Tue Nov 7th, 2006 |
| Location: | Phoenix, Arizona USA |
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| First Name: | Jay | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Ex-Southern Baptist, ex-agnostic, ex-atheist, "ex-static" to be Catholic! |
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 05:52 pm |
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As a Protestant, my idea of "worship" was listening to an opening and closing prayer, a long sermon, singing a few songs, and sharing "fellowship" with the congregation.
"Worship" as a Catholic means to adore and praise the Triune God. Participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest form of praise and adoration. At the Mass, I am literally kneeling at Calvary. Would I chit-chat and greet my friends at Calvary? I would hope not! My focus is entirely on the altar of sacrifice. I prepare myself spiritually for the great miracle that is soon to take place before my eyes, a re-presenation of Christ's one and only sacrifice made present in the here and now. As the priest offers the bread and wine, I offer myself. The bread and wine are transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ and are offered to the Faithful in Holy Communion. Afterwards, I am in an attitude of thanksgiving. I talk outside of Mass, not in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and am very annoyed by those who ignore the Real Presence of Christ to chit-chat with their friends either before, during, or after Mass.
The GIRM and Redemptionis Sacramentum call for sacred silence before and after Mass, and prayerful participation in the liturgy. They're both available on line.
You'll see just how friendly Catholics are at social events. Holy Mass is not a social event.
Peace be with you,
Jay
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"All the waters of the Elbe would not yield me tears sufficient to weep for the miseries caused by the Reformation." Philip Melanchthon, Luther's cohort, Epistles, Book IV, Ep. 100
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Ruthie
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houston, Texas USA |
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 06:20 pm |
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Darlene,
Just to add my two cents: I agree that you probably won't find that warm, friendly fellowship at a Sunday Catholic Mass. You may also see a cavalier attitude among some people in that they come late, go through the motions without much reverence, and leave early. But then there are those who worship deeply and reverently. E.g. I see a lady every Sunday who stops in front of the Tabernacle, drops to her knees, bows her head, and crosses herself in deep reverence. She remains there for a long while with one hand on the tabernacle. There are others who do the same but only she does this right in front of the Tabernacle with her hand on it, tryint to get as close as she can to Jesus who resides there in the Host.
At the Church I attend, there is a once-a-month coffee social for newcomers between Masses.
Also, it is true that people will seem friendlier and warmer at daily Mass. They will definitely know you as a new person. Sundays can bring so many people that who could tell if you were new or not. Where I go, it seems like there are close to 1000 people, and that's just one Mass. There are three all together Saturday and Sunday and each one has just as many people. And only priest! (No wonder I can't get him to meet with me.)
Definitely try to involve yourself with Bible studies and such. You will definitely find more fellowship there.
Again, maybe try going to a weekday Mass instead of Sunday Mass at first. Even then you might have to introduce yourself first. And definitely introduce yourself to the priest. But keep in mind that when you enter the church there is an atmosphere of reverence and worship which is private and quiet. People don't usually talk and greet one another until after Mass is over and they are outside or leaving.
It's this humble reverence and attitude of worship that I find so beautiful in the Catholic Church. Everyone on their knees in prayer and worship, no matter who they are or what walk of life. Everyone is equally humble before God.
Ruthie
____________________
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 09:43 pm |
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I see a lady every Sunday who stops in front of the Tabernacle, drops to her knees, bows her head, and crosses herself in deep reverence. She remains there for a long while with one hand on the tabernacle. There are others who do the same but only she does this right in front of the Tabernacle with her hand on it, trying to get as close as she can to Jesus who resides there in the Host.
Is she Mexican? This, and “wiping” the holiness off the tabernacle or monstrance and “applying” it to one’s person are very common among the Mexican peasantry. I see it all the time here on the border. It’s an Indian custom that predates the coming of Christianity to this region.
But it’s not proper in the Church. Legally, only the priest or deacon may handle sacred vessels. In some cases, certain of these (liturgical) tasks can be delegated to a layman, but it is not proper without special permission. It’s a difference of culture, obviously, but it’s the Church’s official regulation, so we ought to obey it.
There is a sign slipped under the monstrance at the adoration chapel where I have my weekly hour. It says simply, “Favor de no tocar — Please do not touch,” as a reminder of this rule. Now if only the peasants who do touch and handle could read!
David
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Ruthie
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 10:07 pm |
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David wrote:
But it’s not proper in the Church. Legally, only the priest or deacon may handle sacred vessels. In some cases, certain of these (liturgical) tasks can be delegated to a layman, but it is not proper without special permission. It’s a difference of culture, obviously, but it’s the Church’s official regulation, so we ought to obey it.
Wow, David. I didn't know about this regulation. Obviously, this lady doesn't know it either. Yes, I believe she is Hispanic. She comes with her husband and young children. Should someone tell her about that regulation of not touching the Tabernacle? Still, I'm just in awe of her obvious adoration of Jesus.
Ruthie
____________________
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sat Dec 16th, 2006 11:56 pm |
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As I noted, according to her culture, it is perfectly all right. I would say nothing, especially seeing the faith and devotion she obviously has. I have never told any Hispanic not to touch the sacred vessels or the tabernacle because I understand that the prohibition is coming from a foreign land and is obviously out of touch with this regional custom. Besides, it is really up to the clergy to inform their parishioners about what is proper. You have no authority, and you are receiving the news basically on hearsay. So not to worry. It's not your responsibility.
[Opinion] I didn't give a legal reference, and I don't intend to do so because I don't think it's that important a matter. I don’t see the Mexican clergy running around telling people not to touch. As I said, it's really just a difference of cultures: one touches, the other doesn't. The rule is not respecting the other culture, which I do not see as evil. [/Opinion]
On the other hand, now that you've heard, you can personally respect the sacred vessels, can't you? If you want a reason, you might recall what happened to the man who reached out to steady the ark of the covenant when it was being transported (2 Samuel 6:6–7). Considering its use, the tabernacle is in effect the ark of the new covenant. So you see that there is precedent.
David
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Juan
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 02:13 am |
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Hello Everyone,
.... So my husband thinks that if I attend a Catholic church and experience it firsthand, I will be even more disappointed with regard to Christian fellowship and will not want to return.
He has a point, in that the Catholic church I attended in my area closest to my home was very cold and uninspirational for me. I mentioned this in other posts and I will not be going back there.
Ultimately, the purpose of the Mass is to worship and unite oneself to God. One's blessings are multiplied if one can do this inspite of the uninspired and cold surroundings. Why allow a few uninspiring and unfriendly people to come
between you and God? Who is losing out on that deal? Are they also avoiding the Mass in order to avoid you?
Please pray that if it is truly God's will for me to eventually become a Catholic, that the Lord will lead me to a Catholic parish that is filled with a sincere love of God and the brethren. This is VERY important to me.
You must consider what is important to God. You know what you are supposed to do, whether you feel like doing it or not. Would you leave your children unfed because you didn't feel like cooking? But out of your love for them wouldn't you force yourself to cook so they may not go hungry? Then, if you love God, why is such a little thing keeping you from attending His Mass?
Perhaps a bit of Scripture will explain it better:
Hebrews 10: 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Love in Christ,
Darlene
Sincerely,
Juan
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Darlene
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 07:18 pm |
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Juan,
I think you misunderstood me. I do intend to find another Catholic church to attend, just not the one that I went to. It was not only the unfriendliness, but the disrespectfulness that I noticed, both in attire, body language, lack of interest, etc. And the church itself was barren, looked just like those mega-Christain churches we see on t.v. Not even a crucifix. Bare walls, not one holy reminder of our Lord's sacrifice on the cross, of the virgin birth, of anything. I think the church is one of those liberal Catholic churches.
And therefore Juan, it is my decision, and I think God honors that, that I choose NOT to attend a Catholic church like that. The truth be known, I do recall as a teenager, attending a Mass with my Catholic friend. That Catholic church was entirely different. The people were reverent, the holy reminders were beautiful, and the mode of dress was respectful and appropriate.
My desire is that the Lord lead me to a CONSERVATIVE Catholic Church that has a priest who is also conservative and is 100% supportive of the magisterium, the papacy and Catholic doctrine. (instead of trying to be liberal and change the Catholic church and break away from its traditions)
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Ruthie
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 07:37 pm |
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Darlene wrote:
My desire is that the Lord lead me to a CONSERVATIVE Catholic Church that has a priest who is also conservative and is 100% supportive of the magisterium, the papacy and Catholic doctrine. (instead of trying to be liberal and change the Catholic church and break away from its traditions)
Oh, I hope you find that Catholic Church, Darlene. I thought about you this morning when I was at Mass, hoping that you would have found that Church today. But I guess not, huh? I hope you let us know of your experience and observations when next you try another Catholic Church.
God Bless you in your search.
Ruthie
____________________
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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Darlene
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 08:09 pm |
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Hello Ruthie,
Actually, I did not attend church today nor did my husband, which is very unusual for us. We are frustrated in some respects with our church. It is not so much the parishners as it is the preaching from the pulpit. My husband expecially is troubled by many of our pastor's sermons. Anyway, I watched Dr. D. James Kennedyof Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and both my husband and I found him very encouraging. Also, we watched Adrian Rogers, who has a church out of Memphis, Tennessee. Both of these men, although they are Protestant, are not of the Word Faith Movement nor of the liberal branch of Protestantism.
Please keep me in your prayers that the Lord lead me to a conservative Catholic church.
God Bless You,
Darlene
____________________
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. II Corinthians 13:14
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Ruthie
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Posted: Sun Dec 17th, 2006 08:43 pm |
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Just a thought - Have you read Scott Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper?" I read it a few months ago and found it so helpful and informative in understanding and appreciating the Mass. When I went to Mass after I read it, I found it so moving and meaningful that it brought tears to my eyes. This in spite of crying babies, people being indifferent, walking in late or leaving early. Jesus is still in the Eucharist, completely present.
Also, this book made so much sense out of the Book of Revelation. So practical, so obvious that I wondered how there could ever have been so much fuss made over its meaning in recent times. And Dr. Hahn actually just presented what the Catholic Church has always taught.
Ruthie
____________________
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (NRSV, Luke 18:17)
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Talithacumi
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Posted: Sat Dec 30th, 2006 08:37 pm |
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David W. Emery wrote: [size=...On the other hand, now that you've heard, you can personally respect the sacred vessels, can't you? If you want a reason, you might recall what happened to the man who reached out to steady the ark of the covenant when it was being transported (2 Samuel 6:6–7). Considering its use, the tabernacle is in effect the ark of the new covenant. So you see that there is precedent.
David]
David,
Hi. Sorry for "hi-jacking" the thread... and it's kind of a late response on my part - haven't been on here for a little bit. I really need to catch up!
Anyway, I've been reading the Bible [almost] daily for a few months and I remember coming across this passage and feeling so sorry for the guy who got struck down. All he was doing was trying to steady the Ark as it was being transported so that it wouldn't fall. It was probably just a reflexive action on his part. I'd been having a hard enough time trying to understand all those seemingly silly by-laws and so forth listed in the first few books of the Bible (like Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - even Chronicles and maybe a few others, but you probably know what I mean. Some of those laws seemed so trivial and unnecessary). I just couldn't understand why the Lord would strike down a person who was essentially just trying to protect the Ark.
You're a wise guy (and I don't mean that in the normal derogatory use of the term!  ) - ok, I should say a wise "man"... can you give me some feedback on this? I'd appreciate it... again, sorry for hi-jacking the thread, but since you brought it up...
JMJ
- Cheri
____________________
“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sat Dec 30th, 2006 11:44 pm |
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Cheri, not only have you hijacked the thread, you’re holding a gun to my head! All right, here’s a plausible scenario:
It was a specific prescription of the Law that the Ark of the Covenant was to be carried only by Levites and that they should never touch the Ark itself but carry it with the gold-plated acacia wood poles made for this purpose at the time the Ark was crafted by Bezalel according to the design specified by the Lord to Moses (Exodus 25:14–15, 28; 35:10–12; 37:1–5; 1 Chronicles 15:15). Touching the Ark was the prerogative of the high priest alone.
When King David transported the Ark, he did it in a different manner: “And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, with the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark” (2 Samuel 6:3). So they did not obey the Law in this. And Uzzah, who was struck down for touching the Ark (2 Samuel 6:7), was not a Levite but a soldier and was therefore not authorized to help convey it. Yet he was accompanying the Ark (v. 4), so it may be assumed that he was one of the supervisors of the “transportation detail.”
Yes, I agree with your analysis of how Uzzah came to “put forth his hand.” The point is that he should never have been there in the first place, and even if the hand that steadied the Ark had belonged to a Levite, it was still forbidden. The Ark should never have been placed on the cart, either, but carried manually by means of the poles.
Sly question: how did they get the Ark on the cart in the first place? Chances are very good it was manhandled by several strong men. Why didn’t they die the same as Uzzah? Even slyer answer: The “several strong men” were acting under orders; Uzzah was not, but was presiding. So Uzzah held the responsibility for the others touching the Ark, and it was for this as well as his own disobedience that God slew him. How do we know this? Because King David was angry (v. 8). Now why was David angry? Because he had commissioned Uzzah to supervise the transport of the Ark, and now Uzzah was dead.
So ultimately David was responsible for the whole fiasco. What? Good King David? You see a little later in the chapter that he usurped the high priest’s role (v.14) by wearing the linen ephod, a garment which was supposed to be worn only by the high priest when performing his official duties. Yet another violation.
Now maybe you can see in this the reason why David was not allowed to build the Temple of the Lord to house the Ark. He had sufficient faith, perhaps, but he did things “his way” instead of God’s way. His son Solomon was a bit more careful about these things and was allowed to carry the plan to completion.
But what’s the moral of a story like this? Let’s glance over to the Religion in the News forum, where recently a story was posted about the impact of the influx of Hispanics into the US. The focal point is the archdiocese of Los Angeles, where the cardinal archbishop has seen fit to leverage the phenomenon to lobby for political and ecclesiastical change. This delights the author of the article no end, to the point that he starts favorably recalling the days of Liberation Theology (the combining of Marxist ideology with Christian values, which was condemned by Pope John Paul II) and free-wheeling liturgical license. Do you see where this is headed? We have a good cause run amok through disregard for established Church law. The author sees it as a Robin Hood kind of story. How do you see it? And how does God see it?
Do you see the biblical connection? Who gets hurt here? How should this situation be resolved?
(Just so there is no misunderstanding: The idea for this interpretation came from a homily delivered this evening by my pastor, a moral theologian, who had a lot to say about obedience to God in family relations on this Feast of the Holy Family.)
David
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SBC2RCC
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 126 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 2nd, 2007 05:42 pm |
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Dear Darlene,
I just wanted to put in a word of testimony to the experience that I have had of fellowship and community and dare I say, sacrificial friendship.
My mother made the observation that I have had a lot of support from my friends at the parish where I attend and from the Oratory in Rock Hill where our pastor and other priests and brothers live.
After my wife mnoved out in November, (something she has wanted to do for years, unfortunately,) One family offered me a room and storage space as well as meals and friendship throught the time of my own move into a more affordable trailer. These folks have a lot of troubles of their own, but that only seems to spur them to more sacrifices for others.
When the holidays came, my new catholic friends made sure that I was OK, and included in dinners, parties, and just having a place to hang around and not be alone.
Now, I am not saying that Baptists I was iwth before wouldn't have done this, rather, I am saying that catholics DID help me to bear my burdens.
I would also ditto the comments on silence and privacy in worship. This is so often mistaken for coldness, when it is granting another person the space to be alone with the Lord who is really present in the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle.
God is good, and so are his people, thanks be to God!
Monte
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In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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Talithacumi
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| Joined: | Sat Sep 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | Eastern Ohio, USA |
| Posts: | 267 |
| First Name: | Cheri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Cradle Catholic - Latin Rite |
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Posted: Wed Jan 3rd, 2007 02:10 am |
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David W. Emery wrote: ...Yes, I agree with your analysis of how Uzzah came to “put forth his hand.” The point is that he should never have been there in the first place, and even if the hand that steadied the Ark had belonged to a Levite, it was still forbidden. The Ark should never have been placed on the cart, either, but carried manually by means of the poles...
David
David,
Once again, you have proven yourself to be a wealth of information. Thanks! All that you said really helps to put things in a more understandable perspective for me, and I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my "hi-jacking" post .
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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BettyBoopToo
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Camas/Washougal, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 538 |
| First Name: | Betty | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Fist Baptist/Calvary Babtist/Secular Confusion/ Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Jan 4th, 2007 12:26 am |
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I am probably the weirdo of the group. I do not like aggressive sales people, If they ask me more than once if they can help me, I'll leave the store.
I don't care to be aggressively persued by christians either. I walked into the Catholic Church and found what I thought to be the last place on the planet that people could worship and pray in silence.
If I attend an extra activities at the Church I find many very loving people, Who are more than willing to help me with any need.
When I attended RCIA, I was very thankful that not one person, Not even father, Treated me aggressivly. I liked the fact that we did not have to fill out attendence cards at Mass. After I had joined the church, My husband (He manages Finances) wanted to know how much $$ we should offer, I called father and he told us that we should pray about it and he was certain that Us & the Lord would come up with a figure, That it did not all have to go to the church, we could spread it out to different charities also. I found a great deal of comfort & Peace in the way Catholic's treated me.
I did do some so called Church Shopping and was totally turned off by the enthusiastic manner that I was pursued. I spent a couple years sneaking around the internet so I could quietly find out what some others believed. Just the other day I was clearing out some of my saved web-sites and ran across the Quakers site and had to chuckle at myself and praise the Lord that I'm not the completely lost and confused soul that I was just a few years ago.
The protestant service's I've attended are more like our Sunday night faith formation groups, or Bible studies. I'm sure the differences might feel cold to new comers, But their are many, many opportunities to attend other events with more fellow shipping.
I think that part of the differences in the two are: "Where two or more are gathered in my Name" And in the Catholic Church, No matter if your alone, There he is. Body Blood Soul & Divinity. His real presence.! For me there is not any kind of fellowship that can take the place of his Real Presence. Just my thoughts, I don't mean any criticism.
God Bless
Betty
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Patience
"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
St. John of the Cross
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
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