What’s the difference between a ‘Feast Day’ and a ‘Solemnity’?
A feast day is a day set aside for special honour God, Mother Mary, the Saints or even angels. A solemnity bears a slight difference, in that it is a festival of higher observance. In other words, a Solemnity is a ‘higher’ form of a feast.
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAQ. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Do angels really exist?
Do angels really exist? Or are they symbols of God's love?
They only exist if you believe in the Word of God.
It may be hard to believe in the existence, but numerous accounts of angels from the very beginning (Genesis!) show that they do!
Yet, some may say that the Old Testament is not proof enough. Then what about Jesus? The Lord Himself taught about angels! In the Gospel of Matthew, He said things like, “At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven” (22:30), and “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (18:10), and “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct” (16:27).
The Catechism contains several paragraphs on angels. CCC#332, for example, tells us that “angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan”. Another is CCC#336: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession”.
“Angel” is the Greek word for “Messenger”, yet it seems that they do more then sending messages. Believe it or not, angels actually help take care of us! If Jesus said so, it must be so!
- Updated 31 Jan 2008
References:
They only exist if you believe in the Word of God.
It may be hard to believe in the existence, but numerous accounts of angels from the very beginning (Genesis!) show that they do!
Yet, some may say that the Old Testament is not proof enough. Then what about Jesus? The Lord Himself taught about angels! In the Gospel of Matthew, He said things like, “At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven” (22:30), and “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (18:10), and “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct” (16:27).
The Catechism contains several paragraphs on angels. CCC#332, for example, tells us that “angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan”. Another is CCC#336: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession”.
“Angel” is the Greek word for “Messenger”, yet it seems that they do more then sending messages. Believe it or not, angels actually help take care of us! If Jesus said so, it must be so!
- Updated 31 Jan 2008
References:
- CCC#328: The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.
- CCC#329: St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'" With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word" (see Mt 18:10; Ps 103:20).
- CCC#330: As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness (see Lk 20:36; Dan 10:9-12).
- CCC#331: Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are his angels: "When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him" (see Mt 25:31). They belong to him because they were created through and for him: "for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him" (see Col 1:16). They belong to him still more because he has made them messengers of his saving plan: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?"(see Heb 1:14)
- CCC#332: Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan: they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham's hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples (see Job 38:7; Gen 3:24; 19; 21:17; 22:11; Acts 7:53; Ex 23:20-23; Judg 13; 6:11-24; Isa 6:6; 1 Kings 19:5). Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself (see Lk 1:11,26).
- CCC#333: From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God "brings the firstborn into the world, he says: 'Let all God's angels worship him'" (see Heb 1:6). Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church's praise: "Glory to God in the highest!" (see Lk 2:14). They protect Jesus in his infancy, serve him in the desert, strengthen him in his agony in the garden, when he could have been saved by them from the hands of his enemies as Israel had been (see Mt 1:20; 2:13,19; 4:11; 26:53; Mk 1:13; Lk 22:43; 2 Macc 10:29-30; 11:8). Again, it is the angels who "evangelize" by proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection (see Lk 2:8-14; Mk 16:5-7). They will be present at Christ's return, which they will announce, to serve at his judgement (see Acts 1:10-11; Mt 13:41; 24:31; Lk 12:8-9).
- CCC#334: In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels (see Acts 5:18-20; 8:26-29; 10:3-8; 12:6-11; 27:23-25).
- CCC#335: In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She invokes their assistance (in the funeral liturgy's In Paradisum deducant te angeli. . .["May the angels lead you into Paradise. . ."]). Moreover, in the "Cherubic Hymn" of the Byzantine Liturgy, she celebrates the memory of certain angels more particularly (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and the guardian angels).
- CCC#336: From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession (see Mt 18:10; Lk 16:22; Ps 34:7; 91:10-13; Job 33:23-24; Zech 1:12; Tob 12:12). "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Get involved in church or get the grades?
I know that between my life and God’s work, the latter is much more important. But between God’s work and studies (to play my part as a student), which is more important?
This is a matter of balance, really. There are two key questions we all need to ask ourselves when it comes to balancing our lives across the various roles we each have to play. The first question is: why do I do church work? The second is: why do I study? The reasons that drive us in our lives play an extremely important role in our perspective.
Of course God’s work is extremely important, but they’re not very different to begin with. In a very big way, your studies are part of doing God’s work – it is your offering to Him! If you do well in school, God can be glorified.
The problem lies in the reason for getting good grades. Many students study hard to get into a good Junior College or a great Diploma course, work towards a degree, so that they can get a job that pays well, in order to get lots of money. They are driven by ‘financial freedom’. That's not a bad reason to do well in school, but it should never be the number one reason.
As Christians, we should be motivated by far more than that. God reminds us to see the big picture when we plan our lives: “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt 6:33).
If that’s our perspective, when we do well at work or in school, God is glorified, because all “may see your deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). Our study and our work can be and should be driven by God and by the love for God.
With the very same breath, we must not be overly indulgent in our secular life. Service in church is just as important. In church, we join the rest of God’s family for a common purpose – to grow and to give.
Let’s face it, life is not easy. We are each one person, but never just one role. In one lifetime, we are a son/daughter, a brother/sister, a cousin, a student, a teacher, a friend, a father/mother. We get more roles with age! Everything must be balanced out. The most important thing is that we must each live our roles under the one most important role we each: as a child who belongs to God. This means every other role we play, every task you do, we should do for God.
If you are not in a church ministry, I’d suggest you join one. Being in a church group is important because it gives us a community to belong to. We have, in the group members, new channels through which we can share our thoughts, feelings, uncertainties and joy. Being in a group reminds us that we were never meant to be many individuals in a church – we are called to be one holy, apostolic community.
The Book of Proverbs tells us that “the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord” (21:31). Ultimately, we must firstly acknowledge God’s role in our lives, do our very best for Him in everything we do, and then leave the outcome to Him.
- Updated 8 Jul 2007
This is a matter of balance, really. There are two key questions we all need to ask ourselves when it comes to balancing our lives across the various roles we each have to play. The first question is: why do I do church work? The second is: why do I study? The reasons that drive us in our lives play an extremely important role in our perspective.
Of course God’s work is extremely important, but they’re not very different to begin with. In a very big way, your studies are part of doing God’s work – it is your offering to Him! If you do well in school, God can be glorified.
The problem lies in the reason for getting good grades. Many students study hard to get into a good Junior College or a great Diploma course, work towards a degree, so that they can get a job that pays well, in order to get lots of money. They are driven by ‘financial freedom’. That's not a bad reason to do well in school, but it should never be the number one reason.
As Christians, we should be motivated by far more than that. God reminds us to see the big picture when we plan our lives: “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt 6:33).
If that’s our perspective, when we do well at work or in school, God is glorified, because all “may see your deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). Our study and our work can be and should be driven by God and by the love for God.
With the very same breath, we must not be overly indulgent in our secular life. Service in church is just as important. In church, we join the rest of God’s family for a common purpose – to grow and to give.
Let’s face it, life is not easy. We are each one person, but never just one role. In one lifetime, we are a son/daughter, a brother/sister, a cousin, a student, a teacher, a friend, a father/mother. We get more roles with age! Everything must be balanced out. The most important thing is that we must each live our roles under the one most important role we each: as a child who belongs to God. This means every other role we play, every task you do, we should do for God.
If you are not in a church ministry, I’d suggest you join one. Being in a church group is important because it gives us a community to belong to. We have, in the group members, new channels through which we can share our thoughts, feelings, uncertainties and joy. Being in a group reminds us that we were never meant to be many individuals in a church – we are called to be one holy, apostolic community.
The Book of Proverbs tells us that “the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord” (21:31). Ultimately, we must firstly acknowledge God’s role in our lives, do our very best for Him in everything we do, and then leave the outcome to Him.
- Updated 8 Jul 2007
Friday, 6 April 2007
'Appropriate dressing' for adoration?
One evening I was in church for a group meeting. Realising I was early, I wanted to go to the adoration room to spend some time with Jesus. However, I was wearing shorts. I have always believed that when we go for mass, we should dress well (not in shorts or spaghetti straps for ladies) for mass because it is a form of respect for God as we enter into His house. Since we need to dress appropriately when we attend mass, can we enter the adoration room if we are not dressed appropriately?
Thanks for the question. It’s nice to know you make efforts to dress well for mass. First of all, let me assure you that you can enter church even in shorts. There is no rule in the Church that bans worshipers from entering because they are dressed poorly. If there is any ‘rule’, it is an unwritten one.
Let’s look at what the key issue is here. The core of this unwritten rule is simply to pay reverence to the Lord. Jesus is Saviour and King. When we enter God’s house (no less), it is only right we dress appropriately.
Think about this: we’ll never enter the home of our President or of President George Bush without dressing up. At mass, we are entering the presence and the home of God! Surely it makes sense to dress well, as you correctly pointed out. We’re also keen on dressing well when we attend wedding banquets. Yet, every weekend, we attend a Eucharistic Banquet, higher than any other banquet. Why should we slacken?
There is an argument that will tell us: the Lord loves you the way you are. He will accept you even if you came in dirty and dressed badly. That’s true. Jn 15 tells us that Jesus the King indeed treats His servants (that’s you and me) as friends. Yet, true servants will never be overly informal to the point of disrespect.
If you treat your domestic help as part of the family – maybe by allowing her to eat with you at your table – she would still never dare to lie on your bed, or switch the TV channel when you are watching it. Even though you treat her as family, she still understands there is a certain level of respect between the two of you. Similarly, while God allows us to be friends with Him, we must ourselves pay due reverence.
Based on the above logic, then, it is easy to see how the same applies for visits to adoration room. There, we have the chance to experience the majestic presence of Jesus. It is only right that we dress appropriately when going in. That’s also why it’s important to be quiet and respectful when we’re in the prayer room.
That being said, we must be careful not to let the etiquette or the law get over our love for God. There will be times (particularly on weekdays) where you have no intention to attend mass or to go to church, but suddenly feel the need or desire to. If you’re dressed inappropriately then, and you have no chance of going home to dress up, you should not stop yourself from going to church, because laziness has not caused you to dress inappropriately. If you intend to go for mass or the adoration room, make the effort to dress appropriately.
It’s important to understand that we follow the law because we love God, we don’t love God because we’re following the law.
- Updated 9 Apr 2007
Thanks for the question. It’s nice to know you make efforts to dress well for mass. First of all, let me assure you that you can enter church even in shorts. There is no rule in the Church that bans worshipers from entering because they are dressed poorly. If there is any ‘rule’, it is an unwritten one.
Let’s look at what the key issue is here. The core of this unwritten rule is simply to pay reverence to the Lord. Jesus is Saviour and King. When we enter God’s house (no less), it is only right we dress appropriately.
Think about this: we’ll never enter the home of our President or of President George Bush without dressing up. At mass, we are entering the presence and the home of God! Surely it makes sense to dress well, as you correctly pointed out. We’re also keen on dressing well when we attend wedding banquets. Yet, every weekend, we attend a Eucharistic Banquet, higher than any other banquet. Why should we slacken?
There is an argument that will tell us: the Lord loves you the way you are. He will accept you even if you came in dirty and dressed badly. That’s true. Jn 15 tells us that Jesus the King indeed treats His servants (that’s you and me) as friends. Yet, true servants will never be overly informal to the point of disrespect.
If you treat your domestic help as part of the family – maybe by allowing her to eat with you at your table – she would still never dare to lie on your bed, or switch the TV channel when you are watching it. Even though you treat her as family, she still understands there is a certain level of respect between the two of you. Similarly, while God allows us to be friends with Him, we must ourselves pay due reverence.
Based on the above logic, then, it is easy to see how the same applies for visits to adoration room. There, we have the chance to experience the majestic presence of Jesus. It is only right that we dress appropriately when going in. That’s also why it’s important to be quiet and respectful when we’re in the prayer room.
That being said, we must be careful not to let the etiquette or the law get over our love for God. There will be times (particularly on weekdays) where you have no intention to attend mass or to go to church, but suddenly feel the need or desire to. If you’re dressed inappropriately then, and you have no chance of going home to dress up, you should not stop yourself from going to church, because laziness has not caused you to dress inappropriately. If you intend to go for mass or the adoration room, make the effort to dress appropriately.
It’s important to understand that we follow the law because we love God, we don’t love God because we’re following the law.
- Updated 9 Apr 2007
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Confession of sins
I was reading my Bible and I came across Lk 7:36-48 (Jesus’ feet are anointed by a sinful woman). The story helped me understand that Jesus will forgive my sins, no matter how bad they are, if we really repent and if we want to change for the better. However, if God forgives all our sins, why do we even need to go for confession? Why should I go to a priest to confess when I can confess to God directly?
That’s a good question, which many people may have, but dare not ask. Your asking is a sign of trying to understand your faith and tradition. That’s good! There are several reasons for the need to confess our sins regularly.
Firstly, the priest is a representative of God in the community of believers. In the Church, many rituals are done with an appointed mediator. In Matthew’s gospel, God empowered St Peter, our first pope – he was just a man – to forgive sins. Jesus said to him, “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (16:19). In Jn 20:23, Jesus is more explicit: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven”.
Next, we need to understand that God does not need our confession; we do. Whenever we commit a sin, our first response should be to appeal to God for mercy and forgiveness, not because He doesn’t already know. He’s God! God is omnipresent - this means He is everywhere. Whether we confess within ourselves or to a priest, we are not telling Him anything that He doesn’t already know. Rather, we are acknowledging our own sin and taking responsibility for our actions. We are the ones who need to confess. Sometimes we do something terrible and don’t realise how bad it is until we voice it out. That’s human. Confession serves as a reminder of our weakness, and helps us see a need to change. God’s gift of the forgiveness of sins is tailored to meet our needs.
Thirdly, we need to shame the devil that lives in us. The Lord spoke through Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (55:8), and again through Jeremiah: “The [human] heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure...” (17:9).
While God created us perfect and pure, in His image and likeness, original sin has made sin a big part of our human nature – it has become our inclination, to sin (CCC#405). That’s why it’s dangerous to follow what the world encourages: “Be yourself. Don’t care what people think.” We don’t, in fact, belong to ourselves. Jesus came to us, gave His life up to redeem ours. We were purchased by His body and blood, and thus belong to Him. We must stop doing what we think is right and start doing what God thinks is right.
It might be worth noticing we don’t usually question the need for priests for Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, or even the Anointing of the Sick? But we seem to be extra cautious over the need for a human mediator in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Why? Because it hurts our pride! Understandably, confessing our sins to another human being is difficult, and often embarrassing. Part of the power of sacramental reconciliation is that it makes us shame the evil one (provided we confess honestly). More importantly, regular confession keeps us humble before God.
Lastly, we can take consolation in the fact that confession frees us from the slavery of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). Can you begin to see the beauty in the idea of confession? Confession is a gift; it helps us become aware of our failures as humans, and plays a vital role in freeing us from the trap of sin. Confession is done for our good, not for God’s good! When you go for your next confession, be 100% honest. Confess wholeheartedly and be truly remorseful for your sins. You will come out feeling a load lighter, and ready to love the Lord fully again!
- Updated 8 Apr 2007
References:
That’s a good question, which many people may have, but dare not ask. Your asking is a sign of trying to understand your faith and tradition. That’s good! There are several reasons for the need to confess our sins regularly.
Firstly, the priest is a representative of God in the community of believers. In the Church, many rituals are done with an appointed mediator. In Matthew’s gospel, God empowered St Peter, our first pope – he was just a man – to forgive sins. Jesus said to him, “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (16:19). In Jn 20:23, Jesus is more explicit: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven”.
Next, we need to understand that God does not need our confession; we do. Whenever we commit a sin, our first response should be to appeal to God for mercy and forgiveness, not because He doesn’t already know. He’s God! God is omnipresent - this means He is everywhere. Whether we confess within ourselves or to a priest, we are not telling Him anything that He doesn’t already know. Rather, we are acknowledging our own sin and taking responsibility for our actions. We are the ones who need to confess. Sometimes we do something terrible and don’t realise how bad it is until we voice it out. That’s human. Confession serves as a reminder of our weakness, and helps us see a need to change. God’s gift of the forgiveness of sins is tailored to meet our needs.
Thirdly, we need to shame the devil that lives in us. The Lord spoke through Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (55:8), and again through Jeremiah: “The [human] heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure...” (17:9).
While God created us perfect and pure, in His image and likeness, original sin has made sin a big part of our human nature – it has become our inclination, to sin (CCC#405). That’s why it’s dangerous to follow what the world encourages: “Be yourself. Don’t care what people think.” We don’t, in fact, belong to ourselves. Jesus came to us, gave His life up to redeem ours. We were purchased by His body and blood, and thus belong to Him. We must stop doing what we think is right and start doing what God thinks is right.
It might be worth noticing we don’t usually question the need for priests for Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, or even the Anointing of the Sick? But we seem to be extra cautious over the need for a human mediator in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Why? Because it hurts our pride! Understandably, confessing our sins to another human being is difficult, and often embarrassing. Part of the power of sacramental reconciliation is that it makes us shame the evil one (provided we confess honestly). More importantly, regular confession keeps us humble before God.
Lastly, we can take consolation in the fact that confession frees us from the slavery of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). Can you begin to see the beauty in the idea of confession? Confession is a gift; it helps us become aware of our failures as humans, and plays a vital role in freeing us from the trap of sin. Confession is done for our good, not for God’s good! When you go for your next confession, be 100% honest. Confess wholeheartedly and be truly remorseful for your sins. You will come out feeling a load lighter, and ready to love the Lord fully again!
- Updated 8 Apr 2007
References:
- CCC#405: "Although it is proper to each individual, original sin does not have the character of a personal fault in any of Adam's descendants. It is a deprivation of original holiness and justice, but human nature has not been totally corrupted: it is wounded in the natural powers proper to it, subject to ignorance, suffering and the dominion of death, and inclined to sin - an inclination to evil that is called concupiscence". Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ's grace, erases original sin and turns a man back towards God, but the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist in man and summon him to spiritual battle."
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