The best explanation for attending the Mass

De Maria April 28th, 2013 12:09 am :

I actually wanted to post in response to the excellent opening article. I believe that is probably the second best explanation of why we should attend the Mass I have ever read. The best is this:

Hebrews 10:25-36
King James Version (KJV)
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,

As I read it, St. Paul seems to be saying that we should not neglect to assemble together. The assumption here is the assembling together for the worship of God.

as the manner of some is;

Apparently, some in that day, were already neglecting the Mass (i.e. the assembly. I recognize this assembly as the Mass because of the description which follows.)

but exhorting one another:

and so, we should encourage our brethren who might be slipping and back sliding to come to the assembly.

and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I think this is the exhortation which he suggests we mention. It will be beneficial for them to attend as this will be considered on the Day which approaches. Do we all agree that this is the Day of Judgment?

26 For if we sin willfully

In the context in which we are reading this, St. Paul seems to call the neglect of joining the assembly a willful sin. Which is, of course, the precise definition of a “mortal” sin.

CCC#1859 Mortal sin requires full knowledge and complete consent. It presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God’s law. It also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice. Feigned ignorance and hardness of heart do not diminish, but rather increase, the voluntary character of a sin.

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

This is the first consequence listed for the willful absence from the Mass. It has to do with the nature of the Mass. In the Mass, we participate in the once for all sacrifice for the sins of mankind. So, if we neglect to appear there, there remains no more sacrifice for our sins. There is no other sacrifice for sin except that presented at the Mass.

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

This is the other consequence which we look to if we miss the Mass. We become God’s adversaries and can expect nothing less than a fearful judgment and God’s indignation.

28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Now, he contrasts the Old Law and its assembly to the New Dispensation and its Assembly. In the Old Law, which had a mere animal sacrifice at its center, if that assembly were missed, the offender would be stoned to death.

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Before I break this down, does anyone not recognize the Eucharist here? This is why I know this assembly is a reference to the Mass. Because it is in the Mass that we receive the Body of Christ and the Blood of the Covenant in the Holy Eucharist.

Anyway, St. Paul says:

29 Of how much sorer punishment,

Death is not a sufficiently severe punishment for one who misses the Mass? What could be more severe? The loss of eternal life. That’s what.

But why?

suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Because those who miss the Mass intentionally, “…. crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Heb 6:6).

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Those are pretty strong words for simply missing an assembly. It sounds as though missing the Mass intentionally is a personal affront to God.

Sincerely,

De Maria

That you glorify God with one mind and one mouth

I hear many people, to this day, say that they left the Church because they feel the Mass is dead. They don’t get anything out of it. They also complain that the people in the Mass aren’t very friendly. Not very inviting to outsiders. 
Read More...

What 99% of Catholics Don't Know about the Mass

There are two blocks of fascinating information that very, very few Catholics are aware of. The first is some seldom explained theological information regarding the benefits of Masses offered for deceased persons. The second block of information includes some rarely explained benefits that the living can obtain for themselves by devout attendance at Mass. 
Read More...

What to expect your first time in a Catholic Church

So, you’ve been reading Catholic365 and Mike Bugal has convinced you of the errors in Protestant theology. While Elizabeth Giddens Valverde has convinced you that Protestant arguments against the Catholic Church are false. So, you want to give the Catholic Church a chance, but… 
Read More...

The Mass, St. John chapter 6 and the test of faith

When I first started learning Catholic apologetics, between 15 and 20 years ago, I ran across an article on the web that spoke of the Test of Faith. I can’t find it anymore, but for many years, it was one of my favorite bookmarks. Several pc’s have died on me in that time and I lost the link. Anyway, the article was about the Bread of Life discourse in chapter 6 of St. John’s Gospel. 
Read More...

Does the Bible say that missing the Mass is a mortal sin?

The Catholic Church teaches that missing the Mass is a mortal sin.

Protestants object vehemently to this teaching. They claim that the Catholic Church oversteps its bounds when she requires her members to attend the Mass on pains of mortal sin. Many nominal Catholics, having been convinced of the Protestant argument, have fallen away because of it. But, what does the Bible say?

See the rest, here.

Keep the Sacrifice of the Mass

1. roberty bob said,

   December 6, 2014 at 4:55 pm

   Psalm 116:12-14 [written for the Sad Religion]

   How can I repay the Lord for all of His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.
   …………..

   The Kevin Version

   Why should I repay the Lord for all of His goodness to me? Whatever I might think to offer is tainted with sin and unacceptable, so why would I even try. And besides, Jesus has fulfilled His vows, putting an end to the whole vow-fulfilling business. Really, there is nothing left to do. It’s all been done!
2. 
   

   Kevin Failoni said,

   December 6, 2014 at 6:47 pm

   DeMaria said, ” we participate in Christ’s sacrifice” Blasphemy. The Word became flesh and died on a cross. You didnt! You dont qualify to propitiatr your sins. The only sacrifices acceptable are praise and tganks giving for what he alreadyvhas done and was uniquely his finished kwork. Again you have received medicine to earn your salvation. Thats not the gospel. When Paul talks about making up what was lacking in Christ’s sufferings, he is speaking of preaching the gospel. Since Christ’ mouth was closed thru his suffering to the cross. You betray Christs word it is finished! There remain NO more sacrifces for sins. You cannot participate in his sacrifice to earn your salvation. This is antichrist.
3. 
   

   Kevin Failoni said,

   December 6, 2014 at 7:16 pm

   DeMaria said ” because Jesus Christ is one God with the Spirit of God that gives life and His flesh is infused with the grace of the Holy Spirit which gives life. And it is by eating His flesh and drinking His blood you receive the Holy Spirit of God and are transformed into the image ofvChrist.” This is a perfect example of what Michael Horton speaks of RC faulty view of the Trinity. We receive the Spirit of Christ thru the calling of God, the Spirit regenerating us thru thWord to faith and union with Christ. The Spirit blows where and how He wills. We are transformed into the image of God by the Spirit bringing us all of God’s graces. Ephesians says we are save by grace thru faith. The Lords super is a means of grace, not by eating Jesus physically, but by comingl and believing. Eating flesh and blood was a violation of Jewish law and understanding his words in John 6 literally is unbelief. Justlike when Nicodemus understood born again going back into his mothers womb. Faith saves a person. Augustine said the church has been deprived of the body of Christ until he comes back.
4. 
   

   Kevin Failoni said,

   December 6, 2014 at 7:29 pm

   Robert bob said ” its all been done! ” Ya thats what Jesus said ” it is finished!” On the contrarey their is much to do, make disciples by loving neighbor, and thank God for a salvation that has already been procured. Here is what the Aposle say ” He saved us, not on the basis of righteous deeds, but according to his mercy” Titus 3:5. You see Roberty Bob, thats mercy, not getting what we deserve and grace is getting what we dont deserve. As you can see He saved us , not based on even righteous deeds but because solely His mercy.
5. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 6, 2014 at 7:37 pm

   Kevin Failoni said,
   December 6, 2014 at 6:47 pm

   DeMaria said, ” we participate in Christ’s sacrifice” Blasphemy. The Word became flesh and died on a cross. You didnt! You dont qualify to propitiatr your sins.

   1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

   Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

   1 Peter 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

   The only sacrifices acceptable are praise and tganks giving for what he alreadyvhas done and was uniquely his finished work.

   The only acceptable sacrifice is the Body of His Son. This is why we unite ourselves to His Sacrifice.

   1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

   Again you have received medicine to earn your salvation.

   That doesn’t make sense, Kevin. You don’t earn your salvation with medicine. Medicine heals you. And you are right about Christ in the Eucharist, being medicine for the Soul. That is what Jesus meant when He said, “My words are spirit and life.” He meant that by His Stripes we are healed. By His Sacrifice which we consume in the Holy Eucharist.

   Thats not the gospel.

   The Gospel is this,

   John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

   When Paul talks about making up what was lacking in Christ’s sufferings, he is speaking of preaching the gospel.

   Not just preaching. But that is also a good work which St. Paul knew he had to accomplish or he was lost:

   1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

   Do you see what that says, Kevin? If he did not preach to others, he would be castaway.

   He is also talking about being immolated for Christ by all the suffering which he endured:
   Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

   He is willing to die for Christ.

   Since Christ’ mouth was closed thru his suffering to the cross. You betray Christs word it is finished! There remain NO more sacrifces for sins. You cannot participate in his sacrifice to earn your salvation. This is antichrist.

   On the contrary, your gospel is anti-Christ:

   Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

   You have to be worthy of Christ. You have to take up your cross and suffer with Him or you will not inherit the glory. THAT is the Gospel. You may not like it, but I’m not going to sugar coat it for you to swallow it. This is the Gospel Truth.

   John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
6. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 6, 2014 at 7:42 pm

   Kevin Failoni said,
   December 6, 2014 at 7:29 pm

   Robert bob said ” its all been done! ” Ya thats what Jesus said ” it is finished!” On the contrarey their is much to do, make disciples by loving neighbor, and thank God for a salvation that has already been procured. Here is what the Aposle say ” He saved us, not on the basis of righteous deeds, but according to his mercy” Titus 3:5. You see Roberty Bob, thats mercy, not getting what we deserve and grace is getting what we dont deserve. As you can see He saved us , not based on even righteous deeds but because solely His mercy.

   That is a description of Baptism:

   Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

   The Washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit is the same ritual which constitutes the Washing of water by the Word.

   Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

   It is Baptism.
7. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 6, 2014 at 7:49 pm

   Kevin Failoni said,
   December 6, 2014 at 7:16 pm

   DeMaria said ” because Jesus Christ is one God with the Spirit of God that gives life and His flesh is infused with the grace of the Holy Spirit which gives life. And it is by eating His flesh and drinking His blood you receive the Holy Spirit of God and are transformed into the image ofvChrist.” This is a perfect example of what Michael Horton speaks of RC faulty view of the Trinity. ….

   Quit relying on people who tickle your ears, Kevin. The Scriptures are clear. God wants you to keep the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the participation in the Sacrifice of Calvary. That is why it says in Hebrews:

   Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

   29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

   30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

   Anyone who neglects to participate in the Sacrifice of our Lord, is insulting and belittling Him. And that is worth a punishment worse than death.

   Now, look at these words:

   36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

   AFTER you have done the will of God, you MIGHT receive the promise.

   You might want to read that a couple of hundred times until it sinks in.