Let Love Rule

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John 13:34-35

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” –New American Bible

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." -New International Version

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -King James Version

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." -Revised Standard Version

No matter what version of the Bible you read, this passage says the same thing. If we are Disciples of Christ, whether Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox or otherwise, it should be apparent for our love for one another.

I was not born in a Christian household, so I had to find my way to Jesus by myself. I attended all different kinds of churches with friends growing up and though they seemed to do things a little different from one to another, I found Jesus in all of them. I didn’t even know what “Protestant” meant until a few years ago, I thought that “Protestant” was a denomination in of itself. I guess I was absent that day in World History when they talked about the Reformation. I didn’t even know that there were different beliefs among Christian Churches, I just thought they did things a little differently. Now I think it’s strange to say “The Protestants believe this or that” because the beliefs among Protestant denominations are often as different from each other as they are from the Catholic Church. In fact, I think that it isn’t even appropriate to call a church “Protestant” anymore. I’m quite sure that no one alive today was around during the Reformation and I was never “protesting” the Catholic Church since I didn’t even know her.

In every church I ever attended, I never heard any anti-Catholic rhetoric or vise-versa. I am not trying to become Catholic because I am disgruntled with the church I came from, it was just a stepping stone on my spiritual path, lead by the Holy Spirit each step of the way. Now that I am in the process of becoming Catholic I am learning that though there are a few significant differences between the two traditions, everything else we fight about is about semantics and ‘hair-splitting”. How this must make Jesus weep.

Most atheists I know say that the lack of unity among Christians is their main basis for their lack of belief. If we believe in the same Jesus and the same God, how can we “hate” each other so much. Do we hate each other? Sometimes I think we do. I wonder sometimes what it would be like if we laid down our swords for just long enough to show the world that God is real. Instead of trying to persuade each other to leave one church for another, shouldn’t we be persuading people who don’t know Jesus at all that he is Lord? Then after all are converted, we could go back to our hair-splitting again. Not by compromising our beliefs, but by putting the agenda of the Lord over our own agendas. Just for a little while. Just imagine what the world would be like! Idealistic I know, but I can dream can’t I?

I encourage everyone in this forum to post a blessing or a word of love to one another. Here, I’ll start:

John and Eugene, God Bless you for the way you both so eloquently express your faith.

Joel, though I think you sometimes misunderstand the teachings of the Catholic Church, I know that you have a love for Jesus, his Word, and that you have a sincere concern for the salvation of others.

Ok, now you try…..

Marcella

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002

Answers

Marcella

This post makes me think of "The Good Samaritan" parable. Excellent change of pace. Samaritans were despised by Orthodox Jews because they were half-breeds and had deviated from Jewish teaching. I think they had their own temple in the North and interbred with Assyrians. Not sure on all the facts there. Yet as we know, Jesus taught that affiliation with the Church will not save you if that is all you are concerned about. The Act of Charity is the fruit to look for. I might add that to instruct in the truth is also charity. To quote Fr. Corapi, "It is not charitable to let someone go skipping and dancing into hell."

"Let Love Rule", isn't that Lenny Kravitz. I like some of his stuff. Good taste in secular music Marcella. I don't know what faith Lenny is but that is beside the point.

John (J. F. Gecik) has a great sense of humor and knowledgable, a good balance.

-- Mike H (michael.hitzelberger@vscc.cc.tn.us), February 07, 2002.


Mike,

Just to let you know, Lenny Kravitz was born to a Jewish Father and a Bahamian mother (Roxy Roker from "The Jefferson's) who I believe was a Christian of some kind. Lenny believes in Christ. His song and album "Are You Gonna Go My Way? is all about Jesus and the Disciples, whith a song about Mary Magdalene. From what I've read, he also has a profound respect for his Jewish heritage as well. Just a bit of info for ya!

Another Blessing-

God Bless all the people on this forum for their love of truth!

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002.


Mike, Wait to you meet the real Mr. Gecik :) Just kidding John! I had to get away from that other thread, and try and be funny.

God bless you.

David S

-- David S (asdzxc8176@aol.com), February 07, 2002.


Dear Marcella
I appreciate the simplicity and good will you show to everyone who wishes to follow Jesus Christ. It means you could never be judgmental; and that's perfectly Christ-like. Jesus called it a new commandment: ''Love one another''.

We can't just try to guide or correct a Christian, and not love him. But we can't love him without any concern about his lack of faith. It isn't the hair-splitting which determines the better Christianity. It isn't who's right or wrong. Faith is more than saying ''OK, I accept Jesus, and I ask Him into my heart. I ask Him forgiveness for my sins.''That's why I mention a ''lack'' of faith. Many who think they have faith have nothing close to the Holy Gospel taught us by Jesus Christ and His apostles. They only stand by a generalised version of their own interpretation of scripture. The Gospel was too much for them to accept. Most of the true Gospel requires enormous faith. If we ask a non-Catholic; ''Could Jesus raise the dead?'' They'll answer ''Yes, He raised at least three dead people back to life. It's in the gospels.'' --Oh, we ask; ''Could Jesus walk on water, and enter a room passing through locked doors?'' Yes, and He did it.

Oh-- ''But could Jesus make a broken piece of bread change into His own Body? A cup of wine become truly His own Precious Blood?''

They will say: ''Only symbolically. He didn't do it for real.''

If the Church maintains, Jesus not only did change the bread and the wine into His Body and Blood (the Eucharist), but He told us to EAT and DRINK them; for our everlasting LIFE. And He gave His Church the mission and the miraculous power to do that for Him; what does a non-Catholic tell you?

''Jesus has not given the power to you; He has not told us to eat His Body and drink His Blood. His death on the cross is our claim to everlasting life.''

We are not now having a problem splitting hairs, Marcella. We have a wholesale rejection of the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ and His apostles. We have a lack of faith in the words of Christ, by a segment of Christianity which claims to understand the Bible and follow Christ. But you cannot understand (?) scripture and follow Our Saviour without absolute faith in Him ! --Is a Church necessary, to understand? Or to follow Jesus?

He compared it to the sheep which follow Him, Our Good Shepherd. The Church is where He would keep his sheep; a sheepfold, where they are always in His complete care. This means He takes away their sins, He makes them confident in Him and safe from evil.

When a sheep, or many sheep --leave this sheepfold, and roam into a wilderness; they become lost. The beasts of prey can hunt them; and they never go back to the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd. We have precisely this case in the world now. Many sheep have been led away from the Good Shepherd, by wolves in sheep's clothing. They follow the wolves; who presume to read the scriptures. The wolves mean to keep them; and never let them return to the sheepfold Christ had them gathered in from the days of the apostles.

Now-- How do you fit in? You are correct saying, ''We have to love one another.'' Are Catholics called to hate the sheep who were stolen" No. They are lost sheep; who belong to our sheepfold. We know this, because the Apostles built it for Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He wouldn't hate them; He would, and does, love them. We love them too. I can argue with a stubborn protestant, or anti-Catholic. But I can't hate him or her. It's love that makes the argument worthwhile. Should I hurt them? No, nor alienate them, nor get angry at them. But I can show them when they're lacking faith. Faith is what they DON'T have. I have it, and you have it. When we have something precious, and don't share it with those who have none-- are we loving them? Love means giving; LOVE demands we give our faith to those who have lost it.

Because without it, they'll remain lost sheep. Without the Catholic faith, they're in a wilderness of spiritual neglect. We have faith in Jesus, and Jesus wants us all together in One Fold. He said so emphatically.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), February 07, 2002.


I don't really want to single someone out, I've really come to appreciate the input of all the posters here, (with the exception of a few assaults left by anti-Catholics).

To me there is a sense of community here. Sometimes it may not be the *best* of communities ;-), but it's a community none the less.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), February 07, 2002.



Thank you, Marcella and Mike. I am not worthy of so much praise, because I have too often been unkind to people.

I want to give special thanks to God for David S [even though he just pretended to bad-mouth me ;)], because every day he reminds me to think of Mother Seton and of St. Therese and her "Little Way."

I also want to offer another apology to anyone whom I have hurt or deceived at this site, especially to respectful non-Catholics whom I sometimes distrusted too much. May we all share the same "credo" and worship together some day.

God bless all.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), February 07, 2002.


John,

Thanks buddy! I don't know what I did to deserve a compliment like that? But I figured I better thank you know before you say it was a mistake and you mean't it to be someone else.

God bless you.

David S.

PS; I bet I know who wouldn't agree with that one.( 171 posts and still going strong):)

-- David S (asdzxc8176@aol.com), February 07, 2002.


Eugene,

I totally agree with your post. I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said "In matters of principle, stand like a rock, in all other matters, swim with the current" (It may have been someone else who said that, but you get the picture). When I wrote about hair- splitting, I wasn't talking about important matters such as the Eucharist and salvation. I was speaking more of matters such as the meaning of "grace" to a Catholic and what it mean to a Protestant. Protestants and Catholics speak basically two different languages and we need to remember that when we are in dialogue with each other. I think it would be more effective if we did. All I'm trying to say is that we do have Christ in common, which is very important, and I think that we forget that sometimes. I was just trying to give people an opportunity to enjoy some commonality for about 5 minutes if nothing else. I always appreciate your firm orthodoxy and your uncomprimising faith. I always learn so much from your posts. I have been learning about the Catholic Faith for 5 years now, and believe me, if I didn't believe firmly in everything she teaches, I wouldn't be taking the steps to join her. I want people to know us by our love for one another and be so jealous that they want to be a part of it!

Que Dios te bendiga!

Marcella

P.S. Where the heck is Joel? I was hoping he would want to take part in our "Blessings Palooza"

Lord, please bring unity back to Your Church!

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002.


John,

I so agree with you about David S. and his "little way" and Franks too! I just finished "A Story of a Soul" and I was so inspired by the way St. Therese allowed herself to suffer for the sake of the unbelievers and how much she cared for them. I think we all should. Reading her story made me believe that even a lowly sinner like me could be a Saint! You all have helped me so much on this Forum, since the day I "accidentally" happened upon this site (or not so accidentally, as it were). Because of your advice, I am now on my way, and on March 30th at the Easter Vigil, I will be able to partake in the Most Precious Body and Blood! Please pray that I make it to that day!

God Bless all who aspire to be a Saint!

Marcella

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002.


Marcella,

Thank you for your kind words. You are correct about Frank, because he is a special Catholic man, and we are blessed to have him on forum. I will say some prayers for you, but I have know doubts about you becoming a Catholic in a few weeks. It wasn't a accident that you came here, because God brought you here. You were born to be Catholic just like your ancestors were. We love you.

Now on another note, You asked about Joel. Well someone told me that at his big wrestling tournement that he was pinned in 20 seconds by a Catholic boy. I think his pride is hurting a little. Slam-Just like that! :)

God bless you.

David S

-- David S (asdzxc8176@aol.com), February 08, 2002.



Uhhh, DAVE! That's not NICE!!! Lol!

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), February 08, 2002.

Marcella: de vez en cuando tenemos visitas en este foro como la tuya. Es grato ver a alguien quien sin meterse en líos quiere dialogar con todo mundo a un nivel antes que nada de AMOR. Precisamente en Cristo y el Cristianismo de eso se trata: de amar a todos.

Dicho sea de paso en la comunidad en que vivo ya rara vez la gente habla de protestantes, aquí les llamamos HERMANOS SEPARADOS y por lo menos muchos católicos nos esforzamos en verlos como tales. Personalmente en mi familia hay algunos hermanos separados, pero en nuestras relaciones el tema religioso no entra para nada. Son parientes y ya! Tenemos una amiga judía que de vez en cuando viene a comer con nosotros. Nos hace muchas preguntas sobre la Fe católica y la Iglesia, pero nunca en un plan de atacar, sino de saber más. En el mismo tono nosotros le preguntamos sobre el juadísmo y siempre nos contesta de buena gana. Por ella hemos aprendido lo que es Yom Kippur, Hanuka, Menorah, Sader. etc- etc-

Ojalá todo mundo se llevara de este modo, así podríamos cambiar al mundo.

Que Dios bendiga a todos los Ortodoxos, a los Hermanos Separados, a todos los Judíos, Musulmanes, Budistas, Shintoístas, Confucianistas, Brahmanes, etc. etc. etc.

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 08, 2002.


Enrique, Entiendo, puesto que mi propia familia es sobre todo athiests, mis vecinos soy sobre todo mormones, y mi marido era católico nacido, pero no era católico educado. Sé que tengo que ser una " luz " para toda esta gente en mi vida, y que sea un buen representante de la fe católica. Ellos son hermanos seperados, pero hermanos ningunos menos. (I know my Spanish isn't the greatest, Enrique, lo siento!)

Marcella

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 08, 2002.


Eugene,

I like your crystal clear logic in union with the magisterium. It is much like Cardinal Ratzinger. I learn a lot from what you say and it reinforces my faith. Knowing you are on the forum makes me look before I type! Good thing. I confess I don't read absolutely all of your posts; I need an Intel word processor implant.

Marcella and Eugene,

I am impressed by your Spanish. If I am going to be Dominican maybe I should learn some. Que pasa?

I would like to add this about the original post. A good teacher must be a detective rooting about in their student's mind. The teacher has to investigate in order to find a few clues about the student's level of growth before they even teach. The difficult result is determining this level of knowledge in their student. Every student is different. Once this is done, the teacher can provide the material which matches the student's ability to grasp it.

I quoted Fr. Corapi above. Here is another thing from his lessons. He had some Protestant friends he regularly ate breakfast with. They often playfully debated faith issues. When Fr. Corapi taught them about the Eucharist they thought adoration was ignorant or silly or something like that. So Fr. Corapi went to their level of growth. He knew they loved the scripture almost like we love the Eucharist. So he suggested they place their bibles in a prominent or solemn place and in full view. Then they were to meditate on that great gift of the Word of God while they could see their bible several feet in front of them. They venerated their bible like we adore the Eucharist. When they tried this, they confessed that graces were obtained.

I am no "expert teacher" but I must go to a student's level of ability and bring them up as best I can. Jesus did that for us. We can also with His help.

-- Mike H (michael.hitzelberger@vscc.cc.tn.us), February 08, 2002.


Dear Mike: you wrote:

If I am going to be Dominican maybe I should learn some. Que pasa?

I congratulate you on your desiere to learn Spanish. You'll find what a beautiful language it is. Here is a page that could be the starting point for you:

http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm

BUEN APRENDIZAJE!!!!

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 10, 2002.



Dear Marcella: don't apologize. Your Spanish is good, but of course, like everything, can be better. Is Spanish spoken at your home?

Anyway, I am ready to answer questions and doubts about the Cervantes language. Feel free to use my offer.

QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA CON ABUNDANCIA!!!

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 10, 2002.


Enrique,

We are not native Spanish speakers in my home, however, My great- grandmother, Guadalupe Covarrubias, was Mexican and born in Mexico City, and to my knowledge is one of my only Catholic family members from recent history. My parents lived in Mexico for 10 years, and I would visit them often and spent a lot of time with the people there. I took Spanish in college and my son is currently taking it in High School, and is planning on taking it until he can be certified as bilingual. We live in Arizona where there are a lot of Spanish speakers and feel like there is no excuse not to try to learn Spanish, which I feel is "la lengua de mi corazon". So please bear with me as I continue to learn!

Marcella

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 10, 2002.


¡El corazón sagrado de Jesús, tiene la misericordia en nosotros! agradeza Enrique

(I cheated, I used the Star Trek universal language translator)

-- Mike H (michael.hitzelberger@vscc.cc.tn.us), February 11, 2002.


Computerized translators will never replace humans, Mike!
I suspect that what you wanted to translate was, "Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!"
Enrique/Higino Cecilio, would that be translated as follows?
"Sagrado corazón de Jesús, ten piedad de nosotros!"

JFG

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), February 12, 2002.


Thanks John,

Also I will ask my priest about that documentation you mentioned on the other thread.

By the way, what did I say to Enrique?

-- Mike H (michael.hitzelberger@vscc.cc.tn.us), February 12, 2002.


Mike, you said, "¡El corazón sagrado de Jesús, tiene la misericordia en nosotros! agradeza Enrique"

Literally, the first means, "The sacred heart of Jesus has the mercy on us!"
I think that you intended to say, "Thanks, Enrique." But "agradeza Enrique" is actually the start of an incomplete sentence: "Enrique thanks [someone]." You can use "Gracias, Enrique" instead -- or another expression of appreciation.

God bless you.
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), February 13, 2002.


John: your transaltion of Mike's sentences is correct. Congratulations!

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002.

Marcella: me alegra mucho que sangre mexicana corra por tus venas. Así nos sentiremos amigos más cercanos. Cuando llegue el 16 de septiembre espero que grites con todas las fuerzas de tu corazón: VIVA MEXICO!!

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002.


Enrique,

Cuando hago católico, la primera cosa que deseo hacer es viajar a México y atender a la masa en cada iglesia puedo encontrar. Las iglesias allí son tan hermosas, incluso las pequeñas capillas en las aldeas. No puedo esperar!

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002.


Gracias John

(I'm going to quit while I am ahead)

-- Mike H (michael.hitzelberger@vscc.cc.tn.us), February 13, 2002.


Querida Marcella: los mexicanos acostumbramos decir que esperamos a las gentes que nos visitan "con los brazos y los corazones abiertos". Ojalá puedas pronto venir. En general las personas aquí son muy hospitalarias. No dejes de contarnos tus impresiones.

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.


Mike,

Don't quit yet, you're doing great! One thing about Spanish (or any other language, for that matter), if you don't use it, you lose it!

Enrique,

Sé grande es la gente mejicana porque he estado allí tan muchas veces. Me casaron en Puerto Vallarta y mis padres vivieron cerca de Ensenada por 10 años. Amo todo sobre Méjico, la gente, la cultura, y especialmente el alimento! Amo todos los pequeños shrines hermosos a la Virgen de Guadalupe en el borde de la carretera. Lo falto tanto! Marcella

Enrique,

Sé grande es la gente mejicana porque he estado allí tan muchas veces. Me casaron en Puerto Vallarta y mis padres vivieron cerca de Ensenada por 10 años. Amo todo sobre Méjico, la gente, la cultura, y especialmente el alimento! Amo todos los pequeños shrines hermosos a la Virgen de Guadalupe en el borde de la carretera. Lo falto tanto! Marcella

-- Marcella (marcellack@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.


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