Posted on 08/08/2015 7:49:56 AM PDT by Salvation
Msgr. Charles Pope
Q. Do you think the apostles would recognize the simple and humble Church they had, compared with the pompous and ceremonial Church of today?
— J.F., San Diego, Calif.
A. Here’s a reply from Msgr. Charles Pope:
Well, I am not so sure. It’s kind of like asking if Orville and Wilbur Wright would recognize the simple wooden and cloth plane they flew, compared with the modern jetliner of today. To some extent they certainly would see the basic structure, but they would also marvel at all the magnificent developments that their simple idea ushered in.
It would not be reasonable to assume that they would wag their finger and insist we go back to planes made of cloth and wood. It seems more reasonable that they would admire the developments that had ensued, all of which built on the basic ideas that they set forth.
I think it would be similar with the apostles. It is clear that doctrine has developed over the years, as has liturgy and other necessary structures in the Church. But these things developed from the structures that were already there from the beginning. The hierarchal structure, established by Christ himself, has expanded to meet the needs of a now worldwide Church.
You are free to consider things you don’t like as pompous, but others see such things as dignified and appropriate. God and the things of God are rightly to be honored with some degree of ceremony and respect.
Monsignor Pope’s OSV column Ping!
It seems the churches have regressed away from the signs, wonders, and miracles that were manifested in the days of the early church.
JMHO
There are many signs, wonders, and miracles. People just refuse to believe them.
Back in the early 1200's, Francis went to Rome to petition Pope Innocent III to approve of his religious order. The Pope took pleasure in showing 'Il Poverello' (Francis' nickname: 'The Little Poor Man') some of the beautiful churches of Rome, pausing at one point to look at a splendid painting which portrayed the dramatic moment when St. Peter healed the crippled man at Acts 3:6.
Pope Innocent remarked, "Peter said, 'Silver and gold have I none'; but of course as Peter's Successor I can hardly say that now!"
Francis replied quietly, "... and neither can you say, 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.'"
Precisely.
There are still healings and miracles --- exorcisms, too --- in the Catholic Church. There always have been, in every century. The healing miracles seem, historically, to intensify at the very times when Satan is most challenging the Church. I expect we'll be coming into another Season of Miracles very soon -- very soon indeed.
Do you know the many miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
As you consider the Catholic Church is made up of saints and sinners, I feel that the Catholic Church has contributed significantly to society (hospitals, universities, St Vincent de Paul Society, etc) with the teachings of Jesus and showing us the way to Heaven.
Perhaps we don’t need the curing of the sick and the raising of the dead as Jesus and the Apostles did. Our mission is to teach and baptize so that all will join God in Heaven. That is the true miracle. Yes much work needs to be done. Actually, I believe there is significant curing of disease through prayer that is just not reported.
The greatest miracle is our ability to receive God in the Holy Eucharist.
I know there are miracles today. I am one of them.
I was saying the analogy could have been better presented.
If I offended, I apologize.
I have told my niece many times, be careful what you post on the internet. People easily misinterpret what you post.
Well, I guess I have to follow my own advice.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
Did you or did you not say this?
**It seems the churches have regressed away from the signs, wonders, and miracles that were manifested in the days of the early church.**
No— no really, I wasn’t offended at all.
Am I missing something?
The original article was written by a Catholic — so I took your comment (even though it was plural) to mean you were talking about the Catholic Church.
Guess I missed your intention in your words.
If I had done that, I would have been wrong for sure.
To show you my good intentions, I do not have all the gifts, signs, wonders and miracles myself. So, I am not in any condition to impugn any church or person about manifestations.
Thanks for the reply FRiend.
You are learning quickly that some have very, very, very thin skins on these boards.
Guess I missed your intention in your words.
Perhaps you were practicing the very thing you love to accuse others of??
Your comment: “Perhaps you were practicing the very thing you love to accuse others of??”
I thought the discussion was very civil and all posters replied and came to understand the meaning of the comment in the post.
Why do you feel the need to twist the knife when it didn’t add to a better understanding of the post?
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