A Gift to ALL Catholics *smile*

Silent Sam Replied: Sat, Feb 19 2011 9:10 PM

Milford Charles Murray:

 

I don't want to get into any theological discussions that in any way abuse the Forum Guidelines.

              But, today I want to share something that I find very beautiful..... 

 

                                                                               HHHMMMmmm~~~

Why play the catholic card at all?   Why not just offer the gift to anyone who is interested? Why assume that "non catholics" would not appreciate great art? Dredging up a year-old inflammatory thread is not my idea of promoting peace.

                                                                                               God Bless

Dear Silent Sam!        *smile*

              And, indeed, Peace to you and Joy in the Lord always!

          Thank you for your post!  *smile*

          Actually, I didn't find it pleasant; but, in retrospect, it is likely good that you posted!  *smile* 

          In retrospect perhaps you do have a valid point.  Perhaps I should have posted differently.  If I had any intimation that this would “flame up,” I most certainly would have.

         I read your post last Saturday evening, have ruminated over it many hours before I now respond.  I have talked to the Lord about it extensively and pondered whether I should even reply.  I have decided to reply, and may God bless my words that go out!

          The point I was trying to make when I sent my original post -– entitled as you know -- A Gift to ALL Catholics -- *smile* -- is that both capital C Catholics and small C catholics have much in common and much to be thankful for in spite of various differences.  I believe that the Holy Spirit can work more harmony between us as together all we Christians face a very dark and difficult world -- as we live here in these eschatological times which for various reasons we call “the last days,” with all the wars and rumours of war and all the other signs of the last times.

           I recognise that there are many serious doctrinal differences between denominations.  For sure!  However, let us at least talk to one another and recognise our "common Christianity," if you will.  I know I should expand further in this area, but my post is long enough without that!  There is a lack of a better description of this point available to my mind at this moment.

          This predates St. Peter’s Basilica which was begun in 1506, but not completed until 1626.  One of the things that kicked off the Reformation was Luther saying in his 95 Theses posted on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517 --  (my translation) ”Hey!  Let’s talk about those Indulgences for St. Peter’s.  Seems to me that this doesn’t mesh with the teachings of Holy Scripture.  I want to go by Scripture!”

          (Note:  The 95 Theses are available from Logos, last I looked – in English and Latin – for the grand total sum of $ .95 American, 93 cents for Canadian dollars.)

     It was at Rome at that time in 1510 that, supposedly, Luther discovered that “The Just Shall Live by Faith” meant truly that he who is justified by faith shall live.  For Luther that centred on Jesus Christ and Him alone.  Sola Scriptura, Sola Fidei, Sola Gratia!  By Faith alone.  By Grace alone.  Based on the Holy Scriptures alone.  (my translation)  You, yourself, can research the whole story of Luther crawling up the steps meditating and praying at each one and ending up with this earth-shattering conclusion!  That is a study on it's own.

          Sadly The Great Schism (between the Eastern Church and the Western Church had already taken place.  There was in the West only one Church with Rome as headquarters.

          Because of that and for other reasons I feel that in a sense the Sistine Chapel is also important to me as a small “c” catholic.  It is a lot more to me than “great art.”  That’s why I was so excited and wanted to share that Web Site with my Logos Brothers and Sisters.  It really is an incredible web site.
 
          I had appreciated MJ’s post which - in my mind’s eye - I thought had cleared up some misunderstandings that various people have.  Obviously I was wrong!  *smile*

          Wrong Again!  *smile*  It so often happens in my life!  Like Fonzie, I don’t like to admit, “I was wrong!”

          It is interesting to note that Logos Bible Study Magazine “confesses” a version of the Apostles’ Creed in every issue, one line of which reads:  “we believe in the holy catholic church.”  On the other hand, Logos lists its resources available to all - but of special interest to certain denominations - as Catholic, with a capital C.

          Also, having experienced the forgiveness of my sins through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, I continually praise our Triune God; and delight in the Peace of God that transcends all understanding.  In spite of the difficulties and tears and sorrows of a normal life, His Divine Grace and the Holy Spirit within have given and keep me in Great Joy, if not always happiness.  This Peace of God is so important to me that I truly, from the heart, wish others “Peace!,” even as did the Lord Jesus after His Resurrection and the Apostle Paul in so many references.  And I have always made every effort to share that Peace and wish that Peace to others as I am able. 

          Concluding, some of my feelings are based on Ephesians 4, so very, very important to me!

Ephesians 4TH CHAPTER
                                               Christ’s Gifts to the Church

1      I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God has called you.  

2      Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other.     

3      Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives.  

4      There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope.  

5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  

6 one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything.
    

7 God’s favor has been given to each of us.           (ESV)

         When I posted my original post, I recalled that Martin Luther at the age of 27 was sent to Rome on a pilgrimage and that he was there in 1510 even as Michaelangelo was on the scaffolds working on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  It is quite unlikely that they would have let him anywhere near the Sistine Chapel because of the construction activities.  *smile*

          And!  Absolutely finally:  (I wonder how many denominations have this in their hymnal!  Lots, I would think!

The Church's One Foundation

1 The Church’s one foundation     Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation     By water and the Word.
From heav'n He came and sought her     To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her     And for her life He died.

2 Elect from ev'ry nation,     Yet one o’er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation:     One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses,     Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,     With ev'ry grace endued.

3 Though with a scornful wonder     This world sees her oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,     By heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping;     Their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping     Shall be the morn of song.

4 Through toil and tribulation,     And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation     Of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious     Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great church victorious     Shall be the church at rest.

5 Yet she on earth has union     With God, the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion     With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heav'nly chorus!     Lord, save us by Your grace
That we, like saints before us.     May see You face to face.

Peace to you!                                 And!                                                                             Joy in the Lord always!