Sunday, October 22, 2006
LIFE AFTER CONFIRMATION
Once a young man or woman is confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church the Holy Spirit comes down on these young people and they will be better Catholic Christians. They will be able to defend their church and it's beliefs.
Let us look at a simple explaination of "The Sacrament of Confirmation" directly from the Catholic Catechism prepared and enjoined by "The Third Plenary Council of Baltimore." (copyright 1885)
"Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ."
Confirmation does make us stronger by increasing the grace of our Baptism and enabling us to fearlessly profess our faith. Just take a look at ACTS chapter 8, verses 14 thru 17.
"Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit."
Okay, so now we see that the disciples of Jesus Christ were empowered to "confirm" people into the new church. The disciples were the first Bishops of the Church. So today, bishops worldwide confirm both young people and adults as "Soldiers of Christ."
The young folks are around the ages of twelve and thirteen.
After the big "Confirmation Party" is held where do these newly Confirmed people go and what do they do?
Every Roman Catholic Church has a "Confraternity of Christian Doctrine" (CCD) group to teach and support these young people. How many of these young people take advantage of the teachings?
Many parents think..."I've had my child baptized, then to First Eucharist and now Confirmation, so it is all over! They will need some more religious studies when they are ready for marriage but that is a long way off!"
WRONG THOUGHT! The young people of today face problems of epidemic proportions. Even before college they will face sexual challanges, drugs of all kinds and their faith will be challenged from all sides!
Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation must be stressed by both parents. (even if they are divorced) The Holy Scripture (Bible) should be read and classes should be attended regularly.
After the celebration of "The Transfiguration of Jesus" I asked a young lady, who was Confirmed only a year ago, "Why was Jesus seen with Moses and Elijah?"
Her reply was "I don't know!"
The Roman Catholic Church wants both you and your children to continue studying your faith. Ask your Priest about further education in the Catholic Faith. There is life after Confirmation!
Friday, October 13, 2006
JEWISH BOYFRIENDS / JEWISH GIRLFRIENDS
Recently, one of the posts on this site was about a Catholic college girl and a Jewish man. I do not want any reader to think I am anti-Semitic...indeed not!
I have known Jews and Christians who marry and the marriage worked out nicely. I have known other such marriages that end in divorce. One must be mindful, that the children of these marriages, be raised as Christians and baptized as Christians. This is of special concern if the Christian is a Catholic.
When a Catholic marries a Methodist there are very few problems concerning religion. (Provided the children be raised Catholic!) When a Presbyterian marries a Lutherian, again there are few religious problems.
When a Christian marries a Jew there are laws on both sides of the fence that must be delt with. Jews do not consider Jesus (Y'shua) the Messiah. Jews do not consider Jesus (Y'shua) even a Rabbi. This is because Jesus never studied under a prominent Rabbi. The teachings of Jesus were the teachings of Jesus!
Saint Paul (Saul of Tarsus) for example studied under the famous Rabbi Gamliel and at that time, that was quite an honour!
Do not get me wrong. When a Catholic Christian marries a Jew it is NOT easy on either side. Marrying an Orthodox Jew would be next to impossible. Marrying a REFORMED JEW would be easier. (much easier)
Most Rabbis would understand the thought process of the Catholic but that does not mean that they would endorse those thoughts or beliefs.
Most Roman Catholic Priests would try to discourage the marriage. It is almost like a fish marrying a rabbit.
I believe that Jesus (Y'shua) is the true (and only) Messiah. The Jewish people firmly believe that the Prophet Elijah must return before the Messiah arrives. (another tricky issue)
I dated a reformed Jewish girl for many years. Most of her family liked me, yet there were a few whom I suspect really disliked me. (despite my "Old Country" name) We finally went our separate ways. Still, religion was only one issue. There were other issues that I will not address.
If there are any Christian/Jewish couples who wish to address this blog I really welcome your input. This inter-faith marriage would be very difficult (if not impossible) if both parties were true to their own faiths.
The bottom line is in which religion do you raise the children? A good Christian would never allow his/her children to be raised as Jews. A good Jew would never want his/her children to be raised a Christians. This is like chewing gum and walking backward while whistling "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
I really would appreciate replys to this post!
Recently, one of the posts on this site was about a Catholic college girl and a Jewish man. I do not want any reader to think I am anti-Semitic...indeed not!
I have known Jews and Christians who marry and the marriage worked out nicely. I have known other such marriages that end in divorce. One must be mindful, that the children of these marriages, be raised as Christians and baptized as Christians. This is of special concern if the Christian is a Catholic.
When a Catholic marries a Methodist there are very few problems concerning religion. (Provided the children be raised Catholic!) When a Presbyterian marries a Lutherian, again there are few religious problems.
When a Christian marries a Jew there are laws on both sides of the fence that must be delt with. Jews do not consider Jesus (Y'shua) the Messiah. Jews do not consider Jesus (Y'shua) even a Rabbi. This is because Jesus never studied under a prominent Rabbi. The teachings of Jesus were the teachings of Jesus!
Saint Paul (Saul of Tarsus) for example studied under the famous Rabbi Gamliel and at that time, that was quite an honour!
Do not get me wrong. When a Catholic Christian marries a Jew it is NOT easy on either side. Marrying an Orthodox Jew would be next to impossible. Marrying a REFORMED JEW would be easier. (much easier)
Most Rabbis would understand the thought process of the Catholic but that does not mean that they would endorse those thoughts or beliefs.
Most Roman Catholic Priests would try to discourage the marriage. It is almost like a fish marrying a rabbit.
I believe that Jesus (Y'shua) is the true (and only) Messiah. The Jewish people firmly believe that the Prophet Elijah must return before the Messiah arrives. (another tricky issue)
I dated a reformed Jewish girl for many years. Most of her family liked me, yet there were a few whom I suspect really disliked me. (despite my "Old Country" name) We finally went our separate ways. Still, religion was only one issue. There were other issues that I will not address.
If there are any Christian/Jewish couples who wish to address this blog I really welcome your input. This inter-faith marriage would be very difficult (if not impossible) if both parties were true to their own faiths.
The bottom line is in which religion do you raise the children? A good Christian would never allow his/her children to be raised as Jews. A good Jew would never want his/her children to be raised a Christians. This is like chewing gum and walking backward while whistling "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
I really would appreciate replys to this post!
