I received this question in a comment. So I thought I'd answer.
I admire what you do on this blog and thank you for sticking your neck out while others like myself choose to stay anonymous on this blog. I was wondering, if the Pope decided that the future of the church was the NCW and all it's practices, would you follow?
Aside from the movement of the Sign of Peace, there are two other aspects of the NCW celebration of the Eucharist that are permitted exceptions to the Liturgical Books. One of those is the exception to receive Holy Communion under both kinds: the Body and the Blood under the appearances of bread and wine. Many people would be surprised to know that this is an exception because this is practiced regularly at the Masses in their parish. It's not supposed to be which is why it is an exception granted to the NCW. Pastors should look this up in the GIRM and find out why it is an exception and not the norm, and then comply with it.
The other exception is that communicants may remain in their place to receive communion. Churches would have to get rid of their pews to do this and a seating pattern would need to created that would allow the ministers of Holy Communion to distribute communion in this way. It is wholly illogical and is only possible in the NCW because their "Masses" are held in small communities.
However, I would like us to return to a time where the priest did "come to us". It was called a communion rail, and we would kneel and wait until "Jesus" came to us. I can remember having at least a minute or two kneeling at the rail, looking up at the crucifix and waiting for Jesus. We were taught to say some prayers during that time. It was always special and beautiful . I completely reject the idea of the "bread line" we have now and wonder where in the heck that came from. It has contributed to so many abuses. So I actually agree with the NCW wanting to transform the reception of Holy Communion into a moment wherein the reception of the Lord can be more fully appreciated and contemplated. But because of WHO I am receiving I would want to kneel, not sit. "At the name of Jesus every knee must bend." How much moreso upon receiving Him, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
But then now we come to the question as to whether the Neo doctrine really teaches that the consecrated bread and wine is really Jesus. So far, as we have learned, in the Neo doctrines Jesus is only "mysteriously present" at Holy Communion, not actually. And this is where the pope would be struck dead if he tried to promulgate such an error.
I too, won't follow.
ReplyDelete1. Do I really need to attend mass in a small community to really feel the presence of The Lord? No! I belong and become one in communion with the rest of the congregation on a regular Sunday Mass.
2. Do I need to sing the songs written by Francesco Arguello to soothe my heart and soul? No!
Songs written Francesco Arguello seem to be all in the same tune. I like plain old instrumental songs whether they be in Latin, English or Chamorro.
3. Would I consume the Body and Blood of Christ sitting down? No! I need to give thanks and reverence by kneeling.
4. Would I attend and listen to testimonies of others during small gatherings? No. I don't need to hear the stories or sins of another human being. It's none of my business.
5. Do I need to physically go out and proclaim the Gospel on the street? No. This would show in my words and my actions.
6. Do I like being questioned/scrutinized about my faith and my life? No. This part is between me and my God.
7. Do I like not being able to ask questions? No. I am not one to sit and eat every word that is said to me.
8. Do I like to be constantly reminded about trying to get members of my household to join because this is part of my responsibility? No. Each person was given a free will to make choices.
The Catholic Faith is the hardest religion to live by. How do I know this. Ten years ago I converted to Catholicism. It is through the Catholic Church and it's teachings that I found the true meaning of Faith and Trust in God!
Dear Anonymous, I like your response and I like the way you lay it out. I believe the Church has survived many issues and problems and will continue to have problems, simply because if you read the Bible, it says it plain and clear. Actually, when you read the Bible and the History of the Church, it is amazing that we have come this far and have survived. Read the stories of the First Fathers, Triumph (church history), stories of the Pope's, stories of the Saints, we don't have Martyr's simply because they wanted to die(joke), and on and on, I am happy and grateful that The Holy Spirit is with us and helps us in our daily challenges with going to the dark side. I don't even need music when I am in Church or during the Mass. I love quiet Adoration time and try my hardest to be able to answer questions from anyone who challenges my Catholic Religion. And I really like to keep my sins between me and my God who forgives me in the confessional box when I come to Him in true contrition. sign me-- Anon Chicken
DeleteI don't think you have anything to worry about. As for #5, true. We "live" the Gospel, and, as Peter says in 1 Pet 3:15, "always be ready to give a reason for your faith." So know how to share it verbally too.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt in my mind that I would pass submitting to ncw teachings. In my mind, heart and soul, I believe this Church and Faith has held the authentic and impenetrable Teachings of Jesus Christ promulgated with the help of The Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteWe've had Popes who fell to the wrong side in our 2000 years of Catholic history, but The Authentic Church prevailed and the legitimate Holy Spirit-guided-Popes were eventually brought back to the Chair of Peter. Besides, Jesus gave up HIs Life on the Cross for me! What did Kiko give up towards our salvation that I should be indebted to Him! ... not a lavish life and life sytle, that's for sure!
"For Christ and The Church!" is the Divine Mercy devotee's motto.
"Viva Cristo Rey! " was the battle cry of the Mexicans when the atheistic government attempted to bring the Catholic Faith and Church down.
I will stick to the Divine Mercy motto and adopt the battle cry of the devoted Mexican Catholics as I steadfastly will opt to remain a member of The Church Militant!
oops -- the "impermeability" of authentic Catholic Faith Teachings is what I meant because our Faith certainly is NOT "impenetrable" but it does have an air of "mystery" because of the Trinitarian Truth and Teachings. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria for the example of the Cristeros in Mexico. I really think all the NCW should watch the movie "For Greater Glory" about the cristiada revolution in Mexico to see how the true believers stood up for their faith. It is a beautiful example of how those in the embattled neo should stand up to "the President Calles-like" Kiko. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our Archbishop had the courage to defend his faith like Fr Christopher!
ReplyDeleteviva cristo rey!
Sorry Tim, Diana got you on thus one.
ReplyDeleteFrom her post,
According to the news report dated September 5, 2013 (whose weblink I provided below):
One June 26th, Kiko Arguello received a Laurea Honoris Causa in Sacred Theology from the prestigious John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (Poland), for his contribution to the renewal of the Church.
According to the university, the Neocatechmenal way has followed "attentively the directions of the Second Vatican Council, bringing back Christians who have strayed from the ecclesia community to the foundations of the faith that spring from the Bible and from Liturgy."
Among the reasons for receiving the honorary title, was the "preparation of the mission ad gentes, the active contribution of the Neocatechumenal itinerary, in the encounter between Christianity and Judaism and in the defense of the values of life, of human dignity, of marriage and of the Christian family.
Pope Francis Receives Neocatechumenal Way Initiators
LOL
DeleteWhat so funny??? Disbelief that the initiator is valid. You reject the initiative but the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH APPROVED IT.
DeleteThe ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH approved the 2008 version of your Statute. We're just waiting for you to get around to actually obeying it. Till then you are not valid.
Delete