Some people need the legalism. They like to have everything painted out in clear broad strokes so they can go about their business knowing they're safe within the neatly delineated boundaries.
Yep, that was me 10 years ago. Now I realize that most Catholics just aim to do their best while trusting in God's mercy and Grace.
Frags, Joab, I think the two of you are kind of illustrating Kim's problem, not alleviating it.
I realized this and decided Kim was probably well aware of this and mentioning it to educate Joab would do little additional harm.
Seriously, Kim. Some people need the legalism. They like to have everything painted out in clear broad strokes so they can go about their business knowing they're safe within the neatly delineated boundaries. But you're a good person. Most of the Church requirements are just common sense and common decency that you'd do anyway. Do your thing. Love God, love your neighbor. You want to go to Mass but are feeling weird about it? Go to a different parish where no one knows you and just re-acquaint yourself.
I'm not saying that all the laws and rules aren't applicable or valid or true. I'm saying most of 'em are like a road sign telling you to slow down to 45mph, curve ahead. If you already know the curve is there, and you're not a reckless driver, you're gonna slow down anyway. You don't need to read the sign every time you pass it.
The Sabbath was created for Kim, not Kim for the Sabbath. Furthermore, the bishops were created to save Kim, not to condemn her.
Kim, as I sad before, rather than thinking about rules, think about connecting with God, connecting with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and renewing your spirit. God understands your difficulties. Do not be afraid. Seek what is good.
I think that all talk of duty and obligation is inherently misguided. Love doesn't act out of obligation. Love acts out of a desire for the good.
Truth enough in what you say but wouldn't that insinuate that God is misguided? There is plenty of Biblical text speaking of obligation. If you do not accept it from Tradition and that infallible interpretation do you accept it from explicit literal meaning?
Gods commands which sometimes seem obligatory to us are actually for our good.
Why else would He make them?
Peace.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
"Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others." - St John of the Cross, OCD"
"Look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for all."
- St Teresa of Jesus, OCD"
Rom 14:22 -
"Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one not condemning himself in what he approves."
"There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church— which is, of course, quite a different thing." - Archbishop Fulton Sheen
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn baby that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion." - Archbishop Fulton Sheen
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I think the problem here is the Mass obligation is being put in a very negative form (or at least being understood in that way). It is true the church teaches that the Sunday Mass is a grave obligation. But I think what is more important is the rationale for this rule. The rule is more to emphasize the importance of the Mass for the life of faith. At Mass the scriptures are read and the Eucharist is celebrated, which is the core sacrament of the church. Even most Protestant services I have gone to seem to emphasize the key importance of maintaining your connection to the faith community, of being graced by the scriptures, and being nourished by the Eucharist. If the law is presented in such negative terms I think it is understandable someone would feel repelled. I think it is better to focus on the positive side, which is what the Eucharist and Mass is supposed to be about, the gathering of the people of God to give thanks (Eucharist means to give thanks to God) and to receive the graces in the scriptures, the Mass and the prayers, and the Eucharist.
Your personal situation sounds hard and I think it would help a lot to find others who are loving and supportive. If you can't find that where you are (but only harshness and hard-heartedness) among the people there, you may want to look for another Catholic church that is more welcoming. Churches seem to vary from place to place, like country towns. If the 'locals' don't like you, you have to try somewhere else, and not let their toxic negativity get to you personally.
Linear Mode
