Q - How can I determine what is sin?
Personally and generally, it violates the respect I should have for myself, my neighbor or God.
Jesus said: Love God and Love neighbor as you would love yourself. The ten Commandments indicate the ways in which we should relate to God and to our neighbor. Church teaching elaborates on these ways relative to the time and place we live in.
Q -If someone does something that is wrong, but isn't fully conscious that it's wrong, or doesn't give the full consent of his/her will, would it be a sin [ i.e. - something that 'injures or breaks our relationship with another or God] ?
No! Unless what I do is definitely in violation of God's law [how we should respect our relationships], I give my consent and I have full intention; it is not a sin, but it can make me more susceptible to sin.
Showing posts with label Father LaMorte. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Father LaMorte. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Father LaMorte answers a question
Among the questions that have been submitted via the '?' cards available in the Chapel was:
"Is the mass an absolute requirement?”
The short answer: Yes.
And not only are we required to go, but it is considered a grave matter of sin if we do not go (and otherwise reasonably could have gone). This is a judgment that the person has to make.
From the beginning, the Church has always seen this as the primary (and bare minimum) fulfillment of the 3rd commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath day (the Christian Sabbath being The Lord’s Day). In the full Christian sense, “keeping the Sabbath holy” is to actually participate in the most fundamental of Christian celebrations - the mass.
Perhaps, the question might be raised as to whether the Resurrection would be considered important enough to warrant our not wanting to miss an opportunity to join in the communities celebration of it. This is the most deliberately specific thing that Jesus gave Christians to do after he left (“Do this in memory of me”).
And I contemplate that we truly, physically receive the body and blood of Christ - of God Himself - at every Mass. And I consider that communion with God is the ultimate goal of my life. Then I can’t wait to go. Attending mass is not just an obligation, it’s a privilege! It’s a gift.
"Is the mass an absolute requirement?”
The short answer: Yes.
And not only are we required to go, but it is considered a grave matter of sin if we do not go (and otherwise reasonably could have gone). This is a judgment that the person has to make.
From the beginning, the Church has always seen this as the primary (and bare minimum) fulfillment of the 3rd commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath day (the Christian Sabbath being The Lord’s Day). In the full Christian sense, “keeping the Sabbath holy” is to actually participate in the most fundamental of Christian celebrations - the mass.
Perhaps, the question might be raised as to whether the Resurrection would be considered important enough to warrant our not wanting to miss an opportunity to join in the communities celebration of it. This is the most deliberately specific thing that Jesus gave Christians to do after he left (“Do this in memory of me”).
And I contemplate that we truly, physically receive the body and blood of Christ - of God Himself - at every Mass. And I consider that communion with God is the ultimate goal of my life. Then I can’t wait to go. Attending mass is not just an obligation, it’s a privilege! It’s a gift.
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