Real Catholics, Warts and All

CatholicExchange.com ^ | 05-19-05 | Heidi Hess Saxton

[Lilllabettt]

That's unbelievable. In my experience, hand-holders are relatively innocent: they're just ignorant, and it seems to them like a nice thing to do, so why not do it.

People who force the issue however, are probably wanting to make a political statement at Mass. Always something that should be avoided.

[GenXFreedomFighter]

Got more out of this thread than you bargained for, didn't ya? LOL.

[tiki]

Now that is a thoughtful answer.

I don't give Hollywood much money, I have been to the theater 2Xs in 25 yrs, Snow Dogs and The Passion. I also rarely give the guy on the street corner money but I will ask if he wants some food. I get in trouble for feeding illegal aliens but I ask any Christian, how can you turn away someone who has walked a 100 miles and is truly hungry. I can't

[dsutah]

Then there is also the case of the Roman official who, though considered the pagan enemy by some, came and asked the Lord in all humility to heal his servant. Our Lord was really impressed by the guy's faith, and told everyone around him so!

[sitetest]

Dear murphE,

"Maybe they don't volunteer for the church picnic because they don't want their name in the bulletin for it, (or worse) read at mass for everyone to applaud."

Yet, someone has to volunteer for the church picnic, or there won't be a church picnic.

Sometimes, folks who want to avoid the recognition for the things they do for God have to accept a little, anyway, to make sure the stuff that God wants done gets done.

Do I think God wants church picnics? Yeah.



sitetest

[Coleus]

We're just regular people

[melsec]

You seem to have gotten hold of the wrong end of the stick or I have not expressed myself well enough. The original post that was referred to mentioned that the Priest was the one asking people to join hands in prayer so that is the person that you need to take objections. The person in the pugh (who may or may not be new) would only be doing what the Priest has asked them to do. IF they feel spurned by you because of your objections (no matter how righteous) then you indeed have been unloving towards them. I am sure there would not be time to raise the theological objections during the Our Father. So like I said it is better to take the objections to the Priest and maybe you could speak to the people who were next to you after Mass and discuss it with them.

[Dumb_Ox]

Can't Peanut Butter sandwiches be bartered for hooch almost as easily as money in some urban centers? It wouldn't suprise me.

Should we encourage homeless alcoholics to keep drinking by giving them money?

Considering how many other alcoholics and druggies we finance through ordinary product consumption, I don't see why not.

[Sir_Ed]

"It's the Sacraments (especially the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist) that separates Catholics from many other Christians. My best understanding of this is that not only is God the Creator of all things, but He exists within, and works through, what He has Created."

If God is everywhere, why do you need Him in the wafer top help you?

Just pray, seek, need, etc., and He'll answer then, also, wouldn't He, as much as if you've eaten a wafer with His Real Presence?

Ed

[SaltyJoe]

"If God is everywhere, why do you need Him in the wafer top help you?"

God is not present everywhere, especially in a human heart that rejects God. That is His gift of free will. If He commands Himself everywhere (including Hell), then His creation would not be the reality we know right now.

Sacraments and Ceremony:
Why does a Marine have to raise his hand to give an oath upon promotion? Didn't already go through a similar ceremony before with a raised hand? Why does he salute the same superior officers every day? Why does he stand in formation for every flag raising and retiring?

If you have already told your spouse that you love her, then why does a husband need to say it again and again...and show her with actions? What's the use of giving flowers that die. Is really only to cover the stench of a fart? Doesn't a rose have more significance?

Why do most women keep every love note their man has given them? Are they going to use this as evidence in a court of law? What's the meaning of a "thing" like a love letter in a loving relationship?

Like I said before. Judeo Christian Faith is not gnostic.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm

We are still fighting a spiritual battle against those spirits who've rejected creation. The Sacramental life is not pious poems and movements. Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist when he said, "This IS my body." Christ conquers evil through God's Creation because Creation is "good".

The cynicism that rejects clearly defined actions and institutions is like an unrepentant US President that belittles the American Senate and People over definitions of "is". Focusing on the Word of God and His promise and command is like pouring hot cools on the wicked (it's similar to mentioning the blood poured out on the cross and the victory of the Arch Angels is very repulsive to devils).

[Sir_Ed]

Thank you for your reply, Joe. I don't have time to fully read it and try and understand what you're saying, but I will this weekend.

Ed

[SaltyJoe]

I'm usually very bad at explaining myself. I mumble a lot too. Most of the time I don't even know what I'm talking about. I close one eye when I explain things to others just so they don't see the fact that my eyes go crossed when I have to explain even simple concepts. When the complexity of a situation increases, I wear ear plugs so that others don't see the steam escaping. I have to drink lots of water during these times.

Needless to say, I am a train wreck.