POPE FRANCIS CHANGES CATHOLIC TEACHING ON DEATH PENALTY

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

PRESS RELEASE

VATICAN CITY, Aug 2 (Reuters) – The Roman Catholic Church formally changed its teaching on Thursday to declare the death penalty inadmissible in all circumstances. The 1.2 billion-member Catholic Church has allowed the death penalty in extreme cases for centuries, but the position began to change under the late Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005.

The Vatican said it had changed its universal catechism, a summary of Church teaching, to reflect Pope Francis’ total opposition to capital punishment. According to the new entry in the catechism, “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”

The new provision is expected to run into stiff opposition from Catholics in countries such as the United States, where many Catholics support the death penalty. The change was enacted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the body responsible for promulgating and defending Catholic doctrine.

NOTE: Prior to this latest change in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been advocating the abolition of the death penalty for some time. Sunday February 21, 2016, in the EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF YEAR OF MERCY in his Angelus address at St. Peter’s, Pope Francis called for a worldwide abolition of the death penalty, and I quote,

” The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a good occasion to promote in the world a growing maturity in forms of respect for life and the dignity of each person…even a criminal has the inviolable right to life, a gift of God.”

“I make a call to the consciences of those who govern, so that they come to an international consensus aimed at abolishing the death penalty. All Christians and men and women of good will are called today to work for the abolition of the death penalty, but also for improving the conditions of prisons, in respect of human dignity and of those people deprived of freedom.”

BACKGROUND

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

SEPTEMBER 8, 1987

2267 CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

“…traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against an unjust aggressor.
“…the case in which the execution of an offender is an absolute necessity are “very rare,” if not practically non-existent.”

NOTE: For those of us older than 50, this CCC #2267 is a change in traditional Church teaching on the death penalty. In fact, you may remember being taught in our Catholic Universities that a man who takes a life forfeits his own. Catholic teaching was influenced for centuries by the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

St. Thomas Aquinas did not personally favor the death penalty; he actually encouraged people to avoid it whenever possible. However, he did give us the teaching that for a time allowed just wars and permitted the death penalty. He taught that our first good is the preservation of our own life. The taking of another person’s life may be absolutely necessary in self-defense. “It is legitimate to answer force with force, provided it goes no further than due defense requires.” Summa Theologica (V-II q.64 a. 7)

MAGISTERIUM OF THE CHURCH

For some time, nearly four decades, the Bishops of the Church have been trying to peel away support for the death penalty among Catholics, understanding, just like our ancestors the “hardness of our hearts.” Copied below are some of their statements prior to today’s announcement by the Vatican.

Cardinal Bernadin A Consistent Ethic of Life (1983)

“To be Pro-Life is to respect all life. Life is a “seamless garment” that must be defended against many assaults be they: abortion, nuclear weapons, the death penalty, euthanasia, poverty, or racism.”

Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, THE GOSPEL OF LIFE (1995)

“…the nature and extent of the punishment must be carefully evaluated and decided upon, and ought not to go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity: in other words when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society.”

United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Life Matters: A Catholic Response To The Death Penalty (2013)

…Even if the death penalty were always imposed without error, should we support its use? We teach that killing is wrong by responding with mercy and justice, not more killing…. As Catholics, we believe and put our hope in a merciful and loving God…. Our Lord calls us to imitate him more perfectly by witnessing to the inherent dignity of every human being, including those whose actions have been despicable.

As Christians we are called to oppose the culture of death by witnessing to something greater and more perfect: a gospel of life, hope and mercy.

COMMENTARY

As someone who worked in prison ministry for a decade on death row there are a few comments that are very personal to me. Almost 50 men were put to death by the state on my watch. Cause of death is written “homicide.” The State excuses themselves as we are to blame that serve on juries that give a death sentence. Of course in a death penalty trial all jurors that oppose the death penalty are excluded They call that a “death qualified” jury.

INNOCENCE

More than 160 Innocent people have been released from our death rows since 1977, usually through extraordinary means and not the court system. The average time spent on death row before exoneration and release is 11 years. Some were released after 30 years. Now for the skeptics who say how can the innocent be on death row. I will list just a few of the ways an innocent person ends up on death row and likely executed.

INCOMPETANT DEFENSE ATTORNEY does not investigate thoroughly because of ignorance or neglect thus missing exculpatory evidence pointing to the innocence of his client.

INADEQUATE POLICE INVESTIGATIONS The police believe the suspect is guilty and do not thoroughly investigate other evidence pointing to other suspects

COERCED CONFESSIONS A suspect with limited mental ability, education, given to drug and alcohol abuse is aggressively interrogated by a group of policemen for 16-18 hours straight and may be intimidated into signing a false confession.

PREJUDICIAL PRESS COVERAGE The heinous crime and the defendant are closely reported together in the newspaper with a strong assumption of guilt on the part of the accused. It is impossible to get an impartial jury even though they say they can be fair.

PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT The prosecutor believes the defendant is guilty, has evidence that may point to the defendant’s innocence but does not use it or share it with the defense counsel. They may also plant evidence, change evidence, and lie on witness stand.

PERJURED TESTIMONY Jail house snitches lie on the stand and say they heard the defendant confess when he didn’t, in exchange for a shorter sentence for themselves.

CLOSURE

Now a few words about the term closure. Some will say we still need the death penalty for closure for family members of the victim. Don’t they deserve closure? Of course family members of murder victims deserve closure if you mean healing and the assistance to move on with their lives. As family members of victims experience grief, anger, and depression, it is essential that we reach out as individuals and faith communities to offer consolation and support.

When a death sentence is in the mix, it only prolongs and intensifies the pain and suffering and halts the grieving process in its tracks. The focus is on killing the killer not the loss of their loved one. And besides, less than 1% of homicides result in a death sentence. So what about so called closure for those family members.

CLOSING

In closing, the deepest message of our Faith is that we are all brothers and sisters, made in the image and likeness of God. Remember how God treated the first murderer, Cain, with mercy. He put a mark on Cain lest anyone harm him. “If anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged sevenfold. The Lord put a mark on Cain, lest anyone should kill him on sight.” (Genesis 4:15)

But God does not leave the crime unpunished. He tells Cain that he will not be able to grow crops and that he will be a fugitive and wanderer on the earth. Although Cain is spared execution, justice requires that he live the rest of his earthly life alone and outcast, but with time to reflect on his crime, to perhaps feel remorse and at last seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Our role then is to reconcile what seems irreconcilable, to love and respect the human dignity of the murder victim and the death row inmate and show compassion and support to the suffering and grieving families of both. The death penalty is not about who deserves to die but who deserves to kill. Jesus came for sinners not the righteous, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice!” Matthew 9:13

Mercy mitigates judgment!

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JESUS IN SCRIPTURE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN PARABLES

SCRIPTURE

MATTHEW 20:1-16 THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ …he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?….’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’

When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and heat

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.* Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’

REFLECTION Do I resent God’s generosity with others or do I rejoice in the blessings and gifts of others?

MATTHEW 22:1-14 THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.” Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then, he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found….,

But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

REFLECTION what a privilege it is to be called…… but I need to be dressed appropriately…nothing sullied enters the wedding feast…my attire and behavior must fit such a solemn occasion….am I getting prepared for the wedding feast to come…will I be accepted by the King of kings….

Mark 4:26-29 THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

“The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows–how, he himself does not know. “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

REFLECTION The Spirit goes where it wills….God is sower of the seed…God knows when it takes root…and supplies the nutrients to nurse the seed to full bloom in us until we are transformed…we pray to let it be so…let us be good stewards…God wills that all will be saved! Say yes!

MATTHEW 13:31-35,44-46 KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE BURIED TREASURE

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. kingdom of heaven is a treasure…worth leaving everything behind…a pearl of great price…

REFLECTION Am I willing to give my all to God….He has given His All to me…His very self that I might be saved…what return do I make for that!

Mark 4:3034 THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED

“How shall we picture the kingdom of God….,”It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that‘ birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches and nest under its shade.” “

REFLECTION The kingdom of heaven grows mightily under God’s providence…it provides us refuge…Come you that are burdened seek my rest and peace…be united with me and know all will be well

MATTHEW 13:47-52 THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE A NET CAST INTO THE SEA

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous,

REFLECTION In this world the wicked and righteous will coexist but when the eternal kingdom comes (end of the age), the sheep and goats will be separated…may we be among the sheep who hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy lord.” Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life…come follow Jesus!

MATTHEW 13:33 THE PARABLE OF THE YEAST

He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast^* that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:^*“I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.^l

REFLECTION We are the leaven in God’s hands….we are the clay in the Potter’s hands….first we are transformed….then the world….as the Spirit moves over the land and water to all nations….let us pray the Lord’s prayer…thy kingdom come, thy will be done….let it be so!

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HUMANAE VITAE (OF HUMAN LIFE) 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

THE PROPHETIC VISION OF BLESSED PAUL VI

BLESSED PAUL VI

BACKGROUND

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Encyclical, Humanae Vitae, published by Pope Paul VI who will be canonized this Fall by Pope Francis as a recognized Saint of the Church. Pope Paul VI reminded Catholics and all people of good will that something as sacred as the transmission of human life cannot be cut loose from its moorings without grave consequences. The publication of “Humanae Vitae” on July 25, 1968 was a reaffirmation of the traditional moral teaching of the Catholic Church. It was met with widespread controversy and a vocal dissent that was symptomatic of the age.

In 1968 not only was a sexual revolution in full swing but also dissent from any authority Vietnam protests, political protests, Democratic Convention in Chicago, and demonstrations against law enforcement etc. It should be no surprise that the challenge to authority that characterized that age, and ours, affected the way this teaching was received by many within the Catholic Church and certainly by those outside of the Church.

Secular mentality says that human beings, rather than God, are the measure of all things. Right and wrong are determined on the basis of what is practical rather than what is true or good. It has affected the attitudes and values of many in the Church as well. Uncomfortable with being a “sign of contradiction,” some prefer to accommodate the Gospel and the Church’s teaching to the wisdom of the world.

POPE PAUL VI PROPHETIC VISION

In his Encyclical, Humane Vitae, Pope Paul VI offered prophetic insight in recognizing the grave consequences of separating sex from babies.. A contraceptive mentality would lead inevitably, he said, “toward conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality, leading to loss of respect for women, to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as man’s respected and beloved companion.”

Pope Paul VI’s final warning was that contraception would lead man to think that he had unlimited dominion over his own body. The desire for unlimited dominion over one’s own body extends beyond contraception. The production of “test-tube babies” is another indication of the refusal to accept the body’s limitations; so too are euthanasia and the use of organs transplanted from those who are “nearly” dead. We seek to adjust the body to our desires and timetables, rather than adjusting ourselves to its needs.

COMMENTARY

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1643), there are three goods of marriage. They are: unity, fidelity, and openness to children. The choice of contraception denies the intrinsic meaning of giving and receiving which is proper to the conjugal sexual act and closes it arbitrarily to the dynamics of transmitting a new human life.

Unity demands permanence (indissolubility) for the entire life of the married couple. The very nature of conjugal love, total union for life of a married couple, demands fidelity and prohibits any disorder such as adultery. Openess to children is the fruit of total self-giving love. One aspect of man in the image and likeness of God is procreator, sharing in God’s creative work, the completion of the human race. God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them. God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply“(Genesis 1:28)

The recent judicial decision legalizing same-sex marriage (man-made law) certainly ignore God’s intention for marriage between man and woman. Refusing to accept God’s creation of male and female with a natural complementarity between the sexes has also led to gender confusion on a massive scale whereby children are choosing their own gender and their parents are encouraging them to do so. Copied below are just a few of the consequences of man-made laws regarding contraception that I see:

Sex as a recreational hobby
Increase in infidelity in marriage
Objectification of women
Increased pornographic media
Children a burden instead of a blessing
Mandatory World-wide sterilization programs in poor countries
Acceptance of abortion as a means of birth control since children are neither wanted or respected
Increased sexually transmitted diseases
Man believing he has dominion over his body

CONCLUSION

Man does not have dominion over his/her body. Ever since the beginning man has been going up against God and pretending to be equal to God. The only result has been disaster when man has made his own idols and claimed to be in charge.

We are in charge of nothing. We are contingent beings. We did not create ourselves. We don’t get to name our gender or make our own rules. Like it or not there is an authority way beyond ourselves. We have little to no control over anything. With God all things are possible; without him nothing is possible.

The Church cannot change its teaching on the immorality of artificial contraception however unpopular and difficult it can be to live it. The Church does not create the moral law, but is only its guardian and interpreter. Catholics who strive to live according to the Church’s teaching will find divine assistance by having recourse to the grace of the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist, as well as to prayer.

“Good Roman Catholics do not need to breed like “rabbits“, the Pope Francis has said, but should practice “responsible” parenting instead Pope Francis has consistently spoken out in support of Humanae Vitae (of Human Life). In Humanae Vitae, the Church teaches, ” If there are well-grounded reasons for spacing births, arising from the physical or psychological condition of husband or wife, or from external circumstances, married people may then take advantage of the natural cycles in the reproductive system and engage in marital intercourse only during those times that are infertile”

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a healthy and moral means of family planning that enables couples to cooperate with God and one another in spacing pregnancies in a way that actually strengthens their relationship.

Some may say, so what’s the difference between having sex at infertile times and artificial contraception. The Church replies, “In reality, these two cases are completely different. In the former the married couple rightly use a faculty provided them by nature. In the later they obstruct the natural development of the generative process.”

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SOCIAL JUSTICE IS MORE THAN CHARITY!

SOCIAL JUSTICE

LAST JUDGMENT DISCOURSE MATTHEW 25:21 – 43

THE GOSPEL OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne and all the nations^* will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me

Then the righteous^* will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you? And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me…..

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’

We practicing Christians take Matthew 25 very seriously. It tends to sum up the whole Gospel of Jesus that we are to love God and our neighbor. In fact, the most practical way of showing our love for God is how we love our neighbor. At the end of Mass we are dismissed with the words go in peace and live the Gospel. Matthew 25 also answers that nagging question, what I must do to get to heaven?

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

CCC 2447 The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:

ERA OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

After leaving Church, we step into the world in the era of Trump where we are bombarded by negativity, name calling, division, us and them. It reminds me of how soldiers were prepared to kill the enemy in the Vietnam War by calling them gooks and any other name but human. Even well intentioned Christians cannot help but be infected by the negativity and diminishing of those who are weaker and most in need.

Let me cite just a few areas in Trump policies that threatened a Christian response to those in need. Most recently, there has the draconian policy of zero tolerance at our Southern border, arresting everyone, declaring everyone a criminal, separating children from parents. Trump consistently attacks affordable health care including Medicaid, affordable housing, food stamps and offers other cuts to anti-poverty programs for our most vulnerable. We all live on same earth and our environment originally provided by God is there to promote life, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we sow and harvest. The Trump administration aggressive deregulation policies endanger our air, our water and the food we consume.

COMMENTARY

Jesus was counter cultural and never shied from speaking truth to power whether they be political leaders or religious leaders of his time. Works of charity are good but is that all that is expected of us? I am going to cite a quote from Archbishop Dom Helder Camara, Archbishop of Brazil’s poor back in the 80’s. “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.”

Charitable giving is not enough! We must look at the causes of those in need and address them as well in our advocacy and at the ballot box.

What is a human being? What is his role in the world? Where is he headed? How does he get there? If a human being is not yet perfected, what will perfect him? Social Justice always has the common good at its core as found in Scriptures and in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC #1907) states that the Common Good presupposes respect for each person. It requires the social well-being and development of everyone, including food, clothing, shelter, health care, work, education etc. It requires peace and justice for security of a just order…. . (CCC 1928-1942, 2419-2449) The fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching focus on the dignity and sacredness of each human person, the solidarity that we experience within one another, the promotion of the common good and the proper use and distribution of the goods of this world

SCRIPTURE

On coming into this world, a person is not equipped with everything he needs for developing his bodily and spiritual life. He needs others. Talents and gifts are not distributed equally as we see in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians chapter 12 where he compares the human body to the body of Christ, the Church.

“Now the body is not a single part, but many. Even if a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended…” I Corinthians 12:4-26

St. Paul goes on to say, “Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary, and those parts of the body that we consider less honorable we surround with greater honor, and our less presentable parts are treated with greater propriety, whereas our more presentable parts do not need this….

God has so constructed the body that there may be no divisions in the body so that the parts of the body may have concern for every other part. If (one) part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” Just as it is in the human body so it is in the body of Christ, the Church.” Corinthians 12:4-11; 14-31

CONCLUSION

Why isn’t it enough to believe in God, be baptized, worship God on Sundays, receive the Sacraments and keep the Commandments not to kill, steal, lie, cheat etc.? In the first Epistle of John, chapter 4, verse 20, it reads, “Anyone who says I love God and hates his neighbor is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Don’t blame poverty or lack of resources on God, He has provided us with all the natural resources we need. Here is the question to ask ourselves, “Why are there some with more than they need while there are others with less than they need?” Social Justice is not merely charity. In fact someone could do charitable giving for all the wrong reasons, to save on taxes, to feel good about himself, to receive the acclaim of others.

God’s divine plan wills that each will have their needs supplied by their neighbors. It is the Christian way. Today we represent Jesus’ compassion, empathy, and generosity. We have been, and remain, stronger on private charity than on social justice. Many Christians will give food or clothing to a needy person but, at the same time, refuse to look at the structures and policies that create poverty in the first place.. We are obliged by justice itself to come to the aid of needy people. Examination on Social Justice is a much harder examination for people. It may take us to some dark places we didn’t know were in us and a call to conversion.

The present situation within the world, where some individuals and nations have excess while others lack the basic necessities, is immoral, goes against the teachings of Christ, and must be redressed. The condemnation of injustice is part of the church’s essential ministry of preaching and is an essential aspect of the church’s prophetic role. At our Baptisms we are called to that prophetic role! Let’s get started!

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SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN UNTO ME…US BORDER SEPARATION OF CHILDREN?

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, SOCIAL JUSTICE

MATTHEW 19:14

Parents were bringing their children to Jesus for His blessing. Jesus’ disciples rebuked them. Disciples were making a judgment thinking they were protecting Jesus from an intrusion/invasion of unwanted guests. The Master had better things to do. Back in Jesus’ day, children were pretty much dismissed as only future heirs or as someone who would help in a family business one day. Jesus turns the table and describes the children as those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive only Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:36-37 Jesus’ message is always counter cultural.He came as representative of His Father to build a kingdom of heaven on earth. The prayer Jesus taught us includes, “thy kingdome come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven.

TODAY’S IMAGE IN THE NEWS OF CHILD SEPARATED FROM MOTHER

MCALLEN, TX – JUNE 12: A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the U.S.-Mexico by John MoorA Honduran woman and her 2-year-old daughter had just crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico and were to be transported to a US Customs and Border Protection processing center. The Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy for undocumented immigrants calls for the separation of parents and children while their cases for political asylum are adjudicated, a process that can take months – or years. Jesus, Marry and Joseph were themselves refugees fleeing into Egypt to avoid the infanticide of Herod. Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come into me…” Jesus desires mercy not judgment! Man-made laws are ALWAYS subordinate to God’s laws.

FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20). Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, was born in a borrowed manger, had no fixed address once he began his public ministry, and was buried in another man’s grave. It is quite an irony: He, who made the universe, became a homeless person.

The Letter to the Hebrews urges us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). Jesus comes to us in disguises. Remember his last judgment discourse in Matthew 23, “Whatever you do to one of these least of my brethren, you do to me.”

Jesus, Son of God, is the fullest revelation of God. But it is not only the New Testament that talks about hospitable and charitable behavior to our neighbor. Jesus’ message of love everyone, treat everyone as you wish to be treated is certainly foretold in the Old Testament.

Numerous passages in the Old Testament show how visitors are to be treated: “You shall not oppress or afflict a resident alien, for you were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt Exodus 22:20. Isaiah 58:7 declares that the fast God requires is “bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house.” “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt” Leviticus 19:33-34.

BORDER DETENTION CENTER

US CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE

“Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral.”

Pope Francis recently said, “countries “must move from considering others as threats to our comfort to valuing them as persons whose life experience and values can contribute greatly to the enrichment of our society.”

In past posts, I have discussed all the corporal works of mercy. Today I remind my readers of the corporal work of mercy, shelter the homeless.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: 2447. “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.

How do we feel about immigrants who come to our shores for safety? Down through history, there have always been a certain number of people who were homeless and harbor less, more than likely our own ancestors.. We as Christians need to treat the immigrants with respect and according to their human dignity, as we would want to be treated ourselves.

The plight of millions of refugees driven from their homes by war may seem far away from our nation, but homelessness is also right on our doorstep. There is a danger that, like the rich man in the parable, we no longer see the Lazarus we practically have to step over.

This corporal work of mercy forces us to open our eyes to the misery of those who, for a variety of reasons, have no place they can call home. We often show more empathy for stray dogs or cats than human beings.

Pro-Life is more than anti-abortion! Let’s give the same fervor to those already born!

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PARABLES OF JESUS IN SCRIPTURE

SCRIPTURE

THE SOWER AND THE SEED

LUKE 6:12-13, MARK 4:2-8

In those days Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God the Father. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve.

Jesus taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.

It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

REFLECTION:

Our Scripture begins with Jesus going apart in prayer….solitude is best….especially when facing a tough decision….with the Father, Jesus discusses his choice for those closest followers who will be commissioned to carry on the Good News….do I take my tough decisions to God in prayer or do go it alone…..

Jesus begins His instructions to the chosen Twelve in parables….challenging them….testing them….probing their hearts….. Jesus begins his teaching with HEAR THIS!….Do I really listen to the Word at Mass….when I am reading scripture do I really hear especially the parts that may be difficult for me

In this parable Jesus is the sower and the Word…the word on the path is taken away immediately by Satan…due to the hardness of our heart…those sown on rocky ground receive it at once with joy but they have no root; they last only for a time….have I been preparing my heart through prayer and sacraments to receive and nourish the word of God…am I prepared to say Thy will be done…or do I opt out…

Those sown among thorns are the people who hear the word, but the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word,…but those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold…does the word bear fruit in my life…how…with the help of the Holy Spirit I will do what I must to enrich the soil that I may bear more fruit….God willing!

SILENT PRAYER

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THE PRODIGAL SON PARABLE OF JESUS

SCRIPTURE

LUKE 15:11-24 THE PRODIGAL SON

A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them.

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”‘

So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’

REFLECTION:

Imagine a child of yours asking for his inheritance now without regard for your future wellbeing and demonstrating he only cared about the material goods you could provide…resentment may be the response of many parent….some may even write the son off….maybe tell him to never show up here again…all those negative feelings that are so natural but the Father in this parable, a stand in for our Heavenly Father, filled with grace and compassion never gave up on this prodigal son..

The Prodigal Son, apart from the Father, wallowed in a life of sin and squandered everything…no mere mortal came to his aid…he longed for nourishment but none was available apart from the Father…finally convicted in his conscience by the Holy Spirit he came to his senses…he willed to return to the Father…I will say to my Father, “I have sinned against heaven and against you…I no longer deserve to be called your son”…while he was a long way off…his Father saw him…rushed to meet the prodigal son, embraced and kissed him…

The Father was looking for his beloved son…every day…Our Heavenly Father seeks us every day….His outreach is unlimited…except if we put up a road block…God respects our free will more than any other gift He has given us…He loves us and wants us to share in His Divine life of love and peace but won’t force us…

The Father of the prodigal son in his love for his son orders material signs of that love….the Father clothed him in the finest garment and ordered a feast for this son who was dead and has come to life again…he was lost and has been found….so it is with God when we turn from sin and return to the Father…He places a wedding garment on our shoulders and welcomes us to the wedding feast….

SILENT PRAYER

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COME HOLY SPIRIT

CATHOLIC FEAST DAYS

HAPPY PENTECOST SUNDAY

INTRODUCTION
Today is a special day to pay honor to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Most Holy Trinity. But the Holy Spirit must not be forgotten the other 364 days of the year. The Holy Spirit is a constant in our call to repentance and conversion.

The Holy Spirit is that special advocate that Jesus promised us before His Ascension into Heaven.. Jesus would not leave us orphans and indeed, He didn’t. The Holy Spirit daily inspires, encourages, and enlightens us in our way “home” to the Father. If you had a good thought, thank the Holy Spirit. If you did a good deed, thank the Holy Spirit. If you made a good decision, thank the Holy Spirit.

COMMENTARY

The Trinity is one. We do not profess three Gods, JUST ONE! We profess One True God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in One God. The three persons are one in nature.

Jesus is the Word made Flesh, the same substance as the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of Life proceeding from the Father and the Son, the same substance as the Father.
(Council of Nicea 325 and Constantinople 381)

The Father loves the Son. The Son loves the Father. The Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son. The Trinity is a model of communal love. From all eternity, without beginning there is One God in three Divine Persons. It is a mystery of our Faith that we can never fully comprehend or exhaust but we are able to speak about it.

“If a man loves me, says the Lord, he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”(John 17:21-23) “Everyone who glorifies the Father does so through the Son, in the Holy Spirit. Everyone who follows Christ does so because the Father draws him and the Spirit moves him.” (John 6:44)

OLD TESTAMENT
The term Spirit comes from the Hebrew word, ruach, meaning breath or air. In the First Creation Story in Genesis 1:2 “the Spirit of God was moving over the face of deep waters,” bringing order out of chaos. In the Second Creation Story, Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the land and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being.”

The Blessed Trinity is not complete without the Holy Spirit whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. “Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever.”

When we speak of the Father as Creator, we do not mean to say the Son and the Spirit had nothing to do with creation. The same can be said about the Father and the Spirit in regard redemption. The same can be said about the Father and the Son in regards sanctification. No person of the Blessed Trinity is ever absent in a divine action. The source of all divine actions in the world is one Divine Nature.

In addition to the Creation stories we find other references in the Old Testament to the Holy Spirit. In Exodus 13:15, God dried up the waters by sending a dry wind, once the waters were parted the Israelites escaped the Egyptians on dry land.

The Spirit inspired Joseph’s dreams in Egypt (Genesis 37). The Spirit inspired the great prophets, Ezekiel, (Chapter 20) Jeremiah (Chapter 31), and Isaiah (Chapter 61) that the Spirit would renew and restore the chosen people if only they would repent and turn back to God.

NEW TESTAMENT

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and the Word became flesh. “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and therefore the Holy Being, Who shall be born of you, shall be called the Son of God.” (Lk. 1:35)

The Holy Spirit is poured out in fullness in Baptism – virtues given freely to all believers to sustain moral life of the Christian – that means you get them all ! The gifts of the Holy Spirit are freely given so we will fulfill the God-given purpose of our lives. In the sacrament of Confirmation we individually confirm our acceptance of these gifts, but often they are not “stirred up” into activity until we are “baptized in the Holy Spirit”.

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Wisdom – an understanding in our inner being that helps us develop the ability to make judgments about everything in our lives on the basis of a deep, personal union with the Lord and his abiding love.

Understanding – enlightenment of our minds and hearts with divine truth so that we can grasp the mysteries of the Lord. Signs of this gift are new insight into the Scriptures, increased depth in prayer, and renewed appreciation of the sacraments.

Counsel (Right Judgment) – the ability to receive and/or give good advice. It empowers us to make decisions in the Spirit in practical life situations. The Holy Spirit helps us discern good from evil, right from wrong.

Fortitude (Courage / Strength / Zeal) – enables us to face with strength the trials and dangers we encounter in our Christian life. It empowers us to choose consistently the right way to live in spite of disappointments and difficulties. It helps us resist the temptations of the world: money, power, and self-centeredness.

Knowledge – is having a deep trust and sureness about the Lord and knowing the truths of Christian revelation. This gift of tthe Holy Spirit produces in us a deep trust and sureness about the Lord. We grow in the gift of knowledge through daily study of the scriptures and the teachings of the Church.

Piety (Love) – Piety leads us to a true image of our Father as merciful, faithful, abounding in steadfast love, slow to anger – but also firm and just. We grow in piety through the practice of justice, attitudes of cooperation with authority, truthfulness, friendliness, and humility.

Fear of the Lord – an attitude of reverence and awe in the presence of God. It is not to be confused with the emotion of fear. This gift enables us to reverence all life as a reflection of God’s life. We grow in reverence by praying to God often, by being thankful for God’s gifts, and by respecting God’s name.

REFLECTION

1. How much time do I give to attending to my inner life?
2. Do I ever ask the Holy Spirit for assistance? What prayers do I use to stay in touch with the Holy Spirit?
3. How can my relationship to the Spirit assist me to overcome tendencies in pride, anger, lust, greed, envy,
excess, and laziness?
4, How am I using the traditional gifts of the spirit ?

PRAYER
Come Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life. Spirit of Wisdom inspire us to be courageous witnesses to the Truth. Come Holy Spirit dwell in us that we may dwell in Thee. Come Holy Spirit,, we adore you the same way we adore God the Father and God the Son. Praise and glory be yours, now and forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

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JESUS IN SCRIPTURE I AM THE VINE AND YOU ARE THE BRANCHES

SCRIPTURE

JOHN 15:1-12 I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you…

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned…

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

REFLECTION:
The Father is the vine grower;Jesus is the vine… “I am the vine you are the branches…whoever remains in me will bear much fruit”…Jesus addresses his disciples as branches of the vine…are we branches attached to Jesus…..every branch bearing fruit will bear more fruit as it is pruned…do we resist when God tries to remove shoots from the branch that may inhibit the bearing of more fruit….

” remain in my love…and your joy will be complete”…anyone who doesn’t remain with Jesus will wither and die…do I want to wither and die…we have Jesus’ promise if we remain with him our joy will be complete…all of us want to be happy…really happy…really whole…by keeping the commandments and loving one another, my joy will be complete…

Jesus tells me so…why not believe him…have I not had enough disappointment and unmet expectations seeking material pleasures that only satisfy for a moment… I was made by God for God…to share in His divine life …isn’t it time to embrace His pruning…that we may bear more fruit… “This is my commandment, love one another as I have loved you!”

SILENT PRAYER

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CALL TO HOLINESS APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

“TO BE SAINTS IS NOTA PRIVILEGE FOR A FEW
BUT A VOCATION FOR EVERYONE” POPE FRANCIS

INTRODUCTION

On Monday, April 9, Feast of Annunciation, Pope Francis issued his third Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Over the next few weeks I will be blogging on each Chapter. Today’s blog is on Chapter One, The Call to Holiness. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized. Unfortunately, the secular press will cover this Exhortation with controversial sound bites to stir controversy and make some even uncomfortable with their Holy Father

But let me assure you that no doctrine changes are contained here and no potential heresy or schism is contained in Pope Francis’ exhortation to holiness. It is extremely pastoral to assist his flock to make their way home to what has always been intended by God that is: saints that enjoy the beatific vision forever and ever.

COMMENTARY

CHAPTER ONE
THE CALL TO HOLINESS

In paragraph 3, Pope Francis reminds us of the great “cloud of witnesses” already in heaven assisting and praying for us. “These witnesses may include our own mothers, grandmothers or other loved ones (2 Tim 1:5). Their lives may not always have been perfect, yet even amid their faults and failings they kept moving forward and proved pleasing to the Lord.”

Pope Francis encourages us to think beyond those beatified and canonized, to think of our family members and friends that have gone before us that modeled faith and discipleship in such a way as to directly influence us “to run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” God wishes all of us to be holy and has sent His Spirit to make that possible. “Let us be spurred on by the signs of holiness that the Lord shows us through the humblest of people.”

In paragraph 10 Pope Francis makes clear his most important purpose of this exhortation is the focus on our individual call to holiness. God addresses us in the Book of Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy for I am holy.”

“The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (1 Cor12:7), rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them to embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5)”

In paragraph 14, Pope Francis makes some concrete suggestion how we can be holy no matter what walk of life we may be taking. “Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by laboring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Are you in a position of authority? Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain”.

In paragraph 15, Pope Francis encourages us to turn our eyes to Christ crucified when we feel discouraged. We can’t do it on our own but just a short prayer like, Lord I am a poor sinner, but you can work the miracle of making me a little bit better. Thank you, Jesus. Pope Francis also encourages us to avail ourselves of the Sacraments, the Eucharist and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Everyone’s mission is to be a saint one day in heaven, “for this is the will of God your sanctification,” (I Thess. 4:3). Our mission in general is to be a saint but the Father who knit us in our Mother’s womb has a special plan for us. How that is embodied at a specific moment in history we may have no idea who is yet out there waiting for our example, our words and actions that lead them to Jesus Christ.

“This is a powerful summons to all of us. You too need to see the entirety of your life as a mission. Try to do so by listening to God in prayer and recognizing the signs that he gives you. Always ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from you at every moment of your life and in every decision you must make, so as to discern its place in the mission you have received.”

In conclusion, Pope Francis again encourages us to persevere in our mission despite setbacks, mistakes, and missteps. The Lord will bring it to fulfillment, provided you do not abandon the path of love but remain ever open to sanctifying grace. Be wary of the noise of this world, endless gadgets, consumer goods, superficial pleasures. The din of this world can muffle the voice of God, be on guard!

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.”For in the words of León Bloy, when all is said and done, “the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint”

SUMMARY

I am reminded in this chapter of the faith I received first was from family members, parents, grandparents, witnesses that have gone before me and now part of that cloud of witnesses watching over me as I complete my journey home. It was in the silence of family life that most of us learned to pray, love, and to serve others.

God has given us all abilities to use in ministry, all different sorts of gifts for all sorts of missions. Our gifts are given for the community and we are called to use them in response to the needs of the community. I pray with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I may discern my path to holiness.

How exactly am I called to pass on the faith to others so that others may know Jesus in their hearts, worship Jesus in Liturgy, follow Jesus’ moral teachings in their daily lives, and support one another in a community of believers.. Ultimately, we are sowers of seeds and harvester of some and the Spirit will “blow where it may.” John 3:8

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