Thanks to Pope Francis I'm No Longer a 'Neo-Catholic'

The Remnant ^ | March 22, 2017 | Petra Perkov

[BlessedBeGod]

Three months is not such a long period of time, but it was more than enough for me to turn my life around. All I knew and all I was came tumbling down like a house of cards one late evening in the fall of 2016. And it started with Pope Francis.

I was born in the 80s, raised a Catholic in a 'modern, ecumenical' Catholic faith. However, it would be unfair for me to blame the post-Vatican II period for my sinful ways. I hold myself accountable, more than anyone or anything else, for not taking the Faith seriously.

I was a Catholic on the fence, Catholic in name only. In other words, I was a disgrace. Sure, I prayed to God (when I needed something), went to Confession (once a year), refrained from sin (when it wasn't too inconvenient) and believed (in a false version of God).

Clearly, I was living a lie.

Picking and choosing those bits of the Church's teaching that suited me, while completely ignoring the others, I was quickly becoming a disciple of Satan without even realizing it.

And so, as an ardent follower of Satan, I found myself watching some Protestant videos on YouTube. Then it happened. By the Grace of God, I stumbled upon a pretty interesting Protestant video on Pope Francis.

As a modern, semi-liberal Catholic (thank God, I have always been very much pro-life), I had thought that Pope Francis was pretty amazing. I never knew much about him, but I quickly bought into the whole 'mercy mission' of our Pope. Watching this Protestant video bashing Pope Francis, I felt my heart sink. For although I liked some Protestants, there was something deep inside me, buried beneath the layers of modernism, that was truly Catholic. I had always known that the Catholic Church was the only true church.

Still, these Protestants were right about everything regarding Pope Francis. The video in question analyzed the obviously outrageous prayer exchange between our Pope and the prosperity gospel fraud Kenneth Copeland.

My heart was racing like crazy. What is Pope Francis doing? What's going on?

And then, a question crossed my mind: Is the Catholic Church really the One True Church?

I needed to find out what was happening. Is it possible that Catholics support the actions of our Pope?

This was the beginning of the end. The end of the old me and the first step on my journey home. For, while I was searching for facts regarding Pope Francis and Catholicism, a whole new world opened up to me: the world of traditional Catholics (aka faithful Catholics).

I learned abouth the Church history, the errors of modernism, the rotten fruits of the Vatican II, the few remaining faithful bishops and cardinals, Amoris Laetitia, the Latin Mass and the false mercy. But, most importantly, I learned about hell.

I had never known about hell. Sure, there was a vague concept somewhere at the back of my mind of what hell might look like. You know, a place where some really nasty paedophiles and serial killers go. Mortal sin – what's that?

Metaphorically speaking, it was Pope Francis who led me to hell. His actions and words became so outrageously liberal and erroneous, that I could no longer ignore the whole 'let's-tolerate-everyone-and-everything-in-the-name-of-mercy“ attitude, let alone mistake it for the real Church teaching. I needed to know what the Church really is all about. I needed to know what hell is. Thanks to Pope Francis, I learned all this and so much more.

Had Pope Francis never been elected, would I have changed my ways? Only God knows.

The whole point of this story is, that even in the midst of the unprecedented crisis in Church history, the Holy Spirit still governs the Catholic Church. Sinners are being converted every day, some in spite of the crisis in the Church, others because of it.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for always guiding us.

Forgive us, Our Lord Jesus, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on our poor souls, God the Father.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

[Melian]

Revelations is all about the Mass. God, in His infinite power, inspired words that reveal all the foreshadowings and history and messages that lead to the Mass.

[Melian]

Not sure why you pinged me to this comment but I’m sure the other Catholics on this board have explained many times about the Pope’s infallibility and when it is in effect.

I love the deeply rich tapestry of Catholicism and find all other Christian religions to be Christian-lite. Easier to follow and preach, but not the real fullness of the message Christ delivered. Others can say, “This is a hard teaching” and walk away... but I never will.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Revelations is all about the Mass.”

Not a word in the book of Revelation about a “mass.”

[Melian]

There are a whole bunch of references to the Mass in The Book of Revelation. Here’s a few:

Rev. 1 to 22 - Jesus is described as the “Lamb” 28 times in the book of Revelation. This is because Jesus emphasizes His sacrifice in heaven and in His Holy Catholic Church.

Rev. 1:13 - Jesus is clothed in heaven with a long robe and golden girdle like the Old Testament priests who offered animal sacrifices. See Exodus 28:4.

Rev. 2:17 - the spiritual manna, our Lord’s glorious body and blood, is emphasized in the heavenly feast.

Rev. 3:20 - as Priest and Paschal Lamb, our Lord shares the Eucharistic meal with us to seal His New Covenant. Through the covenant of his body and blood, we are restored to the Father and become partakers of the divine nature.

Rev. 5:6 - this verse tells us that Jesus in His glory still looks like a lamb who was slain. Also, Jesus is “standing” as though a Lamb who was slain. Lambs that are slain lie down. This odd depiction shows Jesus stands at the Altar as our eternal priest in forever offering Himself to the Father for our salvation.

Rev. 7:14 - the blood of the Lamb is eternally offered in heaven with the washing of the robes to make them white. This one is crystal clear!

Rev. 14:1, Heb. 12:22 - Zion is the city where Jesus established the Eucharist and which was miraculously preserved after the destruction of Jerusalem. See also Psalms 2:6 and 132:13. It represents the union of heaven and earth, of divinity and humanity. This is why those who enter into the Eucharistic celebration on earth enter into the presence of innumerable angels, the souls of the just made perfect, Jesus the Mediator of the Covenant and His sprinkled blood, and God the Judge of all.

Rev. 19:13 - in all His glory, Jesus’ sacrifice is eternally present as He presents Himself to the Father clothed in a robe dipped in blood. Jesus’ sacrifice is the focus in heaven and in the Mass. When the Father beholds His Son, He beholds His sacrifice for humanity.

Rev. 19:9 - we are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb where we become one with Him by consuming His body and blood. This is the nuptial union of divinity and humanity.

There are many more at this site: http://scripturecatholic.com/the_eucharist.html

[ealgeone]

And again, the Catholic seems to be unable to do anything apart from Mary.

[ealgeone]

Amazing story! Thank you for sharing.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

There are a whole bunch of references to the Mass in The Book of Revelation. Here’s a few:

“Rev. 1 to 22 - Jesus is described as the “Lamb” 28 times in the book of Revelation. This is because Jesus emphasizes His sacrifice in heaven and in His Holy Catholic Church.”

Christ’s title as Lamb and His sacrifice on earth are described. There is no sacrifice in heaven. There is no sacrifice again on earth.

“Rev. 1:13 - Jesus is clothed in heaven with a long robe and golden girdle like the Old Testament priests who offered animal sacrifices. See Exodus 28:4.”

Yes. There is a similarity. He presents his blood from the cross on earth in the heavenly holies of holies. No ongoing sacrifice occurs and no mass.

“Rev. 2:17 - the spiritual manna, our Lord’s glorious body and blood, is emphasized in the heavenly feast.”

No mass present in the text, amigo.

“Rev. 3:20 - as Priest and Paschal Lamb, our Lord shares the Eucharistic meal with us to seal His New Covenant. Through the covenant of his body and blood, we are restored to the Father and become partakers of the divine nature.”

Here is the totality of Rev 3:20 - “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

Nothing there that you claim.

“Rev. 5:6 - this verse tells us that Jesus in His glory still looks like a lamb who was slain. Also, Jesus is “standing” as though a Lamb who was slain. Lambs that are slain lie down. This odd depiction shows Jesus stands at the Altar as our eternal priest in forever offering Himself to the Father for our salvation.”

No that is not what it means. Your explanation is a false idea brought to the text. You make the assumption that Christ as a Lamb that was slain means there is an ongoing sacrifice. There is not.

“Rev. 7:14 - the blood of the Lamb is eternally offered in heaven with the washing of the robes to make them white. This one is crystal clear!”

Except the text never says what you are claiming. He is not eternally offered. Hebrews makes it clear in chapter 10, that unlike regular (Jewish) priests that make ongoing sacrifices, heist made just one sacrifice that made perfect *forever*...

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

“Rev. 14:1, Heb. 12:22 - Zion is the city where Jesus established the Eucharist and which was miraculously preserved after the destruction of Jerusalem. See also Psalms 2:6 and 132:13. It represents the union of heaven and earth, of divinity and humanity. This is why those who enter into the Eucharistic celebration on earth enter into the presence of innumerable angels, the souls of the just made perfect, Jesus the Mediator of the Covenant and His sprinkled blood, and God the Judge of all.”

Ps 2:6 - does not say Zion “represents the union of heaven and earth, of divinity and humanity.”

Here it is:

“But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.

Nor does Ps 132 say what you claim. “For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home.”

What you claim is an idea you bring to the text. It isn’t there.

Nothing about

“Rev. 19:13 - in all His glory, Jesus’ sacrifice is eternally present as He presents Himself to the Father clothed in a robe dipped in blood. Jesus’ sacrifice is the focus in heaven and in the Mass. When the Father beholds His Son, He beholds His sacrifice for humanity.

“Jesus’ sacrifice is eternally present” is not identical to ongoing sacrifice. The text does not contain that idea. Nor does it show a “mass” occurring in heaven.

“Rev. 19:9 - we are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb where we become one with Him by consuming His body and blood. This is the nuptial union of divinity and humanity.”

Again, your claim does not appear in the passage.

It says: “Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.”

You’ve bought into an idea that does not appear in God’s inspired words. It is made up out of whole cloth.

Best still.

[boatbums]

Revelations is all about the Mass. God, in His infinite power, inspired words that reveal all the foreshadowings and history and messages that lead to the Mass.

Not really. If anything, the Catholic "Mass" was supposedly fashioned after the book of Revelation, not the other way around. And there are a LOT of missing or misrepresented parts as well.

[boatbums]

I know I am going to heaven. I have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. I have been born again into God's family. I am saved by Grace, through Faith. And no one can snatch me from His hand.

Amen! Me too.

[Melian]

Um, sorry, but the Apostles were celebrating the Mass long before the Book of Revelation was written!

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Apostles were celebrating the Mass”

Chapter and verse, please.

[Melian]

1. Unfortunately, I think you’re using the redacted bible. Prideful men cut it to ribbons to glorify their own agendas centuries after it was written.

2. I think you’re having to work awfully hard to rewrite and refute what is very clearly there.

Consider that the crucifixion is much more than a momentary event in history. That permanence is captured in the Book of Revelation through spatial, not temporal, imagery. The ‘slain Lamb’ appears not only on earth but also in heaven, close to the throne. In fact, in other passages, Christ is clothed like a priest, priests who offer sacrifices.

[Melian]

We know Paul himself attended the Mass and exhorted his followers to do so reverently: 1 Corinthians 11:
27
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.
28
A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.
29
For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

[Melian]

And don’t forget Paul’s words in 1 Cor 10:

15
I am speaking as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I am saying.
16
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

Even then, in the first days of the Church, they were blessing wine and breaking bread in the name of the body of Christ. The Mass. He reminded them they were PARTICIPATING in the body, the sacrifice, of Christ. They regarded it as a continual participation in an everlasting sacrifice. God is telling us in The Book of Revelation that those who dwell in Heaven are still participating in that eternal sacrifice. It has no end. Christ is still the Lamb, the sacrifice.

It all hangs together beautifully: the past, the present, the future all celebrating Christ’s sacrifice.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

“Unfortunately, I think you’re using the redacted bible. Prideful men cut it to ribbons to glorify their own agendas centuries after it was written.”

No, I’m using the translation closest to the Greek text.

You are welcome to post another version you prefer.

No need to work hard. I simply pointed out that none of your verses supported your claims.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

No mass. No priests. Just a clear carrying out of the Lord’s Supper.

[Salvation]

The Church founded by Jesus Christ on the apostles, the first bishops, came before the Book of Revelation.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

"He reminded them they were PARTICIPATING " Greek word is koinōnia, “fellowship" The Lord's Supper was a shared fellowship of believers a reflection of Christian unity in what united them as Christians. This is a crucial conclusion in light of the whole flow of Paul's discussion in this section. You leave out context. I'd post it, but I don't want to "work too hard." :-) There was no sacrifice occurring. It was doing as Christ commanded "in memory of Me."

[boatbums]

The Church founded by Jesus Christ on the apostles, the first bishops, came before the Book of Revelation.

So? What the Roman Catholic church celebrates today as the "Mass" was certainly not practiced in the first century! To imagine that John fashioned the book of Revelation modeled on the RC Mass is bogus. The RC church tried to model the Mass on what was spoken of in the book, not the other way around. The rationalization of taking snippets of Scripture and crowbarring them into some proof-text of the Mass having divine origins is a myth.

[Salvation]

**What the Roman Catholic church celebrates today as the “Mass” was certainly not practiced in the first century!**

Yes, it was. Read Justin Martyr’s account of what the Mass was then.

The book is Four Witnesses by Bennett.