Friday, July 06, 2007 Speak out: Catholicism By Dr. Aguido Magdadaro Talisay City, Cebu
I WAS a practicing Catholic for 25 years, became a non-catholic for 37 years, until I decided to come home.
I think every Christian carries certain grains of truth regardless of religious affiliation. Basic tenets, however, set him apart from the rest of fellow Christians.
No religion can say it is better than the others, or that it has all the truths.
All religions have imperfections, populated by sinners, and needing the mercy and grace of God.
It is amazing how Catholicism has survived the tests of the time. Known for committing errors in the past, it is still here, strong as ever and exalted.
This Church is distinct in many ways.
Catholicism possesses peculiar doctrines that make followers feel safe in its bosom and sure of salvation.
The sign of the cross, holy rosary, the Apostle’s Creed, the stations of the cross, the Eucharistic celebration and the devotion to the Divine Mercy all point to Mt. Calvary, to the crucified Christ, redeemer of the world.
By them, we contemplate upon the passion of Christ every moment of every day.
Catholics are singular in adoring, loving, venerating and honoring Mother Mary, who enshrined in her womb the Word Incarnate, while others of lesser faith denigrate, belittle and dismiss her as “just a mother.”
Just a mother? Whether you are a small child or an adult, every mother is very special, more so if she happens to be your own.
Lord Jesus Christ loves, adores, and honors his Mother, no doubt about it.
This is not doctrinal, not even stated in the Bible.
It is common sense, a naked fact.
It is easy for me to believe that Lord Jesus wants mankind to have Mother Mary as their mother.
But of course, we can never out-love Him, we can never love her enough because surely Jesus loves her more than our finite minds can possibly imagine.
We do not read this in the Bible, but down deep in every heart, it is there.
“If you love me, love my mother, please.”
In another way, Jesus said it in the shadow of the cross, to John.
The prodigal son has returned home, where Mother is. Here, he feels safe in her keeping.
