CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

THE MASS THE WORSHIP WE PAY GOD FOR ALL HE GIVES TO US

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

JESUS INSTITUTES THE EUCHARIST

INTRODUCTION

For some time now I have been wondering how I might help improve Sunday Mass attendance among my fellow catholics.  All surveys and polls show less and less each decade attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis despite objectively it is a grave sin to miss Mass on Sundays intentionally without sufficient cause.

Catholics must worship God on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation by participating in the Holy Mass. I know we are in that era of “cafeteria Catholics” who pick and choose what teachings of Jesus and His Church they are going to follow.

When it comes to the Mass, one may hear comments like, “it is boring,”  “I don’t get anything out of it.”  Some will say, I can worship God by going for a walk and appreciating nature. First, I will address the idea of The Mass being boring and getting nothing out of it.  The Mass is primarily about worshipping God not about you getting some kind of thrill or high as you might with a material thing.

We were not at Calvary over 2000 years ago when God died for our sins in atonement.  But at every Mass we re-present that sacrifice in an un-bloody manner.  We receive again through no merit of our own all the graces that were merited by Jesus over 2000 years ago and participate in our redemption by offering ourselves to the extant we can.  So we do get something after all, an increase in sanctifying grace.

Just a word for the nature lover who chooses walks over attending Mass.  It is a good thing to acknowledge God the Creator but God is also the Redeemer, and Sanctifier.  The best way to give thanks (eucharistia) for all that God has done for us is the Liturgy of the Mass.

I am convinced if a person knew and understood the various parts of the Liturgy of the Mass Mass would no longer be boring or something to be skipped or set aside. Nowhere on earth will one be closer to Jesus than in the Liturgy of the Mass which includes the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

So let’s begin:

 INTRODUCTORY RITES

 At Mass we are welcomed by the priest celebrant who stands in the place of Christ.  We begin with the sign of the cross placing ourselves in God’s presence and bearing witness that we are as a community pledged to Christ’s standards, not the world’s. Just as Jews in Israel, had to cleanse themselves before worshipping in the temple, we now at Mass confess our sins in the Confiteor and ask for God’s Mercy in the prayers, Lord have mercy.

The tone of the liturgy now shifts from sorrowful repentance to joyful praise, the Gloria. The opening line of the Gloria is taken from the words sung by the angels over the fields of Bethlehem, announcing to the shepherds the good news. “Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of good will.”

After praising the Father we have a summary of the Salvation Story with His Son, Jesus Christ the main character, “Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.”

After this hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the priest leads the people in a prayer called the Collect because it gathers all the intentions of the people participating and offers them to the Father in this prayer.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

 On Sundays there is a reading from the Old Testament and then from the New Testament before the Gospel.  Remember the Bible is the inspired word of God given to us through the instrument of human writers but God is the author of the Bible.  CCC 105 God is the author of Sacred Scripture. “The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.”

While the whole of the Bible is inspired, Vatican II taught that the Gospels rightly have “a special place…because they are our principal source for the life and teaching of the Incarnate Word, our Savior, Jesus Christ.” The Gospel is not like a news report but the inspired word of God talking to us today.

The Gospel is usually followed by a homily.  In Greek, homily means explanation.  In the homily, the priest/preacher breaks open the word of God in various ways to assist us in applying it to our lives. After hearing the word of God, we affirm our belief in the Creed, an entire summary of salvation history. In the early Church the Creed was part of the rite of Baptism.

PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS

The priest offers bread and wine to the Father along with our offerings and asks that these gifts be made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Before offering the wine he places a drop of water in the chalice while saying, “May we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” The priest prays that he may be cleansed from any sins or improprieties by washing his hands. As the priest begins the “sacrifice of the Mass” he prays, “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

 LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

This part of the Mass begins with invoking God’s presence once again and affirming it is right and just to give God praise and thanks for all He does and what He is about to do in the transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.  The priest calls upon God to send the Holy Spirit to come upon these gifts (epiclesis) The priest’s prays “Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ”

Soon after, the priest says the words of consecration, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you…  Then the priest takes the chalice, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

To understand better the words, “Do this in memory of me,” we need the context of the Passover, the Jewish liturgical celebration of their freedom from slavery in Egypt.  Annually, the Jewish community celebrate Passover.  Biblical memorials were not just recalled but re-lived.  A liturgical memorial brings the past and present together, making the long-ago event mystically present for the current generation.

This memorial (anamnesis) at Mass makes what happened in the Upper Room and on Calvary sacramentally present today. This same sacrifice, now in an unbloody manner that Christ offered once for all on the cross remains ever present.  The power of Jesus’ sacrificial offering is applied to our lives for the daily sins we commit. There is also an increase in sanctifying grace.

After the consecration and raising of the body and blood of Jesus, the priest genuflects and announces the mystery of faith and invites us to proclaim with him what has just taken place, Jesus Christ who died for our sins is truly present on the altar under the appearances of bread and wine.

THE RITE OF PEACE

Many people seek the security and peace of this world, which is a peace based on success and on everything going well.  Christ, however, offers us a deeper, longer lasting peace,  an internal, spiritual peace that can withstand life’s many disappointments, trials, and sufferings.—one that the world does not give. This is the kind of peace of heart that also builds true unity within marriages, families, communities, parishes, and nations. We are invited by the priest to share this peace with our neighbor.

 AGNUS DEI

 Fraction is the breaking of the bread, now the body of Christ.  The priest places a small particle of the bread in the chalice while saying, “May this mingling of the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ bring to us who receive it eternal life.”  When we recite the Agnus Dei, Lamb of God who takes away the sins….we join the chorus of heaven and earth, worshiping the Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb sacrificed for our salvation.

HOLY COMMUNION

In the Book of Revelations an angel instructs John to write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rv 19:9). What is this festive supper of the Lamb? It is the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist.  When the priest says, “Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb,” he echoes the angel’s invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb in the Book of Revelations.

We are being called to participate in the marriage feast of Jesus and his Church.  When you walk down the aisle to receive Holy Communion, as a member of the Church, you are coming to be united to your bridegroom, Jesus. In the spirit of unworthiness, we express our confidence that God is calling us despite our sinfulness.  “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

CONCLUDING RITES

“Go the Mass is ended.”  We are sent forth as Jesus sent forth his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you,” John 20:21.”  We have been fed and nourished in our faith.  It is our time to spread the Good News! Our mission if we choose to accept it is live the Gospel in words and actions.

 CONCLUSION

Come back to Mass, you will be glad you did and the world will be a better place for your participation.  There is no greater way to give thanks to God the Creator, God the Redeemer, and God the Sanctifier.  One God, three Persons! Your bridegroom awaits you at the wedding feast of the Lamb.

“The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification.  Eucharist means first of all ‘thanksgiving’ ” Catechism of the Catholic Church 1360

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TEN COMMANDMENTS – GOD’S SELF HELP MANUAL

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

INTRODUCTION

In a recent post I talked about asking our shepherds to talk more about the Sin word.  To call a sin, a sin and not be compromised by the world view that often sees sin as a character flaw, a weakness, not a sin (moral relativism)  I have decided to go back to the origin of sin, all the way back to Genesis to our first parents who disobeyed God’s one restriction in the garden.

Remember God is all good and wishes us all well.  He knew when man ate of the tree of good and evil, man would experience evil and its consequences. God will always try to protect mankind but His respect for the gift of free will is of the highest priority.  God will not force the good on us but there are consequences.

After the fall in the garden, later God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) which are NOT so much prohibitions but a way of living that avoids the consequences of sin. .Some of you are old enough to remember the old Baltimore Catechism, especially the first question, “Why did God make you”  Answer: “God made me to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this life, and be happy with Him in the next.” This one simple answer says it all It sums up the nature of God as a loving Father and His intention for us to live happily with Him ever after.

The biblical story of the origin of the Ten Commandments suggests that Moses received them directly from God on Mt. Sinai around 1280 B.C. The Bible offers different accounts of the full text of the Ten Commandments; one in the book of Exodus and the other in Deuteronomy. The Catholic Church ascribes to the version in Deuteronomy and follows the division and enumeration provided in the Septuagint, the Old Testament translated from Hebrew into Greek that the early Christians followed.

 REFLECTION GOD’S SELF HELP MANUAL (TEN COMMANDMENTS)

“I AM THE LORD THY GOD, THOU SHALT NOT HAVE ANY STRANGE GODS BEFORE ME.”

This commandment forbids idolatry, the worship of false gods and goddesses. It asserts there is only One God.  False gods or idols can be anything that man puts before this One God including people, fame, fortune and material things.

“THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN.”

The faithful are required to honor the name of God. It makes sense that if you’re to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you’re naturally to respect the name of God with equal passion and vigor. You do not curse someone with the name of God, mock God, or dismiss God as irrelevant.

“REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE SABBATH DAY.”

The Jewish celebration of Sabbath (Shabbat) begins at sundown on Friday evening and lasts until sundown on Saturday. Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians go to church on Sunday, treating it as the Lord’s Day instead of Saturday to honor the day Christ rose from the dead. We take at least one day of the week to give thanks to God who cares for us 24/7. It is not about us it is about paying respect to the God of all.  Some may say it is boring but then, do they believe in God and what is owed God by virtue of our very life and all His blessings.

“HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER.”

This commandment obliges the faithful to show respect for their parents.  Children must obey their parents, and adults must respect and see to the care of their parents, when they become old and infirm. You do not abandon your parents nor support euthanasia for those you deem useless.

“THOU SHALT NOT KILL.”

Killing an innocent person is considered murder. Killing an unjust aggressor to preserve your own life isn’t considered murder or immoral. Abortion is the killing of an innocent child.  That child is growing in the womb of the mother but is not the property of the mother any more than any live born child.

“THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.”

This commandment asks us to honor human sexuality according to natural law and Divine Law. Not only adultery of a married person having relations with someone other than their spouse but includes prohibition of other misuse of our gift of sexuality, fornication which is sex between unmarried people, prostitution, pornography, masturbation, homosexual activity, rape, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, and necrophilia.

“THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.”

This commandments focus on respecting and honoring the possessions of others. This commandment forbids the act of taking someone else’s property. The Catholic Church believes this commandment includes cheating people of their money, depriving people of fair wages, tax evasion and damage to other people’s property including random vandalism.

“THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.  The Eighth Commandment condemns lying. Because God is regarded as the author of all truth, the Church believes that humans are obligated to honor the truth. To lie about your neighbor may not be killing his/her body but are killing their reputation and who they are to themselves and others.

“THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.”

This Commandment forbids the intentional desire and longing for immoral sexuality. To sin in the heart, Jesus says, is to lust after a woman or a man in your heart with the desire and will to have immoral sex with them. Catholicism regards human sexuality as a divine gift, so it’s considered sacred in the proper context — marriage. Lusting in the heart is a heartbeat from lustfull immoral actions

“THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR’S GOODS.”

The Tenth Commandment forbids the wanting to or taking someone else’s property. This commandment condemns theft along with feelings of envy, greed, and jealousy in reaction to what other people have.

Most readers of the summary of commandments above can anticipate the disastrous results when these commandments are not followed:.  Abusive relationships, dysfunctional families, the weak and vulnerable oppressed and bullied, no moral compass outside themselves, abandoned, ignored and diminished people who we deem not worthy of our respect and care.

WHAT DOES JESUS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT GOD’S LAW

Now a word from Jesus in the New Testament on GOD’S SELF HELP MANUAL.  In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” 

You will find Jesus’ self-help manual in Matthew 5:3-16, Sermon on the Mount-the Beatitudes.

CONCLUSION

God wants us to be happy. Jesus puts an exclamation point on this in the Sermon on the Mount. Another name for “blessed” is happy

Worldly wisdom often complains that the Church’s moral teachings make people miserable. But the Church argues that being moral is the only way to be happy. Augustine said it best: “In seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life” (Confessions, 10, 20).

The prevalent despair, obsessive behavior, and anxiety in our culture arise not from being moral, but from the abandonment of the moral law. Of course, happiness is mixed with sorrow and the inevitable tragedies of life.

There are no perfect families, perfect marriages, perfect parishes—nothing human is perfect. Part of our moral quest and journey home  to God and all the saints includes carrying our cross.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING EVERLASTING LIFE

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

Heavenly Father, eyes have not seen, ears have not heard

what you have prepared for those who love you. 

Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 

Spirit of Christ help us to persevere.  In Jesus’ name we pray!

 COMMENTARY

One of the most fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church is in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  If Jesus hadn’t defeated death as well as sin, what is the point?  We would be living a random, meaningless life like those who refuse to believe in God, believe in no outside authority than themselves, and nothing to hold us in check in our inner actions with others.

It would be totally chaotic and self driven by under whelming minds and out of control lusts for power, money and fame.  Let’s face it if that is all there is in this world, then why not aggrandize everything to ourselves before death ends it all. And if we are having a bad time of it, why not doctor assisted suicide?  And if people are sick, disabled, not useful to us, most importantly an inconvenient pregnancy why not cleanse humanity of its imperfections?  Pretty depressing picture, right!  Thank God and I mean that literally this is not the reality Christians live!

Fortunately, for Christians there is much more.  We believe in God that cares, who is involved in our lives, and wishes to spend all eternity with us.  Yes, we are material and spiritual, made up of body and soul.  And Jesus promises us there is a place already picked out for us to live for all eternity.

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?3* And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. “John 14;2-3

 CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE

St. Paul preaches in his first letter to the Corinthians, “How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ has not been raised and if Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”  (Cor. 15:12-14)

Death is a consequence of Original Sin.  After death, each person faces a particular judgment before God.  After the particular judgment, the person will either immediately enter into the blessedness of heaven, purification in purgatory, or eternal damnation in hell.  Those who die in the grace and friendship with God and who are perfectly purified from sinfulness will see God face to face as He really is and live with Christ forever.

In the resurrection we will have spiritual bodies. Our natural bodies came from Adam, our spiritual bodies come from Christ.    St. Paul says: “as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [Adam], so we shall bear the likeness of the heavenly one [Christ]” (1 Corinthians 15:49)   Jesus came to “dress our perishable nature with imperishability and our mortal nature with immortality’ (1 Corinthians 15:53).

Our short lives on earth are a sowing time.  Life on earth is the time when the seeds of the risen body are planted.  St. Paul says: “What is sown is perishable, but what is raised is imperishable; what is sown is contemptible but what is raised is glorious; what is sown is weak, but what is raised is powerful; what is sown is a natural body, and what is raised is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Everlasting Life refers to the perpetuity of happiness, blessedness, wholeness, and union with the Most Blessed Trinity in heaven. The Early Fathers of the Church described eternal life as “exemption from all evil and an enjoyment of all good.

“Eye hath not seen; ears hath not heard, or the heart of man conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Cor. 2:9)

In the Book of Revelations, the last book of Scriptures, it states, “They shall no more hunger and thirst.  Neither shall the sun fall on them nor any heat.  God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and death shall be no more.  Nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Our essential happiness in heaven will be the Beatific Vision, to see God as He is, God who is the source of all goodness and perfection.  “Dearly beloved we are now the sons and daughters of God and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be.  We know when He shall appear we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is.”  (I John 3:2)

 CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

 CCC 1026 By his death and Resurrection, Jesus Christ has “opened” heaven to us. The life of the blessed consists in the full and perfect possession of the fruits of the redemption accomplished by Christ. He makes partners in his heavenly glorification those who have believed in him and remained faithful to his will. Heaven is the blessed community of all who are perfectly incorporated into Christ.

 CCC 1020 The Christian who unites his own death to that of Jesus views it as a step towards him and an entrance into everlasting life. When the Church for the last time speaks Christ’s words of pardon and absolution over the dying Christian, seals him for the last time with a strengthening anointing, and gives him Christ in viaticum as nourishment for the journey, she speaks with gentle assurance:

“Go forth Christian soul from this world in the name of God, the Almighty Father who created you.  In the name of Jesus, the Son of the Living God who suffered for you.  In the name of the Holy Spirit who was poured out upon you.   Go forth faithful Christian.  May you live in peace this day.  May your home be with God, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph and all the angels and saints.  May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth.   May Holy Mary, the angels and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.  May you see your Redeemer face to face.”  (CCC=Catechism of Catholic Church)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Purgatory is a teaching of the Church.  Souls in purgatory can pray for us but not themselves. What is my response?

What prayers do I say for my departed relatives and friends?

Am I frightened of death?  Why?  If I knew I was going to die soon, would I make changes in my behavior?  If so, what?

Since the body will rise on the last day and become immortal, why do you think God would have such a plan that body and soul would live for all eternity together?

What can’t you wait to say to Jesus in person?

God so loves us and cannot wait to greet us.  How excited are we to embrace Him?  Let us keep our eyes fixed on the prize!

 CLOSING PRAYER  

Heavenly Father, You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, not to condemn us but to save us.  Do not look upon our sinfulness and what we truly deserve, but in your mercy, forgive us.  Bring us home to Eternal Life with you, your Son, and the Most Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.

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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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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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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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GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 2 SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION

As I began last week, I am continuing a discussion of Pope Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE, REJOICE AND BE GLAD, A Call to Holiness. Today’s blog is on Chapter Two. In this section Pope Francis takes up two very old heresies of first century Christianity that have begun to raise their ugly heads in modern times in new forms and disguises. Direct quotes from Pope Francis will have quotation marks and be italicized.

These ancient heresies that continue to pop up from time to time are Gnosticism and Pelagianism. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Gnosticism: The thought and practice especially of various cults of late pre-Christian and early Christian centuries distinguished by the conviction that matter is evil and that emancipation comes through gnosis or “knowledge.”

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Pelagianism as those denying original sin and its consequences. It holds that individuals have perfect freedom to do either right or wrong. I hope to demonstrate with Pope Francis in my commentary how these two insidious falsehoods may affect our faith and cause a stumble on the way to holiness.

 

CHAPTER TWO
TWO SUBTLE ENEMIES OF HOLINESS

 

COMMENTARY

CONTEMPORARY GNOSTICISM
In paragraph 37 Pope Francis reminds us, “throughout the history of the Church it has always been clear that a person’s perfection is measured not by the information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth of their charity. “Gnostics” do not understand this, because they judge others based on their ability to understand the complexity of certain doctrines”

Gnostics think that their explanations can make the entirety of the faith and the Gospel perfectly comprehensible.” Gnostics deny mysteries and faith. They tend to judge who is saved and who is out of favor with God based on knowledge only they possess. They lack any flexibility and mercy as well. Rather than working for unity and conversion for all, their practices are divisive and reject God’s universal call to holiness.
God did not come into this world that only a few so called “enlightened ones” be saved. One with Gnostic tendencies can tend to feel and act like they are superior to the masses. Reminds me of the parable of the Pharisee and Publican in the temple (Luke 19:1-9) The Pharisee thanked God he was not like the publican beating his breast and declaring to God to have mercy on him a sinner.

In paragraphs 41and 42 Pope Francis writes, “God infinitely transcends us; he is full of surprises. We are not the ones to determine when and how we will encounter him; the exact times and places of that encounter are not up to us. God is mysteriously present in the life of every person.

Even when someone’s life appears completely wrecked, even when we see it devastated by vices or addictions, God is present there. We can and must try to find the Lord in every human life. This is part of the mystery that a gnostic mentality cannot accept, since it is beyond its control and mastery.”

Pope Francis concludes, “In point of fact, what we think we know should always motivate us to respond more fully to God’s love. Indeed, “you learn so as to live: theology and holiness are inseparable” Pope Francis notes, that when St. Francis saw some of his disciples were teaching, he wrote to them, ” I am pleased that you teach sacred theology to the brothers, provided that… you do not extinguish the spirit of prayer and devotion during study of this kind”.

CONTEMPORARY PELAGIANISM

It is not intelligence that takes place of mystery and grace in the case of pelagianism but the human will is placed first. A believer in pelagianism places the human will above God’s mercy. “They have forgotten that everything “depends not on human will or its exertion, but on “God who shows mercy” (Rom 9:16)

In paragraph 49 Pope Francis writes, “Those who yield to this pelagian mindset, “ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style”.

We cannot do it alone. We must depend on God’s mercy and grace. I know this is tough in a society that encourages us still to just pull ourselves up by the “boot straps.” Pope Francis writes, “Only on the basis of God’s gift, freely accepted and humbly received, can we cooperate by our own efforts in our progressive transformation.”

Pope Francis notes in paragraph 57 that some Christians will still insist on taking another path. Pope Francis says “this results in self justification by their own efforts, the worship of the human will and their own abilities. The result is a self-centered and elitist complacency, bereft of true love.”

Once we believe that everything depends on human effort as channeled by ecclesial rules and structures, we unconsciously complicate the Gospel.

St.Thomas Aquinas warned that any precepts added to the Gospel by the Church should be imposed with moderation . “lest the conduct of the faithful become burdensome”, for then our religion would become a form of servitude

To avoid this, Pope Francis warns that charity must be at the center. “Saint Paul says that what truly counts is “faith working through love” (Gal5:6). We are called to make every effort to preserve charity: “The one who loves another has fulfilled the law… for love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13:8.10). The whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’” (Gal 5:14).

“May the Lord set the Church free from these new forms of gnosticism and pelagianism that weigh her down and block her progress along the path to holiness! These aberrations take various shapes, according to the temperament and character of each person. So I encourage everyone to reflect and discern before God whether they may be present in their lives.”

SUMMARY

As I reflect on the two contemporary enemies to our call to holiness in this chapter, I see them as stumbling blocks for me and maybe others in this way. If I believe knowledge is going to lead me to the promised land alone, I am going to become very smug and also tend to make judgments of others on the way.

Others, even in your own family may feel threatened if they don’t believe exactly what you do that they may be in danger of a bad end (hell). They may begin to view you as a threat and resent you. Do not forget mercy and love and God’s will that all will be saved, God knows best how to reach everyone where they are. Have faith in God. Don’t forget those nuances of God’s mercy in any preaching you do.

The idea that we can get to heaven (Pelagian) by our human will alone will drive us into scruples, discouragement, despair all fueled by our pride believing, we can do it our way. God’s friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works, it is a free gift born of God’s initiative. God loved us first!  Turn to God and ask Him to give us what we need to be holy.

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GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE CHAPTER 3 IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE

INTRODUCTION
Today’s blog deals with the third chapter of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Et Exsultatate, a Call to Holiness. Today we will see that Jesus is The Example of Holiness. There is no other that captures all the elements of what it means to be holy as our Heavenly Father is Holy. Those who see Jesus see the Father. Quotation marks and italics are used for direct quotes of Pope Francis.

 

SUMMARY CHAPTER THREE
IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER

COMMENTARY
Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12). “The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So if anyone asks: “What must one do to be a good Christian?”, the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives. The word “happy” or “blessed” thus becomes a synonym for “holy”.
Let us listen once more to Jesus, with all the love and respect that the Master deserves.

Let us allow his words to unsettle us, to challenge us and to demand a real change in the way we live.

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Pope Francis suggests that wealth ensures nothing. Remember that fool building bigger barns for bigger harvests that would never come because his soul was called home that evening. In fact wealth can leave little room in our hearts for God’s word nor for others of this world, We need to discipline ourselves that we are not attached to any created thing, that we are poor in spirit and poor in heart so that God can enter our hearts and refresh them with new life and spirit.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
In a world that embraces conflict, winning over losing, dominating over others, Jesus proposes a different way of doing things, the way of meekness. “Christ says: “Learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29 “Meekness is yet another expression of the interior poverty of those who put their trust in God alone. In every situation, the meek put their hope in the Lord, and those who hope for him shall possess the land… “This is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word” (Is 66:2).

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
“The world tells us exactly the opposite: entertainment, pleasure, diversion and escape make for the good life. The worldly person ignores problems of sickness or sorrow in the family or all around him; Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed. But the cross can never be absent. A person who sees things as they truly are is capable of touching life’s depths and finding authentic happiness. Such persons discover the meaning of life by coming to the aid of those who suffer. Knowing how to mourn with others: that is holiness”.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
“Jesus offers a justice other than that of the world, so often marred by petty interests and manipulated in various ways and corrupt practices. True justice comes about in people’s lives when they themselves are just in their decisions; especially to the poor, oppressed and marginalized. “Seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Is 1:17).

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”
“Mercy has two aspects. It involves giving, helping and serving others, but it also includes forgiveness and understanding. Matthew sums it up in one golden rule: “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you” (7:12). .In Luke’s Gospel 6:36-38 Jesus tells us how to be holy as the Heavenly Father is Holy. “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you” (6:36-38). Luke then adds something not to be overlooked: “The measure you give will be the measure you get back” (6:38). Acting with mercy, that is holiness.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”
“This Beatitude speaks of those whose hearts are simple, pure and undefiled, for a heart capable of love admits nothing that might harm, weaken or endanger that love. God wants to speak to our hearts ( Hos2:16); there he desires to write his law (Jer 31:33). In a word, he wants to give us a new heart (Ezek 36:26) A heart that loves God and neighbour (Mt 22:36-40), genuinely and not merely in words, is a pure heart; it can see God. Jesus promises that those who are pure in heart “will see God”.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
This Beatitude makes us think of the many endless situations of war in our world. Yet we ourselves are often a cause of conflict. For example, I may hear something about someone and I go off and repeat it. I may even embellish it the second time around and keep spreading it… The world of gossip, inhabited by negative and destructive people, does not bring peace.

To those who sow peace Jesus makes this magnificent promise: “They will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9). It is not easy to “make” this evangelical peace, which excludes no one. It is hard work; it calls for great openness of mind and heart, We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Jesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for “whoever would save his life will lose it” (Mt 16:25).

Whatever weariness and pain we may experience in living the commandment of love and following the way of justice, the cross remains the source of our growth and sanctification. Persecution exists today whether it is by the shedding of blood in some parts of the world or by more subtle means like lies and slander or ridicule of our faith in the public media. Jesus calls us blessed when people “utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Mt5:11). Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.

CHALLENGES TO THE CALL TO HOLINESS
Pope Francis concludes this chapter with discussion of challenges to the call to holiness and the kind of worship God desires from his people. Jesus’ demands are demanding, a challenge to us all. He wasn’t kidding, no if’s, and’s, or but’s. Pope Francis goes on to say that, “mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”

“If I encounter a person sleeping outdoors on a cold night, I can view him or her as an annoyance, an idler, an obstacle in my path, a troubling sight, a problem for politicians to sort out, or even a piece of refuse cluttering a public space. Or I can respond with faith and charity, and see in this person a human being with a dignity identical to my own, a creature infinitely loved by the Father, an image of God, a brother or sister redeemed by Jesus Christ. That is what it is to be a Christian”

Pope Francis writes about some of the distractions or excuses to avoid the heart of the Gospel. Some will say all this social justice stuff is secular, materialistic, even communist propaganda. Others will relativize it by claiming that only one thing counts most ie. opposition to abortion. That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian, for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters in need.

Pope Francis clearly states, “Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development.” Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, world situation on migrants, and every form of rejection.

THE WORSHIP MOST ACCEPTABLE TO GOD

We may think that we give glory to God only by our worship and prayer, but we cannot forget that the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others. . “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.(Matthew 9:13) Mercy “is the very foundation of the Church’s life”.

“Hedonism and consumerism can prove our downfall, for when we are obsessed with our own pleasure, we end up being all too concerned about ourselves and our rights and ignore those in need…We must resist the feverish demands of a consumer society, which leave us impoverished, unsatisfied, and anxious to have it all now.”

Pope Francis concludes chapter 3 by encouraging us to read the lives of the saints who did take their Master seriously in conforming their lives to Jesus and His Beatitudes. The saints in heaven are blessed and sharing now in the Beatific Vision.”The powerful witness of the saints is revealed in their lives, shaped by the Beatitudes and the criterion of the final judgment. For Christianity is meant above all to be put into practice.”

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Mahatma Ghandi’s Lament

“I like your Christ,
I do not like your Christians.
Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”