#21 Challenge and Complexity
If you’re looking for an easy faith to practice, I wouldn’t suggest Catholicism.
The jokes about Catholics and all their rules, all their prayers, all the incense in church, the Catholic guilt, … well, like all good jokes, it is the semblance of truth that makes them work. And there is definite truth behind any good Catholic joke.
Things that are easy and soft and play to the lowest denominator are never what cause a person to engage and grow. At first they might be attractive and comforting, but after that, you’re ready to move on.
I’ll admit, “attractive and comforting” is not the focus of Catholicism. The music during mass will never be what it sounds like in other Christian denominations, similar to something you might hear on the Top 40. The priests will never wear cool jeans or fashionable suits as they preach. People will more than likely never be standing, with their eyes closed, arms raised while music plays, similar to how someone might look at a Phish concert.
But what being Catholic promises you, if you want it, is an opportunity for constant growth and engagement. You’re never done learning. There’s always something new to understand. This comes from the centuries old history and tradition of an organization of humans devoted to Jesus Christ.
I will also admit, just because something is challenging and complicated doesn’t make it great. This is an obstacle for the Church. But what I like is that I believe Its future is tied to those who are in the pews. We are called to help break down these walls of “challenge and complication” for those in our families, friend groups and peers at work and in the community. It is on us to grow and learn and use the tools that are all around us to help understand and deepen the practice of our faith. It is this challenge that I love, and the 21st reason for why I love being Catholic.
The jokes about Catholics and all their rules, all their prayers, all the incense in church, the Catholic guilt, … well, like all good jokes, it is the semblance of truth that makes them work. And there is definite truth behind any good Catholic joke.
Things that are easy and soft and play to the lowest denominator are never what cause a person to engage and grow. At first they might be attractive and comforting, but after that, you’re ready to move on.
I’ll admit, “attractive and comforting” is not the focus of Catholicism. The music during mass will never be what it sounds like in other Christian denominations, similar to something you might hear on the Top 40. The priests will never wear cool jeans or fashionable suits as they preach. People will more than likely never be standing, with their eyes closed, arms raised while music plays, similar to how someone might look at a Phish concert.
But what being Catholic promises you, if you want it, is an opportunity for constant growth and engagement. You’re never done learning. There’s always something new to understand. This comes from the centuries old history and tradition of an organization of humans devoted to Jesus Christ.
I will also admit, just because something is challenging and complicated doesn’t make it great. This is an obstacle for the Church. But what I like is that I believe Its future is tied to those who are in the pews. We are called to help break down these walls of “challenge and complication” for those in our families, friend groups and peers at work and in the community. It is on us to grow and learn and use the tools that are all around us to help understand and deepen the practice of our faith. It is this challenge that I love, and the 21st reason for why I love being Catholic.
#20 Confession
There is nothing more challenging than pointing out our own flaws and mistakes. And to double down on that, not only pointing them out, but saying them out loud and owning them. We hate doing it.
“It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of the sacrament.” CCC1424
We take the time to meet with a priest, enter the same quiet room with him, and share our sins. We know that in doing so, it is as if we are sharing directly with Jesus Christ. This is a powerful and beautiful idea.
After all, confession is a personal encounter with Jesus. “In the Eucharist, Christ is present for us hidden under the appearances of bread and wine. In the confessional, Christ is hidden in the priest. Just as it is really Christ who consecrates the bread and wine through the words of the priest, so it is Christ who absolves us of our sins through the words of the priest.” 7 Secrets of Confession
Confession is about healing and accountability. It is a way to take our lives more seriously, as we are given the forgiveness and graces we need to keep growing in virtue and charity. Our priests play an important role, hearing us, guiding us, and forgiving us in the person of Christ (in persona christi.) This is a beautiful piece of our faith practice, and that is why it is the twentieth reason for why I love being Catholic.
“It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of the sacrament.” CCC1424
We take the time to meet with a priest, enter the same quiet room with him, and share our sins. We know that in doing so, it is as if we are sharing directly with Jesus Christ. This is a powerful and beautiful idea.
After all, confession is a personal encounter with Jesus. “In the Eucharist, Christ is present for us hidden under the appearances of bread and wine. In the confessional, Christ is hidden in the priest. Just as it is really Christ who consecrates the bread and wine through the words of the priest, so it is Christ who absolves us of our sins through the words of the priest.” 7 Secrets of Confession
Confession is about healing and accountability. It is a way to take our lives more seriously, as we are given the forgiveness and graces we need to keep growing in virtue and charity. Our priests play an important role, hearing us, guiding us, and forgiving us in the person of Christ (in persona christi.) This is a beautiful piece of our faith practice, and that is why it is the twentieth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#19 In Paradisum
If you’ve ever been to a funeral mass, you’ve heard In Paradisum. It is a centuries old chant used specifically at a mass for the dead. It is sung right as the priest is blessing the casket with incense for a final time, before it is led out of the sanctuary during the recessional hymn.
May the angels lead you into paradise;
may the martyrs greet you at your arrival
and lead you into the holy City of Jerusalem.
May the choir of Angels greet you
and like Lazarus, who once was a poor man,
may you have eternal rest.
I’ve sung at a fair amount of funerals in my day, and I struggle mightily getting through it. It comes at an emotionally charged moment, when everyone gathered feels the weight of closure that is about to come. It represents a certain finality to the death of the loved one, and the lilting chant melody and text seems to speak to it perfectly.
In Paradisum is beautiful and one of a kind. I can’t imagine a Catholic funeral mass without it. That is why it is the nineteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
May the angels lead you into paradise;
may the martyrs greet you at your arrival
and lead you into the holy City of Jerusalem.
May the choir of Angels greet you
and like Lazarus, who once was a poor man,
may you have eternal rest.
I’ve sung at a fair amount of funerals in my day, and I struggle mightily getting through it. It comes at an emotionally charged moment, when everyone gathered feels the weight of closure that is about to come. It represents a certain finality to the death of the loved one, and the lilting chant melody and text seems to speak to it perfectly.
In Paradisum is beautiful and one of a kind. I can’t imagine a Catholic funeral mass without it. That is why it is the nineteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#18 Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a method of prayer under the umbrella of Contemplative Prayer. It is meant to develop interior transformation by a conversion initiated by God and leading us to divine union.
If this sounds heavy, it should. It’s serious stuff.
But what’s great about Centering Prayer is how practical it makes this profound objective.
The method itself was taught by three Trappist monks in the 1970’s at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. Note, they didn’t consider this a new concept of prayer. Instead they put a name and method to something that had been effectively done for centuries in monastic life, and wanted to make it more accessible to everyone. The name Centering Prayer is based on the words of Thomas Merton in reference to this type of prayer that is “centered entirely on the presence of God.”
What does the method of Centering Prayer look like?
For 20 to 30 minutes you enter the silence as follows:
1) Find a quiet area and close your eyes
1) Consent to God’s presence and action within
2) Surrender your will completely to Him
3) Gently detach yourself from any thoughts that enter your thinking
It’s that easy and that difficult.
Yes, it can sound very new age and rooted in eastern pracitces like yoga or meditation. However, the objective isn’t to calm the body, mind or nervous system alone, but rather, to develop a relationship with God by being in His presence. The fundamental disposition is consent. We are offering ourselves to Him, in the silence, by detaching ourselves from everything.
While there is a time and place for energetic, animated and “fun” prayer, I believe there is even more reason for silent, unspoken, intimate prayer in this modern world we find ourselves. Centering Prayer is a solution for this need, deeply rooted in Catholicism, and that is why it is the eighteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
If this sounds heavy, it should. It’s serious stuff.
But what’s great about Centering Prayer is how practical it makes this profound objective.
The method itself was taught by three Trappist monks in the 1970’s at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. Note, they didn’t consider this a new concept of prayer. Instead they put a name and method to something that had been effectively done for centuries in monastic life, and wanted to make it more accessible to everyone. The name Centering Prayer is based on the words of Thomas Merton in reference to this type of prayer that is “centered entirely on the presence of God.”
What does the method of Centering Prayer look like?
For 20 to 30 minutes you enter the silence as follows:
1) Find a quiet area and close your eyes
1) Consent to God’s presence and action within
2) Surrender your will completely to Him
3) Gently detach yourself from any thoughts that enter your thinking
It’s that easy and that difficult.
Yes, it can sound very new age and rooted in eastern pracitces like yoga or meditation. However, the objective isn’t to calm the body, mind or nervous system alone, but rather, to develop a relationship with God by being in His presence. The fundamental disposition is consent. We are offering ourselves to Him, in the silence, by detaching ourselves from everything.
While there is a time and place for energetic, animated and “fun” prayer, I believe there is even more reason for silent, unspoken, intimate prayer in this modern world we find ourselves. Centering Prayer is a solution for this need, deeply rooted in Catholicism, and that is why it is the eighteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#17 Intercession
A saint in the Roman Catholic Church is defined as a person in heaven - canonized or not - who lived a heroically virtuous life, offered their life for others, and is worthy of imitation. So, we’re talking about the Catholic celebrities like Mother Teresa, a canonized saint, and my own mom, not canonized and far from a celebrity, who I believe is also a saint.
After their death on earth, a saint is still active in the life of the world. “Being more closely united with Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us.” CCC956
This idea that saints pray for us, and we in turn pray to them, all with the goal of going to the Father for the salvation of the world, is distinctly Catholic. This is one of those clear and distinct differences among Christians. For my money, I can’t imagine not having this part of my life and mental make up. Mother Teresa and my mom, both gone from this world, are still very much part of my life as a result. Here’s a fantastic quote from St. Dominic to bring this home…
“Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life. I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.”
I love the idea that my work can go past this earthly life. I have the opportunity to help the world and those I love through intercession, just like all the saints are helping me. Who wouldn’t love this idea? That is why it is the seventeenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
After their death on earth, a saint is still active in the life of the world. “Being more closely united with Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us.” CCC956
This idea that saints pray for us, and we in turn pray to them, all with the goal of going to the Father for the salvation of the world, is distinctly Catholic. This is one of those clear and distinct differences among Christians. For my money, I can’t imagine not having this part of my life and mental make up. Mother Teresa and my mom, both gone from this world, are still very much part of my life as a result. Here’s a fantastic quote from St. Dominic to bring this home…
“Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life. I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.”
I love the idea that my work can go past this earthly life. I have the opportunity to help the world and those I love through intercession, just like all the saints are helping me. Who wouldn’t love this idea? That is why it is the seventeenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#16 Ave Maria
I don’t think there is a better known piece of classical vocal music than Ave Maria.
You’ll hear it at weddings, you’ll hear it at funerals, you’ll hear it sung by a pop singer on some Christmas compilation like Harry Connick Jr’s version that came out when I was in high school. It sounded awkward and terrible (and still does to me) with pop vowel shapes….but I digress…
What I find interesting is how very Catholic and popular the song has become over the centuries. It is rooted in the Annunciation and the Visitation from the Gospel of Luke, with the “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” added in the 16th century. In all of this we see real reverence for Mary combined with some true intercessory prayer, all making it middle of the fairway for Catholics.
To build on this, the setting comes from Franz Schubert, and a song he wrote in 1825. He did not write it in this finished form as we know it, but his song opened with the same “Ave Maria,” and was easily adopted for the Catholic “Hail Mary” as we know it.
Speaking personally, I’m a huge fan of Franz Schubert. He wrote over 600 vocal songs in his short life of 31 years. It wasn’t the Beatles or Buddy Holly or Motown that that started popular music, it was Franz Schubert. I love that we have him to thank for the music behind this Catholic vocal masterpiece, and that’s why it is the sixteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
You’ll hear it at weddings, you’ll hear it at funerals, you’ll hear it sung by a pop singer on some Christmas compilation like Harry Connick Jr’s version that came out when I was in high school. It sounded awkward and terrible (and still does to me) with pop vowel shapes….but I digress…
What I find interesting is how very Catholic and popular the song has become over the centuries. It is rooted in the Annunciation and the Visitation from the Gospel of Luke, with the “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death” added in the 16th century. In all of this we see real reverence for Mary combined with some true intercessory prayer, all making it middle of the fairway for Catholics.
To build on this, the setting comes from Franz Schubert, and a song he wrote in 1825. He did not write it in this finished form as we know it, but his song opened with the same “Ave Maria,” and was easily adopted for the Catholic “Hail Mary” as we know it.
Speaking personally, I’m a huge fan of Franz Schubert. He wrote over 600 vocal songs in his short life of 31 years. It wasn’t the Beatles or Buddy Holly or Motown that that started popular music, it was Franz Schubert. I love that we have him to thank for the music behind this Catholic vocal masterpiece, and that’s why it is the sixteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#15 Catechism of the Catholic Church
There is a lot going on in the Catholic Church. When you are 2,000 years old, that makes sense. The rituals, the rules, the beliefs. There is a lot to understand and keep straight.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a resource to help?
Well, guess what, there is.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a “book” that “is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine, attested to or illuminated by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, and the Church’s Magisterium.” Pope John Paull II went on to say in 1992, when the Catechism was released, “I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion.”
Put in simple terms, anything you’d like to understand about what we do or believe, the Catechism has the answers.
I reference mine a good bit. The index comes in handy, as I’m able to research any topic that intrigues me. Let’s say there’s a hot topic in the news or my parish community regarding something in the Church, I’m able to quickly gain some understanding from the Catechism and feel confident in the source and authority.
This book is astounding to me, as I can’t imagine the work involved in getting everyone together, and on the same page literally, in such a massive institution like the Catholic Church. The fact that this was able to be done is a testament to the Faith and the legitimacy of those who created it. I’m very thankful it exists, and that is why it is the fifteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a resource to help?
Well, guess what, there is.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a “book” that “is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine, attested to or illuminated by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, and the Church’s Magisterium.” Pope John Paull II went on to say in 1992, when the Catechism was released, “I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion.”
Put in simple terms, anything you’d like to understand about what we do or believe, the Catechism has the answers.
I reference mine a good bit. The index comes in handy, as I’m able to research any topic that intrigues me. Let’s say there’s a hot topic in the news or my parish community regarding something in the Church, I’m able to quickly gain some understanding from the Catechism and feel confident in the source and authority.
This book is astounding to me, as I can’t imagine the work involved in getting everyone together, and on the same page literally, in such a massive institution like the Catholic Church. The fact that this was able to be done is a testament to the Faith and the legitimacy of those who created it. I’m very thankful it exists, and that is why it is the fifteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#14 Holy Water
When you walk into a Catholic Church, look on your right or left side. You’ll see little bowls or receptacles called stoups that are filled with water.
This isn’t just water, per se, but Holy Water.
What makes it holy?
A priest has blessed this water, in accordance with traditions dating back to the early centuries of the church. He has several blessings to choose from. This is one of the options from the Book of Blessings:
“Blessed are you, Lord, all-powerful God, who in Christ, the living water of salvation, blessed and transformed us. Grant that when we are sprinkled with this water or make use of it, we will be refreshed inwardly by the power of the Holy Spirit and continue to walk in the new life we received at Baptism. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”
Water is about purity. Holy Water is the same, as we lightly touch our fingers to this water as we enter the church and give ourselves the sign of the cross.
Holy Water is meant to protect us, cleanse us, and renew us in our baptisimal promises. We are so habitual in our use of it as we walk in and out of the sanctuary, we might forget why we’re even using it. It is a true habit for Catholics that aren’t even mindful of the action.
Our use of Holy Water is another subtle detail of what we Catholics do, in the name of purity, protection and reasserting our early promise to follow Jesus. That is why it is the fourteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
This isn’t just water, per se, but Holy Water.
What makes it holy?
A priest has blessed this water, in accordance with traditions dating back to the early centuries of the church. He has several blessings to choose from. This is one of the options from the Book of Blessings:
“Blessed are you, Lord, all-powerful God, who in Christ, the living water of salvation, blessed and transformed us. Grant that when we are sprinkled with this water or make use of it, we will be refreshed inwardly by the power of the Holy Spirit and continue to walk in the new life we received at Baptism. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”
Water is about purity. Holy Water is the same, as we lightly touch our fingers to this water as we enter the church and give ourselves the sign of the cross.
Holy Water is meant to protect us, cleanse us, and renew us in our baptisimal promises. We are so habitual in our use of it as we walk in and out of the sanctuary, we might forget why we’re even using it. It is a true habit for Catholics that aren’t even mindful of the action.
Our use of Holy Water is another subtle detail of what we Catholics do, in the name of purity, protection and reasserting our early promise to follow Jesus. That is why it is the fourteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#13 Kneeling
Catholics kneel. It’s a thing we do.
It occurs during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when the bread and wine are consecrated and become “the bread of heaven” and the “cup of salvation,” and continues through communion, when we process towards the altar to receive Him.
Kneeling is a gesture of humility and surrender. It is also a physical affirmation and reminder of what we are taking part in.
As Catholics, the Eucharist is the foundational element of who we are. You darn right we kneel.
It’s hard to take something seriously, and at the same time, treat it casually. We do that more often than we think, but as Catholics, I’m glad we don’t at mass when we are called to kneel. That is why it is the thirteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
It occurs during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when the bread and wine are consecrated and become “the bread of heaven” and the “cup of salvation,” and continues through communion, when we process towards the altar to receive Him.
Kneeling is a gesture of humility and surrender. It is also a physical affirmation and reminder of what we are taking part in.
As Catholics, the Eucharist is the foundational element of who we are. You darn right we kneel.
It’s hard to take something seriously, and at the same time, treat it casually. We do that more often than we think, but as Catholics, I’m glad we don’t at mass when we are called to kneel. That is why it is the thirteenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#12 The Private Writings of Mother Teresa
The letters and notes of Mother Teresa are a treasure. They give us the truth behind who she was and what she accomplished. They give us an intimate perspective of what she uncovered as her journey progressed.
“Before crosses used to frighten me - I would get goose bumps at the thought of suffering - but now I embrace suffering even before it actually comes, and like this Jesus and I live in love.”
Mother Teresa went from being a shy, insecure young nun to creating a significant organization with thousands of loyal followers, a significant foundation, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and becoming a saint.
Her focus was simply on serving people, one at a time, where no one else was serving them. She knew it would be immensely challenging…
“By nature I am sensitive, love beautiful and nice things, comfort and all that comfort can give - to be loved and love. I know that the life of a Missionary of Charity will be minus all these. The complete poverty, the Indian life, the life of the poorest will mean a hard toil against my great self love. Yet, Your Grace, I am longing with a true, sincere heart to begin to lead this kind of life - so as to bring joy to the suffering Heart of Jesus.”
Mother Teresa re-framed suffering from something to be feared to something we should engage with. It is in suffering we can unite with God in Jesus, and at the same time, depend on Him to see us through. Her letters prove that success can come from suffering and death to self.
What can happen when we focus on serving one person at a time? Like Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we can change the world. We have her letters and notes to thank, and that is why they are the twelfth reason for why I love being Catholic.
“Before crosses used to frighten me - I would get goose bumps at the thought of suffering - but now I embrace suffering even before it actually comes, and like this Jesus and I live in love.”
Mother Teresa went from being a shy, insecure young nun to creating a significant organization with thousands of loyal followers, a significant foundation, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and becoming a saint.
Her focus was simply on serving people, one at a time, where no one else was serving them. She knew it would be immensely challenging…
“By nature I am sensitive, love beautiful and nice things, comfort and all that comfort can give - to be loved and love. I know that the life of a Missionary of Charity will be minus all these. The complete poverty, the Indian life, the life of the poorest will mean a hard toil against my great self love. Yet, Your Grace, I am longing with a true, sincere heart to begin to lead this kind of life - so as to bring joy to the suffering Heart of Jesus.”
Mother Teresa re-framed suffering from something to be feared to something we should engage with. It is in suffering we can unite with God in Jesus, and at the same time, depend on Him to see us through. Her letters prove that success can come from suffering and death to self.
What can happen when we focus on serving one person at a time? Like Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, we can change the world. We have her letters and notes to thank, and that is why they are the twelfth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#11 Sacred Tradition
My mom died last fall. My mother-in-law died coming up on three years ago. When real fixtures like these are no longer there, working to continue family traditions is a thing. There is a real transition that occurs.
Imagine if we decided, for fear of losing sight of the traditions we had in place, to write them all down.
Take Christmas as an example.
What if we created a document highlighting the things we did and how we did them. The look of the stockings and where they were hung. The Christmas tree placement, ornaments used, and the type of lights involved. Where we celebrated Christmas Eve, what was served, the china used.
Even with this written document, with as much detail as you could create, there would still be parts of what once was that would be left out. That’s because life is more than words, and our experiences and traditions go beyond what we can put on a page.
This is why tradition is something held up in the Catholic Church.
“Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And Sacred Tradition transmits in its entirety to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound, and spread it abroad by their preaching. As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, “does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone.” CCC81
The traditions we have held since Jesus walked the earth are important. The bible assists us beautifully in this area. However, who we are and what we do go beyond what is on a page. As members of His Body a very real part of the transmission and revelation of our God is in who we are and the traditions that have been brought forth.
These traditions are continuing, as His Body continues to grow and develop. We are part of this growth and development, and that is why Sacred Tradition is the eleventh reason for why I love being Catholic.
Imagine if we decided, for fear of losing sight of the traditions we had in place, to write them all down.
Take Christmas as an example.
What if we created a document highlighting the things we did and how we did them. The look of the stockings and where they were hung. The Christmas tree placement, ornaments used, and the type of lights involved. Where we celebrated Christmas Eve, what was served, the china used.
Even with this written document, with as much detail as you could create, there would still be parts of what once was that would be left out. That’s because life is more than words, and our experiences and traditions go beyond what we can put on a page.
This is why tradition is something held up in the Catholic Church.
“Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And Sacred Tradition transmits in its entirety to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound, and spread it abroad by their preaching. As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, “does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone.” CCC81
The traditions we have held since Jesus walked the earth are important. The bible assists us beautifully in this area. However, who we are and what we do go beyond what is on a page. As members of His Body a very real part of the transmission and revelation of our God is in who we are and the traditions that have been brought forth.
These traditions are continuing, as His Body continues to grow and develop. We are part of this growth and development, and that is why Sacred Tradition is the eleventh reason for why I love being Catholic.
#10 The Roman Missal
The Roman Missal is the book containing the prescribed prayers, chants and instructions for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. Put another way, it is a big thick book that has the readings, psalms, gospel, and prayers in between, that are used for mass every single day for any Catholic Church anywhere. You can buy it on Amazon like everything else.
I love having this big, thick book. It was a gift from my mother-in-law after the new edition came out in 2011, and I’m very thankful she had this idea for me. I take in the readings and gospel everyday. It keeps me in the flow and less “Sunday to Sunday.”
Here’s what I find amazing about it…
There are over 1 billion Catholics in the world. If any one of these Catholics goes to mass today, in whatever corner of the world they are in, the readings used, the Psalm chanted or sung, the gospel read, and the root of the priest’s homily will be the same there as anywhere else.
There is nothing wrong with pastors or ministers from other Christian denominations picking for themselves what they want to cover for their members today or this weekend. I’m all for growing Christianity….period!
At the same time, the idea that over 1 billion people are all working from the exact same scriptures, the exact same prayers, and following along together the exact same word of God in the celebration of Mass today and everyday is incredible to me. This level of intention, preparation, commitment and the history necessary to have something like this in place is mind boggling and tremendous in my mind. That is why the Roman Missal is the tenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
I love having this big, thick book. It was a gift from my mother-in-law after the new edition came out in 2011, and I’m very thankful she had this idea for me. I take in the readings and gospel everyday. It keeps me in the flow and less “Sunday to Sunday.”
Here’s what I find amazing about it…
There are over 1 billion Catholics in the world. If any one of these Catholics goes to mass today, in whatever corner of the world they are in, the readings used, the Psalm chanted or sung, the gospel read, and the root of the priest’s homily will be the same there as anywhere else.
There is nothing wrong with pastors or ministers from other Christian denominations picking for themselves what they want to cover for their members today or this weekend. I’m all for growing Christianity….period!
At the same time, the idea that over 1 billion people are all working from the exact same scriptures, the exact same prayers, and following along together the exact same word of God in the celebration of Mass today and everyday is incredible to me. This level of intention, preparation, commitment and the history necessary to have something like this in place is mind boggling and tremendous in my mind. That is why the Roman Missal is the tenth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#9 Collaborating with God
“...grace also includes the gifts that the Spirit grants us to associate us with his work, to enable us to collaborate in the salvation of others and the growth of the Body of Christ.” CCC2003
We have the opportunity to collaborate with God. This idea is powerful.
We are not worthy of this collaborating with God separate from God. The Protestant Reformation had this part right. God owes us absolutely nothing and yet gives us everything. That’s what makes it so wonderful.
What separates our Catholic point of view is the idea that what we do with our actual lives can be part of this collaboration.
“Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life.” CCC2010
As a Catholic, I am not living in a vacuum after my baptism. My journey continues to move closer and closer to Him. My worthiness is not one and done, but develops. And as I respond properly to the life He is giving me, He gives me more. This makes sense as my works are not mine but his, just as my life is not really mine but His.
I love how engaging life can be when we are focused on collaborating with God. This concept is distinctly Catholic and my ninth reason for why I love our universal church.
We have the opportunity to collaborate with God. This idea is powerful.
We are not worthy of this collaborating with God separate from God. The Protestant Reformation had this part right. God owes us absolutely nothing and yet gives us everything. That’s what makes it so wonderful.
What separates our Catholic point of view is the idea that what we do with our actual lives can be part of this collaboration.
“Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life.” CCC2010
As a Catholic, I am not living in a vacuum after my baptism. My journey continues to move closer and closer to Him. My worthiness is not one and done, but develops. And as I respond properly to the life He is giving me, He gives me more. This makes sense as my works are not mine but his, just as my life is not really mine but His.
I love how engaging life can be when we are focused on collaborating with God. This concept is distinctly Catholic and my ninth reason for why I love our universal church.
#8 God-help instead of Self-help
Have you taken a look at some of the popular approaches to mental and spiritual health?
Oy vey....
What you’ll find is how often it is all about “me.”
Here are some real examples that came across my Instagram feed yesterday.
“Be a better you, for you.”
“It’s okay to walk out of someone’s life if you don’t feel like you belong in it anymore.”
As to the first, if you're defining "better" as burned bridges, consistently not keeping commitments and an overall quiet nagging and emptiness, give it a go. As to the second, if we’re basing our relationships on our feelings, good luck on that.
What’s great about Catholicism is how clear the focus is not on me, and actually, pro-activley away from “me.”
“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” CCC27
As Catholics, we believe we participate in the life God has given us. Our focus is on God and growing in holiness as we participate in the grace and blessing He continues to offer us in this life.
There is no fulfillment away from growing in holiness. And holiness is based on an external standard more than some self defined, slippery, feeling based standard.
I look to God, through His son, and in participation with the grace He gives me, to live the life I'm given. I don't ask myself what I want, I ask Him what He wants of me. I don't seek out my interests, I seek out His. After all, He created me for Him, I didn't create me for me. This only makes sense, and is the eighth reason for why I love being Catholic.
Oy vey....
What you’ll find is how often it is all about “me.”
Here are some real examples that came across my Instagram feed yesterday.
“Be a better you, for you.”
“It’s okay to walk out of someone’s life if you don’t feel like you belong in it anymore.”
As to the first, if you're defining "better" as burned bridges, consistently not keeping commitments and an overall quiet nagging and emptiness, give it a go. As to the second, if we’re basing our relationships on our feelings, good luck on that.
What’s great about Catholicism is how clear the focus is not on me, and actually, pro-activley away from “me.”
“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” CCC27
As Catholics, we believe we participate in the life God has given us. Our focus is on God and growing in holiness as we participate in the grace and blessing He continues to offer us in this life.
There is no fulfillment away from growing in holiness. And holiness is based on an external standard more than some self defined, slippery, feeling based standard.
I look to God, through His son, and in participation with the grace He gives me, to live the life I'm given. I don't ask myself what I want, I ask Him what He wants of me. I don't seek out my interests, I seek out His. After all, He created me for Him, I didn't create me for me. This only makes sense, and is the eighth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#7: Formality
When what we do is challenging and important, we tend to take it seriously. Think of brain surgery and rocket science. They are challenging and important. We like to playfully reference them when making a point about something easy and unimportant.
You can bet a really good brain surgeon or rocket scientist takes what they do seriously. When it comes time to cut into a scalp or launch a rocket, there is nothing casual about it.
Catholicism is similar. If someone new to the faith attends a mass, they will instantly realize the whole thing has a certain formality. I would suggest this is rooted in the same standards as above; It is challenging and important.
The priest’s vestments, the lit candles, the stained glass windows, the intentional and specific order of the mass and the requisite praying and singing, it’s serious stuff. Beyond the mass we see the seriousness continue in the catechism, the canon, the adherence to sacred tradition, and the practice of the sacraments.
I love that Catholicism takes the practice of faith seriously. There is nothing more important, as it is literally life and death. That’s why the formality of Catholicism is the seventh reason for why I love being Catholic.
You can bet a really good brain surgeon or rocket scientist takes what they do seriously. When it comes time to cut into a scalp or launch a rocket, there is nothing casual about it.
Catholicism is similar. If someone new to the faith attends a mass, they will instantly realize the whole thing has a certain formality. I would suggest this is rooted in the same standards as above; It is challenging and important.
The priest’s vestments, the lit candles, the stained glass windows, the intentional and specific order of the mass and the requisite praying and singing, it’s serious stuff. Beyond the mass we see the seriousness continue in the catechism, the canon, the adherence to sacred tradition, and the practice of the sacraments.
I love that Catholicism takes the practice of faith seriously. There is nothing more important, as it is literally life and death. That’s why the formality of Catholicism is the seventh reason for why I love being Catholic.
#6: Catholic Churches
When is the last time you’ve been in a big, old Catholic church?
They’re big enough you at once feel awed as you take up such a small space, and at the same the ornate details draw you in. The combinations of marble, stained glass windows, rows of wooden pews, and ceilings that go on forever are unlike anything else.
It seems fitting that a space dedicated to the God of creation is so wonderful and unique. And there are spaces like this all over the world, in large metropolitan areas, but also, in quaint little farming towns on the side of a county trunk road.
Each church is a reflection of the community of believers nearby. The money had to come from somewhere, and these believers put their blood, sweat and tears into them. We are so fortunate to have our churches, all unique, but at the same time, similar in their purpose for us to come together and worship our God. It is our Catholic churches which are the sixth reason for why I love being Catholic.
They’re big enough you at once feel awed as you take up such a small space, and at the same the ornate details draw you in. The combinations of marble, stained glass windows, rows of wooden pews, and ceilings that go on forever are unlike anything else.
It seems fitting that a space dedicated to the God of creation is so wonderful and unique. And there are spaces like this all over the world, in large metropolitan areas, but also, in quaint little farming towns on the side of a county trunk road.
Each church is a reflection of the community of believers nearby. The money had to come from somewhere, and these believers put their blood, sweat and tears into them. We are so fortunate to have our churches, all unique, but at the same time, similar in their purpose for us to come together and worship our God. It is our Catholic churches which are the sixth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#5: The Communion Procession
One of my favorite moments during mass occurs after I’ve received Holy Communion and am kneeling in the pew. No doubt a hymn is being sung that I might be singing, or I meet be praying quietly, and I just take it in.
I love watching everyone slowly make their way to receive the Holy Sacrament.
All different types of people are represented. Different ages, genders, ethnicities, and demographics. Everyone has taken the time to come together to receive Him.
Think about how busy we all are. And think of how many fun and amusing things there are to keep us busy. Think of all the excuses we can give ourselves to not do the things we know we should do. And yet, every Sunday, throughout the whole world, the faithful gather to take part in receiving what they know is the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Taking in the view of all the different members of the church, like me, slowly making their way up to receive communion gives me hope. It affirms I’m in the right place, with the right people and that I’m not alone and makes it the fifth reason for why I love being Catholic.
I love watching everyone slowly make their way to receive the Holy Sacrament.
All different types of people are represented. Different ages, genders, ethnicities, and demographics. Everyone has taken the time to come together to receive Him.
Think about how busy we all are. And think of how many fun and amusing things there are to keep us busy. Think of all the excuses we can give ourselves to not do the things we know we should do. And yet, every Sunday, throughout the whole world, the faithful gather to take part in receiving what they know is the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Taking in the view of all the different members of the church, like me, slowly making their way up to receive communion gives me hope. It affirms I’m in the right place, with the right people and that I’m not alone and makes it the fifth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#4: Hymn to the Blessed Sacrament
There is one hymn that stands alone as my very favorite. It is formally known as Hymn to the Blessed Sacrament, informally as Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All!
We sing it frequently at my parish. Or at least, the congregation does. I can’t. It makes me cry straight away and then I blubber and do more harm than good for those prayerfully singing it around me.
Instead, I close my eyes and like to listen intently. That doesn’t slow down the crying, but keeps it moving nicely. I find the text so beautiful....
Jesus! my Lord, my God, my all!
How can I love Thee as I ought?
And, how revere this wondrous gift,
So far surpassing hope or thought?
Sweet Sacrament! we Thee adore!
O, make us love Thee more and more!
I once had a music theory teacher who would point out, when the music is sad and the words are happy, or vice versa, it tends to emotionally affect us. Our brain doesn't know what to do, and as a result, it can cause us to feel things deeply.
For me, the beauty and simplicity in the opening line, combined with the brutal, painful honesty (admitting I'm NOT good at loving Jesus as I should) gets me every time.
It is the perfect communion hymn, conveying the wonderful gift and reality of the Eucharist. God gives Himself to us such that we can give ourselves to Him. And in Holy Communion, this moves beyond words and comes into physical reality.
Combine that with a wonderful melody and chord progression, and this hymn is something beautiful that touches me every time. And that is why this Catholic Hymn is the fourth reason for why I love being Catholic.
We sing it frequently at my parish. Or at least, the congregation does. I can’t. It makes me cry straight away and then I blubber and do more harm than good for those prayerfully singing it around me.
Instead, I close my eyes and like to listen intently. That doesn’t slow down the crying, but keeps it moving nicely. I find the text so beautiful....
Jesus! my Lord, my God, my all!
How can I love Thee as I ought?
And, how revere this wondrous gift,
So far surpassing hope or thought?
Sweet Sacrament! we Thee adore!
O, make us love Thee more and more!
I once had a music theory teacher who would point out, when the music is sad and the words are happy, or vice versa, it tends to emotionally affect us. Our brain doesn't know what to do, and as a result, it can cause us to feel things deeply.
For me, the beauty and simplicity in the opening line, combined with the brutal, painful honesty (admitting I'm NOT good at loving Jesus as I should) gets me every time.
It is the perfect communion hymn, conveying the wonderful gift and reality of the Eucharist. God gives Himself to us such that we can give ourselves to Him. And in Holy Communion, this moves beyond words and comes into physical reality.
Combine that with a wonderful melody and chord progression, and this hymn is something beautiful that touches me every time. And that is why this Catholic Hymn is the fourth reason for why I love being Catholic.
#3: Jacques Philippe
Jacques Philippe is a French Jesuit writer and thinker. He has written several little books on Catholic spirituality.
My wife gave me several of his books when we were young and before children. They came at the right time. They changed my life.
I’ll never forget this quote from Searching for and Maintaining Peace, which was the first I read: “All the reasons that cause us to lose our sense of peace are bad reasons.”
The power and simplicity in that statement sent me spinning. All reasons? How can that be true? We all want peace more than anything. The struggle to have it is real, isn’t it? And if I’m letting bad reasons get in the way, what does it say about me?
He went on to give context to this statement that gave me a whole new filter for understanding what I claim to believe.
I have voraciously read every one of his books, loving both the depth and approach-ability in his words. They are highlighted, dogeared, coffee stained and I reference them frequently.
What makes his writings so wonderful? I didn’t see it at the time, but I do now: Catholicism, which his writings just bleed out.
You can’t separate his thoughts, my profound appreciation for them, and the Catholicism we both share from one another. He has been profoundly helpful to me, and that is why Jacques Philippe is the third reason for why I love being Catholic.
My wife gave me several of his books when we were young and before children. They came at the right time. They changed my life.
I’ll never forget this quote from Searching for and Maintaining Peace, which was the first I read: “All the reasons that cause us to lose our sense of peace are bad reasons.”
The power and simplicity in that statement sent me spinning. All reasons? How can that be true? We all want peace more than anything. The struggle to have it is real, isn’t it? And if I’m letting bad reasons get in the way, what does it say about me?
He went on to give context to this statement that gave me a whole new filter for understanding what I claim to believe.
I have voraciously read every one of his books, loving both the depth and approach-ability in his words. They are highlighted, dogeared, coffee stained and I reference them frequently.
What makes his writings so wonderful? I didn’t see it at the time, but I do now: Catholicism, which his writings just bleed out.
You can’t separate his thoughts, my profound appreciation for them, and the Catholicism we both share from one another. He has been profoundly helpful to me, and that is why Jacques Philippe is the third reason for why I love being Catholic.
#2: Extreme Ownership
Taking accountability isn’t easy. We prefer to hide and avoid instead of being held to task for what we’ve done or haven’t done.
The Catholic Church isn’t interested in what’s easy.
Within five minutes of the start of a Catholic mass you'll hear everyone gathered, old and young, rich and poor, healthy and sick, male and female, say the following out loud and in unison…
“I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault….”
If this isn’t extreme ownership I don’t know what is. And yes, we say “through my fault” three times in a row, and also, strike our breast as we’re saying it.
It makes me think of a quote from the book Extreme Ownership, “Once people stop making excuses, stop blaming others, and take ownership of everything in their lives, they are compelled to take action to solve their problems.”
The Catholic Church wants to assist us in solving our problems. As a result, It does not cater to our feelings, attempt to make our life easy, or tell us what we want to hear. Rather, it holds a high standard rooted in making us holy before making us happy. This is reason number two for why I love being Catholic.
The Catholic Church isn’t interested in what’s easy.
Within five minutes of the start of a Catholic mass you'll hear everyone gathered, old and young, rich and poor, healthy and sick, male and female, say the following out loud and in unison…
“I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do.
Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault….”
If this isn’t extreme ownership I don’t know what is. And yes, we say “through my fault” three times in a row, and also, strike our breast as we’re saying it.
It makes me think of a quote from the book Extreme Ownership, “Once people stop making excuses, stop blaming others, and take ownership of everything in their lives, they are compelled to take action to solve their problems.”
The Catholic Church wants to assist us in solving our problems. As a result, It does not cater to our feelings, attempt to make our life easy, or tell us what we want to hear. Rather, it holds a high standard rooted in making us holy before making us happy. This is reason number two for why I love being Catholic.
#1: There's something special about things that are old
Think of the old married couple.
Think of the old oak tree standing alone in the field.
Think of the Catholic Church.
In each scenario there’s resilience.
To continue growing and developing through the years, and to still be standing, reflects the storms that were fought through, the droughts that were somehow surpassed, and the roots that are deep.
We like new things. We like the excitement they can bring. But when something makes the long-haul you can’t help but see commitment and purpose. After all, when the excitement is gone many will move on. Some will dig in even more.
The Catholic Church is the world's oldest and largest continuously functioning international institution. It has literally stood the test of time, since BC became AD. This is reason number one for why I love being Catholic.
Think of the old oak tree standing alone in the field.
Think of the Catholic Church.
In each scenario there’s resilience.
To continue growing and developing through the years, and to still be standing, reflects the storms that were fought through, the droughts that were somehow surpassed, and the roots that are deep.
We like new things. We like the excitement they can bring. But when something makes the long-haul you can’t help but see commitment and purpose. After all, when the excitement is gone many will move on. Some will dig in even more.
The Catholic Church is the world's oldest and largest continuously functioning international institution. It has literally stood the test of time, since BC became AD. This is reason number one for why I love being Catholic.