Mailbag: About Worship

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From Mary Dumont, Omaha, Nebraska:

“I deeply believe that the essence of what we’re experiencing here in these days can be summed up in three words:
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Worship
Presence
Unity
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“So much of what we experienced several decades ago was focused on the warnings of Heaven, the apparitions of Our Lady, and a call to sit up and pay attention. Unfortunately, much of that went unheeded, and for the most part it simply became a ‘chasing after’ for the latest prophetic shake-up and the need for the sensational (almost in the same way we are addicted to our social media for the dopamine effect today).
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“Without diving in too deep, I believe that Our Lady has said most of what needed to be said—Now Do It! I believe in these days that the Holy Spirit is calling us to “take it by force”: Matthew 11:12
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  • We are seeing a huge focus on WORSHIP. So much is coming alive in Scripture to enforce why this is vital to break strongholds, build strength, increase humility, and give greater glory to God. The entire charism for ABLAZE is to give all glory to God through worship, and through that open relationship the Holy Spirit is able to increase/unfold/fan the flames of that which was already given to us by our baptism. We need new levels of courage, healing gifts, strengthening our identity, prophetic gifting, etc.
  • Time in His Presence is, and has always been, the anchor of what Our Lady came to ignite. If the fruit of all that we’re doing is not increasing our intimate relationship with Jesus, then we’re practicing DIY Christianity. This is extremely prevalent in our beloved Catholic faith. It flies in the face of all that St. Paul teaches us about righteousness. In short, St. Paul tells us that we are saints struggling with sin, and we need to be humbly surrendered to the finished work of the Cross in order to be fully sanctified. Its not something WE do. It’s what HE does in us because of our intimacy with Him.
  • Unity is undeniably one of the greatest movements we’re witnessing in the Christian arena right now. If we think that the Catholic Church can bring revival without other Christian denominations, we’ve now become the problem. We cannot water down our Catholic faith nor make light of the power of the holy sacraments, but for us to say that we’re closed to what the Holy Spirit is doing in other Christian communities is a huge issue. I definitely believe that God is deeply humbling us, showing us powerful ways that we can open our hearts to other Christian leaders (that they may be one as We are One), and asking us to be super bold in bringing Jesus to the masses.”
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    From Father David G. Taurasi (Corpus Christi, Texas):
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    “I am glad you advise caution in this particular article concerning the use of Holy Oil. While there is a tradition for the use of Holy Oil from the shrines of the saints, these oils are meant for the private use of  individuals who in prayer and faith anoint themselves invoking the intercession of the saints.
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    “These oils, however, are not to be used by the laity to anoint others while laying hands in simulation of the sacrament of the sick, which can only be celebrated by a priest. The abuse of holy oils by some member of the laity has caused much confusion. Another concern is that the article mentions various ‘additives’ to the holy oils. This seems to be based on superstitious practices and has all the appearance of a “magical concoction” to promote ‘healing.’ Not only is this an abuse, but left unchecked, it could certainly open the door to diabolical influences.
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    “If people are sick, it is highly recommended they request the sacrament of the sick from their priests. This sacrament is no longer restricted to the moment of death, but is meant to be celebrated during times of illness and, if necessary, even repeated  with the hope of healing.
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    “As we read in the epistle of Saint James, ‘Are there sick among you? Call in the PRIESTS, and have them lay hands and anoint with oil. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and if they have any sins, their sins will be forgiven.’ Notice, this is a sacramental act which requires the authority of Christ which comes through sacred ordination.”
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