Wow, thank you for this! You hit the nail on the head. I have a few Protestant friends who like to try to one up me with arguments on this subject. You gave me a simple explanation to offer to them without it being combative. 🙏
I actually have never heard of Confirmation being compared to the wedding garment–fascinating! Is there a commentary on this I could read in addition to this great reflection?
If memory serves, Fr. Spirago discussed this in his classic Exhaustive Explanation of the Catechism. But, if I find another source, I will let you know.
I understand what you are trying to say but you may be stepping over the line into judging others which Jesus warns about. The better way to say this may be via charitable admonition. None of us are worthy. We say that at mass before receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Catholicism is not about obeying a checklist of beliefs. Our examination of conscience is an essay, not a true false exam. Only God is good Jesus told the young rich man. The rest of us are sinners relying on God's mercy. Thank you for the reflection.
I would advise being very careful with such statements. We make a profession of faith in our confirmation stating that we believe and will obey all the teachings of the Catholic Church. That should be repeated at least yearly at mass and really daily in our lives. If at any point we cannot make such a profession honestly and sincerely, receiving the Eucharist is a mortal sin. It is far better to warn people of danger than to allow them to blindly walk off a cliff. To warn about the gravity of sin is a Catholic duty and an act of charity. We have the teachings of the Church in the Catechism and priests for confession. There is really no excuse not to know and believe all the Church teaches if you believe in the infallibility of Catholic doctrine. If you are not sure about something, your priest will counsel you so that you understand
Our comments are both admonitions and I thank you for that. To be clear I was not questioning Church teaching in any way. I was advising a hint of humility in tone. I apologize for the misunderstanding which I will admit was on my wording of the comment. Peace to you.
Wow, thank you for this! You hit the nail on the head. I have a few Protestant friends who like to try to one up me with arguments on this subject. You gave me a simple explanation to offer to them without it being combative. 🙏
Thanks!
I actually have never heard of Confirmation being compared to the wedding garment–fascinating! Is there a commentary on this I could read in addition to this great reflection?
If memory serves, Fr. Spirago discussed this in his classic Exhaustive Explanation of the Catechism. But, if I find another source, I will let you know.
I understand what you are trying to say but you may be stepping over the line into judging others which Jesus warns about. The better way to say this may be via charitable admonition. None of us are worthy. We say that at mass before receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Catholicism is not about obeying a checklist of beliefs. Our examination of conscience is an essay, not a true false exam. Only God is good Jesus told the young rich man. The rest of us are sinners relying on God's mercy. Thank you for the reflection.
I would advise being very careful with such statements. We make a profession of faith in our confirmation stating that we believe and will obey all the teachings of the Catholic Church. That should be repeated at least yearly at mass and really daily in our lives. If at any point we cannot make such a profession honestly and sincerely, receiving the Eucharist is a mortal sin. It is far better to warn people of danger than to allow them to blindly walk off a cliff. To warn about the gravity of sin is a Catholic duty and an act of charity. We have the teachings of the Church in the Catechism and priests for confession. There is really no excuse not to know and believe all the Church teaches if you believe in the infallibility of Catholic doctrine. If you are not sure about something, your priest will counsel you so that you understand
Our comments are both admonitions and I thank you for that. To be clear I was not questioning Church teaching in any way. I was advising a hint of humility in tone. I apologize for the misunderstanding which I will admit was on my wording of the comment. Peace to you.
Appreciated - thanks