VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI showed off his language skills in a meeting with journalists Saturday but made clear he was not a carbon copy of his media-minded predecessor, Pope John Paul II.More
...the session only lasted about 15 minutes, and Benedict did not take questions or meet with individual reporters...
Before the public session, the pope met privately with about a dozen news executives, mainly Italians but also the head of a Polish Catholic news agency, Vatican officials said.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
New Pope Has Different Style With Media
Gospel for 5th Sunday of Easter
John 14:1-12
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going." [5] Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the
way?" [6] Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me." [7] "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; henceforth you know Him and have seen Him.
[8] Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." [9] Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father?' [10] Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. [11] Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the words themselves.
[12] "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father."
*****************
Commentary:
1-3. Apparently this prediction of Peter's denial has saddened the disciples. Jesus cheers them up by telling them that He is going away to prepare a place for them in Heaven, for Heaven they will eventually attain, despite their shortcomings and dragging their feet. The return which Jesus refers to includes His Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 John 2:28) and His meeting with each soul after death: Christ has
prepared a Heavenly dwelling-place through His work of redemption. Therefore, His words can be regarded as being addressed not only to the Twelve but also to everyone who believes in Him over the course of the centuries. The Lord will bring with Him into glory all those who have believed in Him and have stayed faithful to Him.
4-7. The Apostles did not really understand what Jesus was telling them: hence Thomas' question. The Lord explains that He is the way to the Father. "It was necessary for Him to say `I am the Way' to show them that they really knew what they thought they were ignorant of, because they knew Him" (St. Augustine, "In. Ioann. Evang.", 66, 2).
Jesus is the way to the Father--through what He teaches, for by keeping to His teaching we will reach Heaven; through faith, which He inspires, because He came to this world so "that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:15); through His example, since no one can go to the Father without imitating the Son; through His merits, which make it possible for us to enter our Heavenly home; and above all He is the way because He reveals the Father, with whom He is one because of His divine nature.
"Just as children by listening to their mothers, and prattling with them, learn to speak their language, so we, by keeping close to the Savior in meditation, and observing His words, His actions, and His affections, shall learn, with the help of His grace, to speak, to act, and to will like Him.
"We must pause here...; we can reach God the Father by no other route...; the Divinity could not be well contemplated by us in this world below if it were not united to the sacred humanity of the Savior, whose life and death are the most appropriate, sweet, delicious and profitable subjects which we can choose for our ordinary meditations" (St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", Part II, Chapter 1, 2).
"I am the way": He is the only path linking Heaven and Earth. "He is speaking to all men, but in a special way He is thinking of people who, like you and me, are determined to take our Christian vocation seriously: He wants God to be forever in our thoughts, on our lips and in everything we do, including our most ordinary and routine actions.
"Jesus is the way. Behind Him on this Earth of ours He has left the clear outlines of His footprints. They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the Evil One have been able to erase" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 127).
Jesus' words do much more than provide an answer to Thomas' question; He tells us: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life". Being the Truth and the Life is something proper to the Son of God become man, who St. John says in the prologue of his Gospel is "full of grace and truth" (1:14). He is the Truth because by coming to this world He shows that God is faithful to His promises, and because He teaches the truth about who God is and tells us that true worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). He is Life because from all eternity He has divine life with His Father (cf. John 1:4), and because He makes us, through grace, sharers in that divine life. This is why the Gospel says: "This is eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3).
By His reply Jesus is, "as it were, saying, By which route do you want to go? I am the Way. To where do you want to go? I am the Truth. Where do you want to remain? I am the Life. Every man can attain an understanding of the Truth and the Life; but not all find the Way. The wise of this world realize that God is eternal life and knowable truth; but the Word of God, who is Truth and Life joined to the Father, has become the Way by taking a human nature. Make your way contemplating His humility and you will reach God" (St. Augustine, "De Verbis Domini Sermones", 54).
8-11. The Apostles still find our Lord's words very mysterious, because they cannot understand the oneness of the Father and the Son. Hence Philip's persistence. Then Jesus "upbraids the Apostle for not yet knowing Him, even though His works are proper to God--walking on the water, controlling the wind, forgiving sins, raising the dead. This is why He reproves him: for not recognizing His divine condition through His human nature" (St. Augustine, "De Trinitate", Book 7).
Obviously the sight of the Father which Jesus refers to in this passage is a vision through faith, for no one has ever seen God as He is (cf. John 1:18; 6:46). All manifestations of God, or "theophanies", have been through some medium; they are only a reflection of God's greatness. The highest _expression which we have of God our Father is in Christ Jesus, the Son of God sent among men. "He did this by the total fact of His presence and self-manifestation--by words and works, signs and miracles, but above all by His death and glorious resurrection from the dead, and finally by sending the Spirit of truth. He revealed that God was with us, to deliver us from the darkness of sin and death, and to raise us up to eternal life" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).
12-14. Before leaving this world, the Lord promises His Apostles to make them sharers in His power so that God's salvation may be manifested through them. These "works" are the miracles they will work in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 3:1-10; 5:15-16; etc.), and especially the conversion of people to the Christian faith and their sanctification by preaching and the ministry of the sacraments. They can be considered greater works than Jesus' own insofar as, by the Apostles' ministry, the Gospel was not only preached in Palestine but was spread to the ends of the earth; but this extraordinary power of apostolic preaching proceeds from Christ, who has ascended to the Father: after undergoing the humiliation of the cross Jesus has been glorified and from Heaven He manifests His power by acting through His Apostles.
The Apostles' power, therefore, derives from Christ glorified. Christ our Lord says as much: "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it". "It is not that he who believes in Me will be greater than Me, but that only that I shall then do greater works than now; greater, by him who believes in Me, than I now do by myself without Him" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 72, 1).
Jesus Christ is our intercessor in Heaven; therefore, He promises us that everything we ask for in His name, He will do. Asking in His name (cf. 15:7, 16; 16:23-24) means appealing to the power of the risen Christ, believing that He is all-powerful and merciful because He is true God; and it also means asking for what is conducive to our salvation, for Jesus is our Savior. Thus, by "whatever you ask" we must understand what is for the good of the asker. When our Lord does not give what we ask for, the reason is that it would not make for our salvation. In this way we can see that He is our Savior both when He refuses us what we ask and when He grants it.
*********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going." [5] Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the
way?" [6] Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me." [7] "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; henceforth you know Him and have seen Him.
[8] Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." [9] Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father?' [10] Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. [11] Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the words themselves.
[12] "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father."
*****************
Commentary:
1-3. Apparently this prediction of Peter's denial has saddened the disciples. Jesus cheers them up by telling them that He is going away to prepare a place for them in Heaven, for Heaven they will eventually attain, despite their shortcomings and dragging their feet. The return which Jesus refers to includes His Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 John 2:28) and His meeting with each soul after death: Christ has
prepared a Heavenly dwelling-place through His work of redemption. Therefore, His words can be regarded as being addressed not only to the Twelve but also to everyone who believes in Him over the course of the centuries. The Lord will bring with Him into glory all those who have believed in Him and have stayed faithful to Him.
4-7. The Apostles did not really understand what Jesus was telling them: hence Thomas' question. The Lord explains that He is the way to the Father. "It was necessary for Him to say `I am the Way' to show them that they really knew what they thought they were ignorant of, because they knew Him" (St. Augustine, "In. Ioann. Evang.", 66, 2).
Jesus is the way to the Father--through what He teaches, for by keeping to His teaching we will reach Heaven; through faith, which He inspires, because He came to this world so "that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:15); through His example, since no one can go to the Father without imitating the Son; through His merits, which make it possible for us to enter our Heavenly home; and above all He is the way because He reveals the Father, with whom He is one because of His divine nature.
"Just as children by listening to their mothers, and prattling with them, learn to speak their language, so we, by keeping close to the Savior in meditation, and observing His words, His actions, and His affections, shall learn, with the help of His grace, to speak, to act, and to will like Him.
"We must pause here...; we can reach God the Father by no other route...; the Divinity could not be well contemplated by us in this world below if it were not united to the sacred humanity of the Savior, whose life and death are the most appropriate, sweet, delicious and profitable subjects which we can choose for our ordinary meditations" (St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", Part II, Chapter 1, 2).
"I am the way": He is the only path linking Heaven and Earth. "He is speaking to all men, but in a special way He is thinking of people who, like you and me, are determined to take our Christian vocation seriously: He wants God to be forever in our thoughts, on our lips and in everything we do, including our most ordinary and routine actions.
"Jesus is the way. Behind Him on this Earth of ours He has left the clear outlines of His footprints. They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the Evil One have been able to erase" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 127).
Jesus' words do much more than provide an answer to Thomas' question; He tells us: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life". Being the Truth and the Life is something proper to the Son of God become man, who St. John says in the prologue of his Gospel is "full of grace and truth" (1:14). He is the Truth because by coming to this world He shows that God is faithful to His promises, and because He teaches the truth about who God is and tells us that true worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). He is Life because from all eternity He has divine life with His Father (cf. John 1:4), and because He makes us, through grace, sharers in that divine life. This is why the Gospel says: "This is eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3).
By His reply Jesus is, "as it were, saying, By which route do you want to go? I am the Way. To where do you want to go? I am the Truth. Where do you want to remain? I am the Life. Every man can attain an understanding of the Truth and the Life; but not all find the Way. The wise of this world realize that God is eternal life and knowable truth; but the Word of God, who is Truth and Life joined to the Father, has become the Way by taking a human nature. Make your way contemplating His humility and you will reach God" (St. Augustine, "De Verbis Domini Sermones", 54).
8-11. The Apostles still find our Lord's words very mysterious, because they cannot understand the oneness of the Father and the Son. Hence Philip's persistence. Then Jesus "upbraids the Apostle for not yet knowing Him, even though His works are proper to God--walking on the water, controlling the wind, forgiving sins, raising the dead. This is why He reproves him: for not recognizing His divine condition through His human nature" (St. Augustine, "De Trinitate", Book 7).
Obviously the sight of the Father which Jesus refers to in this passage is a vision through faith, for no one has ever seen God as He is (cf. John 1:18; 6:46). All manifestations of God, or "theophanies", have been through some medium; they are only a reflection of God's greatness. The highest _expression which we have of God our Father is in Christ Jesus, the Son of God sent among men. "He did this by the total fact of His presence and self-manifestation--by words and works, signs and miracles, but above all by His death and glorious resurrection from the dead, and finally by sending the Spirit of truth. He revealed that God was with us, to deliver us from the darkness of sin and death, and to raise us up to eternal life" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).
12-14. Before leaving this world, the Lord promises His Apostles to make them sharers in His power so that God's salvation may be manifested through them. These "works" are the miracles they will work in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 3:1-10; 5:15-16; etc.), and especially the conversion of people to the Christian faith and their sanctification by preaching and the ministry of the sacraments. They can be considered greater works than Jesus' own insofar as, by the Apostles' ministry, the Gospel was not only preached in Palestine but was spread to the ends of the earth; but this extraordinary power of apostolic preaching proceeds from Christ, who has ascended to the Father: after undergoing the humiliation of the cross Jesus has been glorified and from Heaven He manifests His power by acting through His Apostles.
The Apostles' power, therefore, derives from Christ glorified. Christ our Lord says as much: "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it". "It is not that he who believes in Me will be greater than Me, but that only that I shall then do greater works than now; greater, by him who believes in Me, than I now do by myself without Him" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 72, 1).
Jesus Christ is our intercessor in Heaven; therefore, He promises us that everything we ask for in His name, He will do. Asking in His name (cf. 15:7, 16; 16:23-24) means appealing to the power of the risen Christ, believing that He is all-powerful and merciful because He is true God; and it also means asking for what is conducive to our salvation, for Jesus is our Savior. Thus, by "whatever you ask" we must understand what is for the good of the asker. When our Lord does not give what we ask for, the reason is that it would not make for our salvation. In this way we can see that He is our Savior both when He refuses us what we ask and when He grants it.
*********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Cardinals vow support to pope
ROME - Sitting in the marbled hall Friday where Pope John Paul II lay in state after his death, Benedict XVI greeted Roman Catholic cardinals who knelt before him one by one after pledging their support.More from the Post Dispatch.
The new pontiff, wearing the long white robes of his position, thanked the cardinals for electing him. He told the cardinals that he would need their help to serve as "pastor of the universal church."
Gospel for Saturday, 4th Week of Easter
John 14:7-14
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to Thomas,) [7] "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; henceforth you know Him and have seen Him. [8] Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." [9] Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father?' [10] Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. [11] Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the words themselves.
[12] "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. [13] Whatever you ask in my name I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; [14] if you ask anything in my name, I will do it."
***********************************
Commentary:
8-11. The Apostles still find our Lord's words very mysterious, because they cannot understand the oneness of the Father and the Son. Hence Philip's persistence. Then Jesus "upbraids the Apostle for not yet knowing Him, even though His works are proper to God--walking on the water, controlling the wind, forgiving sins, raising the dead. This is why He reproves him: for not recognizing His divine condition through His human nature" (St. Augustine, "De Trinitate", Book 7).
Obviously the sight of the Father which Jesus refers to in this passage is a vision through faith, for no one has ever seen God as He is (cf. John 1:18; 6:46). All manifestations of God, or "theophanies", have been through some medium; they are only a reflection of God's greatness. The highest __expression which we have of God our Father is in Christ Jesus, the Son of God sent among men. "He did this by the total fact of His presence and self-manifestation--by words and works, signs and miracles, but above all by His death and glorious resurrection from the dead, and finally by sending the Spirit of truth. He revealed that God was with us, to deliver us from the darkness of sin and death, and to raise us up to eternal life" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).
12-14. Before leaving this world, the Lord promises His Apostles to make them sharers in His power so that God's salvation may be manifested through them. These "works" are the miracles they will work in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 3:1-10; 5:15-16; etc.), and especially the conversion of people to the Christian faith and their sanctification by preaching and the ministry of the sacraments. They can be considered greater works than Jesus' own insofar as, by the Apostles' ministry, the Gospel was not only preached in Palestine but was spread to the ends of the earth; but this extraordinary power of apostolic preaching proceeds from Christ, who has ascended to the Father: after undergoing the humiliation of the cross Jesus has been glorified and from Heaven He manifests His power by acting through His Apostles.
The Apostles' power, therefore, derives from Christ glorified. Christ our Lord says as much: "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it". "It is not that he who believes in Me will be greater than Me, but that only that I shall then do greater works than now; greater, by him who believes in Me, than I now do by myself without Him" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 72, 1).
Jesus Christ is our intercessor in Heaven; therefore, He promises us that everything we ask for in His name, He will do. Asking in His name (cf. 15:7, 16; 16:23-24) means appealing to the power of the risen Christ, believing that He is all-powerful and merciful because He is true God; and it also means asking for what is conducive to our salvation, for Jesus is our Savior. Thus, by "whatever you ask" we must understand what is for the good of the asker. When our Lord does not give what we ask for, the reason is that it would not make for our salvation. In this way we can see that He is our Savior both when He refuses us what we ask and when He grants it.
**********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to Thomas,) [7] "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; henceforth you know Him and have seen Him. [8] Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." [9] Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father?' [10] Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. [11] Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the words themselves.
[12] "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. [13] Whatever you ask in my name I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; [14] if you ask anything in my name, I will do it."
***********************************
Commentary:
8-11. The Apostles still find our Lord's words very mysterious, because they cannot understand the oneness of the Father and the Son. Hence Philip's persistence. Then Jesus "upbraids the Apostle for not yet knowing Him, even though His works are proper to God--walking on the water, controlling the wind, forgiving sins, raising the dead. This is why He reproves him: for not recognizing His divine condition through His human nature" (St. Augustine, "De Trinitate", Book 7).
Obviously the sight of the Father which Jesus refers to in this passage is a vision through faith, for no one has ever seen God as He is (cf. John 1:18; 6:46). All manifestations of God, or "theophanies", have been through some medium; they are only a reflection of God's greatness. The highest __expression which we have of God our Father is in Christ Jesus, the Son of God sent among men. "He did this by the total fact of His presence and self-manifestation--by words and works, signs and miracles, but above all by His death and glorious resurrection from the dead, and finally by sending the Spirit of truth. He revealed that God was with us, to deliver us from the darkness of sin and death, and to raise us up to eternal life" (Vatican II, "Dei Verbum", 4).
12-14. Before leaving this world, the Lord promises His Apostles to make them sharers in His power so that God's salvation may be manifested through them. These "works" are the miracles they will work in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 3:1-10; 5:15-16; etc.), and especially the conversion of people to the Christian faith and their sanctification by preaching and the ministry of the sacraments. They can be considered greater works than Jesus' own insofar as, by the Apostles' ministry, the Gospel was not only preached in Palestine but was spread to the ends of the earth; but this extraordinary power of apostolic preaching proceeds from Christ, who has ascended to the Father: after undergoing the humiliation of the cross Jesus has been glorified and from Heaven He manifests His power by acting through His Apostles.
The Apostles' power, therefore, derives from Christ glorified. Christ our Lord says as much: "Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it". "It is not that he who believes in Me will be greater than Me, but that only that I shall then do greater works than now; greater, by him who believes in Me, than I now do by myself without Him" (St. Augustine, "In Ioann. Evang.", 72, 1).
Jesus Christ is our intercessor in Heaven; therefore, He promises us that everything we ask for in His name, He will do. Asking in His name (cf. 15:7, 16; 16:23-24) means appealing to the power of the risen Christ, believing that He is all-powerful and merciful because He is true God; and it also means asking for what is conducive to our salvation, for Jesus is our Savior. Thus, by "whatever you ask" we must understand what is for the good of the asker. When our Lord does not give what we ask for, the reason is that it would not make for our salvation. In this way we can see that He is our Savior both when He refuses us what we ask and when He grants it.
**********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Friday, April 22, 2005
The Real Ratzinger: The Lover of Lovers
- by Anthony & Marta Valle
Who is the real Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI?This is an excellent and moving short account of the man who is now our Holy Father.
To the world he is many things; to us he is the priest who celebrated our wedding Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 24, 2004, a short 10 months before he became Pope Benedict XVI.
Who are we? Two ordinary students who met three years ago in Rome on the footsteps of a church after Mass.
What was our “connection” to the current successor of St. Peter? None. We simply asked and he said yes.
In February, 2004, we attend Cardinal Ratzinger’s weekly Mass, celebrated Thursday morning at 7 a.m. inside the Vatican in the church of the Campo Teutonico, but open to the public.
He has celebrated the Mass for many years for anyone who wishes to come.
After celebrating his Mass, then Cardinal Ratzinger, the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, emerged from the sacristy in a simple cassock and was greeted warmly by an excited crowd of people from all over the world, some to get the great theologian’s personal autograph, others to get a picture with the second most powerful prelate in the Church, and yet others to thank this holy German priest for his persevering and faithful service to Christ and the Church.
At first he struck us as somewhat timid.
However, as he approached the excited and sizeable crowd of people, he began to talk to and take interest in each individual person who has come to see him.
He answered questions in various languages, asked some of his own, occasionally cracked a joke or two, while always devoting his entire attention to each individual person in such a soft, pastoral way.
This much was obvious: the real Ratzinger was most at home as a man of the people, as a shepherd keeping watch over his flock.
It was our turn. We introduced ourselves to his eminence, reverenced his ring, engaged in some pleasant talk with him, and then – we popped the question: “We have a favor to ask of you, your Eminence”.
He waited patiently.
“Will you celebrate our wedding mass?”
“Well, let’s see what we can do. Why don’t you write a letter to me with some possible times and dates.”
“Well, actually your eminence, we already have one prepared.”
Within a week, Marta received an envelope from the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith. We open it, stunned: it is a yes!
Several months later and a few days before our wedding date, at the cardinal’s request, his secretary scheduled us to meet the cardinal. He wanted to get to know us a little better.
Being a responsible secretary, he emphasized over and over, “You only have 10 minutes with the cardinal – that is all. He is a very busy man and I am responsible for keeping his schedule.”
The door opened and we entered to be warmly received by the cardinal.
However, we exited his office some 30 minutes later, only at the end realizing that not we but rather he had far exceeded the set limit.
We talked about everything from our backgrounds, our families, and our studies to spirituality, sacred music, liturgy, theology, plainchant and polyphony.
Yet what struck us immediately about the cardinal during our private meeting with him and also when he celebrated Mass was not his towering intellectual genius, but his obvious simplicity, his humility, and his holiness.
Two days later was June 24, the day of our wedding.
We were brimming with joy since we would receive the sacrament of matrimony, be eternally wedded to each other in Christ, and all this in the Eternal City, in the Heart of the Church, from a man whose heart is clearly burning with a deep love for Christ.
The sermon was a profound meditation on the readings, particularly on Ephesians 5.
Here the cardinal passionately underscored the husband’s subordinate role to the wife in so far as the husband must sacrifice himself continuously for his wife out of a deep love for her, just as Christ sacrificed himself for his own spouse, the Church.
What made the highest-ranking prelate in the Catholic Church next to the Pope give his yes to an unknown couple’s request that he celebrate their wedding Mass?
At their wedding, what made him give such a nearly half-hour long sermon, which could -- or one could even argue -- should have been much shorter given the cardinal’s tremendous responsibilities?
What, on top of all this, compelled him to send us a personally inscribed, limited edition of his latest book as a wedding gift?
These are questions that we continually ask ourselves, and the only answer that gives itself back to us in the faintest of whispers is Love, better yet, a person so smitten by a deep and personal love for Christ that he himself becomes the Lover of Lovers.
And that is the real Ratzinger we came to know.
Bibles Banned, Considered Health Hazard
Yes, a Bible could be the cause of a life altering event...
FREDERICKTON, April 22, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The administration of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Frederickton has decided to ban the bedside bibles that once comforted patients on the grounds that they are a health hazard.More at LifeSiteNews
The hospital administrator also did not mention any plans to prohibit any other printed material such as magazines which are handled by many people every day.
Pope Condemns Spain's Homosexual "Marriage" Bill
Pope Benedict XVI has responded firmly to the first challenge of his papacy by condemning a Spanish government bill allowing marriage between homosexuals.
.
The head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council on the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, denounced the legislation as profoundly iniquitous.
Two Traveling Angels
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.
Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears.
Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen?
The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused.
The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
___________________________________
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way we think that they should. If you have faith, you only need to trust that every outcome is always for your benefit. You just might not know it until some time later...
Some people come into our lives and quickly go...
Some people become friends and stay awhile leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts...and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.
Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears.
Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen?
The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused.
The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied.
"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."
"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem."
___________________________________
Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way we think that they should. If you have faith, you only need to trust that every outcome is always for your benefit. You just might not know it until some time later...
Some people come into our lives and quickly go...
Some people become friends and stay awhile leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts...and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!
Happy Earth Day...or...A Pro-Life Mass for "Mother Earth"
A few years back (circa 2000), I went to our monthly Pro-Life Mass as was my customary obligation, I felt, to invoke the blessings of the Almighty to have mercy on us and our nations, steeped in the Culture of Death.
I do not recall if it was "Earth Day" then or not, but we were privileged to hear a homily about our Greatest Sacramental - "Mother Earth". The priest even passed around a picture of "Mother Earth", presumably so we could become more attuned to his homily. When it came to be my turn to gaze upon the picture of "Mother", I merely held up one hand to indicate that I did not need to see it so that it could be passed on to another.
I have never able to confirm that our "greatest sacramental" is "Mother Earth"...God knows how hard I have searched.
I do not recall if it was "Earth Day" then or not, but we were privileged to hear a homily about our Greatest Sacramental - "Mother Earth". The priest even passed around a picture of "Mother Earth", presumably so we could become more attuned to his homily. When it came to be my turn to gaze upon the picture of "Mother", I merely held up one hand to indicate that I did not need to see it so that it could be passed on to another.
I have never able to confirm that our "greatest sacramental" is "Mother Earth"...God knows how hard I have searched.
If the NYT had covered the Main Event
This is a MUST READ!
from Uncle Diogenes:
from Uncle Diogenes:
CAESAREA PHILIPPI (20 Kislev) Yesterday's surprise announcement that doctrinal hardliner Jesus of Nazareth had been anointed "Messiah" provoked mixed reactions in the diverse and sometimes fractious Israelite community, ranging from cautious disappointment to frank despair.More here.
"I see it as a missed opportunity," said Herodias Schneidkopf, a Galilaean incest rights activist. "May of us were hoping for someone more open to leadership roles for women and more appreciative of our experience. I don't feel valued."
Local St Louisans Think Highly of Pope Benedict
Local residents who’ve encountered or have substantial knowledge of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger have a high opinion of the new Pope Benedict XVI.More.
The two priests of the Institute of Christ the King — both natives of Germany — at St. Agatha Parish in South St. Louis are among them.
Msgr. Michael R. Schmitz, rector of St. Agatha, was ordained by the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in Germany and Father Karl Lenhardt, associate rector of the parish, served as a deacon of honor for the new pope at a Mass in the Tridentine (Latin) rite in Germany several years ago.
"It is a great joy for us that Cardinal Ratzinger celebrated Mass in the Tridentine rite several times," Father Lenhardt said. "It is a great encouragement for our apostolate." (emphasis added)
St Louis Review Online Edition to Require Subscriber Login
Beginning Friday, April 29, the Review's Web site will undergo a major change.Frankly, I believe this is a very poor policy...Why should those who live in other states be denied access to articles?
Only paid subscribers will have full access to all the news items that normally are posted on the site.
Non-subscribers will still have full access to Archbishop Raymond Burke's weekly column, the weekly Scriptural reflection, calendar, local in brief section and classified ads.
Source.
Special Saturday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica
An E-Mail Update from Last Night:
_____________________________
I have just been asked by Fr. Eugene Morris to inform you of a special mass April 23, 2005, at 7:30 PM, at the Cathedral Basilica to celebrate the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. This mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Raymond Burke, and will be attended by the seminarians and, hopefully, by all the archdiocese priests. He realizes this is very short notice, but would like as many groups as possible to attend the mass.
Thank you for your assistance in notifying others. I look forward to seeing you at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Saturday at 7:30 PM.
_____________________________
I have just been asked by Fr. Eugene Morris to inform you of a special mass April 23, 2005, at 7:30 PM, at the Cathedral Basilica to celebrate the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. This mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Raymond Burke, and will be attended by the seminarians and, hopefully, by all the archdiocese priests. He realizes this is very short notice, but would like as many groups as possible to attend the mass.
Thank you for your assistance in notifying others. I look forward to seeing you at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica Saturday at 7:30 PM.
Archbishop Dolan Places Monitoring Program on Hold
MILWAUKEE (CNS) -- After the priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee received information about two new programs intended to support and monitor clergy involved in misconduct or those who suffer from addictions, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan said he has suspended the programs indefinitely because of negative reaction from his priests.Link.
"Whatever the intention was, the process was completely ill-advised and I bear the blame. A good chunk of priests whose trust I cherish are angry and I'm kicking myself for allowing it to happen," the archbishop said. "Now that it's backfired, I have so many regrets."
Eucharistic Whisperings, April 22
It Is Good to Be Here
Oh, I am even happier than were the three Apostles on Mount Tabor! I may remain here with Jesus just as long as I like. Here I am not dazzled by the splendor of His glory; no, but I am set aglow and warmed to the soul's very depths by the gentle fire of His love.
It is true; I do not hear the voices of Moses and Elias, but I do hear - O so plainly! - the voice of His love. I do not hear the Father say, "This is My beloved Son;" but I do hear Jesus telling me that I am His beloved child. Oh, it is good to be here, with Jesus!
***
Many things oppress me in life and weigh me down - things that I may not impart to others, because they would not understand. Verily, sometimes my heart would break if I could not tell my Jesus all.
I also tell Him the whole sad story of my sins, but He does not punish me with contempt. No; He even encourages me to wash those stains away from my soul by tears of true repentance - tears to which He graciously adds some few drops of His Precious Blood. Oh, how good it feels to weep in the arms of Jesus, Who forgives me everything! . . . .
And then, when I raise my eyes to the Sacred Host, I see Jesus before me; and He seems to look down upon me with those very eyes of goodness and love which He so tenderly cast upon the penitent Magdalen.
Ah! One only hour in the tabernacle’s shadow is truly worth infinitely more than a hundred years spent upon a throne!
Here I am now, before Jesus. And I think. . . . . and speak. . . . . and meditate a little.. .. From time to time my thoughts speed away to Palestine, and fond memories awake within me. I see some stones of Bethlehem's stable . . . . a wall of the house of Nazareth. . . . . a well at Sichar . . . . . a figtree in Jericho . . . . a chamber in Bethany. . . . . a large supper room in Jerusalem. . .. a heavy cross on Golgotha. . . . . Then, after I have plucked an ear of wheat and a bunch of grapes . . . . and tried to catch the song of an angel. . . . . and Mary's smile. . . . . I look up to the Host and find myself before Jesus still. He is goodness itself to me; He unfolds his kingly robes in order to offer me refuge and rest; He extends His divine hand to draw me to Himself; He speaks words of heavenly love to me. "Poor child," He says softly, "come! Repose in peace within My arms". . . . . Oh, it is good to be here, with Jesus!
* * *
If the world but knew how I entertain myself with Jesus - oh, it would laugh me to scorn!
I go through the garden of my soul and pluck flowers in sweet confusion. Then I pick out the best of them for a beauteous wreath. Enthusiastic love . . . . saddening concern about the future . . . . . the fear of being eternally lost . . . . hope of salvation. . . . . canticles of praise. . .. remembrance of benefits received. . . . . yearning for grace. . . . . backward glances at the days' of youth . . . . . plans for old age. . . . . thorns and roses. .. . out of all these I weave a wreath and intertwine it with the sparkling beams of the glittering monstrance. And the Savior accepts everything so condescendingly. He blesses everything. He rejects nothing.
And when I consider that this is what I do every day. . . . . . And Jesus never becomes weary of it; on the contrary, He even finds His pleasure in this confused medley of thoughts and words. As soon as the Divine Savior finds just a little spark of real love in my heart, He is so pleased that He quite forgets how miserable I really am. Oh, it is truly good to be here!
***
A little piece of heaven, planted here in the midst of earth, that is what the altar is for me. There I receive a foretaste of the joys and delights of Paradise.
Nothing so soothes my heart as the fond hope that I am good, and that I will become better; and I never leave this dear place without feeling that I have advanced in goodness.
One hour's adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and afterwards - I have a real liking for prayer; it is easier for me to practice virtue; work becomes a pleasure to me. When contradicted I am the more patient; when afflicted, more resigned; when suffering, more submissive to the Divine Will. The cross then seems more beautiful; the ciborium has greater attraction for me; and Jesus? . . . . . Jesus becomes my love ever more and more.
***
Therefore I am going to come here a few moments every day in order to spend some joyful time with Jesus. I am also going to visit Him for those who never do so.
I will come to adore Him for all who blaspheme Him; to thank Him for all who do not thank Him; to make reparation for the sins of others. . . . . to pray for all.
And when one day I lie upon my deathbed, then will I send my heart once more to His tabernacle in order to offer to Jesus the myrrh of my bitter sufferings. And when my soul takes its flight to eternity, then, O Jesus, let it wing its way past this quiet, modest little home of Yours before it enters in to look upon You in the splendor of Your great, great glory!
________________________________
Adapted from Eucharistic Whisperings, Winfrid Herbst,SDS,
The Society of the Divine Saviour, 1929
Oh, I am even happier than were the three Apostles on Mount Tabor! I may remain here with Jesus just as long as I like. Here I am not dazzled by the splendor of His glory; no, but I am set aglow and warmed to the soul's very depths by the gentle fire of His love.
It is true; I do not hear the voices of Moses and Elias, but I do hear - O so plainly! - the voice of His love. I do not hear the Father say, "This is My beloved Son;" but I do hear Jesus telling me that I am His beloved child. Oh, it is good to be here, with Jesus!
***
Many things oppress me in life and weigh me down - things that I may not impart to others, because they would not understand. Verily, sometimes my heart would break if I could not tell my Jesus all.
I also tell Him the whole sad story of my sins, but He does not punish me with contempt. No; He even encourages me to wash those stains away from my soul by tears of true repentance - tears to which He graciously adds some few drops of His Precious Blood. Oh, how good it feels to weep in the arms of Jesus, Who forgives me everything! . . . .
And then, when I raise my eyes to the Sacred Host, I see Jesus before me; and He seems to look down upon me with those very eyes of goodness and love which He so tenderly cast upon the penitent Magdalen.
Ah! One only hour in the tabernacle’s shadow is truly worth infinitely more than a hundred years spent upon a throne!
Here I am now, before Jesus. And I think. . . . . and speak. . . . . and meditate a little.. .. From time to time my thoughts speed away to Palestine, and fond memories awake within me. I see some stones of Bethlehem's stable . . . . a wall of the house of Nazareth. . . . . a well at Sichar . . . . . a figtree in Jericho . . . . a chamber in Bethany. . . . . a large supper room in Jerusalem. . .. a heavy cross on Golgotha. . . . . Then, after I have plucked an ear of wheat and a bunch of grapes . . . . and tried to catch the song of an angel. . . . . and Mary's smile. . . . . I look up to the Host and find myself before Jesus still. He is goodness itself to me; He unfolds his kingly robes in order to offer me refuge and rest; He extends His divine hand to draw me to Himself; He speaks words of heavenly love to me. "Poor child," He says softly, "come! Repose in peace within My arms". . . . . Oh, it is good to be here, with Jesus!
* * *
If the world but knew how I entertain myself with Jesus - oh, it would laugh me to scorn!
I go through the garden of my soul and pluck flowers in sweet confusion. Then I pick out the best of them for a beauteous wreath. Enthusiastic love . . . . saddening concern about the future . . . . . the fear of being eternally lost . . . . hope of salvation. . . . . canticles of praise. . .. remembrance of benefits received. . . . . yearning for grace. . . . . backward glances at the days' of youth . . . . . plans for old age. . . . . thorns and roses. .. . out of all these I weave a wreath and intertwine it with the sparkling beams of the glittering monstrance. And the Savior accepts everything so condescendingly. He blesses everything. He rejects nothing.
And when I consider that this is what I do every day. . . . . . And Jesus never becomes weary of it; on the contrary, He even finds His pleasure in this confused medley of thoughts and words. As soon as the Divine Savior finds just a little spark of real love in my heart, He is so pleased that He quite forgets how miserable I really am. Oh, it is truly good to be here!
***
A little piece of heaven, planted here in the midst of earth, that is what the altar is for me. There I receive a foretaste of the joys and delights of Paradise.
Nothing so soothes my heart as the fond hope that I am good, and that I will become better; and I never leave this dear place without feeling that I have advanced in goodness.
One hour's adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and afterwards - I have a real liking for prayer; it is easier for me to practice virtue; work becomes a pleasure to me. When contradicted I am the more patient; when afflicted, more resigned; when suffering, more submissive to the Divine Will. The cross then seems more beautiful; the ciborium has greater attraction for me; and Jesus? . . . . . Jesus becomes my love ever more and more.
***
Therefore I am going to come here a few moments every day in order to spend some joyful time with Jesus. I am also going to visit Him for those who never do so.
I will come to adore Him for all who blaspheme Him; to thank Him for all who do not thank Him; to make reparation for the sins of others. . . . . to pray for all.
And when one day I lie upon my deathbed, then will I send my heart once more to His tabernacle in order to offer to Jesus the myrrh of my bitter sufferings. And when my soul takes its flight to eternity, then, O Jesus, let it wing its way past this quiet, modest little home of Yours before it enters in to look upon You in the splendor of Your great, great glory!
________________________________
Adapted from Eucharistic Whisperings, Winfrid Herbst,SDS,
The Society of the Divine Saviour, 1929
Gospel for Friday, 4th Week of Easter
John 14:1-6
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going." [5] Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?" [6] Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me."
**********************
Commentary:
1-3. Apparently this prediction of Peter's denial has saddened the disciples. Jesus cheers them up by telling them that He is going away to prepare a place for them in Heaven, for Heaven they will eventually attain, despite their shortcomings and dragging their feet. The return which Jesus refers to includes His Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 John 2:28) and His meeting with each soul after death: Christ has prepared a Heavenly dwelling-place through His work of redemption. Therefore, His words can be regarded as being addressed not only to the Twelve but also to everyone who believes in Him over the course of the centuries. The Lord will bring with Him into glory all those who have believed in Him and have stayed faithful to Him.
4-7. The Apostles did not really understand what Jesus was telling them: hence Thomas' question. The Lord explains that He is the way to the Father. "It was necessary for Him to say `I am the Way' to show them that they really knew what they thought they were ignorant of, because they knew Him" (St. Augustine, "In. Ioann. Evang.", 66, 2).
Jesus is the way to the Father--through what He teaches, for by keeping to His teaching we will reach Heaven; through faith, which He inspires, because He came to this world so "that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:15); through His example, since no one can go to the Father without imitating the Son; through His merits, which make it possible for us to enter our Heavenly home; and above all He is the way because He reveals the Father, with whom He is one because of His divine nature.
"Just as children by listening to their mothers, and prattling with them, learn to speak their language, so we, by keeping close to the Savior in meditation, and observing His words, His actions, and His affections, shall learn, with the help of His grace, to speak, to act, and to will like Him.
"We must pause here...; we can reach God the Father by no other route...; the Divinity could not be well contemplated by us in this world below if it were not united to the sacred humanity of the Savior, whose life and death are the most appropriate, sweet, delicious and profitable subjects which we can choose for our ordinary meditations" (St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", Part II, Chapter 1, 2).
"I am the way": He is the only path linking Heaven and Earth. "He is speaking to all men, but in a special way He is thinking of people who, like you and me, are determined to take our Christian vocation seriously: He wants God to be forever in our thoughts, on our lips and in everything we do, including our most ordinary and routine actions.
"Jesus is the way. Behind Him on this Earth of ours He has left the clear outlines of His footprints. They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the Evil One have been able to erase" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 127).
Jesus' words do much more than provide an answer to Thomas' question; He tells us: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life". Being the Truth and the Life is something proper to the Son of God become man, who St. John says in the prologue of his Gospel is "full of grace and truth" (1:14). He is the Truth because by coming to this world He shows that God is faithful to His promises, and because He teaches the truth about who God is and tells us that true worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). He is Life because from all eternity He has divine life with His Father (cf. John 1:4), and because He makes us, through grace, sharers in that divine life. This is why the Gospel says: "This is eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3).
By His reply Jesus is, "as it were, saying, By which route do you want to go? I am the Way. To where do you want to go? I am the Truth. Where do you want to remain? I am the Life. Every man can attain an understanding of the Truth and the Life; but not all find the Way. The wise of this world realize that God is eternal life and knowable truth; but the Word of God, who is Truth and Life joined to the Father, has become the Way by taking a human nature. Make your way contemplating His humility and you will reach God" (St. Augustine, "De Verbis Domini Sermones", 54).
****************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Jesus Reveals the Father
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way where I am going." [5] Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?" [6] Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me."
**********************
Commentary:
1-3. Apparently this prediction of Peter's denial has saddened the disciples. Jesus cheers them up by telling them that He is going away to prepare a place for them in Heaven, for Heaven they will eventually attain, despite their shortcomings and dragging their feet. The return which Jesus refers to includes His Second Coming (Parousia) at the end of the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5; 11:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 John 2:28) and His meeting with each soul after death: Christ has prepared a Heavenly dwelling-place through His work of redemption. Therefore, His words can be regarded as being addressed not only to the Twelve but also to everyone who believes in Him over the course of the centuries. The Lord will bring with Him into glory all those who have believed in Him and have stayed faithful to Him.
4-7. The Apostles did not really understand what Jesus was telling them: hence Thomas' question. The Lord explains that He is the way to the Father. "It was necessary for Him to say `I am the Way' to show them that they really knew what they thought they were ignorant of, because they knew Him" (St. Augustine, "In. Ioann. Evang.", 66, 2).
Jesus is the way to the Father--through what He teaches, for by keeping to His teaching we will reach Heaven; through faith, which He inspires, because He came to this world so "that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life" (John 3:15); through His example, since no one can go to the Father without imitating the Son; through His merits, which make it possible for us to enter our Heavenly home; and above all He is the way because He reveals the Father, with whom He is one because of His divine nature.
"Just as children by listening to their mothers, and prattling with them, learn to speak their language, so we, by keeping close to the Savior in meditation, and observing His words, His actions, and His affections, shall learn, with the help of His grace, to speak, to act, and to will like Him.
"We must pause here...; we can reach God the Father by no other route...; the Divinity could not be well contemplated by us in this world below if it were not united to the sacred humanity of the Savior, whose life and death are the most appropriate, sweet, delicious and profitable subjects which we can choose for our ordinary meditations" (St. Francis de Sales, "Introduction to the Devout Life", Part II, Chapter 1, 2).
"I am the way": He is the only path linking Heaven and Earth. "He is speaking to all men, but in a special way He is thinking of people who, like you and me, are determined to take our Christian vocation seriously: He wants God to be forever in our thoughts, on our lips and in everything we do, including our most ordinary and routine actions.
"Jesus is the way. Behind Him on this Earth of ours He has left the clear outlines of His footprints. They are indelible signs which neither the erosion of time nor the treachery of the Evil One have been able to erase" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 127).
Jesus' words do much more than provide an answer to Thomas' question; He tells us: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life". Being the Truth and the Life is something proper to the Son of God become man, who St. John says in the prologue of his Gospel is "full of grace and truth" (1:14). He is the Truth because by coming to this world He shows that God is faithful to His promises, and because He teaches the truth about who God is and tells us that true worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). He is Life because from all eternity He has divine life with His Father (cf. John 1:4), and because He makes us, through grace, sharers in that divine life. This is why the Gospel says: "This is eternal life, that they know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou has sent" (John 17:3).
By His reply Jesus is, "as it were, saying, By which route do you want to go? I am the Way. To where do you want to go? I am the Truth. Where do you want to remain? I am the Life. Every man can attain an understanding of the Truth and the Life; but not all find the Way. The wise of this world realize that God is eternal life and knowable truth; but the Word of God, who is Truth and Life joined to the Father, has become the Way by taking a human nature. Make your way contemplating His humility and you will reach God" (St. Augustine, "De Verbis Domini Sermones", 54).
****************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
More on Clandestine Operations, etc.
I had posted excerpts from a news article and comments earlier about the "clandestine operation" of bringing in outside "priests" at St. Stanislaus. My comments were:
Mr. Bach chose to respond in the comments section as follows:
Tired of his incessant and incoherent ramblings, I initially fired off what I felt was a blistering response to his comments. After reflecting for a bit, I decided to delete my response and go a different route - hoping that he and others might be moved by the grace of God to enlighten their intellects and conform their wills to the will of our Lord and praying that I might be more charitable.
Some of us have been around long enough to be able to discern something about a man's character by his words and actions. I have transcribed a couple of Mr. Bach's radio interviews and I have listened to his venomous attacks on Archbishop Burke so many times that I have lost all patience with this man who claims to be a faithful Catholic - despite the verbal assaults on the Archbishop, and by his example, encouraging others to engage in similar activities and behavior. One should not be surprised that these malevolent attacks have caused untold scandals in the Archdiocese. Further scandals are perpetuated by the shameful act of bringing in outside "priests" in direct defiance of the Archbishop and his directives. This act, now repeated three times, can leave no doubt that those responsible have "refused submission to the Holy Father or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him." [CCC #2089, Code of Canon Law c.751] This repeated act of defiance results in bringing shame and humiliation on the Archdiocese and on our Archbishop. I find all of this inexecusable and worthy of righteous indignation and condemnation.
Add to the materially schismatic act of rebellion and defiance, the further calumnies committed on the radio airwaves of St. Louis. The most recent attack of which I am aware occurred on April 4 on the Dave Glover show (97.1FM) - and this I found both pathetic and revolting as well. This 'interview' or, more rightly, propaganda piece, concerned an 82 year old parishioner who had died and who wished to have a funeral Mass at St. Stanislaus but due the the Archbishop's directive following the Board's act of defiance, no Mass has been permitted to be celebrated. One wonders why the Board was unable to resort to its "clandenstine operation" to enlist the aid of a renegade priest to fulfill this man's wishes?
Below are my revised responses...
In his comments, Mr. Bach writes:
Secondly, the Catholic faithful have no guarantee that this "priest" is, in fact, a man of the cloth, as Mr. Bach claims. Certainly, it seems rather foolish to believe Mr. Bach that the man brought in from outside the diocese is a Roman Catholic priest.
Lastly, Mr. Bach regularly employs flawed arguments and rhetoric - this time, it is a lame attempt to tug at one's heartstrings by stating that "priests deal with enough abuse." This statement is true enough, yet, in this context it is merely another indication of a feigned sincerity and a confirmation of a continued process of obfuscation of the issues.
Fortunately many people can see through this attempt at evoking a sympathetic response.
Also, a claim is made that he is "not the one that goes around attacking people." It is beyond belief that one could make such a statement! Let us name things for what they truly are - this claim is patently false, a lie and can be seen in the transcript of the radio interview by McGraw Milhaven which was previously posted on this site. Is it truly the obligation of a spokesman to distort the facts while simultaneously claiming that he is not distorting the facts?
It must be noted that, because those in authority are not impeccable, the Catholic Church recognizes and protects the right to question lawful authority. The Church also recognizes the need to protect the common good and avoid scandal when questioning lawful authority. Because of the rights and obligations attached to ecclesiastical offices and the need to protect right order, the Church always presumes good faith on the part of lawful authority, and she always presumes their actions are in accord with law. She expects the faithful to make these same presumptions. To protect the common good, the Church has established various procedures to be used when questioning the actions of those in authority.
While we have a right to question authority, we have an obligation to do so only according to the means provided by the Church.These means safeguard the common good against scandal and protect the reputations of everyone involved. If we question lawful authority according to the means provided by the Church, we remain obedient to the Church. If we use unlawful means that cause scandal and destroy reputations, we become guilty of disobedience and detraction, even if the one in authority is wrong. (Note 1)
The ISSUE here is ultimately one of OBEDIENCE to lawful Church authority, despite the repeated feeble claims of it being about money. Mr. Bach, the Board and those who support the rebellion are making the issue about money and, as the facts so clearly indicate, they are wrong for doing so.
And the claim is made that "truth is never allowed to be presented by your blog"...I must admit that this comes as a real shock to me. Evidently, I have been outed as a purveyor of falsehoods in keeping with my "agenda" and the agenda of the Archdiocese. I have inverted reality. Here on this blog, lies are presented as the truth, evil is good, and darkness is light...I can only ask - Does this man expect me or others to take him seriously?
I have allowed him to enter into a sensible dialogue or conversation here without interference knowing that discerning individuals would come to see what those "St. Stanislaus parishioners in exile" have had to endure for so long. They deserve our prayers and support as victims forced to flee oppression.
The continued defiance directed toward the Archbishop and the Holy See is reprehensible. Their actions and words are disgraceful. The attitude of this group of malcontents is no different, in principle, than that of other groups of dissenting and disobedient people who claim the name "Catholic".
May they come to their senses and repent of their actions before it is too late. We ask this of you, O Lord.
(Note 1.) Should I Obey?: Faithfully Responding to Lawful Authority (Catholics United for the Faith, Faith Fact) Source.
The terminology is not mine but that of Mr. Richard Bach, a professed Catholic and spokesman for some of the St Stanislaus Kostka parishioners. Mr. Bach, in a previous radio interview, termed the act of bringing in an outside priest as a "clandestine operation"...As if God does not see all._________________________
One should also be aware that there is NO way that one can be assured that the "priest" that these professed Catholics bring in under the cover of darkness, is in fact a priest at all.
Does one "believe" those who routinely distort the facts?
One cannot be certain if the man was a priest at one time and whether he still has faculties to celebrate Mass. There is no guarantee that Mr. Bach could provide that would permit one to assume that the sacrament of Holy Communion would even be valid - that is, no priest - no sacrament...Is one to rely on Mr. Bach's promises or words? Talk about a leap of faith!
The defiance of authority exhibited by Mr. Bach and others is, not only scandalous, it is contemptible and truly worthy of disciplinary action. He and others, by their repeated statements and actions, encourage others to follow them into schism.
Mr. Bach chose to respond in the comments section as follows:
Please do not intentionally slander a man of the cloth for purposes of your gain. Priests deal with enough abuse in today's world.During the late evening of April 20, I sat down and began to read his all too familiar words - words which are jaded and which lack any association with reality.
I do not distort facts. I am not the one that goes around attacking people and breaking microphones in church and then profess to be Chrisitan.
To question authority is the root of our faith, as is defending our faith, not secularism. The issue that the diocese is interested in is the monies and property of St. Stan's. The souls of the people there do not matter to the diocese. If they did, they would not be refusing funerals.
I also realize that I am probably wasting my time here since the truth is never allowed to be presented by your blog, and that is not the intent ... rather it is to propogate your agenda, the diocese's agenda, and the group that abandoned St. Stan's agenda.
Tired of his incessant and incoherent ramblings, I initially fired off what I felt was a blistering response to his comments. After reflecting for a bit, I decided to delete my response and go a different route - hoping that he and others might be moved by the grace of God to enlighten their intellects and conform their wills to the will of our Lord and praying that I might be more charitable.
Some of us have been around long enough to be able to discern something about a man's character by his words and actions. I have transcribed a couple of Mr. Bach's radio interviews and I have listened to his venomous attacks on Archbishop Burke so many times that I have lost all patience with this man who claims to be a faithful Catholic - despite the verbal assaults on the Archbishop, and by his example, encouraging others to engage in similar activities and behavior. One should not be surprised that these malevolent attacks have caused untold scandals in the Archdiocese. Further scandals are perpetuated by the shameful act of bringing in outside "priests" in direct defiance of the Archbishop and his directives. This act, now repeated three times, can leave no doubt that those responsible have "refused submission to the Holy Father or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him." [CCC #2089, Code of Canon Law c.751] This repeated act of defiance results in bringing shame and humiliation on the Archdiocese and on our Archbishop. I find all of this inexecusable and worthy of righteous indignation and condemnation.
Add to the materially schismatic act of rebellion and defiance, the further calumnies committed on the radio airwaves of St. Louis. The most recent attack of which I am aware occurred on April 4 on the Dave Glover show (97.1FM) - and this I found both pathetic and revolting as well. This 'interview' or, more rightly, propaganda piece, concerned an 82 year old parishioner who had died and who wished to have a funeral Mass at St. Stanislaus but due the the Archbishop's directive following the Board's act of defiance, no Mass has been permitted to be celebrated. One wonders why the Board was unable to resort to its "clandenstine operation" to enlist the aid of a renegade priest to fulfill this man's wishes?
Below are my revised responses...
In his comments, Mr. Bach writes:
Please do not intentionally slander a man of the cloth for purposes of your gain. Priests deal with enough abuse in today's world.Mr. Bach's frequent use of the word "slander" has become tedious - it seems to be one of his favorite words. It was also used in his comments to me on the "FreeRepublic" web site recently. One can only wonder if he could demonstrate exactly WHERE this "slander" occurred above? One would think that a spokesman would have the adequate command of the English language and be knowledgeable enough to understand the meaning of the word and to use it in its proper sense. And what "gain" is there for me? The only gain I can see is that, perhaps, by bringing this out into the open, some may choose the path of Christ in humble obedience rather than the path of Satan in prideful arrogance.
Secondly, the Catholic faithful have no guarantee that this "priest" is, in fact, a man of the cloth, as Mr. Bach claims. Certainly, it seems rather foolish to believe Mr. Bach that the man brought in from outside the diocese is a Roman Catholic priest.
Lastly, Mr. Bach regularly employs flawed arguments and rhetoric - this time, it is a lame attempt to tug at one's heartstrings by stating that "priests deal with enough abuse." This statement is true enough, yet, in this context it is merely another indication of a feigned sincerity and a confirmation of a continued process of obfuscation of the issues.
Fortunately many people can see through this attempt at evoking a sympathetic response.
I do not distort facts. I am not the one that goes around attacking people and breaking microphones in church and then profess to be Chrisitan.Invariably the story about the broken microphone incident always arises. Apparently, Mr. Bach is obsessed with irrelevant minutiae such as this. This is a standard tactic of those who are desperate and unable to argue a case on its merits - they change the subject from the real issue to other topics - in other words, they use distraction. As mentioned before in previous comments to Mr. Bach, all of which have been ignored, the microphone incident is irrelevant and has nothing to do with the ISSUES and FACTS. Again, we could properly state that this is a practice of distorting the facts. These distortions have been DOCUMENTED here a number of times - yet neither Mr. Bach nor anyone else there chooses to answer pointed and direct questions.
Also, a claim is made that he is "not the one that goes around attacking people." It is beyond belief that one could make such a statement! Let us name things for what they truly are - this claim is patently false, a lie and can be seen in the transcript of the radio interview by McGraw Milhaven which was previously posted on this site. Is it truly the obligation of a spokesman to distort the facts while simultaneously claiming that he is not distorting the facts?
To question authority is the root of our faith, as is defending our faith, not secularism. The issue that the diocese is interested in is the monies and property of St. Stan's. The souls of the people there do not matter to the diocese. If they did, they would not be refusing funerals.Where, in God's name, does one find that "questioning authority" is "the root of our faith"? It sounds more like a motto or battle cry of Call-to-Action, or the Women Priest advocates, or some other pseudo-Catholic faction composed of whiners and malcontents. Perhaps, this is just something else that mysteriously pops into one's mind?
It must be noted that, because those in authority are not impeccable, the Catholic Church recognizes and protects the right to question lawful authority. The Church also recognizes the need to protect the common good and avoid scandal when questioning lawful authority. Because of the rights and obligations attached to ecclesiastical offices and the need to protect right order, the Church always presumes good faith on the part of lawful authority, and she always presumes their actions are in accord with law. She expects the faithful to make these same presumptions. To protect the common good, the Church has established various procedures to be used when questioning the actions of those in authority.
While we have a right to question authority, we have an obligation to do so only according to the means provided by the Church.These means safeguard the common good against scandal and protect the reputations of everyone involved. If we question lawful authority according to the means provided by the Church, we remain obedient to the Church. If we use unlawful means that cause scandal and destroy reputations, we become guilty of disobedience and detraction, even if the one in authority is wrong. (Note 1)
The ISSUE here is ultimately one of OBEDIENCE to lawful Church authority, despite the repeated feeble claims of it being about money. Mr. Bach, the Board and those who support the rebellion are making the issue about money and, as the facts so clearly indicate, they are wrong for doing so.
I also realize that I am probably wasting my time here since the truth is never allowed to be presented by your blog, and that is not the intent ... rather it is to propogate your agenda, the diocese's agenda, and the group that abandoned St. Stan's agenda.Frankly, about the only modicum of truth, so far, has been the fact that Mr. Bach and his comrades see the issue as one of money. The historical facts, however, demonstrate that the "problem" is about conformity to Church law and obedience to the Church and her leaders. The spokesman, as his duties no doubt demand, speaks as propagandist of distortions and lies. His speech and actions confirm to rational and prudent people that he is a supporter of dissent and rebellion. The insipid "arguments" made above and elsewhere cannot withstand the test of any sort of scrutiny or examination.
And the claim is made that "truth is never allowed to be presented by your blog"...I must admit that this comes as a real shock to me. Evidently, I have been outed as a purveyor of falsehoods in keeping with my "agenda" and the agenda of the Archdiocese. I have inverted reality. Here on this blog, lies are presented as the truth, evil is good, and darkness is light...I can only ask - Does this man expect me or others to take him seriously?
I have allowed him to enter into a sensible dialogue or conversation here without interference knowing that discerning individuals would come to see what those "St. Stanislaus parishioners in exile" have had to endure for so long. They deserve our prayers and support as victims forced to flee oppression.
The continued defiance directed toward the Archbishop and the Holy See is reprehensible. Their actions and words are disgraceful. The attitude of this group of malcontents is no different, in principle, than that of other groups of dissenting and disobedient people who claim the name "Catholic".
May they come to their senses and repent of their actions before it is too late. We ask this of you, O Lord.
(Note 1.) Should I Obey?: Faithfully Responding to Lawful Authority (Catholics United for the Faith, Faith Fact) Source.
Hilary Clinton to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Catholic College
MANASSAS, VA, April 21, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Marymount Manhattan College has invited pro-abortion Sen. Hillary Clinton to deliver its commencement address and receive an honorary doctoral degree on May 20, publicly defying New York's Cardinal Edward Egan and the U.S. bishops who forbade such honors in a statement last June.This college is no longer Catholic. Check its website here.
The President of the College, Judson Shaver, wrote an 'interesting' article last year about "The Passion"...Last year's Blog entry about this is here.
A Local Pastor's Nuanced Reaction to the New Pope
The pastor of a local Catholic parish (which somehow escaped being closed) opines about our new Holy Father in the parish bulletin for this coming Sunday.
I also hope that he is not implying that the Holy Father will be the cause of this parish suffering...although I believe this is what is meant. Some of them do believe that Cardinal Ratzinger was a source of their suffering - The Holy Families Group was formed at this parish...Particularly frustrating for this groups was the document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Considerations Regarding Proposals To Give Legal Recognition To Unions Between Homosexual Persons
Source.
HOLY FATHER - BENEDICT XVI -The media has said it all? Well, not exactly...
The media has said it all, so all I can say is, “We must pray.” I am reminded of the description in the Acts of the Apostles regarding the early church. “The disciples praised God that they had been privileged to suffer in the name of Christ Jesus.” May we be so bold!
I also hope that he is not implying that the Holy Father will be the cause of this parish suffering...although I believe this is what is meant. Some of them do believe that Cardinal Ratzinger was a source of their suffering - The Holy Families Group was formed at this parish...Particularly frustrating for this groups was the document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Considerations Regarding Proposals To Give Legal Recognition To Unions Between Homosexual Persons
Source.
Archbishop Burke on the Election of Pope Benedict XVI
God has abundantly blessed the Church with the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to the office of Successor to Saint Peter, Bishop of Rome and of the Universal Church. Our new Holy Father has chosen the name of Benedict, which means “Blessed.” Truly, through his selfless response to the call to serve as the Vicar of Christ on earth, he will be most blessed and the whole Church is truly blessed.Full statement here.
...
May the respect and obedience which we show to our new shepherd be his great joy.
...
In the name of all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis and in my own name, I pledge to our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, our loyal affection and faithful obedience. (My emphasis)
Pope Benedict XVI Provides Great Hope For Christians Fighting the Culture War
ANN ARBOR, MI — Thomas More Law Center President and Chief Counsel Richard Thompson commented on yesterday’s election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope John Paul II’s successor, “Orthodox Catholics as well as all people of faith engaged in America’s Culture War, have great reason to celebrate. He is a clear trumpet sound leading us into the battle to restore the...More.
A New E-Mail Address for the Holy Father
Showing that Pope Benedict XVI intends to follow in the footsteps of John Paul II's multimedia ministry, the Vatican on Thursday modified its Web site so that users who click on an icon on the home page automatically activate an e-mail composer with his address: benedettoxvi@vatican.va.Source.
Top Vatican officials re-appointed by Benedict XVI
Vatican, Apr. 21 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed the top leaders of the Roman Curia in their posts for the immediate future.
NOMINE E CONFERME NELLA CURIA ROMANA
Fr. Corapi's Tribute to the Pope John Paul the Great
In remembrance of the legacy of Pope John Paul II, Father Corapi offers this loving
tribute (PDF file) to this humble servant of God. Father Corapi was ordained by John Paul II on May 26, 1991, and so shares a deep respect and love for our Holy Father.
Father Corapi's video tribute is also available by clicking one of the files below:
Large Video (7.1 MB)
Small Video (1.57 MB)
Audio Only (559 KB)
tribute (PDF file) to this humble servant of God. Father Corapi was ordained by John Paul II on May 26, 1991, and so shares a deep respect and love for our Holy Father.
Father Corapi's video tribute is also available by clicking one of the files below:
Large Video (7.1 MB)
Small Video (1.57 MB)
Audio Only (559 KB)
Groundswell Swept Ratzinger Into Office
VATICAN CITY — Although the conclave officially began when the ornate doors of the Sistine Chapel closed Monday, the election of Pope Benedict XVI less than 24 hours later was virtually decided before the balloting began.More here.
...
As Ratzinger gathered momentum during the conclave, some holdouts changed their votes "for the unity of the church," British Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor said. The fourth ballot resulted in victory Tuesday afternoon, a speedy outcome that seemed to awe the new pope.
"When the majority of 77 or 78 was reached, there was a gasp," Murphy-O'Connor said. "Everyone clapped. He had his head down. He must have said a prayer. I didn't see his face. He must have been aware this could happen, but when it does, it is a very special moment."
Gospel for Thursday, 4th Week of Easter
From: John 13:16-20
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. [18] I am not speaking to you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' [19] I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He. [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any man whom I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."
********************
Commentary:
15-17. Jesus' whole life was an example of service towards men, fulfilling His Father's will to the point of dying on the Cross. Here our Lord promises us that if we imitate Him, our Teacher, in disinterested service (which always implies sacrifice), we will find true happiness which no one can wrest from us (cf. 16:22; 17:13). "`I have given you an example', He tells His disciples after washing their feet, on the night of the Last Supper. Let us reject from our hearts any pride, any ambition, any desire to dominate; and peace and joy will reign around us and within us, as a consequence of our personal sacrifice" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 94).
18. Lifting one's heel against someone means hitting him brutally; metaphorically, therefore, it means violent enmity. Judas' treachery fulfills the words of Psalm 41:10 where the psalmist complains bitterly of a friend's treachery. Once again the Old Testament prefigures events which find their full __expression in the New.
Through Baptism, the Christian has become a son of God and is called to share in God's good things, not only in Heaven but also on earth: He has received grace, he shares in the Eucharistic Banquet..., he shares with his brethren, other Christians, the friendship of Jesus. Therefore, if a person sins who has been born again through Baptism, in some sense his is a sort of treachery similar to Judas'. However, we have the recourse of repentance: if we trust in God's mercy we can set about recovering our friendship with God.
"React. Listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you: `"Si inimicus meus maledixisset mihi, sustinuissem utique"'. If it were the enemy who insulted me, I could put up with that. But you...`"tu vero homo unanimis, dux meus, et notus meus, qui simul mecum dulces capiebas cibos"': you, My friend, My Apostle, who sit at My table and take sweet food with Me!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 244).
19. Jesus tells the Apostles in advance about Judas' treachery, so that when they see Christ's predictions come true, they will realize He has divine knowledge and that in Him are fulfilled the Scriptures of the Old Testament (cf. John 2:22). On the words "I am", cf. note on John 8:21-24.
**********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. [18] I am not speaking to you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' [19] I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He. [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any man whom I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."
********************
Commentary:
15-17. Jesus' whole life was an example of service towards men, fulfilling His Father's will to the point of dying on the Cross. Here our Lord promises us that if we imitate Him, our Teacher, in disinterested service (which always implies sacrifice), we will find true happiness which no one can wrest from us (cf. 16:22; 17:13). "`I have given you an example', He tells His disciples after washing their feet, on the night of the Last Supper. Let us reject from our hearts any pride, any ambition, any desire to dominate; and peace and joy will reign around us and within us, as a consequence of our personal sacrifice" ([St] J. Escriva, "Christ Is Passing By", 94).
18. Lifting one's heel against someone means hitting him brutally; metaphorically, therefore, it means violent enmity. Judas' treachery fulfills the words of Psalm 41:10 where the psalmist complains bitterly of a friend's treachery. Once again the Old Testament prefigures events which find their full __expression in the New.
Through Baptism, the Christian has become a son of God and is called to share in God's good things, not only in Heaven but also on earth: He has received grace, he shares in the Eucharistic Banquet..., he shares with his brethren, other Christians, the friendship of Jesus. Therefore, if a person sins who has been born again through Baptism, in some sense his is a sort of treachery similar to Judas'. However, we have the recourse of repentance: if we trust in God's mercy we can set about recovering our friendship with God.
"React. Listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you: `"Si inimicus meus maledixisset mihi, sustinuissem utique"'. If it were the enemy who insulted me, I could put up with that. But you...`"tu vero homo unanimis, dux meus, et notus meus, qui simul mecum dulces capiebas cibos"': you, My friend, My Apostle, who sit at My table and take sweet food with Me!" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 244).
19. Jesus tells the Apostles in advance about Judas' treachery, so that when they see Christ's predictions come true, they will realize He has divine knowledge and that in Him are fulfilled the Scriptures of the Old Testament (cf. John 2:22). On the words "I am", cf. note on John 8:21-24.
**********************
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Archbishop Burke, Pope are aligned on many moral issues
Such is the headline in the Post Dispatch. More precisely, they would be in agreement in ALL moral teachings of the Church.
To help him navigate the uproar [over denying Holy Communion to Kerry or others supporting abortion] that followed, Burke had ideological support from the man who would become Pope Benedict XVI.Are we prepared for this?
...
"We know each other and I am very grateful to him for his encouragement," said Burke in an interview Wednesday. "I have a great deal of respect for him and I can't say how happy I am that he's our new pope."
...
Benedict and Burke despise the creeping influence of secularism on the church, especially in their native continents of Europe and North America. Burke said he believes the re-evangelization of Europe, especially, was probably foremost in the cardinals' minds when they elected Ratzinger pope.
...
"Cafeteria Catholics, or whatever you want to call it, have to be invited to examine the Catholic faith and make a decision whether to live it fully or move in that direction," he said. "Pope Benedict . . . wouldn't want anyone to leave the church. On the other hand, he would not want to compromise the faith for the benefit of anyone."
...could Burke be aligned so perfectly with Benedict that he could replace Cardinal McCarrick as the new cardinal of Washington?I would hate to see Archbishop Burke leave, but I would love to see him received the red hat...
Asked if he thinks he would become a Benedict favorite and receive a cardinal's red hat sometime soon, Burke let out a huge laugh. "I really don't know what to say about that," he said.Article here.
The new pope speaks to the inner adult in all of us.
The choosing of Benedict XVI, a man who is serious, deep and brave, is a gift. He has many enemies. They imagine themselves courageous and oppressed. What they are is agitated, aggressive, and well-connected.Peggy Noonan's excellent article, "Why They Ran", here.
They want to make sure his papacy begins with a battle. They want to make sure no one gets a chance to love him. Which is too bad because even his foes admit he is thoughtful, eager for dialogue, sensitive, honest.
They want to make sure that when he speaks and writes, the people of the world won't come running.
What to do to help? See his enemies for what they are, and see him for what he is. Read him--he is a writer, a natural communicator of and thinker upon challenging ideas. Listen to him. Consult your internal compass as you listen, and see if it isn't pointing true north.
Don Bosco's Prophecy of the Two Columns
Complete article here.
...
"Meanwhile, enemy cannons blow up, firearms and beaks fall to pieces, ships crack up and sink to the bottom. In blind fury the enemy takes to hand-to-hand combat, cursing and blaspheming. Suddenly the Pope falls, seriously wounded. He is instantly helped up but, struck down a second time, dies. A shout of victory rises from the enemy and wild rejoicing sweeps their ships. But no sooner is the Pope dead than another takes his place. The captains of the auxiliary ships elected him so quickly that the news of the Pope's death coincides with that of his successor's election. The enemy's self-assurance wanes.
...
"Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers his ship safely between the two columns and moors it to the two columns; first to the one surmounted by the Host, and then to the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other. Some auxiliary ships which had gallantly fought alongside their flagship are the first to tie up at the two columns. (emphasis added)
New parishes to have centralized accounting
The Archdiocese of St. Louis will implement a centralized accounting system for the four new Catholic parishes created by the Northeast County Deanery's reorganization.Some, of course, have questions and concerns about this. Perhaps, that's why it's considered a pilot program?
The effort is described as a pilot program.
Source.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Fr J. Augustine Di Noia: People Will Love Him
I don't recall from whom I heard about this, but thank you!
As the Vatican’s Undersecretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Father J. Augustine Di Noia has worked closely with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger for the last four years. Di Noia, whose responsibilities involve helping to protect and clarify the doctrines and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, spoke to NEWSWEEK’s Edward Pentin in Rome about the style and personality of the new Pope Benedict XVI.More here.
New Pope's Name Signals Modernists in the Church and Radical Secularists in Europe
ROME, April 20, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In the early days of any papacy, much attention is given to signals that give hints to the direction and priorities of the newly elected pope. One of the most significant, but difficult to verify of these signals is the papal name. Since the early centuries of the Church the newly elected pope has followed the custom of adopting a name, usually one of some predecessor.More at LifeSiteNews
....
The deeper roots of the name might be more illuminating. The Church’s first famous Benedict was the 6th century founder of Western Monasticism. St. Benedict of Nursia is normally credited with saving western Christian culture during the rise of the barbarian invasions of Europe that finally threw down the corrupt old order of the Roman Empire.
First Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI ...
....at the end of the Eucharistic Concelebration with the Cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel (April 20, 2005)
Here in Italian and Latin
English text:
Here in Italian and Latin
English text:
"Grace and peace in abundance to all of you! In my soul there are two contrasting sentiments in these hours. On the one hand, a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil for the responsibility entrusted to me yesterday as the Successor of the Apostle Peter in this See of Rome, with regard to the Universal Church. On the other hand I sense within me profound gratitude to God Who - as the liturgy makes us sing - does not abandon His flock, but leads it throughout time, under the guidance of those whom He has chosen as vicars of His Son, and made pastors.
"Dear Ones, this intimate recognition for a gift of divine mercy prevails in my heart in spite of everything. I consider this a grace obtained for me by my venerated predecessor, John Paul II. It seems I can feel his strong hand squeezing mine; I seem to see his smiling eyes and listen to his words, addressed to me especially at this moment: 'Do not be afraid!'
"The death of the Holy Father John Paul II, and the days which followed, were for the Church and for the entire world an extraordinary time of grace. The great pain for his death and the void that it left in all of us were tempered by the action of the Risen Christ, which showed itself during long days in the choral wave of faith, love and spiritual solidarity, culminating in his solemn funeral.
"We can say it: the funeral of John Paul II was a truly extraordinary experience in which was perceived in some way the power of God Who, through His Church, wishes to form a great family of all peoples, through the unifying force of Truth and Love. In the hour of death, conformed to his Master and Lord, John Paul II crowned his long and fruitful pontificate, confirming the Christian people in faith, gathering them around him and making the entire human family feel more united.
"How can one not feel sustained by this witness? How can one not feel the encouragement that comes from this event of grace?
"Surprising every prevision I had, Divine Providence, through the will of the venerable Cardinal Fathers, called me to succeed this great Pope. I have been thinking in these hours about what happened in the region of Cesarea of Phillippi two thousand years ago: I seem to hear the words of Peter: 'You are Christ, the Son of the living God,' and the solemn affirmation of the Lord: 'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven'.
"You are Christ! You are Peter! It seems I am reliving this very Gospel scene; I, the Successor of Peter, repeat with trepidation the anxious words of the fisherman from Galilee and I listen again with intimate emotion to the reassuring promise of the divine Master. If the weight of the responsibility that now lies on my poor shoulders is enormous, the divine power on which I can count is surely immeasurable: 'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church'. Electing me as the Bishop of Rome, the Lord wanted me as his Vicar, he wished me to be the 'rock' upon which everyone may rest with confidence. I ask him to make up for the poverty of my strength, that I may be a courageous and faithful pastor of His flock, always docile to the inspirations of His Spirit.
"I undertake this special ministry, the 'Petrine' ministry at the service of the Universal Church, with humble abandon to the hands of the Providence of God. And it is to Christ in the first place that I renew my total and trustworthy adhesion: 'In Te, Domine, speravi; non confundar in aeternum!'
"To you, Lord Cardinals, with a grateful soul for the trust shown me, I ask you to sustain me with prayer and with constant, active and wise collaboration. I also ask my brothers in the episcopacy to be close to me in prayer and counsel so that I may truly be the 'Servus servorum Dei' (Servant of the servants of God). As Peter and the other Apostles were, through the will of the Lord, one apostolic college, in the same way the Successor of Peter and the Bishops, successors of the Apostles - and the Council forcefully repeated this - must be closely united among themselves. This collegial communion, even in the diversity of roles and functions of the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops, is at the service of the Church and the unity of faith, from which depend in a notable measure the effectiveness of the evangelizing action of the contemporary world. Thus, this path, upon which my venerated predecessors went forward, I too intend to follow, concerned solely with proclaiming to the world the living presence of Christ.
"Before my eyes is, in particular, the witness of Pope John Paul II. He leaves us a Church that is more courageous, freer, younger. A Church that, according to his teaching and example, looks with serenity to the past and is not afraid of the future. With the Great Jubilee the Church was introduced into the new millennium carrying in her hands the Gospel, applied to the world through the authoritative re-reading of Vatican Council II. Pope John Paul II justly indicated the Council as a 'compass' with which to orient ourselves in the vast ocean of the third millennium. Also in his spiritual testament he noted: ' I am convinced that for a very long time the new generations will draw upon the riches that this council of the 20th century gave us'.
"I too, as I start in the service that is proper to the Successor of Peter, wish to affirm with force my decided will to pursue the commitment to enact Vatican Council II, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful continuity with the millennia-old tradition of the Church. Precisely this year is the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of this conciliar assembly (December 8, 1965). With the passing of time, the conciliar documents have not lost their timeliness; their teachings have shown themselves to be especially pertinent to the new exigencies of the Church and the present globalized society.
"In a very significant way, my pontificate starts as the Church is living the special year dedicated to the Eucharist. How can I not see in this providential coincidence an element that must mark the ministry to which I have been called? The Eucharist, the heart of Christian life and the source of the evangelizing mission of the Church, cannot but be the permanent center and the source of the petrine service entrusted to me.
"The Eucharist makes the Risen Christ constantly present, Christ Who continues to give Himself to us, calling us to participate in the banquet of His Body and His Blood. From this full communion with Him comes every other element of the life of the Church, in the first place the communion among the faithful, the commitment to proclaim and give witness to the Gospel, the ardor of charity towards all, especially towards the poor and the smallest.
"In this year, therefore, the Solemnity of Corpus Christ must be celebrated in a particularly special way. The Eucharist will be at the center, in August, of World Youth Day in Cologne and, in October, of the ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which will take place on the theme "The Eucharist, Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church.' I ask everyone to intensify in coming months love and devotion to the Eucharistic Jesus and to express in a courageous and clear way the real presence of the Lord, above all through the solemnity and the correctness of the celebrations.
"I ask this in a special way of priests, about whom I am thinking in this moment with great affection. The priestly ministry was born in the Cenacle, together with the Eucharist, as my venerated predecessor John Paul II underlined so many times. 'The priestly life must have in a special way a 'Eucharistic form', he wrote in his last Letter for Holy Thursday. The devout daily celebration of Holy Mass, the center of the life and mission of every priest, contributes to this end.
"Nourished and sustained by the Eucharist, Catholics cannot but feel stimulated to tend towards that full unity for which Christ hoped in the Cenacle. Peter's Successor knows that he must take on this supreme desire of the Divine Master in a particularly special way. To him, indeed, has been entrusted the duty of strengthening his brethren.
"Thus, in full awareness and at the beginning of his ministry in the Church of Rome that Peter bathed with his blood, the current Successor assumes as his primary commitment that of working tirelessly towards the reconstitution of the full and visible unity of all Christ's followers. This is his ambition, this is his compelling duty. He is aware that to do so, expressions of good feelings are not enough. Concrete gestures are required to penetrate souls and move consciences, encouraging everyone to that interior conversion which is the basis for all progress on the road of ecumenism.
"Theological dialogue is necessary. A profound examination of the historical reasons behind past choices is also indispensable. But even more urgent is that 'purification of memory,' which was so often evoked by John Paul II, and which alone can dispose souls to welcome the full truth of Christ. It is before Him, supreme Judge of all living things, that each of us must stand, in the awareness that one day we must explain to Him what we did and what we did not do for the great good that is the full and visible unity of all His disciples.
"The current Successor of Peter feels himself to be personally implicated in this question and is disposed to do all in his power to promote the fundamental cause of ecumenism. In the wake of his predecessors, he is fully determined to cultivate any initiative that may seem appropriate to promote contact and agreement with representatives from the various Churches and ecclesial communities. Indeed, on this occasion too, he sends them his most cordial greetings in Christ, the one Lord of all.
"In this moment, I go back in my memory to the unforgettable experience we all underwent with the death and the funeral of the lamented John Paul II. Around his mortal remains, lying on the bare earth, leaders of nations gathered, with people from all social classes and especially the young, in an unforgettable embrace of affection and admiration. The entire world looked to him with trust. To many it seemed as if that intense participation, amplified to the confines of the planet by the social communications media, was like a choral request for help addressed to the Pope by modern humanity which, wracked by fear and uncertainty, questions itself about the future.
"The Church today must revive within herself an awareness of the task to present the world again with the voice of the One Who said: 'I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.' In undertaking his ministry, the new Pope knows that his task is to bring the light of Christ to shine before the men and women of today: not his own light but that of Christ.
"With this awareness, I address myself to everyone, even to those who follow other religions or who are simply seeking an answer to the fundamental questions of life and have not yet found it. I address everyone with simplicity and affection, to assure them that the Church wants to continue to build an open and sincere dialogue with them, in a search for the true good of mankind and of society.
"From God I invoke unity and peace for the human family and declare the willingness of all Catholics to cooperate for true social development, one that respects the dignity of all human beings.
"I will make every effort and dedicate myself to pursuing the promising dialogue that my predecessors began with various civilizations, because it is mutual understanding that gives rise to conditions for a better future for everyone.
"I am particularly thinking of young people. To them, the privileged interlocutors of John Paul II, I send an affectionate embrace in the hope, God willing, of meeting them at Cologne on the occasion of the next World Youth Day. With you, dear young people, I will continue to maintain a dialogue, listening to your expectations in an attempt to help you meet ever more profoundly the living, ever young, Christ.
"'Mane nobiscum, Domine!' Stay with us Lord! This invocation, which forms the dominant theme of John Paul II's Apostolic Letter for the Year of the Eucharist, is the prayer that comes spontaneously from my heart as I turn to begin the ministry to which Christ has called me. Like Peter, I too renew to Him my unconditional promise of faithfulness. He alone I intend to serve as I dedicate myself totally to the service of His Church.
"In support of this promise, We invoke the maternal intercession of Mary Most Holy, in whose hands I place the present and the future of my person and of the Church. May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, also intercede.
"With these sentiments, We impart to you venerated brother cardinals, to those participating in this ritual, and to all those following to us by television and radio, a special and affectionate blessing."
Benedict XVI: The Pope and His Agenda
Joseph Ratzinger reproposed it in his last homily before the conclave: “being adults in the faith,” and not “children in a state of guardianship, tossed about by the waves and carried here and there by every wind of doctrine.” Entry by entry, the open questions of his pontificate.Received this email update this morning:
by Sandro Magister
Never in the past century has the choice of a pontiff been spoken in a language so clear and sharp...Full article here.
As a cardinal, Ratzinger put nothing “on sale” in order to be elected pope...At the last mass in Saint Peter’s he reproposed this with the words of the apostle Paul: the goal is that of “being adults in the faith,” and not “children in a state of guardianship, tossed about by the waves and carried here and there by every wind of doctrine.”
Because modern times are leading precisely toward this, he warned: to “a dictatorship of relativism which recognizes nothing as definitive and leaves as the ultimate standard one’s own personality and desires.”
The plain conclusion: “We must foster the maturity of this adult faith; we must guide the flock of Christ to this faith.” And it doesn’t matter if “having a clear faith according to the Church’s creed is frequently labeled fundamentalism.”
Watching MSNBC & CNN as a Means of Mortification
After taping and reviewing some of the EWTN highlights from yesterday and last night's coverage of the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, I decided to quickly check MSNBC and CNN for coverage they were providing...
Larry King's guests included Fr. Joseph Fessio, Fr. John Bartunek, Paul Wilkes of BeliefNet, Fr. Michael Manning of "The Word in the World", John Allen of The National unCatholic Reporter, and the infamous "Sister" Joan Chittister. Thankfully, Frs. Fessio and Bartunek were there to bring some sanity back to the conversations.
So, as a sort of unique method of self-flagellation, I opted to watch this "wringing of hands" for about 15-20 minutes.
Wilkes stated:
Fr. Manning (with whom I'm not familiar and thankfully so) says:
And then we have John Allen, self-described Vatican 'expert':
Thankfully, Fr. Fessio helps to steer us back to reality:
But then "Sister" Joan reminds us that her view of the Church is different than that of Christ:
There was much more but, in order to be inspire faith , hope and charity, I close with something Fr. Fessio says:
Larry King's guests included Fr. Joseph Fessio, Fr. John Bartunek, Paul Wilkes of BeliefNet, Fr. Michael Manning of "The Word in the World", John Allen of The National unCatholic Reporter, and the infamous "Sister" Joan Chittister. Thankfully, Frs. Fessio and Bartunek were there to bring some sanity back to the conversations.
So, as a sort of unique method of self-flagellation, I opted to watch this "wringing of hands" for about 15-20 minutes.
Wilkes stated:
I called some of my excellent parishes and talked to the pastors. And their reaction was a lot like mine, Larry, that this was a real crisis of imagination on the part of the cardinals. We had talked so much during the week about third world collegiality, a new voice for the church. And really, what the cardinals did, they went right back to the same old, same old. And this is the man that has been kind of the grim reaper in the Catholic Church and been this very strict guy on doctrine and liturgyHe called some of his excellent parishes? He may not realize it, but the real crisis is with him and his apostate brethren...
Fr. Manning (with whom I'm not familiar and thankfully so) says:
I'm concerned about a lot of issues. And I'm hoping -- I was hoping in a strong way that the new man would be able to open it up, this topic of collegiality, the empowerment of local areas to be able to make decisions on their own and to be empowered. The place of women in the church, the empowerment of women.Ahhh, yes! The elusive and nebulous "collegiality". And, of course, no conversation is complete unless one speaks about "empowerment"...especially "empowerment" of womyn...
And then we have John Allen, self-described Vatican 'expert':
I certainly would agree that Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, comes to this job with a bit of baggage.Reality, also, is something which escapes many...it seems that it is those who are (and have been )carrying a load of baggage who wish to project that image on to others. To some, baggage is synonomous with upholding the truth, with standing up for the teachings of Christ and His Church. Perhaps a better word would be, not baggage, but the Cross. Pope Benedict XVI, as our previous Holy Father and so many before him, have the burden of the Cross to bear for Christ and his Church. Some are incapable of seeing this - some have been blinded and can no longer see.
Thankfully, Fr. Fessio helps to steer us back to reality:
...after all is said and done, he's a Catholic, Larry. And Catholics believe that Jesus has given us the truth and we must preserve it and pass it on. He does that. John Paul II did that...So he clearly knows the church's teaching, loves them, expresses them very beautifully, and I think we have a pope for our time.Amen, Father! It's about the truth as given to us by Christ - not what our puny and flawed minds think that it might be.
But then "Sister" Joan reminds us that her view of the Church is different than that of Christ:
I was expecting a more pastoral, a more open face to the church than this history brings us....At the same time I must admit that as a woman I was deeply concerned. His latest document on women is disheartening. It shows a very limited awareness of the development of the woman's movement. I think he's going to have an awful lot to learn in this arena. He seems to think that feminism is monolithic. He doesn't seem to understand there's been an evolution.Surely, she means "Revolution" rather than "evolution"...Anyway, watching her and listening to her is truly painful, a rather vile sort of penance.
There was much more but, in order to be inspire faith , hope and charity, I close with something Fr. Fessio says:
First of all, Larry, he's already performed a miracle. We've seen it on your show. He got me to agree with Sister Joan Chittister, if he follows St. Benedict, he'll be a good listener. I agree with Father Manning too, he needs to listen. But you know something, I've know him for 33 years, I've never ever met a man who listens as well and as intently as Cardinal Ratzinger does. I've never heard him raise his voice, never heard him lose his temper. He's got a gentle sense of humor. But he always listens....More here.
So, there's no one more collegial than Cardinal Ratzinger or Benedict. He will be a great blessing in that area.
...
I want to say one thing, Larry, about Vatican II, too -- there's kind of a myth here. The Pope Benedict -- I've seen him celebrate the mass in English. He does that beautifully. But Vatican II actually did not call for an anti-Gregorian chant, in fact, it said specifically, the Gregorian chant should have the pride of place in the Catholic liturgy. Vatican II did not abolish Latin. In fact, it said specifically that Latin should remain the language of the mass with some vernacular for the readings especially. So, to claim that Second Vatican Council was responsible for abolishing Latin or for abolishing Gregorian chant is simply misunderstanding the council at which Ratzinger was present helping the people that wrote those documents.
The "Clandestine Operation" Continues at St Stanislaus
The terminology is not mine but that of Mr Richard Bach, a professed Catholic and spokesman for some of the St Stanislaus Kostka parishioners. Mr. Bach, in a previous radio interview, termed the act of bringing in an outside priest as a "clandestine operation"...As if God does not see all.
This was in the Post...I assume that it refers to this evening...However, one should call to find out for certain...The phone: 314-421-5948.
One should also be aware that there is NO way that one can be assured that the "priest" that these professed Catholics bring in under the cover of darkness, is in fact a priest at all.
Does one "believe" those who routinely distort the facts?
One cannot be certain that, if the man was a priest at one time, whether he still has faculties to celebrate Mass. There is no guarantee that Mr Bach could provide that would permit one to assume that the sacrament of Holy Communion would even be valid - that is, no priest - no sacrament...Is one to rely on Mr. Bach's promises or words? Talk about a leap of faith!
The defiance of authority exhibited by Mr Bach and others is, not only scandalous, it is contemptible and truly worthy of disciplinary action. He and others, by their repeated statements and actions, encourage others to follow them into schism.
This was in the Post...I assume that it refers to this evening...However, one should call to find out for certain...The phone: 314-421-5948.
There will be a Eucharistic Mass to celebrate the election of Pope Benedict XVI and to memorialize Pope John Paul II tonight at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church at 1413 North 20th Street.So says the Post.
Confessions will begin at 6, the rosary at 6:30, and Mass at 7. A Roman Catholic priest from outside the St. Louis diocese will celebrate Mass.
One should also be aware that there is NO way that one can be assured that the "priest" that these professed Catholics bring in under the cover of darkness, is in fact a priest at all.
Does one "believe" those who routinely distort the facts?
One cannot be certain that, if the man was a priest at one time, whether he still has faculties to celebrate Mass. There is no guarantee that Mr Bach could provide that would permit one to assume that the sacrament of Holy Communion would even be valid - that is, no priest - no sacrament...Is one to rely on Mr. Bach's promises or words? Talk about a leap of faith!
The defiance of authority exhibited by Mr Bach and others is, not only scandalous, it is contemptible and truly worthy of disciplinary action. He and others, by their repeated statements and actions, encourage others to follow them into schism.
An Important Aspect of Christianity
The Qualities of Faith
"Faith, without works is dead" (James 2:20).
"Stand fast in the faith" (1 Cor. 16:13).
Faith is necessary - indispensably necessary - to salvation, and we need hardly add that in making this statement we are speaking of the true faith taught by Jesus Christ. But it is an important matter to know where we are to find this true faith. We find it in the Catholic Church. Christ has not only taught us the truth; He founded an institution, a Church, to promulgate and preserve it. What Church did He found? That one, surely, which, as the Catholic Church alone can do, traces her origin and history right back to Christ and His apostles. All other bodies, whatever be their name, arose more recently. They are all cadets in comparison with the Catholic Church.
There is but one objection that can be urged against the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the only real heir to the truth of Christ, and it is frequently made use of. Men say: No doubt it is true that the Catholic Church is older than any other, and that in the beginning she possessed the truth. But in the course of time she deviated more and more widely from her original doctrines and then younger and more modern Churches arose and restored Christ's teaching in all its purity and freshness.
This objection is absolutely untenable because Jesus Christ not only founded a Church, but He promised that it should last forever: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." He further promised that He Himself and the Holy Spirit would dwell with it always when He said: "And behold I am with you always even to the consummation of the world," and "He will abide with you forever."
Could a Church so guided and supported lose the true faith? We can not consider even the possibility of such a thing, for in order to do so one must admit either that Our Lord was mistaken or that He failed to keep His word. Once that is allowed, it follows as the next step that Christ was not truly God; and whoever says so must go the rest of the way and call the entire Christian religion a myth. If the Catholic Church does not possess the truth, we need not further to seek it; it is not to be found elsewhere.
To sum up: the Faith, the true faith taught by Jesus Christ, is necessary to salvation, and is to be found in the Catholic Church alone.
Essential as it is in itself, our faith must have certain qualities if it is to contain for us the germ of eternal life. It must be entire, firm, steadfast, and living. Let us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, consider as shortly as possible the first three of these characteristics.
I
Our faith is to be entire.
When is it entire? It is entire when we believe not only a part, but all that the Catholic Church proposes to our belief. All the truths of faith have been revealed by the same God, all are therefore equally true; and they are all presented to us by the same Church, so they must all without exception be accepted and believed one as firmly as the other. It is by no means permissible to make a selection, that is, to choose some and to reject others, but this unfortunately is what is too often done.
Many people receive with great alacrity the sweet and consolmg doctrme of God's mercy, His patience, His willingness to forgive; they welcome the promise of the unspeakable happmess of heaven. But, suggest to them that He exacts repentance, penance, and that in His inconceivable justice He tolerates a hell to punish eternally, and they are filled with horror and refuse to accept it.
Those truths which human intelligence can grasp are to be believed; but some think that those incomprehensible mysteries of faith which our minds can not penetrate we are to be free to throw aside. This is not perfect faith - in fact, it is not in its essence faith at all. "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, but offend in one point, is guilty of all." He who denies one article of faith denies them all. If one stone of an arch loosens and slips the whole arch is surely to collapse. We must believe all that God has revealed and that the Holy Catholic Church proposes to our belief.
Good heavens! some of you may exclaim, what a task, to believe everything which God has revealed and the Church teaches! Why, I don't even know half of it. At school I learned very little and I have forgotten most of that. My intelligence is limited, my memory weak, and I go very seldom attend conferences. Can one believe a thing that one does not know? Certainly, one can! Suppose you receive a letter and you see by the writing on the envelope that it comes from a friend whom you highly respect and consider to be an absolutely truth-loving person. You know that this friend has been an eye-witness of certain occurrences which the letter details to you. Are you not satisfied that you hold in your hand an authentic and truthful account of all that happened? You believed the contents of the letter really before you read it, before you opened it, or knew what was in it. In a similar manner we must, therefore, believe all that God has revealed, even if we have not complete knowledge of it all.
II
Our faith must be firm.
It is firm when we do not wilfully doubt of any article of faith. Firmness is the opposite of doubt, or rather of wilful doubt, for many staunch Christians are frequently troubled and tormented with difficulties. This is not to be wondered at, for the evil spirit knows what he is doing, and when he finds his assaults in other directions make no impression then he seeks to disturb us about the truths of religion. For, if faith, the foundation of the Christian life, be once undermined, the whole structure totters and falls to the ground. Moreover, faith deals with so many unfathomable mysteries that it is an easy matter to induce people to call it in question, but as long as these doubts are not voluntary and are not wilfully entertained they are not sinful and do not in any way shake the firmness of our faith.
What, then, are we to do if we find ourselves assailed by doubts of one or other article of faith? If doubts against faith trouble you, recail to mind the rock on which your belief is built, namely, the truth of God, which is eternal and never failing, which can not err and can not lie. Say, with all your heart: "My God, I believe all Thou hast revealed; because Thou art the infallible truth I trust Thy word more than my own understanding." Excite in yourself lively sentiments of faith and boldly ignore all temptations against it.
III
Our faith must be steadfast.
It is steadfast when we are ready to sacrifice everything, even life itself, rather than give it up.
I read somewhere of a sailor, who, in a battle at sea, caught hold of an enemy's boat with his hand and held it tight so as to give his comrades time to come up and capture it. The enemy yelled at him to let go, but he clung on all the harder; they hurled threats at him, but he stuck to it with all the more determination. They slashed at his fingers with their swords, but he still grasped the boat with the wounded hand till it was cut right through and then he substituted the other. He preferred to lose both hands rather than to relinquish what he had secured. This must be our attitude toward the Faith. We must choose rather to part with all we have - goods, honors, position, yes, even with life itself, sooner than loosen our hold on it.
The holy martyrs are striking examples of this steadfastness. There was no advantage they were not willing to forego, no suffering they would not gladly endure for the sake of the Faith, and the later history of the Church is full of such examples in people of every age, condition, and sex. We are children of the same religion and of the same Church as they, and we ought to be ashamed if we are not ready to follow in their footsteps.
We close our instruction with the resolve to be ready to bear for our faith, if and when necessary, the ridicule and contempt of the world, and the slights and disadvantages which even in our day are not infrequently the portion of those who believe. By so doing we shall walk in the bloodstained footsteps of the saints and shall attain with them the reward, of the life to come.
Adapted from Popular Sermons on the Catechism
by Fr. Hubert Bamberg, 1914
"Faith, without works is dead" (James 2:20).
"Stand fast in the faith" (1 Cor. 16:13).
Faith is necessary - indispensably necessary - to salvation, and we need hardly add that in making this statement we are speaking of the true faith taught by Jesus Christ. But it is an important matter to know where we are to find this true faith. We find it in the Catholic Church. Christ has not only taught us the truth; He founded an institution, a Church, to promulgate and preserve it. What Church did He found? That one, surely, which, as the Catholic Church alone can do, traces her origin and history right back to Christ and His apostles. All other bodies, whatever be their name, arose more recently. They are all cadets in comparison with the Catholic Church.
There is but one objection that can be urged against the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the only real heir to the truth of Christ, and it is frequently made use of. Men say: No doubt it is true that the Catholic Church is older than any other, and that in the beginning she possessed the truth. But in the course of time she deviated more and more widely from her original doctrines and then younger and more modern Churches arose and restored Christ's teaching in all its purity and freshness.
This objection is absolutely untenable because Jesus Christ not only founded a Church, but He promised that it should last forever: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." He further promised that He Himself and the Holy Spirit would dwell with it always when He said: "And behold I am with you always even to the consummation of the world," and "He will abide with you forever."
Could a Church so guided and supported lose the true faith? We can not consider even the possibility of such a thing, for in order to do so one must admit either that Our Lord was mistaken or that He failed to keep His word. Once that is allowed, it follows as the next step that Christ was not truly God; and whoever says so must go the rest of the way and call the entire Christian religion a myth. If the Catholic Church does not possess the truth, we need not further to seek it; it is not to be found elsewhere.
To sum up: the Faith, the true faith taught by Jesus Christ, is necessary to salvation, and is to be found in the Catholic Church alone.
Essential as it is in itself, our faith must have certain qualities if it is to contain for us the germ of eternal life. It must be entire, firm, steadfast, and living. Let us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, consider as shortly as possible the first three of these characteristics.
Our faith is to be entire.
When is it entire? It is entire when we believe not only a part, but all that the Catholic Church proposes to our belief. All the truths of faith have been revealed by the same God, all are therefore equally true; and they are all presented to us by the same Church, so they must all without exception be accepted and believed one as firmly as the other. It is by no means permissible to make a selection, that is, to choose some and to reject others, but this unfortunately is what is too often done.
Many people receive with great alacrity the sweet and consolmg doctrme of God's mercy, His patience, His willingness to forgive; they welcome the promise of the unspeakable happmess of heaven. But, suggest to them that He exacts repentance, penance, and that in His inconceivable justice He tolerates a hell to punish eternally, and they are filled with horror and refuse to accept it.
Those truths which human intelligence can grasp are to be believed; but some think that those incomprehensible mysteries of faith which our minds can not penetrate we are to be free to throw aside. This is not perfect faith - in fact, it is not in its essence faith at all. "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, but offend in one point, is guilty of all." He who denies one article of faith denies them all. If one stone of an arch loosens and slips the whole arch is surely to collapse. We must believe all that God has revealed and that the Holy Catholic Church proposes to our belief.
Good heavens! some of you may exclaim, what a task, to believe everything which God has revealed and the Church teaches! Why, I don't even know half of it. At school I learned very little and I have forgotten most of that. My intelligence is limited, my memory weak, and I go very seldom attend conferences. Can one believe a thing that one does not know? Certainly, one can! Suppose you receive a letter and you see by the writing on the envelope that it comes from a friend whom you highly respect and consider to be an absolutely truth-loving person. You know that this friend has been an eye-witness of certain occurrences which the letter details to you. Are you not satisfied that you hold in your hand an authentic and truthful account of all that happened? You believed the contents of the letter really before you read it, before you opened it, or knew what was in it. In a similar manner we must, therefore, believe all that God has revealed, even if we have not complete knowledge of it all.
Our faith must be firm.
It is firm when we do not wilfully doubt of any article of faith. Firmness is the opposite of doubt, or rather of wilful doubt, for many staunch Christians are frequently troubled and tormented with difficulties. This is not to be wondered at, for the evil spirit knows what he is doing, and when he finds his assaults in other directions make no impression then he seeks to disturb us about the truths of religion. For, if faith, the foundation of the Christian life, be once undermined, the whole structure totters and falls to the ground. Moreover, faith deals with so many unfathomable mysteries that it is an easy matter to induce people to call it in question, but as long as these doubts are not voluntary and are not wilfully entertained they are not sinful and do not in any way shake the firmness of our faith.
What, then, are we to do if we find ourselves assailed by doubts of one or other article of faith? If doubts against faith trouble you, recail to mind the rock on which your belief is built, namely, the truth of God, which is eternal and never failing, which can not err and can not lie. Say, with all your heart: "My God, I believe all Thou hast revealed; because Thou art the infallible truth I trust Thy word more than my own understanding." Excite in yourself lively sentiments of faith and boldly ignore all temptations against it.
Our faith must be steadfast.
It is steadfast when we are ready to sacrifice everything, even life itself, rather than give it up.
I read somewhere of a sailor, who, in a battle at sea, caught hold of an enemy's boat with his hand and held it tight so as to give his comrades time to come up and capture it. The enemy yelled at him to let go, but he clung on all the harder; they hurled threats at him, but he stuck to it with all the more determination. They slashed at his fingers with their swords, but he still grasped the boat with the wounded hand till it was cut right through and then he substituted the other. He preferred to lose both hands rather than to relinquish what he had secured. This must be our attitude toward the Faith. We must choose rather to part with all we have - goods, honors, position, yes, even with life itself, sooner than loosen our hold on it.
The holy martyrs are striking examples of this steadfastness. There was no advantage they were not willing to forego, no suffering they would not gladly endure for the sake of the Faith, and the later history of the Church is full of such examples in people of every age, condition, and sex. We are children of the same religion and of the same Church as they, and we ought to be ashamed if we are not ready to follow in their footsteps.
We close our instruction with the resolve to be ready to bear for our faith, if and when necessary, the ridicule and contempt of the world, and the slights and disadvantages which even in our day are not infrequently the portion of those who believe. By so doing we shall walk in the bloodstained footsteps of the saints and shall attain with them the reward, of the life to come.
Adapted from Popular Sermons on the Catechism
by Fr. Hubert Bamberg, 1914