Mary is an example of how we are to relate to Christ, but Scripture gives us the actual instruction. I have a similar history as yours in regards to coming back to the Church except that my time away from the Church was not brief; but I still practice all that I had learned from Scripture because it taught me of Biblical spirituality, which I had not been taught in all of my Catholic upbringing, but remains essential within my present Catholicism.
For those Catholics who do not read the Bible, going to Church will give them all the information they need/want. There is a 3 year (Sunday) cycle which covers the Bible during Homilies AND explains them. And a 2 year Cycle for the daily masses.
The Bible was not available for centuries because there was no printing press until the 16th century. It was through the church that people were taught.
Also there is a difference between ONLY Scripture (protestants took out 7 books ). The Catholic Church also has Sacred Tradition (oral teachings of the Apostles who were taught by Christ Himself) and the Magisterium beside the Bible. The Magisterium is the Church's authority or office to give authentic interpretation of the Word of God. Therefore it is wonderful to read the bible from cover to cover but reading ONLY the Bible is not enough. There I no teaching or explanation. People interpret differently and understand differently . Proof of that is the extremes in opinions which have caused so much misery and the manipulation of those who do not mean well.
I found lots of teachings and explanations in the Bible. Attending Mass did not teach me everything that I know today; and not even all of my K thru 16 Catholic schooling. I learned of Biblical spirituality directly from the Bible. The Church promotes later spiritualities such as the Jesuit Exercises of Saint Ignatius and spiritual practices of other religious orders. The Bible is widely available because of the printing press; and we can now read it for ourselves. I found it to be essential for my spiritual growth.
Beautifully written and very moving.
Thank you, Helena!
Mary is an example of how we are to relate to Christ, but Scripture gives us the actual instruction. I have a similar history as yours in regards to coming back to the Church except that my time away from the Church was not brief; but I still practice all that I had learned from Scripture because it taught me of Biblical spirituality, which I had not been taught in all of my Catholic upbringing, but remains essential within my present Catholicism.
For those Catholics who do not read the Bible, going to Church will give them all the information they need/want. There is a 3 year (Sunday) cycle which covers the Bible during Homilies AND explains them. And a 2 year Cycle for the daily masses.
The Bible was not available for centuries because there was no printing press until the 16th century. It was through the church that people were taught.
Also there is a difference between ONLY Scripture (protestants took out 7 books ). The Catholic Church also has Sacred Tradition (oral teachings of the Apostles who were taught by Christ Himself) and the Magisterium beside the Bible. The Magisterium is the Church's authority or office to give authentic interpretation of the Word of God. Therefore it is wonderful to read the bible from cover to cover but reading ONLY the Bible is not enough. There I no teaching or explanation. People interpret differently and understand differently . Proof of that is the extremes in opinions which have caused so much misery and the manipulation of those who do not mean well.
I found lots of teachings and explanations in the Bible. Attending Mass did not teach me everything that I know today; and not even all of my K thru 16 Catholic schooling. I learned of Biblical spirituality directly from the Bible. The Church promotes later spiritualities such as the Jesuit Exercises of Saint Ignatius and spiritual practices of other religious orders. The Bible is widely available because of the printing press; and we can now read it for ourselves. I found it to be essential for my spiritual growth.