I live a block away from a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. They're very friendly, polite, always well-dressed and committed to their faith. They can also be a pain in the derriere. I admire their tenacity and the fact they wear their faith on their sleeves. They subject themselves to rejection and humiliation with a smile and a kind word. Still, how many times do I have to explain to the same people over and over again that I'm very happy in the Catholic church and have plenty to read. I've even offered to give them some books that have the imprimatur sign of approval. They're not interested.
This morning, I was on my way to First Saturday Mass at St. Rita's when I encountered a friendly couple at the corner of Broad and Federal. "Good morning, can I offer you some inspiring words from the Holy Bible?" I always feel that I should be polite but at the same time, not miss an opportunity to stand up for the One True Faith, so I answered, just as politely: "No, thank you. I'm on way to St. Rita's to get some inspired word of God and the Body of Christ." The gentleman mildly chastised me and said "You need to make sure what you're getting is really in the Bible." I kept walking in the interest of time, but I should have asked him what part of the Catholic Mass ISN'T in the Bible? People are entitled to their beliefs, but I'm entitled to mine without being badgered every Saturday morning.
I think that what you asked was a very fair question. What part of MAS is not in the Bible?
ReplyDeleteOften times the ceremony or service arrangement over shadow what the bible teaches. Without a doubt, many Christian organizations have some pretty elaborate ceremonial rite that is very impressive. However, those arrangements do more to draw attention to the organization rather than people to the bible and what it teaches.
Often times, people associate the ceremonies to the word of God. Neither have anything to do with the other.
Going to a church MASS has no foundation in the scriptures. However, going door to door has its very foundation in the scriptures. While it is true that Hebrew 10:24-25 is a scriptural command, no where in the bible does it say it should be carried out in the fashion that you find in most church.
There was nothing extravagant about the Christ. He was modest in his speech, dress, groom, and habits. He did not where standout clothing. Nothing about him said “look at me. I am the Christ.” However, that was not the case with the religious leaders of his day that was entrusted with shepherding God people (the Jews).
Jesus was about doing the will of his Father which primarily was preaching and teaching from door to door and city to city. He was about engaging people for the purpose of helping them to save their live, be encouraged, and have hope.
Yes, Jesus was very engaging with people asking questions, providing scriptural true and up lifting encouragement. This was the very thing the Witnesses were engaged in when they approached you.
So, it is clear that what the Witnesses were doing when they engaged you is scriptural.
“What part of the Catholic Mass ISN'T in the Bible?”
I'm not sure what ceremonies you are referring to as they relate to the Catholic church. I'm also hoping you don't mean to suggest that the Eucharist is not scripturally founded. "Take, all of you, and eat, this is my body." "Do this in memory of me." "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no part of me." Christ fulfilled His Father's will by His passion and death on the cross. And the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is one salvific moment recalling Christ's passion, death and resurrection, in an unbloody way. You are entitled to your opinion, but you are wrong to say there is no foundation for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in scripture. Christ promised to remain with us unti the end of time, and He does, in the tabernacle under the guise of the consecrated bread. "I am the bread from Heaven, come down."
ReplyDeleteJust curious, how many times have you actually been to a Mass and where? Hopefully you are not basing your opinion on hearsay.
I have never been a member of the Catholic Church. But I have been exposed to some of the services. Additionally, I stopped taking communion once I saw what the bible teaches about the covenant arrangement.
ReplyDeleteOn the night of the last meal, Jesus instituted a new covenant symbolized by the unleavened bread and unfermented wine. This covenant arrangement was not for everyone though everyone can benefit it.
Even though Jesus instructed his disciples to do it often in remembrance of him, no where in the Bible does it state that it should be done on weekly bases or that everyone following him is qualified to partake. This was a special arrangement for a choice few.
God concluded a covenant with Israel as a special property until himself. However, this did not mean that people from other nations could not worship and benefit themselves from the God of the Hebrews. Even though they worshiped the God of the Hebrews, they were not part of the covenant arrangement.
Such as is the case today. The Bible speaks of a specific number that will reign with Jesus in Heaven during the 1000-year reign. These are the ones that have the legal right and qualifications to partake of the emblems. The rest of us (who will reside on the earth) are observers and benefit from the association with Christ’s brothers.
So, while you are correct about the event being scriptural, how it is observed and viewed is not what the Bible teaches. Millions of Christians view this event as something required to be accepted by the God. And yet, there is nothing in the Bible that suggests such a thing. In fact, the Apostles Paul warned against anyone taking part in the event who was not part of that covenant arrangement.
I would respectfully disagree with you about what the Bible teaches. Christ very clearly gave the command to continue the Eucharist in His memory, and he clearly founded His church upon Peter, the first Pope, and He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. He did not die for a chosen few, but for all, whether they accepted Him or not. "Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven. Whose sins you retain, are retained." Clearly, there is Gospel foundation for the sacraments of the Eucharist and for Penance, and as Catholics, we know that Christ formed the New Convenant through His passion, death and resurrection and we base what we do and what we believe on Him, the Eternal Word Made Flesh. Cleary, you and I have a very different set of beliefs. What the Catholic Church teaches is in complete conformity with the Gospel, so while I appreciate your comments, I'm not sure what your point is. But I thank you for taking the time to contribute in a respectful manner.
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