Whenever the pain of loss confronts us our peace comes through the Heart of Christ
Do you see Artifacts as idols?
Artifacts are everywhere, in museums, art galleries, churches, or any place where one may view a work of art. We may have some in our homes that remind us of something representing past history, World War pictures especially if a parent or brother was in one of the foreign theaters. Rarely would anyone kneel to these images as if it could jump off the wall or pedestal in a time of sadness or joyful expressions.
Yet, this is what some preachers are accusing Roman Catholics of worshiping images of saints, the Blessed Mother, or artifacts such as the Stations of the Cross. For many years some Protestant denominations have thrown comments at us as idol worshipers. But most of them, if not all, would not hesitate to sit for hours in an art gallery enamored by certain paintings worth millions and never allow their admiration for the work or the artist become an attraction of worship.
Suppose one or more persons have pictures of family members hanging throughout their home taking prominent wall space for all to see if visiting. Would a visitor scold them for exposing a beloved mother or father that meant so much to the family? Not likely!
Visit some of the churches that have centuries of church history displayed either with paintings or statues that attract millions from around the world. Notre Dame in Paris is one. The Crown of thorns is one artifact that is honored because it represents our Lord’s Passion. Visit St. Peters in Rome and admire the statues that are 20 feet high. The Pieta is one that will certainly grab your attention.
Look at the altar with bronze columns, used only by the Holy Father for Mass. Each of these items are not there to worship, but like the paintings of a parent in some homes, reminders of a past that Jesus died to give us freedom from our sins.
One minister on TV appears to be against the tyranny that is coming out of Washington, D.C. and comes down hard on the godless activity of respect for human life. But the other day his sermon was on idol worship and told his audience we should get rid of any statues, like St. Peter or the Blessed Mary because they are idols intimating that Catholics use these for worship. I agree that any image that is used as a means to worship that entity is wrong. However, rosary beads, statues such as the Blessed mother are symbols we use to pray to God, through artifacts that remind us about One we love, admire, and worship as well.
This minister is not the last one to put Catholicism down and when attacks on the church once the Supreme Court pronounces the end to abortion as a Federal Law, their churches will be passed over for anarchy. The Catholic church, because it is the one entity that stands for right to life will become a martyr in this action.
Ralph B. Hathaway