Friday, May 26, 2006
The New Curia of Benedict XVI Looks toward Asia
The new prefect of “Propaganda Fide” comes from India. And the new secretary of the congregation for the liturgy is from Sri Lanka. His first public address was the presentation of a book. And it was revealing
by Sandro Magister
by Sandro Magister
Belleville Home of Admitted Priest Sexual Molester
BELLEVILLE -- The Rev. Real "Ray" Bourque, who admits that he sexually abused boys in the late 1970s and early '80s while serving as a priest on the East Coast, was transferred four years ago to a retirement home in Belleville.
During a brief telephone interview Monday, Bourque said that while he did sexually abuse children, he was himself a victim of molestation as a child by an attacker who was not a priest.
Asked whether he had sexually molested boys, Bourque responded: "Eventually I did." He declined further comment, saying, "I was a victim myself ... I'm retired. I'm 78 years old. I don't want to be part of a witch hunt."
An editorial in the Belleville News Democrat shows a lack of comprehension about how the Church is structured...The editorial blames Bishop Braxton for not doing something about this case:
Bourque admits he is a child molester. But because he is a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, not a parish priest, he is not covered by the sex abuse policy. He is the responsibility of the [O}blates. Their response to his pedophilia is to have Bourque sign himself out of the retirement home.First, I have not yet read whether this is a case "pedophilia" or one of homosexuality...Noting that the editorial writer is wrong about Bishop Braxton's powers to do something in this case leads me to be suspicious about the writer's other claims.
So how does current Bishop Edward Braxton respond? After the vicar general was sent to meet with the oblates' leader, Braxton concluded his obligations under the zero-tolerance policy were fulfilled and there was no more he was allowed to do under canon law.
Really?
In all fairness, the editorial should be directed toward the Oblates and not Bishop Braxton.
A Prayer for Priests
O Jesus, Eternal Priest;
keep Thy priests within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Thy Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with Thy Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unworldly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let Thy holy love surround them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit,
and may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here
and their everlasting crown hereafter.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us: obtain for us numerous and holy priests.
keep Thy priests within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Thy Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with Thy Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unworldly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let Thy holy love surround them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit,
and may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here
and their everlasting crown hereafter.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us: obtain for us numerous and holy priests.
Pope to Priests:...Be an Expert in the Spiritual Life
Papal Address to Priests in Warsaw Cathedral
"To Be an Expert in the Spiritual Life"
WARSAW, Poland, MAY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI gave to priests today in Warsaw Cathedral, on the first day of his apostolic visit to Poland.
"To Be an Expert in the Spiritual Life"
WARSAW, Poland, MAY 25, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI gave to priests today in Warsaw Cathedral, on the first day of his apostolic visit to Poland.
...The faithful expect only one thing from priests: that they be specialists in promoting the encounter between man and God. The priest is not asked to be an expert in economics, construction or politics. He is expected to be an expert in the spiritual life. With this end in view, when a young priest takes his first steps, he needs to be able to refer to an experienced teacher who will help him not to lose his way among the many ideas put forward by the culture of the moment.
In the face of the temptations of relativism or the permissive society, there is absolutely no need for the priest to know all the latest, changing currents of thought; what the faithful expect from him is that he be a witness to the eternal wisdom contained in the revealed word. Solicitude for the quality of personal prayer and for good theological formation bear fruit in life...
Gospel for May 26, Memorial: St. Philip Neri, Priest
From: John 16:20-23
Fullness of Joy (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [20] "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. [21] When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. [22] So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. [23] In that day you will ask nothing of Me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in My name."
________________________
Commentary:
21-22. This image of the woman giving birth (frequently used in the Old Testament to express intense pain) is also often used, particularly by the prophets, to mean the birth of the new messianic people (cf. Isaiah 21:3; 26:17; 66:7; Jeremiah 30:6; Hosea 13:13; Micah 4:9-10). The words of Jesus reported here seem to be the fulfillment of those prophecies. The birth of the messianic people--the Church of Christ--involves intense pain, not only for Jesus but also, to some degree, for the Apostles. But this pain, like birthpains, will be made up for by the joy of the final coming of the Kingdom of Christ: "I am convinced," says St. Paul, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).
23-24. See the note on John 14:12-14.
[Note on John 14:12-14 states:
12-14. 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.
Fullness of Joy (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [20] "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. [21] When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. [22] So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. [23] In that day you will ask nothing of Me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father, He will give it to you in My name."
________________________
Commentary:
21-22. This image of the woman giving birth (frequently used in the Old Testament to express intense pain) is also often used, particularly by the prophets, to mean the birth of the new messianic people (cf. Isaiah 21:3; 26:17; 66:7; Jeremiah 30:6; Hosea 13:13; Micah 4:9-10). The words of Jesus reported here seem to be the fulfillment of those prophecies. The birth of the messianic people--the Church of Christ--involves intense pain, not only for Jesus but also, to some degree, for the Apostles. But this pain, like birthpains, will be made up for by the joy of the final coming of the Kingdom of Christ: "I am convinced," says St. Paul, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).
23-24. See the note on John 14:12-14.
[Note on John 14:12-14 states:
12-14. 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.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
More Judicial Tyranny
International Law Threatens Home Schooling Warns Home School Legal Defense
Complete article here.
In light of the above and more, here is a Parents Prayer for Children
PURCELLVILLE, Virginia, May 25, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A home schooling association is warning that the U.S., and even more so other countries, faces the threat that home schooling may be deemed illegal due to international law.All that is necessary for the US to become part of this international takeover is for the voting public to continue to elect reprobates to politcal office...It seems to me, that this, too, is part of the spiritual warfare in which we are currently embattled. There is a concerted effort by some to destroy the family - and this will destroy society as we know it. As the country and world becomes more and more paganized, the necessity of prayer, reparations and sacrifice increases.
The Home School Legal Defense Association's (HSLDA) Chairman and General Counsel, Michael Farris, warns that even though the U.S. has never ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the convention may still be binding on citizens because of activist judges.
Complete article here.
In light of the above and more, here is a Parents Prayer for Children
O Jesus, Lover of children, bestow Your most precious graces on those whom You have confided to our care. Increase in them faith, hope and charity. May Your love form them to solid piety; inspiring them with horror for sin, love of work and an ardent desire of worthily approaching Your Holy Table. Preserve in them innocence and purity of heart and if they should offend You, grant them the grace of prompt and
sincere repentance.
From Your Tabernacle watch over them day and night, protect them in all their ways. Grant that they may acquire the knowledge they need, that they may embrace the state of life to which You call them.
Give us for them a sincere love, constant vigilance, generous devotedness. Be here below our sweetest consolation and in Heaven our eternal reward. Amen.
Groups Spends $1.3M to Promote Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Anyone who claims that this research is not about money is simply not in touch with reality. This $1,300,000 expediture to collect signatures does not include the current ads running on TV (and I presume, radio). These ads, designed to evoke an emotional rather than an intellectual response are pure bunk - they make me want to wretch! They are full of lies and deceptions! Though tremendous advances are being made in the area of Adult Stem Cell Research, these are largely ignored by the press and by those who have been sold a false and illusory hope in something which has yet to offer any promise for a cure, let alone that both ESCR and somatic cell nuclear transfer are inherently immoral and unethical as they rely on destroying human life to achieve their ends.
Granted, the signature gatherers may have been lied to by the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, the group responsible for the massive deception. One can only conclude that many of the signatures were gathered by fraud and deceit - I know - I heard it myself.
..the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures relied on paid professional signature gatherers to collect the signatures necessary to qualify its ballot initiative, which also allows some forms of human cloning.And, of course, the signature gatherers misled the public in order to get them to sign on the dotted line..."This is a petition to ban human cloning. Would you like to sign it so we can vote on it in November?"
The group spent almost $1.3 million to pay signature gatherers, according to an Associated Press report. The money went to an out-of-state firm -- the Michigan-based National Petition Management, which hires people to obtain signatures.
Granted, the signature gatherers may have been lied to by the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, the group responsible for the massive deception. One can only conclude that many of the signatures were gathered by fraud and deceit - I know - I heard it myself.
Jaci Winship, director of Missourians Against Human Cloning, accused backers of buying a place on the Missouri ballot. She said backers have received millions from the Stowers research center for the proposal and would "whatever is necessary to deceive the voters into supporting this unethical amendment."When it comes right down to its core, truth, morality and ethics are thrown out the window for the chance to acquire more wealth and potential patent rights...this behavior is reprehensible.
Meanwhile, almost all of the $10 million the pro-cloning group raised through May 17 came from two people -- James and Virginia Stowers. The group has received only about 5 percent of its funds from average Missouri residents.Not too surprising...
Arizona Family Needs Help....
As posted at CatholicLight here:
Who protects you from an abusive CPS?Prayers needed for this situation.
If any of our readers happen to be family lawyers in the state of Arizona, would you take a moment to look into a family that needs help?
Nancy Sandrock is a practicing midwife and mother of twelve in Maricopa County. Seven of her children live at home, but they were removed by the Arizona CPS recently in connection with a complaint against her 18-year-old son.
Our blog neighbor Alicia the midwife (May archive) has visited the family in the past and knows the mother well, so she's been posting about the case.
What they need most now is legal help to stop apparently abusive state social workers from bulldozing their family.
By Their Fruits....
...you will know them...
Scotland abortions reach all-time high
Scotland abortions reach all-time high
Poor Scotland...While abortions are currently on the rise, the future holds the promise that in a few years there may be a significant decrease due to the fact that the children are going to be taught how to have "safe" sex - homosexual style...What a plan!
Glasgow, May. 25, 2006 (CNA) - Policymakers in Scotland must gather their courage to publicly discourage early sexual activity and promote abstinence, said Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow after new government statistics revealed that the number of abortions in the country have reached an all-time high. There were 12,603 abortions in Scotland in 2005.
The new data demonstrates that “the current approach of ever greater availability of contraception, ever more explicit sex education and ever easier access to abortion is a recipe for disaster,” said the archbishop.Archbishop Conti is right on target, but does anyone listen? Will Scotland be yet another Western country that chooses to commit suicide? Time will tell.
Dr Ed Peters: Msgr. Cormac Burke's canon law website
For those of us who have more than a passing interest in Canon Law, this looks to be great news:
Msgr. [Cormac] Burke is that unusual kind of man who has maintained extensive scholarly output while performing Church work at the highest levels; in him, we have the chance to see how a canonical judge (one with a common law formation at that) adjudicates actual cases, and how the same man reflects on those issues as an academic. Thus, his decision to launch a personal website, featuring many of his books, articles, and judicial sentences, is very exciting news. His materials (often entire works) are now available in several languages.Read Dr. Peters' overview of retired Rotal Judge, Msgr. Cormac Burke’s, important new canon law website here.
A Farewell to a Modernist in Minneapolis-St Paul
Ever wonder how St. Joan of Arc parish in Minneapolis became what it is today?For those unfamilar with this parish, it might be described as one of the most un-Catholic "Catholic" parishes around...Even worse than St Cronan's in St Louis...
It all began with Fr. Harvey Egan, who passed away on Saturday, May 20th. St. Joan of Arc has a video documentary on their website which includes excerpts from a 2003 interview with Egan by Anna Vagle, a parishioner who has been with the parish, apparently, since the days of the first Gym Masses at St. Joan's.
There are seven video clips and The Weight of Glory Blog has posted some of the highlights (or lowlights) of these clips here.
The Star-Tribune carried a story here recently about the "priest":
To his parishioners at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Egan the rebel provided the nourishment that helped transform the south Minneapolis church throughout his 18 years as its pastor.The "infallible" words of Pope Harvey...
Egan was installed as St. Joan of Arc pastor in 1967 and under the liberalizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council, he created a contemporary mass that was conducted in the church's gymnasium.
"That was the time to make up your mind, whether you were going to go with old church or new," Egan said in a 2003 interview posted on the church's website.
"I knew what Vatican II said and I knew this was the right way to go," he said.
It was also a time to make bold moves. Egan invited feminist Gloria Steinem to speak from the church pulpit in 1978.The spirit of rebellion has not subsided...
...
"St. Joan of Arc believes in women and their participation in the liturgy and believes in contemporary themes and their position in the liturgy," Egan said in 2003.
"Where Jesus was doesn't interest me. It's where he is now that I want to find," he told the Star Tribune in 1986 when he retired. "I want to see the action now. The message of the resurrection is that the love of Christ is alive and in operation here and now."Interestingly, in segment 5 of the video he speaks of the last things:
"There won't be a heaven and hell at the end -- it's all glory, it's all heaven. That's the way it is, even though most parishes don't see it that way..."I wonder if he thinks any differently today?
And let's not forget this tidbit on eliminating abortion:
"Minneapolis pastor Father Harvey Egan wrote a Minneapolis Star guest editorial opposing amendments outlawing abortion for moral or religious belief. Egan, who recently invited Gloria Steinem to St. Joan of Arc Church to give the homily wrote, 'Sixty years ago, prohibitionists, largely inspired by religious groups believing that strong drink is evil, obtained ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution and imposed their restrictive moral conviction on all U.S. citizens. . . Prohibition was a disaster. I suggest caution in pushing for another constitutional amendment based on a moral conviction'."Has Archbishop Flynn done anything to deal with this parish other than getting the last pastor, George Wertin, to retire last year? I'm not certain, but he doesn't seem to hesitate punishing those priests who are faithful and obedient (Fr. Altier)...
National Catholic Reporter
February 9, 1979
I hope people will pray the repose of the soul of Harvey Egan.
Ford Continues to Support Sexual Deviancy
This comes from an email I received last night:
You Will Absolutely Not Believe What Ford Has Done NowIt's obvious that Ford believes two or more homosexuals in a "relationship" constitutes a family...It's obvious, as well, that Ford thinks more of promoting sexual deviance than it does making cars and trucks...I'm dumping my Ford product - it is a defective piece of junk anyway - kind of like Ford's social philosophy.
Ford's magazine sponsorship now includes promotion of repugnant activity
When Ford responds to those who write concerning their promotion of homosexual marriage, the response they get from Ford's Customer Relationship Center says their support "is a strong commitment we intend to carry forward with no exception." For Ford, that support also includes homosexual polygamy.
To show those supporting traditional marriage they mean business, Ford sponsored the June 6 issue of the homosexual publication The Advocate. The cover reads: "Polygamy & Gay Men. Dirty laundry or sexual freedom? How gay men handle multiple partners." The article promotes homosexual polygamy.
Ford sponsored the publication with a full page back cover advertising Ford Motor company product Volvo and a full page ad for all Ford brands with the line: "Ford Motor Company. Standing strong with America's families and communities."
Ford's support for the magazine's promotion of homosexual polygamy leaves no doubt that Ford means to continue pushing the homosexual agenda, even including homosexual polygamy.
To see the front cover, the contents page and the ads for Ford and Volvo, click here. I must warn you, it will be offensive to many. The pages show the contents of the magazine which Ford helped sponsor with two full-page ads, but I felt we must include the proof. If you don't want to see it, please don't click the link.
At their stockholders meeting on May 11, Ford voted 95% of the ballots cast to continue their support of the homosexual agenda rather than be neutral in the cultural battle.
The boycott is working. The value of Ford stock has gone down 13% since the boycott began, while sales continue to drop.
Take Action:
Click Here to Sign the Ford Boycott Pledge Now!
An Editorial from the National Catholic Register...
...regarding Fr. Maciel.
HT to Salvacion for the article...
What to Expect of CofoundersWe must always pray for our priests. Our prayers will not go unanswered. Let us beseech God's blessings and grace upon those whom He has called to lead us to Him.
May 28-June 3, 2006
by Father Owen Kearns, LC
A note from the publisher of the National Catholic Register
HT to Salvacion for the article...
Catholic Church Responsible for "Gay" Deaths...
so claims flamer Elton John in this article.
I mean, let's face it. Does Elton have a clue, or does homosexuality really make one that stupid?
Are we to suppose to believe that the conversation of Butch and Mango, leading up to their show of "affection", included a statement like, "Well, Mango, the Vatican is opposed to me using of condoms while I show you how much I "love" you (it contraceptive, you know)...So if either us catches AIDS, it'll be Rome's fault, not ours. I just hope "
I'm beginning to wonder if maybe there's a yet unknown and undiscovered STD which affects one's brain. We already know that practicing homosexuals suffer a deadly spiritual disease, as do all who engage in gravely sinful acts.
The fact is that we reap what we sow. If one steeps himself in the world, engaging in abhorent and deadly acts of sinful behavior, one should not be surprised at his self-inflicted pain, suffering and death. Free will can be abused by ignoring the will of God and choosing to satisfy one's own will, instead. Rejecting the good, which is an abuse of one's freedom, leads to bondage and slavery, and ultimately to one's own death.
LONDON, May 24, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - British pop music star Elton John has attacked the Catholic Church and its position on condom use as a reason for the demise of 60 of his friends to the sexually-transmitted disease, AIDS.Of course, it had nothing to do their "alternative" lifestyles...While it's unfortunate that his friends died, and we should pray for them and Elton; they surely did not rely on the moral teachings of the Church about whether to use condoms while they were humping each others backsides, did they? Besides, the very act of sodomy is intrinsically evil itself. What's love (of condoms) got to do with it?
I mean, let's face it. Does Elton have a clue, or does homosexuality really make one that stupid?
Are we to suppose to believe that the conversation of Butch and Mango, leading up to their show of "affection", included a statement like, "Well, Mango, the Vatican is opposed to me using of condoms while I show you how much I "love" you (it contraceptive, you know)...So if either us catches AIDS, it'll be Rome's fault, not ours. I just hope "
I'm beginning to wonder if maybe there's a yet unknown and undiscovered STD which affects one's brain. We already know that practicing homosexuals suffer a deadly spiritual disease, as do all who engage in gravely sinful acts.
The fact is that we reap what we sow. If one steeps himself in the world, engaging in abhorent and deadly acts of sinful behavior, one should not be surprised at his self-inflicted pain, suffering and death. Free will can be abused by ignoring the will of God and choosing to satisfy one's own will, instead. Rejecting the good, which is an abuse of one's freedom, leads to bondage and slavery, and ultimately to one's own death.
"Fraternal Correction" Needed for Wisconsin Governor
Doyle restates support of stem cell researchThis public statement by a professed Catholic must not go uncorrected. This is a statement in open defiance of, not only these bishops, but the natural moral law and the decalogue. This man favors taking the live of the innocent to further human experimentation. He is also more concerned with money rather the the lives of innocent human beings.
Governor responds to criticism from two Catholic bishops
BY RYAN J. FOLEY
Associated Press
MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle broke with Wisconsin's two most prominent Catholic bishops on Wednesday, bluntly telling them he would not rethink his strong support of embryonic stem cell research.
"While I appreciate your thoughts on this important issue, I also feel a responsibility to promote vital research which holds the potential to save countless lives and bring thousands of jobs to our state," Doyle, a Catholic, wrote in a letter to Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Madison Bishop Robert Morlino.
Doyle's executive order set a statewide goal of capturing 10 percent of the stem cell technology market by 2015 and directed the Department of Commerce to use $5 million to recruit and help stem cell companies.This man is motivated by Satan and not by God - he is spiritually bankrupt! He brings disgrace and scandal to all that is Christian!
The governor responded that the research typically involves using surplus embryos at fertility clinics that would be discarded anyway.Some would, no doubt, propose that we have a surplus of ignorant, pompass governors and legislators who would be excellent specimens for scientific "research"...After all, they're going to die someday anyway.
"The ultimate question isn't whether embryos will be destroyed, but whether we should allow a few of those unused embryos to be utilized saving lives instead of discarding them," Doyle wrote. "I believe we should come down on the side of saving lives."
The bishops of the state need to act on this travesty immediately...This man who claims to be Catholic, is openly rejecting the teaching of the Church. This public rebellion needs a public response. Apparently, "dialogue" has again proven to be an inadequate means for correcting openly public, scandalous politicians.
Polish National Catholic-Roman Catholics Adopt "Joint Declaration on Unity"
Thursday, May 25, The Ascension
LESSON (Acts I. 1-11.)
The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach , until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles ,whom he had chosen, he was taken up: to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth: for John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. They, therefore, who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? But he said to diem: It is not for you to know the times or moments which the Father hath put in his own power; but you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold, two men stood by them in white garments, who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand yon looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
EXPLANATION
This gospel of St. Luke addressed to Theophilus, a Christian of note in Antioch, contains an account of the life, sufferings, and death of Jesus up to the time of His ascension into heaven. The Evangelist continues his account in the Acts of the apostles, in which he describes in simple words that which Jesus did during the forty days following His Resurrection, and the manner in which He ascended into heaven in the presence of His apostles. Rejoice that Christ today has entered into the glory gained by His sufferings and death, and pray: I rejoice, O King of heaven and earth, in the glory Thou bast this day attained in heaven. Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: sing ye to the Lord: sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens to the east. Give ye glory to God for Israel, his magnificence and his power is in the clouds. God is wonderful in his saints, the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people, blessed be God. (Ps.LXVII. 33‑36.)
GOSPEL (Mark. XVI. 14-20.)
At that time, Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. (And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned: And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents: and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick; and they shall recover.) And the Lord Jesus after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going forth preached everywhere, the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
The part of this gospel which is within the marks of parenthesis, is the gospel for the feast of St: Francis Xavier.
Why did Christ say to His apostles: Go ye into the whale world and preach the gospel to all creatures?
To show that no one is to assume the office of preaching, but must look for his mission from the lawful pastors of the Church. And when Christ sends His apostles into the whole worlds to all nations without exception, He shows His willingness to save all men. If the designs of God are not fulfilled, the blame is not to be attributed to God, but to man, who either does not accept the doctrine of the gospel, or accepting, does not live in accordance with it, or else renders himself by his obduracy in vice, unworthy of the gospel.
Is faith without good works sufficient for salvation?
No, faith that is not active in love, not fruitful in good works, and therefore not meritorious, (Gal. V. 6.) is not sufficient for salvation. "Such faith," says St. Anselm, "is not the faith of a Christian, but the faith of the devil." Only he who truly believes in Christ and His doctrine, and lives in accordance with it, will be saved.
Is ours then the true faith since all the faithful do not work miracles; as Christ has predicted?
St. Gregory very beautifully replies to this question: "Because the Redeemer said that true faith would be accompanied by miracles, you must not think that you have not the faith, because these signs do not follow; these miracles had to be wrought in the beginning of the Church, because faith in her had to be increased by these visible signs of divine power." And even now when such signs are necessary for the propagation of the faith, and victory over unbelief, God gives His faithful power to work them.
Are miracles wrought now in the Catholic Church?
Yes, for there have been at all times saints in the Church, who, as seen from their lives, have wrought miracles, on account of their faith, which even the heretics cannot deny; for instance St. Francis Xavier, who in the sight of the heathens, raised several dead persons to life. In a spiritual manner all pious Catholics still work such miracles; for, as St. Chrysostom says, "they expel devils when they banish sin, which is worse than the devil; they speak new tongues when they converse no longer on vain and sinful things, but on those which are spiritual and heavenly." "They take up serpents," says St. Gregory, "when by zealous exhortations they lift others from the shame of vice, without being themselves poisoned; they drink deadly things without being hurt by them, when they hear improper conversation without being corrupted or led to evil; they lay their hands upon the sick and heal them, when they teach the ignorant, strengthen by their good example those who are wavering in virtue, keep the sinner from evil, and similar things." Strive to do this upon all occasions, O Christian, for God willingly gives you His grace and you will thus be of more use to yourself and others, and honor God more than by working the greatest miracles.
Where and how did Christ ascend into heaven?
From Mount Olivet where His sufferings began, by which we learn, that where our crosses and afflictions begin which we endure with patience and resignation, there begins our reward. Christ ascended into heaven by His own power, because He is God, and now in His glorified humanity He sits at the right hand of His Father, as our continual Mediator.
In whose presence did Christ ascend into heaven?
In the presence of His apostles, and many of His disciples, whom He had previously blessed, (Luke XXIV. 51.) and who, as St. Leo says, derived consoling joy from His ascension. Rejoice, also, O Christian foul, for Christ has today opened heaven for you, and you may enter it, if you believe in Christ, and live in accordance with that faith. St. Augustine says: "Let us ascend in spirit with Christ, that when His day comes, we may follow with our body.
Yet you must know, beloved brethren, that not pride, nor avarice, nor impurity, nor any other vice ascends with Christ; for with the teacher of humility pride ascends not, nor with the author of goodness, malice, nor with the Son of the Virgin, impurity. Let us then ascend with Him by trampling upon our vices and evil inclinations, thus building a ladder by which we can ascend; for we make a ladder of our sins to heaven when we tread them down in combating them:"
ASPIRATION
To signify that Christ, of whom the candle is a figure, has gone from His disciples.
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From Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels by Fr. Leonard Goffine (c) 1880
The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach , until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles ,whom he had chosen, he was taken up: to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together with them, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth: for John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. They, therefore, who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? But he said to diem: It is not for you to know the times or moments which the Father hath put in his own power; but you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold, two men stood by them in white garments, who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand yon looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
EXPLANATION
This gospel of St. Luke addressed to Theophilus, a Christian of note in Antioch, contains an account of the life, sufferings, and death of Jesus up to the time of His ascension into heaven. The Evangelist continues his account in the Acts of the apostles, in which he describes in simple words that which Jesus did during the forty days following His Resurrection, and the manner in which He ascended into heaven in the presence of His apostles. Rejoice that Christ today has entered into the glory gained by His sufferings and death, and pray: I rejoice, O King of heaven and earth, in the glory Thou bast this day attained in heaven. Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth: sing ye to the Lord: sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens to the east. Give ye glory to God for Israel, his magnificence and his power is in the clouds. God is wonderful in his saints, the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people, blessed be God. (Ps.LXVII. 33‑36.)
GOSPEL (Mark. XVI. 14-20.)
At that time, Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. (And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned: And these signs shall follow them that believe. In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents: and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick; and they shall recover.) And the Lord Jesus after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going forth preached everywhere, the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
The part of this gospel which is within the marks of parenthesis, is the gospel for the feast of St: Francis Xavier.
Why did Christ say to His apostles: Go ye into the whale world and preach the gospel to all creatures?
To show that no one is to assume the office of preaching, but must look for his mission from the lawful pastors of the Church. And when Christ sends His apostles into the whole worlds to all nations without exception, He shows His willingness to save all men. If the designs of God are not fulfilled, the blame is not to be attributed to God, but to man, who either does not accept the doctrine of the gospel, or accepting, does not live in accordance with it, or else renders himself by his obduracy in vice, unworthy of the gospel.
Is faith without good works sufficient for salvation?
No, faith that is not active in love, not fruitful in good works, and therefore not meritorious, (Gal. V. 6.) is not sufficient for salvation. "Such faith," says St. Anselm, "is not the faith of a Christian, but the faith of the devil." Only he who truly believes in Christ and His doctrine, and lives in accordance with it, will be saved.
Is ours then the true faith since all the faithful do not work miracles; as Christ has predicted?
St. Gregory very beautifully replies to this question: "Because the Redeemer said that true faith would be accompanied by miracles, you must not think that you have not the faith, because these signs do not follow; these miracles had to be wrought in the beginning of the Church, because faith in her had to be increased by these visible signs of divine power." And even now when such signs are necessary for the propagation of the faith, and victory over unbelief, God gives His faithful power to work them.
Are miracles wrought now in the Catholic Church?
Yes, for there have been at all times saints in the Church, who, as seen from their lives, have wrought miracles, on account of their faith, which even the heretics cannot deny; for instance St. Francis Xavier, who in the sight of the heathens, raised several dead persons to life. In a spiritual manner all pious Catholics still work such miracles; for, as St. Chrysostom says, "they expel devils when they banish sin, which is worse than the devil; they speak new tongues when they converse no longer on vain and sinful things, but on those which are spiritual and heavenly." "They take up serpents," says St. Gregory, "when by zealous exhortations they lift others from the shame of vice, without being themselves poisoned; they drink deadly things without being hurt by them, when they hear improper conversation without being corrupted or led to evil; they lay their hands upon the sick and heal them, when they teach the ignorant, strengthen by their good example those who are wavering in virtue, keep the sinner from evil, and similar things." Strive to do this upon all occasions, O Christian, for God willingly gives you His grace and you will thus be of more use to yourself and others, and honor God more than by working the greatest miracles.
Where and how did Christ ascend into heaven?
From Mount Olivet where His sufferings began, by which we learn, that where our crosses and afflictions begin which we endure with patience and resignation, there begins our reward. Christ ascended into heaven by His own power, because He is God, and now in His glorified humanity He sits at the right hand of His Father, as our continual Mediator.
In whose presence did Christ ascend into heaven?
In the presence of His apostles, and many of His disciples, whom He had previously blessed, (Luke XXIV. 51.) and who, as St. Leo says, derived consoling joy from His ascension. Rejoice, also, O Christian foul, for Christ has today opened heaven for you, and you may enter it, if you believe in Christ, and live in accordance with that faith. St. Augustine says: "Let us ascend in spirit with Christ, that when His day comes, we may follow with our body.
Yet you must know, beloved brethren, that not pride, nor avarice, nor impurity, nor any other vice ascends with Christ; for with the teacher of humility pride ascends not, nor with the author of goodness, malice, nor with the Son of the Virgin, impurity. Let us then ascend with Him by trampling upon our vices and evil inclinations, thus building a ladder by which we can ascend; for we make a ladder of our sins to heaven when we tread them down in combating them:"
ASPIRATION
O King of glory! O powerful Lord! who hast this day ascended victoriously, above all heaven, leave us not as poor orphans; but send us, from the Father, the Spirit of truth whom Thou hast promised. Alleluia.Why is the paschal candle extinguished after the gospel on this day?
To signify that Christ, of whom the candle is a figure, has gone from His disciples.
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From Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels by Fr. Leonard Goffine (c) 1880
Gospel for Thursday, 6th Week of Easter
From: John 16:16-20
Fullness of Joy
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "A little while, and you will see Me no more; again a little while, and you will see Me." [17] Some of His disciples said to one another, "What is this that He says to us, `A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, `because I go to the Father'?" [18] They said, "What does He mean by `a little while'? We do not know what He means." [19] Jesus knew they wanted to ask Him; so He said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, `A little while and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'? [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."
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Commentary:
16-20. Earlier our Lord consoled the disciples by assuring them that He would send them the Holy Spirit after He went away (verse 7). Now He gives them further consolation: He is not leaving them permanently, He will come back to stay with them. However, the Apostles fail to grasp what He means, and they ask each other what they make of it. Our Lord does not give them a direct explanation, perhaps because they would not understand what He meant (as happened before: cf. Matthew 16:21-23 and paragraph). But He does emphasize that though they are sad now they will soon be rejoicing: after suffering tribulation they will be filled with a joy they will never lose (cf. John 17:13). This is a reference primarily to the Resurrection (cf. Luke 24:41), but also to their definitive encounter with Christ in Heaven.
___________________________
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.
Fullness of Joy
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [16] "A little while, and you will see Me no more; again a little while, and you will see Me." [17] Some of His disciples said to one another, "What is this that He says to us, `A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, `because I go to the Father'?" [18] They said, "What does He mean by `a little while'? We do not know what He means." [19] Jesus knew they wanted to ask Him; so He said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, `A little while and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'? [20] Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."
_____________________________
Commentary:
16-20. Earlier our Lord consoled the disciples by assuring them that He would send them the Holy Spirit after He went away (verse 7). Now He gives them further consolation: He is not leaving them permanently, He will come back to stay with them. However, the Apostles fail to grasp what He means, and they ask each other what they make of it. Our Lord does not give them a direct explanation, perhaps because they would not understand what He meant (as happened before: cf. Matthew 16:21-23 and paragraph). But He does emphasize that though they are sad now they will soon be rejoicing: after suffering tribulation they will be filled with a joy they will never lose (cf. John 17:13). This is a reference primarily to the Resurrection (cf. Luke 24:41), but also to their definitive encounter with Christ in Heaven.
___________________________
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.
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