Let me comment on the latter part first, as it reflects a generally constipated Protestant mentality. Why should it be a desire, let alone requirement, to strip from Christian worship anything that is not "necessary"? I agree that anything heretical should be shunned, but like with any celebration authentic Christian worship is rich, and should include veneration of Christ's saints, art, pageantry, -- anythign your heart asks it should receive.
Now, Mass is mandated by Christ in Luke 22:19 ("do this"). It is further clarified as "showing the death" (and therefore sacrifice) of Christ (1 Cor 11:26). The Church is, of course encouraging penance at all times and the Penitential Rite is an organic part of the Mass, but it is the redemptive sacrifice of Christ that is celebrated at Mass (1 Cor 5:7-8, John 6:52).
If anything is necessary the Mass is necessary.
Thank you for your reply.
Today is the Sabbath. A day for worship.
I will contend with you tomorrow.
Annalex wrote:
“Now, Mass is mandated by Christ in Luke 22:19 (”do this”). It is further clarified as “showing the death” (and therefore sacrifice) of Christ (1 Cor 11:26). The Church is, of course encouraging penance at all times and the Penitential Rite is an organic part of the Mass, but it is the redemptive sacrifice of Christ that is celebrated at Mass (1 Cor 5:7-8, John 6:52).”
Yes, it is mandated by Christ. Thus far you are quite correct. But then you twist and add to His words about the Supper being an enduring testimony and remembrance of His atoning death for us, something that He and He alone has completed for the salvation of mankind, and in so doing transmogrify what is purely sacramental, purely gracious forgiveness, into something altogether different and sacrificial, something that, by its very doing, you contend, adds to an imagined treasury of merits. You will no doubt object and point to this or that RC dogmatic statement.
That is the problem.
Annalex wrote:
“Let me comment on the latter part first, as it reflects a generally constipated Protestant mentality. Why should it be a desire, let alone requirement, to strip from Christian worship anything that is not “necessary”? I agree that anything heretical should be shunned, but like with any celebration authentic Christian worship is rich, and should include veneration of Christ’s saints, art, pageantry, — anythign your heart asks it should receive.”
So, if Protestant mentality is “constipated,” as you wrote, that must make Roman Catholic mentality diarrheic, which actually fits in quite well with Isaiah’s comment on the worth of human righteousness before God. (Isaiah 64:6) Your idea of “rich” is to add man-chosen elements that detract from Christ’s completed vicarious atonement and thus from the graciousness of God in sending His own Son to be our Savior. No, I will stick with His poverty alone, for it and it alone makes us rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
[...] Why should it be a desire, let alone requirement, to strip from Christian worship anything that is not "necessary"? I agree that anything heretical should be shunned, but like with any celebration authentic Christian worship is rich, and should include veneration of Christ's saints, art, pageantry, -- anythign your heart asks it should receive.
You misunderstand me. I was not speaking to the doing of the mass, but rather, the technical aspects of the mass itself.
As to pageantry and the like, I find it rather uninformed to suggest that Protestants are generally against it as such - There is a vast array of worshiping styles and experiences within the Protestant scope, to include everything from liturgies and formal processions, all the way to rock bands, multimedia events, and preachers dressed like Elvis. "Different strokes," as it were.
Now, Mass is mandated by Christ in Luke 22:19 ("do this"). It is further clarified as "showing the death" (and therefore sacrifice) of Christ (1 Cor 11:26). The Church is, of course encouraging penance at all times and the Penitential Rite is an organic part of the Mass, but it is the redemptive sacrifice of Christ that is celebrated at Mass (1 Cor 5:7-8, John 6:52).
If anything is necessary the Mass is necessary.
It never ceases to amaze me, what odd concoctions people will make out of whole cloth, considered justified by a few cherry-picked verses from the Bible...
"The best cure for Christianity is reading the Bible." -Mark Twain.
Have you not considered Christ's words and actions at the Last Supper within the context of the Passover feast?