Family, sex, life

Friday, February 19, 2010 A.D. 3 Comments
Family Sex Life

These topics, which to my mind are really one topic, are often cited by secularists, liberals, radical feminists, some Protestants and even “cafeteria” Catholics as issues with Catholic Church teachings. Some see the family as an outdated notion, or one that can be formed, dissolved and formed again to suit changing personal interests. Sex is for enjoyment as long as it is consensual and “safe.” The number of partners and sexual orientation is irrelevant. Life begins and ends when it is convenient – often no sooner than natural birth and lasts until it is decided the quality of life has reached some personal threshold.

The Catholic Church could not disagree more!

One viewpoint elevates the plans and desires of the individual. The other recognizes God’s will as paramount in respecting the sanctity and dignity of all human life. Some are disobedient to God (see What harm is a little sin?) and erroneously assume – with Satan’s subtle encouragement – that obedience would be a hardship. By following their own path into the darkness they are lost and will not find the true happiness they seek.

The Church teaches marriage as a vocation. It is not a shared housing arrangement of “friends with benefits.” It is a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman to each other and if so blessed, their children. Family life provides the structure in which children can be properly nurtured and grow.

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned him about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Catholics enjoy sex! It strengthens the loving bonds of husband and wife and may bear the happy fruit of offspring. Contrast that with the many “recreational” abuses of sex that are sinful and harmful to the participants. They are disordered and often unnatural. Sometimes the harm is obvious and soon apparent, other times more subtle, accumulating over time. Some examples include premarital sex, contraception, pornography, masturbation, adultery, homosexual acts, promiscuity, immodesty and abortion.

Fornication is carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of human sexuality which is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation and education of children. Moreover, it is a grave scandal when there is corruption of the young.

CCC 2353

Few issues are as poignant as abortion. The Church teaches life begins with the miracle of conception through the action of the father, the mother and God. That newly created life is as existent and sacred as all human life, regardless how unplanned or inconvenient it may be. For parents to exercise a supposed “choice” to “terminate” their child is intrinsically a grave evil.

The other side of life is equally important. Euthanasia is the unnatural and purposeful ending of life. It replaces God’s will with our own to determine when and how life may end.

Filed Under: essay, faith, sin

Men’s Fellowship

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 A.D. 3 Comments
Mens Fellowship

Long before I had any interest in joining the Catholic Church, my friend Jack (then a recent convert) invited me to the Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship. I didn’t accept his offer for a while, but he was so persistent. When I did finally go, I found it to be friendly and interesting. On the other hand, I had no interest in converting, so in some way it was an exercise in observing Catholics in their natural habitat.

After attending that first time I was back once or twice. My real interest did not come until I was in RCIA for a while and past that point of just “testing the waters.” By then I was interested in everything Catholic. I started attending the Men’s Fellowship and have not missed any since — including January 8th when conditions were so cold and icy that few made it.

The group meets in the PLC at 7:00am with about 50 or so in attendance. Everyone grabs their name tags, a cup of coffee, and a donut then greet each other while folks continue to arrive. Bill opens each meeting with a joke and announcements. A prayer is offered, and a speaker presents a topic of his interest for 10 to 15 minutes. After that each table discusses whatever they wish. My table reads and discusses a chapter from the Bible (we are currently working our way through Sirach).

One of the many nice things about the Men’s Fellowship is that you meet a lot of people and particularly get to know the guys at your table. Some of us hang around for awhile to continue our discussion or to chat about other topics.

A few weeks ago Tony was passing around the speaker sign-up sheet for the next six months. I don’t know what came over me – temporary insanity I assume – but I signed up for the first open space. That date quickly arrived – last Friday.

I decided my talk would be about those times “when the Holy Spirit insists.” That is, those times when you feel really compelled to do something, even when you would rather not. It seemed like a good topic as we approach Lent. The two recent examples I had from my own life are my conversion and this blog.

Rigsby (my good friend and RCIA sponsor) re-introduced me and offered the prayer. I then talked about my background and why I left my Protestant church (basically what I wrote about in How I came to be an ex-Protestant). That was followed by why I felt that I had to create this blog. Finally, I read a sample from the blog on why I decided to convert to Catholicism (How in the world did I end up here?).

If you have been reading this blog you already know that no one would mistake my efforts with those of good writer. Trust me, I am an even worse public speaker! I didn’t want to read a prepared speech, so my notes were just the points I hoped to make. It did not take long before I got a bit lost and ended-up skipping a bunch of them. On the positive side, I took about the allotted time, so maybe that was a good thing. I hope that it made sense and am grateful these things are not recorded.

My plan to read something in conclusion was so that no matter how scattered I might be in the rest of the presentation, I would at least end with something coherent. For the most part that worked. The only monkey wrench with the piece I read was trying not to get too emotional reading it. I made it through but I didn’t always have the steady voice I was aiming for in several parts (especially the very end).

Filed Under: Church, conversion, essay, faith

Communion, like no other

Friday, February 12, 2010 A.D. 2 Comments
Communion Like No Other

Catholics attend Mass (at least) weekly. A central part of Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist during which we receive Communion. Of the seven sacraments (see The Sacraments), the Sacrament of Holy Communion is received most often.

Jesus was very clear and not ambiguous when he gave the first Catholic bishops (the Apostles) this sacrament:

Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.”

Jesus was not speaking figuratively. He meant what he said – “this is my body.” Jesus also said “do this in memory of me,” commanding the Apostles and their successors to repeat this act of consecration and giving them the authority to do so. Catholic bishops and priests maintain that authority through an unbroken line of succession.

When a Catholic bishop or priest at any Mass worldwide consecrates bread and wine, those elements are literally transformed into the body and blood of Christ. This moment is often observed by the ringing of sanctus bells in many Catholic churches. The Holy Body and Precious Blood maintain only the appearance of bread and wine, just as they did at the last supper. To claim anything else is to dispute what Jesus said!

By consuming His Holy Body and Precious Blood we unite ourselves with Christ, grow in likeness to Him, sanctify our own body, remove the personal guilt of venial sins and receive other graces. Jesus also made the importance of this clear:

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”

How wonderful this gift is! This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

His Body and Blood may be consumed only by those of the proper disposition. The recipient must fully understand and accept the sacrament without qualification (i.e. be Catholic), may not have separated themselves from God (i.e. committed any non-absolved mortal sin), must have fasted and be eligible (i.e. not received Communion earlier that day – in most circumstances). Again, scripture is clear:

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. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

His Body and Blood must be, and are, respected with the greatest possible reverence. There are protocols as to how the Host is distributed. Procedures have been established for unfortunate accidental situations. This IS the Body and Blood of our Lord and we act at all times in accordance of that fact and nothing less.

Finally, every Catholic church has a tabernacle in which undistributed Eucharist is reserved (stored). This is often near the altar with a red lamp nearby. This tabernacle lamp is lit to indicate and honor the presence of our Lord. When the lamp is lit, we kneel briefly on our right knee (genuflect) out of respect before entering a pew for worship.

When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.

St. Francis de Sales

Filed Under: essay, faith, Mass, sacraments

Walking into the light

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 A.D. 10 Comments
Walking Into Light

I was received into the Catholic Church on Sunday! As my new friend Russ might say, I have crossed the Tiber. I have made it to the other bank safe and sound, but the journey continues…

Before Sunday I was a Christian. After Sunday I am still a Christian. What has changed is my full participation in the only Church Jesus founded and in the fullness of faith therein. The path to here was not only one of learning but of rediscovery and exploration of my Christian roots. I am now an enthusiastic part of a community that will stay true to God’s word. I am home.

Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. “See,” he said, “now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

It was a bright, beautiful day. We candidates sat up front with our families and sponsors. The Rite of Reception took place after the Homily and included the Sacrament of Confirmation for those of us who were not already confirmed (that was most of us, including me). Father Paul prayed for each of us with his hands placed upon our heads and anointed us with oil that we may receive the Holy Spirit. Through this simple and touching ceremony we each began our Catholic lives.

The normal Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist for everyone, including (at last!) us newly confirmed. I chose to receive Communion under both forms, although it is equally valid to receive only one. It is proper to bow in the presence of our Lord as you approach to receive Communion. This is normally done as the person in front of you receives the Eucharist and was certainly my intention. I had carefully gone over this in my head. As things worked out, when I approached no one was in front of me and in my excitement and nervousness I forgot to bow. The respect was 100% in my heart, but I did not receive the sacrament completely as I had intended. We are so new!

After Mass the newly confirmed joined the exit procession and headed to the PLC. It was Donut Sunday, so there were donuts, bagels, coffee, juice, milk, etc. plus a cake in our honor. We all enjoyed this reception and the chance to talk with family and friends. During the months in RCIA, attending Mass, various events, Men’s Fellowship, etc. I made many new friends.

There were other memorable moments too. The applause that welcomed us, friends gently touching my shoulder as they passed for Communion, a surreptitious “thumbs up,” and big smiles all stand out. I did not discover one particularly touching part until I was at home. In the envelope with my confirmation certificate were 2 handmade, personal welcomes from children in our youth classes. Crosses, stars and other adornments decorated them with “George, U Rock!,” “Keep Working!,” “Good Luck!,” “Stay Strong” and signed by the kids. Such a perfect welcome.

Filed Under: conversion, essay, RCIA, sacraments

The Sacraments

Friday, February 5, 2010 A.D. 1 Comment
Sacraments

One very important aspect of Catholic life is the belief in, and reception of, the Sacraments. For Catholics, sacraments are gifts from Jesus to strengthen us and deepen our relationship with Him. Through each one, Christ bestows a particular grace, such as incorporation into Christ and the Church, forgiveness of sins, or consecration for a particular service. They are an ongoing part of our journey, bringing us His blessings and great peace.

Sacraments are grouped into 3 areas:

  • Sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (communion)
  • Sacraments of healing: Reconciliation (confession) and Anointing of the Sick (a “last rite”)
  • Sacraments of vocation: Holy Orders (clergy) and Matrimony (marriage)

The Sacrament of Baptism is often referred to as the gateway to the other sacraments. In it we became Christian, received God’s sanctifying grace, were freed from original sin and (when baptized as an adult) absolved of all personal sins. Catholics recognize the validity of all Christian baptisms as long as the “trinitarian formula” was followed (“I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”).

The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens and deepens baptismal grace. Through this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church. Like baptism, it may be received only once.

The Eucharist is the sacrament in which Catholics partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus and participate directly in his sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice is represented at each Mass and Catholics with the proper disposition (generally a state of grace) receive Him. This Communion is not as a memorial but is the literal consumption of the Holy Body and Precious Blood of Jesus in order to join ourselves literally as well as spiritually with Him. The bread and wine are so converted (via transubstantiation) at the moment of consecration, exactly as Jesus first did on Holy Thursday. As at the last supper, the Body and Blood continue only in the appearance of bread and wine.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us absolution for our sins, particularly our mortal sins. As with most Protestant faiths, Catholics may be forgiven outside of this sacrament if their private confession to God is an act of perfect contrition. While us sinners may or may not achieve that on our own, the absolution received in Reconciliation is certain. (My earlier posts What harm is a little sin? and Confession, getting out of deep trouble go into more detail.)

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing of both the soul and the body. It is one of the sacraments given to those in immediate danger of death (often called “last rites” — the others being Reconciliation and Eucharist). However, it is also used to help those with serious illnesses or about to undergo major surgery. Through this sacrament the Holy Spirit renews and strengthens us.

Holy Orders is a sacrament in which Bishops, Priests and Deacons are ordained by a Bishop into their order. This sacrament is licit only when administered by a Bishop in good standing and in the direct line of succession from the Apostles (known as Apostolic Succession).

In the Sacrament of Matrimony God creates a permanent and exclusive bond between a man and a woman. Like holy orders, marriage is a vocation – one in which the couple is called to continually sanctify each other and to raise children by the teachings of the Church. The couple themselves are considered the ministers of this sacrament with their Priest serving as witness. Marriage, like Holy Orders, is joyous but also a very, very serious vocation.

Many things are routine in our daily lives. The Sacraments are extraordinarily exceptional, providing us the opportunity to encounter Christ and receive His blessings. He gives us so much grace…

Filed Under: essay, faith, sacraments
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