"So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my father in heaven". Mat 10:26-33
Wouldn't it be a relief to hear Jesus commend you in front of God the Father. Even saints get worried on their death bed. If good men are worried what about the rest of us. It's common for men to scream in terror and it's said they can see the demons closing in to drag them away. Imagine if Jesus said "I like this one Father, he didn't disown me". And Mary says "Please son, give him a chance". Phew! That was close. Semper Fi as they say in the Marines. Always faithful. Always loyal.
I'm on church shop today and collection after the offertory. I think I'll wear a suit. A barrel would be too expensive and uncomfortable. Those cartoons originated in the 1930 depression.
Time for breakfast.
Have fun and carry your cross, not a barrel.
This “carry your cross” thing is so stupid it’s no surprise that it’s the latest directive from the department of propaganda - sorry - the Vatican.
ReplyDeleteWhat does it mean? Even figuratively it makes no sense and certainly literally it would make daily activities impossible.
Do Catholics question this nonsense?
I guess not.
Who did God the Father bonk to get a son? God the Son was around before Mary came along. I thought the three God figures have all been around forever. Confusing.
DeleteThe short answer is: God the Father did not "bonk" anyone.In Catholic theology, the birth of Jesus from the Virgin Mary was a miraculous, spiritual conception by the power of the Holy Spirit, completely without sex. Furthermore, your understanding that the three persons of God have existed forever is actually entirely correct and matches official Catholic doctrine.Here is how the Catholic Church explains this mystery to clear up the confusion.The Eternal TrinityYou are completely right that the three persons of God have all been around forever.No Beginning: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit exist outside of time.The Trinity: There is only one God, but three distinct divine Persons.Eternal Generation: The Son is called the "Son" not because he was physically born in heaven, but because he eternally receives his existence from the Father. Think of it like a candle lighting another candle—the light and heat are generated, but they share the exact same nature.The Two "Births" of the SonTo understand Jesus, Catholicism looks at two different timelines: His eternal existence and His human birth.In Eternity: The Son has existed forever with the Father. He had no human body, no mother, and no beginning.In Time (The Incarnation): About 2,000 years ago, the eternal Son of God took on a human nature to save humanity. This is when he became the man Jesus.Mary and the Conception of JesusBecause the Son existed before Mary, Mary did not create God. Instead, she gave birth to the human nature that the eternal Son chose to take on.No Physical Relations: God the Father did not have physical relations with Mary. God is pure spirit and does not have a physical body.The Holy Spirit: The Gospel of Luke explains that the Holy Spirit "overshadowed" Mary. God miraculously created a human life inside her womb without a human father.Mother of God: Because Jesus is truly God, and Mary gave birth to Jesus, Catholics call Mary the "Mother of God" (Theotokos), meaning she is the mother of the eternal Son's human body.
DeleteI completely understand why "carrying your cross" sounds bizarre, frustrating, or even like a toxic propaganda slogan when you look at it from the outside. Taken literally, it is impossible, and historically, the cross was an engine of execution, not a daily accessory.However, in the Catholic tradition, this concept is deeply scrutinized, heavily debated by theologians, and means something very different than just "endure abuse quietly."Here is what the phrase actually means to Catholics, why it is questioned, and how it is practically applied.What It Actually Means (The Figurative Meaning)Catholics do not view the cross as a glorification of suffering for its own sake. Instead, it represents transformative endurance.Voluntary acceptance: It means accepting the hardships you cannot change (like a chronic illness, grief, or difficult daily duties) without letting them turn you bitter.Sacrificial love: It represents choosing a hard right over an easy wrong, such as sacrificing your own comfort to care for a sick relative or standing up for justice.Purpose in pain: The core Catholic belief is that suffering is not meaningless. Just as Catholics believe Jesus’ suffering led to the resurrection, they believe personal struggles can lead to personal growth and spiritual strength.Do Catholics Question This?Yes, constantly. Figuring out what is a "cross to carry" versus what is an "evil to fight" is one of the biggest topics in Catholic spiritual direction.Abuse is not a cross: Catholic teaching emphasizes that you are not supposed to accept injustice, abuse, or preventable harm as a "cross." For example, someone in an abusive relationship is encouraged to seek safety, not stay and suffer.Theology of Protest: Figures like St. Thomas Aquinas argued that working to eliminate suffering is a moral duty. Catholics are expected to use medicine, science, and social action to eliminate burdens, not just passively watch people struggle.Why It Isn’t a "New Vatican Directive"This is actually one of the oldest ideas in Christianity, originating directly from the Gospels written nearly 2,000 years ago (specifically Matthew 16:24). The Vatican didn't invent it recently; it has been the central paradox of the faith since the first century.To a practicing Catholic, it isn't about being a doormat for the institution. It is a daily, psychological tool used to find meaning and hope when life inevitably gets painful or unfair.
DeleteDo Catholics question this nonsense?
ReplyDeleteAfter that long-winded attempt at explanation nonsense I guess not.
I’m sensing a cut and paste!
ReplyDeleteCut and paste, like our creator does when he’s run out of new ideas but wants a multiple birth or two! Kinda lazy for one who is omnipotent!
ReplyDelete