December 13, 2012
Categories: Books & Publications, Events, history, Marian, Politics, Religious Ed . Tags: Blessed Virgin Mary, islam, Jesus Christ, muslims, Quran, reverence, woman . Author: Hosted by Doug Lawrence . Comments: 2 Comments
Monsignor Charles Pope turns the tables on the “Why do you Catholics worship Mary?” people.
Most of us who are Catholics eventually get asked, “Why do you Catholics worship Mary?”
More often than not the question is not a real question it is a rhetorical question. A “rhetorical question,” is a “question” whose purpose is not to seek an answer, but, rather, to make a (usually hostile) point. For example the expression “Who do you think you are!?” is in the form of a question but it does not seek an answer. Instead it is meant as a rebuke. And so it usually is when we Catholics get asked the “question” Why do you worship Mary?” we’re usually aware that it is not a sincere question seeking a sincere answer. However, for those cases where an answer really issought I might propose the following approach:
“Well, of course we don’t worship Mary since that would be a terrible sin. Worship belongs to God alone. We DO honor her though. After all, she is Jesus’ mother.
But let me ask you a question. Why in your church, do you NOT honor Mary at all? Doesn’t scripture say Every generation will call [Mary] blessed because God who is mighty has done great things for [her]? (Luke 1:48-49) It seems to me that we Catholics are fulfilling Scripture but that in your denomination you are not fulfilling or following it. So why don’t you honor her at all? Why don’t you call her blessed as the Bible says?”
The Significance of Genuflections and Other Gestures
ROME, JAN. 21, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Faith in the presence of the Lord, and in particular in his Eucharistic presence, is expressed in an exemplary manner by the priest when he genuflects with profound reverence during the Holy Mass or before the Eucharist.
In the post-conciliar liturgy, these acts of devotion have been reduced to a minimum in the name of sobriety. The result is that genuflections have become a rarity, or a superficial gesture. We have become stingy with our gestures of reverence before the Lord, even though we often praise Jews and Muslims for their fervor and manner way of praying.
More than words, a genuflection manifests the humility of the priest, who knows he is only a minister, and his dignity, as he is able to render the Lord present in the sacrament. However, there are other signs of devotion.
New York Times sadly notes the strength of the Catholic faith in Poland
The New York Times “damns with faint praise” the faith of the Polish people, and the resilience of the Catholic church there, woefully comparing it to the “norm” in nearby Germany, where things are much more secular and “comfortable” … and where the people have the “guts” to speak out against abuse.
The Times infers that if it wasn’t for the reverence and faith of the Polish people, there would be many more reported cases of priestly abuse there. Then they trot out their own “expert” to make the point again, along with an alleged abuse victim, who is not really identified (or willing to come forward.)
How can the Times know this? They first go to great lengths explaining how Poland is NOT like every other country in Europe. Then they reject their own premise and ASSUME that it must be!
Obviously disappointed, the article closes with : For now, at least, the church still has a refuge in Poland.
As if the Catholic Church needs a “refuge” in Poland … or anywhere else … when we have Jesus Christ!
What the New York Times should do is simply admit that they do not understand the Polish people, the Catholic Church, and the Christian faith, in general. Then, we might be getting somewhere!
How can we speak about God?
Q: How can we speak about God?
A: With reverence, faith, and love.
Constantly giving him thanks and praise.
With a contrite heart, in the spirit of repentance.
Maintaining a blessed hope of salvation, in Christ Jesus, the Lord.
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