Cain't and Able
The GIRMS May Be Silent--BUT the BIBLE IS NOT!
Photo By: Flickr/Fellowship
One more time I am reading an article about the ORANS Posture and shaking my head in disbelief. Really? We are at Mass, the love of Jesus in our hearts, focusing on HIM, His Love, His Messages. Why then do we become very concerned when we see hands up, lips moving at 'inappropriate' times with prayers that ONLY the priest is to say? It reminds me of the parable Jesus spoke about the two at the temple. From Luke chapter 18, verse 10-14.
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Now, my version ---Two Catholics went to Mass to pray. One prayed the correct and proper way, hands folded, eyes cast down---no wait--checking out those others who "Oh, Lord they are not moving their lips are they? They are holding their hands up during the Our Father!! Oh, Lord what ever has our church come too?"
The same as it was then---the sinner's reply=="Oh Lord, we are sinners who come before God to seek Your Mercy and grace, to worship and praise You and to ask You to come into our hearts and lives. We open our hearts and our lives to You with arms wide open. We surrender to You, trusting in Your Love and Plan for our lifes. Our Father ----I reach up like a child would reach up for Daddy to lift me up into His arms. Forgive me ---Father if this would be offensive to some---but it sure is symbolic to me and for some reason Peace floods me You Love enters into those open arms."
11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Now, my version ---Two Catholics went to Mass to pray. One prayed the correct and proper way, hands folded, eyes cast down---no wait--checking out those others who "Oh, Lord they are not moving their lips are they? They are holding their hands up during the Our Father!! Oh, Lord what ever has our church come too?"
The same as it was then---the sinner's reply=="Oh Lord, we are sinners who come before God to seek Your Mercy and grace, to worship and praise You and to ask You to come into our hearts and lives. We open our hearts and our lives to You with arms wide open. We surrender to You, trusting in Your Love and Plan for our lifes. Our Father ----I reach up like a child would reach up for Daddy to lift me up into His arms. Forgive me ---Father if this would be offensive to some---but it sure is symbolic to me and for some reason Peace floods me You Love enters into those open arms."
This Orans discussion needs to stop amongst the people of God ---followers of Christ who are told to "LOVE AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." This is what the Bible speaks on attending Mass--Come with love in your hearts, and leave the judging to God. Remember--the words of the Our Father, and those spoken at the Eucharist---Focus on those 'words of Jesus' and what they should mean in your life.
As for those Words---""Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever?" This is a proclamation of BELIEF that is spoken from the depth our hearts---I KNOW that God is not upset if lips move or if some of those Baptized (priest, prophet and king) Catholics have entered into the Mass so--well, they may forget proper etiquette. They may go home more blessed than the people whose minds are heavy with concern over those improper actions displayed around them. "Oh, Lord did You see? Did You hear?" His reply, "Yes I saw and I heard the thoughts and prayers of all."
Do I dare add one last thought? "Oh Lord, it's hard to be Catholic when you're perfect in every way."
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
