I know that many people call it reconciliation these days, and I like that. It is fitting, if we understand the meaning of the sacrament. When we are baptized, all sin is removed including original sin. But after having been baptized we are capable of committing sin again. Once we do this, if the sin is grave, we place ourselves out side of the kingdom of God/Heaven. Therefore, we need absolution or cleansing.
The genesis of this sacrament as all the sacraments was written by the first Catholics in the Gospel. We documented Jesus establishing the sacrament along with that of Holy Orders in two places. First when Jesus gives to St. Peter the keys to the kingdom of God/Heaven on earth, thus establising the papcy the epsicopate and the preisthood at once. He also gives St Peter the power to forgive sins, with the words whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.
Later on after his death and ressurection, he ordianed the remaining 10. With the words, whose sins you forgive are forgiven, whose sins you retain are retained. Thus the Lord instituted the papcy, the episcopate and the preisthood. And of course, even though we did not write this down, the Gospels being a sort of outline for the training of bishops. Jesus told his first bishops, as he always said when instituting a sacrament, continue to do likewise.
And so we carried on the traidion with St. John ordaining St. Polycarp, and Polycarp in turn ordainingSt. Ireanus. And that is the line of St. John -- the disciple that Jesus loved. St Polycarp and St. Ireanus as a boy actually observed St. John writing his personal account of his relationship with Jesus -- the Gospel according to St. John. This is Catholic history of tradition. We have direct lineage to Our Lord and eye witnesses to the writing of the Gospel according to St. John.
This morning I met with Father Oliver. He celbrated the 6:30 am spanish speaking mass at my home parish St. Andrew in Pasadena, Ca. It is interesting that the bell tower of St. Andrew still works and it dominates the landscape of what is known as old Pasadena. It can be seen from the Rose parade route. The parade starts just west of Old Pasadena.
Father Oliver is a very special friend to me, much like Father Paul whom he replaced at St. Andrew, and yet the two priests are very different. Father Paul having come to the priesthood later in life, while Father Oliver, I think was a preist all his life. Or certainly he entered the seminary at age 13 in the Philippines. Both men are very special to me.
I first met Father Oliver before he came to St. Andrew. I used to work in El Segundo. Father Oliver also worked in El Segundo at St. Anthony's parish. We met for the first time when during the Christmas Season of 2007, he heard my confession, and I went to mass. St. Anthony's was in walking distance from my job. I knew that Fr. Oliver had been given special charisms as Father Paul, but I won't tell you how I know these things. Strange how God works though. The one priest other than father Paul that I had developed a relationship with was Father Oliver. Father Oliver was Father Paul's replacement in my home parish. We are all in the same archdiocese of Los Angeles, which is the largest in the country. If you know anything about L.A.'s geoography you know that El Segundo is pretty far from Pasadena. Father Paul's replacement by Father Oliver was no mere coincidence.
So I cornered Father Oliver after the 6:30am Mass this morning, and asked if he would hear my confession. Sometimes, as we all do, I struggle with a particular sin. I do not like to walk around with sin on my soul even though given my situation as a trauma survivor this particular sin is mitigated, I'd rather be safe than sorry, and I most often opt to confess it.
I like to go to confession once a week whether or not I have commited a mortal or grave sin. I think this is a good practice for all. A grave sin or mortal sin is the deliberate breaking of a commandment. Whereas a venal sin or minor sin, which is not minor when one contemplates what purgatory is like, is one that is accedntal, one where we perhaps have a good motive but a bad end. How many of us tell white lies to spare the feelings of another. We should always tell the truth, but in a kind way. Sins such as these would be venal. I like to keep my soul clean and there is grace that I get from weekly confession. There is grace from every sacrament. God pours it out which is good, because, if you are anything like me you waste the graces given to you. They slip through my hands like water.
I go back every week, and I look forward to communion -- the Holy Eucharist the body and blood of Our Lord. This nourishes my soul as does every sacrament. We must always remember this.
When we go to confession there are not two people present, myself and the priest but three. Me, the priest, and Jesus. Three souls are present the body brings the soul to the grace that is present in the sacrament.
And then their is the ultimate of the sacraments -- the Eucharist. To be cleansed by confession each week and to take the Eucharist is my fruit. Anyone who does not go to confession regularly and communion as well is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and Jesus warned us not to follow such as these. You shall know them by their fruit. Jesus was not talking here about the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but the fruit of their actions. do they go to confession regularly, and do eat my flesh and drink my blood regularly. There is great joy that comes from these graces. It is difficult to explain to a protestant, who has never experienced these graces, and thus does not know what grace is. to them grace is some sort of feeling. you can hear them praise the Lord, yet it rings hollow. Because there is not the depth. The soul receiving the graces directly having been nourished by Our Lord's body and blood. How do you explain to someone who has only feasted on old tuna sandwiches, what it is like to enjoy a full 7 course banquet prepared uniquely for them. You can't they have no reference point. This is a sad but true reality of grace in relation to protestantism.
When we go to take the Eucharist it is the body bringing the soul to be fed. It cannot be said that we understand these sacraments completely. We do get the grace, but the sacraments themselves are mysteries. Glorious mysteries. We go to confession and we eat His flesh and we drink His blood because that is what He told us to do. We go to confession again out of obedience to Jesus. We take the Eucharist again because Jesus said whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, whoever does not eat my flesh and drink my blood has no life in him. Many shook their heads saying this is a hard teaching who can accept it and followed him no more. These were the first protestants. Then and there they began the tradition of disobedience and settling for a stale old tuna sandwich.
copyright 2010 Fred Celio
Showing posts with label St. John. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. John. Show all posts
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Do Catholics believe in the rapture of the church?
Except when speaking of the Assumption of the Blessed virgin Mary, the rapture is a concept made up by fundamentalists, to support their fundamental socio-political views, and to fill their coffers with the cash of the ignorant.
People like Hal Lindsey etc. have made a great deal of money by misinterpreting the book of Revelations which was written by St. John to give hope to the early Catholic Church during the OFFICIAL Roman persecution. It is written in ancient Hebrew symbolic style, so that it would be understood by the early catholics, who came from a Hebrew tradition, but would not give away the faith of a person found by a Roman authority to be carrying the letter, and thus having the carrier be identified as a Catholic and thus be put do death or be asked to worship the emperor or be put to death, as the Romans would not be able to understand it.
Since it is written in this symbolic manner it is easily used by the fundamentalist movement to support their fundamental goal of establishing a new socio-political system to their liking. Remember one of the hallmarks of the fundamentalist or evangelical movement is that the bible and religion are bent and only useful in so far as they support the socio-political agenda. It is this socio-political agenda or point of view that is fundamental whether it be so called "christian" Islamic fundamentalism, the religion is secondary and only "used" to support the fundamental -- socio-political goals. These goals are a threat to the United States of America and to other faiths.
Evidence suggests that The fundamentalist or evangelical movement was started by a group of subversive wealthy "intellectuals" bent on the destruction of the US as we know it by removing the freedoms in the Constitution and the Declaration of independence; and replacing these witha strict adherence to a pseudo religious law. Thus we see something called Islamic law not only Arab countries, but working itself into European nations, and we see a sort of old Mosaic law, being promoted by the so called Christian Fundamentalists/Evangelicals aka religious right wing.
In the US we have found via the ideals initially expressed by Thomas Jefferson of freedom and democracy that these fringe groups eventually fade away. Actually they tend to ebb and flow in the US. But it is our freedom and democracy, the very things these groups seek to first discount and then destroy that saves us. Ridiculous ideas tend to be uncovered and die in the free market place of ideas.
Naturally it is our freedom of speech that the fundies seek to destroy first, using a so called "higher" authority they seek to replace freedom with their version of right. Ironically the fundamentalist use any expression of opposition to their point of view as an example of limiting their own freedom of speech. This very article I am entering will be attacked by fundamentalists as an attempt to limit their freedom of speech, when in fact any thinking person would see it as an expression of an opposing point of view supported by an interpretation of the facts -- this is true opinion. Whether or not you agree or disagree with my interpretation of the facts is up to you. My point of view will will stand or fall in the free market place of ideas.
I am Catholic, and I believe e we are the first group the evangelicals or funides would get rid of if they ever had their way or sway.
Our social teaching and doctrine are based in our history of tradition, apostolic succession, pope the magistrium, and scripture and it is formed from knowing the truth, but it is our religion that is fundamental not our social teaching. The church and scripture begot our social teaching, and when any social teaching is found to be out of line with doctrine it is the social teaching that is changed; with the evangelicals it is the other way around, if the social-political is found not to be supported by scripture it is the interpretation of scripture that is changed. This is a direct result of Luther's precedent from which has come the idea that scripture can be interpreted and understood on an individual basis, without the exegies based on our history to understand it's context. This conveniently allows various sects and protestant denominations to branch off of each other endlessly (ie the Calvary Chapple movement (non-denominational) was formed by Chuck Smith who branched off from his pentecostal roots for his own reasons). Until we get to the modern day evangelicals the "fundies" who so far removed from the vine aka Jesus that they do not know the truth when they hear it. Many were born into these sects, and thus have a prejudice against the truth. are not responsible as Pope John Paul II taught us; they are not responsible for the original heresy that they were born into.
However, a case can be made that a "fundie" born into one of these sects in the united states, with our freedom of access to the truth and our freedom of religion who remains a part of one of these sects beyond middle age, must retain some culpability for the heresy they hold tightly to as well as for leading so many from the truth.
So, no the rapture is nonsense invented to sell books to support a sinister pseudo-christian sub culture.
Let me reiterate, the fact that we as Catholics hold common positions with the fundies on abortion and gay marriage. and the encyclical of John Paul II does not the negate the fact that these evangelical sects while being our brothers and sisters through baptism continue to be separated and hang tightly to a partial truth which includes heresy. As any young catholic can tell you baptism does not insure salvation beyond the washing away of original sin and all other sins at the time of baptism, and since w retain free will after baptism we most certainly are capable of sinning and thus losing our salvation after baptism, if we do not seek and receive absolution through the sacrament of confession as prescribed by Jesus and written by us in the new testament as a part of the new covenant. We Catholics are the leaders, of these brothers and sisters in baptism who have fallen away, and it is our duty to bring them home.
This is very difficult for some of us, and many Catholics get picked off into fundie fellowships, my suggestion is not to associate with them even on the common ground we hold on abortion and gay marriage, unless one is deeply grounded and rooted in the truth of Catholicism.
Other than the assumption of Blessed Mother there is absolutely no historical or biblical support for the "rapture".
Since it is written in this symbolic manner it is easily used by the fundamentalist movement to support their fundamental goal of establishing a new socio-political system to their liking. Remember one of the hallmarks of the fundamentalist or evangelical movement is that the bible and religion are bent and only useful in so far as they support the socio-political agenda. It is this socio-political agenda or point of view that is fundamental whether it be so called "christian" Islamic fundamentalism, the religion is secondary and only "used" to support the fundamental -- socio-political goals. These goals are a threat to the United States of America and to other faiths.
Evidence suggests that The fundamentalist or evangelical movement was started by a group of subversive wealthy "intellectuals" bent on the destruction of the US as we know it by removing the freedoms in the Constitution and the Declaration of independence; and replacing these witha strict adherence to a pseudo religious law. Thus we see something called Islamic law not only Arab countries, but working itself into European nations, and we see a sort of old Mosaic law, being promoted by the so called Christian Fundamentalists/Evangelicals aka religious right wing.
In the US we have found via the ideals initially expressed by Thomas Jefferson of freedom and democracy that these fringe groups eventually fade away. Actually they tend to ebb and flow in the US. But it is our freedom and democracy, the very things these groups seek to first discount and then destroy that saves us. Ridiculous ideas tend to be uncovered and die in the free market place of ideas.
Naturally it is our freedom of speech that the fundies seek to destroy first, using a so called "higher" authority they seek to replace freedom with their version of right. Ironically the fundamentalist use any expression of opposition to their point of view as an example of limiting their own freedom of speech. This very article I am entering will be attacked by fundamentalists as an attempt to limit their freedom of speech, when in fact any thinking person would see it as an expression of an opposing point of view supported by an interpretation of the facts -- this is true opinion. Whether or not you agree or disagree with my interpretation of the facts is up to you. My point of view will will stand or fall in the free market place of ideas.
I am Catholic, and I believe e we are the first group the evangelicals or funides would get rid of if they ever had their way or sway.
Our social teaching and doctrine are based in our history of tradition, apostolic succession, pope the magistrium, and scripture and it is formed from knowing the truth, but it is our religion that is fundamental not our social teaching. The church and scripture begot our social teaching, and when any social teaching is found to be out of line with doctrine it is the social teaching that is changed; with the evangelicals it is the other way around, if the social-political is found not to be supported by scripture it is the interpretation of scripture that is changed. This is a direct result of Luther's precedent from which has come the idea that scripture can be interpreted and understood on an individual basis, without the exegies based on our history to understand it's context. This conveniently allows various sects and protestant denominations to branch off of each other endlessly (ie the Calvary Chapple movement (non-denominational) was formed by Chuck Smith who branched off from his pentecostal roots for his own reasons). Until we get to the modern day evangelicals the "fundies" who so far removed from the vine aka Jesus that they do not know the truth when they hear it. Many were born into these sects, and thus have a prejudice against the truth. are not responsible as Pope John Paul II taught us; they are not responsible for the original heresy that they were born into.
However, a case can be made that a "fundie" born into one of these sects in the united states, with our freedom of access to the truth and our freedom of religion who remains a part of one of these sects beyond middle age, must retain some culpability for the heresy they hold tightly to as well as for leading so many from the truth.
So, no the rapture is nonsense invented to sell books to support a sinister pseudo-christian sub culture.
Let me reiterate, the fact that we as Catholics hold common positions with the fundies on abortion and gay marriage. and the encyclical of John Paul II does not the negate the fact that these evangelical sects while being our brothers and sisters through baptism continue to be separated and hang tightly to a partial truth which includes heresy. As any young catholic can tell you baptism does not insure salvation beyond the washing away of original sin and all other sins at the time of baptism, and since w retain free will after baptism we most certainly are capable of sinning and thus losing our salvation after baptism, if we do not seek and receive absolution through the sacrament of confession as prescribed by Jesus and written by us in the new testament as a part of the new covenant. We Catholics are the leaders, of these brothers and sisters in baptism who have fallen away, and it is our duty to bring them home.
This is very difficult for some of us, and many Catholics get picked off into fundie fellowships, my suggestion is not to associate with them even on the common ground we hold on abortion and gay marriage, unless one is deeply grounded and rooted in the truth of Catholicism.
Other than the assumption of Blessed Mother there is absolutely no historical or biblical support for the "rapture".
copyright 2009 Fred Celio
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Bread of Life
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The Gospel according to St. John Chapter 6, well I'm not a priest or any other theologian, and I only went through 7th grade in Catholic school. But it seems to me that this is the chapter that separates the men from the boys. The ones who accept Christ and follow His commands the ones who truly believe, even i what we do not understand from the ones who are willing to follow Jesus, whether or not we are able to fully comprehend what He says. And who can understand or would presume to understand fully the mind of God -- the logos the Word of God the word of God made flesh.
Jesus said that whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood there is no life in you. Ans so it is easy to understand why so many who called themselves followers of Jesus shook their heads and turned away or followed hm no more. As many who call themselves Christians still do to this day.
It is difficult to understand, how the body walks up to the priest or Eucharistic minister and eats bread and drinks wine; and at the same time the soul being carried to this point by a body whose mind does not but takes on faith and believes in the Word of God. The soul eats and takes nourishment from the body of Christ and from His blood. And so, as with the other sacraments, the body and mind shows faith by carrying the soul to it's nourishment. The result is grace, flowing directly from God into the soul, so that it can radiate, so that the soul can radiate it back to the world. For we are in the world but not of it. Our connection is Holy Mother Church through the Scriptures, the sacraments and doctrine. None of which we can fully understand, but how could the creature hope to understand the Creator. God himself is mystery,the reality of Jesus -- God incarnate -- is mystery. Blessed Mother, to whom we are closest, is a mystery or things about her are. Her immaculate conception, her grace, her humility, her remaining sinless, the grace she received by carrying and giving birth to God, her human and motherly love for the human Jesus as well as her worship and obedience to God. These are all mysteries, that we followers of Christ -- Universal Christians take on faith. Taking and eating the bread of life is an act of faith based on our belief. Our belief in the Word of God -- Jesus Christ. And so we shared this truth with the world when one of our first bishops St. John first recited his experience with Jesus at our first masses, and than preserved for as he wrote his Gospel, as witnessed by Sts. Polycarp and Ireanus.
And we have been doing this, expressing our faith, since Jesus first uttered these words.
I went to the 1230 mass today at my parish. I was a bit upset as my earthly love. my fiance, was cross and fearful last night. But I remembered that it was God who brought us together and we remain connected in love for God and each other. These things themselves are mysteries.
It's a challenging time for us, as I accept and impending layoff, which many are facing. And I did not share these news with her until recently, even though I had known for awhile. I did not wan her to worry so I lied by omission, and thus had the opposite affect -- actually increasing her insecurity and her willingness to help. Robbing her of an opportunity share in charitable love.
I think we men are susceptible to thee and have to work harder at sharing our days, events feelings revelations. My way is to work harder myself, even though God has a calling for me.
So, the rest of this day was filled with work, to leave a proper turnover.
I did see the movie "The Rookie" again, starring Dennis Quaid. A great film even if one does not like baseball. It is interesting the prominent role St. Rita plays in the film. So, many of us are critical of "Hollywood", but they do many things right as well.
I love living in Pasadena, although I would like to move to Santa Monica soon. Walking in Pasadena is like walking in a picture postcard. It is truly a blessing to be here.
No political commentary today, except praise for President Clinton for freeing he Journalists from North Korea.
Peace be with you all.
copyright 2009 Fred Celio
Jesus said that whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood there is no life in you. Ans so it is easy to understand why so many who called themselves followers of Jesus shook their heads and turned away or followed hm no more. As many who call themselves Christians still do to this day.
It is difficult to understand, how the body walks up to the priest or Eucharistic minister and eats bread and drinks wine; and at the same time the soul being carried to this point by a body whose mind does not but takes on faith and believes in the Word of God. The soul eats and takes nourishment from the body of Christ and from His blood. And so, as with the other sacraments, the body and mind shows faith by carrying the soul to it's nourishment. The result is grace, flowing directly from God into the soul, so that it can radiate, so that the soul can radiate it back to the world. For we are in the world but not of it. Our connection is Holy Mother Church through the Scriptures, the sacraments and doctrine. None of which we can fully understand, but how could the creature hope to understand the Creator. God himself is mystery,the reality of Jesus -- God incarnate -- is mystery. Blessed Mother, to whom we are closest, is a mystery or things about her are. Her immaculate conception, her grace, her humility, her remaining sinless, the grace she received by carrying and giving birth to God, her human and motherly love for the human Jesus as well as her worship and obedience to God. These are all mysteries, that we followers of Christ -- Universal Christians take on faith. Taking and eating the bread of life is an act of faith based on our belief. Our belief in the Word of God -- Jesus Christ. And so we shared this truth with the world when one of our first bishops St. John first recited his experience with Jesus at our first masses, and than preserved for as he wrote his Gospel, as witnessed by Sts. Polycarp and Ireanus.
And we have been doing this, expressing our faith, since Jesus first uttered these words.
I went to the 1230 mass today at my parish. I was a bit upset as my earthly love. my fiance, was cross and fearful last night. But I remembered that it was God who brought us together and we remain connected in love for God and each other. These things themselves are mysteries.
It's a challenging time for us, as I accept and impending layoff, which many are facing. And I did not share these news with her until recently, even though I had known for awhile. I did not wan her to worry so I lied by omission, and thus had the opposite affect -- actually increasing her insecurity and her willingness to help. Robbing her of an opportunity share in charitable love.
I think we men are susceptible to thee and have to work harder at sharing our days, events feelings revelations. My way is to work harder myself, even though God has a calling for me.
So, the rest of this day was filled with work, to leave a proper turnover.
I did see the movie "The Rookie" again, starring Dennis Quaid. A great film even if one does not like baseball. It is interesting the prominent role St. Rita plays in the film. So, many of us are critical of "Hollywood", but they do many things right as well.
I love living in Pasadena, although I would like to move to Santa Monica soon. Walking in Pasadena is like walking in a picture postcard. It is truly a blessing to be here.
No political commentary today, except praise for President Clinton for freeing he Journalists from North Korea.
Peace be with you all.
copyright 2009 Fred Celio
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