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What you see pictured here is something called Catholic Worship. This is an ancient form of Christian worship that everyone thought was going to die out, but it is making a comeback.
Catholic worship is characterized by a God-centered act of devotion rather than a people centered act of fellowship. It is focussed on a corporate act of sacrifice offered by a priest rather than a corporate act of togetherness offered by a 'gathering leader'. Catholic worship focusses on a supernatural transaction that takes place between God and human beings. This transaction is called 'redemption' or 'salvation'. It was accomplished by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross two thousand years ago.
Through this corporate ritual that is two thousand years old the priest brings the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ into the present moment and applies its benefits to the church and the world.
This is not something you will find at the local community church.
Standing on My Head is edging upward. Watch out Fr. Z! Now what would be nice is if all you other bloggers out there were to join my campaign and tell your readers about the competition and get them to sign in and suggest that they vote for Standing on My Head.
3 comments:
It is too bad though that many priests today decide that its their responsibility to deemphasize the sacrifice and reaaaaaaly bring out the acts of fellowship. Its sad when right after the consecration during the sign of peace that a priest will throw himself into the congregation to say hello to everyone and things like that.
I think I like your blog so I think I will read it for now.
Love it!
Perhaps there are more Catholics than Protestants in need of this catechesis.
Dear Father Longenecker,
My name is Julie LaBelle, and I was Maddie's counselor at Camp Kahdalea this past summer. I found your blog through Facebook, and I have heard great things about it, and I am enjoying reading it!
Have you heard of the Adore 2097 tour put on by Lifeteen? It came to my parish this past December, and it's a beautiful witness to Catholic worship. "2097" refers to paragraph 2097 in the Catechism, which states
"To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the "nothingness of the creature" who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exalt him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he had done great things and holy is his name. the worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world."
This is the mission of the Adore 2097 tour, to promote true worship among teens and their parishes. It was truly a blessing to my parish.
God bless you and your ministry! I'm voting for your blog!
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