“What have I gained that’s unique to Catholicism? Two things. First, structure. When you become a Catholic, you become a part of something much bigger than yourself. I can go to any place in the world and am guaranteed to find a church where there will be a Mass that I will understand and can take part in.”
While this may be meaningful to the author, it is not Biblical. The diversity of Christian expression in worship is one of the treasures of the Christian faith - in music, praxis and form.
It is worth noting that the church is nowhere described as monolithic in the Scriptures, except in faith.
“The second thing I draw from Catholicism is hope. The consolation of the sacraments. I know that no matter how bad things get, I can always go to Confession, take part in the Mass and set things right again. Every day is a whole new day. And every day offers the chance for salvation. In every second of every hour there is a Mass being said. With each Eucharist, we relive the sacrifice of Jesus.”
While this author may find personal meaning in these statements, I can not find them in the Scriptures. There is only and gloriously the once for all sacrifice of the blood and life of Christ, received by faith and expressed afterwards in actions.
[From the Religion Moderator’s home page: “Contrasting of beliefs or even criticisms can be made without provoking hostilities. But when in doubt, only post what you are “for” and not what you are “against.” Or ask questions.”]
I have a son that is 100% devout Catholic and is very active in the Church, and another son that is going to be a Protestant minister that understands Koine Greek and Hebrew - and both would die for each other and know that both love the Lord, and that He loves them...
Why is it that they love each other so, and those without real personal understanding of Christ’s love for His own can be so quick to say something negative?
Leaves me puzzled.
I go to both Catholic mass (I ask for a blessing for communion only), and Protestant services (I respectfully decline the “symbols” as they say).
We love JESUS. PERIOD.
Going to both Mass and service for many years, I will say this: I have never heard a bad word against Protestants in a Catholic Mass, because the people there are secondary to what is going on. At Protestant services, I cringe at least once a week when the anti-Catholic blades come out.
It is painful, as bothers and sisters in Christ, to hear that.
And, a shame. Jesus loves His own, and by their fruits He knows them.
Okay, compare (a) a Tridentine Rite Latin High Mass; (b) a Syro-Malabar Catholic Divine Liturgy; (c) a sung Ukrainian Catholic Byzantine Divine Liturgy; (d) a Maronite Catholic Liturgy; and (e) a Sunday Mass according to the 1970 Roman Missal (i.e., the "Ordinary Form") in a typical American Latin Rite parish, and then try to tell me that there's no "diversity of Christian expression in worship" in Catholicism and that Catholicism is "monolithic".