Posted on 10/29/2015 7:51:30 AM PDT by Salvation
When we think of the word “adoration,†we think of a high form of love, perhaps the highest. Theologically, we equate adoration with latria, the worship and love due to God alone. In the vernacular, to say “I adore you†is to indicate an intense and high form of love.
Liturgically, adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament indicates a period during which one enters into the experience of loving God and gazing upon Him in that love. The Lord, too, extends a gaze of love to us, as is beautifully stated in the Song of Songs: Behold, he is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the window, peering through the lattice (Song 2:9).
In all these examples there is a sort of intense, yet resting love expressed; a love that is tender and deep, quiet and fixed.
However, the greatest act of adoration the world has ever known exhibits little of this quietude or restfulness. Indeed, one might call this act of adoration quite stormy; though intense, it was not restful. In fact, you might not consider it adoration at all. But consider this reflection by Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.:
Adoration of infinite value was offered to God by Christ in Gethsemane when he prostrated himself saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as though wilt.†Christ’s adoration of the Father recognized in a practical and profound manner the sovereign excellence of God … The Savior’s adoration continued on the cross (The Three Ages of the Interior Life, Vol 2, p. 251).
At the heart of this most perfect act of adoration was obedience, a heart that not only loved God but out of that love wanted only what He wanted. True adoration of God includes both a loving acknowledgment of His excellence and a submission of our will to His in loving obedience. Out of love we offer our whole life to God.
Thus adoration is more than mere feeling, no matter how intense; it is sacrifice; it is the willing offering of one’s very self as an act of love to God, who has so loved us. No greater love is there than to lay down one’s life for God and for those we love in Him.
Is obedience and sacrifice what you and I mean when we say that we are going to Eucharistic adoration or when we say that we adore God? The most perfect act of adoration was love expressed as obedience and sacrifice.
Adoration is another word for worship. It means the same thing.
"No church I know teaches organs, keyboards or violins are Biblical instruments. They simply use them to fulfil the Biblical admonition to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.†"
But how do you know that those instruments result in a joyful noise? Show me exactly in scripture where it says that those instruments qualify as joyful-noise makers.
The way I look at it is that Jesus told us to love, and adoration of the Lord is expressing our love. We are to do it, always. Eucharistic Adoration is simply the act of loving God. People are too afraid of what they do not know or understand.
I’m sure glad that scripture is easier to interpret than my writing!!!
If we accept adoration, as in receive it, it elevates us and leads to pride. When we are full of pride we have no room for God.
What I meant was that if we seek praise or adoration of ourselves and are raised up by others, we tend to let go of God. That is why it is poison.
We tend to reach for God when we are falling and not when we feel good. I say it is important to always adore Jesus and God.
“I don’t go on threads where protestants are discussing some protestant issue and drop a plopper in the punch bowl.”
Open thread. I can only assume the OP wants an honest discussion. It is a Religion Forum thread and not a “Catholic” thread, unless marked as caucus.
I pointed out a fact relevant to the thread topic. No more.
It was a good point that Catholics don’t go dumping on protestant threads. We are ALL part of the body of Christ, after all.
“But how do you know that those instruments result in a joyful noise? Show me exactly in scripture where it says that those instruments qualify as joyful-noise makers.”
There are no commands to play specific instruments. Only a command to worship with joy. Joyful noise evaluated by God, as was David’s dancing before the Lord. None of the specifics is a doctrine. Joyful worship is commanded.
Toga, it is not a Catholic thread. It is an open thread.open means discussion.
Fine, we are having a discussion, are we not? EA is a Catholic tradition, it does not have to be yours. There is nothing at all wrong with it. I am sure you have developed tradition and culture that is alive and well in your church where you worship.
“There is nothing at all wrong with it. “
Well, there is the part about it being unBiblical.
If Moses could go to the tabernacle of the Lord to adore Him, I think I might do the same, especially as the former is but a figure and foreshadowing of the Lord's Eucharistic Presence with us.
If the Jews could aodre His presence in the tent of His glory, or in the Ark, as the Hebrews did, then one can all the more adore Christ's Eucharistic Presence in His sanctuary. This is especially apt since the Ark, the Tent, the Sanctuary of the OT are just types and figures of His greater, future presence in the tabernacles of His future Church.
Mary's sinlessness is not a doctrine based on "silence." The Archangel Gabriel was not "silent" when he addressed her with the noble title "Kecharitomene" and said she was "Blessed" and "full of Grace." Being full of grace is the opposite of being full of sin.
"You end up arguing that “God could have done whatever He wanted, so since we want it, it must be true.â€
Where'd you get that? I didn't say that.
All the best!
Love!
Amazing! You seem to have a real problem with Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is God. On every thread, you mention her, always in a derogatory manner.
You are a Bible only, believer. According to Luke 1:45-48:
And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
Out of respect for the Scripture you embrace, please refer to Mary as Blessed Mary, a title directly from the Bible.
Show me where in Scripture it is stated that you can use whatever instruments you want.
“Amazing! You seem to have a real problem with Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is God. “
No. I give Dear Mary the respect God does and no more and no less.
“On every thread, you mention her, always in a derogatory manner.”
Never once.
You are a Bible only, believer. According to Luke 1:45-48:
“Out of respect for the Scripture you embrace, please refer to Mary as Blessed Mary, a title directly from the Bible.”
Sorry, but Mary was not given that “title” by God. Was Mary blessed to bear Messiah? Absolutely. She was not given a title.
She doesn’t deserve to be made into a demigodess with made up titles. God’s simple declaration is what He deemed right.
Perhaps you should stay on the thread topic of EA?
All those words and not a single verse that teaches or commands EA.
Mary was full blessed with God’s choice of His Bestowed grace. That doesn’t mean, nor teach sinlessness. Indeed she stood in need of a Savior. Christ died for all mankind, including dear Mary.
Best to you always.
If you find a verse that commands, teaches, encourages or demonstrates EA in Scripture, please post it.
Best
Jesus commanded us to LOVE, EA is adoration of our Lord, ie Love. We are following Jesus’ command. Nothing more, nothing less.
Agreed to all that. As Augustine said, there are two ways to save a person from a pit. One is the haul him out if he falls into it. The other is to intervene and prevent him from falling into it. God kept Mary from sin. He saved her.
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.
