Saturday, April 30, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (Z)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue..
   

Z- Ze Recap

Here we are, the last of the 26 days of blogging.  I'm zonked!  I haven't blogged this frequently ever! 

When I started this challenge a month ago, I had one goal in mind.  I wanted to defend my faith in all of it's beauty from people who didn't understand it.  What ended up happening was I found out how much I didn't know about it myself.

How clever God is!  He took my self-centered emotions and turned it into something wonderful.

As you probably realized, much of my writing was not so much my writing, per se.  Google supplied me with a lot of definitions and Bible verses that I otherwise wouldn't have known.  The personal stuff was really me, but other than that, I had been at a loss for true understanding of the "why" of the faith.

This challenge has left me feeling a lot more zealous for being a Catholic.  After many posts, I wanted to run to the Catholic book store and read all I could.  Apologetics will soon become my new hobby.

So this is what I've learned. 

1.) Most Catholics (maybe just me?) don't know their faith.

Most Catholics know what they don't like or agree with when it comes to the "rules" set out by the Magisterium.  (by the way, these rules protect us - just so you know.)

 The Catholic Church is full of riches.  There is so much grace, hope, mercy, and love at our disposal if we just tap into it.

If we have a deep understanding of Catholicism we will have the knowledge to not only benefit from its beauty, but defend it for others who will question, and sometimes attack, our beliefs.

2.) Our faith REALLY IS rooted in scripture.  (okay, I already knew this)

We also have traditions handed down to us and apostolic succession to keep us in unison. You know the old adage, Too many cooks spoil the broth?  Well, not for Catholics!  We don't have that problem.*

3.) There's a counter-argument for everything.

As I mentioned before, I looked up a LOT of information on the computer.  And for every bible verse that supported my "word of the day", there is a counter argument for an opposite interpretation of said bible verse.

There will always be misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and a bunch of "I'm right, you're wrong."  But if I may use that old adage again...too many cooks....Maybe we just need one...and his name is Pope!*

4.) Faith is hard

It's hard to believe and trust in something you can't see or prove.  Do it anyway.  Or at the very least, dive into an area of your faith you aren't sure about.  There is so much to learn.  I didn't realize this until I was in the midst of this challenge, and now I'm thirsting for more.

Stay thirsty, my friends.


Thanks for reading and for your wonderful, encouraging comments. God bless you!


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.




 

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (Y)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue..


Y- YOU!

Definition: Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing.

Bible: 1 Corinthians 12:27  Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it.

Personal: I enjoy being with people and I love to learn from them.  I play a little game with myself where I find something special about that person and their personality.  There's usually at least one trait that I admire. (sometimes I have to look harder than others, depending on the person. *wink*)

Every person who comes into our lives has done so for a purpose.  Try to find that purpose and grow from it.

And this is why the Church needs YOU.  You have a lot to give. You never know who is learning and growing by your example.

Shine your light of Christ.  We need YOU!


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Friday, April 29, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (X)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue..




X- eXamination of Conscience


Definition: An examination of conscience is a “prayerful self-reflection on our words and deeds in the light of the Gospel to determine how we may have sinned against God”(Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Bible: 2 Corinthians 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?

Personal: Who the heck wants to examine their wrong-doings on a daily basis? I sure don't!  But...
It is very humbling to do so.  The internet has a plethora of sites that can lead you to meaningful ways to do this.  One good one is Here.

One thing to reflect on in addition to the sins we may be committing, are the actions we ARE NOT doing.  Sins of omission can be just as serious.

Our lives of sinfulness can be a slow fade.....we may not even realize it is taking place.  Regular examination of conscience brings us back to reality; a strong look in the mirror reflecting our inner selves.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (W)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...



W- Works of  Mercy  

Definition:   Charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.




Bible:  Matthew 25:40  Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.


Personal:  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We have that power!

Seeing the great need for mercy and healing in the world, Pope Francis called for the Year of Mercy—a special period, also known as a Holy Year or Jubilee Year, for the Catholic Church. It is a time for the Church across the world to take approximately a year to focus on forgiveness and healing in a special way. Pope Francis has asked us as individuals and as a Church “to be a witness of mercy” by reflecting on and practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  Beginning December 8, 2015, the Holy Year of Mercy will focus on studying and reflecting on mercy, receiving mercy, and being merciful towards others. *


  • Lord Jesus Christ,

  • You have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,
  • and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.
  • Show us your face and we will be saved.
  • Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money;
  • the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things;
  • made Peter weep after his betrayal,
  • and assured Paradise to the repentant thief.
  • Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman:
  • “If you knew the gift of God!”
  • You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
  • of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy:
  • let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.
  • You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness
  • in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error:
  • let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God.
  • Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
  • so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
  • and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,
  • proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.
  • We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy,
  • you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

  • Amen
 
For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (V)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
 

V- Veneration

Definition:  Great respect; reverence.

Bible:  Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith" (Heb. 13:7).

Personal:  On a couple occasions my children have come home from school telling me something disturbing their friends have said.  It goes something like this:

"So-and-so says Catholics just believe a bunch of lies."  When pressed further, it usually stems from our recognition of the Blessed Mother or how we "worship" statues.

It sounds so ridiculous to someone who was raised knowing that our respect for the saints is just that...respect.  We look to the saints to help us on our way.  They were human like we are, with strengths and weaknesses.  Some of them even strayed far, far way from God, yet found their way back. They give us hope.
We venerate them.  They are human role models who help us live lives of goodness for God.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.


Monday, April 25, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (U)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.

 U- Universal

Definition: The term catholic is derived from the Greek word "Katholikos" which means "on the whole" or universal.  The term was first used to emphasize the wide scope of the church throughout the world.  It also refers to the unity of the church in regards to its teachings and worship.  There are no divisions or branches within it's membership.

Bible: Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Personal:

-The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus.  Spread The Word.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.



 


 

Sunday, April 24, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (T)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.




T- Tradition

Definition: 
Literally a "handing on," referring to the passing down of God's revealed word. As such it has two closely related but distinct meanings. Tradition first means all of divine revelation, from the dawn of human history to the end of the apostolic age, as passed on from one generation of believers to the next, and as preserved under divine guidance by the Church established by Christ. Sacred Tradition more technically also means, within this transmitted revelation, that part of God's revealed word which is not contained in Sacred Scripture. Referring specifically to how Christian tradition was handed on, the Second Vatican Council says: "It was done by the apostles who handed on, by the spoken word of their preaching, by the example they gave, by the institutions they established, what they themselves had received--whether from the lips of Christ, from His way of life and His works, or whether they had learned it by the prompting of the Holy Spirit" (Constitution on Divine Revelation, II, 7). (source)

Bible: 2 Thessalonians 2:15  Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.
           John 20:31-32: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Personal:  Reading the Bible can be confusing at times.  We can all interpret it in different ways and twist the words to mean what we would like it to mean.  Am I right?
God in his infinite wisdom knew this and gave us the Holy Spirit, the Magisterium (teaching authority based on the apostolic succession), and Traditions to guide us.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.


 

Saturday, April 23, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (S)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
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S- Sacraments

Definition:  An outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. In our Catholic faith, there are seven sacraments.

Bible:  Includes, but not limited to the following:

-Baptism: Mark 1:8 I have baptized you in water; he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

-Penance: John 20:22-23 Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men's sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound."

-Eucharist: Luke 22:19 Then, taking the bread and giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying: "This is my body to be given for you.  Do this as a remembrance of me."

-Confirmation: Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.  The two went down to these people and prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  It had not as yet come down upon any of them since they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  The pair upon arriving imposed hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

-Marriage: Ephesians 5:31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cling to his wife, and the two shall be made into one."

-Holy Orders: John 20:21 "As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

-Anointing of the Sick:  James 5:14-15 Is there anyone sick among you? He should ask for the presbyters of the church.  They in turn are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name [of the Lord]  This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill, and the Lord will restore him to health. If he has committed any sins, forgiveness will be his.

Personal: Our God is so great that he not only gives us the gift of grace, but gives us a tangible way to receive it and the certainty to know we've received it!  What a connection!!



For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (R)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.





 R- Rosary

Definition: The rosary is a scripture-based prayer comprised of the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and the Hail Holy Queen.

Reciting the rosary consists of 20 mysteries which center on the events of Christ's life. There are four sets of Mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and––added by Pope John Paul II in 2002––the Luminous.

The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. (usccb.org)

Bible:  Matthew 6: 9-13  The Our Father Prayer
            Luke 1:28 Rejoice, O highly favored daughter! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."


 Personal:  Reciting the rosary feels like protection---In one sense it's like wearing armor and, at the same time, it's like having the security of a mother's embrace.  Does that make any sense?

About 15 years ago a few women from my parish led a rosary group.  I was a shy, new mom and hadn't been accustomed to saying the rosary much, let alone with a group of people.  These women, now my close friends, are the reason I love my Catholic faith so much today.  I believe our bi-weekly recitation of the rosary is what brought me to this special place.

A few years ago Bill and I were on our parish retreat team and we were asked to give what is called the "Jesus Talk".  It only made sense to us to use the mysteries of the rosary as our guide, since they are about the life of Jesus.  In essence, To Jesus through Mary.

For a beautiful, easy guide to the rosary, click Here.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.


Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (Q)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.


 Q- Quiet Prayer  

Definition: Prayer is talking and listening to God.
Quiet prayer is considered a state in which the soul experiences an extraordinary peace and rest, accompanied by delight or pleasure in contemplating God as present. 

Bible: Psalm 139:23 Probe me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts.
            Luke 5:16  He often retired to deserted places and prayed.

Personal:   I've heard that not everyone believes in the power of quiet prayer.  Some think it can be dangerous to sit and wait for God to talk to us and that it might somehow invite the devil to speak to us instead.  I think differently.
Quiet prayer is just a way for us to surrender our heart and mind and look towards Jesus.  Quiet prayer is simply our attitude behind our spoken prayers that empowers them. Nothing more, nothing less.

We can all say our prayers and read the Bible....and that is good!  But think of Jesus' joy when we come to him with the hope of just wanting to BE with him. 

When I sit in Adoration with the Real Presence of Jesus, there is a stirring in my chest.  It is awesome!


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

 

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (P)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.


P-Pope

Definition:  The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Bible: Matthew 16:18-19  I for my part declare to you, you are Rock, and on this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it.  I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever you declare loosed on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
         
Personal:  Last September, Pope Francis came to Philadelphia.  We live a short distance from there and....I didn't go!!  What was I thinking??

My husband was there and got to be a witness to the Miracle on Market Street.  Read about that Here.
 
I love having a Pope.  I like order; I like rules.  And the fact that the Pope, and subsequently his successors, was anointed by Jesus himself and that he is guided by the Holy Spirit, makes it a no-brainer.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (O)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.






O- Offertory Procession

Definition: The first part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist which the bread and wine are presented (offered) to God before they are consecrated, and the prayers and hymn that accompany it.
Also known as the Preparation of the Gifts.

Personal:  Three of our children-Billy, Tommy, and Ann- are altar servers. (Mary has "retired" but is on reserve for emergencies.)  My heart bursts with pride as I see them take part in the mass, but especially during the Preparation of the Gifts minutes before the transubstantiation!   



Ann's First Holy Communion-2014






For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (N)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
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N-Novena

Definition:  Nine days of private or public devotion for special intentions and petitions.  The praying of the novena draws its origin from the practice of the disciples who prayed in the upper room for the nine days between the Ascension of the Lord and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Bible:  Before the Ascension .....Acts 1:4 ...he told them not to leave Jerusalem: "Wait, rather, for the fulfillment of my Father's promise of which you have heard me speak."


The persistence of Christ's followers and His mother to wait for the promise ended in fulfillment. On the Feast of Pentecost, tongues of fire appeared on each of their heads declaring the coming of the Holy Spirit. Whenever we undertake a novena of prayer, we are declaring that same supreme desire to wait for the promise, persevering with confidence until the end.(Catholic.org)

Personal: I've started many novenas.  I'm not sure I've ever finished one.

This A-Z Challenge is challenging in more ways than one.



For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (M)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
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M- Mass

Definition: The central act of worship in the life of a Catholic. Going to Mass is about receiving God's graces, in particular through the Eucharist, which gives us inner strength to live the Christian life. It is also a time in which we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and it gives us the opportunity to praise and give thanks.

Bible: Luke 22:14,19  When the hour came, he [Jesus] took his place at the table with the apostles . . Then he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given for you. Do this in memory of me"

Personal:  My parents made me go to Mass every week.  I didn't mind going, but I did mind that they made me dress up in dresses or skirts.  The nerve!

The Mass is an immeasurable treasure given to us.  It is that simple. How can you NOT be a part of it?

This is why I love Mass:  It is home to me.  I walk into church and I feel comfortable. I love the celebration, the hymns, the people, the Eucharist!!  The beauty of Catholicism is I can walk into any Catholic church and feel this way.  It is the same no matter where you are in the world.

When the days, weeks, and months seem to slip away so easily in a crazy, hectic world, going to Mass keeps me anchored to the heart of Jesus.


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (L)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue...
.       


 L-Liturgy Of The Hours (also known as the Divine Office)

Definition: The official prayer of the Church offered at various times of the day in order to sanctify it. Clergy and religious have a canonical obligation to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as official representatives of the Church. Increasingly, the laity are also praying it, though they do not do so in the name of the Church.

Bible: Psalm 119:164 "Seven times a day I praise you."
           Psalm 1:1-2  "Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night."
           1 Thessalonians 5:17  "never cease praying"

Personal: My Uncle George was a Franciscan priest.  He was always stationed far away so we didn't get to see him much.  When he did visit, he would sit in our tiny kitchen, smoking his Camels, and reading from his little book.  Now I realize this must have been his Breviary, a book containing all the daily psalms, hymns, prayers, and lessons necessary for reciting the Divine Office.  I loved my Uncle George.

I have this great app on my phone that a friend told me about (thanks, Margie!) and it's called Laudate.  It has everything on it from daily readings to the rosary to the EWTN nightly news show and many more devotions.

One part of the Laudate app is the Liturgy of the Hours. And honestly, I don't use it.  This is new to me.  Yes, I've heard of Liturgy of the Hours, being that I'm a cradle Catholic and all.  But, I'm not familiar with it.

With Liturgy of the Hours, there are readings, hymns, and prayers set for each day and they are recited at certain times of the day.  There is the Invitatory psalm, Morning, Mid-morning, midday, afternoon, evening, and night prayer.

Praying throughout the day----imagine that!

Now, go download Laudate!


For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (K)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue....

        






K-Kyrie Eleison
Definition: The form of the prayer, "Lord, have mercy," said or sung and repeated in the penitential rite at the beginning of Mass in the Roman Liturgy.  It is used in conjunction with the Christe Eleison, Christ, have mercy." 


Bible: Psalm 51:3 Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense.

Personal:   The Kyrie Eleison + A child of the 80's = Mr. Mister.  Turn it UP!







For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, go Here.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (J)

The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    


Let's continue.... 



J-JOY

Definition: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

Bible: Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
            Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always.  I say it again. Rejoice!

Personal:  JOY....a word with special meaning to me.  My mother always used to say, "If I knew what a joy you were going to be, I would have named you Joy." Best mom ever.  (to read more, check out my "Joy Story" page Here. )

And is there anyone who hasn't heard the acronym for finding Joy?

Jesus first
Others second
You last

And what about the children's song, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart."  That one really sums it up.  Joy is a by-product of living in God.  Have him "down in your heart."

We can study the bible, read church doctrine, and follow traditions til the cows come home, but if we don't find the personal relationship with God that we are meant to have, true joy will escape us.

Being Catholic brings me much joy.



For more A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

Monday, April 11, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (I)


The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    





Let's continue.... 




 I-Indulgences

Definition:   The remission of temporal punishment, in God's justice, to sin that has been forgiven.  In other words, it is a form of atonement of our sins after they have been absolved in the sacrament of Penance.

Bible:  The following text was taken from Catholic.com and can be found here.

When a person sins, he acquires certain liabilities: the liability of guilt and the liability of punishment. Scripture speaks of the former when it pictures guilt as clinging to our souls, making them discolored and unclean before God: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool" (Is. 1:18). This idea of guilt clinging to our souls appears in texts that picture forgiveness as a cleansing or washing and the state of our forgiven souls as clean and white (cf. Ps. 51:4, 9). 
We incur not just guilt, but liability for punishment when we sin: "I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant and lay low the haughtiness of the ruthless" (Is. 13:11). Judgment pertains even to the smallest sins: "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Eccl. 12:14). 


History:   The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the temporal punishment due for their sins." The Church does this not just to aid Christians, "but also to spur them to works of devotion, penance, and charity" (CCC 1478).

Personal:   I didn't know anything about indulgences when I started this post.  I started researching it a couple days ago.  I wasn't sure I could use it in this series because I was seriously put-off by it.

At first.

You see, I was under the impression that if I were to go to confession with a 'humble and contrite' heart, say my penance, and then make my way home only to get hit by a bus, that I would go straight to heaven.  This isn't true!
 
I decided to read more, even though I was afraid I would continue to hear things I didn't like.  For the sake of the blog, I battled on. (you can thank me later ;))

I really need things explained to me in simple terms.  So, I went to see Leila at  "Little Catholic Bubble"  to see if she had written about indulgences. She had and she explained it so well. 

She basically said, If you are playing baseball and you hit and break your neighbor's window you would go over and apologize.  He would forgive you.  However, you still need to make amends for the broken window....pay for it, fix it, etc.  In other words, God forgives our sins but we still need to make up for what we have done so as to make things right.

Doesn't that make perfect sense?  I can remember times when my kids have asked,  Why can't we just do all the bad stuff we want, and then just go to confession?"  Who knows what my answer was back then.  Probably something along the lines of "Because I said so."  But now I will have a good, strong reply.

Matthew 7:14 states, "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."  This quotes has been on my "About" page at the top of my blog for a while.

Now it takes on a whole new meaning.

I began this post not able to "love this part about being Catholic" because I didn't know about indulgences. What I do love is how the Church doctrines make sense if only we take the time to familiarize ourselves with them--dare I say indulge in learning all there is to know.

(do I get indulgences for being so witty?)


For more on the A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, go Here.




Saturday, April 9, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (H)


The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    



Let's continue.... 




H-Hail, Holy Queen prayer-

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.



History: This prayer, most often recited as the concluding prayer of the rosary, has been a prayer of love to our mother Mary for centuries.  When we pray this prayer we are asking for Mary's help.  Like any mother (John 19: 26-27) she longs to protect us and rescue us.

Personal: The hymn called Hail, Holy Queen (different than the above prayer) was one of my favorites growing up. I always love the Marian hymns sung at mass in the months of May and October and on the Feast Days of the Blessed Mother!

More recently the prayer, which I've come to know through friends who have sparked my love of the rosary, holds a special place in my heart.  I've learned that Mary is a confidant who I can turn to at any point in my life.  As the prayer suggests, our life will include times of struggles. Mary is there for us, she's our "most gracious advocate."


source





Friday, April 8, 2016

A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic (G)


The challenge is on.  Write a post each day in April (minus Sundays) using the letters of the alphabet as your guide. 

The theme I have chosen is "Why I Love Being Catholic".    



Let's continue.... 





G-Grace

Definition:  There are two kinds of grace.
*Sanctifying Grace - a sharing in God's life; an indwelling of the Holy Trinity.  We receive this type of grace through the sacraments of the Catholic Church. ( I had to research that....I don't usually use words like "indwelling.")
*Actual grace - This grace does not abide in us, it acts on us. It is help from God.  I've heard it referred to as little "nudges."

Bible:  2 Corinthians 12:9  He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."  I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.

Personal
My mom's and my sister's name - Mary Grace
The Protestant hymn, Amazing Grace
Because I'm a child of the 80's...Grace Jones and Grace Slick.
The famous actress from Philadelphia who later became a princess....Grace Kelly

And the most relevant to this post....

My Catholic education---"A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace."  That one is ingrained in my memory!

Grace makes us capable of living in God's love and of acting on the basis of this love.*


For more posts on the A-Z Challenge: Why I Love Being Catholic, click Here.

*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church.