Catholics -- do we "own" our spirituality?

Question

It's been suggested -- okay, said outright -- that we do not, and instead look to priests and saints for our salvation.

Funny, I always thought we relied upon Christ for that.

But the concept of "owning" our spirituality -- anyone, not just Catholics -- seems rather odd to me. Particularly in the context of Christian spirituality, isn't owning it contradictory? If we are Christian, we freely give everything we are to Christ, and rely on Him fully.

So in the interest of clearing the air on this -- upon what, or Who, do Catholics rely for our salvation? And is "not taking ownership of our spirituality" a valid accusation? Please take into consideration not only your own knowledge but also "cultural" Catholicism, as I believe negative experience with this may be the basis of the assertion.

Mr. Jessup -- point well-taken, we've all seen this (unfortunately). I don't think it's quite so pervasive as to encompass 90% of Catholics, however.

RAMANAN --- I haven't been called "babe" by anyone but my husband in a couple of decades. On that basis alone I don't begrudge you the two points.

Answer 1

I'm a catholic convert, and to latch onto one high profile symptom, I will say those catholics who walk out the minute eucharist is "served" like they were leaving a ball game and had to beat the parking rush do not own their spirituality. Those who are drunk 6 days a week, out at the bar and gambling and cussing don't own it either. In fact, they sort of hope their spirituality never approaches them in public, if you know what I mean.

I think that sort of "cradle catholic" has a very vague idea of why they do what they do. They are just in it because their family always was. I think these people probably form as much as 90% of the catholic church, and I think it's accurate to say they don't own their spirtuality because they are simply not circumspect types. Spiritually, they're plodders who never smell the roses.

Answer 2

We own our spirituality in the sense that we are responsible for the nurturing of that gift which comes from our Heavenly Father as He Himself is Spirit. To Tap into that spiritual realm prayer is absolutely essential, critical you might say in regards to the human persons respect and love of neighbour. Our blessed Mother has told us many times to pray fast and to do penance, fasting and doing penance adds power to prayer because sacrifice is involved. You can only Love authentic love when sacrifice is involved, that's where the power comes from in the conversion of mens hearts.

By looking at society today I would have to say that us catholics have not been responsible enough in this respect. I assure you if all the catholics of the world had prayed, fasted and performed some sort of penance for the remitting of sin since the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ wars would not have occurred for enough hearts would have been changed

Answer 3

I really am not sure what owning your spirituality means. I thought Catholics as with other Christians look to Jesus for salvation. That being said though I have met a few Catholics who seem to rely on Mary more than Jesus. Comments such as the best way to please Jesus is to make His mother happy. Or the surest way to salvation is to please Mary. I have seen variations of these comments on here and these people to me seem to be only partly relying upon Jesus for their salvation. They seem to be putting much of their faith and hope in Mary. Putting your faith and hope in anyone except Jesus can only lead to condemnation.

However there are many Catholics on here I greatly respect, including you. These Catholics are trusting fully in Jesus and have knowledge of the word. These are the Catholics that give me hope for Catholicism and confidence in the ability for someone to be both a Christian and a Catholic.

Answer 4

The greatest spiritualists in history have been Catholics, from St Francis to Padre Pio

Answer 5

Any real spiritualiity is the action of the Holy Spirit
Catholicism's spirituality is trinitarian and Christ-centered.

Answer 6

We rely on Christ. We rely on God. It is from God alone that the gift of our Faith, by His unmerited favor (grace), comes to us.

What we do with that faith (our spirituality, if you will) is done in complete cooperation with God.

Even the Blessed Virgin Mary cooperated with God when she declared "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior".

Answer 7

We rely on Jesus. Period. I've never heard of the "owning" thing before, so I'll stop here.

Answer 8

Listen babe you don´t have a spirituality thats not made by priests, your biblos is written by men, and all your festivals are adapted from paganism. So do you own your spirituality? no, you don´t have one to begin with.

Answer 9

Today's catholicism is a farce!
completely diluted message of Jesus,the Essene,who abstained from meat-eating,alcool,and all other vices.He preached such pure message,but after 2007 yrs,people are practicing the contrary,and ...going to hell!
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