What is a Charismatic Catholic?

Looks like I opened a can of worms with my post on Charismatics. And boy do I love it. I also suspect God (Yahweh) loves it!!!

If you are interested, I've already done part of my job in my ministry. I've opened up a new door. (Is this a setup? cheesy

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First let me say that, as a result of my experience dealing with non-Christians on the "religion" forum on Hunting.Net, I've learned that we, as Christians, should define EXACTLY who our God is. When God revealed himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai, he told Moses his name was "I am, who am" which the Hebrews translated as/used the term "Yahweh." God (Yahweh) also said this was to be how he was to be known to all generations. So, I have begun referring to the Judeo-Christian God as YAHWEH.

As to the Charismatic Renewal in the church, the Vatican has basically said that the Catholic church has a responsibility to move in the direction of a Charismatic Renewal.

The difference between Pentecostals and Charismatics migh be just sematincs. Pentecostals often incorporate the Charismatic Gifts into their services/prayer meetings, whereas Charismatics often have separate (liturgy) services, and reserve the use of the Charisms for prayer meetings. Most of us associate Pentecostals with the Assembly of God church, Fundamentalist/non-denominational prayer services, and several of the TV Evangelists.

A Catholic prayer meeting is much like any other prayer meeting. It often starts out with an hour of singing, praise, prayer, and singing and praying in tongues. There are often prophecies (both in English, and in some "tongue").When a prophecy is given in a tongue the Bible is clear that someone must interpret it, which generally happens. The "interpreter" often receives a message from God, much like a prophecy, which is the interpretation of the prophecy. This message is like a thought or voice in your mind, and the person often speaks in the first person, as God himself. Basically it is God speaking through the person. Usually the prophecies are general in nature, uplifting, but sometimes they are general admonmishments. They may also be specific and directed toward one person.

The whole praise "hour or two" is very uplifting. If you have never heard 20-100 people singing in tongues, you don't know what you are missing. When it happens you know the Holy Spirit is there, in person, reviving, revitalizing every soul in attendance.

Next there migh be a time of "sharing" about the good things God has done in our lives, or some scripture we really got something out of. This "sharing" brings a lot of harmony, love and "sense of family" to the meeting. This might last a half hour to an hour.

Then there is often a teaching (from the Bible or otherwise) by one of the prayer group leaders. This often takes up another half hour to an hour, and there are often comments and questions, so we can all learn. One of the leaders at one meeting was actually a deacon in the church. We also had several nuns and priests attend.

Catholic prayer meetings often consist of many non Catholics. I've sat in prayer meetings with non-denominationals, Baptists, Lutherans, Assembly of God ministers, and an Episcopal bishop.

Finally there is often a call for prayers for individuals, and healing sessions are set up, where groups of people "lay hands" on those who want or need prayer. During these sessions many of the Charismaitc gifts might be used; tongues, praying in tongues, prophecy, interpretation of prophecy, healings, miracles, discerment of spritis etc. There may be casting out of spirits etc. All of this is conducted Biblically, often with the anointing with Holy Oil and lots of prayers.

At the end of the service refreshments are often served: coffee, punch, pop, cookies, bars etc. and people get to know each other and bond as a community.
These communities often set up retreats, conferences, and may have "emergency funds" for those in need. Families often get together for dinners or services at each other's houses, and become very close. All in all it is a very Christian experience.

Being a Charismatic usually brings a person closer to God, especially the Holy Spirit, who manifests himself through the Charismatic gifts, through a NEED to learn more about God and the Bible, a NEED to have a more personal relationship with Jesus, and generally leads to a vastly improved life of Christianity.

It has led me to become somewhat of a Bible scholar as far as Genesis and Revelations go. I have been a leader of three different prayar groups, and I have used the gifts of Faith (belief in Yahweh), Healing, Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Wisdom (wise counsel and Christian wisdom/understanding), Knowledge (knowing things you have no apparent way of knowing) and Discernmant of Spirits (knowing good spirits from evil spirits). It has also led me to become more of a "minister/teacher/preacher to all of those I meet.

Me being a Charismatic has probably enhanced my understadning of the transubstantiation of the bread and wine. Communion means a lot to me, and is very special to all of the Catholic Chartismatics I know. I'll take it every time I can get it.

As to Mary, I think you will find she has less of a role in life, because the emphasis is on Jesus, and because the Holy Spirit is active in your life.

I'll be truthful and say I think some Catholics elevate Mary to a status that God never intended. I think the status of Mary is one that comes from the Italian and Spanish influences of the early centuries. You'll find a great reverence to Mary in those cultures, even today. I don't mean to rock the boat, but, if we look at the Bible (New Testament), the emphasis is on Jesus (not Mary), and he said he would leave the comforter/Paraclete behind for us when he left. Some Catholics have no idea who the Holy Spirit is, and yet it is He who is here, on earth, with us, to help and guide us. Having said that, a lot of Charismatics go to Lourdes and Medjagoria (sp?) for healing. They do have a special place in their heart for Mary.

If you want to be better prepared to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, you need to read the explanation of a Charismatic on my site at www.TRMichels.com. You'll find it on the "Christian Witness" page, in the index for the book "Witness, A Christian Hunter's Insights and Outlook" under the "Charismatic, Born Again, Spirit Filled Catholic" link. Then you should ask the Holy Spirit to manifest himself in your life. He will do this, because Yahweh wants all of us to have this experience, in fact he tells us we must be "born again of water and the SPIRIT".

Charismatic is being filled with the Holy Spirit. And once you have it, you'll wonder why it took you so long to get it. It is what God want's for all of us.

May God bless all of you,

T.R.

By the way, I do have a prayer and counseling ministry. If you want or need prayers or help, just ask, and I'll post a prayer for you right here. If it is something you don't want talked about, you can private e-mail me.

God uses me, because He wants to, even though I am unworthy.