The Glory of God is man fully alive

This saying has always kind of perplexed me. Mainly because it forces me to wonder what is man fully alive? Well after this year in theology I think I may have an answer. Man fully alive is not measured by how much money you make or how many things you have. It is measured by how you lived your life doing what you do. Such as if you are called to be a teacher then teach to the best of your ability. Or if you decide to pursue a business career then do it to the best of your ability. Also why you are going about your life path just try to do as God commanded. Sin as little as possible. Be a good person. Help others. Do everything you do to praise God. But most of all just live a good life. God created us. And any creator wants to see his creations turn out well. So the best way to glorify God is to live to your full potential. Because if we don't then we didn't fully glorify God. Everything we do we should do it for the glory of God. So even if it's just a mindless desk job do it to the best of your ability and God will be pleased. There's a reason why sloth is one of the seven deadly sins. Lack of trying does no one any good and doesn't bring glory to our creator. Work hard and just do your best. God doesn't expect you to always succeed but he expects you to always try. That way we can be man fully alive.

Prayer

There are many types of prayer in the Church. Prayer plays a large role in the Church because it is our way to communicate with God. Some of the forms of prayer are meditative, group prayer (such as mass), prayer of Thanksgiving, prayer of intercession, and prayer of petition. We as humans can only communicate with God through prayer and there for use different forms of prayer to talk to him.

The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive

The quote "The Glory of God is man fully alive." was said by St. Irenaeus. St. Irenaeus was a second century  saint. He was a Bishop in the Church of Lyons. Now back to the quote. The idea that the Glory of God is man fully alive has been debated.

The thought that man can decide the Glory of God seems to be overstepping our boundaries. It makes it seem like we are deciding how glorious God is even though His glory cannot be decided by us. Man cannot come to know God but with this quote it makes it look like we are capable of coming to know him.

The Call to Priesthood

Priesthood doesn't seem like the kind of thing every guy wanted. No sex, no money, and total obedience. It doesn't sound like fun but in recent years the amount of seminarians is going up. More men are joining the seminary in recent years. Priests have a large in the Catholic Church. They are to lead their Parish. They must serve all members of their Parish and are to be their Father.
Here is a video about the call to Priesthood.

Antinomianism

Antinomianism is the belief that there are no laws God expects Christians to obey. This belief is against the Church because the Church believes that the one can achieve Heaven through God's Grace and through their works. A Christian must represent God in all that they do. This means that they must have laws to follow in order to be able to represent him properly.

Prayer

Prayer is what you make it. Private and intimate or in a group. Prayer can take all shapes. Song, thoughts words anything you want. As long as you focus on the thing that matters. God. Tell him your wants and needs. Tell him your fears. Ask for strength. It doesn't matter what he'll be there.

God is there

Sometimes you feel just plain sad or alone. We've all felt it. And the toughest thing to remember is that God is always there. Most people look for some big miracle to see God's presence but sometimes it's as slight as a brief feeling of happiness. Or a painting you've never noticed in the corner of the room that you realize you love. God is present always but look for him in the small things.

A reflection on John Martyr

John Martyr was an early Church members in A.D. 150 who wrote a letter to the Roman emperor to try to convince him that the Christians are not crazy people but a harmless and loving religion. Probably what amazed me the most about this was how even at the beginning they believed in the transmutation of the bread and wine to flesh and blood. Another interesting thing was that the early church had reading, had Eucharistic prayers, they even had a collection! So the mass has not changed all that much.

Treating People Like People

Today I watched a video of a homeless man named Ronald Davis. He talked about people calling him a bum and not having respect for him. This made me start to think. How should we treat people? As a Catholics we must treat all people equally.

Treating people equally means all people from the homeless people on the corner to the prominent business man. He spoke of the people just ignoring him and telling him  to get a job. He said the problem is that people are judging him and not treating him like a person.
Here is the Video

All Are Welcome

The Church teaches that all people are welcome but also gives specific rules that its members are required to live by. The Church accepts all people just does not necessarily accept their actions. The Church is open for all including those who are in a state of sin. The Church does not accept their actions.

The Church accepts all people but has its ground rules that must be followed. Just being a member of the Church does not guarantee salvation. To receive salvation one must work toward it through their actions. People must strive toward holiness it is not just given.

Helpful link here.

Stigmata

Stigmata is when a person receives the wounds of Christ. It does not happen very often. St. Pio was one of the most recent to receive stigmata. Stigmata is one of the greatest things that can happen to anybody because it allows you to take part of the suffering of Christ. Almost everybody who has had stigmata was declared a saint.

Divorce

"Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery" (Luke 16:18; cf. Mark 10:11–12). Jesus himself forbade divorce. This is why the Church teaches against divorce. Because Christ commanded. Besides if you really love someone enough to get married wouldn't you be able to make things work?

Miracles

The miracle of Lanciano is when a Basilian hieromonk was hired to celebrate mass at St. Longinus. The monk had doubts concerning the real present of Christ. During the mass, as he was saying the Words of Consecration, The bread and wine changed. But not the normal change into Christ being present in the bread and wine. It actually became living flesh and five globules of blood corresponding to the wounds Christ suffered. This is an officially recognized miracle and after Scientific study it is still not able to be disproved. The Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ since he is really present. But this time it became actual flesh and blood. An amazing sign and proves Christ really is present.

Confirmation

A Cathachumen is a person studying and growing to be ready for the sacrament of confirmation. I am currently partaking in this activity. Basically you are asked to reflect on your Catholic life. Things such as what will you do next is commonly asked. That’s a tough question. What are we going to do after? Will we feel any different? My hope is that the Holy Spirit will guide me better to make better decisions. Is it likely to happen? Yes if I listen. But sometimes it’s hard to hear so I hope I also gain some better hearing.

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The Sacraments are with us

The sacraments correspond to human nature focusing mainly on sin. Such as Baptism and reconciliation help human kind with our inclination to sin and allow us to be saved despite it. Matrimony represents the human inclination to find a partner that love him or her. Anointing of the Sick reflects human nature to seek comfort and forgiveness at the end of our life. The sacraments are there for us throughout our lives. We just have to seek them.

Jesuits

The Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits are a religious order in the Catholic Church. They were established by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Members have to take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience to Christ, and obedience to the Pope. Jesuits are one of the most well known religious orders in the Catholic Church. They are also the largest order. 

Sacerdotalism

Sacerdotalism is the belief that a priest is an essential mediator between Christ and His Church. People cannot go to God by themselves but must go through a Priest. A Priest is necessary whether it is through receiving Eucharist, Reconciliation, or Anointing of the Sick. 

 

Transubstantiation

Transubstantiation is the term used for the conversion from the bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is the change of the substance but not the accidents. The accidents are the physical properties and the substance is what it truly is.  Many Protestant Churches believe in consubstantiation. This is the belief that  Christ is around it but that it is not his true body and blood.

Source of Salvation

Many people question the source of salvation in the Catholic Church. Whether by faith alone, faith and works, or only works. According to the Bible one is saved by faith and works. One must believe in Christ and also work to be like him.

Schism

Schism has had a profound effect on the Catholic Church. Schism is the separation from the Church due to no longer accepting the authority of the Pope. The two largest schisms in the Catholic Church are the Orthodox Churches and the Protestant Churches. Schism hurts the Church and is considered the greatest wound against unity. This is because it usually involves a large group of people leaving the Church at once. 

Authority of the Pope

I have heard uniformed people talk about the Pope many times. It seems like the majority of people think that the Pope is the only way in which we can connect to God. Many other people think that the Pope has no authority. The Pope has authority as the head of the Church. The Pope is the head of the Magisterium, which is the teaching authority of the Church. The Pope has papal infallibility. Many people confuse this with the Pope being without error throughout his life. This is incorrect, papal infallibility is that the Pope cannot be wrong in the matter of faith and morals.

The Church is Holy.. it's members are not

The Church as entity created by Christ. The people in the Church are not. This explains why scandals happen in the Church. The Church itself is not corrupt as it was created by Christ and has the grace of God but it's members are as capable of sin as anyone else.

Service Project Reflection

During their freshman and sophomore years at Strake Jesuit, each student is required to complete 15 hours of community service.  In the sophomore year service can focus on such charitable foundations as homeless shelters and soup kitchens, or on activities like tutoring underprivileged students. After my discernment I chose to volunteer my sophomore year at the Star of Hope Women & Family Center in downtown Houston, at the St. Vincent de Paul Organization, which is associated with St. Anne's Catholic Community in Tomball, and at Reach Unlimited, an organization that endeavors to improve the lives of handicapped adults.

At the Star of Hope Center, I assisted with serving meals to needy families. With St. Anne's St. Vincent de Paul Organization, I helped set up a cafe that provided food for the needy. At Reach Unlimited, I helped serve food to students at the organization's annual gala. I also worked in the main facility, helping the teachers prepare instructions as well as assisting them with mentoring student classes.

At times the poverty shocked me. I was serving food and the portions were so small I had no idea how somebody could survive off of it. I taught me that there is poverty everywhere even around the corner. These works showed me that while I live comfortably there are people who do not have those pleasures and that they need help.

These experiences have helped with my Jesuit education because of the experience of helping others who are in need. Jesuit education teaches to become a Man for Others and to help those who are in need. This idea has helped me to reach my long-term goals by allowing me to help the homeless and improve lives. Though not completely changing their lives completely it is good to know that I played a part in helping them to succeed.

This work impacted me by showing me that there are people who are in need. It has changed the way that I look at people who are on the street. I have wanted to do more since I did my work. These works have made me feel more responsible for helping those who are need help. These works have helped teach me that Catholicism does justice. The works of service I did helped to show me the importance that social justice in my faith and in my life.

My service works had a major impact on my life. The works showed me that there actually are people in need of help. It taught me to not to take things such as food for granted. It allowed me to help those who needed help. My work at Star of Hope and St. Vincent de Paul Organization allowed me to feed those who were hungry. My work at Reach Unlimited let me work with the mentally handicapped and showed me that just because they are different does not mean they are bad people. My works helped grow in my faith and gave me the opportunity to improve lives. I enjoyed my work and hope to do it again.

Rites in the Catholic Church

Most people when they think of the Catholic Church they think of the Roman or Latin rite. This rite is the main rite of the Church it's not the only one. There twenty one different rites in the Church total. These rites formed as the Apostles and disciples of Christ spread the good news throughout the world. As they did so certain Church's decided to share the same sacraments and teachings while reflecting the heritage of their respective ethnicity and culture. They are in full communion with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. They are not separate entities.

Apostolicity of the Church

The Church is said to be Apostolic because of its nature from the twelve Apostles. The Church was established by Christ and he entrusted it to His Apostles. The Church has a constant line of descent from the Apostles to modern-day bishops. This is called Apostolic Succession. The Church still teaches what the Apostles taught.

Contraceptives

The Catholic Church has a very direct view on contraceptives. The Church believes that all contraceptives are bad and instead natural family planning should be used. This issue is a major topic of debate among those outside of the Church. Many people believe that contraceptives are good but the Church teaches that their should be ramifications for actions. The Church teaches that children are part of God's Divine plan and that contraceptives interrupt that plan.

Baptists on Mary and saints vs. Catholic view

Catholics do not pray to Mary and the saints. They send prayers to them so they can act on our behalf before God since they are in heaven with Him. Baptists do not believe in this practice and therefore do not designate saints. Also Catholics hold Mary in a special place as sinless and Queen of Heaven. Baptists do not have this special place for Mary.

Protestants and Catholics

Catholics and protestants view themselves as different but if we act as true Christians isn't it our purpose to unite for Christ? We as a people must learn to settle our differences and come under one Church. The true Church. Without this we fail in the mission given to us by Christ.

Pope Francis

So the new pope seems to be in the news a lot lately with his habits that show great humility and show new focus on the poor and social justice issues. This is exactly what the Church dealing with accusations of not caring about the poor and being called hypocrites needed. A pope who can show his determination to help the poor and settle issues of social justice. This is the face needed for the Church after the endless scandals. I just hope the new pope can keep it up as he continues his reign as sumpre pontiff

The Trinity

The Blessed Trinity is one of the most confusing teachings of the Church. It has caused debate since the time of Jesus. The teaching of the Blessed Trinity is that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons in one God. Many heresies in the early Church would confuse this teaching and would cause division in the Church. The Trinity though confusing is one of the major teachings of the Church. The idea of Jesus, the Son, being begotten of the Father and the Holy Spirit proceeding from them confuses many people because at first glance is seems as though there are three gods. But, in fact, it is one God in three Divine Persons.

Priests being Married

Recently the argument that priests should be married has been raised by many non-Catholics. With many sexual abuse scandals, people are wondering if priests being married would lessen the likelihood of this happening. The Catholic Church says that marriage is not an option for priests because the priests have responsibilities for their parish and cannot take on the  responsibilities of both a family and a parish.

The Dark Deeds of the Church

Now probably all of you have heard the arguments against the Church and God like this one. Well the Church caused the Crusades and Inquisition. And Jesus can see into the future as God why didn't he stop them? Yes at one time these policies were acted out by members of the Church. But these people failed to fulfill Christ's command. Jesus never once says to do this. He teaches only about Love and redemption for us. If he did say to his disciples one day you will kill and torture and go to war for horrible reasons would anyone believe him? Would that stop the corrupt from doing it anyways. The Church is full of sinners to. Even the pope sins all the time. The best part of the Church is despite these deeds in its past it has grown stronger and fixed those flaws and gotten back onto the path of God.

Gay Marriage

As by now almost everyone knows the issue of Gay marriage may be heard in the Supreme Court over the summer. The Church has always been firmly against gay marriage. The problem is even Catholics do not understand why that is. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

"2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,¹⁴¹ tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered."¹⁴²They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved."

God made man and women capable of sharing a unique love with another and be paired in the sacrament of matrimony. It goes against the plan of God to condone gay marriage. The question then becomes did God ever come out against gay marriage in scripture the answer is yes. Paul write about the crime of homosexuality in three places,  Romans 1:24-27; 1Corinthians 6:9-10; and 1Tim 1:10. All writings included in the Bible are considered divinely inspired and speak the truth therefore God through Paul speaks against homosexuality.

The next big misconception is that we should hate gays. This could not be more untrue. They deserve the same love and respect we owe any human, as God commanded us to love one another as we love ourselves. Christ came to save the sinner not condem the sinner. He chose among his closest companions the most hated and sinful people of his time and saved them, and treated them with kindness and love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says

 "2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition."

So treat gays as you would anyone else. But remember marriage is reserved for one man and one woman.

                                       

                         

Love

Is love subjective?

Honestly I don't know the correct answer to that. Love is a complex idea that truly has no definition. Is love subjective is a question some of the greatest thinkers can struggle to answer but I'll give it my best shot. Quick disclaimer I could very well be wrong about this so don't just assume I'm right. I believe love is subjective. Or at least love between humans is. God's love is objective. But between us humans since are love is not perfect what we define as love can very much be subject to change. God loves us with a perfect love that is the same regardless of who you are. But say Joe and Jane love each other. Maybe Joe had abusive parents and has no idea what love feels like. His love may not actually be love but what he calls love. This is just my opinion of course so do your own research. Don't be lazy. The only thing I can say for sure is that God loves us objectively as His love is perfect and equal.

Sanctity of life

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.

The Catholic Church has always been opposed to abortion since the beginning. This is because of the Church's teaching that life begins at conception. The Church teaches that all life must be protected. Many people complain that it takes freedom from people. The Church will not change its teachings which has caused people to leave the church. 

Pope on Maundy Thursday

The Pope recently celebrated Holy Thursday mass. Pope Francis has differed from previous popes in many ways. He has chosen simpler living arrangements and eats in the community dining room. Another difference is his choice of location for mass on Maundy Thursday. Pope Francis celebrated it in a juvenile detention center. This is a major change from the celebrations in St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis has changed the papacy in just over 2 weeks of being elected pope.

Rebuking Heresy

Last year, Jefferson Bethke posted a video title, "Why I love Jesus, but hate Religion." This video took the internet by storm now having over 24 million views. He challenged the very nature of having a Church. Jefferson stated many key facts about why the Church is wrong. Although he did not have good backing for his ideas. Many Christians were able to make response videos. If you want to see the original or one of the responses here you go.

Why should I even bother learning more about God? Who cares if I know about His nature and dumb stuff like that?
Watch this video and get a cool prospective on why it does. It's something to think about.

About Woman Priests

From: The Catechism of the Catholic Church, ed. Geoffrey Chapman, London 1994, pp. 353-354.

§ 1577. "Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination."[66] The Lord Jesus chose men (viri) to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry.[67] The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return. The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.[68]

     Women being allowed to enter Holy Orders is one of the most heated debates asked today in the Church. Baptized men are currently the only  ones allowed to receive Holy Orders. Some say it is proof of the archaic nature of the Church and should be removed. But  nothing was stopping Jesus, who chose some of the most hated people to become his apostles, from choosing a woman apostle. That means He made the conscience choice not to choose a woman. Not because He thought women were inferior but for some purpose we probably will never understand. 

Blog Mission Statement

   
     Several questions about the Catholic Church come about from people of all beliefs. Atheists, Non-Catholics, even Catholics struggle to answer them. They include questions on gay marriage, abortion, infallibility, the trinity, and many more. Though the writers of this blog are by no means theologians this blogs will attempt to answer these questions and provide good links to help further answer them.