Nature seeks to have things that are curious and fine, and does not care for things that are cheap and coarse: but grace is pleased with that which is plain and humble, rejects not coarse things, nor refuses to be clad in old clothes.
-Bk. III, ch. liv.
Then shall the mean habit shine, and fine clothing appear contemptible.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiv.
She had been given a new habit (the one preserved as a relic), and had worn it for the first time at Christmas 1896. It was the second she had had since her Clothing, and it fitted her very badly. I asked if this caused her any annoyance: "Not in the least! No more than if it belonged to a Chinaman thousands of miles away."
-N.V.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Gospel for Monday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, widow; St. Pontianus, pope and martyr
From: Luke 18:35-43
The Cure of the Blind Man of Jericho
[35] As He (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; [36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, [41] "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." [42] And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." [43] And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
__________________________
Commentary:
35-43. The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ's presence. We should not neglect the Lord's graces, for we do not know whether He will offer us them again. St. Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God's gift, to His passing us on the road: "`Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem': I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back." For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.
The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah--he gives Him the messianic title of Son of David--and asks Him to meet his need, to make him see. His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him. God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray--with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus to listen to us.
"Lord, let me receive my sight": this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart. It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God's plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith.
___________________________
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.
From: Luke 18:35-43
The Cure of the Blind Man of Jericho
[35] As He (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; [36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, [41] "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." [42] And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." [43] And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
__________________________
Commentary:
35-43. The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ's presence. We should not neglect the Lord's graces, for we do not know whether He will offer us them again. St. Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God's gift, to His passing us on the road: "`Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem': I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back." For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.
The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah--he gives Him the messianic title of Son of David--and asks Him to meet his need, to make him see. His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him. God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray--with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus to listen to us.
"Lord, let me receive my sight": this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart. It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God's plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith.
___________________________
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.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 19
It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind allows itself to be controlled by anger.
-St. Gregory the Great
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Gregory the Great
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for November 19, Little Actions
"It is enough to pick up a pin with love, to save a soul," said St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
This recalls that good Sister coadjutrix of the Congregation of Notre Dame. (Les Oiseaux), Sister St. Ann, who was often occupied in the garden during her life and who was reminded on her deathbed of the little twigs she so often picked up: "Not one had been picked up without an act of love."
Putting much love into little actions, which are the tissue of our life, is true practical sanctity. God does not ask me to accomplish great actions, but to accomplish all the little actions of my days with a great love. Thus transformed by love, these thousand nothings will become a superb something from which God will draw His glory.
One day, Queen Victoria visited a paper factory. The foreman showed everything to the queen and to the lady of honor who accompanied her without knowing who they were. He conducted them into the place where the first sorting of material takes place; there, from piles of filth, of sweepings, foul and nauseous rags were pulled. He told the queen that from these rags was made paper of the best quality and of an immaculate whiteness.
After the ladies left, the foreman learned that one of the visitors was none other than the queen of England. Shortly after, she received a package of most beautiful paper carrying the royal seal. A ticket was attached saying that this paper was made from the very rags the queen had seen sorted.
What a magnificent symbol is this fabrication of splendid vellum from a collection of little nothings, of insignificant leftovers, of scraps without value! A magnificent existence can also be fashioned from all the twigs of actions and the broken minutes of our days that bring no rest. You are tempted to complain of the poverty of your life! But look then more closely, don't you see that it is gold?
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
This recalls that good Sister coadjutrix of the Congregation of Notre Dame. (Les Oiseaux), Sister St. Ann, who was often occupied in the garden during her life and who was reminded on her deathbed of the little twigs she so often picked up: "Not one had been picked up without an act of love."
Putting much love into little actions, which are the tissue of our life, is true practical sanctity. God does not ask me to accomplish great actions, but to accomplish all the little actions of my days with a great love. Thus transformed by love, these thousand nothings will become a superb something from which God will draw His glory.
One day, Queen Victoria visited a paper factory. The foreman showed everything to the queen and to the lady of honor who accompanied her without knowing who they were. He conducted them into the place where the first sorting of material takes place; there, from piles of filth, of sweepings, foul and nauseous rags were pulled. He told the queen that from these rags was made paper of the best quality and of an immaculate whiteness.
After the ladies left, the foreman learned that one of the visitors was none other than the queen of England. Shortly after, she received a package of most beautiful paper carrying the royal seal. A ticket was attached saying that this paper was made from the very rags the queen had seen sorted.
What a magnificent symbol is this fabrication of splendid vellum from a collection of little nothings, of insignificant leftovers, of scraps without value! A magnificent existence can also be fashioned from all the twigs of actions and the broken minutes of our days that bring no rest. You are tempted to complain of the poverty of your life! But look then more closely, don't you see that it is gold?
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
An Open Letter to Fox 2-KTVI and J.C. Corcoran
On the heels of the recent attack on Archbishop Burke and the Catholic Church by J.C. Corcoran of Fox2 News and the email exchange with Corcoran by a friend as reported here, another friend, Mark S., has kindly allowed his letter to Corcoran and KTVI to be posted here.
Phone: 314-647-2222
Fax: 314-644-7419
There may be a public square rosary of reparation outside the television station which is located off Interstate 64/U.S. 40 at the intersection of Berthold, Oakland, and Hampton Avenues in the Clayton-Tamm/Dogtown neighborhood - south of Forest Park across Highway 40.
Stay tuned for details!
**** There is a further update ****
It is hoped that William Donohue of the Catholic League will get involved - let us pray that he also sees this as an issue worth pursuing.
A special thanks to Mark S. for kindly providing the letters.
Mr. JC Corcoran (email: jc@jcontheline.com)And the letter to Fox2-MTVI Management:
Fox 2 KTVI
5915 Berthold Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Subject: Archbishop Burke
Dear Mr. Corcoran,
After viewing your recent segment on Archbishop Burke and the state of the Catholic Church here in St. Louis, I am writing to demand an apology to the Archbishop and all faithful Catholics who have been offended so grievously by this attack on our Shepherd.
This kind of rhetoric is completely unacceptable to Catholics not only here but throughout the world. Your ignorance of the faith, of which you claim to support through your largess, is in itself embarrassing. However it doesn’t just stop with this ignorance, your public display against Archbishop Burke in an effort to incite hatred and division within the Church is even more infuriating.
As anyone living in today’s ‘politically correct’ culture is aware, this kind of outrage would never be tolerated if it were directed at other cultural or societal groups. Would you have appeared in a similar piece on Islam, Judaism, or Homosexuals? Would you tolerate an all out attack on the leader of women’s rights groups, Cindy Sheehan, or Jesse Jackson? Is your hatred so self-righteous that you thought that everyone Catholic and non, would hang on your every word and fill the airwaves with demands for His Grace’s resignation? Little did you know that there would be some including me who would demand yours.
Sadly, you appear desperate to assume the role of useful idiot, while completely ignoring the doctrine of the Catholic Faith that has been taught for over 2000 years. If you don’t understand the mechanisms of the Church and how they apply throughout the world perhaps you should ask someone to help you to understand, before embarrassing yourself and carrying on with rhetoric that simply cannot be applied to the Holy Roman Catholic Church..
Catholics around the region and the world are waiting and watching for your reaction - it’s character time, and your character is at stake. Show us what you’re made of, Mr. Corcoran.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kingsley SmithOthers, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who are/were offended by Corcoran's vicious attack against Archbishop Burke and the Church are encouraged to write, email, phone, or fax their comments in a firm but charitable manner. (You can watch the video here).
Fox 2 KTVI
5915 Berthold Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Subject: JC Corcoran Report on Archbishop Burke
Dear Mr. Smith,
After viewing Mr. Corcoran’s recent segment on Archbishop Burke and the state of the Catholic Church here in St. Louis, I am writing to demand an apology to the Archbishop and all faithful Catholics who have been offended so grievously by this attack on our Spiritual Father.
This kind of rhetoric is completely unacceptable to Catholics not only here but throughout the world. Mr. Corcoran’s ignorance of the faith, of which he proclaims to support through his largess, is in itself embarrassing for him to display in the public manner which you allowed. However it doesn’t just stop with his ignorance, his vitriol of the Catholic Church is even more infuriating.
While I am most angry with Mr. Corcoran, and demand an apology as stated above, I hold you and The Fox Network responsible for providing a forum for this hate filled person to vent his intolerance, hate and ignorance.
As anyone living in today’s ‘politically correct’ culture is aware, this kind of outrage would never be tolerated if it were directed at other cultural or societal groups. Would Fox have allowed a similar piece to air on Islam, Judaism, Homosexuals? Would Fox tolerate an all out attack on the leader of women’s rights groups, Cindy Sheehan, or Jesse Jackson? How is it then that you could allow and tolerate this?
Mr. Corcoran appears desperate to assume the role of useful idiot, while completely ignoring the doctrine of the Catholic Faith that has been taught for over 2000 years, and you sir are complicit by allowing his piece to be aired. As the producer, you put your signature of approval on each and every piece that is aired on your station and as such I accuse you too of bigotry and hatred.
Catholics around the region and the world are waiting and watching for your reaction.
Phone: 314-647-2222
Fax: 314-644-7419
There may be a public square rosary of reparation outside the television station which is located off Interstate 64/U.S. 40 at the intersection of Berthold, Oakland, and Hampton Avenues in the Clayton-Tamm/Dogtown neighborhood - south of Forest Park across Highway 40.
Stay tuned for details!
**** There is a further update ****
It is hoped that William Donohue of the Catholic League will get involved - let us pray that he also sees this as an issue worth pursuing.
A special thanks to Mark S. for kindly providing the letters.
A Great Reunion: Romano Amerio and the Changes in the Catholic Church
Have the changes of the conciliar era affected the essence of Catholicism, or not? "L'Osservatore Romano" brings the great Swiss thinker back into vogue. And archbishop Agostino Marchetto demolishes the theses of his adversaries: the "Bologna school" founded by Dossetti and Alberigo.Continued here.
by Sandro Magister
-----------------------
ROMA, November 15, 2007 – Among the new developments at "L'Osservatore Romano," now directed by professor Giovanni Maria Vian, there is one that concerns a thinker of exceptional prominence in the Catholic culture of the twentieth century: Switzerland's Romano Amerio, who died in Lugano in 1997, at the age of 92.
In 1985, when Amerio published his masterpiece entitled "Iota unum. Studio delle variazioni della Chiesa cattolica nel secolo XX [Iota Unum: A Study of Changes in the Catholic Church in the Twentieth Century]," the newspaper of the Holy See scrapped the review of the book commissioned by the prefect of the Ambrosian Library at the time, Fr. Angelo Paredi. The review was judged as too favorable, and "L'Osservatore" chose to be silent about the book from then on. So even the Vatican authorities joined in the intolerant silence that everyone was heaping upon the book and its author.
Now "L'Osservatore Romano" has reversed course. It has decided, not to remain silent about Amerio, but to speak. And to speak well of him...
Gospel for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:5-19
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
[12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
_____________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
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.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
[12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
_____________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
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.
2nd Reading for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Avoiding Idleness. Earning One's Living
[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.
___________________
Commentary:
7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone's business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was among them he worked to keep himself and was a burden on no one.
The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts "Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel." Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council goes on, realize that by their faith they "are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)" ("Gaudium Et Spes", 43).
"For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation, we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to disedify..., you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave properly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker, the academic--all Christians in fact--have to be an example for their colleagues at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God's work, sowing everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 70).
___________________________
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.
Avoiding Idleness. Earning One's Living
[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.
___________________
Commentary:
7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone's business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was among them he worked to keep himself and was a burden on no one.
The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts "Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel." Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council goes on, realize that by their faith they "are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)" ("Gaudium Et Spes", 43).
"For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation, we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to disedify..., you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave properly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker, the academic--all Christians in fact--have to be an example for their colleagues at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God's work, sowing everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 70).
___________________________
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.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 18
Meditation for November 18, A Lamp Without Oil
A certain period of history might well be described as a world without a soul. Institutions remained standing, society seemed to hold together, but much more by virtue of acquired speed and habit than from an interior dynamic force vibrant with life.
Speaking of himself, after his definite return to the true faith, Charles Nicolle, a great professor of medicine, compared himself to one of the lamps of the catacombs marked with the monogram of Christ and kept now as a souvenir, but which does not light at all; a Christian receptacle, no oil.
Am I not in danger of a similar phenomenon: a facade but nothing within; a decoration not a soul; the exterior of a religious, the interior empty.
Many Christians in the world practice a mere formal Christianity; appearances are safe; one does not dare to speak of their life.
We say the religious life: it must be a life, otherwise it is only a lie and an illusion.
I must be on my guard.
My God, give me a horror of sham, of a tepid will; of pretending to serve You while all the time my life is without soul, so that You have before You a lamp which is only a receptacle without oil and without flame.
Marked with the monogram of Christ. Certainly this applies to me, considering my investiture, my profession, and the insignia that I wear. I display perhaps a cross or a heart inscribed with some elevating motto which proclaims my consecration to a very elevated ideal of life. This ideal, however, resolves into only a few words upon metal, or a pretty symbol which means little more than one of my baubles of the past.
It is serious. The Master has said: "Let your light shine!" Is not my life becoming dim? Let me quickly replenish my lamp and re-enkindle the flame!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Speaking of himself, after his definite return to the true faith, Charles Nicolle, a great professor of medicine, compared himself to one of the lamps of the catacombs marked with the monogram of Christ and kept now as a souvenir, but which does not light at all; a Christian receptacle, no oil.
Am I not in danger of a similar phenomenon: a facade but nothing within; a decoration not a soul; the exterior of a religious, the interior empty.
Many Christians in the world practice a mere formal Christianity; appearances are safe; one does not dare to speak of their life.
We say the religious life: it must be a life, otherwise it is only a lie and an illusion.
I must be on my guard.
My God, give me a horror of sham, of a tepid will; of pretending to serve You while all the time my life is without soul, so that You have before You a lamp which is only a receptacle without oil and without flame.
Marked with the monogram of Christ. Certainly this applies to me, considering my investiture, my profession, and the insignia that I wear. I display perhaps a cross or a heart inscribed with some elevating motto which proclaims my consecration to a very elevated ideal of life. This ideal, however, resolves into only a few words upon metal, or a pretty symbol which means little more than one of my baubles of the past.
It is serious. The Master has said: "Let your light shine!" Is not my life becoming dim? Let me quickly replenish my lamp and re-enkindle the flame!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Springfield Monsignor Eugene Costa Removed from Priesthood
Monsignor Eugene Costa has been removed from the priesthood by Pope Benedict XVI, Kathie Sass, a spokeswoman for the Springfield Catholic Diocese, confirmed Friday.Some may remember Costa from this post "No suspects yet in attack on Catholic priest" from Dec 27, 2004, and this followup post "Springfield, IL Police Interview Beaten Priest," and this one from Jan 4, 2005, "Teens accused of priest's beating....But...."
Costa, 57, the former pastor of St. John Vianney Church in Sherman and Holy Family Church in Athens, has been on leave since January 2005. His laicization came at the request of Springfield Bishop George Lucas, Sass said. Because the action came directly from Pope Benedict, it cannot be appealed.
Costa is not permitted to perform priestly ministries or call himself "father."
Costa subsequently resigned, "Springfield Priest Resigns After Beating in Park," and Springfield Bishop George Lucas Spoke to Msgr Costa's Parishioners.
Sass declined to say where Costa is now, what his future plans are or to pass an interview request to Lucas. She said Costa still can be a practicing Catholic.More at the Springfield Journal Register here.
Just for Today, November 18
Thou must pass through fire and water, before thou comest to refreshment.
- Bk. I, ch. xxii.
"Before I could sit down under his shadow, whom I desired (Cant. ii, 3), I had to go through many trials, but God's call became so insistent, that to answer it I would have passed through fire. The only soul I found to encourage me in my vocation was my beloved Pauline. Her heart was a faithful echo of mine, and without her support I should never have reached the blessed haven which had already sheltered her for five years.
-H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
- Bk. I, ch. xxii.
"Before I could sit down under his shadow, whom I desired (Cant. ii, 3), I had to go through many trials, but God's call became so insistent, that to answer it I would have passed through fire. The only soul I found to encourage me in my vocation was my beloved Pauline. Her heart was a faithful echo of mine, and without her support I should never have reached the blessed haven which had already sheltered her for five years.
-H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
A Decree of Enactment of Particular Legislation...
...Creating the Offices of Archdiocesan Cursor and Apparitor
By Most Reverend Raymond L Burke
From the St Louis Review.
Text follows:
DECREE
OF ENACTMENT OF PARTICULAR LEGISLATION
CREATING THE OFFICES OF ARCHDIOCESAN CURSOR AND APPARITOR
Below is commentary on the 1917 Code for canons 1591-1593 (cited by Archbishop Burke) by Stanislaus Woywod, O.F.M., LL.B., from A Practical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law (1929):
By the way, Saint Louis Catholic has an excellent commentary as well, here...
By Most Reverend Raymond L Burke
From the St Louis Review.
Text follows:
OF ENACTMENT OF PARTICULAR LEGISLATION
CREATING THE OFFICES OF ARCHDIOCESAN CURSOR AND APPARITOR
Pursuant to cann. 1509, §l, and 1720, 1°, of the Code of Canon Law, I hereby decree and declare, by this particular legislation, that the traditional method of edictal citation is now, and in the future, a valid, legitimate, and lawful means for the notification of all citations, decrees, sentences, and other judicial acts, in any judicial or extra-judicial process, however only under the same conditions, and whenever permitted, as prescribed by can. 1720, §§ 1-2 of the Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law. This applies and is to apply absolutely wherever the edict is lawfully posted throughout the entirety of the territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis (cf. Art. 61, §1 Norm. RR.; Pontificio Commissio Codici Iuris Canonici Recognoscendo. Relatio complectens synthesim animadversionum ab Em.mis atque Exc.mis Patribus Commissionis ad Novissimum Schema Codicis Iuris Canonici Exhibitarum, cum Responsionibus a Secretaria et Consultoribus Datis. Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis MCMLXXI, p.318, ad cann. 1461-1462).What does all of this mean? The current code of Canon Law (absent commentary) can be viewed here.
I additionally declare that both the stable or temporary institutions of, and the powers and faculties traditionally appertaining to, the cursor and apparitor (cf. cann. 1591-1593 C.I.C. 1917). constitute a valid, legitimate, and lawful means for the notification of all citations, decrees, sentences, and, other judicial acts, whenever permitted or required in judicial or extra-judicial processes according to particular or universal law, by whatever general or special mention. I declare that the same cursores and apparitores enjoy all of the faculties of an ecclesiastical notary, in accordance with cann. 483, §§ 1-2. and 1437, §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
Moreover, I hereby declare that all acts written, signed, and authenticated with the Seal of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis as it appears below by the aforementioned cursores or apparitores merit full faith as public ecclesiastical documents in accord with the norms of cann. 483. §§1-2, and 1540-1543 of the Code of Canon Law.
This particular legislation, in accordance with can. 8 §2, of the Code of Canon Law obliges immediately within the entire territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.
Given at Saint Louis, on the Ninth day of November, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John at the Lateran Gate, in the Year of the Lord 2007.
Below is commentary on the 1917 Code for canons 1591-1593 (cited by Archbishop Burke) by Stanislaus Woywod, O.F.M., LL.B., from A Practical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law (1929):
ARTICLE IV. - OF COURIERS AND APPARITORSWith respect to the reference to cann. 1720 of the 1917 Code (also cited by Archbishop Burke), there is this (all references up to 1720 to provide background):
1578. Couriers or messengers shall be constituted, either for all trials generally or for an individual case, to give notice of the judicial acts, unless the approved custom of a tribunal dispenses with these officials. Apparitors (constables) should be appointed for the purpose of executing the sentences and decrees of the judge at his command. The same person can hold both offices .(Canon 1591). They should be lay persons, unless prudence demands in some special case that clerics be appointed to these duties; their nomination, suspension and removal shall be governed by the same rules as are given for notaries in Canon 373 (Canon 1592). The acts which the couriers and apparitors write in the execution of their office, are public documents and as such legal proof of the direct assertions in these instruments (Canon 1593).
CHAPTER IIPehaps Dr. Ed Peters could shed some light on this?
OF THE SUMMONS AND THE NOTIFICATIONS OF JUDICIAL ACTS
1673. The bill of complaint or the oral petition having been admitted, the other party must be summoned to appear in court. The summons issued by a court to the defendant is called the vocatio in jus. If the contending parties appear before the judge of their own accord to plead their case, it is not necessary to issue the summons, but the secretary or clerk of the court shall make a note in the acts of the case that the parties came to court of their own accord (Canon 1711).
1674. The summons is to be issued by the judge, and is to be written on the bill of complaint or joined to it. It is to be sent to the defendant, and, if there are several defendants, to each one. The plaintiff, moreover, must be notified by the court to appear on a specified day and at a fixed hour before the judge (Canon 1712).
If the defendant is a person who does not have the free aministration of the goods concerned in the controversy, the summons must be presented to that person who in his name must answer in the trial, according to the rilles of Canons 1648-1654 (Canon 1713).
1675. Every summons is peremptory, and need not be repeated, except in the case mentioned in Canon 1845, § 2 - namely, when the judge wants to punish for contempt of court a party who ignores the first summons (Canon 1714).
1676. The summons is to be presented to the party in a written form, which shall express the precept of the judge to the party to appear. It shall state the name of the judge who issues it, indicate at least in general terms the reason why the party is summoned, give the correct name and surname of the defendant, and state by whom he is sued; the place and time (ie., the year, month, day and hour), where and when he is to appear, must be clearly indicated. The summons authenticated with the seal of the court must be subscribed by the judge or by his auditor and a,notary (Canon 1715). The summons is to be made in duplicate, one copy being presented to the defendant and the other inserted into the acts of the case (Canon 1716).
1677. The written summons is to be handed to the defendant personally by a messenger of the Curia wheresoever he finds him, if this manner of serving the summons is possible. The messenger may for this purpose enter the territory of another diocese, if the judge thinks it advisable and orders the messenger to do so. If the messenger does not find the person to be summoned in the place where he stays, he can leave the written summons with some person of the family or with a servant of the defendant, if that person is willing to accept the summons and promises to give the summons to the defendant as soon as possible; otherwise, the messenger shall take it back to the judge in order that he may dispatch it in the manner provided in Canons 1719 and 1720 (Canon 1717). If the defendant refuses to accept the written summons, he is to be considered legitimately summoned (Canon 1718).
1678. If for reason of distance or other cause it is difficult to have the summons delivered to the defendant by messenger, the judge can order it to be transmitted by registered mail and a signed receipt obtained, or in any other manner which according to the laws and conditions of the respective country is considered safest (Canon 1719).
1679. Whenever after diligent inquiry it cannot be ascertained where the defendant stays, the summons by edict or public announcement can take place. This is done by having the messenger post the document of the summons at the doors of the Curia in the manner of a public notice, which is to be left there for a length of time to be specified by the judge, and by inserting the summons in some public paper. If both cannot be done, either manner of public notice suffices (Canon 1720).
By the way, Saint Louis Catholic has an excellent commentary as well, here...
Corcoran Proves His Hypocrisy Again
From the Thursday night Fox2News segment "What's On My Mind" (as if anyone really cared) by J.C. Corcoran, viewers were treated to another of his baseless attacks on Archbishop Burke and the Catholic Church. Why KTVI permits this has-been and irritating blowhard to spew his malicious thoughts over the airwaves is unknown to viewers.
Corcoran claims to send his daughters to a Catholic school and he also claims to participate in fund raisers for it...that would be sufficient reason, it seems, to avoid any participation with any event in which he is involved. Maybe he can someday explain why he would send his kids to a Catholic school if he finds the Church so objectionable? Maybe the school is not really Catholic, if you catch my drift?
But it gets even better. A local Catholic woman revised his commentary and sent this revision via email to KTVI to forward to Corcoran which has sparked another controversy - poor J.C. didn't like it! One listener of his Friday morning radio show writes :"I swear I heard him talking about being threatened via email this morning. Was that you?"
Fox 2 News could certainly do without his commentary - and the sooner he's gone from the St Louis airwaves at KTVI, the better. As our Catholic friend says and does - pray for his sorry soul that he may one day overcome his problems.
By the way, Patty, the object of J.C.'s newest attack, has also requested prayers on her behalf!
You may watch the segment here...(KTVI - myFOXstl.com) -- St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke has energized some Catholics, but alienated others by defending and proclaiming the church's hardline teaching about excommunication, women in the priesthood, denial of communion to politicians who support abortion rights and other issues. FOX 2's J.C. Corcoran of K-Hits 96 has requested a few moments to speak to the flock.
Corcoran claims to send his daughters to a Catholic school and he also claims to participate in fund raisers for it...that would be sufficient reason, it seems, to avoid any participation with any event in which he is involved. Maybe he can someday explain why he would send his kids to a Catholic school if he finds the Church so objectionable? Maybe the school is not really Catholic, if you catch my drift?
But it gets even better. A local Catholic woman revised his commentary and sent this revision via email to KTVI to forward to Corcoran which has sparked another controversy - poor J.C. didn't like it! One listener of his Friday morning radio show writes :"I swear I heard him talking about being threatened via email this morning. Was that you?"
To Mr. JC Cororan:And this has led to threats by J.C. to call the cops - what a big, brave man!
I’m not what they call a practicing news listener, I’ve watched the news along with my parents, and I regularly check out the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But many years ago I gave up on news and commentators, basically because I thought it was … utter nonsense. So these comments tonight about the latest commentaries come from someone who is, at this point, pretty much an outsider. When I was a kid growing up in the St Louis area, if a newsperson was around, it meant everyone was dropping everything and fawning in his presence. Now, JC Corcoran’s name has become either a punch-line, or the subject of anger or ridicule. If I was a practicing listener, whether I agreed with him or not, I’d be very concerned about this. People seemed to get to the top of their respective field usually one of two ways:
Either by being very personable, effective commentators, or by mowing down everything and everybody in their path. History has shown us, however , that stuff catches up with you. JC is old radio, but I’m not convinced that “old radio” works right now…too many things have changed. What I see, again, from the outside, is that Corcoran is pretty much at the end of his public relations rope. The news commentary scandals continue to mount, the listeners are thinning, and young men and women aren’t exactly knocking down the doors of TV and Radio stations to get in to hear them. And locally, instead of a respected news leader in the community, you have a guy who’s been stomping around, alienating, threatening, intimidating, and carrying on since the day he got off the plane from nowhere.
You know, back in the summer of ’74 Richard Nixon was holed up in the Oval Office still firmly believing that he could ride out the Watergate scandal. But Republican icon Barry Goldwater drew the short straw and got sent in one Sunday night with the official word from the front lines that Corcoran was now damaging the entire news media station with his tactics, and it was time for him to pull his own plug.
My question is with the idea of protecting the media’s best interests, who is going to be that person?
As listeners, either you’re in complete agreement with Corcoran, you’re not, or you’re in complete fear of him. Either way, you have a big, big problem.
That’s what’s on my mind!!!
PS: Your days are numbered, my friend. Watch and see!
--------------------------------Usually when I see Corcoran's face on the TV, I either mute the TV or switch to another channel - his opinions are are not worth listening to - and they never have been, many times they're repulsive and belittling. He has bashed the Catholic Church for years, unable, it seems, to overcome his issues with whatever darkness envelopes him.
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 4:29 AM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Careful, pal. Careful.....
-----------------------
On Nov 16, 2007, at 11:04 AM, Pnnnn wrote:
You too, PAL!
-----------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 11:32 AM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
With just what you've sent me so far I could take this to the St. Louis police and have you picked up for, twice now, threatening me.
If you do it again I will. You have been warned. Think I'm kidding?
------------------------
On Nov 16, 2007, at 1:42 PM, Pnnnnn wrote:
Dear Mr. Corcoran:
Call the police. I go to church everyday...the worst I could do to you is start a novena to either heal you of your anger towards the Roman Catholic church, or have you fired. Day 1 of the novena is today.
There's an old proverb: Better to live on the corner of a rooftop, then to be in a room with an angry woman!
Channel 2 would never allow you to make such commentaries about a Jewish Rabbi, Muslim Imam, or a black Protestant minister.
Back off my spiritual father! You have offended me more than a black person who's been called a "nappy-headed ho". I've filed a complaint to the Catholic League in New York.
God bless!
------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Forwarded:
St. Louis Police Department.
[Name and address redacted]
-----------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: Pnnnnn
To: jcorcoran
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Make sure to tell them (the police) they can find me at the Carmelite convent this evening from 7pm until 8:30pm.
Fox 2 News could certainly do without his commentary - and the sooner he's gone from the St Louis airwaves at KTVI, the better. As our Catholic friend says and does - pray for his sorry soul that he may one day overcome his problems.
By the way, Patty, the object of J.C.'s newest attack, has also requested prayers on her behalf!
Gospel for Nov 17, Memorial: St Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Old Calendar: St. Gregory the Wonderworker, bishop and confessor
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
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Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
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.
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
________________________
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
"1. WE MUST PRAY FIRST AND FOREMOST BECAUSE WE ARE BELIEVERS.8. Jesus combines His teaching about perseverance in prayer with a serious warning about the need to remain firm in the faith: faith and prayer go hand in hand. St. Augustine comments, "In order to pray, let us believe; and for our faith not to weaken, let us pray. Faith causes prayer to grow, and when prayer grows our faith is strengthened" ("Sermon", 115).
"Prayer is in fact the recognition of our limitation and our dependence: we come from God, we belong to God and we return to God! We cannot, therefore, but abandon ourselves to Him, our Creator and Lord, with full and complete confidence [...].
"Prayer, therefore, is first of all an act of intelligence, a feeling of humility and gratitude, an attitude of trust and abandonment to Him who gave us life out of love.
"Prayer is a mysterious but real dialogue with God, a dialogue of confidence and love.
"2. WE, HOWEVER, ARE CHRISTIANS, AND THEREFORE WE MUST PRAY AS CHRISTIANS.
"For the Christian, in fact, prayer acquires a particular characteristic, which completely changes its innermost nature and innermost value. The Christian is a disciple of Jesus; he is one who really believes that Jesus is the Word Incarnate, the Son of God who came among us on this earth.
"As a man, the life of Jesus was a continual prayer, a continual act of worship and love of the Father and since the maximum ___expression of prayer is sacrifice, the summit of Jesus' prayer is the Sacrifice of the Cross, anticipated by the Eucharist at the Last Supper and handed down by means of the Holy Mass throughout the centuries.
"Therefore, the Christian knows that his prayer is that of Jesus; every prayer of his starts from Jesus; it is He who prays in us, with us, for us. All those who believe in God, pray; but the Christian prays in Jesus Christ: Christ is our prayer!
"3. FINALLY, WE MUST ALSO PRAY BECAUSE WE ARE FRAIL AND GUILTY.
"It must be humbly and realistically recognized that we are poor creatures, confused in ideas, tempted by evil, frail and weak, in continual need of inner strength and consolation. Prayer gives the strength for great ideas, to maintain faith, charity, purity and generosity. Prayer gives the courage to emerge from indifference and guilt, if unfortunately one has yielded to temptation and weakness. Prayer gives light to see and consider the events of one's own life and of history in the salvific perspective of God and eternity. Therefore, do not stop praying!
Let not a day pass without your having prayed a little! Prayer is a duty, but it is also a great joy, because it is a dialogue with God through Jesus Christ! Every Sunday, Holy Mass: if it is possible for you, sometimes during the week. Every day, morning and evening prayers, and at the most suitable moments!" (John Paul II, "Audience with Young People", 14 March 1979).
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
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, November 16, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 17
It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices which defile his soul.
-St. Benedict
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Benedict
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for November 17, On Letting God Free
Few souls give the Lord the liberty of doing what He wishes. The majority evade Him, are stingy, quibble and withdraw; give in today to take back tomorrow; will indeed, yet do not will, and offer to the grace of God a rather narrow entrance.
As God does not wish to use violence, He avoids forcing an entrance. Since the soul refuses to do violence to itself, it opposes the plenitude of the divine within itself.
This goes on constantly among the half saints, the one-third or quarter saints, that God urges to a richer and more complete possibility.
Surely my stinginess and my evasions are explained by my weakness, and they are never entirely corrected; I will remain weak forever. It is good to tell myself that, not to become discouraged, but to remain humble, and to count upon the grace of God.
But is there not in my more or less voluntary cowardice something of personal negligence; some responsibility on my part?
It is this rather serious wilful negligence that I wish to diminish. It is never too late to give oneself entirely. I should have begun long ago. Grace knocks at the door. God would have given me much. I will strive to develop my power of receiving divine invitations, but above all my power to acquiesce. Yes, Father, Ita Pater. Yes, Father, my Father and my God, I accept, I consent. Speak, I will listen, even now I say Yes.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
As God does not wish to use violence, He avoids forcing an entrance. Since the soul refuses to do violence to itself, it opposes the plenitude of the divine within itself.
This goes on constantly among the half saints, the one-third or quarter saints, that God urges to a richer and more complete possibility.
Surely my stinginess and my evasions are explained by my weakness, and they are never entirely corrected; I will remain weak forever. It is good to tell myself that, not to become discouraged, but to remain humble, and to count upon the grace of God.
But is there not in my more or less voluntary cowardice something of personal negligence; some responsibility on my part?
It is this rather serious wilful negligence that I wish to diminish. It is never too late to give oneself entirely. I should have begun long ago. Grace knocks at the door. God would have given me much. I will strive to develop my power of receiving divine invitations, but above all my power to acquiesce. Yes, Father, Ita Pater. Yes, Father, my Father and my God, I accept, I consent. Speak, I will listen, even now I say Yes.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
"Sister" Roma Shocked at FCC
This outrage apparently comes from a post last night requesting that Catholics make a Holy Hour in adoration and reparation for the scandal and sacrilege which occurred in San Francisco last month.
FCC does not refer to the Federal Communications Commission but to the Fundamentalist Catholic Community of which Sister Roma speaks> His comments on the FCC "hatred" seems to refer to the request to pray and make reparations for the above mentioned sacrilege as well as the injustices and sins against God for which we and others are responsible.
The American TFP article reminds us that
But, let me allow Sister Roma to speak for himself:
It is every Christian's duty to recall and teach that "Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." CCC 2359, and that, being ccontrary to the natural law, "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered...Under no circumstances can they be approved." CCC 2357.
For those who reject this fundamental moral teaching of the Church, based upon Scripture and Tradition, we should continue to pray, even if they see this as "hatred."
FCC does not refer to the Federal Communications Commission but to the Fundamentalist Catholic Community of which Sister Roma speaks> His comments on the FCC "hatred" seems to refer to the request to pray and make reparations for the above mentioned sacrilege as well as the injustices and sins against God for which we and others are responsible.
The American TFP article reminds us that
"Through the merits of Christ's Death, the faithful are restored to grace and can thus make reparation to the justice of God for their own offences against Him. By virtue of the Communion of the Saints, they can also make satisfaction and reparation for the sins of others...In the same spirit of prayer and reparation as the 2,000 plus Public Square Rosary Rallies, the American TFP calls upon all to join with thousands of others in this crusade of prayers..."So requests for prayer are now "hatred? Soon, considering the path our once Christian country is heading, this may indeed be the case.
But, let me allow Sister Roma to speak for himself:
I have read and re-read the article at The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (link here), yet I find find no hatred in it. Just as one might call himself whatever he fancies himself to be despite the objective reality that he is not what he claims, so too will such a person make other claims which are unfounded and baseless.I continue to be shocked and amazed at the depth of the hatred being spewed by the Fundamentalist Catholic Community. I am not making fun of or trying to emulate in a negative way the Catholic Nun. I am a Nun. I serve my Community through charity and education. I minister to the sick. What I wear and what I call myself is, quite frankly, none of your business. If you take issue with the fact that I call myself a Nun all I can tell you is that this is America and this is a free country. If you don't like the way I look or the fact that I am gay, I suggest you look further into your scriptures for the Lord's word regarding love and acceptance. Whether or not you approve of me and what I do is in no way going to stop me from doing it. I have answered a call to service. It is not only my honor to serve my Community, it is my privilege.
Sincerely,
Sister Roma
The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence., Inc.
It is every Christian's duty to recall and teach that "Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." CCC 2359, and that, being ccontrary to the natural law, "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered...Under no circumstances can they be approved." CCC 2357.
For those who reject this fundamental moral teaching of the Church, based upon Scripture and Tradition, we should continue to pray, even if they see this as "hatred."
A Jewish Perspective on "Women Priests" Ordination
Enough alreadySource: St Louis Review, Letters
Editor:
As a Jewish reader of the Review, about the only two words I could think of when I read Archbishop Burke’s column (Nov. 9) about the "ordination" of two women as Roman Catholic priests at a St. Louis synagogue were "oy veh!"
Don’t we have enough problems without "ordinating" female priests? After all, some Jews don’t even recognize female rabbis.
What could motivate Rabbi Susan Talve to intervene in a purely Catholic matter? While, like many nonCatholics I’m interested in the Roman Catholic Church and its history, short of it starting another Inquisition, its internal matters are none of my business or for that matter Rabbi Talve’s.
In the American vernacular we Jews don’t have a dog in this fight. Put into reverse context it’s as if a bishop told Jews they didn’t need to circumcise their sons to be Jewish.
The Catholic Church belongs to the Catholic community, and people who disagree with it are free not to be Catholic. Among my friends Rabbi Talve has little support on this issue.
Finally, although it’s none of my business, as an observer, I can’t understand how the two women who seek to be priests can be both Catholic and fail to submit to the authority of the Catholic Church. A Christian who does not want to submit to that authority can be described in one word — Protestant — some of whom, along with Catholics, are my best friends. I hope this recent incident doesn’t harm our friendships.
Norman Pressman
West St. Louis County
Archbishop O'Brien Urges Priest Back to Fold
The pastor of three Catholic parishes in South Baltimore is welcome to return to active ministry after undergoing counseling, said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien.
"I made it clear I want him back in active ministry," the archbishop said during an interview at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting at the Inner Harbor.
O'Brien made the Rev. Ray Martin resign last week after reports of liturgical and administrative offenses committed over more than a year. Since 2002, Martin had served as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Holy Cross and St. Mary, Star of the Sea parishes, each of which has about 250 members...
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