Catholic Journal

What It Means to Me To Be Catholic – Part VII

Catholicism is rooted in tradition and scripture. The purpose of tradition is much like that of prayer items. Tradition, such as celebrating Advent and Christmas, or praying the Stations of the Cross every Lenten Friday, is to help us relive the experience in order to increase our understanding. Celebrating a tradition year after year can significantly increase the meaning and understanding of the scripture.

Scripture is the living word. While some try to designate a particular meaning to every passage of the Bible, many realize that this is contrary to the purpose of the Bible. Sure, we can all read it and memorize it like a history book, but that prevents the Bible from completing its most sacred purpose: allowing God to talk to us and teach us.

I had the pleasure of sitting in on some RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes in two different churches. RCIA is the process of introducing adults who wish to become Catholic to the Church’s traditions and teachings. As a cradle Catholic, I benefited from RCIA because I learned what scripture passages really mean. The meaning is what I get from it when I prayerfully read it. That meaning may be drastically different when I read it the following year. The importance is that I experience a revelation that allows me to develop as a person and grow spiritually and closer to God.

What It Means to Me To Be Catholic – Part VI

Mary and the rest of the saints are not false Gods. We do not worship them. Catholics believe that we are one family. While some of us are beginning our journey on Earth, the saints and others have moved beyond their earthly beings and have joined God in Heaven. Some believe in purification in Purgatory before Heaven, but that is something I am unwilling to confirm nor deny in my limited knowledge.

Many Catholics pray to the saints, but not to worship them. They send prayer requests for the saints to intercede on their behalf. An example would be me praying to my grandmother, who passed away in 1985, telling her that I love her and asking her to pray for me. While she has yet to be canonized by the Church, she is a saint in my heart, and she is a member of my Christian family.

What It Means to Me To Be Catholic – Part V

Rosaries, crucifixes, statues, Christmas trees, and other prayer items are not false idols. We do not worship them. Humans are material beings, even while their spirits are not. Our brains are limited to a certain understanding and oftentimes need a little help. The purpose of prayer items is to help us focus on prayer, create a greater understanding of our relationship with God, and to make prayer a richer, more rewarding experience.