Everything Catholic 101

Table of Contents Introduction 1. Core Words in Original Languages 2. Shachah in the Old Testament 3. Proskuneo in the New Testament 4. Latreuo: Sacred Service Reserved for God 5. Translation Comparison 6. Lawful vs. Unlawful Bowing 7. Key Takeaways Introduction In Hebrew and Greek, the main words for "worship" mean to bow down, prostrate, or do obeisance . The same posture was used for God and for people in authority. The Bible distinguishes between civil honor and sacred worship . Only God receives latreuo — temple/sacrificial service. 1. Core Words in Original Languages Word Language Literal Meaning Used For Shachah שָׁחָה Hebrew To bow low, prostrate, fall on face God, kings, family, prophets, foreigners Proskuneo προσκυνέω Greek To kiss toward, fall prostrate in homage God, masters, kings, angels, believers Latreuo λατρεύω Gre...

We honor her because God chose her to be the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:43) . We honor her because she shared her humanity with the Son of God (Galatians 4:4) . We honor her because Christ received His flesh and blood from her (Hebrews 10:5) . We honor her because she carried the Divine Child in her womb, nourishing Him with her own blood for nine months. We honor her because she nursed Him after birth and cared for Him (Luke 2:7) . We honor her because Christ Himself honored and obeyed her (Luke 2:51) . We honor her because she is the New Ark of the Covenant Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Ark of the Covenant honoured. If the old Ark was holy because it carried God’s presence, how much more is Mary, who carried God Himself? Why do we believe she is the New Ark? The Old Ark foreshadowed her. Let’s see: The Symbolic Contents The Ark of the Covenant held three specific items that symbolised God’s provision and covenant. Mary’s womb held Je...

Scripture Calls Her “The Woman” Genesis 3:15 – “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Jesus crushed the head of the serpent ( Colossians 2:15 ) . The “woman” whose offspring does this is naturally understood as Mother Mary, who gave birth to Him. What if we didn’t have to assume? Jesus Himself reveals it. The only two times recorded when Jesus spoke directly to His mother, He called her “Woman”: John 2:4   – At Cana: “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” John 19:26  – At the Cross: “Woman, here is your son.” At Cana, He begins His public ministry. At Calvary, He completes it. Both times, “Woman” points back to Genesis 3:15 . Mary is the New Eve. She Becomes Our Mother at the Cross Revelation 12:17  – “Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep ...

A Holy Vessel for a Holy God For a God who is perfectly holy, it is fitting that the vessel He chose — Mother Mary — would be made perfectly holy too. The Ark of the Old Covenant was made of pure gold because it carried God’s presence ( Exodus 25:11 ). How much more should Mary, the living Ark who carried Christ Himself, be pure? Jesus Chose and Prepared His Mother Jesus is the only one who chose and created His own mother. As God, He could do no less than prepare a worthy dwelling for the Incarnation. From the first moment of her conception, He preserved her from sin by the grace of His future Cross. God Prepared a Dwelling Just as we prepare a clean, beautiful place to welcome an honoured guest, God prepared Mary’s body and soul to receive His Son in the Holy Spirit. She is the “new Eve” and the new Temple — a living tabernacle. From Old Covenant to New Covenant Originally, God created humans in His own image and likeness ( Genesis 1:26-27 ). But the fall separated us from Him. When ...

What Is the Holy Rosary?   The Rosary: The Hail Marys are the quiet rhythm, and Christ’s life is the scene we’re invited to contemplate with Mary. The Holy Rosary is a proclamation of our faith and a meditation on the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Think of it as mentally walking through Christ’s life with His Mother. It’s like asking our Blessed Mother to lead us to her Son. These events happened 2000 years ago, so by mentally entering those moments, we dive into the mysteries through meditation. How Do We Pray the Rosary? 1. Offer Your Intentions Begin by dedicating the Rosary to our Lord. Include the intentions of the Church, the Holy Father, and your personal needs. 2. Opening Prayers     Apostles’ Creed – We profess our faith.       Our Father  – For the Holy Father, his intentions, health, and his office.       Three Hail Marys – To grow in faith, hope, and charity.       Glory Be  – Givin...

The Catholic concept of Purgatory is rooted in Scripture and Church teachings. Jesus sets the standard for perfection, saying we should be perfect as God is perfect ( Matthew 5:48 ). St. Paul emphasizes that without holiness, we can not see God ( Hebrews 12:14 ). Given this high standard, it's reasonable to conclude that most people would need purification to achieve the holiness required to be in God's presence. This call to holiness echoes throughout Scripture, from God's command to Israel to be holy ( Leviticus 19:2 ) to St. Peter's reminder of the same ( 1 Peter 1:16 ). Understanding Purgatory Catholics believe in Purgatory, a final purification of souls before entering heaven ( CCC 1030-1032 ). This concept is rooted in Scripture, such as 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 , which mentions a purifying fire. Scriptural Basis The Parable of the Faithful Servant Jesus' parable of the faithful servant ( Luke 12:42-48 ) can be seen as hinting at Purgatory. The parable describes ...