Module 1 Experience of the Church.pdf

Increase in us, Lord, the faith you have given us, and bring to a harvest worthy of heaven the praise we offer you at the beginning of this new day. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and...

Increase in us, Lord, the faith you have given us, and bring to a harvest worthy of heaven the praise we offer you at the beginning of this new day. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. – Amen. Module 1.1 Experience of the Church Module 1.1 Experience of the Church Direction: Show how you view the Church nowadays. Then answer the following questions. What image is being projected? In your perspective, does the Church need help? If yes, what can you do to help? If no, why? Module 1.1 Experience of the Church Negative side of the present-day Church DYSFUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION Module 1.1 Experience of the Church Nothing can be done to solve the problem if it is covered up. If the problem will be covered up or not face them, the situation can only become worse. The first and crucial step to help our Church is to have a critical diagnosis of its problems. Module 1.1 Experience of the Church THE CHURCH NEEDS US You may help our Church in your own way by listening to the criticisms that are addressed to our Church A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH 1. All religions have a creed, a code, and a cult. - These 3 C’s can have a paralyzing effect on us. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH A creed can degenerate into the reproduction of formula, which are not understood, yet are repeated ad infinitu or without end. - means that a set of beliefs or principles can lose its original meaning and become just a set of routines or phrases that people repeat without really understanding them. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH A code can lead to legalism, or insisting on a law, without a heart. - It’s like strictly adhering to a rulebook without considering the human aspect or the reasons behind the rules, which can make the process feel cold and impersonal. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH A cult can be caught up in the performance of rites that seem to work as magic, yet do not address real life issues. - means that a cult might focus on performing rituals or ceremonies that appear to have special, almost magical effects, but these activities don’t actually help with solving real-life problems or addressing important issues. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH 2. The Church seems to be led by a fearsome group of men who are dressed in clerical garb and who have some sort of absolute and sacred power. Lay people, especially women, are at the receiving end only. Clerics preach, perform sacraments and rule over the flock, while the laity listen, receive sacraments, or pray and pay, and obey whatever the patriarchs say. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH 3. The Church appears to be a rich and powerful organization. Some priests and religious live a comfortable middle-class life and do not seem to be disturbed by the poverty of so many of our people A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH 4. The Church is an imported entity, within our Filipino culture. Tangkilikin and sariling atin does not apply to the Philippine Church. CRITICISM HURTS. What is the worst criticism you’ve received in your life? How did you react or respond? These criticisms are important for they can start a healing process. A. CRITICISMS OF THE CHURCH No Church is perfect. But, our Church has to be open to the challenge of the figure of Jesus of Nazareth and his Good News. We now complement the one-sided negative picture with some positive thinking. We are all to participate in this process, and to add some of our positive experiences of the Church. B. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CHURCH 1. We have experienced a number of changes in the way the creed, code, and cult of our Church are presented. The Philippine Church has produced its own Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC). The Ten Commandments no longer serve as the only framework to discuss Christian living. Some efforts are made to develop a more participatory and experiential liturgy. B. POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CHURCH 2. Efforts have been made to democratize the Church and to invite lay people to fully participate in the life of the parish. C. THE DREAM CHURCH OF POPE JOHN XXIII We need to realize that our Church is, at the same time, holy and sinful. Peter, who was congratulated for his faith by his master, was also scolded and called Satan (Mark 8:31-33). Throughout history, we find praises, as well as harsh criticisms addressed to the Church, by popes, bishops, and theologians. C. THE DREAM CHURCH OF POPE JOHN XXIII “Church, always living and always young, which feels the rhythm of the times and which in every century beautifies herself with new splendor, radiates new light, achieves new conquests, while remaining identical in herself, faithful to the divine image impressed on her countenance by her spouse, who loves her and protects her, Christ Jesus.” JESUS INSTITUTED THE CHURCH Jesus consciously planning when he was still alive or establishing a religious organization with a set of leaders (a pope and bishops), teachings, rules and regulations, seven sacraments, and so on. JESUS INSTITUTED THE CHURCH Jesus is both the founder and foundation of the Church. JESUS INSTITUTED THE CHURCH Jesus established the papacy when he appointed Peter as the first leader of the Church, with the words, “You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church…” (Mt. 16:18) Jesus chose 12 apostles at the beginning of his ministry (Mt 16:18). He called them and trained them to participate in his ministry. They had to carry on the leadership in the Church, together with Peter as their head, after Jesus’ death, as the just bishops of the Church. During his ministry, Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God on earth. The task of continuing the building of the Kingdom was entrusted to his Church. Because the Church continues to carry on this task, it is God’s kingdom on earth.