Mental Prayer Meditation Helps
On Spiritual Exercises
Presence of God
Grace I Ask: To see exactly how successful I've been this summer in leading my life as a faithful Catholic and to continue to make improvements.
Check-Up: Imagine Mary, your Mother, appearing to you. See her so beautiful, clothed in blue and white, just as at Fatima. She speaks to you in a gentle voice:
"My son, have you really tried this summer to become my son, to become more like Christ, by the best means possible: by daily prayer and fulfilling your spiritual duties? Did you say my Rosary every day, trying to make each mystery real and vivid? Did you go to Mass and Communion daily, or at least some time during the week? You know how important I consider the examination of conscience each evening, checking the 'particular examination.' Well, what about them? How faithful have you been?"
"Prayer and penance. Those are the things I asked for at Fatima for world peace. Have you been making your daily 15 minutes of mental prayer. Name some things you have sacrificed, given up in reparation to my Immaculate Heart and my Son's Sacred Heart."
"Have you allowed me to speak to you by making spiritual reading? Have you made use of weekly confession to a regular confessor to stay close to me and Jesus? And finally, what have you done to save and perfect souls during the summer? Can you mention someone who is closer to me because of what you have said and done?"
I Speak to Mary: Mary, I know I have failed at times, but with your help I will do better in the future.
Thought for Today: I will do better.
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Gospel for Saturday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
________________________________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
___________________________
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.
The Parable of the Talents
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [14] "For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; [15] to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. [16] He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. [17] So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. [18] But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. [19] Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] And he who received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, `Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' [21] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [22] And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, `Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' [23] His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' [24] He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, `Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; [25] so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' [26] But his master answered him, `You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? [27] Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. [28] So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. [29] For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'"
________________________________
Commentary:
14-30. A talent was not any kind of coin but a measure of value worth about fifty kilos (one hundred pounds) of silver.
In this parable the main message is the need to respond to grace by making a genuine effort right through one's life. All the gifts of nature and grace which God has given us should yield a profit. It does not matter how many gifts we have received; what matters is our generosity in putting them to good use.
A person's Christian calling should not lie hidden and barren: it should be outgoing, apostolic and self-sacrificial. "Don't lose your effectiveness; instead, trample on your selfishness. You think your life is for yourself? Your life is for God, for the good of all men, though your love for our Lord. Your buried talent, dig it up again! Make it yield" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 47).
An ordinary Christian cannot fail to notice that Jesus chose to outline his teaching on response to grace by using the simile of men at work. Here we have a reminder that the Christian normally lives out his vocation in the context of ordinary, everyday affairs. "There is just one life, made of flesh and spirit. And it is this life which has to become, in both soul and body, holy and filled with God. We discover the invisible God in the most visible and material things. There is no other way. Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him" ([St] J. Escriva, "Conversations" , 114).
___________________________
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, September 01, 2006
Mental Prayer, First Saturday of September
Mental Prayer Meditation Helps
First Saturday of September
Fifth Glorious Mystery (Mary's Queenship)
The Fatima Story
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Dear Christ, grant me the grace to understand and fulfill your Mother's requests at Fatima.
Mental Picture: Portugal in 1917... a quiet country hill... three young children shepherds kneeling... two little girls (Lucy and Jacinta) and a little boy (Francis)... before them a lovely Lady... clad in snow-white garments... surrounded by heavenly light... a rosary in her hands... her heart pierced by cruel thorns... her eyes sorrowful and loving... her message: prayer and sacrifice for sinners and for world peace.
My Personal Application: Do I know what practices are required by the First Saturday devotions? Confession, Communion, Rosary, 15-minute mental prayer on one or more mysteries of the Rosary - all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Do I practice this devotion devoutly and regularly? Do I say my Rosary often for sinners? For world peace? Do I add after each decade the ejaculation which Mary taught the children at Fatima? ("O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fire of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of your Mercy"). Do the thorns wounding Mary's heart suggest to me a few extra aspirations during the day or perhaps the sacrifice of a snack or soda?
I Speak to God: Dear Lord, teach me the importance of your Mother's message in my life. Give me the generous spirit of prayer and sacrifice which she asks of me at Fatima. I want to pray and make sacrifices, to make up for my own and others' sins, and to do my part for world peace.
Thought for Today: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my salvation."
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
-------------------------
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly and offer You the most Precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the earth, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference with which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of You the conversion of poor sinners."
First Saturday of September
Fifth Glorious Mystery (Mary's Queenship)
The Fatima Story
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Dear Christ, grant me the grace to understand and fulfill your Mother's requests at Fatima.
Mental Picture: Portugal in 1917... a quiet country hill... three young children shepherds kneeling... two little girls (Lucy and Jacinta) and a little boy (Francis)... before them a lovely Lady... clad in snow-white garments... surrounded by heavenly light... a rosary in her hands... her heart pierced by cruel thorns... her eyes sorrowful and loving... her message: prayer and sacrifice for sinners and for world peace.
My Personal Application: Do I know what practices are required by the First Saturday devotions? Confession, Communion, Rosary, 15-minute mental prayer on one or more mysteries of the Rosary - all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Do I practice this devotion devoutly and regularly? Do I say my Rosary often for sinners? For world peace? Do I add after each decade the ejaculation which Mary taught the children at Fatima? ("O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fire of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of your Mercy"). Do the thorns wounding Mary's heart suggest to me a few extra aspirations during the day or perhaps the sacrifice of a snack or soda?
I Speak to God: Dear Lord, teach me the importance of your Mother's message in my life. Give me the generous spirit of prayer and sacrifice which she asks of me at Fatima. I want to pray and make sacrifices, to make up for my own and others' sins, and to do my part for world peace.
Thought for Today: "Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my salvation."
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
-------------------------
Why Religion?
"A certain man gave a great supper, and he invited many." St. Luke, 14:16.
"I believe in the holy, Catholic Church." The Creed.
A priest in a parlor car was joined by three well-dressed gentlemen. One of them asked the padre: "Do you think a man could get to heaven without joining the Church?"
"I think he could," the priest replied.
They laughed, patted him on the back, and called him broadminded.
"Now let me ask you a question," said the priest, "and I want you to answer me just as quickly as I answered you. Why do you want to go to heaven that way?"
They stared at one another speechless.
"Why don't you ask me another question," suggested the priest. "Why don't you ask me if a man could get to England without going on a boat?"
This time they found words, and blurted out: "Well, what is the answer to that one?"
"I see no reason a man could not get to England without going on a ship," the priest admitted, "provided he was a good swimmer, tied some food between his shoulders to eat on the way, had strength to buffet all the waves, and, provided a shark did not get him or a floating log knock him out. And suppose you did get to England without a ship, do you think you would get there much faster or in a much better condition than the man who did take a boat?"
There is part of your answer to the question we hear so often today: "Why religion? What is the use of religion? Do we really need religion? Religion is all right for those who need it, but not necessary for strong souls who can do without it."
In answer to all this we want to state and prove that religion is necessary for all.
We need to be clear about the meaning of religion. It means the tie or bond or union between God and man. Subjectively, that is, as religion exists in the mind of man, it means the continual disposition to recognize God by faith, hope and charity. Objectively, that is, apart from man's thoughts, religion means the sum of beliefs and practices by which man admits his dependence on God. What is the need for such a disposition? What is the need for such a group of beliefs and practices:
1. Man's happiness demands religion, A watch is made to tell time, a knife is made to cut, a bird is made to fly. Man is made to honor God. The most primitive people admit some sort of Supreme Being. To acknowledge Him is religion. Unless man recognizes God, he is like the watch that never tells time, the knife that never cuts, the bird that never flies. Reason tells us that we must live according to our nature. Reason also tells us that there is someone far superior to us whom we must honor. Reason demands religion.
2. Secondly, justice demands religion. Justice demands that we give to everyone what belongs to him. That is a thought at the bottom of every man's thinking. Likewise, at the foundation of every man's thinking is the truth that there is a God. God is superior, supreme. We must honor Him.
3. Thirdly, gratitude demands religion. The same thinking which tells us that we must give every man what is due him, also tells us that we must give every man thanks for favors he has done for us. It is a rockbottom requirement of reason. Who has done more for us than God? We saw in the beginning of this series that God made all things. He is the Author of all good. Everything we have comes from Him. We must thank Him. Outside religion, where and when do men thank God?
4. Order requires religion. Reason demands order; reason detests disorder. A disorderly desk, a disorderly workbench, a disorderly grocery store, make us impatient and unhappy. Thought tells us that man is inferior to God. We must recognize that rank or arrangement; otherwise we will be unhappy. Being superior, God knows better. Reason tells us to follow the plan of the One who knows better. In our case that is God's plan.
5. Honor demands religion. Honor and respect are due to anyone who is above another in whatever field it may be. The highest political honor in the United States is due to the president. The highest religious honor in the world is due to God. Call it worship, call it adoration, call it religion, we owe God the highest respect.
6. Society demands religion. So far we have spoken only of the individual. Religion is necessary for groups of individuals, for the world, for society. The purpose of society is to protect the rights of man, to secure justice, to promote the happiness of its members, to maintain order. Just as the individual cannot be just, cannot be happy, cannot be orderly, cannot be reasonable unless he practices religion, so the state, which is merely a group of individuals, cannot be just and happy unless it acknowledges God.
A world without religion is a world at war - at war with itself, with its neighbors, and with its God. Look at the nations where religion was suppressed and imprisoned in recent wars. What cruelty, what misery, what disaster, what unhappiness! Look at Russia where God not only was given a back seat, but He was shoved out the door. What poverty, what ignorance, what suppression of individual and state freedom!
Religion is as necessary for man as a ship or a plane is for crossing the ocean. You might struggle along without it, but it will be difficult, dangerous, wearisome, and certainly not the best and most reasonable way of getting to heaven.
Today we should renew our commitment to thank God for the one, true religion. We should thank God for inviting us to the great supper. We should thank God that we can thoughtfully, whole-heartedly pray: "I believe in the holy, Catholic Church." I believe in religion. Amen.
__________________________
Adapted from Talks on the Creed
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (© 1946)
"I believe in the holy, Catholic Church." The Creed.
A priest in a parlor car was joined by three well-dressed gentlemen. One of them asked the padre: "Do you think a man could get to heaven without joining the Church?"
"I think he could," the priest replied.
They laughed, patted him on the back, and called him broadminded.
"Now let me ask you a question," said the priest, "and I want you to answer me just as quickly as I answered you. Why do you want to go to heaven that way?"
They stared at one another speechless.
"Why don't you ask me another question," suggested the priest. "Why don't you ask me if a man could get to England without going on a boat?"
This time they found words, and blurted out: "Well, what is the answer to that one?"
"I see no reason a man could not get to England without going on a ship," the priest admitted, "provided he was a good swimmer, tied some food between his shoulders to eat on the way, had strength to buffet all the waves, and, provided a shark did not get him or a floating log knock him out. And suppose you did get to England without a ship, do you think you would get there much faster or in a much better condition than the man who did take a boat?"
There is part of your answer to the question we hear so often today: "Why religion? What is the use of religion? Do we really need religion? Religion is all right for those who need it, but not necessary for strong souls who can do without it."
In answer to all this we want to state and prove that religion is necessary for all.
We need to be clear about the meaning of religion. It means the tie or bond or union between God and man. Subjectively, that is, as religion exists in the mind of man, it means the continual disposition to recognize God by faith, hope and charity. Objectively, that is, apart from man's thoughts, religion means the sum of beliefs and practices by which man admits his dependence on God. What is the need for such a disposition? What is the need for such a group of beliefs and practices:
1. Man's happiness demands religion, A watch is made to tell time, a knife is made to cut, a bird is made to fly. Man is made to honor God. The most primitive people admit some sort of Supreme Being. To acknowledge Him is religion. Unless man recognizes God, he is like the watch that never tells time, the knife that never cuts, the bird that never flies. Reason tells us that we must live according to our nature. Reason also tells us that there is someone far superior to us whom we must honor. Reason demands religion.
2. Secondly, justice demands religion. Justice demands that we give to everyone what belongs to him. That is a thought at the bottom of every man's thinking. Likewise, at the foundation of every man's thinking is the truth that there is a God. God is superior, supreme. We must honor Him.
3. Thirdly, gratitude demands religion. The same thinking which tells us that we must give every man what is due him, also tells us that we must give every man thanks for favors he has done for us. It is a rockbottom requirement of reason. Who has done more for us than God? We saw in the beginning of this series that God made all things. He is the Author of all good. Everything we have comes from Him. We must thank Him. Outside religion, where and when do men thank God?
4. Order requires religion. Reason demands order; reason detests disorder. A disorderly desk, a disorderly workbench, a disorderly grocery store, make us impatient and unhappy. Thought tells us that man is inferior to God. We must recognize that rank or arrangement; otherwise we will be unhappy. Being superior, God knows better. Reason tells us to follow the plan of the One who knows better. In our case that is God's plan.
5. Honor demands religion. Honor and respect are due to anyone who is above another in whatever field it may be. The highest political honor in the United States is due to the president. The highest religious honor in the world is due to God. Call it worship, call it adoration, call it religion, we owe God the highest respect.
6. Society demands religion. So far we have spoken only of the individual. Religion is necessary for groups of individuals, for the world, for society. The purpose of society is to protect the rights of man, to secure justice, to promote the happiness of its members, to maintain order. Just as the individual cannot be just, cannot be happy, cannot be orderly, cannot be reasonable unless he practices religion, so the state, which is merely a group of individuals, cannot be just and happy unless it acknowledges God.
A world without religion is a world at war - at war with itself, with its neighbors, and with its God. Look at the nations where religion was suppressed and imprisoned in recent wars. What cruelty, what misery, what disaster, what unhappiness! Look at Russia where God not only was given a back seat, but He was shoved out the door. What poverty, what ignorance, what suppression of individual and state freedom!
Religion is as necessary for man as a ship or a plane is for crossing the ocean. You might struggle along without it, but it will be difficult, dangerous, wearisome, and certainly not the best and most reasonable way of getting to heaven.
Today we should renew our commitment to thank God for the one, true religion. We should thank God for inviting us to the great supper. We should thank God that we can thoughtfully, whole-heartedly pray: "I believe in the holy, Catholic Church." I believe in religion. Amen.
__________________________
Adapted from Talks on the Creed
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (© 1946)
Gospel for Friday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' [9] But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. [11] Afterwards the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' [12] But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
_______________________
Commentary:
1-46. The whole of chapter 25 is a practical application of the teaching contained in chapter 24. With these parables of the wise and foolish virgins and of the talents, and His teaching on the Last Judgment, our Lord is again emphasizing the need for vigilance (cf. note on Matthew 24:42). In this sense, chapter 25 makes chapter 24 more intelligible.
1-13. The main lesson of this parable has to do with the need to be on the alert: in practice, this means having the light of faith, which is kept alive with the oil of charity. Jewish weddings were held in the house of the bride's father. The virgins are young unmarried girls, bridesmaids who are in the bride's house waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. The parable centers on the attitude one should adopt up to the time when the bridegroom comes. In other words, it is not enough to know that one is "inside" the Kingdom, the Church: one has to be on the watch and be preparing for Christ's coming by doing good works.
This vigilance should be continuous and unflagging, because the devil is forever after us, prowling around "like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works [...]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out [...], renew them with the inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of His love and bring you into His banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished" (St. Augustine, "Sermon", 93).
___________________________
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.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [1] "Then the Kingdom of Heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; [4] but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. [5] As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' [9] But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. [11] Afterwards the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' [12] But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
_______________________
Commentary:
1-46. The whole of chapter 25 is a practical application of the teaching contained in chapter 24. With these parables of the wise and foolish virgins and of the talents, and His teaching on the Last Judgment, our Lord is again emphasizing the need for vigilance (cf. note on Matthew 24:42). In this sense, chapter 25 makes chapter 24 more intelligible.
1-13. The main lesson of this parable has to do with the need to be on the alert: in practice, this means having the light of faith, which is kept alive with the oil of charity. Jewish weddings were held in the house of the bride's father. The virgins are young unmarried girls, bridesmaids who are in the bride's house waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. The parable centers on the attitude one should adopt up to the time when the bridegroom comes. In other words, it is not enough to know that one is "inside" the Kingdom, the Church: one has to be on the watch and be preparing for Christ's coming by doing good works.
This vigilance should be continuous and unflagging, because the devil is forever after us, prowling around "like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). "Watch with the heart, watch with faith, watch with love, watch with charity, watch with good works [...]; make ready the lamps, make sure they do not go out [...], renew them with the inner oil of an upright conscience; then shall the Bridegroom enfold you in the embrace of His love and bring you into His banquet room, where your lamp can never be extinguished" (St. Augustine, "Sermon", 93).
___________________________
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, August 31, 2006
Romney Warns of 'Orwellian' Stem Cell Research
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a 2008 Republican presidential hopeful, said Thursday his administration's new restrictions on stem cell research are aimed at heading off an "Orwellian" future.Kudos to Mitt Romney on this decision...
The state's Department of Public Health this week issued regulations banning the creation of embryos for research purposes.
...
"I believe it crosses a very bright moral line to take sperm and eggs in the laboratory and start creating human life," Romney told reporters. "It is Orwellian in its scope. In laboratories you could have trays of new embryos being created."
It's shameful that Missouri's Republican governor, Matt Blunt, refuses to see the inherent and grotesque evil in embryonic stem cell research. It's equally deplorable that others, such as former Senator Danforth, feel compelled to advocate cloning of human beings for the sole purpose of killing them for experimentation and research. Actually, it's much worse than deplorable, it's demonic.
Many prayers and acts of reparation are needed for the conversion of the hearts of those who are embracing the various anti-family, pro-death agendas we face today.
For First Friday - an Examination of Conscience
"Bring in here the poor, and the crippled and the blind, and the lame." St. Luke, 14:21.
A Catholic missionary in China answered a knock at the door one evening. It was Joseph, one of his catechists or religion teachers. Joseph had a piece of paper with a long list of sins, their kind and their number.
"What is this?" Father asked.
"That's a list of my wife's sins. She doesn't know much about religion, and is afraid she might make a bad confession, so I examine her conscience for her. I write down everyone of her sins. Then she can remember them when she goes to confession.
The priest was edified as well as amused, but he wanted to know how the husband was so sure that the list was correct. The helpful husband explained: "I examine her conscience with her. She cannot tell a lie, because I already know many of her faults. And if I should actually catch her in a lie, I make her kneel in her room before a picture of our Lord."
When Father asked whether she always did as her husband directed, the latter declared: "I should say she does, Father; she would not dare to be disobedient."
I am inclined to think we would all get a much better picture of our sinful state if we too had somebody else to examine our conscience for us. Others see faults which we cannot see. Wouldn't it be wonderful if wives and husbands would examine each other's conscience? To think of your sins is your personal problem and task. Today we would like to help you with it.
Thinking of your sins is the first step in the sacrament of confession. The best way of examining your conscience is to go through all Ten Commandments of God, the six principal precepts of the Church, the seven capital sins, and see just how you have offended God in regard to each. This is the best and most thorough method. Another way is to examine yourself on those commandments which you know you generally violate. Still, another method is to think back to your last good confession and immediately your serious sins will stand out in memory.
Whatever way you use, be sure to determine the kind of sin you committed and the number of times. It is not enough to say: "Father, I was bad." That might mean you were unkind or impatient or dishonest or impure. Neither is it enough to say: "I was impure." Was it in thought or word or action? Was it alone or with somebody else? Of course, you are not to mention any names or places or anything that might betray another. But the confessor must know the kind of sin.
He must also know the number of times, at least about how often you have committed each kind of sin. You must confess the kind and number of all mortal sins.
Certain circumstances will change the nature and seriousness of a sin. Simply to confess, for example: "I stole," is not enough. Give the priest some idea of the amount stolen and the person from whom it was taken. There are mortal and venial sins of theft, you know.
Let me repeat: You must tell all your mortal sins, their kind and their number. To omit a mortal sin through careless examination of conscience would make yours a bad confession. If you are not sure whether the sin was mortal or venial, confess it as a doubtful sin. If you have no mortal sins, then mention some serious sin of your past life, or at least one of your more serious venial sins. We will speak of this more fully in the near future.
One class of sin too often overlooked are those of our particular state in life. It is related of the Emperor Charles V of Spain that he once made his confession to a pious and penetrating priest. When His Majesty had completed his confession, the priest reminded him: "Your Majesty has confessed the sins of Charles; now let me hear the sins of the Emperor." As Emperor he had certain responsibilities, the neglecting of which was matter for confession.
Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, employers and employees, superiors and inferiors, professional men like doctors, lawyers and teachers have duties which they must fulfill. That is one of the main reasons religious, priests, bishops and even the Pope go to confession. They have great responsibilities. To neglect them is sinful.
Let me offer some helps in examining your conscience. First, beg the Holy Spirit to help you make a good confession, to help you remember your sins. Second, use a prayerbook or catechism with a list of possible sins. Third, give your examination time and thought, the time and thought you would give to an important business deal. Don't worry about it, but don't be careless either.
The best help in thinking of your sins at the time of confession is the practice of examining your conscience every day. In your night prayers look over the previous twenty-four hours and recall how seriously and how often you have offended God. Tell Him you are sorry.
Still another aid is frequent confession. Put off receiving this sacrament, and you make it more difficult each day you delay. Monthly confession should be the minimum for a practical Catholic.
Much as we smile at the story of the Chinese man who wrote down the sins of his wife, it was an effective way for her to remember them, and a big help when it came time to confess them. Do that for yourself. No, don't write down your sins, but be conscientious.
Yes, the great supper is the banquet of the Lord, who invites the spiritually poor, the spiritually crippled, and the spiritually lame to take part. Whoever commits mortal sin is poor and crippled and blind spiritually. The Divine Physician will cure you in His sacrament of mercy through the hands of His priest. Then you can confidently and lovingly approach the table of the Lord. Amen.
____________________
Adapted from Talks on the Sacraments
by Fr. Arthur Tonne,OFM (© 1947)
A Catholic missionary in China answered a knock at the door one evening. It was Joseph, one of his catechists or religion teachers. Joseph had a piece of paper with a long list of sins, their kind and their number.
"What is this?" Father asked.
"That's a list of my wife's sins. She doesn't know much about religion, and is afraid she might make a bad confession, so I examine her conscience for her. I write down everyone of her sins. Then she can remember them when she goes to confession.
The priest was edified as well as amused, but he wanted to know how the husband was so sure that the list was correct. The helpful husband explained: "I examine her conscience with her. She cannot tell a lie, because I already know many of her faults. And if I should actually catch her in a lie, I make her kneel in her room before a picture of our Lord."
When Father asked whether she always did as her husband directed, the latter declared: "I should say she does, Father; she would not dare to be disobedient."
I am inclined to think we would all get a much better picture of our sinful state if we too had somebody else to examine our conscience for us. Others see faults which we cannot see. Wouldn't it be wonderful if wives and husbands would examine each other's conscience? To think of your sins is your personal problem and task. Today we would like to help you with it.
Thinking of your sins is the first step in the sacrament of confession. The best way of examining your conscience is to go through all Ten Commandments of God, the six principal precepts of the Church, the seven capital sins, and see just how you have offended God in regard to each. This is the best and most thorough method. Another way is to examine yourself on those commandments which you know you generally violate. Still, another method is to think back to your last good confession and immediately your serious sins will stand out in memory.
Whatever way you use, be sure to determine the kind of sin you committed and the number of times. It is not enough to say: "Father, I was bad." That might mean you were unkind or impatient or dishonest or impure. Neither is it enough to say: "I was impure." Was it in thought or word or action? Was it alone or with somebody else? Of course, you are not to mention any names or places or anything that might betray another. But the confessor must know the kind of sin.
He must also know the number of times, at least about how often you have committed each kind of sin. You must confess the kind and number of all mortal sins.
Certain circumstances will change the nature and seriousness of a sin. Simply to confess, for example: "I stole," is not enough. Give the priest some idea of the amount stolen and the person from whom it was taken. There are mortal and venial sins of theft, you know.
Let me repeat: You must tell all your mortal sins, their kind and their number. To omit a mortal sin through careless examination of conscience would make yours a bad confession. If you are not sure whether the sin was mortal or venial, confess it as a doubtful sin. If you have no mortal sins, then mention some serious sin of your past life, or at least one of your more serious venial sins. We will speak of this more fully in the near future.
One class of sin too often overlooked are those of our particular state in life. It is related of the Emperor Charles V of Spain that he once made his confession to a pious and penetrating priest. When His Majesty had completed his confession, the priest reminded him: "Your Majesty has confessed the sins of Charles; now let me hear the sins of the Emperor." As Emperor he had certain responsibilities, the neglecting of which was matter for confession.
Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, employers and employees, superiors and inferiors, professional men like doctors, lawyers and teachers have duties which they must fulfill. That is one of the main reasons religious, priests, bishops and even the Pope go to confession. They have great responsibilities. To neglect them is sinful.
Let me offer some helps in examining your conscience. First, beg the Holy Spirit to help you make a good confession, to help you remember your sins. Second, use a prayerbook or catechism with a list of possible sins. Third, give your examination time and thought, the time and thought you would give to an important business deal. Don't worry about it, but don't be careless either.
The best help in thinking of your sins at the time of confession is the practice of examining your conscience every day. In your night prayers look over the previous twenty-four hours and recall how seriously and how often you have offended God. Tell Him you are sorry.
Still another aid is frequent confession. Put off receiving this sacrament, and you make it more difficult each day you delay. Monthly confession should be the minimum for a practical Catholic.
Much as we smile at the story of the Chinese man who wrote down the sins of his wife, it was an effective way for her to remember them, and a big help when it came time to confess them. Do that for yourself. No, don't write down your sins, but be conscientious.
Yes, the great supper is the banquet of the Lord, who invites the spiritually poor, the spiritually crippled, and the spiritually lame to take part. Whoever commits mortal sin is poor and crippled and blind spiritually. The Divine Physician will cure you in His sacrament of mercy through the hands of His priest. Then you can confidently and lovingly approach the table of the Lord. Amen.
____________________
Adapted from Talks on the Sacraments
by Fr. Arthur Tonne,OFM (© 1947)
Mental Prayer, First Friday of September-The Great Promise
Mental Prayer Meditation Helps
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Heart of Jesus, help me to understand how important First Fridays are for me.
The Idea: When He appeared to St. Margaret Mary, our Lord promised "to those who communicate on the first Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; my Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
And Holy Mother Church exhorts us also to pray hard for the grace to keep our souls in the state of sanctifying grace up to the very hour of death - for the grace of final perseverance - because it is a very special grace. At the moment of death our eternity is determined: heaven or hell.
My Personal Application: I suppose I haven't thought much about dying. But it's the one thing of which I can be certain. Does the thought of death ever occur to me when I'm tempted to offend God? Why should this promise of the Sacred Heart make the thought of death less unpleasant for me?
I Speak to Christ: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, help me to understand what a tremendous protection you have provided for my soul at the hour of death. I place all my hope for eternal salvation in you, O Jesus. Don't let me ever forget your personal love for me which led you to make this promise. Thank you for promising to me such a wonderful blessing.
Thought for Today: "This day you will be with me in Paradise."
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Heart of Jesus, help me to understand how important First Fridays are for me.
The Idea: When He appeared to St. Margaret Mary, our Lord promised "to those who communicate on the first Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; my Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
And Holy Mother Church exhorts us also to pray hard for the grace to keep our souls in the state of sanctifying grace up to the very hour of death - for the grace of final perseverance - because it is a very special grace. At the moment of death our eternity is determined: heaven or hell.
My Personal Application: I suppose I haven't thought much about dying. But it's the one thing of which I can be certain. Does the thought of death ever occur to me when I'm tempted to offend God? Why should this promise of the Sacred Heart make the thought of death less unpleasant for me?
I Speak to Christ: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, help me to understand what a tremendous protection you have provided for my soul at the hour of death. I place all my hope for eternal salvation in you, O Jesus. Don't let me ever forget your personal love for me which led you to make this promise. Thank you for promising to me such a wonderful blessing.
Thought for Today: "This day you will be with me in Paradise."
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
UN Treaty Rejects New Rights to Abortion, Euthanasia and Homosexuality
Just in from the Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute:
After four hard years of negotiation pro-lifers are declaring a victory in the drafting of an international treaty for those with disabilities. Gone from the document are such crazy ideas as the international community guaranteeing the right to "experience one's sexuality" (if you aren't happy in bed the UN will fix it!). In the document are guarantees of food and water for the disabled who are also terminal.
There is much else to be happy about in this negotiation. Congratulations are in order for the intrepid group of pro-life lobbyists who came in from around the world.
Spread the word.
Yours sincerely,
Austin Ruse
President
The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM)
=========================================
UN Treaty Rejects New Rights to Abortion, Euthanasia and Homosexuality
By Susan Yoshihara, PhD
(NEW YORK — C-FAM) The just-concluded UN meeting on the rights of persons with disabilities was on balance a success for pro-lifers. Negotiations came down to the wire on the last day of the proceedings, after delegates hammered out the issue of “reproductive health” round the clock for the last two days. The ad hoc committee adopted the full treaty late on Friday night, completing four years of negotiations.
Pro-life nations managed to keep some of the worst language out of the treaty, despite enormous pressure from liberal governments. Any new right for persons to “experience their sexuality” and “have sexual and other intimate relationships” was completely rejected. Also, delegates largely replaced the ambiguous word “gender” with the word “sex”. While UN documents have never defined the term as meaning anything other than “male” and “female,” Muslim countries urged the change to avoid misinterpretation of the word “gender” to advance the growing homosexual agenda at the UN.
Another defeat for the pro-death side was the inclusion of the right of disabled to food and fluid, denying euthanasia proponents legal footing to starve or dehydrate the disabled to death. Coupled with the reinsertion of the word “worth” back into the traditional UN phrase “dignity and worth,” and along with the adoption of a separate article guaranteeing the right to life, the treaty reaffirmed in law the inherent value of human life. These pro-life wins undercut attempts to use the new treaty to justify the “death with dignity” movement and assisted suicide.
Finally, though the term “sexual and reproductive health” made it into the final document, it only came after all sides of the abortion debate reached consensus that the phrase did not include abortion. This echoes the results of the debate a year ago at the Beijing+10 meeting addressing the status of women.
Delegates told the Friday Fax they accepted the term because they were confident it would not be misinterpreted as including abortion. The U.S. sounded a note of warning in its closing statement, saying that the treaty “cannot be interpreted to constitute support, endorsement, or promotion of abortion.” The Holy See went further and objected to the phrase all together, despite the fact that their objection went unrecognized until after the gavel came down. During deliberations, the Holy See consistently argued against putting a legally imprecise and undefined term into binding international law.
Likewise, conservative UN experts remain concerned because the phrase continues to be misinterpreted by some UN agencies, members of human rights compliance committees, as well as radical NGOs.
The treaty will now be drafted and approved in various languages before it goes to the General Assembly for final adoption by member states. The General Assembly convenes on September 12th.
=====================================
Copyright 2006 - C-FAM (Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute). Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
Deluded "Catholics" and "Rent-a-Priests"
The headline reads:
Desperate Catholics find "rent-a-priests" online
But the headline is all wrong. While some might profess to be Catholic, they have abandoned the Church which Christ established in order to concoct something of their own making. Yes, they might have done this in "desperation" but that is likely due to ignorance.
And again, we see, even from priests, an utter failure to understand (or a complete rejection of) the theological virtue of faith. It is clear that one is not doing God's will when he has rejected the authority of Christ as given to the Apostles and their successors.
It's a shame that so many have rejected the Church yet wish to reshape the Church according to their own wants and desires. Many of these, no doubt, have entered into heresy or schism, while presuming to have been given the knowledge of what is best for the Church and for those who remain within the Church. Some have chosen the wide and comfortable path rather the the narrow and difficult one. Sadly, many of those who were once Catholic have been deceived into thinking that they can still be Catholic, while rejecting that which makes one Catholic.
Desperate Catholics find "rent-a-priests" online
But the headline is all wrong. While some might profess to be Catholic, they have abandoned the Church which Christ established in order to concoct something of their own making. Yes, they might have done this in "desperation" but that is likely due to ignorance.
ALBANY, New York (Reuters) - Some are Catholics who see their church as stuck in the past. Others are believers who happen to be divorced, pregnant before marriage or gay. A few just can't find a priest when they need one.It borders on the absurd to state that some of these people are "believers", if that means "believers" in the Catholic sense. It's also ludicrous to think that those who are divorced, homosexual, or pregnant outside of marriage are "shunned" by the Church. The Church, in following the example of our Lord, has the utmost empathy for sinners and calls them to repentance and conversion. But the Church, just like Christ, cannot condone sinful behavior as a good, as something which is not sinful.
Roman Catholics shunned by the official church are "renting" married priests in times of crisis and celebration.
They turn to http://www.rentapriest.com, a Web site with 2,500 Catholic priests in a national database known as "God's Yellow Pages." Virtually all the priests in the database have left their official clerical ministries due to the Roman Catholic Church's mandatory celibacy rule, but they continue to conduct weddings, usually for a fee, while performing baptisms, last rites and funerals for free, in keeping with the practice of officially recognized priests.These "rental priests", having abandoned the Church, have no faculties and are depriving Catholics of licit and valid sacraments.
We are doing Jesus' work and apparently the church isn't," said Louise Haggett, director of Celibacy Is The Issue (CITI) ministries, which runs the site and helped arrange 3,000 weddings last year.Here we witness more delusional thinking - the bold assertion that they are doing the will of God, that they are doing the "work or our Lord." This is a clear manifestation of the vice of pride. They have decided to make themselves "popes" and to set themselves above Christ and His Church.
Richard Hasselbach, who married after he was a priest for 13 years, defends the organization because many people are turned off by what he calls the inflexibility and rigidity of "the corporate Catholic Church."Vows or solemn promises made before God and the bishops of the Church have, for some, become meaningless.
. . .
Faith is a relationship with Christ and not about rules and dogma, Hasselbach said. "Once you're a priest, you're always a priest," he said. "If I fail to respond to the call to minister, I do at my own peril."
And again, we see, even from priests, an utter failure to understand (or a complete rejection of) the theological virtue of faith. It is clear that one is not doing God's will when he has rejected the authority of Christ as given to the Apostles and their successors.
It's a shame that so many have rejected the Church yet wish to reshape the Church according to their own wants and desires. Many of these, no doubt, have entered into heresy or schism, while presuming to have been given the knowledge of what is best for the Church and for those who remain within the Church. Some have chosen the wide and comfortable path rather the the narrow and difficult one. Sadly, many of those who were once Catholic have been deceived into thinking that they can still be Catholic, while rejecting that which makes one Catholic.
New Bishop for Sioux Falls
From Catholic World News:
The people of Sioux Falls have been waiting and praying for the appointment of a new bishop for some time.
The newly appointed Bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has an interesting background. Bishop-elect Paul Swain was raised as a Methodist and trained as a lawyer. He came into the Catholic Church while serving as counsel to the Governor of Wisconsin, then left that job to enter the seminary.
The people of Sioux Falls have been waiting and praying for the appointment of a new bishop for some time.
Whistleblower Priest Leaves Priesthood and Parish
The Rev. Michael Madden, the man who was responsible for hiring the private investigator that revealed financial improprieties by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Jude Fay, announced Tuesday that he is leaving St. John Parish and the priesthood.
Father Madden told the current pastor, the Rev. Frank McGrath, of his decision on Tuesday afternoon of this week. He gave his reasons, including excessive stress and needing time for healing, and some thoughts about the recent events at St. John Parish during several exclusive interviews with The Darien Times.
Father Madden had been a priest for 11 years, and had been with St. John Parish for four years.
The decision was another tough hurdle for the “whistleblower” who called the diocese’s attention to the alleged financial misconduct of former pastor Fay, but Father Madden is hoping it is the last. Father Fay’s misconduct may have resulted in a loss of $1.4 million to the parish, according to an independent audit commissioned by the diocese and conducted by Deloitte Financial Services.
Kansas Bishops: Moral Principles for Catholic Voters
JUDGMENTS CONCERNING MORAL EVILS.The full document is available here (PDF format)...
A correct conscience recognizes that there are some choices that always involve doing evil and which can never be done even as a means to a good end. These choices include elective abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, the destruction of embryonic human beings in stem cell research, human cloning, and same-sex “marriage.”
Such acts are judged to be intrinsically evil, that is, evil in and of themselves, regardless of our motives or the circumstances. They constitute an attack against innocent human life, as well as marriage and family. Pope John Paul II warned that concern for the “right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination” (Christifideles Laici 38).
Other examples of choices that always involve doing evil would be racial discrimination and the production and use of pornography. These actions offend the fundamental dignity of the human person.
Concerning choices that are intrinsically evil, Catholics may not promote or even remain indifferent to them.
In light of the above, it is a correct judgment of conscience that we would commit moral evil if we were to vote for a candidate who takes a permissive stand on those actions that are intrinsically evil when there is a morally-acceptable alternative. (emphasis added)
Gospel for Thursday, 21st Week in Ordinary Time
From: Matthew 24:42-51
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
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.
Vigilance. The Faithful Servant
(Jesus said to his disciples,) [42] "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[45] "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [47] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. [48] But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, [51] and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth."
___________________________
Commentary:
42. Jesus himself draws from this revelation about the future the practical moral that a Christian needs to be on the watch, living each day as if it were his last.
The important thing is not to be speculating about when these events will happen and what form they will take, but to live in such a way that they find us in the state of grace.
51. "And will punish him [or, cut him in pieces]": this can be understood as a metaphor for "will cast him away". "Weeping and gnashing of teeth": the pains of hell.
___________________________
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.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Excommunicated - or Not?
LifeSiteNews and others reported that "Cardinal Alfonso Llopez Trujillo announced Tuesday that the Colombian Catholic Church has excommunicated all persons involved in obtaining an abortion for an 11-year-old girl, who became pregnant after she was raped."
This seems to have come from a report in the Manila Bulletin Online.
Yet an AP report on Forbes states:
This seems to have come from a report in the Manila Bulletin Online.
Yet an AP report on Forbes states:
A news report that a cardinal threatened doctors who performed an abortion with excommunication sparked controversy Wednesday and a denial from the prelate.So the question remains - were all, including the judges, politicians and legislators involved in the decision, as well as the doctors, nurses and the girl’s parents excommunicated, or not?
Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo denied saying that the Vatican will excommunicate the doctors who performed Colombia's first legal abortion on an 11-year old girl allegedly raped by her stepfather.
Mental Prayer for August 31- Charity
Mental Prayer Meditation Helps
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Teach me, God, to know what charity is and give me the strength to practice it.
The Idea: Two persons must have something in common if they are to be in love. A mother and child share the same blood. A husband and wife share each other. Close friends share the same interests. What about myself and God? God could have arranged things so that He and I would never have been friends. He could have arranged things so that He and I would have nothing in common. He would have been the mighty awe-inspiring God, and I would have had to keep my distance. But God did not do that. Instead He arranged that He and I would share His own life through sanctifying grace. He sent His own Son to be a man to win back that life for me and all men and teach us how much God wants to be friends with each and every human being.
My Personal Application: If God the Father sent His own Son to die for me, what should I do for God? If God wants each and every man to think of Him as a friend, what should be my attitude to my fellowmen? Can I be a real friend of God if I am not a friend of His friends, if I am not friendly to all those with whom He wants to be friends? God wants all men to be His friends. He wants all men to share sanctifying grace on earth and the vision of Himself in heaven. If He thinks that highly of all men, what should I think of them?
I Speak to God: God, help me realize all that lies beneath the simple words "charity to God and men."
Thought for Today: "If a man says he loves God while he hates his fellowmen, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20).
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
Presence of God.
Grace I Ask: Teach me, God, to know what charity is and give me the strength to practice it.
The Idea: Two persons must have something in common if they are to be in love. A mother and child share the same blood. A husband and wife share each other. Close friends share the same interests. What about myself and God? God could have arranged things so that He and I would never have been friends. He could have arranged things so that He and I would have nothing in common. He would have been the mighty awe-inspiring God, and I would have had to keep my distance. But God did not do that. Instead He arranged that He and I would share His own life through sanctifying grace. He sent His own Son to be a man to win back that life for me and all men and teach us how much God wants to be friends with each and every human being.
My Personal Application: If God the Father sent His own Son to die for me, what should I do for God? If God wants each and every man to think of Him as a friend, what should be my attitude to my fellowmen? Can I be a real friend of God if I am not a friend of His friends, if I am not friendly to all those with whom He wants to be friends? God wants all men to be His friends. He wants all men to share sanctifying grace on earth and the vision of Himself in heaven. If He thinks that highly of all men, what should I think of them?
I Speak to God: God, help me realize all that lies beneath the simple words "charity to God and men."
Thought for Today: "If a man says he loves God while he hates his fellowmen, he is a liar" (1 John 4:20).
__________________
Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)
A Perverted View of Bioethics?
Pro-Euthanasia Attorney with ties to Planned Parenthood to Head ABA's Special Bioethics Committee
I'm beginning to wonder if humanity is not suffering from a moral depravity of epidemic proportions...
=========================
Also, if you are so inclined, please consider this Child Custody Protection Act (CCPA) Petition
I'm beginning to wonder if humanity is not suffering from a moral depravity of epidemic proportions...
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Also, if you are so inclined, please consider this Child Custody Protection Act (CCPA) Petition
I/we demand that U.S. Senate Democrats, led by Senators Harry Reid (NV) and Dick Durbin (IL), remove the procedural roadblock they have erected to try to stop passage of the Child Custody Protection Act (S. 403). This legislation would prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortions in order to circumvent parental notification laws in 29 states, in violation of parents' rights.We know well the answer to that question...many of them represent, not only the killers of unborn babies, but the father of lies, as well.
CCPA passed strongly in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 65-34, and the House of Representatives has passed similar legislation four times since 1998, only to have it similarly killed by the Democrat caucus. Americans consistently poll overwhelmingly in favor of parental notification laws.
I/we say, Enough! Let CCPA proceed according to the will of the People and the will of Congress. Who do Senate Democrats represent - American citizens or the abortion industry?
Life Issues Must Be Central to Catholics’ Voting Decisions
Sweep Abortion Supporters out of Office says Rio de Janeiro BishopLife issues should be central to all voters' decisions, Catholic or otherwise. It is incoherent for a truly civilized society to allow or promote abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, infanticide, and embryonic stem cell research. A society which permits such evils is committing suicide. In time, that society, after having abandoned the principles of natural law and morality, will be cease to exist or be enslaved by others.
Warns “It is no longer possible to straddle the fence.”
By Hilary White
RIO DE JANEIRO, August 30, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – In a lengthy interview, an auxiliary Catholic bishop of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, told a Rome news service, Zenit, that the life issues must become central to Catholics’ voting decisions.
With general elections looming in Brazil, Bishop Dimas Lara Barbosa, said that abortion and euthanasia are becoming pressing issues for Christians everywhere. “It is no longer possible to straddle the fence.”
Bishop Lara Barbosa had strong words for politicians who have failed to take a strong stand for life or who have used their religious affiliation disingenuously to gain voter support, saying they should be “swept” out of office.
Wal-Mart Partners with Gay/Lesbian Radicals
. . .In an apparent concession to the heat from the radical left, Wal-Mart has entered into a new partnership with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). While the NGLCC professes to promote the "interests of the LGBT business community," this is not all they have done. Recently, they described efforts to defend traditional marriage as an attempt to "write discrimination into the Constitution..." The NGLCC also advocated attaching a pro-homosexual "hate crimes" amendment to legislation intended to protect children from violent sex offenders...HT to Patte G for the link...
...it's never too late to express your disappointment with this recent decision by Wal-Mart executives. Please download the flier and deliver it to your local Wal-Mart Customer Service Desk. Doing so will allow you, a patron of their stores, to convey your desire that Wal-Mart stick to business, not politics...
Church Decries Film's about St Teresa of Avila
The Church is facing another onslaught from filmmakers.
After the furore of the controversial account of Jesus in The Da Vinci Code, it is now having to contend with an allegedly blasphemous account of the life of Saint Teresa of Avila.
Saint Teresa was a mystic who said that Christ frequently conversed with her, and four centuries after her death her writings are revered as spiritual masterpieces. But filmmakers do not do spirituality as easily as sexuality and, in exploring the saint's sex life and virginity, they now find themselves being accused of treading sacrilegiously.
The film was denounced on Thursday by Benedicta Ward, a nun and reader in the history of Christian spirituality in the theology faculty at Oxford University, who wrote the introduction to a recent edition of the saint's most celebrated work, Life. On being told about the film's content, she said: "It's just imagination.
"The stress on her virginity and her sexuality are entirely modern interests as if she were living now," she said. "That's not fair.
"She is the greatest of the mystics. She has visions and writes about them and analyses them in an extraordinary way.
"It seems strange if they're treating her as a saint you pray to, but are inventing things about her."
When we read of these things, we should not be surprised. We should recall the words of our Lord as recorded in the Gospel of St. John:
15:19. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.We can still show our disdain for films such as these by boycotting and/or protesting them.
15:20. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.
15:21. But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake: because they know not him that sent me.
15:22. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin.
15:23. He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
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