My extensive search for Jesus, and how I found Mel Gibson at the end of it.

Disclosure: A sinner who at times can be the worst possible messenger is the author of this thread. Please don’t let him get in the way of what is being witnessed and be sure to rebuke him should he be wrong.

Someone had asked “Why are you a Catholic?” or some such not to long ago. I'd like to take a few moments to answer that question, if I may.

During my life, I’ve been to nearly every type of service you could imagine and have looked at nearly every form of Christianity there is. I’ve been to tiny Baptist churches in rural Georgia as well as attending a service with Jerry Falwell presiding over thousands. I’ve been to many Lutheran services and have examined Lutheranism and Martin Luther extensively.

While serving in the military I attended all kinds of services. Although “Catholic” was on my dog-tags, when you’re sitting in the middle of the Saudi desert you’re lucky if you can even get your hands on a bible, much less get picky about what service is assembled in your AO. On Sundays, during basic training, I attended the Catholic masses and then would go straight to the Protestant services, just to get away from my drill Sergeants.

I’ve worshiped with Messianic Jews in their Temple, have examined 7th Day Advents and even thoroughly researched (and don’t hate me for this) the dreaded scientology.

My biggest problem with any of the non-Catholic religions is that they all, at some point or another wind up becoming an authority unto themselves. This is what has always my “dead-end”.

Whenever any given religion would have a particular doctrine, ethos, ritual, custom or practice that was particular to them and not based in scripture, I would always find myself asking, “by what authority do they do this?” I found comfort in the fact that while Rome is highly imperfect (one un-Catholic aspect of me is not believing in Papal infallibility) I could always rely on thousands of years of study, debate, divine inspiration and divine prophesy. Most the teachings and established doctrine of Catholicism come from extremely dedicated and brilliant scholars, sisters, clergy and even laypersons, with a few unexplainable miracles and revelations sprinkled in here and there.

Some will argue correctly that Jesus would be extremely saddened or even outraged at the condition of the church that He founded. Though with periods of exception it has been quite the impressive, if not divine authority.

That said, any of you, Catholic or not, who contend that our church is very sick right now will get no argument from me. I have no counter and would agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. There are some that are working to change that and if you’ll bear with this article there is more on that subject later.

Another reason why I stay Catholic is there is one aspect of the Catholic religion that I simply would not want to live without; That is the Holy Eucharist. Jesus states explicitly that through communion we will have everlasting life yet many other religions don’t bother with communion and some try to state that it’s not actually the body of Christ that we partake in at all, but only a representation. If you are of this belief, allow me to be the first to tell you that have some very vital information.

This may come as a shock, but communion really is the body of Christ. It is not a ritual, a representation or something that contains his “spirit”. It’s the actual body itself. There are at least three places in the Word where Christ tells us to do this in remembrance (Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, 1 Corinthians 11:24) of him, but there is at least one very important bit of scripture that some have chosen to ignore.

John 6 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.[/color]

This is one reason among many why I can never be anything but Catholic, the religion of my baptism. Even if other religions suddenly decided to take up the practice of Holy Communion, there is nobody more qualified than a priest to bless and give this sacrament. He is someone who has studied for years, given up everything including the possibility of having a family, to live without a home, in total poverty (as Christ did) just to simply serve our Lord. Nobody else (or very few) in my eyes has the authority to perform this very important rite. Many of my fellow Catholics would argue that this power was given directly to our priests from Peter himself, who received it from Christ.

This being said, I am sorry to report some bad news to my Catholic brethren. If your priest is a one of the enemy’s infiltrators that have penetrated our church or a God hating homosexual who is waking up with his boyfriend Sunday morning before putting his hands on your communion wafer, you are not receiving the body of Christ. Neither are your children. It saddens me to think that this is going on across the nation and the world but it most certainly is. Those who spit in God’s face are doing nothing more than pretending to give His children communion.

Which is on reason among many why I ran as fast as I could for traditional Catholicism (The Society of Saint Pius X or SSPX in my case). We don’t have these people amongst our clergy. We also treat the body of Christ as if it really is the body.

Additionally, our mass and the process of blessing the Eucharist is the most sacred, beautiful and reverent found. Our dedicated fathers speak in the ancient Latin tongue that many of the apostles spoke in our earliest years Nearly the entire devotional mass is dedicated to His body and sharing it amongst us. I haven’t been able to get through one without crying yet. I’ve received correspondence from people in tears describing incredible experiences. These are the masses that inspired Beethoven to write symphonies and some of the greatest works of art in history.

For some odd and inexplicable reason, certain evil forces in Rome (and on this forum) are trying to stomp us out. John Paul (for all of his faults, sins and fallibility) has not allowed this to happen. God will bless him for this. These masses will not “go away”, no matter how badly the enemy wants them to. The Lord is with us and there are some of us who will see to that, no matter what. Whether it means poverty, ridicule, ruin or even death, many of us have sold our garments and bought a sword (Luke 22:36), as Christ commanded on his last day on earth as a man.

Thank God our Lord and His incredible grace has sent us - everyone - a great ally, sword in hand just when we need him the most. A wonderful man (and fellow traditionalist) by the name of Mel Gibson is making a movie called “The Passion”. He is yet another artist who is creating a great work inspired by our very special form of worship, which he and the lead actor attended on regularly while filming.

Many of you are going to see this movie and never be the same. Our Lord will be speaking to you and I implore you with everything I have to listen when He speaks, for there is nothing better you can do for yourself, your children or the world than to listen to Him and let Him show you the way.

Please understand that while I and many other traditionalist Catholics can hardly contain our glee, this movie is for ALL PEOPLE- Christian, Catholic, Jewish and Atheist alike. Mel has made it very clear that this is for everyone and I do not want to leave the impression that the film belongs somehow to Catholics, traditionalists or even Christians. It doesn’t belong to us and neither does Jesus belong to anyone.

And yeah okay, I (like most others who attend worship) would like to help build our “flock”. So I suppose you'll just have to forgive the shameless plug. Attend one of our services and make up your own mind.

While we are just overjoyed to have Mel and feel this will help our cause and message tremendously, the most joyful of all is that it will further our Lord’s message for all. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Lastly, I am not trying to “sell” you the Society or judge whatever form of religion you choose to partake in. I am only witnessing to you my first hand experience with Him. If any of what I have written is in err, I would like nothing more than to be rebuked or corrected. Whoever you are or wherever you come together in fellowship with God, I wish you and your family nothing but His blessings and pray that you and those you love share in His great Kingdom. Should any of you have any questions at all regarding this post, traditional Catholicism or the Society of Saint Pius X that you would rather not ask in public, please feel free to private message me.

In closing, I would like to borrow a line from my book “The Story of the Mass” (Newmann Press 1949, 2002):

… my Protestant compatriot, for you call Christ a Savior
… my Jewish brother, for your people gave us our Redeemer
… my fellow Catholic, for we are one in Christ

Information on traditional SSPX services near you HERE

If you'd ever care to join me one night JoeBrother you're more than welcome. Services (right down the road from me) are Sunday nights at 5:30 PM.

We'll make a day of it. Bring the whole family, we'll make you dinner.

If your priest is a one of the enemy’s infiltrators that have penetrated our church or a God hating homosexual who is waking up with his boyfriend Sunday morning before putting his hands on your communion wafer, you are not receiving the body of Christ.

Donatists

I will surprise everybody--I did not care much for this essay which to my view is excessively sentimental. There is an expression for the kind of response this individual has had towards the old Mass--spiritual ice cream. That is to say, these are nice feelings on a personal level, but they are not necessarily universal and they don't provide that much nourishment spiritually. Such responses are fleeting and come to beginners who are responding for the first time to the beauty of the old Mass--though some people never respond this way at all. For most, the meat and potatoes actually come later, after the nice feelings wear off and attendance becomes a matter of sticking-with something even when emotionally we feel arid and uninspired. That's when we accrue the maximum benefit. In short, the only reason for attending the old Mass should be because it genuinely expresses the fulness of the Catholic faith by offering to God an appropriate adoration. We should leave ourselves out of the issue entirely.

And by the way, the essayist is incorrect when he supposes a communion Host is not validly consecrated if the priest is a practicing homosexual. The priest's personal sinfulness does not invalidate his act of Consecration.

Thanks for the post and ping. While I do consider myself a Traditionalist, I also recognize the Divine Authority of the Magisterium.

The author's lack of this recognition in addition to his advocacy of the SSPX from that position places him outside of Traditional Catholicism.

The original definition of a heretic was "one who picks and chooses which Scriptures to follow". There is much comfort to be found in the Scripture and the Church, but there is much that SHOULD disturb us. I am not refering here to creeping secularism but to those aspects of the Magisterium and Scripture that calls us to reform. God has asked us to love our enemies. This is something that no man could reasonably ask us to do, but if you are God you ask of us what you will and we ought to recognize the depth of what He is asking. It is indeed a supernatural wisdom that speaks to us.
Pax vobiscum.
-TRC

The priest's personal sinfulness does not invalidate his act of Consecration.

Would hatred of God invalidate his act of Conescration? How about those who have joined the preisthood just so they can bugger each other, not have to work or are able ruin everything for the rest of us?

Would you want your child taking communion from such a person? Would Christ want him giving it? I'm asking not arguing as a differ to many in here who are more knowledgable.

Here's what was stated:

If your priest is a one of the enemy’s infiltrators that have penetrated our church or a God hating homosexual who is waking up with his boyfriend Sunday morning before putting his hands on your communion wafer, you are not receiving the body of Christ.

Whether anyone realizes it or not there are many ill-intended agents of the enemy in our church right now, at all levels. They are NOT our friends and they have nothing to do with God, and IMO have no business anywhere near the Body under any circumstances.

I vehemently disagree with your statement that SSPX members are not traditionalists. Why on earth do you think they're there in the first place?

I do agree with you that loving your enemies can be difficult but not always. If you could take the pain of the intitial blow of having to forgive someone who has done something awful or evil, God rewards you for such by giving you strength of character and by knowing that you're pleasing Him. It can be difficult at times but it's so worth it if you ask me.

Also "love" comes in many forms and is not always hard when it comes to enemies. For example, I view Islam as a bitter enemy to our religion and our way of life. To me the most loving thing we could do for them and their children would be to destroy every single mosque on earth including Mecca and Medina, start the next crusade ASAP and get them away from their devil-sent false prophet.

This would be the best thing for them, future generations and the world and I don't feel coming to that decision or ascribing to that belief is difficult or painful in the least.

Thank you for that extremely interesting link Romulus, I never even knew what a Dontatist is. Their cause seemed to have been as much politically motivated as it was morally. I can't say how I would have felt had I lived 1,300 years ago, but I certainly don't ascribe to that thinking now.

For the record, I don't think a priest unworthy of Consecration because of their crimes or hatred against other Christians (as these people did), but I do think them unworthy if they hate God and intend to defile and ruin our church. Or if they have joined the priesthood for any other reason but to serve the Lord.

While not all practicing homosexuals priests fall into the category, I still feel they all need to be purged from the priesthood regardless (though not from the body or the church).

Let them sing in the choir or help with bake sales. Leadership positions and dealing with children should be strictly verboten, which is what priest do. BTW, they know for the most part who's "practicing" and who is not. Does anyone think that we should leave homosexual priests in the pulpit?

This is probably wishful thinking as they won't even defrock known child molesters for reasons I fail to understand.

As I suggested ... the personal sinfulness of the priest is irrelevant. The possible lack of right intention on the part of the priest is extremely relevant. And I've met a few that I have to wonder if they have the right intention. The "God haters" probably do not have right intention ... and the problem is to discern who they are and avoid them.

Three things are needed for Consecration (assuming a validly ordained priest): right matter, right form and right intent. The first two are easily determined. It is the third which is difficult if not impossible to know.

A practicing homosexual could have 100% belief and intent of consecrating the host into the Body of Christ. As long as he uses proper matter and prayer form it is assumed to be valid. However, if said homosexual is in flagrant violation of basic rubrics and produces sermons/teaching documents (a la Cardinal Mahony) which deny Catholic Eucharistic belief, be afraid.

As for me personally, I take any sign of liturgical funny business as a message to stay away. Intent can be estimated (but not determined!) by observing exteriors: words and behavior. There is a priest in a nearby town who walks around this town with his male companion. Everyone knows he is a practicing homosexual. Ironically, he is a very popular priest. The bishop likely knows about the situation but does nothing. So, does that priest consecrate a valid Eucharist? Perhaps. However, if we are standing at the foot of the Cross during Mass, why would I want to condone or support a priest whose state of mortal sin is an abomination to Our Lord?

IIRC, there used to be a rule where priests in a state of mortal sin incurred another mortal sin if they offered Mass in that state. I think that belief went out after VII.

However, if we are standing at the foot of the Cross during Mass, why would I want to condone or support a priest whose state of mortal sin is an abomination to Our Lord?

Interesting point. I am extremely immature on doctrine at times (which is why I defer to others as much as possible) but I do know that if we are in mortal sin, we are commiting sacrilege by receiving communion.

If this is true, I can't imagine it pleasing to God that a phoney who is an unrepentant mocker be giving it.

As I suggested ... the personal sinfulness of the priest is irrelevant.

I agree, we are all sinners and I would hate for myself to be judged on that basis alone.

The possible lack of right intention on the part of the priest is extremely relevant. And I've met a few that I have to wonder if they have the right intention. The "God haters" probably do not have right intention ... and the problem is to discern who they are and avoid them.

Yes it is. As you and Deb rightfully point out, how does one know another's intentions? I would hate to have it on my conscience that a man was wrongfully condemned by a guess.

Which is one reason why practicing homosexuals should as a rule just be kept away from the preisthood altogether, this solves the problem altogether. We don't even have to declare their host invalid like the "Donatists" (hey I learned a new word!) advocated with the traitors, just defrock them or if found out in the seminaries get rid of them at that point.

They are literally killing the body of the church.

Sorry--didn't realize you wrote the piece.

PLEASE!!!!!

Don't apologize, your input is very helpful toward self improvement. Does it matter if I wrote it or not?

I need well informed people such as yourself to set me straight. I very much welcome being corrected from those I trust, lest I enjoy sin and error.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.