Author Topic: Catholics over-compensating - Zeal and emotion (Read 1008 times)

Matthew · « **on:** February 06, 2013, 01:13:16 PM »

I think some Catholics think that God is most pleased and glorified when we EMOTE for Him.

Maybe for some, that is all we can do? Or at least what comes easiest to us?

These same Catholics probably have something solid they could do to become better Catholics -- some attachment or sin they could give up, or some way they could become more perfect. And they know it. But they're frustrated because they can't seem to get very far. So they take that anger/frustration at themselves, and direct it to some other Crusade of their own devising.

They choose to get all red-faced and "try to show God how much they love Him" by losing control over their emotions over some small issue (element of Liturgy, Church decor, particulars of a vocal prayer, etc.)

Their eyes go up in their head, and the hairs on the back of their neck stand up straight, as they lose themselves in "righteous indignation" and they make no effort to control it, as it's "holy anger". Having decided their anger is righteous, they allow themselves full vent to their anger.

While their arguments might have SOME small basis, they blow it all out of proportion, and basically find themselves over-compensating for their past (or present) sins in the only way they know how -- to lose themselves in emotion, for what they believe to be a good cause.

Actual knowledge and education -- when present at all -- is usually rudimentary at best.

Now some of these people have the humility to accept correction when an educated person enlightens them. Others do not.

This is one of the reasons a place like CathInfo IS GOING TO ALWAYS HAVE HEATED ARGUMENTS. This is the location for a good portion of said emoting.

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2013, 01:17:48 PM »

This phenomena is why many laymen presume to judge and publicly slam priests for no good reason.

My Liturgy professor (a priest) told us about laymen who would accuse him of modernism when he said a Solemn High Mass because there would be 2 servers with candles, and a small procession to the Gospel side to sing the Gospel.

This was completely new to many older parishioners, who presumed they knew everything there is to know about "what is right and wrong during a Catholic Mass". After all, they were the oldest in the parish. Doesn't that mean greatest, wisest, and/or most educated?

What they DIDN'T know was that a majority of priests in the 50's were Irish, and that the Irish had a very bare-bones view of the Liturgy, given their history of religious persecution. They almost exclusively said very rushed Low Masses (in 20 minutes or less).

So of course they weren't going to say a Solemn High Mass.

Nevertheless, because various (valid) Liturgical elements were "new" to them, it was "Modernism". Talk about ignorance!

Moral of the story: Unless you've studied Liturgy professionally, please defer your opinions to those who have. Especially your priests.

Capt McQuigg · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:09:39 PM »

Mea Culpa
Mea Culpa
Mea Maxima Culpa

Back when I would lose my temper during a novus ordo service, it was for a good reason. Once I started studying some of the liturgical issues, I realized that my "spider senses" were working perfectly.

I've never even been slightly miffed at an SSPX Chapel or SSPV or CMRI Mass Center. I've, in fact, always felt uplifted.

Kazimierz · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:11:52 PM »

Quote

Moral of the story: Unless you've studied Liturgy professionally, please defer your opinions to those who have. Especially your priests.

I fall into the the category of having formal graduate studies in the theological sciences (Master of Theology preceded by the equivalent of a Masters of Divinity)
BUT in all things liturgical CHARITY and HUMILITY must be at the heart of everything said and done. Unfortunately I am still stuck with attending an indult Mass but without actually committing indultery. In such a circuмstance it does not behoove me to point out errors, as the whole Mass itself can be called into question, as offered.

But to speak my mind even in charity will in all likelihood have me driven from the community.

Bear all wrongs patiently, but dont wrong the bears. :geezer:

"For the heretics and apostates we are about to wallop O Lord, we give thanks for delivering them unto our paws. Per Dominum nostrum Amen"

Matthew · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2013, 02:20:58 PM »

Another example:

A traditional Catholic with plenty of flaws gets all incensed that the coffee table book, "The Passion of the Christ" has a picture of Mel Gibson sitting on Jim Caviezel MADE UP TO LOOK LIKE OUR LORD DURING HIS PASSION.

Is it a sin to abuse a picture of Our Lord? I would say yes.

I'm not talking about throwing away a piece of junk mail that has a low-end picture of Our Lord on it. I'm talking about serious disrespect (stepping on, hitting repeatedly with a club, urinating on, etc.)

So he had a basis for his outrage. But how much "time off for good behavior" did he give himself for this "service", when he should have been improving his spiritual life in other, more important ways?

Note: It's not a question of whether or not you have a GOOD REASON to be outraged. In some cases you do, in other cases you don't (as in the case of the Solemn High Mass procession to the Gospel side for the singing of the Gospel)

bowler · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2013, 09:59:22 AM »

Quote from: Matthew

I think some Catholics think that God is most pleased and glorified when we EMOTE for Him.

What is your definition of emote? Never seen it used in my life.

PS.- This thread reads like you are venting yourself, about some little thing that happened in your presence.

Here's something to reflect upon:

My children, wife and I were not killed or maimed yesterday, we have nothing to really seriously be upset about.