This is another article for our parish from the Evangelization committee. I wrote it after hearning a wonderful talk given on the radio from Fr. John Ricarrdo from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymoth Mi. He was talking about the Theology of the Body and Pope John Paul II's writing about the Feminine Genius and in my mind I could see how this idea related to women's ability to evangelize for the faith.
“Hey You”
Women at times feel helpless. Sometimes women feel weak. There are a lot of times women make less money for doing the same job as men. Women occupy less seats of power in government and business. If you are a woman or love a woman you might be feeling a bit sorry about now. BUT DON’T!!!
God did something so wonderful for everyone in making women. Even if the culture doesn’t see it, there is great power in the way women are made. Pope John Paul II wrote that women possess a divine genius because of the way they are made. Because woman can make space inside herself for another human being (regardless is she ever has a child), she has a special innate love for human life. Because she can carry life beneath her heart, she can love in a way that man cannot instinctually. She can teach this way of loving to others and share this love with others.
One example of women’s special love for other’s is seen in the Book of John chapter 2:3-5, “When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” At first reading, some might think that Mary might be worrying about something that isn’t any of her business, or that Jesus is not very caring about the plight of the bride and groom. But that isn’t the case. This example shows that women are made to care (love) others and then give this idea of the caring to others. “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ John 2:5-8 Jesus saw this special love that Mary had for the bride and groom that were in trouble and he acted.
Because of this special way women love, they are great apostles (evangelists) for Christ. What stronger, positive and life changing way can the message of Jesus’ promise be brought to us than through the loving care of women. God the Father – Son – Holy Spirit, thank you for making women in such a way that the power of your love shines through them, and in turn help us to want to spend eternity with you.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
When Catholics Evangelize Wonderful Things Happen
God Blessed me four years ago when I was asked to join the Evangelization Committee at my parish. Since then I have had the great opportunity to invite speakers to our parish to speak about the faith, share with others my love for Jesus and many other activities. One new activity is to write small articles for our church paper. This is the article I just wrote. I hope that it inspires people to "share the Good News."
“Hey You”
What is the reason for your hope? It is not as easy a question as you might think. As Catholic Christians we might easily say that Jesus is the greatest reason for our hope because of Him, no matter what trouble we face here in this life we know that we can spend eternity in heaven. However, for many people, the troubles of this life turn us this way and that searching for peace and happiness. I know this to be true for myself. I grew up in a home that didn’t include God or faith, and as I grew into adulthood, God didn’t hold a very important place in my life. I wanted to do the “right” thing so I got married in the Church and started to raise our children in the faith, but God didn’t have an everyday and in all things place in my life. Troubles and trails happened, as they always do, and things became harder and harder to handle. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that I met some wonderful people at St. Albert’s who actually talked about their faith. They didn’t only talk about their faith in organized situations like bible study or faith sharing groups, but at lunch or during shopping trips. They didn’t talk about the faith like they were superiorly teaching me something they thought I didn’t know, but they talked about their faith like someone who had this fantastic relationship with someone wonderful. They shared with me how they prayed for small things like close parking spaces and sales on needed household goods, or big things like conversion of family or healing of serious illnesses. But most of all, they shared with me how praying and learning about their faith and trusting in God’s love and providence, helped them developed a real relationship with GOD. I saw people who even in really tough times (even thought they were sad or scared) were not without hope. God had given them a special confidence, a deep peace and I wanted that. Their sharing of faith in that personal way, prompted me to “come and see”, as Mother Theresa would say. Now, I have a “great reason for hope.” I have a personal relationship with Jesus. I also have a great love for all those who actually loved Jesus so much that they talked about him with me. Now some people would call that kind of sharing, evangelization. If that is what it is called, I hope that everyone at St. Albert’s and the whole Catholic Church start sharing or evangelizing, because I know that sharing saved my life. What is your great reason for hope?
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15
What is the reason for your hope? It is not as easy a question as you might think. As Catholic Christians we might easily say that Jesus is the greatest reason for our hope because of Him, no matter what trouble we face here in this life we know that we can spend eternity in heaven. However, for many people, the troubles of this life turn us this way and that searching for peace and happiness. I know this to be true for myself. I grew up in a home that didn’t include God or faith, and as I grew into adulthood, God didn’t hold a very important place in my life. I wanted to do the “right” thing so I got married in the Church and started to raise our children in the faith, but God didn’t have an everyday and in all things place in my life. Troubles and trails happened, as they always do, and things became harder and harder to handle. It wasn’t until a few years ago, that I met some wonderful people at St. Albert’s who actually talked about their faith. They didn’t only talk about their faith in organized situations like bible study or faith sharing groups, but at lunch or during shopping trips. They didn’t talk about the faith like they were superiorly teaching me something they thought I didn’t know, but they talked about their faith like someone who had this fantastic relationship with someone wonderful. They shared with me how they prayed for small things like close parking spaces and sales on needed household goods, or big things like conversion of family or healing of serious illnesses. But most of all, they shared with me how praying and learning about their faith and trusting in God’s love and providence, helped them developed a real relationship with GOD. I saw people who even in really tough times (even thought they were sad or scared) were not without hope. God had given them a special confidence, a deep peace and I wanted that. Their sharing of faith in that personal way, prompted me to “come and see”, as Mother Theresa would say. Now, I have a “great reason for hope.” I have a personal relationship with Jesus. I also have a great love for all those who actually loved Jesus so much that they talked about him with me. Now some people would call that kind of sharing, evangelization. If that is what it is called, I hope that everyone at St. Albert’s and the whole Catholic Church start sharing or evangelizing, because I know that sharing saved my life. What is your great reason for hope?
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Don't Be Afraid - God's Great Mercy
MESSAGE FOR ALL CATHOLICS: “JESUS IS IN THE CONFESSIONAL”
Despite evil’s attempts at discrediting Catholic Priests, many fallen-away Catholics will soon be returning to the practice of their faith. The reason: the Church’s new feast on the Sunday after Easter. What new feast you might say? It is the “Feast of Divine Mercy”. The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican had made it official on April 30th in the Jubilee year 2000. Why would every Catholic want to come back, you might ask? It is the promise that Jesus Himself made for a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment on that day, even to the most terrible sinner imaginable. God in His great mercy is giving mankind a last chance for salvation.
When did Jesus make this promise and how does one get it? Jesus left all the details in a diary that He commanded Saint Faustina to write in the 1930’s. It was her job to record everything that He wanted mankind to know about His mercy before He returns to judge the world. To get this great promise one has to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion on that Feast of Divine Mercy, which has now been called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the whole Church. Jesus said, “Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 300) To receive Communion worthily one should be in the state of grace and without serious sin.
How many today receive Holy Communion with souls stained with mortal sins? When a person receives the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in Holy Communion without first going to Confession to cleanse their souls, that soul is going even deeper into sin. Many have not confessed their sins in a long time so this special promise of a complete pardon is an incentive to come to Him, with trust, before He returns again soon.
In Saint Faustina’s diary, she recorded that Jesus also indicated that He Himself is there in the confessional. He told her, “When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity." (1602)
Jesus knew that people would need to hear these words today, so He went on to say “Come with faith to the feet of My representative...and make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602)
Many feel that their sins are unforgivable but, Jesus said, “Were a soul like a decaying corpse, so that from a human standpoint, there would be no hope of restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. In the Tribunal of Mercy (the sacrament of Confession) ...the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated." (1448) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602) Every sin imaginable could be forgiven by Him!
So many people are weighed down by sin and their prideful nature keeps them away from the confession of their sins. They are living in misery. Jesus said, “Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God’s mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late." (1448) "Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace." (1074) "There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy.” (1273) Jesus came to restore sinners and one would be foolish to turn away.
On the evening of His resurrection Jesus appeared to His Apostles and the first thing that He did was to give them the power to forgive sins (John 20:19-31). This is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. For sure it was not the Lord’s intention just for the Apostles to forgive sins but rather for that power to be passed down through the Holy Spirit to the priests of today. That is why Confession is so much of an uplifting experience; we are actually receiving heavenly graces and the forgiveness of sins from the Lord Himself!
Most people haven’t spent much time thinking about the future. Some might think that they are brilliant and successful in this life, but what is that as compared to eternity? The father of lies has everyone focused on this life while not thinking about what happens in the eternal life. If you really want to be wise, think about where you are going to spend eternity. We will be there for quite a long time. Many do not believe in the fires of hell. Unfortunately, those are the ones that usually will end up there. Be wise, think about it!
Remember these words of Jesus, “ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." (699) "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity...tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (965) Wake up people of the World, and repent of your sins, this just might be our last hope of salvation!
Contact your local Catholic Church and arrange go to Confession as soon as you can, so that you may be ready always to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, especially on Divine Mercy Sunday, when you can receive the total forgiveness of your sins and punishment!
Robert R. Allard, DirectorApostles of Divine Mercy
Diary, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul (c) 1987 Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
Despite evil’s attempts at discrediting Catholic Priests, many fallen-away Catholics will soon be returning to the practice of their faith. The reason: the Church’s new feast on the Sunday after Easter. What new feast you might say? It is the “Feast of Divine Mercy”. The Catholic Church has been celebrating this feast ever since the Vatican had made it official on April 30th in the Jubilee year 2000. Why would every Catholic want to come back, you might ask? It is the promise that Jesus Himself made for a complete forgiveness of sins and punishment on that day, even to the most terrible sinner imaginable. God in His great mercy is giving mankind a last chance for salvation.
When did Jesus make this promise and how does one get it? Jesus left all the details in a diary that He commanded Saint Faustina to write in the 1930’s. It was her job to record everything that He wanted mankind to know about His mercy before He returns to judge the world. To get this great promise one has to go to Confession and then receive Holy Communion on that Feast of Divine Mercy, which has now been called Divine Mercy Sunday throughout the whole Church. Jesus said, “Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 300) To receive Communion worthily one should be in the state of grace and without serious sin.
How many today receive Holy Communion with souls stained with mortal sins? When a person receives the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus in Holy Communion without first going to Confession to cleanse their souls, that soul is going even deeper into sin. Many have not confessed their sins in a long time so this special promise of a complete pardon is an incentive to come to Him, with trust, before He returns again soon.
In Saint Faustina’s diary, she recorded that Jesus also indicated that He Himself is there in the confessional. He told her, “When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity." (1602)
Jesus knew that people would need to hear these words today, so He went on to say “Come with faith to the feet of My representative...and make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light." (1725) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602)
Many feel that their sins are unforgivable but, Jesus said, “Were a soul like a decaying corpse, so that from a human standpoint, there would be no hope of restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full. In the Tribunal of Mercy (the sacrament of Confession) ...the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated." (1448) "Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy.” (1602) Every sin imaginable could be forgiven by Him!
So many people are weighed down by sin and their prideful nature keeps them away from the confession of their sins. They are living in misery. Jesus said, “Oh, how miserable are those who do not take advantage of the miracle of God’s mercy! You will call out in vain, but it will be too late." (1448) "Tell aching mankind to snuggle close to My merciful Heart, and I will fill it with peace." (1074) "There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy.” (1273) Jesus came to restore sinners and one would be foolish to turn away.
On the evening of His resurrection Jesus appeared to His Apostles and the first thing that He did was to give them the power to forgive sins (John 20:19-31). This is done through the power of the Holy Spirit. For sure it was not the Lord’s intention just for the Apostles to forgive sins but rather for that power to be passed down through the Holy Spirit to the priests of today. That is why Confession is so much of an uplifting experience; we are actually receiving heavenly graces and the forgiveness of sins from the Lord Himself!
Most people haven’t spent much time thinking about the future. Some might think that they are brilliant and successful in this life, but what is that as compared to eternity? The father of lies has everyone focused on this life while not thinking about what happens in the eternal life. If you really want to be wise, think about where you are going to spend eternity. We will be there for quite a long time. Many do not believe in the fires of hell. Unfortunately, those are the ones that usually will end up there. Be wise, think about it!
Remember these words of Jesus, “ I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment." (699) "Souls perish in spite of My bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity...tell souls about this great mercy of Mine, because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.” (965) Wake up people of the World, and repent of your sins, this just might be our last hope of salvation!
Contact your local Catholic Church and arrange go to Confession as soon as you can, so that you may be ready always to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, especially on Divine Mercy Sunday, when you can receive the total forgiveness of your sins and punishment!
Robert R. Allard, DirectorApostles of Divine Mercy
Diary, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul (c) 1987 Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.
What is the Catholic Church?
I have been volunteering in my children's school and for our Church for many years. My oldest daughter is 22years now and I started helping out her preschool teachers when she was 3 and our Church for just a few years less. I guess I have been surprised lately when I heard a few different people make comments about why they could not help out in the Church.
A couple of people, a man and a women, who are not related, said that because they are senior citizens and had helped out for a number of years already, they had put in their time and were done. Another young women said that because she worked and had a young child, that if the Church gave her a paid position she would be able to do more, but that she couldn't really put in much time otherwise.
I have been dumbfounded by these comments. Not only do these particular senior citizens have better strength than I , because of my chronic pain syndrome, they have lots of time off because they are retired. They have been spending their time at home getting aggravated at the problems in the world or shopping or trips to the Casino. The young woman that made the comment that she couldn't because of working and having a young family is only stating the same sentiments as her contemporaries, but what bothers me about her comments is that I myself, and many of my friends did and do a lot of volunteering with jobs and kids too.
What happened to people wanting to help because they knew it was their duty. When did people forget that they are the Church? In my discussion with people in my parish and from other parishes, I am finding that many people think that the Church is simply an institution that should provide them with the programs and activities that they want and need. They don't realize that they are the Church and the programs and activities are theirs to develop and organize. Priest today are stretched so thin and Catholics today are expecting many things that their grandparents didn't. Vacation Bible School, family programs, Adult religious studies, adult bible study, counseling, book discus ion groups, prayer groups, youth groups, young adult groups and many more are part of the needs of the new Catholic family and are very good for the spiritual growth of the Catholic family but for the most part are new for most parishes.
People don't realize what we are all called to at our Baptism. That we are responsible for each other's journey to heaven. Catholics are really afraid the the word "evangelization". But that is what the Church is for (we are for). Providing good experiences for each other to learn and love the faith is important for Evangelization. We Are The Church. Pope John Paul II called the Church to a New Evangelization. He called each one of us.
I am not doing all this (volunteering) because I am so good and definitely not so smart. God has been using me even before I knew Him. I just hope that my writing this will be His way of reaching into their heart so that people will want to make time for each other, to do what they can do, and should do and will be very happy doing it. God Bless everyone who does the will of God.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us
A couple of people, a man and a women, who are not related, said that because they are senior citizens and had helped out for a number of years already, they had put in their time and were done. Another young women said that because she worked and had a young child, that if the Church gave her a paid position she would be able to do more, but that she couldn't really put in much time otherwise.
I have been dumbfounded by these comments. Not only do these particular senior citizens have better strength than I , because of my chronic pain syndrome, they have lots of time off because they are retired. They have been spending their time at home getting aggravated at the problems in the world or shopping or trips to the Casino. The young woman that made the comment that she couldn't because of working and having a young family is only stating the same sentiments as her contemporaries, but what bothers me about her comments is that I myself, and many of my friends did and do a lot of volunteering with jobs and kids too.
What happened to people wanting to help because they knew it was their duty. When did people forget that they are the Church? In my discussion with people in my parish and from other parishes, I am finding that many people think that the Church is simply an institution that should provide them with the programs and activities that they want and need. They don't realize that they are the Church and the programs and activities are theirs to develop and organize. Priest today are stretched so thin and Catholics today are expecting many things that their grandparents didn't. Vacation Bible School, family programs, Adult religious studies, adult bible study, counseling, book discus ion groups, prayer groups, youth groups, young adult groups and many more are part of the needs of the new Catholic family and are very good for the spiritual growth of the Catholic family but for the most part are new for most parishes.
People don't realize what we are all called to at our Baptism. That we are responsible for each other's journey to heaven. Catholics are really afraid the the word "evangelization". But that is what the Church is for (we are for). Providing good experiences for each other to learn and love the faith is important for Evangelization. We Are The Church. Pope John Paul II called the Church to a New Evangelization. He called each one of us.
I am not doing all this (volunteering) because I am so good and definitely not so smart. God has been using me even before I knew Him. I just hope that my writing this will be His way of reaching into their heart so that people will want to make time for each other, to do what they can do, and should do and will be very happy doing it. God Bless everyone who does the will of God.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Websites to help with faith journey
Part of my journey to loving Jesus more is learning about my Catholic faith, and also sharing what I learn with my family and those I meet. One of the biggest challenges is to know where to go for resources for learning the faith and sharing it with my family. Below are two good websites that I like and hope that you will enjoy.
The website http://www.catholicmom.com/ is good for parents and individuals who need a one stop place for catechesis and practical information and printables about teaching the faith to children and links for developing the faith as an adult.
A very wonderful website for adults is: http://catholicexchange.com/ This website has areas of study such as, Theology of the Body, The Integrated Life, Catholic Bioethics, Today's Catholic Woman. This site has more teaching and information in one place than I have ever seen, by reliable authors. It is a great resource.
The website http://www.catholicmom.com/ is good for parents and individuals who need a one stop place for catechesis and practical information and printables about teaching the faith to children and links for developing the faith as an adult.
A very wonderful website for adults is: http://catholicexchange.com/ This website has areas of study such as, Theology of the Body, The Integrated Life, Catholic Bioethics, Today's Catholic Woman. This site has more teaching and information in one place than I have ever seen, by reliable authors. It is a great resource.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pagan Easter Eggs?
I was asked by a religious education teacher at my parish to help her find an activity on the net for her class using Resurrection Eggs and because I was an elementary school librarian and missed working with children, I was happy to say yes. I was disturbed however when I read one website from an angry individual that said that Catholics and other Christians who decorate Easter eggs are practicing pagan rituals.
The angry author was saying that because ancient peoples looked at eggs and saw symbolism of life, fertility, rebirth etc. that Christians, Catholic Christians in particular, who also see them as symbols of the Easter mystery are somehow acting pagan. There has been the same argument used for the name of Easter itself, which is an English word for a possible Germanic goddess (Eostre) or for (Eostur) springtime because the Holy season was celebrated in April which was known in Anglo-Saxon counties as easter-monadh and Eastur which as an old Germanic word meaning springtime. Other languages have different words for Easter, Pascha (Latin and Greek), Pasqua (Italian) Pascua (Spanish) and others which derives from the Hebrew word “Pesach” meaning Passover. The Solemnity (celebration) of Easter is rooted in the Old Testament Pesach which was fulfilled at the Crucifixion and gave us the fruits of the Resurrection which are in no way made pagan because of a common name given by an ancient people of the season in which the Holy days where introduced. The writer of the website I referred to, as well as others, want to deny God’s Revelation by their shallow implication that the Catholic faith is not divinely instituted because of certain rites or customs that also occur in certain phenomena in the ancient world.
The absurdity of this way of thinking becomes even more apparent when one reads Holy Scripture and sees the wonderful symbolism that Christ Himself uses to teach the Apostles and others about the Revelation of God. For instance, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life” John 3:35 also “unless a grain of wheat falls unto the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies bears much fruit” and again John the Baptist referring to Jesus in Acts said “he will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire” and later what people saw over the heads of Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost, “what seemed life tongues of fire” and finally in Gospel of John there are several references to water, Jesus turning “water into wine”, the “water of new birth”, “living water”, the “cleansing water of Bethesda”, and “the calming of the water”, all of which echo the teachings of the Old Testament that “with joy you will draw from the wells of salvation”.
Now one may ask, in what way does these biblical references display the absurdity of the thinking that if eggs were once used as symbols by ancient peoples (pagans), that Catholic who also use eggs as symbols to represent the teaching the mysteries of Christ death and Resurrection are practicing pagan rites, all anyone needs to do is to research how ancient peoples (pagans) used bread, fire and water as symbols, and Jesus himself used common themes to teach. Bread to the pagans of ancient times was the symbol of fertility and life. A spike of wheat was associated with the symbolism of resurrection and is seen in reliefs in the Egyptian temple of Isis and is associated with nearly all divinities in ancient cultures. Many cultures thought of bread as a symbol of life. The Chinese use the term “baptism by fire.” There are numerous references to ancient pagan cultures that worshiped fire and referred to an underworld that had fire tormented the wicked dead. The ancient world thought of water as the source of life. Hindus believed that water aided in spiritual purification. Many ancient people used water during rituals. Countless ancient peoples believed in a healing power in water.
Jesus and His Church not only spoke to God’s chosen people, but opened up the promise and Covenant to the gentiles, who were pagans. The Greeks, Romans and the rest of the world was welcomed into God’s love by Christ’s teaching, through His Apostles. Even St. Paul and St. Peter had a debate whether it was necessary for gentiles (pagans) to be circumcised or stop eating certain foods to belong to the faith. The Apostles prayed and thought about what Christ taught and the Holy Spirit revealed to them that allowing those things would not take from His teaching and would not make the faith pagan. The Holy Spirit is still working in the Catholic Church and will until Christ’s return.
It is easy to take small portions of Holy Scripture, writings of early Church Father, or practices out of the full context and slam the Church. Please read Holy Scripture as a whole, see the love the Early Church Fathers (first Christians) had for the Sacraments and rituals of the Church and read about Church practices and rituals and the reason why they are practiced. Read with an open mind and heart and Jesus will speak to you, because they are His words and practices that He handed down to the Apostles.
The angry author was saying that because ancient peoples looked at eggs and saw symbolism of life, fertility, rebirth etc. that Christians, Catholic Christians in particular, who also see them as symbols of the Easter mystery are somehow acting pagan. There has been the same argument used for the name of Easter itself, which is an English word for a possible Germanic goddess (Eostre) or for (Eostur) springtime because the Holy season was celebrated in April which was known in Anglo-Saxon counties as easter-monadh and Eastur which as an old Germanic word meaning springtime. Other languages have different words for Easter, Pascha (Latin and Greek), Pasqua (Italian) Pascua (Spanish) and others which derives from the Hebrew word “Pesach” meaning Passover. The Solemnity (celebration) of Easter is rooted in the Old Testament Pesach which was fulfilled at the Crucifixion and gave us the fruits of the Resurrection which are in no way made pagan because of a common name given by an ancient people of the season in which the Holy days where introduced. The writer of the website I referred to, as well as others, want to deny God’s Revelation by their shallow implication that the Catholic faith is not divinely instituted because of certain rites or customs that also occur in certain phenomena in the ancient world.
The absurdity of this way of thinking becomes even more apparent when one reads Holy Scripture and sees the wonderful symbolism that Christ Himself uses to teach the Apostles and others about the Revelation of God. For instance, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life” John 3:35 also “unless a grain of wheat falls unto the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies bears much fruit” and again John the Baptist referring to Jesus in Acts said “he will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire” and later what people saw over the heads of Mary and the Apostles at Pentecost, “what seemed life tongues of fire” and finally in Gospel of John there are several references to water, Jesus turning “water into wine”, the “water of new birth”, “living water”, the “cleansing water of Bethesda”, and “the calming of the water”, all of which echo the teachings of the Old Testament that “with joy you will draw from the wells of salvation”.
Now one may ask, in what way does these biblical references display the absurdity of the thinking that if eggs were once used as symbols by ancient peoples (pagans), that Catholic who also use eggs as symbols to represent the teaching the mysteries of Christ death and Resurrection are practicing pagan rites, all anyone needs to do is to research how ancient peoples (pagans) used bread, fire and water as symbols, and Jesus himself used common themes to teach. Bread to the pagans of ancient times was the symbol of fertility and life. A spike of wheat was associated with the symbolism of resurrection and is seen in reliefs in the Egyptian temple of Isis and is associated with nearly all divinities in ancient cultures. Many cultures thought of bread as a symbol of life. The Chinese use the term “baptism by fire.” There are numerous references to ancient pagan cultures that worshiped fire and referred to an underworld that had fire tormented the wicked dead. The ancient world thought of water as the source of life. Hindus believed that water aided in spiritual purification. Many ancient people used water during rituals. Countless ancient peoples believed in a healing power in water.
Jesus and His Church not only spoke to God’s chosen people, but opened up the promise and Covenant to the gentiles, who were pagans. The Greeks, Romans and the rest of the world was welcomed into God’s love by Christ’s teaching, through His Apostles. Even St. Paul and St. Peter had a debate whether it was necessary for gentiles (pagans) to be circumcised or stop eating certain foods to belong to the faith. The Apostles prayed and thought about what Christ taught and the Holy Spirit revealed to them that allowing those things would not take from His teaching and would not make the faith pagan. The Holy Spirit is still working in the Catholic Church and will until Christ’s return.
It is easy to take small portions of Holy Scripture, writings of early Church Father, or practices out of the full context and slam the Church. Please read Holy Scripture as a whole, see the love the Early Church Fathers (first Christians) had for the Sacraments and rituals of the Church and read about Church practices and rituals and the reason why they are practiced. Read with an open mind and heart and Jesus will speak to you, because they are His words and practices that He handed down to the Apostles.
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