I had planned to blog the entire time I was gone. Well... guess what... I left my RCIA notebook (complete with all notes) on my desk in GA. I hope my desk and office are studying up this holiday break, but I doubt that will help me on my journey. With God's help, I was able to continue my journey using the book that my Sponsor, Sam, gave to me. I just "happened" to have it in the car (wink wink... thanks Jesus).
A couple of nights ago I dreamed about trying to explain the sacraments to someone. I couldn't name all 7, but I was trying my hardest. I saw it as a sign to start looking into the sacraments. I used the book and read in the car (in between getting car-sick) on my way to Texas. Much of our conversation with Father Charlie yesterday was also about the sacraments. I now know the 7 (I think) and shall attempt to discuss what we talked about yesterday.
First off, Sacraments are things that Christ gave to use directly. Protestant churches have some of these and others are considered "rituals" instead of sacraments (I'm not sure of the difference - so please chime in).
1. Baptism: In the Catholic Church, baptism is typically done when the child is very young (infant). The Baptism is the first step into initiation in the Church. At this stage, the parents are promising to raise the child in the church. Christ gave us baptism when He was baptized by John. When Christ was baptized the Holy Spirit came upon Him. The Catholic Church believes that God reveals Himself slowly and this is the first stage of the Holy Spirit revealing Himself to this believer. Father Charlie mentioned that the child, as an infant, is sinless, but that child is born into a world of sin. That child is born in a world where he/she will be tempted by sin. This baptism is the celebration that this child is a child of God and the celebration that God will give this child the Holy Spirit to help him/her grow in Christ. The baptism doesn't give the child the Holy Spirit... God does... it is simply the celebration. I like that thought - let's celebrate the fact that our children have the Holy Spirit.
2. Eucharist: We all know the picture of the last supper. It has become our Eucharist. It has become the table that we commune around on Sundays. It has become the Christian version of the passover feast. The sacrament of Eucharist is first celebrated when a child is around 7 or 8. The children are expected to understand that the bread and wine they are receiving is not like in the grocery store. Instead, it is Holy and Sacred. However, this sacrament is also celebrated each Sunday. It is our way to commune, to grow as one, with Christ and our fellow believers. I won't get into transubstantiation (spelling?) right now... I think that needs its own blog.
3. Confirmation: Confirmation happens differently depending on the church. I understand that it is the confirmation that the individual is making full membership into the church. The individual is confirming that he/she wants to continue the promise to follow Christ as was their parents' intent at the baptism. I know that some would disagree with me, but I feel that confirmation should happen when the individual is ready and willing to make that proclamation. In the Bible it says that you must "confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God rasied Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) Therefore, I believe that it must be the Confirms decision and belief in Christ to truly make the confirmation complete. I have had friends who did not go through Confirmation with their class, but instead searched themselves and were confirmed later. I believe it meant more to that person when it was her decision.
4. Holy Orders: This is when an individual decides to become a clergy member. I'm unsure if it includes Nuns and Monks - but I believe that it does.
5. Matrimony: Kyle and I have taken part in the sacrament of marriage - and how wonderful it is! The church sees marriage as a sacrament and as a binding covenant. It is divine love because Christ is in our relationship. How wonderful is that!?! I'm so blessed to have two great men in my marriage - Kyle & Jesus.
6. Anointing of the Sick: James 5:13, spells out the procedure of how to heal the sick: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." Therefore, the Catholic Church has this as a sacrament. It isn't the oil that heals the man, but it is Christ's will that this man/woman be healed. It is Christ in the sacrament that heals the person. What a wonderful way to go back to scripture and offer it up as an offering to God.
7. Reconciliation: This is the one that I have the hardest time understanding. I understand confession - to Christ. I don't understand confession to a priest. Fr. Charlie pointed out that the church teaches that you are only required to go to reconciliation if you have committed a sin that would keep you from the table. Therefore, if you committed a sin that is considered a mortal sin and you need to get RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH. That is the key phrase. Reconciliation is the process by which you confess to the church and get right with the church. You get right with God on your own - you get right with the church through the priest. I also understand if you want an accountability person and a person to guide you on how to avoid that temptation, but I don't see that it has to be a priest. I like Fr. Charlie's explanation of the official church teaching.
Personal Reflection: These 7 sacraments are wonderful ways to keep our focus on Christ and on what He gave to us as an example. I'm so glad that Fr. Charlie believes that there can be room for doubt in the church. I'm so glad that I have time to really pray about each of these and see how the Lord leads me. I urge you to pray about the 7 and see how you feel. Please e-mail me (or try to comment) and let me know what you think. Happy New Year!!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Original Sin
Growing up I was misled on this doctrine as well. I was always told that original sin meant that we were born with sin in our lives. As I understand it now, that's not necessarily true.
When Adam and Eve were created they had a unique and holy relationship with God. It was only after the fall that Original Sin came into existence. The definition of Original Sin is a "deprivation for each of us of original holiness and justice." Basically it means that we are somehow separated from God. That is why Jesus came - to restore our relationship. It is when we believe in Jesus and are baptized that original sin is wiped clean. Our relationship is restored. Now, we still have an appetite for sin and temptation. However, Christ forgives us when we confess.
I hope I've hit the nail on the head. I'm not feeling well and so I think I'm going to go crawl back in bed. Good night.
When Adam and Eve were created they had a unique and holy relationship with God. It was only after the fall that Original Sin came into existence. The definition of Original Sin is a "deprivation for each of us of original holiness and justice." Basically it means that we are somehow separated from God. That is why Jesus came - to restore our relationship. It is when we believe in Jesus and are baptized that original sin is wiped clean. Our relationship is restored. Now, we still have an appetite for sin and temptation. However, Christ forgives us when we confess.
I hope I've hit the nail on the head. I'm not feeling well and so I think I'm going to go crawl back in bed. Good night.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Rosary
Well, I had planned to write on original sin since that came up in the last blog. However, I came across the Rosary and I really felt like this topic needed some blogging first. I'll get to original sin after this one... I promise.
The Rosary is something that I never understood. I never understood why you would pray to Mary. However, the Rosary is more than the "Hail Mary" prayer. (Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the f ruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen) The Rosary is meant to bring Mary and Jesus together. The Hail Mary prayer is centered around scripture and asking Mary to pray to God for us. She is our intercessor. We already discussed how Mary's purpose is to bring you closer to her son and this is another way.
When saying the Rosary you combine: The Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, Gloria Patri, and the mysteries. After 10 Hail Mary prayers you focus on a mystery. There are four sets of mysteries: The Joyful Mysteries (Focusing on the announcement, birth, and childhood of Christ), The Sorrowful Mysteries (focusing on the death of Christ), the Glorious Mysteries (focusing on the resurrection, ascension of Christ), and the Illuminous Mysteries (focusing on Jesus' ministry on Earth). As you can see, you ask Mary to pray for you and then you focus on Jesus in some way. People also say that once you get REALLY GOOD at saying the Rosary, you can incorporate prayers for others while saying the Hail Mary. I usually try to say someone's name after each Hail Mary, but I haven't gotten good enough for it to be more of a meditation thing for me yet.
Now you may be asking yourself: You say the Rosary? Yes. I try to pray the Rosary during our prayer time and before Mass. I didn't understand it and so I had to try it out to better understand it. I'm still unsure about it at some times, but others it helps me to focus on Jesus and His AMAZING story.
The Rosary is something that I never understood. I never understood why you would pray to Mary. However, the Rosary is more than the "Hail Mary" prayer. (Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the f ruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen) The Rosary is meant to bring Mary and Jesus together. The Hail Mary prayer is centered around scripture and asking Mary to pray to God for us. She is our intercessor. We already discussed how Mary's purpose is to bring you closer to her son and this is another way.
When saying the Rosary you combine: The Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, Gloria Patri, and the mysteries. After 10 Hail Mary prayers you focus on a mystery. There are four sets of mysteries: The Joyful Mysteries (Focusing on the announcement, birth, and childhood of Christ), The Sorrowful Mysteries (focusing on the death of Christ), the Glorious Mysteries (focusing on the resurrection, ascension of Christ), and the Illuminous Mysteries (focusing on Jesus' ministry on Earth). As you can see, you ask Mary to pray for you and then you focus on Jesus in some way. People also say that once you get REALLY GOOD at saying the Rosary, you can incorporate prayers for others while saying the Hail Mary. I usually try to say someone's name after each Hail Mary, but I haven't gotten good enough for it to be more of a meditation thing for me yet.
Now you may be asking yourself: You say the Rosary? Yes. I try to pray the Rosary during our prayer time and before Mass. I didn't understand it and so I had to try it out to better understand it. I'm still unsure about it at some times, but others it helps me to focus on Jesus and His AMAZING story.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mary
This journey has been less of a journey lately for me. I've had my ups and downs about the Catholic Church and it seems that every time there is a high point, it is followed by an unfortunate experience. The worst was when I was told by a priest that I was going to Hell for not being Catholic on Easter Sunday. That was the last time that I received a blessing. I no longer felt the desire to receive a blessing in lieu of communion (so there you go Sam... now you know why I don't want to receive a blessing). This last time was recently. I had been pouring over the scriptures, the hand outs given by Father Ross, and the Adult Catechism book. I was truly learning and making RCIA part of my journey. I stopped shortly after Father Ross embarrassed me and made me so angry that I cried all the way home. But I realized something on my run this morning (running is a great time for me to commune with God... who else is there to talk to? and my ipod is only filled with Christian songs so that if I use it, I will still use that time as worship). I am angry at Fr. Ross, but I took it out on God. I stopped reading most of the worksheets, I stopped reading the Catechism all together, and I've only been reading scriptures for Bible Study - not RCIA. I stopped my journey and just have been taking the RCIA class. I realized this morning that Fr. Ross is only the earthly teacher (and only one of many in my life), but I should truly be learning and listening to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So... here it goes... Mary.
Mary is one of the most controversial topics, in my opinion. I know there are many misconceptions about Mary. I've chosen her as my next topic because she is so difficult. She was the last topic that I poured my heart and soul into... so I know I'll have lots of questions and maybe some insight. Please please please e-mail me or comment to me if you have more answers or insight.
There are 5 major doctrines about Mary. I'll try to focus on one at a time... but it is 6:30 AM and I don't know if my brain is totally awake.
1. Mary Mother of God: Personally, I had never heard this phrase before. However, from our discussions in class, I gather that it has provoked some debate. All Christians can agree that Mary is the mother of Jesus. Most Christians will agree that Jesus is God (God the Son - part of the trinity). Now, if you're using the "transitive property" from Geometry (If A=B and B=C, then A=C) you will quickly realize that Mary is the Mother of God. But let's not reduce Mary or God to a math problem and lets truly look at what this title means. This title is not giving Mary some wonderful status. It does not say that Mary is some all wonderful, powerful woman. Instead, it is stating that Jesus is God. Even Elizabeth recognized that Jesus was God: "And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy." - Luke 1:43-44.
2. The Immaculate Conception: I know there is controversy about this topic because many Catholics don't even know what this doctrine is teaching. About a year ago, some Catholics told me that the Immaculate Conception was stating that Mary was conceived with the Holy Spirit as well. That made no sense to me - if Mary was part Holy Spirit then what would be so special about Jesus? Well, that is simply NOT TRUE. Here is the truth about the Immaculate Conception... It is believed that God knew that Mary would be the mother of Christ through all eternity. Therefore, she was created specifically to be the Mother of God (there's that title again). Thus, when created, she was born with no original sin. First off, is it possible that God would know something in the future and for all eternity? Sure! Second of all, is it possible that we are all created for a specific purpose? Rick Warren certainly thinks so since he wrote the book: The Purpose Driven Life. Lastly, comes original sin. I know I haven't discussed original sin yet (oops... I'll go back to that), but the concept is much simpler than many think. Original sin (to be brief) is "a deprivation, a loss of the original holiness and righteousness with which our first parents were created." (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 69) Adam and Eve were created in perfect communion with God, but when they sinned they broke that relationship. Therefore, we're all born separated from God (original sin) and that relationship is restored through our belief in God (and I belief through baptism, but I may be wrong... I'll write more on this topic later). If Jesus (God the Son) was to be born sinless, then that means without Original Sin also. Therefore, Mary would have to be born with a holiness that Adam & Eve had at the time of creation.
3. Perpetual Virginity: This one is hard for me to swallow... so here we go. At the Lateran Council in 649 AD, the Catholic Church looked at Ezekiel 44:2 to come to this conclusion. "This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it; therefore it shall remained shut." The Church believes that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. I believe that she was a virgin before having Jesus. I believe that the Holy Spirit did not take her virginity. I believe she remained a virgin until the birth of Jesus. However, I have a hard time believing that she remained a virgin her entire life. I realize that there were perpetual virgins in Rome. I know because I studied them in my Latin class in High School (and saw their home among the Roman Forum ruins). However, I do not see how this scripture proves that she remained a virgin. Could it not be that the scripture is referring to her womb? That she would have no more children because her purpose was to be the Mother of God and not the mother of many others? God is powerful and He can close wombs and open them again. I understand that Jesus probably didn't have any other siblings. Otherwise, they would've been there at the cross (and if you're going to quote the scripture Matthew 12:46-49 "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, 'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers.' " you must realize that cousins were often called brothers or sisters in this time period). Instead of having a blood brother, Mary stood at the cross with a "dear disciple" and he told them that the disciple would be her son and she his mother. Women always needed a male to take care of them. Joseph died and Jesus took over. Now that Jesus was dying, this disciple was told to take over. I still can't swallow the fact that Mary is a perpetual virgin.
4. The Assumption: It is believed that Mary was assumed into Heaven - body and soul. I think it is common belief that when we die, our bodies remain on Earth and our souls go to Heaven (if we're worthy). Well, it is documented in the Old Testament that some were assumed into Heaven - body and soul (Genesis 5:23, 2 Kings 2:11). This is not to be confused with Jesus' Ascension. Jesus ascended by His own power. Mary was assumed into Heaven by God. They say that "timing is everything in life." Well, this cliche is true because God deems it to be true. Last year I was invited to be a part of RCIA at another parish. However, it conflicted with a Bible Study that I was already committed to attend for a year. This Bible Study covered the entire Bible - not every book, but most of them. It was very intense. One of the books was Revelation. This is relevant because the scripture I will quote comes from Revelation. Therefore, I had a pretty good understanding of this scripture when I studied it for RCIA. Rev 11:19 "Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm." Jesus is often called the new covenant. Therefore, we see that Jesus is there. But wait... there's more. Revelation 12:1 "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head." Could this woman be Mary? I'm going to assume that she's probably the most Holy woman in the Bible. She is the Mother of God (there's that title again!). If any woman was to be assumed into Heaven, I'm going to assume (no pun intended) that it was her. And 12 stars? Could that be the 12 tribes of Israel? Hmmmm... possibly? Or the 12 disciples?
5. Mother in the Order of Grace: Ok... stick with me... we're almost there. This doctrine was glossed over in RCIA... so I'm going to study and write at the same time. First, Mary watches over and protects the human race through her powerful intercession in Heaven. It is believed that she prays for us and leads us back to Christ. All mothers would agree that they want what's best for their children. As Mary was the mother of God (again with the title), she is also "mother" to all of us! Therefore, she wants what is best for us and will pray for us to lead us closer to her Son. In John 2, Mary intercedes to Jesus and He performs His first miracle. He did it because His mother asked Him to. In the same way, she can intercede for us - pray for us to her Son. Her words to the workers at the wedding are also meant for us (John 2:5) "Do whatever He tells you." Second, Mary is the mother of the Church. "Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Ephesians 5:23). Well, Mary is the mother of Christ. Therefore, she is the mother of the Church. Isn't it nice to have a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother? God did not say that the human race was made in His reflection until Eve was created - therefore God has characteristics that we find in human males and females. God sent Jesus so we would have an Earthly male role model. Isn't it possible that he created Mary so we would have an Earthly female role model. In this same light, wouldn't God want both of those beings with Him? Third, she is the handmaid of the Lord upon whom the Holy Spirit came to rest. The world received Christ through Mary 2000 years ago. It is the same today... as you grow closer to Mary (and try to emulate her faithfulness), you grow closer to God. Lastly, Mary uniquely participates in the mediation of Christ. In the Old Testament, the queen mother would act as an intercessor to the king for the needs of all others (1 Kings 2:19). Does God need an intercessor? I don't know. But it is obvious that God created Mary for a wonderful purpose. It takes a special person to do what she did.
Personal Reflection: Ok... I can believe 4 out of the 5 principles. That's not bad, right? I'm praying about the one I just can't understand. Maybe I'll find insight. Maybe it will be something that God can answer for me someday. I do realize that it is possible to grow closer to Christ through Mary. It's true that if you get to know your Mother-In-Law better, you can understand your Husband better. This is true because your Husband has parts of his Mother in Him. I know this is an Earthly example and I'm trying to compare it to a divine relationship. However, I hope you get my point. Praying the Rosary (a devotion to Mary) is supposed to bring you closer to Her Son - your Savior. Mary, as our Heavenly Mother, wants what is best for us - and that is a relationship with her son. I'm sure that many mothers would agree that you sacrifice when you become a Mother. Mary has sacrificed all her life and continues to do so as she humbles herself so that we may know Christ. May we all try to emulate her actions.
Mary is one of the most controversial topics, in my opinion. I know there are many misconceptions about Mary. I've chosen her as my next topic because she is so difficult. She was the last topic that I poured my heart and soul into... so I know I'll have lots of questions and maybe some insight. Please please please e-mail me or comment to me if you have more answers or insight.
There are 5 major doctrines about Mary. I'll try to focus on one at a time... but it is 6:30 AM and I don't know if my brain is totally awake.
1. Mary Mother of God: Personally, I had never heard this phrase before. However, from our discussions in class, I gather that it has provoked some debate. All Christians can agree that Mary is the mother of Jesus. Most Christians will agree that Jesus is God (God the Son - part of the trinity). Now, if you're using the "transitive property" from Geometry (If A=B and B=C, then A=C) you will quickly realize that Mary is the Mother of God. But let's not reduce Mary or God to a math problem and lets truly look at what this title means. This title is not giving Mary some wonderful status. It does not say that Mary is some all wonderful, powerful woman. Instead, it is stating that Jesus is God. Even Elizabeth recognized that Jesus was God: "And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy." - Luke 1:43-44.
2. The Immaculate Conception: I know there is controversy about this topic because many Catholics don't even know what this doctrine is teaching. About a year ago, some Catholics told me that the Immaculate Conception was stating that Mary was conceived with the Holy Spirit as well. That made no sense to me - if Mary was part Holy Spirit then what would be so special about Jesus? Well, that is simply NOT TRUE. Here is the truth about the Immaculate Conception... It is believed that God knew that Mary would be the mother of Christ through all eternity. Therefore, she was created specifically to be the Mother of God (there's that title again). Thus, when created, she was born with no original sin. First off, is it possible that God would know something in the future and for all eternity? Sure! Second of all, is it possible that we are all created for a specific purpose? Rick Warren certainly thinks so since he wrote the book: The Purpose Driven Life. Lastly, comes original sin. I know I haven't discussed original sin yet (oops... I'll go back to that), but the concept is much simpler than many think. Original sin (to be brief) is "a deprivation, a loss of the original holiness and righteousness with which our first parents were created." (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 69) Adam and Eve were created in perfect communion with God, but when they sinned they broke that relationship. Therefore, we're all born separated from God (original sin) and that relationship is restored through our belief in God (and I belief through baptism, but I may be wrong... I'll write more on this topic later). If Jesus (God the Son) was to be born sinless, then that means without Original Sin also. Therefore, Mary would have to be born with a holiness that Adam & Eve had at the time of creation.
3. Perpetual Virginity: This one is hard for me to swallow... so here we go. At the Lateran Council in 649 AD, the Catholic Church looked at Ezekiel 44:2 to come to this conclusion. "This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it; therefore it shall remained shut." The Church believes that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. I believe that she was a virgin before having Jesus. I believe that the Holy Spirit did not take her virginity. I believe she remained a virgin until the birth of Jesus. However, I have a hard time believing that she remained a virgin her entire life. I realize that there were perpetual virgins in Rome. I know because I studied them in my Latin class in High School (and saw their home among the Roman Forum ruins). However, I do not see how this scripture proves that she remained a virgin. Could it not be that the scripture is referring to her womb? That she would have no more children because her purpose was to be the Mother of God and not the mother of many others? God is powerful and He can close wombs and open them again. I understand that Jesus probably didn't have any other siblings. Otherwise, they would've been there at the cross (and if you're going to quote the scripture Matthew 12:46-49 "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, 'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers.' " you must realize that cousins were often called brothers or sisters in this time period). Instead of having a blood brother, Mary stood at the cross with a "dear disciple" and he told them that the disciple would be her son and she his mother. Women always needed a male to take care of them. Joseph died and Jesus took over. Now that Jesus was dying, this disciple was told to take over. I still can't swallow the fact that Mary is a perpetual virgin.
4. The Assumption: It is believed that Mary was assumed into Heaven - body and soul. I think it is common belief that when we die, our bodies remain on Earth and our souls go to Heaven (if we're worthy). Well, it is documented in the Old Testament that some were assumed into Heaven - body and soul (Genesis 5:23, 2 Kings 2:11). This is not to be confused with Jesus' Ascension. Jesus ascended by His own power. Mary was assumed into Heaven by God. They say that "timing is everything in life." Well, this cliche is true because God deems it to be true. Last year I was invited to be a part of RCIA at another parish. However, it conflicted with a Bible Study that I was already committed to attend for a year. This Bible Study covered the entire Bible - not every book, but most of them. It was very intense. One of the books was Revelation. This is relevant because the scripture I will quote comes from Revelation. Therefore, I had a pretty good understanding of this scripture when I studied it for RCIA. Rev 11:19 "Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm." Jesus is often called the new covenant. Therefore, we see that Jesus is there. But wait... there's more. Revelation 12:1 "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head." Could this woman be Mary? I'm going to assume that she's probably the most Holy woman in the Bible. She is the Mother of God (there's that title again!). If any woman was to be assumed into Heaven, I'm going to assume (no pun intended) that it was her. And 12 stars? Could that be the 12 tribes of Israel? Hmmmm... possibly? Or the 12 disciples?
5. Mother in the Order of Grace: Ok... stick with me... we're almost there. This doctrine was glossed over in RCIA... so I'm going to study and write at the same time. First, Mary watches over and protects the human race through her powerful intercession in Heaven. It is believed that she prays for us and leads us back to Christ. All mothers would agree that they want what's best for their children. As Mary was the mother of God (again with the title), she is also "mother" to all of us! Therefore, she wants what is best for us and will pray for us to lead us closer to her Son. In John 2, Mary intercedes to Jesus and He performs His first miracle. He did it because His mother asked Him to. In the same way, she can intercede for us - pray for us to her Son. Her words to the workers at the wedding are also meant for us (John 2:5) "Do whatever He tells you." Second, Mary is the mother of the Church. "Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Ephesians 5:23). Well, Mary is the mother of Christ. Therefore, she is the mother of the Church. Isn't it nice to have a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother? God did not say that the human race was made in His reflection until Eve was created - therefore God has characteristics that we find in human males and females. God sent Jesus so we would have an Earthly male role model. Isn't it possible that he created Mary so we would have an Earthly female role model. In this same light, wouldn't God want both of those beings with Him? Third, she is the handmaid of the Lord upon whom the Holy Spirit came to rest. The world received Christ through Mary 2000 years ago. It is the same today... as you grow closer to Mary (and try to emulate her faithfulness), you grow closer to God. Lastly, Mary uniquely participates in the mediation of Christ. In the Old Testament, the queen mother would act as an intercessor to the king for the needs of all others (1 Kings 2:19). Does God need an intercessor? I don't know. But it is obvious that God created Mary for a wonderful purpose. It takes a special person to do what she did.
Personal Reflection: Ok... I can believe 4 out of the 5 principles. That's not bad, right? I'm praying about the one I just can't understand. Maybe I'll find insight. Maybe it will be something that God can answer for me someday. I do realize that it is possible to grow closer to Christ through Mary. It's true that if you get to know your Mother-In-Law better, you can understand your Husband better. This is true because your Husband has parts of his Mother in Him. I know this is an Earthly example and I'm trying to compare it to a divine relationship. However, I hope you get my point. Praying the Rosary (a devotion to Mary) is supposed to bring you closer to Her Son - your Savior. Mary, as our Heavenly Mother, wants what is best for us - and that is a relationship with her son. I'm sure that many mothers would agree that you sacrifice when you become a Mother. Mary has sacrificed all her life and continues to do so as she humbles herself so that we may know Christ. May we all try to emulate her actions.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Don't Hold Back
You must be thinking... why did she start a blog if she never blogs??? I'm going to try to be better about blogging. I could give you a million reasons why I don't blog more often (the computer is upstairs, but its cozier downstairs... I'm tired... I've been sick...), but I won't. :) Instead, I'm going to promise to try to blog more consistently.
Tonight something happened at RCIA. I had to call Kyle on the way home to tell him (we have to drive to RCIA in two different cars). He was a bit confused at first... I told him... "I have to tell you what happened at church tonight..." He said... "before I got there?" I replied... "no no no... you were there... it happened in my head." :)
Fr. Ross was talking about what happens when we have a relationship with Christ. He talked about the metaphorical marriage between yourself and Christ. He mentioned "don't hold back" and "embrace all that He teaches even if you don't understand." It made me flash back to about 4 years ago. Kyle and I began our relationship about 4 years ago. It was rocky at the start. We both liked each other and we wanted to be happy, but we were too prideful to give up our schedules for the other person. We wanted to be together, but we were too afraid that it wouldn't work since we were Seniors and our lives were moving in different directions after graduation. It wasn't until I surrendered our relationship to God (I prayed a lot) and Kyle told me he loved me (which happened about 3 weeks after I started praying - it's a cool story if you ever want to hear it some time) that we let go of our worries and we let God go to work. It was then that our relationship blossomed and we got closer and we were happier.
I equate 4 years ago with what's going on now. I've been approaching RCIA and Fr. Ross with hesitations. I've approached things with pride. I need to let go, learn from Christ, and DON'T HOLD BACK. You can keep me accountable and ask me if I'm holding back. I may not answer you, but I'll answer myself - I PROMISE!
Tonight something happened at RCIA. I had to call Kyle on the way home to tell him (we have to drive to RCIA in two different cars). He was a bit confused at first... I told him... "I have to tell you what happened at church tonight..." He said... "before I got there?" I replied... "no no no... you were there... it happened in my head." :)
Fr. Ross was talking about what happens when we have a relationship with Christ. He talked about the metaphorical marriage between yourself and Christ. He mentioned "don't hold back" and "embrace all that He teaches even if you don't understand." It made me flash back to about 4 years ago. Kyle and I began our relationship about 4 years ago. It was rocky at the start. We both liked each other and we wanted to be happy, but we were too prideful to give up our schedules for the other person. We wanted to be together, but we were too afraid that it wouldn't work since we were Seniors and our lives were moving in different directions after graduation. It wasn't until I surrendered our relationship to God (I prayed a lot) and Kyle told me he loved me (which happened about 3 weeks after I started praying - it's a cool story if you ever want to hear it some time) that we let go of our worries and we let God go to work. It was then that our relationship blossomed and we got closer and we were happier.
I equate 4 years ago with what's going on now. I've been approaching RCIA and Fr. Ross with hesitations. I've approached things with pride. I need to let go, learn from Christ, and DON'T HOLD BACK. You can keep me accountable and ask me if I'm holding back. I may not answer you, but I'll answer myself - I PROMISE!
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