Greater
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friends.
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Showing posts with label Holy Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Scripture. Show all posts
Friday, February 16, 2018
John 15:13
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2/16/2018 05:43:00 PM
John 15:13
2018-02-16T17:43:00-05:00
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Sunday, January 07, 2018
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-11
For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:8-11
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Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-11
2018-01-07T21:30:00-05:00
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Saturday, December 23, 2017
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Goffine's Devout Instructions)
The
nearer we approach to the coming of Christ the more the Church sighs
in her prayers for the Saviour of mankind. She sings, therefore, at
the Introit, “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the
clouds rain the just” (Isaiah 45:8); “The heavens show forth the
glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of His hands”
(Psalms 18:2).
Prayer
Stir
up Thy might, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come and succor us with
great power, that, by the help of Thy grace, the indulgence of Thy
mercy may accelerate what our sins impede. Who livest, etc.
EPISTLE
1 Corinthians 4:1-5.
Brethren
: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the
dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the
dispensers, that a man be found faithful. But to me it is a very
small thing to be judged by you, or by man's day, but neither do I
judge my own self. For I am not conscious to myself of anything : yet
I am not hereby justified : but lie that judgeth me is the Lord.
Therefore judge not before the time, until the Lord corne : Who both
will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make
manifest the counsels of the hearts : and then shall every man have
praise from God.
How
should priests be regarded by the faithful?
The
Church wishes to inspire us with respect and veneration towards
priests, who are ministers of Christ, dispensers of the mysteries of
God, and advocates of religion. The Scripture says, “Let the
priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honor, especially
they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1Timothy 5:17). “He
that heareth you, heareth Me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth
Me” (Luke 10:16).
Why
is this epistle read to-day?
The
Church wishes, by pointing to the second advent of Christ, to remind
the faithful to avoid judging their neighbors, but to judge
themselves, and to cleanse their hearts for the reception of Jesus as
our Saviour, that they may not have to shrink from Him when He cornes
as Judge.
Can
priests administer the holy sacraments as they please?
No,
for, as the stewards of Jesus Christ, they must observe His will,
which is that they should administer the sacraments for the glory of
God and the salvation of the faithful. They are not permitted to
“give that which is holy unto dogs” (Matthew 7:6), and cannot,
therefore, give absolution, or any sacrament, to those who are unfit,
lest they thereby condemn themselves.
Why
should they esteem it a small matter to be judged by men?
Because
men generally judge by appearances, and not by reality. St. Paul says
: “If I pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ”
(Galatians 1:10). But not only priests, the faithful also, must seek
to please God more than men. How foolish are they who follow all
silly and scandalous fashions in dress, gesture, and manners ; who
neglect the holy exercises of religion, and ask constantly, “What
will the world say?” but never, “What will my God and Saviour
say?” if I do this or that.
Why
does St. Paul say, “But neither do I judge my own self”?
Because
he could not know how God would judge him, “For man knoweth not
whether he be worthy of love or hatred” (Ecclesiastes 9:1);
therefore he adds, “I am not conscious to myself of anything, yet
am I not hereby justified, but He that judgeth me is the Lord.” We
should, therefore, examine ourselves thoroughly whether we are in sin
; but if we find nothing in us which displeases God we are not on
that account at liberty to think ourselves better than others, for
before the mirror of our self-esteem we look quite different to what
we are in truth before God, Who cannot be bribed. Oh, how many, who
now think themselves innocent and holy, shall appear at the day of
judgment stripped of their disguises, and the most secret workings of
their hearts revealed by God to their eternal disgrace ! This should
determine us not to judge before the time, either ourselves or any
one else, of whose hearts we must know even less than of our own.
“Let us therefore work out our salvation with fear and trembling”
(Philippians 2: 12).
Aspiration
O
Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight no
man living shall be justified (Psalms 142:2).
GOSPEL
Luke 3:1-6.
In
the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate
being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and
Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and the country of Trachonitis,
and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina, under the high priests Annas and
Caiphas : the word of the Lord was made unto John the son of Zachary,
in the desert. And he came into all the country about the Jordan,
preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was
written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet : A voice of
one crying in the wilderness : Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled : and every mountain
and hill shall be brought low : and the crooked shall be made
straight, and the rough ways plain. And all flesh shall see the
salvation of God.
Why
is the time at which St. John began to preach so minutely described?
Because
in that happy year the prophecy of Jacob was fulfilled, and the
sceptre being taken from Juda, the long-expected Messias showed
Himself to the world, was baptized by John, and declared by His
Heavenly Father to be His beloved Son, Whom men should hear.
Accordingly, that this time should never be forgotten, the
evangelist, contrary to his usual custom, describes it particularly,
mentioning the names both of the spiritual and temporal rulers.
Aspiration
Oh,
that Thy way, Jesus, may be well prepared in my heart ! Alas ! assist
me, O my Saviour, to do what I cannot do by myself. Fill up the
valley of my heart with Thy grace, and straighten my crooked and
perverted will, till it shall conform to Thine own. Soften my rough
and unruly mind ; bring low, destroy, and remove whatever in me
impedes Thy way, that Thou mayest come to me without hindrance, and
possess and govern me forever. Amen.
– Goffine's
Devout Instructions
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12/23/2017 05:48:00 PM
The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Goffine's Devout Instructions)
2017-12-23T17:48:00-05:00
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Saturday, September 23, 2017
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 55: 6-9
Seek
ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and
let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our
God: for he is bountiful to forgive. For my thoughts are not your
thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens
are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways,
and my thoughts above your thoughts.
– Isaiah 55: 6-9
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9/23/2017 10:11:00 PM
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 55: 6-9
2017-09-23T22:11:00-04:00
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Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (Goffine's Devout Instructions)
(also known as The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
March 25
This feast is so called from the announcement to the Blessed Virgin, by the archangel Gabriel, that she was to be the mother of the Messias. In the Introit of the Mass the Church refers to this high dignity of Mary's: "All the rich shall entreat thy countenance; after her shall virgins be brought to the King; her neighbors shall be brought to thee in gladness and rejoicing. My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak my works to the King."
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Prayer
O God, Who didst please that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to Thy suppliants that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be blessed by her intercession with Thee. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Epistle: Isaias 7:10-15
In those days the Lord spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that He may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good.
Instruction on the "Angelic Salutation" or "Hail Mary"
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
At that time the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father; and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren; because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.
Salutation to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace! I rejoice, and give joy to thee, that thou hast been chosen the Mother of the Most High, and the queen of heaven and earth. With thee is the Father Who begot, from all eternity, Him Whom thou didst bring forth as God-man in time; with thee is the Son, Whom thou didst bear, in thy virginal womb; with thee is the Holy Ghost, overshadowed by Whose power thou didst become the Mother of the Redeemer of the world. Praised, therefore, be thou, thou blessed among women; thou daughter of the Most High; thou bride of the Holy Ghost; thou joy of heaven; thou ornament of the Church of God; thou honor of Christians. Oh, pray God for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
– Goffine's Devout Instructions
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3/24/2015 08:56:00 PM
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (Goffine's Devout Instructions)
2015-03-24T20:56:00-04:00
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Saturday, March 14, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Lent
(LAETARE)
The Introit of this day's Mass, which begins with the word Laetare, is as follows:
INTROIT Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and come together all you that love her; rejoice with joy you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. (Isai: LXVI. 10. 11.) I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We shall go into the house of the Lord. (Ps. CXXI. 1.) Glory be to the Father, etc.
COLLECT Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that we who justly suffer for our deeds may be relieved by the conso lation of Thy grace. Through etc.
EPISTLE (Gat. IV. 22-31.) Brethren, it is written that Abraham had two sons; the one by a bond-woman and the other by a free-woman. But he who was of the bond-woman was born according to the flesh; but he of the free-woman was by promise: which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina, engendering unto bondage, which is Agar: for Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit, so also it is now. But what saith the scripture? Cast out the bond-woman and her son: for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with the son of the free-woman. So, then, brethren, we are not the children of the bond-woman, but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ hath made us free.
EXPLANATION It was the common custom, in the days of the patriarchs, for a man to have more than one wife. This was permitted by God, partly because they and their descendants would hardly have been satisfied with one marriage, (Matt. XIX. 8.) partly because bigamy was a means of promoting the increase of the people of Israel, typical of the future increase of the children of God. Thus Abraham had two wives, who had each a son; of these Ismael was born to Abraham from his bond-woman Agar, in the natural way; the other, Isaac, the son of the free wife Sara, was born in a supernatural manner according to the promise, (Gen. XVIII. 11. 14. ) that she by the grace of God, although aged, would give birth to a son. These two women with their sons were types, as St. Paul says, of the two Testaments: Agar the bond-woman typified the Old, Sara, the free-woman, the New Testament; the son of Agar, the Jews, the son of Sara, the Christians; for the Jews, like Ismael, are descendants of Abraham by natural descent, but the Christians, like Isaac, by grace. The Old Testament gave birth only to servants; for the Jews obeyed the commandments of God through fear of punishment, and in hope of temporal reward; the New Testament, the Jerusalem from above. that is, the Christian Church, gives birth to children who willingly and through love obey the commandments of God. Although the Christian Church, the New Jerusalem, chosen from heathenism, was in the beginning barren, as was Sara, she gives birth, by the grace of God and through His apostles, to more children than the Jewish Church, which was so long the Church of God, that is, more were converted to Christianity from the Gentiles than from the Jews. The latter even hated and persecuted the Christians, as did Ismael his brother Isaac. For their hardness of heart they were cast out by God, like Agar and her son; that is, after the destruction of Jerusalem the Jews were dispersed to all parts of the world. Let us, therefore, give thanks to God, that through Jesus we have become the free children of our heavenly Father, who through love fulfil His holy will by which we shall be saved.
ASPIRATION Give me the grace, O Jesus, that by prayer and fasting, and patience in all adversities and persecutions, I may be made less unworthy of Thy passion; that I may not, one day, be cast out by Thee, but become worthy of Thy divine promise and Thy eternal consolation in the heavenly Jerusalem.
GOSPEL (John VI. 1-15.) At that time, Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is that of Tiberias; and a great multitude followed him, because they saw the miracles which he did on them that were diseased. Jesus therefore went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up his eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to him, he said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this he said to try him; for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered: Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him: There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves and two fishes: but what are these among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down: in like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would. And when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up, therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come into the world. Jesus therefore when he knew that they would come to take him by force, and make him king, fled again into the mountain himself alone.
Why did Christ try St. Philip?
To test his faith and confidence; to instruct us that before seeking supernatural means, we should first look for natural ways of providing; that the miracle of the multiplying of the loaves should be more marvellous to the people from having seen there was no provision; and that we may learn to trust in God, who is a helper in due time in tribulation. (Ps. IX. 10.)
What signs did Christ make use of in this miracle, and why?
According to St. Matthew (XIV. 19.) He lifted up His eyes to heaven, by which He showed that all good gifts come from above; He gave thanks, thus teaching us to give thanks to God for all His blessings. "The table," says St. Chrysostom, "that is approached and is left with prayer will never know want, but the more richly yield its gifts." He blessed the bread showing us that the divine blessing increases all things.
Why did Christ require them to gather up the fragments that were left?
That they should not be wasted or destroyed; that the greatness of the miracle should be made evident by the quantity of the fragments; and that we might learn to honor the gifts of God, even the most insignificant, and if we do not ourselves need them, give them to the poor.
Why did Christ, after this miracle, flee from the people?
Because after this miracle the people recognized in him the Messiah, and would have made Him king. He wished to teach us to flee from praise and honor, and in all our actions seek not our own, but God's glory.
CONSOLATION IN POVERTY
This gospel gives the account of Christ providing for those who followed and listened to Him, which is indeed consoling for the poor. God from the beginning of the world has always cared for His own. For the aid and comfort of His chosen people in time of famine God sent Joseph, the son of the Patriarch Jacob, in advance into Egypt: (Gen. XLV. 5.) for forty years He fed the children of Israel in the desert with bread from heaven; (Deut. VIII. 2. 3.) He fed the Prophet Elias by a raven; (III Kings VII. 6.) and thought of Daniel in the lions' den. (Dan. XIV. 37.) In the New Testament God shows His merciful care for His own, because in great need He fed them marvelously through angels, men, and even animals, as we frequently see in the lives of the saints. Truly has David said: God forsakes not the just, I have been young, and am now old: and I have not seen the just forsaken, nor his seed seeking bread, (PS. XXXVI. 25.) that is, one who sincerely serves Him, and seeks before all the kingdom o f God a n d His justice, as Christ commands. (Luke XII. 31.) Strive to be a faithful child, and you will have God for your father, and with King David you can cast your care upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. You must not think it is enough to pray and trust in God, He demands that you should use your strength to receive help, for if any man will not work, neither let him eat. (II Thess. III. 10.)
ASPIRATION In Thy omnipotence and goodness, O my God, I put my trust, firmly believing that if I fear Thee, serve Thee faithfully, and avoid evil, I shall not be abandoned in poverty, but receive many good things. Amen
-- Goffine's Devout Instructions
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Fourth Sunday of Lent
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Sunday, March 08, 2015
Third Sunday of Lent
(OCCULI)
The
Introit of this day’s Mass, which begins with the word Oculi, is
the prayer of a soul imploring deliverance from the snares of the
devil:
INTROIT
My eyes are ever towards the Lord: for he shall pluck my feet out of
the snare: look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, for I am alone
and poor. To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in thee, O my
God, I put my trust: let me not be ashamed. (Fs. XXIV.) Glory be to
the Father, etc.
COLLECT
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, regard the desires of the humble, and
stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to be our defence.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, etc.
EPISTLE
(Ephes. V. 1-9.) Brethren, be ye followers of God, as most dear
children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath
delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God, for an
odor of sweetness. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh
saints; nor obscenity, nor foolish talking, nor scurrility, which is
to no purpose; but rather giving of thanks: for know ye this, and
understand, that no fornicator, nor unclean, nor covetous person,
which is a serving of idols, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words; for
because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of
unbelief. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were
heretofore darkness; but now light in the Lord. Walk, then, as
children of the light: for the fruit of the light is in all goodness,
and justice, and truth.
EXPLANATION
The apostle requires us to imitate God, as good children imitate
their father in well-doing and in well-wishing; besides he declares
that all covetousness, fornication, all disgraceful talk and
equivocal jokes should be banished from Christian meetings, even that
such things should not be so much as mentioned among us; because
these vices unfailingly deprive us of heaven. He admonishes us not to
let ourselves be deceived by the seducing words of those who seek to
make these vices appear small, nothing more than pardonable human
weaknesses; those who speak thus are the children of darkness and of
the devil, they bring down the wrath of God upon themselves, and all
who assent to their words. A Christian, a child of light, that is, of
faith, should regard as a sin that which faith and conscience tell
him is such, and must live according to their precepts and not by
false judgment of the wicked. Should any one seek to lead you away,
ask yourself, my Christian soul, whether you would dare appear with
such a deed before the judgment-seat of God. Listen to the voice of
your conscience, and let it decide, whether that which you are
expected to do is good or bad, lawful or unlawful.
ASPIRATION
Place Thy fear, O God, before my mouth, that I may utter no vain,
careless, much less improper and scandalous words, which may be the
occasion of sin to my neighbor. Strengthen me, that I may not be
deceived by flattering words, andbecome faithless to Thee.
GOSPEL
(Luke XI. 14.-28.) At that time, Jesus was casting out a devil, and
the same was dumb. And when he had cast out the devil, the dumb
spoke, and the multitudes were in admiration at it. But some of them
said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of devils. And
others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. But he seeing their
thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself shall be
brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall. And if Satan
also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because
you say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils. Now if I cast out
devils by Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out?
Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I by the finger of God
cast out devils, doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you. When
a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things which he
possesseth are in peace; but if a stronger than he come upon him, and
overcome him, he will take away all his armor wherein he trusted, and
will distribute his spoils. He that is not with me, is against me;
and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean
spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without water,
seeking rest; and not finding, he saith, I will return into my house
whence I came out: and when he is come, he findeth it swept and
garnished. Then he goeth, and taketh with him seven other spirits
more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the
last state of that man becomes worse than the first. And it came to
pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd,
lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore
thee, and the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather
blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.
Can
a man be really possessed of a devil?
It
is the doctrine of the Catholic Church that the evil spirit most
perniciously influences man in a twofold manner: by enticing his soul
to sin, and then influencing his body which he often entirely or
partially possesses, manifesting himself by madness, convulsions,
insanity, etc. Many texts of Scripture, and the writings of the
Fathers speak of this possession. St. Cyprian writes: “We can expel
the swarms of impure spirits, who for the ruin of the soul, enter
into the bodies of men, and we can compel them to acknowledge their
presence, by the force of powerful words.” Possession takes place
by the permission of God either for trial or as a punishment for sin
committed, (I. Cor. V. 5.) and the Church from her Head, Jesus, who
expelled so many devils, has received the power of casting them out
as He did. (Mark XVI. 17.; Acts V. 16., VIII. 6. 7., XVI. 18.
&c.) She however warns her ministers, the priests, who by
their ordination have received the power to expel the evil spirits,
to distinguish carefully between possession and natural sickness,
that they may not be deceived, (Rit. ROM. §. 3. §. 5-10.) and the
faithful should guard against looking upon every unusual, unhealthy
appearance as an influence of Satan, and should give no ear to
impostors, but in order not to be deceived, should turn to an
experienced physician or to their pastor.
What
is understood by a dumb devil?
The
literal meaning of this is the evil enemy, who some times so torments
those whom he possesses that they lose the power of speech; in a
spiritual sense, we may understand it to mean the shame which the
devil takes away from the sinner, when he commits the sin, but gives
back again, as false shame, before confession, so that the sinner
conceals the sin, and thereby falls deeper.
How
does Christ still cast out dumb devils?
By
His grace with which He inwardly enlightens the sinner, so that he
becomes keenly aware that the sins which he has concealed in
confession, will one day be known to the whole world, and thus
encourages him to overcome his false shame. - “Be not ashamed to
confess to one man,” says St. Augustine, “that which you were not
ashamed to do with one, perhaps, with many.” Consider these words
of the same saint: “Sincere confession subdues vice, conquers the
evil one, shuts the door of hell, and opens the gates of paradise.”
How
did Christ prove, that He did not cast out devils by Beelzebub?
By
showing that the kingdom of Satan could not stand, if one evil spirit
were cast out by another; that they thus reproached their own sons
who also cast out devils, and had not been accused of doing so by
power from Beelzebub; by His own life and works which were in direct
opposition to the devil, and by which the devil’s works were
destroyed. - There is no better defence against calumny than an
innocent life, and those who are slandered, find no better
consolation than the thought of Christ who, notwithstanding His
sanctity and His miracles, was not secure against calumniation.
What
is meant by the finger of God?
The
power of God, by which Christ expelled the evil spirits, proved
himself God, and the promised Redeemer.
Who
is the strong man armed?
The
evil one is so called, because he still retains the power and
intellect of the angels, and, practiced by long experience, seeks in
different ways to injure man if God permits.
How
is the devil armed?
With
the evil desires of men, with the perishable riches, honors, and
pleasures of this world, with which he entices us to evil, deceives
us, and casts us into eternal fire.
Who
is the stronger one who took away the devil’s armor?
Christ
the Lord who came into this world that He might destroy the works and
the kingdom of the devil, to expel the prince of darkness, (John XII.
31.) and to redeem us. from his power. “The devil,” says St.
Anthony, "is like a dragon caught by the Lord with the
fishing-hook of the cross, tied with a halter like a beast of burden,
chained like a fugitive slave, and his lips pierced through with a
ring, so that he may not devour any of the faithful. Now he sighs,
like a miserable sparrow, caught by Christ and turned to derision,
and thrown under the feet of the Christians. He who flattered himself
that he would possess the whole orbit of the earth, behold, he has to
yield!"
Why
does Christ say: He who is not with me, is against me?
These
words were intended in the first place for the Pharisees who did not
acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, would not fight with Him against
Satan’s power, but rather held the people back from reaching unity
of faith and love of Christ. Like the Pharisees, all heretical
teachers who, by their false doctrines, draw the faithful from
communion with Christ and His Church, are similar to the devil, the
father of heresy and lies. May all those, therefore, who think they
can serve Christ and the world at the same time, consider that
between truth and falsehood, between Christ and the world, there is
no middle path; that Christ requires decision, either with Him, or
against Him, either eternal happiness with Him, or without Him,
everlasting misery.
Who
are understood by the dry places through which the evil spirit
wanders and finds no rest?
“The
dry places without water,” says St. Gregory, “are the hearts of
the just, who by the force of penance have drained the dampness of
carnal desires.” In such places the evil -one indeed finds no rest,
because there his malice finds no sympathy, and his wicked will no
satisfaction.
Why
does the evil spirit say: I will return into my house?
Because
he is only contented there where he is welcomed and received: those
who have purified their heart by confession, and driven Satan from
it, but labor not to amend, again lose the grace of the Sacraments by
sin, and thus void of virtue and grace, offer a beautiful and
pleasant dwelling to the devil.
Why
is it said: The last state becomes worse than the first?
Because
a relapse generally draws more sins with it, and so it is said: the
devil will return with seven other spirits more wicked than himself,
by which may be understood the seven deadly sins, because after a
relapse into sin conversion to God becomes more difficult, as a
repeated return of the same sickness makes it harder to regain
health; because by repetition sin easily becomes a habit and renders
conversion almost impossible; because repeated relapses are followed
by blindness of intellect, hardness of heart, and in the end eternal
damnation.
Why
did the woman lift up her voice?
This
was by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost to shame the Pharisees who,
blinded by pride, neither professed nor acknowledged the divinity of
Christ, whilst this humblewoman not only confessed Jesus as God, but
praised her who carried Him, whom heaven and earth cannot contain.
Consider the great dignity of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Son
of God, and hear her praises from the holy Fathers. St. Cyril thus
salutes her: "Praise to thee, Blessed Mother of God: for thou
art virginity itself, the sceptre of the true faith!" and St.
Chrysostom: "Hail, O Mother, the throne, the glory, the heaven
of the Church!" St. Ephrem: "Hail, only hope of the
Fathers, herald of the apostles, glory of the martyrs, joy of the
saints, and crown of the virgins, because of thy vast glory, and
inaccessible light!"
Why
did Christ call those happy who hear the word of God and keep it?
Because,
as has been already said, it is not enough for salvation to hear the
word of God, but it must also be practiced. Because Mary, the tender
Mother of Jesus, did this most perfectly, Christ terms her more happy
in it, than in having conceived, borne, and nursed Him.
SUPPLICATION
O Lord Jesus! true Light of the world, enlighten the eyes of my soul,
that I may never be induced by the evil one to conceal a sin, through
false shame, in the confessional, that on the day of general judgment
my sibs may not be published to the whole world. Strengthen me, O
Jesus, that I may resist the arms of the devil by a penitent life,
and especially by scorning the fear of man and worldly
considerations, and guard against lapsing into sin, that I may not be
lost, but through Thy merits maybe delivered from, all dangers and
obtain heaven.
–
Goffine's
Devout Instructions
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I am a 68 year old single man from the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Sunday, March 01, 2015
Second Sunday In Lent
(REMINISCERE)
The Introit of this day's Mass, which begins with the word Reminiscere, from which this Sunday derives its name, is the prayer of a soul begging God's assistance, that she may sin no more:
INTROIT Remember, O Lord, Thy compassions and Thy mercies, which are from the beginning, lest at any time our enemies rule over us: deliver us O God of Israel, from all our tribulations. To Thee O Lord, have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed. (Ps. XXIV.) Glory be to the Father, etc.
COLLECT O God, who seest us to be destitute of strength, keep us both inwardly and outwardly; that we may be defended in the body from all adversities, and cleansed in our mind from all evil thoughts. Through our Lord, etc.
EPISTLE (I Thess. IV. 1-7.)
Brethren, we pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us, how you ought to walk, and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from fornication; that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God: and that no man over-reach nor circumvent his brother in business; because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you before, and have testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification; in Christ Jesus our Lord.
EXPLANATION From these words we see, that the great Teacher of Nations as carefully showed the Christian congregations the sanctity of their calling, as he labored to lead them from the blindness and abominations of heathenism.
ASPIRATION Grant, O God, that I may live an honest, chaste and holy life in accordance with my vocation, and go not after earthly and carnal pleasures, as the heathens who know Thee not.
GOSPEL (Matt. XVII. 1-9.)
At that time, Jesus took Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as snow. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here; if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said to them: Arise, and fear not. And they lifting up their eyes, saw no one, but only Jesus. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying: Tell the vision to no man: till the Son of Man be risen from the dead.
Why was Christ transfigured in the presence of His apostles on Mount Thabor?
To permit them to see the glorious majesty of His divinity; to guard them from doubts when they should afterwards see Him die on Mount Calvary; to encourage the disciples and all the faithful to be patient in all crosses and afflictions, for the bodies of the just at the resurrection will be made like the glorified body of Christ. (Phil. III. 21.)
Why did Moses and Elias appear there?
That they might testify, that Jesus was really the Saviour announced by the law and the prophets, and that the law and the prophets received fulfillment in Him. The former was represented by Moses, the latter by Elias.
Why, did Peter wish to build three tabernacles there?
The delightful sweetness of the apparition in which Jesus made him participator so enraptured him, that he knew not what he said, not considering that glory can be attained only through sufferings, the crown through fight, joy through crosses and afflictions.
ASPIRATION Draw us, O Jesus, to Thee, that by the contemplation of the sacred joys awaiting us, we, by Thy grace, may not be defeated in the spiritual contest, but conquer through Thy grace and carry off the unfading crown of victory.
-- Goffine's Devout Instructions
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Second Sunday In Lent
2015-03-01T01:48:00-05:00
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I am a 68 year old single man from the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The Didache
The
Lord’s Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations
Chapter
1 – The Two Ways and the First Commandment
There
are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference
between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you
shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself,
and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of
these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and
pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what
reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do
the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an
enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes
your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be
perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If
someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes
from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able.
Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father
wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts).
Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is
guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need,
he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the
penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement,
he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he
shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And
also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your
hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Chapter
2 – The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden
And
the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder,
you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you
shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not
practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not
murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not
covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not
bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no
grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be
double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false,
nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor
rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall
not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any
man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray,
and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter
3 – Other Sins Forbidden
My
child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be
not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous,
nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are
engendered. My child, be not a lustful one, for lust leads to
fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of
all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of
omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an
astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things,
for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar,
since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor
vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child,
be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither
self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are
engendered.
Rather,
be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering
and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at
the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor
give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with
lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its
intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that
apart from God nothing comes to pass.
Chapter
4 – Various Precepts
My
child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you,
and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is
uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the
saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for
division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge
righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for
transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall
be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of
them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall
give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when
you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do
not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with
your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are
partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which
are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter;
rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin
anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who
hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over
both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance,
but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be
subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You
shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the
Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but
keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away
therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions,
and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience.
This is the way of life.
Chapter
5 – The Way of Death
And
the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed:
murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts,
witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness,
deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy
talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness;
persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a
reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous
judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is
evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities,
pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the
afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children,
destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in
want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich,
lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children,
from all these.
Chapter
6 – Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols
See
that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since
apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire
yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do
this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are
able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly
careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
Chapter
7 – Concerning Baptism
And
concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these
things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water,
baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do
so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon
the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before
the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else
can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
Chapter
8 – Fasting and Prayer (the Lord’s Prayer)
But
let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the
second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and
the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather
as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..
Pray
this three times each day.
Chapter
9 – The Eucharist
Now
concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the
cup:
We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever..
And
concerning the broken bread:
We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..
But
let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been
baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord
has said, “Give not that which is holy to the dogs.”
Chapter
10 – Prayer after Communion
But
after you are filled, give thanks this way:
We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name’s sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
But
permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.
Chapter
11 – Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets
Whosoever,
therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said
before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches
another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he
teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the
Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and
prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every
apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not
remain more than one day; or two days, if there’s a need. But if he
remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes
away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for
money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the
Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be
forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who
speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of
the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the
prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit
does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every
prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a
false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the
mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do
what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he
has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever
says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not
listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others’ sake who are
in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter
12 – Reception of Christians
But
receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and
know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left.
If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but
he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be.
But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and
eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to
it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he
wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from
such.
Chapter
13 – Support of Prophets
But
every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his
support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of
his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of
wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take
and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you
have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough,
take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also
when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give
it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every
possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and
give according to the commandment.
Chapter
14 – Christian Assembly on the Lord’s Day
But
every Lord’s day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and
give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that
your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his
fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your
sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by
the Lord: “In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice;
for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among
the nations.”
Chapter
15 – Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof
Appoint,
therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord,
men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they
also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do
not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the
prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in
peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss
against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you
until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do,
as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Chapter
16 – Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord
Watch
for your life’s sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your
loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our
Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are
befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not
profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the
last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the
sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into
hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute
and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as
Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be
delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which
have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the
creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made
to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith
shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the
signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven,
then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the
resurrection of the dead – yet not of all, but as it is said: “The
Lord shall come and all His saints with Him.” Then shall the world
see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Posted by
Steve Smith
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8/19/2014 04:39:00 AM
The Didache
2014-08-19T04:39:00-04:00
Steve Smith
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