tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post2412180228613449858..comments2024-02-26T09:30:54.111-06:00Comments on Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!: Church is not Wal-Mart (UPDATED)Fr. Philip Powell, OPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14970857401221305221noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-1011890047343715272013-09-25T07:37:31.692-05:002013-09-25T07:37:31.692-05:00Did not know of it's sinfulness? Really? A Ca...Did not know of it's sinfulness? Really? A Catholic did not know that divorce is wrong? Of course they knew. They just went ahead anyway because they wanted to have their own way. <br /><br />Perhaps if they were Protestant before then I can understand that they did not realize it was a sin considering that Protestants seem to be permitting just <br />about everything that was prohibited in Christianity before.<br /><br />Marc AlcanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-68684638690076282572013-09-25T07:30:50.683-05:002013-09-25T07:30:50.683-05:00Saw the light? Seems more like you have decided t...Saw the light? Seems more like you have decided that wallowing in the darkness is much better. The light can be blinding for those who have been in the dark for so long. And some prefer to go back into the darkness rather than admit that they need to gradually adjust themselves to the light.<br /><br />Marc AlcanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-14185595031346073692013-09-25T07:26:07.470-05:002013-09-25T07:26:07.470-05:00Ex-Catholic Christian, me thinks you are the one ...Ex-Catholic Christian, me thinks you are the one who is angry and worse.... bitter.<br /><br />Or maybe you just did not get the post at all.<br /><br />To Fr Tom. - Excellent piece. Have forwarded to my friends.<br /><br />Marc AlcanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-86530924227602978242008-11-17T18:31:00.000-06:002008-11-17T18:31:00.000-06:00Amen, right on Father. Now how about addressing th...Amen, right on Father. Now how about addressing the immodestly dressed both men and women that come to the Lord's banquet table dressed like an outing at the beach.coyoteseeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00738896365175936284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-28797103452202291172008-11-17T14:57:00.000-06:002008-11-17T14:57:00.000-06:00Greg,where are you? we could suggest some :-)CLGreg,<BR/><BR/>where are you? we could suggest some :-)<BR/><BR/>CLCatherine Luciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17081143686670195779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-55636891051437012592008-11-17T11:19:00.000-06:002008-11-17T11:19:00.000-06:00Great thread, I'm glad I found it. I left Athiesm...Great thread, I'm glad I found it. I left Athiesm and found catholicism 9 years ago. I haven't been to Church for 3 years now. I didn't abandon Christ, I abandoned those destroying the one true Church. I abandoned those lay persons who believe Priests should be female... I abandoned those who run the Churches around me who believe Mass should be accompanied by rock-and-roll music as loud as can be... I abandoned a diocese who believes homosexuals should receive communion... I abandoned those who believe "Catholic for Abortion" is a caring group who needs to be promoted... I abandoned a Church that tried to deviate from the GIRM as much as possible including "liturgical dance", the priest leaving the altar, laity giving the gospel, etc...<BR/>I am tired of trying new parishes hoping to find one that actually follows the GIRM, one that actually follows the teaching of God, one that actually doesn't believe in Abortion and Homosexuality. I can't, but I continue to look.<BR/>Until then the Church as abandoned me, I haven't abandoned God.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05894064776992710000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-12317341606835310462008-11-10T15:09:00.000-06:002008-11-10T15:09:00.000-06:00Rachel, you have a very brave pastor! Congrats......Rachel, you have a very brave pastor! Congrats...Fr. Philip Powell, OPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970857401221305221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-83294544015540190332008-11-10T14:55:00.000-06:002008-11-10T14:55:00.000-06:00I enjoyed this post when I first saw it, and then ...I enjoyed this post when I first saw it, and then lo and behold I saw it again in my church's Sunday bulletin! (St. Peter Chanel, Hawaiian Gardens, California, run by the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.)Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06624317806947588259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-21691078195917717892008-11-01T00:38:00.000-05:002008-11-01T00:38:00.000-05:00Veronica, I'm a convert, too. I'm adopting you... ...Veronica, I'm a convert, too. I'm adopting you... I've got you wrapped up tight in my <BR/>practically-perpetual-prayer <BR/>for my sons and other daughters. Daily. Truly. With love, AnonymousAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-10692168668106995942008-10-29T08:29:00.000-05:002008-10-29T08:29:00.000-05:00I apologize if I have come across as troll like. I...I apologize if I have come across as troll like. It was silly and of me to post as I did when, ultimately, I try not to begrudge anyone the faith I can't share.<BR/><BR/>I'll stop harassing you, Fr. Powell, and your commenters. Sorry, again.<BR/><BR/>-VeronicaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-84598061543297526602008-10-28T16:27:00.000-05:002008-10-28T16:27:00.000-05:00Thank you Father for the blog. I enjoy going to Ma...Thank you Father for the blog. I enjoy going to Mass every day and being fed with both the word of God and His own Flesh and Blood. Faith is something you have to work at and looking up at the Cross gives me the incentive to do this. There is nothing sweeter than the word of God. We all have crosses to carry but following Jesus makes them more bearable.<BR/>PatsyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-47575133356534596952008-10-28T08:01:00.000-05:002008-10-28T08:01:00.000-05:00Jesus was deserted by the apostles in the garden. ...Jesus was deserted by the apostles in the garden. The same thing is happening today with many so-called "devout" catholics. Things aren't going so hot right now for Christ's Church, so a lot of His followers are abandoning Him. Christ Himself told us to expect this very thing. He also blessed those who would hold fast in the faith despite the inner and outer turmoil. We are safer to remain with Him so we recieve the graces to withstand the enemies within and without.<BR/><BR/>Barb of IndianaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-83748784285766409112008-10-28T00:03:00.000-05:002008-10-28T00:03:00.000-05:00Recent Convert Anon., (I think I might have to sta...Recent Convert Anon., (I think I might have to start disallowing anonymous commenting)...<BR/><BR/>I'm right there with you...though I am firm in my convictions and loud in their proclamation I am not always 1000% sure that the reasoning behind some of the Church's teachings makes perfect sense to me. However, despite my obvious arrogance and pride, I try to take a humble position with regard to the Church's teachings I don't quite understand by saying, "I'll assume that I'm either too stupid or lacking the right info in this case." What I do NOT do is begin with my opinions, compare "My Truth" to the Church's truth and then decide whether or not the Church is right. <BR/><BR/>The balancing act is difficult on most issues. However, I have to say that the abortion issue just isn't one of them. Here's a thought experiment for you: President Obama comes to you and says, "I will guarantee you and your husband well-paying jobs with full benefits for life if you agree that Susie should kill her unborn child." What do you say? Now, change the offer of a job, increase the price. Kill 1.7 million unborn babies. What do you say? <BR/><BR/>Easy cheesy.<BR/><BR/>Fr. Philip, OPFr. Philip Powell, OPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970857401221305221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-89225177381027090432008-10-27T20:56:00.000-05:002008-10-27T20:56:00.000-05:00i am a recent convert to catholicism. I am still ...i am a recent convert to catholicism. I am still ofeten trying to sort out how this applies to my life. Vote issues, daily issues, and more are often anxiety provoking and confusing for me because most of the people talking about .. say. the candidates are so busy yelling how i am obliged in one direction or another that they forget that maybe they should actual deal with the fact that i am just learning a lot, and trying to balance the fact that "abortion is wrong", with "i need to have a job, and my husband needs health care"<BR/><BR/>its a real plus to hear basic outlooks and Catholic doctrine astated without assuming that someone just getting started on this path is stupid, evil, or willfully ignorant.<BR/><BR/>oh, and please pray for all those folks who did leave the church because of those reasons. my husband is one of them. he never got a proper education in the faith, and wont even talk about it now......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-72986287474763666522008-10-24T20:03:00.000-05:002008-10-24T20:03:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.aspiring...https://www.blogger.com/profile/10825316824097996382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-17899021684671591732008-10-24T14:00:00.000-05:002008-10-24T14:00:00.000-05:00Anon- "My Bible tells me something quite different...Anon- "My Bible tells me something quite different"- are you talking about the Bible that the Catholic Church gave you? (Find the passage where Our Lord says to the Apostles: "Make sure you guys are writing this down")<BR/>Jack- will opt out ...for sacraments??....where will he find them? at the local pentecostal worship service??<BR/>Catherine- Don't leave. remember what Mother Thersea went through. If you can't bring yourself to Mass, spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament, and talk to Our Lord. You will be tested, but You will pull through. I will pray for all of you.<BR/>Father P- Great post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-32240964624832257592008-10-24T13:33:00.000-05:002008-10-24T13:33:00.000-05:00Catherine, I was referring to our anonymous brickb...Catherine, I was referring to our anonymous brickbat hurler here:<BR/><BR/>"Why? Because I realized all religions are total nonsense based on fables and fantasies designed to give meaning to life and help ease one through the passage of death into nothing."<BR/><BR/>And remarking on the pattern: that of trotting out Catholic creds, and then launching into a rant.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-29878827734025072672008-10-24T12:33:00.000-05:002008-10-24T12:33:00.000-05:00Veronica, The Church never claimed to be full of s...Veronica, <BR/><BR/>The Church never claimed to be full of saints. "For all have sinned... ." <BR/><BR/>The Church is more than just the hypocrites and sinners that parade themselves around in full view of everyone. The Church is the body of Christ. Therefore, She is is far more perfect and far more elegant that those that enjoy fellowship in her will ever be.<BR/><BR/>It is the joy knowing that the Church is upheld by the Rock of Peter, by the Grace and intercession of the Blessed Virgin, adn full of the Grace of Christ that should excite you. Nowhere else can you engage in the most intimate of relationships with Christ: the Blessed Sacrament. <BR/><BR/>As a preist friend of mine said: "At Mass, the Word will be spoken, despite the best efforts of some of us."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-12589896697755440562008-10-24T12:31:00.000-05:002008-10-24T12:31:00.000-05:00Hi Catherine Lucia,Please come back home you do ha...Hi Catherine Lucia,<BR/><BR/>Please come back home you do have a home. We are all broken and hurt and sinners. Come back please . I am not eloquent I don't know what else to say. I shall pray for you that is one thing i can do.Smileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04458504641419416339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-91734122145574695962008-10-24T11:07:00.000-05:002008-10-24T11:07:00.000-05:00I didn't mean to suggest that you personally w...I didn't mean to suggest that you personally were judging anyone, Thomas. I meant to warn against it, that is all. My parents are in a similar situation. My mother wishes to be reconciled to the Church; my father ignores it. So you can see that I am sensitive to the situation.<BR/><BR/>It definitely does hurt to see Church leaders (in your case, the parish council) not actually following the rules of the Church. I agree with you on that. I just had to point out that many of the people in such situations are well-meaning and in good conscience, but some aren't. As you said, we cannot know which are and which aren't.<BR/><BR/>However, you are right. It does cause unnecessary scandal for such people to be in leadership positions in the Church, and to avoid such scandal, they should not be in such positions.<BR/><BR/>Sad thing, too. But unavoidable.<BR/><BR/>My prayers are with you, and I beg that yours be with mine. Mostly for patience. :-)<BR/><BR/>be fearless & be God's. verso l'alto!<BR/><BR/>Catherine LuciaCatherine Luciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17081143686670195779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-90308866463518513152008-10-24T10:58:00.000-05:002008-10-24T10:58:00.000-05:00Scott W., Well, then... let me share with you anot...Scott W., <BR/><BR/>Well, then... let me share with you another "raving farrago of nonsense." <BR/><BR/>I used to be a devout Catholic. After growing up Pagan, I converted to the Church in 2004. I was so relieved to have finally found my way home, and out of the darkness I had known for most of my life. <BR/><BR/>It wasn't easy, of course. I lost all but one of my former friends -many of whom I had grown up with- when I became Catholic, and, ultimately, my father (he disowned me the summer before last).My life fell apart in pretty much every other way, as well, but I'll not bore anyone with the details. I didn't mind, exactly, because, as St. Therese once wrote... there's no greater joy than to suffer for the one you love. It was exhausting, though, and God was so very absent. It hurt.<BR/><BR/>I was quickly becoming disillusioned, too. Like Thomas, I had a terribly difficult time understanding how, if the Catholic Church really is all she says she is, then why don't more people take her at her word? If Christ is who he says he is, then shouldn't people at least <I>try</I> to put him first? How come, then, so many Christians live their lives as practical atheists?<BR/><BR/>I know that's no excuse, since, ultimately, I sure didn't put him first, either. I gave in to despair. I haven't been to Mass in over a year, and I wish so much that I could go back. I just... don't know if I can believe anymore. I don't think I can. <BR/><BR/>Maybe it <I>is</I> because I never really thought that Catholicism was true, although I sure thought I did for a long time, and, yeah, I remain attached to all sorts of sins and imperfections. Maybe I'm "cracked," and have unrealistic expectations for Catholics, and maybe it's true that I care more about my hurt consumer feelings than I do for my soul. I don't know.<BR/><BR/>What I do know, though, is that as much as I miss being Catholic, as much as I wish I could go home... I can't, and, frankly... that's largely because the behaviour of Catholics -especially when dealing with fallen and struggling members of the Church- are a pretty good indication to me that there's just no home to go back to. So, thanks for the reminder, I guess.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-26094989343345410422008-10-24T08:08:00.000-05:002008-10-24T08:08:00.000-05:00Catherine,I'm not judging them (or at least I'm no...Catherine,<BR/><BR/>I'm not judging them (or at least I'm not meaning to).<BR/><BR/>It's simply this: my friend's mother suffered for thirty years, because it was vitally important to her to obey God. Having eight people who are divorced and remarried as the "lay leaders" of the parish is a scandal. A scandal in the worst sense, as what it says to my friend's mother is "you've just wasted thirty years of your life obeying this stupid rule, because clearly we here in the Church <I>don't actually believe it</I>."<BR/><BR/>And to suggest that all <I>sixteen</I> of their previous marriages were <I>actually</I> defective, such that they were not in fact bound together as one flesh by God, is laughable.<BR/><BR/>I am not pointing fingers at them - for all I know, any or all of them could be entirely without guilt. It certainly wouldn't be hard (in this diocese) to spend a lifetime "active" in the Church and never be presented with Church teaching on marriage. More importantly, I know my own heart, and I am in no position to point at anyone and scream "Sinner!". Except to myself.<BR/><BR/>It's just this - I am a Christian because the Lord Jesus saved me, and I love Him. I became a Catholic because the Roman Catholic Church is the only one that could be trusted to remain faithful to Him, the only one that seemed to be willing to hold fast to the faith handed to the Apostles and their successors, the only Church that didn't bend and twist to meet the fashion of the times, but said (in effect), "We will proclaim the Way, the Truth, & the Life, whatever comes, whether anyone listens or not, we will not cease to proclaim this saving Truth to the world."<BR/><BR/>So I'm not just grousing; this is a cry from the heart. It is so painful to see the Church refusing to <I>be the Church</I>. And I seem to be confronted with that refusal so often, in so many ways, that the temptation to cynicism and despair is awful.<BR/><BR/>May God bless you! I ask please for one quick prayer for me, if you have a spare moment.<BR/><BR/>thomasThomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12492445790966052269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-83558250234842636142008-10-24T07:13:00.000-05:002008-10-24T07:13:00.000-05:00"I used to be a devout Catholic..."As Mark Shea pu..."I used to be a devout Catholic..."<BR/><BR/>As Mark Shea put it, this is nature's way of warning you that what is said next will be a raving farrago of nonsense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-14788129154294582152008-10-23T21:32:00.000-05:002008-10-23T21:32:00.000-05:00As a convert in the year 2000, no one could make m...As a convert in the year 2000, no one could make me leave the True Church that Jesus started. Please always remember who is in the Tabernacle of every Catholic Church.... Jesus! If you are having any problems with the teachings or people from the Church go talk to him he will answer and guide you, he will not fail you!<BR/>RobinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18842286.post-32626106709576484682008-10-23T17:52:00.000-05:002008-10-23T17:52:00.000-05:00Amen. I especially liked #9. The Church is the Bod...Amen. I especially liked #9. The Church is the Body of Christ and like Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.Athanasis Contra Mundumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02809651586349621296noreply@blogger.com