A blog reader sent this image of a Neocatechumenal Tabernacle.
This tabernacle found in their headquarters, the Domus Galilaeae, is composed of two portions, the Book of the Gospels above and the Consecrated Hosts, the Body of our Lord, below.
This set-up is in itself very protestant.
As Catholics, we worship the Lord Jesus Christ who is "truly, really, and substantially present - body, blood, soul and divinity" under the form of bread (and wine). We do not worship the Book of the Gospels. Jesus is not in the book. He is present when the Gospel is proclaimed.
This is Kiko's doing. What he teaches is heresey!
And he is coming to Manila this month. Isang malaking pagtitipon sa June 6,
Keep away from this cult!
I've posted some articles on "the Way" that you may be interested in. See http://thoughtfulcatholic.com/?page_id=766
ReplyDeleteLet me also add that in the Christian view, the "Word became flesh" not that the "Word became a book." And that this Word became flesh has a name -- our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself would give to us His own Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine entrusted to His Church. So that is the reason why we HAVE TO ADORE the Blessed Sacrament!
ReplyDeleteAs for the Gospel Book, note that the Lord never transformed into any paper or codex. Instead, He, the Word, taught and sent His Apostles and commanded them to "teach all that I have commanded." And because of this solemn duty imposed on them by the Lord Himself, they preached His teachings verbally, and would later on write down some of these teachings as a heritage for all the nations and to form part of the authentic deposit of what He taught, together with Sacred Tradition. The words in the Gospel Book themselves are not completely the words of the Lord. And this is no disrespect when we say that the Bible is the word of God in the words of men... We are not Muslims or whacko fundamentalists who believe that God literally dictated each and every word of the Bible. A random survey of any Gospel book would immediately show you that such and such a Gospel is written "according to Luke" or by Matthew, or by John... Yes, the teachings therein form part of the authentic deposit of the Faith given to us by the Lord, but don't mistake the Book itself as being literal words of God!
Which brings us to the point of the stupidities (I cannot find a stronger word!) in our Catholic Churches of equating the Bible with the Blessed Sacrament. Yes, ecumenical councils do enthrone the Scriptures during their sessions but NOT side by side with the physical and sacramental presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. The Bible is for us, like the Crucifix. We show profound respect to it, we venerate it as a MEDIUM through which some of the Lord's teachings have come down to us. BUT IT IS NOT GOD NOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. So kudos to you for writing about this and exposing this in your blog. I hope to see more of this in the future so that Catholics would begin to question this stupidities in their churches.
One of the most confusing and dangerous religious term is "Cult". The word is derived from the French word "culte" which came from Latin noun "cultus." The latter is related to the Latin verb "colere" which means "to worship or give reverence to a deity." Thus, in its original meaning, the term "cult" can be applied to any group of religious believers: Southern Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholics, Hindus or Muslims. However it can also take on a positive theological meaning. It is defined as either a "worship devotion or homage to a particular person or thing."; "reverential homage rendered to a divine being or beings",or "a particular form or system of religious worship; especially in reference to its external rites and ceremonies". Now given that the Neocatechumenal Way had its own ByLaws and Statutes approved by the proper Vatican authorities, the movement founded by Kiko with the able assistance of Carmen Hernandez and Fr. Mario Pezzi makes it as officially and canonically legitimate as any other catholic organizations(e.g. Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, Opus Dei). Definitely it is not to be liken to that of the SSPX whose founder, together with his four other companions were excommunicated. Though the excommunication was later lifted years later by Pope Benedict XVI but nevertheless some serious issues had still occured(ref. http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/letters/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20090310_remissione-scomunica.html)
ReplyDeleteAs to the image that was shown, careful examination of it cannot warrant such hasty conclusion as to make the Neocatechumenal Way appear to be cultic nor against the Catholic Church. Primarily the NCW communities team of catechists were initially given the blessings of the Bishops themselves and the parish priests of the place where they were sent.
The NCW IS definetely a dangerous cult, despite the blessings, approvals and whatever else the members will say to defend it. Facts are facts and are not arguable. Please google the term "lifton criteria" and see for yourselves that the ncw is a destructive cult.
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you to admit the Neocatechumenal Way has had blessings and approvals making it very legitimate. The fruit of the blessing one can readily see by the many individuals and families going on a mission to preach the gospel. It also,on its own through its members, has built several seminaries and inspired many to enter into religious life and the priesthood. Thank you for the reminder.
Delete