The Catholic Mass as a Sacrifice

    The Catholic Mass is often misunderstood by those outside the faith, and even by some within it. At its core, the Mass is a profound mystery and a sacred ritual that embodies the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This understanding is deeply rooted in Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Mass is not just a gathering of believers but a re-presentation of the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. It is a moment where heaven and earth meet, and the faithful are invited to participate in the divine mystery. 

     Scripture provides a solid foundation for understanding the Mass as a sacrifice. During the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist, saying, "Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:19). The Greek word used here, "anamnesis," is rich with sacrificial connotations, often translated as "memorial offering" or "memorial sacrifice". This indicates that the Eucharist is not merely a symbolic act but a re-presentation of Christ's one sacrifice on Calvary. Additionally, in 1 Corinthians 11:26, St. Paul emphasizes that "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes," highlighting the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. 

    The writings of the Church Fathers further illuminate this sacrificial nature. St. Ignatius of Antioch, writing in the early second century, emphasized the unity of the Eucharist with the sacrifice of Christ. He urged the faithful to "make certain, therefore, that you all observe one common Eucharist; for there is but one Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and but one cup of union with his Blood, and one single altar of sacrifice". This early testimony underscores the belief that the Mass is a true and real sacrifice. Similarly, St. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, described the Eucharist as the "pure offering" prophesied by Malachi 1:11, further affirming its sacrificial character. 

    The Catechism of the Catholic Church also affirms this understanding. It states, "The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, because it is its memorial and because it applies its fruit" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1366). This teaching highlights that the Mass is not a new sacrifice but the same sacrifice of Jesus, made present in an unbloody manner. The Catechism further explains that the Eucharist is a "sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet" (CCC, 1323), encapsulating the multifaceted nature of this sacred mystery.     

    The sacrificial nature of the Mass is further evidenced in the prayers and rituals of the liturgy. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, offers the bread and wine, which become the Body and Blood of Christ. This offering is a continuation of Christ's self-giving on the cross, a gift to the Father for the salvation of the world. As the Council of Trent declared, the Mass is "a true and real sacrifice" and "a propitiatory sacrifice" that makes up for our sins and obtains their forgiveness4. The liturgical prayers, such as the Roman Canon, explicitly refer to the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, reinforcing this central belief. 

    Moreover, the Mass is a communal act of worship, where the faithful join in offering themselves along with Christ. This is beautifully expressed in the prayer of the Roman Canon: "We offer you, Lord, the Bread of life and the Chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you." This prayer reflects the participation of the whole Church in the sacrificial offering. The Second Vatican Council also emphasized the active participation of the laity in the liturgy, encouraging the faithful to unite their own sacrifices with that of Christ. 

    The Eucharist, as the source and summit of the Christian life, nourishes and strengthens the faithful. It is a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, and a bond of charity. Through the Eucharist, believers are united with Christ and with one another, forming one body in Him. This unity is a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The grace received in the Eucharist empowers the faithful to live out their Christian vocation in their daily lives, bearing witness to the love of Christ in the world. 

    In conclusion, the Catholic Mass is a profound mystery that embodies the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Rooted in Scripture, affirmed by the Church Fathers, and taught by the Catechism, the Mass is a true and real sacrifice that makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. It is a gift of love, a source of grace, and a means of salvation for all who partake in it. The Mass invites the faithful to enter into the mystery of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, and to offer themselves in union with His perfect sacrifice

Just a question

I would like to know if anyone knows what Jesus meant when he said "It is finished" from the cross. He could not mean his work because that still continues today. He could not have meant the reparation of sins because this did not happen until the resurrection. Any ideas?

Fr. Larry Richards "I Thirst For You"

Listen to Fr. Larry for life and love. This will help you through your day and your Life!

Are your beliefs found in the bible?

The fast answer to this is a resounding yes! But we are not looking for a fast answer, are we? We want to see where in the bible our beliefs are. This is a difficult topic to cover because there are so many beliefs that need to be covered. I will be adding to this post as time goes on. Please look over it from time to time to see any additions you may have missed. Also, if you have any questions please post them so I may address them for you.  For this discussion, we will turn to scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church for all the answers we need. You are going to say I don’t believe that a book written by the Catholic Church has the authority or ability to change my understanding of what the Church believes. I want to use the Catechism as a reference point showing what the Church actually teaches. The Catechism is simply a reference book for Catholicsbook for anyone, for that matter, to see in writing what the Church actually teaches of any given subject. 

I feel the best place to start with the basic beliefs of The Catholic Church is to start with the creed. We use two different creeds the first being the Apostles’ Creed and the second being the Nicene Creed. 

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, 
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 
born of the Virgin Mary, 
suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, died, and was buried; 
he descended to the dead. 
On the third day he rose again; 
he ascended into heaven, 
he is seated at the right hand of the Father, 
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

AMEN.

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, The Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,

Of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God,

Eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God

Begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. Through Him, all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven:

By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

With the Father and Son, He is adored and glorified.

He has spoken through the profits.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen

These are only the basic beliefs of the Catholic Church. For a full understanding of the beliefs of the Catholic Church, you need to look at and read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM). This will cover each statement of the creed fully and give scripture references. I wanted to also answer the question of why two creeds. The Apostle's creed is from the early Church. The Catholic Enclyopida dates the traditional writing or first public statement of the creed to Pentecost. Giving each of the twelve one statement of belief from the creed. The Nicene creed comes from the council of Nicaea which took place in 325 ad.  The Nicene Creed defines the beliefs in greater detail. This council also established many of the beliefs we hold true today. The Church was still in its infancy and still trying to understand all of what Jesus had taught. The council of Nicaea address many of the questions being asked and also put an end to the heresy of Arius from that time. This is a basic statement of beliefs now we can get to the meat of things.

I will look at scripture alone as opposed to scripture and tradition. Which one is supported in scripture? Where did scripture come from as we know it today come from?

Just a Question

Does anyone have any idea of what Jesus meant when he said "It is finished" from the cross? It could not mean that his work was done because that is still continuing today. It could not mean that the reparation for our sins was complete because this did not happen until the Resurrection. So what was meant by this? I am hoping for some ideas.

Wisconsin Personhood Petition

There is a movement among the people who call themselves pro-life. I consider myself one of these people. As a Catholic I find that there are five things that I cannot support, or support any candidate running for office that supports these five things. Those five will be a topic I will write about in the future. I would like to write about the movement I started with. The movement is personhood from conception. If the law established personhood we would no longer need to worry about the judicial system or friendly politicians. This would make the law of the land work for all of its citizens.


This does sound easy but in some states including Wisconsin can make it very difficult. In order for this to be done the process for making changes to the Wisconsin Constitution is stated in Article XII. An amendment to the state constitution can be introduced by either house of the state legislature; Wisconsin does not have petition-based referendums or initiatives, but you can amend the state constitution using the long three vote process. The step can take place in either house which includes the introduction the amendment and then a majority of both houses must approve the amendment. If it passes both houses then the amendment is shelved until after the general elections have been held, once the state legislature has reconvened with its new members it must be voted on again and pass with no changes. After this has been done the citizens’ of the state must vote and pass the amendment. The last option for amending is to call a constitutional convention. This process would also be very lengthy. But we must keep on fighting for the amendment.

By changing the way we thing about the unborn is the only way we can protect them. How can there be laws protecting eggs on a beach but not protecting an individual in the place it should be the safest, their mothers womb.

On Eagle's Wings, A Memorial

Our Lady of Tears

Our Lady of Tears

"Through this rosary the devil will be conquered and the power of hell will be destroyed."

Our sweet Lady of Tears - The Helper of the Poor and Suffering Mankind - as she appeared to Sister Amalia of the Scourged Jesus in Campinas, Brazil on March 8, 1930.

Humble Beginnings

Shortly after World War I and around the time of the Great Depression in America, there lived a pious religious named Sister Amalia of the Scourged Jesus. Her convent, called the Institute of the Missionaries of the Scourged Jesus, was located in South America in Campinas, Brazil.

Monsignor Count Franciscus von Campos Barreto, Bishop of the Diocese of Campinas, established the Institute with Sister Amalia's help as a cofoundress. Sister was also one of the first eight women to dedicate their lives to the service of God there.

As Saint Francis, Padre Pio and Theresa Neumann, Sister Amalia was privileged to bear the stigmata of Christ. By this mark alone, it is apparent her destiny was to be a victim soul for the needy. This certainly was befitting her generous and sacrificial nature.

On December 8 -- the Feast of the Immaculate Conception -- 1927, Sister Amalia made her temporary vows and received her habit. Exactly four years later, on December 8, 1931, she professed her perpetual vows, and became a nun consecrated to the Church and God.

Sister's Tearful Relation

One day in the Fall of 1929, one of Sister Amalia's male relatives called on her at the convent. He was in great need. His wife was seriously ill, and he was -- understandably and sadly -- greatly distressed. He relayed to sister, that according to the diagnosis of several doctors, his spouse's affliction was incurable, and he did not know what to do or what God expected of him. She was his last hope.

Grief-stricken and teary-eyed, her relation cried despairingly aloud, "What will happen with the children?"

Sister Amalia's heart also grieved at the sight of her relative's sorrow, and the hardship facing both him and his dependent offspring. Her innate inclinations compelled her to desire to help in any way possible, so while this tale of woe was being told, she turned interiorly towards our Divine Savior in deep reflection and prayer, seeking intently what she could offer or do.

Simultaneously listening and soul-searching, Sister Amalia felt an inner impulse urging her to visit Jesus in church. When their meeting had ended, she faithfully and swiftly responded to this calling.

Seeking Help: To Jesus in Chapel

Upon entering the house of God, Sister Amalia reverently genuflected and proceeded to the steps just before the altar. Here she knelt down and extended her arms towards Jesus in the tabernacle. (By her own account and example, we see Sister Amalia as a highly-perfected soul, with the sweet and tender grace of recognizing -- and responding to -- the Divine Presence of our Lord and Savior in the Most Blessed Sacrament.)

In this devout disposition and posture -- humbly submissive to our Eucharistic King -- she spoke to Jesus, "If there is no hope for the wife of T. . ., then I am ready to offer my life for the mother of the family. What do you want me to do?"

Jesus answered,

"If you want to receive these favors, ask me for the sake of My Mother's tears."

Sister Amalia asked further, "How must I pray?"

In answering, Jesus gave her the following invocations:

"Oh Jesus, listen to our prayers for the sake of the tears of Your most holy Mother!

Oh Jesus, look upon the tears of the one who loved You most on earth and loves You most ardently in heaven!"

Finally, Jesus added,

"My daughter, whatever people will beg Me for the sake of the tears of My Mother, I shall lovingly grant them.

Later, My Mother will hand over this treasure to our beloved Institute as a Magnet of mercy."

This took place on November 8, 1929.

God's Prophecy Fulfilled

Jesus fulfilled this promise to Sister Amalia exactly four months later, in the Spring of the following year. At the divinely appointed time, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave this treasure to heaven's beloved Institute. The following are Sister Amalia's own recollections of what took place.

"It was March 8, 1930. I was in the chapel kneeling on the steps of the altar, as I suddenly felt myself being lifted up.

Then I saw a woman of unspeakable beauty approaching me. She wore a violet robe, blue mantle, and a white veil draped over her shoulders. Smiling, she floated in the air towards me, holding a rosary in her hands, which she herself called "corona" [i.e. circle and means rosary]. Its beads shined like the sun and were as white as snow. Handing me this rosary she said to me,

'This is the rosary of my tears, which is being entrusted by my Son to His beloved Institute as a portion of His inheritance.

The invocations were already given by my Son.

My Son wants to honor me in a special way through these invocations, and so, He will grant all graces that are begged for the sake of my tears.

This rosary will provide for the conversion of many sinners, especially those possessed by the devil.

To the Institute of the Crucified Jesus is reserved a special honor, that is the conversion of many members of a wicked sect to the blooming tree of the Church.

Through this rosary the devil will be conquered and the power of hell will be destroyed.

Get ready for this great battle.'

When our Blessed Mother Mary had finished speaking, she disappeared."

Documentation

In 1934 -- just a few years after the apparitions -- His Excellency Bishop Franciscus von Campinas traveled from Rome to Germany to visit Theresa Neumann in Konnersreuth. He also went to see the Oberammergau Passion Play on May 27th.

Through documentation secured from a contemplative order in Germany and recorded in a pamphlet entitled "Our Dear Lady of Tears," we relay all the particulars and public announcements regarding the apparitions in Campinas and about Sister Amalia -- as given first hand by the Bishop.

His Excellency assured that not only in Brazil, but also in other countries, that after wearing the medal of our dear Lady of Tears -- revealed to Sister Amalia in another apparition by the Mother of God -- innumerable conversions had taken place.

"Innnumerable graces have been received through the praying of the rosary to honor the tears of our dear Lady. The reason lies in the promise of the holy Savior, 'no favor will be refused, when asked of Him for the sake of the tears of His most holy Mother.'

It is well known, that the holy Savior rewards in a special way the sincere reverence for the sorrows of His most holy Mother, which alone are the cause of her tears. Also from Germany, Holland, and Belgium many report of extraordinary favors and graces. They prayed the rosary of our Lady of the Tears daily for nine days, received the holy sacraments and performed works of mercy.

From religious, we understand, that the praying of this rosary is a very dear habit to which they attribute extraordinary graces. For that reason, they pray it daily often to ask graces for themselves and others, the conversion of sinners, heretics, and atheists, to obtain graces for priests and missionaries, to help the dying, and to free the poor souls from Purgatory.

A believing, pious soul, for whom the good of the holy Church, and the honor of God is close at heart, knows without special guidance, what it can and will obtain from our gracious Redeemer through the tears of His most holy Mother.

When sorrow and suffering fill our heart, we direct our thoughts to God. Through the tears of Mary, His most holy Mother, we soften the heart of God, even though it is ever ready to grant us kindness, graces and blessings.

At the present, so it seems to us, the blessed tears of the Mother of Jesus are especially powerful to win the heart of God." -- Msgr. Count Franciscus von Campos Barreto, Bishop of Campinas

Mary's Tears

In this vale of tears world we live in, the apparition of our Blessed Mother to Sister Amalia was not the first or only time that Holy Mary bore her sorrow before one of her children.

In the approved account of Mélanie Calvat -- the shepherdess of La Salette -- we witness Our Lady of La Salette's deep sadness, when she appeared in the French Alps on September 19, 1846:

"The Holy Virgin was crying nearly the whole time she spoke to me. Her tears flowed gently, one by one, down to her knees, then, like sparks of light, they disappeared. They were glittering and full of love. I would have liked to comfort Her and stop Her tears. But it seemed to me that She needed the tears to show better Her love forgotten by men. I would have liked to throw myself into Her arms and say to Her: 'My kind Mother, do not cry! I want to love you for all men on earth.' But she seemed to be saying to me: There are so many who know me not!

I was in between life and death, and on one side, I saw so much desire by this Mother to be loved, and on another side, so much cold and indifference . . . Oh! my Mother, most beautiful and lovable Mother, my love, heart of my heart!

The tears of our sweet Mother, far from lessening her air of majesty, of a Queen and a Mistress, seemed, on the contrary, to embellish Her, to make Her more beautiful, more powerful, more filled with love, more maternal, more ravishing, and I could have wiped away her tears which made my heart leap with compassion and love. To see a Mother cry, and such a M other, without doing everything possible to comfort her and change her grief into joy, is that possible? Oh! Mother, who is more than good, you have been formed with all the prerogatives God is able to make; you have married the power of God, so to speak; you are good, and more, you are good with the goodness of God Himself. God has extended Himself by making you his terrestrial and celestial masterpiece."

This is a deeply moving account.

Another visit from our Lady -- in tears -- occurred over the course of five days, from August 29 to September 2, 1953 in Syracuse, Sicily. Then and there, the image of Mary cried incessantly from a common terra-cotta plaque.

Thousands of people came to witness this miracle of Mary's tears in the simple home of a poor Sicilian laborer. A thorough investigation of the event was conducted by the Church, and confirmed -- through the bishops of Sicily -- that the communication was divinely ordained.

Pope Pius XII, the angelic pastor, was most exclamatory on the Vatican radio, when he proclaimed, "O the tears of Mary!"

Mediatrix of All Grace

A sound and reverent appreciation for the efficacy of the Blessed Virgin Mary's tears should proceed directly from the most simple of meditations on the Passion of Christ.

As we reflect on Jesus' unimaginable agony along the way to Golgotha or nailed to the wood of the Cross, our contemplations are only complete and accurate when they recall and commiserate Mary's sufferings aside her divine Son.

Immediately after meeting Mary on the way to His execution, Jesus was assisted by both Simon the Cyrenean and Saint Veronica. Did not our Lady's motherly tears and prayers effectively intercede for, and obtain these consolations?

Assuredly, her tears of love have obtained -- and continue to -- many consolations for us also, as we ascend our little calvaries. Who can discount the co-redemptive power and force of Mary's immaculate tears? Who also does not want to kiss them away by offering sweet Mother Mary their entire beings.

As Jesus died on the Cross, Mary died interiorly, perfectly -- prayerfully -- offering the sacrifice of her divine Son (with Him) to the Father, for the salvation of all us poor sinners.

As Jesus has given us His Sacred Heart, Mary has given us her Immaculate Heart.

As Jesus has given us His Most Precious Blood, Mary has given us her Most Precious Tears.

In today's perilous times, as we are besieged with seemingly endless and evermore ferocious attacks on the Church and our own salvation, from those who "don't know Mary" -- and those who don't care to -- let the prudent among us seek the support of the tears of Mary, that they may evermore keep us in the Blood of Christ.

Let us "Get ready for this great battle."

Our Lady of La Salette

... as attired (in yellow) and postured when she appeared to the two little shepherds of La Salette -- Mélanie and Maximim -- September 19, 1846. Mélanie's wrote, "The more I looked, the more I wanted to see; the more I saw, the more I loved Her and I loved her with all my might."

Our Lady of Sorrows

This miraculous portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Quito, Ecuador has shed tears.

For certain, our Blessed Mother weeps for Christ's Church and the suffering children entrusted to her maternal heart by God.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Another popular devotion to honor and appease the tears of our Lady is to meditate on her seven sorrows. They are Mary's sorrow:

1. At the Presentation and Simeon's prophecy

2. During the flight into Egypt

3. Having lost Jesus for three days

4. Meeting Jesus on the Via Dolorosa

5. Seeing Jesus crucified and die

6. Seeing Jesus' Sacred Heart pierced

7. Having to bury Jesus

The rosary of Our Lady of Tears may be used to pray the chaplet in honor of Mary's seven sorrows. Simply meditate on her sorrows, and pray on the beads as you would pray the rosary, i.e. Our Fathers followed by Hail Marys.

How to Pray the Rosary of Our Lady of Tears

The rosary transmitted to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God consists of forty-nine white beads, which is divided into seven parts by seven larger beads of the same color -- similar to the rosary of the seven sorrows of Mary. At the end, there are attached three more small beads and a medal of our dear Lady of Tears.

Through these instructions we are obviously directed to honor Mary our Mother on account of her sorrows, for which she shed many tears. The medal of our Lady of Tears is an essential part of the rosary, but it must be the way it was revealed to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God on April 30, 1930. In Germany, this medal is made with the specified inscription in all the European languages.

On the Medal to Jesus

O crucified Jesus, we fall at Your feet and offer You the tears of the one, who with deep compassionate love accompanied You on Your sorrowful way of the Cross. O good Master, grant that we take to heart the lessons which the tears of Your most holy Mother teach us, so that we may fulfill Your holy will on earth, that we may be worthy to praise and exalt You in Heaven for all eternity. Amen.

In Place of the Our Father

(and on the final three beads)

V. O Jesus, look upon the tears of the one who loved You most on earth,

R. And loves You most ardently in heaven.

In Place of the Hail Mary

V. O Jesus, listen to our prayers,

R. For the sake of the tears of your most Holy Mother.

On the Medal to Mary

O Mary, Mother of Love, Sorrow and mercy, we beseech you to unite your prayers with ours so that Jesus, your Divine Son, to whom we turn, may hear our petitions in the name of your maternal tears, and grant us, not only the favors we now ask, but the crown of everlasting life. Amen.


Imprimatur; Buchweiser, Gen. - Bit. Munchen, 22. Marz 1935
Taken from; www.starharbor.com, website. Catholic Devotions Web Page.

The Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This prayer, contained in the Rule of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been passed on by the ancient tradition of the Marian Order.

First of all we make the sign of the Cross, then we recite one Our Father followed by ten Hail Mary’s, mentioning after the words "Holy Mary, Mother of God" one virtue, in the following order:

1. Most pure,
2. Most prudent,
3. Most humble,
4. Most faithful,
5. Most devout,
6. Most obedient,
7. Most poor,
8. Most patient,
9. Most merciful,
10. Most sorrowful,

. . . pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

V. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

V. In Your Conception, O Virgin Mary, You were Immaculate.

R. Pray for us to the Father whose son, Jesus, you brought forth into the world.

Let us pray.

Father, you prepared the virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by his death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in your presence without sin. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

R. Amen.

V. The Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception

R. Be our Health and our Protection.

Why do Catholics Worship Idols?

I would like to again invite you to add to this and ask any questions you would like. Remain civil, keep it clean, and be nice. I would like you to post any sources that you use. I will use Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition to make my point. I will look to the early Fathers of the Church and the road map to what the Catholic Church actually believes, the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I hope as you read this you will see a new light on what the Church teaches.

To start this post, the Catechism teaches Catholics that, “The first commandment condemns polytheism. It requires man neither to believe in nor to venerate, other divinities than the one true God. Scripture constantly recalls this rejection of "idols, [of] silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see." These empty idols make their worshippers empty: "Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them." God, however, is the "living God" who gives life and intervenes in history.

Idolatry not only refers to false pagan worship. It remains a constant temptation to faith. Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. Man commits idolatry whenever he honors and reveres a creature in place of God, whether this be gods or demons (for example, satanism), power, pleasure, race, ancestors, the state, money, etc. Jesus says, "You cannot serve God and mammon." Many martyrs died for not adoring "the Beast" refusing even to simulate such worship. Idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God; it is, therefore, incompatible with communion with God.

Human life finds its unity in the adoration of the one God. The commandment to worship the Lord alone integrates man and saves him from an endless disintegration. Idolatry is a perversion of man's innate religious sense. An idolater is someone who "transfers his indestructible notion of God to anything other than God." (Catholic Church, 2000, 2112-2214).

Ok, now what does all of that mean to the average Catholic, and to the average non-Catholic. Let's start with the question of polytheism. As a Catholic, I have been taught in the church and through catechism teaching that we are to have only one God. We are never taught to “worship” a photo or statue. Yes, as a Catholic I have used a painting or statue to help me as I pray. I would liken this to a person looking at a photo album and recalling a cherished memory of a loved one. Is this person practicing ancestor worship? No, they are just being reminded of the good times they spent with a loved one. As a Catholic, I see that by looking at an image of the passion of Christ I am able to truly see and that I can start to understand the suffering that Jesus went through for me. By seeing images of the saints I have studied I can recall the events in their lives that I would want to imitate.

We have seen what the Church teaches about Idolatry and what the Catechism teaches. What does Holy Scripture say on the subject? I think we need to look at a few key passages that cover this area. I think the best place is in Exodus Chapter 20 verses 3-5, You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers' wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation. This is very clear is it not? We are not to make an image and worship it as a god. God wants us to worship only him. If you are to read into exodus you find God letting Moses know that the people of Israel are making a graven image and are sinning against him. God Saw that his people still needed guidance. He even went as far as to have the Hebrew people perform sacrifices on the animals that the people of Egypt worshiped as gods. This was to show the Israelis that the gods of Egypt were impotent. So, does this forbid any icons or images for worship? If we are to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39) again we can find some things that might make you see this in a different light. We will start again in Exodus Make two cherubim of beaten gold for the two ends of the propitiatory, fastening them so that one cherub springs direct from each end. The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, covering the propitiatory with them; they shall be turned toward each other, but with their faces looking toward the propitiatory (Ex 25:18-20). God is instructing the Hebrew people how to make Images. If we read on further, we see God tell Moses to make a bronze serpent (statue) and to instruct the people to look at the serpent if they are bitten and they will be healed (Num 21:8-9). They kept that statue until some tried to give it a name and worship it as a god named “Nehushtan” and at that time King Hezekiah (cf 2Kgs 18:4) had it destroyed (Catholic Answers 2006).

Now we see how God gave the Hebrews a tool to use to help them and once this was abused by the people there was someone to step up and destroy the problem. So, we can see that God has directed his followers to make icons or images. The problem starts when people try to make an image of God. How can we as people do if we have never seen God? We have seen or heard of the Holy Spirit as tongues of flame and descending as a dove. God came to earth as a man his name was Jesus. Men were able then to see God as man. So, when a Protestant has an image of a flame or a dove on their car does this make them an idolater? When a Christian kneels down to read the bible are they worshiping the Word, the bible? The answer to both of these is a resounding no. When a Catholic kneels to pray in front of an image of Jesus does this make him an idolater? Again, we hear a resounding NO.

To end this discussion I will invite you to go to Catholic Answers and read “Do Catholics Worship Statues?” This is a great resource. Catholic Answers can answer this question and more.

References

        Catholic Church. (2000). Catechism of the Catholic Church: revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II. United States Catholic Conference.

        Catholic Answers. (2006). The Essential Catholic Survival Guide. Catholic Answers.

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