Speaking as Christian, I have nothing against beatification, I am not against sainthood. First, we Christians acknowledge the extraordinary kindness of the life of these Saints while on earth and we want to let their stories remind us to follow their good deeds. And they inspire the flock to live the same way how these Saints have lived their life, which is why it is allowed to be with us. Also, I am not against in images of Saints and even the Lord Jesus because they are just merely symbolism. When we see the image of man with a dog, we know it is St. Rocco and we must be good in dogs. When we see an image of a man with buffalo, we know it is St. Isidore and we must be good farmer. Besides, being Patron doesn’t mean being God that needs to be worshiped, it just means an identification of a good people that need to be recognized where they were known for. When you put pictures of your spouse in your wallet doesn’t mean you are worshiping your wife or husband. We can talk to these pictures but it doesn't mean we are worshiping them. When you bring flowers and candles to the grave of your deceased loved ones doesn’t mean you are worshiping them. These are just the same with these images, we are just remembering them but not worshiping. We are just reminding of their symbolism to follow their message like when you see the sign of no entry, you will not enter. That is symbolism all about. This is not blasphemy because you are not worshiping them, thus you are not disrespecting God.
If people were to argue we worship these images, then the answer is actually not. If you are a Christian insisting having images is worshiping, then it only means either your faith as Christian is weak or it is because you worshiped these images before, and your understanding is wrong. As true Christian, we only acknowledge these images and Saints, no more-no less. Having these images is not worshiping God even sainthood is not worshiping neither. You should not exalt them and adore them because these things should give only to our God. Remember, worship and prayer are different. Prayer is communicating while worshiping is act of praising and devotion. Worshiping is where you are giving your life to God only. Worshiping is where you are offering your highest respect, utmost devotion, purest love and the best of you to God only. You are servicing God, doing what makes Him happy by following His words. That is worshiping which a true Christian doesn’t do to Saints. We only worship the God. We communicate with God, and we can communicate with Saints also but worship should go to God only. Note that we “can” communicate with these images and it is not we “should” communicate, “can” and “should” are different. There is freewill, there is no obligatory. Saying litany is not worshiping but it is communicating to refresh, reminisce, and relive the blessedness of the Saints. Reciting the rosary is not worshiping but emphasizing the kindness of Mama Mary. We can communicate with Saints like we communicate with God but never worship them.
God is everywhere. He is in our heart, beside us, in the mountain, in the prayer rooms, and in the spirit of the images. The moment we say our prayers to these images, it doesn’t mean these images are the God, but this is where God is. And again, praying or communicating is different from worshiping. I have nothing against with these Christian practices but personally, when I pray I do not kneel in front of any object and image. I close my eyes and say my prayers. In this way I can be sure that my heart is praying directly to God only. I admire the life of these Saints but I do not elate or idolize them as I highly elate God.
No comments:
Post a Comment