For the Feast of the Annunciation, March 31.
Look around and you will see chaos, confusion, conflict, even total consternation. Where is the One who has brought harmony and peace?
The Original Fall of mankind came about because the First Parents wanted to know good and evil — thus to be as God. They were tempted to this by the evil one who asked why they were not to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the middle of the garden. They simply stated that God commanded them not to partake of the fruit less they die. The father of lies deceived them, and they ate — first Eve and then Adam, tempted by Eve. Their eyes were opened, and they saw they were naked so they hid from God who would visit them at eventide. They did not physically die but they did die to the gift of intimacy with God and to the many other gifts that flow from being at one with Him. These have been spoken of as the preternatural gifts. Adam and Eve originally received the preternatural gifts of immortality, impassibility, freedom from concupiscence, ignorance, and sin, and lordship over the earth. If Adam had not sinned, we all would have inherited these preternatural gifts, together with the supernatural gift of sanctifying grace. The souls in heaven will recover these gifts at the end of time.
How were we to regain these gifts? How could sinful mankind redeem itself from the breach caused by disobedience? The creature turned its back on the Creator. Could such a being in and of itself heal this breach and cause all to be well again? Scripture tells us that God Himself desired to heal the wound of alienation but saw that man was always doing evil, so much so that in the sixth chapter of Genesis God is said to have regretted His creation of man. Then we see the saving of Noah and his family, for Noah found favor with God (cf Gn 6:8). Thus, our human lives were saved by the great flood. God made a covenant by the sign of the rainbow. Though mankind is inclined to evil from the beginning, God will not destroy him but He will time and again send word that the breach made with God will be healed by His very will and action.
God thus sent His messenger Gabriel to a Virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph. Her name was Mary. She was saved from the moment of her conception in the womb of Ann from all sin. She was one in mind and heart with God. Immaculate is she. Mary becomes the sign for all of humanity: She is the one who accepts the gift of God promised through all the prophets, awaited for generations, the long expected of all mankind. The obedience of Mary brings the world its Savior. She is the new Eve. In her, Christ is conceived and comes into the world. He comes as light to dispel the darkness. He comes as the Word to silence the chaos and cacophony of man's stubborn will. He comes to make new the dwelling place of God among men. Man need not hide in his nakedness. He need not fear being discovered in his loneliness. Mary becomes the way of intimacy with God's presence on earth. She is the sign that God dwells among us. All this is because she agrees that the age-old plan of God would be fulfilled in her. She is in perfect union with her Son, because the Son lives in her, and she in her Son. Thus, she is for all peoples a sign that humility overcomes the disobedience of the proud.
We know that "... Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart" (Lk 2:19). In this pondering, she knew that her "fiat" was to be all that would ever be for her Son, from His crib to His cross. It is her faith that called Him to bring joy to the newly weds and begin His public ministry, her faith that renewed His strength as He walked the way to Calvary, her faith that emboldened Him to have her become the Mother of all mankind. It is in her that the breach began to be healed and has God dwelling with us in the breeze of each day. Here is the one that has brought harmony and peace — for those who accept and believe. It is Mary's vocation!
Vatican Aide Responds to Muslim Professor
"We Do Not Think the Church Merits the Accusation of Lack of Respect"
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican Radio translation of a May 27 response from Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, to a note from Professor Aref Ali Nayed.
The professor, a representative of the 138 Muslim scholars who wrote the Pope and other Christian leaders regarding Muslim-Christian dialogue, expressed concerns about the Pope baptizing former Muslim Magdi Allam at the Easter vigil, and raised other issues as well.
Allam, a deputy editor of Italy's daily Corriere della Sera, published the testimony of his conversion, parts of which can be read at ZENIT's Web page.
* * *
The note by Professor Aref Ali Nayed concerning the baptism administered by the Pope to Magdi Allam on the Easter vigil merits close consideration.
Let us, then, make a few observations.
Firstly, the most significant statement is without doubt the author's affirmation of his will to continue the dialogue toward a more profound mutual knowledge between Muslims and Christians. He in no way questions the journey that began with the correspondence and the contacts established over the last year and a half, between the Muslim signatories of the well-known letters and the Vatican, in particular through the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. This process must continue, it is extremely important, it must not be interrupted, and has priority over episodes that may be the subject of misunderstandings.
Secondly, administering baptism to someone implies a recognition that that person has freely and sincerely accepted the Christian faith in its fundamental articles, as expressed in the "profession of faith" which is publicly proclaimed during the ceremony of baptism. Of course, believers are free to maintain their own ideas on a vast range of questions and problems, on which legitimate pluralism exists among Christians. Welcoming a new believer into the Church clearly does not mean wedding all that person's ideas and opinions, especially on political and social matters.
The baptism of Magdi Cristiano Allam provides a good opportunity specifically to underline this fundamental principle. He has the right to express his own ideas. They remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or of the Holy See.
As for the debate concerning the Pope's lecture at Regensburg, explanations for interpreting it correctly in accordance with the Pope's intentions were given some time ago and there is no reason to question them once more. At the same time, some of the themes touched upon then, such as the relationship between faith and reason, between religion and violence, are naturally still the subject of reflection and debate, and of differing points of view, because they concern problems that cannot be resolved once and for all.
Thirdly, the liturgy of the Easter vigil was celebrated as it is every year, and the symbolism of light and darkness has always been a part of it. It is a solemn liturgy and its celebration by the Pope in St. Peter's Square is a very special occasion. But to accuse the Pope's explanation of the liturgical symbols -- something he always does and in which he is a master -- of "Manichaeism" reveals perhaps a misunderstanding of Catholic liturgy rather than a pertinent criticism of Benedict XVI's words.
Finally, let us in turn express our own displeasure at what Professor Nayed says concerning education in Christian schools in Muslim-majority countries, where he objects to the risk of proselytism. We feel that the Catholic Church's great educational efforts, also in countries with a non-Christian majority (not just Egypt but also India, Japan, etc.) where for a very long time the majority of students in Catholic schools and universities are non-Christian and have happily remained so (while showing great appreciation for the education they have received), deserves a quite different evaluation. We do not think the Church today merits the accusation of lack of respect for the dignity and freedom of the human person; these suffer entirely different violations to which priority attention must be given. Perhaps the Pope accepted the risk of this baptism also for this reason: to affirm the freedom of religious choice which derives from the dignity of the human person.
In any case, Professor Aref Ali Nayed is an interlocutor for whom we maintain the highest respect and with whom a faithful exchange of views is always worthwhile. This allows us to trust in the continuation of dialogue.
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican Radio translation of a May 27 response from Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, to a note from Professor Aref Ali Nayed.
The professor, a representative of the 138 Muslim scholars who wrote the Pope and other Christian leaders regarding Muslim-Christian dialogue, expressed concerns about the Pope baptizing former Muslim Magdi Allam at the Easter vigil, and raised other issues as well.
Allam, a deputy editor of Italy's daily Corriere della Sera, published the testimony of his conversion, parts of which can be read at ZENIT's Web page.
* * *
The note by Professor Aref Ali Nayed concerning the baptism administered by the Pope to Magdi Allam on the Easter vigil merits close consideration.
Let us, then, make a few observations.
Firstly, the most significant statement is without doubt the author's affirmation of his will to continue the dialogue toward a more profound mutual knowledge between Muslims and Christians. He in no way questions the journey that began with the correspondence and the contacts established over the last year and a half, between the Muslim signatories of the well-known letters and the Vatican, in particular through the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. This process must continue, it is extremely important, it must not be interrupted, and has priority over episodes that may be the subject of misunderstandings.
Secondly, administering baptism to someone implies a recognition that that person has freely and sincerely accepted the Christian faith in its fundamental articles, as expressed in the "profession of faith" which is publicly proclaimed during the ceremony of baptism. Of course, believers are free to maintain their own ideas on a vast range of questions and problems, on which legitimate pluralism exists among Christians. Welcoming a new believer into the Church clearly does not mean wedding all that person's ideas and opinions, especially on political and social matters.
The baptism of Magdi Cristiano Allam provides a good opportunity specifically to underline this fundamental principle. He has the right to express his own ideas. They remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or of the Holy See.
As for the debate concerning the Pope's lecture at Regensburg, explanations for interpreting it correctly in accordance with the Pope's intentions were given some time ago and there is no reason to question them once more. At the same time, some of the themes touched upon then, such as the relationship between faith and reason, between religion and violence, are naturally still the subject of reflection and debate, and of differing points of view, because they concern problems that cannot be resolved once and for all.
Thirdly, the liturgy of the Easter vigil was celebrated as it is every year, and the symbolism of light and darkness has always been a part of it. It is a solemn liturgy and its celebration by the Pope in St. Peter's Square is a very special occasion. But to accuse the Pope's explanation of the liturgical symbols -- something he always does and in which he is a master -- of "Manichaeism" reveals perhaps a misunderstanding of Catholic liturgy rather than a pertinent criticism of Benedict XVI's words.
Finally, let us in turn express our own displeasure at what Professor Nayed says concerning education in Christian schools in Muslim-majority countries, where he objects to the risk of proselytism. We feel that the Catholic Church's great educational efforts, also in countries with a non-Christian majority (not just Egypt but also India, Japan, etc.) where for a very long time the majority of students in Catholic schools and universities are non-Christian and have happily remained so (while showing great appreciation for the education they have received), deserves a quite different evaluation. We do not think the Church today merits the accusation of lack of respect for the dignity and freedom of the human person; these suffer entirely different violations to which priority attention must be given. Perhaps the Pope accepted the risk of this baptism also for this reason: to affirm the freedom of religious choice which derives from the dignity of the human person.
In any case, Professor Aref Ali Nayed is an interlocutor for whom we maintain the highest respect and with whom a faithful exchange of views is always worthwhile. This allows us to trust in the continuation of dialogue.
On John Paul II and Divine Mercy
"All the Church Does Shows the Mercy God Feels for Man"
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the greeting Benedict XVI gave today before praying the Regina Caeli with thousands of people gathered in the patio of the pontifical residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters:
During the Jubilee Year 2000, the dear Servant of God John Paul II established that in the whole Church the Sunday after Easter, besides being the Sunday "in albis" would be designated Divine Mercy Sunday. He did this together with the canonization of Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish woman religious, who was born in 1905 and died in 1938, a zealous messenger of merciful Jesus.
Mercy is in reality the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the face with which he has revealed himself in the old covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redeeming love. This merciful love also illumines the face of the Church, and is manifested, both by way of the sacraments, in particular that of reconciliation, and with works of communitarian and individual charity.
All that the Church says and does shows the mercy that God feels for man. When the Church has to remind about a neglected truth, or a betrayed good, it does it always motivated by a merciful love, so that men may have life and have it in abundance (cf. John 10:10). From divine mercy, which puts hearts at peace, also arises the authentic peace of the world, peace among peoples, cultures and religions.
Like Sister Faustina, John Paul II became in turn an apostle of divine mercy. On the night of that unforgettable Saturday, April 2, 2005, when he closed his eyes to this world, precisely the vigil of the Second Sunday of Easter was celebrated, and many observed the unique coincidence, which brought together a Marian dimension -- the first Saturday of the month -- and that of divine mercy.
In fact, his long and multifaceted pontificate finds here its central nucleus; all of his mission at the service of the truth about God, about man and peace in the world is summarized in this proclamation, as he himself said in Krakow-Lagiewniki in 2002, in inaugurating the great Shrine of Divine Mercy, "Apart from the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for mankind." His message, like that of St. Faustina, presents the face of Christ, supreme revelation of the mercy of God. To contemplate constantly this face: This is the inheritance that he has left us, which we welcome with joy and make our own.
There will be special reflection about divine mercy in the coming days, due to the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy, which will take place in Rome and will be inaugurated with the holy Mass, which, God willing, I will preside over in the morning of Wednesday, April 2, on the third anniversary of the death of the Servant of God John Paul II. Let us place the congress under the heavenly protection of most holy Mary, Mother of Mercy. We entrust to her the great cause of peace in the world so that the mercy of God achieves what is impossible with human strength alone, and instills the courage for dialogue and reconciliation.
[Translation by ZENIT]
* * *
[After the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father greeted the people in various languages. In English, he said:]
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors here today. This Sunday's Gospel reminds us that through faith we recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit. During this Easter season may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy. Upon each of you present and your families, I invoke God's blessings of happiness and wisdom.
© Copyright 2008 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, MARCH 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the greeting Benedict XVI gave today before praying the Regina Caeli with thousands of people gathered in the patio of the pontifical residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.
* * *
Dear brothers and sisters:
During the Jubilee Year 2000, the dear Servant of God John Paul II established that in the whole Church the Sunday after Easter, besides being the Sunday "in albis" would be designated Divine Mercy Sunday. He did this together with the canonization of Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish woman religious, who was born in 1905 and died in 1938, a zealous messenger of merciful Jesus.
Mercy is in reality the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the face with which he has revealed himself in the old covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redeeming love. This merciful love also illumines the face of the Church, and is manifested, both by way of the sacraments, in particular that of reconciliation, and with works of communitarian and individual charity.
All that the Church says and does shows the mercy that God feels for man. When the Church has to remind about a neglected truth, or a betrayed good, it does it always motivated by a merciful love, so that men may have life and have it in abundance (cf. John 10:10). From divine mercy, which puts hearts at peace, also arises the authentic peace of the world, peace among peoples, cultures and religions.
Like Sister Faustina, John Paul II became in turn an apostle of divine mercy. On the night of that unforgettable Saturday, April 2, 2005, when he closed his eyes to this world, precisely the vigil of the Second Sunday of Easter was celebrated, and many observed the unique coincidence, which brought together a Marian dimension -- the first Saturday of the month -- and that of divine mercy.
In fact, his long and multifaceted pontificate finds here its central nucleus; all of his mission at the service of the truth about God, about man and peace in the world is summarized in this proclamation, as he himself said in Krakow-Lagiewniki in 2002, in inaugurating the great Shrine of Divine Mercy, "Apart from the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for mankind." His message, like that of St. Faustina, presents the face of Christ, supreme revelation of the mercy of God. To contemplate constantly this face: This is the inheritance that he has left us, which we welcome with joy and make our own.
There will be special reflection about divine mercy in the coming days, due to the World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy, which will take place in Rome and will be inaugurated with the holy Mass, which, God willing, I will preside over in the morning of Wednesday, April 2, on the third anniversary of the death of the Servant of God John Paul II. Let us place the congress under the heavenly protection of most holy Mary, Mother of Mercy. We entrust to her the great cause of peace in the world so that the mercy of God achieves what is impossible with human strength alone, and instills the courage for dialogue and reconciliation.
[Translation by ZENIT]
* * *
[After the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father greeted the people in various languages. In English, he said:]
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors here today. This Sunday's Gospel reminds us that through faith we recognize the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit. During this Easter season may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy. Upon each of you present and your families, I invoke God's blessings of happiness and wisdom.
© Copyright 2008 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
organ donation
Question from anon on 3/30/2008:
hi judie im not sure if this is the right forum but can you tell me what is the churches position on agreeing to donate your organes once your dead. dose the church condem it or do they encourage it. god bless you
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/30/2008:
Dear Anon
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"2296 Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons."
Judie Brown
hi judie im not sure if this is the right forum but can you tell me what is the churches position on agreeing to donate your organes once your dead. dose the church condem it or do they encourage it. god bless you
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/30/2008:
Dear Anon
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"2296 Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons."
Judie Brown
John Paul II was an apostle of Divine Mercy, says Pope
Vatican City, Mar 30, 2008 / 10:36 am (CNA).- Speaking from the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will preside over Mass in memory of John Paul II, who died three years ago on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. The Mass this Wednesday will open the First World Congress on Apostolic Divine Mercy in Rome.
Before praying the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father spoke about the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday.
Pope Benedict recalled that John Paul II designated the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, and did so at the same time Sister Faustina Kowalska was canonized. The Polish sister, who died in 1938, is known as the messenger of God's Mercy, since it was through her diary that the message of mercy came to be known to the world, even before it was approved by the Holy See.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims at Castel Gondolfo and in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict said, "Mercy is in reality the core of the Gospel message; it is the name of God himself, the face with which he reveals himself in the Old Testament and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love.”
“This love of mercy also illuminates the face of the Church, and is manifested through the sacraments, in particular that of reconciliation, as well as in works of charity, both of community and individuals,” said the Holy Father.
“Everything that the Church says and does,” continued the Pope, “shows that God has mercy for man. When the Church must call attention to an unrecognized truth, or a good betrayed, it is always driven by merciful love that all people might have life and have it abundantly (cf. Jn 10.10). From divine mercy comes hearts that are pacified, and then comes true peace in the world, peace between peoples, cultures and religions.”
“Like Sister Faustina, Pope John Paul II was in his time an apostle of Divine Mercy,” Benedict XVI noted. “Many noticed the remarkable coincidence that when he closed his eyes to this world on the evening of Saturday, April 2, 2005, it was on the eve of the second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, and also at the same time as the Marian devotion of the first Saturday of the month. In fact, this was at the core of his long and multifaceted pontificate; his entire mission in the service of God and man and peace in the world was summarized in the announcement he made in Krakow in 2002.”
Pope Benedict recalled the ceremony in Krakow where John Paul II inaugurated the great Shrine of Divine Mercy and said: “'Outside the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for human beings.' His message, like Saint Faustina's, leads back to the face of Christ, the supreme revelation of God's mercy. Constantly contemplating that face: this is the legacy that he has left us, which we welcome with joy and make our own,” the Pope said.
After reciting the Regina Caeli, Pope Benedict greeted pilgrims in Italian, German, French, Spanish and English. He also greeted in a special way Polish pilgrims from the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow- Łagiewniki.
Before imparting his apostolic blessing, he reminded pilgrims that this Sunday's Gospel calls us to recognize through the gift of faith the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"During this Easter season, he said, "may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy. Upon each of you present and your families, I invoke God's blessings of happiness and wisdom."
Before praying the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father spoke about the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday.
Pope Benedict recalled that John Paul II designated the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday, and did so at the same time Sister Faustina Kowalska was canonized. The Polish sister, who died in 1938, is known as the messenger of God's Mercy, since it was through her diary that the message of mercy came to be known to the world, even before it was approved by the Holy See.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims at Castel Gondolfo and in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict said, "Mercy is in reality the core of the Gospel message; it is the name of God himself, the face with which he reveals himself in the Old Testament and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love.”
“This love of mercy also illuminates the face of the Church, and is manifested through the sacraments, in particular that of reconciliation, as well as in works of charity, both of community and individuals,” said the Holy Father.
“Everything that the Church says and does,” continued the Pope, “shows that God has mercy for man. When the Church must call attention to an unrecognized truth, or a good betrayed, it is always driven by merciful love that all people might have life and have it abundantly (cf. Jn 10.10). From divine mercy comes hearts that are pacified, and then comes true peace in the world, peace between peoples, cultures and religions.”
“Like Sister Faustina, Pope John Paul II was in his time an apostle of Divine Mercy,” Benedict XVI noted. “Many noticed the remarkable coincidence that when he closed his eyes to this world on the evening of Saturday, April 2, 2005, it was on the eve of the second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, and also at the same time as the Marian devotion of the first Saturday of the month. In fact, this was at the core of his long and multifaceted pontificate; his entire mission in the service of God and man and peace in the world was summarized in the announcement he made in Krakow in 2002.”
Pope Benedict recalled the ceremony in Krakow where John Paul II inaugurated the great Shrine of Divine Mercy and said: “'Outside the mercy of God there is no other source of hope for human beings.' His message, like Saint Faustina's, leads back to the face of Christ, the supreme revelation of God's mercy. Constantly contemplating that face: this is the legacy that he has left us, which we welcome with joy and make our own,” the Pope said.
After reciting the Regina Caeli, Pope Benedict greeted pilgrims in Italian, German, French, Spanish and English. He also greeted in a special way Polish pilgrims from the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow- Łagiewniki.
Before imparting his apostolic blessing, he reminded pilgrims that this Sunday's Gospel calls us to recognize through the gift of faith the presence of the Risen Lord in the Church, and that we receive from him the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"During this Easter season, he said, "may we strengthen our desire to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ calling us to a life of peace and joy. Upon each of you present and your families, I invoke God's blessings of happiness and wisdom."
Striking Breast at Consecration
Question from Jerri Chaput Stewart on 3/28/2008:
From the St. Joseph Daily Missal (1959) "When the priest elevates the Sacred Host, look at it and say: My Lord and My God! and the bells were rung three times (thus the the 3 atrikes of the breast). When the Priest adores the Precious Blood: you do likewise. The bell rings three times." Although the missal does not give words I remember using My Jesus, mercy.
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa is translated as through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault (striking breast three times), but this is in the Confiteor not at the Consecration.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/29/2008:
Dear Jerri,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
From the St. Joseph Daily Missal (1959) "When the priest elevates the Sacred Host, look at it and say: My Lord and My God! and the bells were rung three times (thus the the 3 atrikes of the breast). When the Priest adores the Precious Blood: you do likewise. The bell rings three times." Although the missal does not give words I remember using My Jesus, mercy.
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa is translated as through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault (striking breast three times), but this is in the Confiteor not at the Consecration.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/29/2008:
Dear Jerri,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
Priestly Celibacy
Question from Nick H on 3/26/2008:
Dr. Geraghty,
You had a recent question about priestly celibacy and when it became required.
I would encourage your questioner to read two books: "The Case for Clerical Celibacy" by Alphons Cardinal Stickler - a very brief and accessible book and The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy by Fr. Christian Cochini - a much more detailed, scholarly treatment. The most important point from the general description of Cochini's book is this:
What Cochini shows through patristic sources and conciliar documentation is that from the beginning of the Church, although married men could be priests, they were required to vow to celibacy before ordination, meaning they intended to live a life of continence. He provides extensive documentation, a bibliography and an index.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
Dr. Geraghty,
You had a recent question about priestly celibacy and when it became required.
I would encourage your questioner to read two books: "The Case for Clerical Celibacy" by Alphons Cardinal Stickler - a very brief and accessible book and The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy by Fr. Christian Cochini - a much more detailed, scholarly treatment. The most important point from the general description of Cochini's book is this:
What Cochini shows through patristic sources and conciliar documentation is that from the beginning of the Church, although married men could be priests, they were required to vow to celibacy before ordination, meaning they intended to live a life of continence. He provides extensive documentation, a bibliography and an index.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
Final judgent and purgatory
Question from PJ on 3/17/2008:
I the second coming when the dead are raised and all are publicly judged, what happenes to those that are saved but need purgation? Is purgatory offered to these resurrected people? I was under the impression that Purgatory is longer in existence when Christ comes back to transform all.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear PJ,
You are right in saying that at the end of the world purgatory will no longer exist. I suppose that people in need of purgation will get it by having the experience of being at the end of the world.
Dr. Geraghty
I the second coming when the dead are raised and all are publicly judged, what happenes to those that are saved but need purgation? Is purgatory offered to these resurrected people? I was under the impression that Purgatory is longer in existence when Christ comes back to transform all.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear PJ,
You are right in saying that at the end of the world purgatory will no longer exist. I suppose that people in need of purgation will get it by having the experience of being at the end of the world.
Dr. Geraghty
assisted suicide
Question from anon on 3/28/2008:
Judie,
To add to your definition of pro-life, anyone who supports assisted suicide or any other kind of euthanasia is NOT pro-life. I know someone can assume it from your response yesterday, but I think it is important enought to be spelled out in detail.
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/29/2008:
Dear Anon
Indeed. Thank you very much.
Judie,
To add to your definition of pro-life, anyone who supports assisted suicide or any other kind of euthanasia is NOT pro-life. I know someone can assume it from your response yesterday, but I think it is important enought to be spelled out in detail.
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/29/2008:
Dear Anon
Indeed. Thank you very much.
Anglican priest rewrites biblical stories making Goliath a drunkard, Eve a sex fiend
London, Mar 29, 2008 / 10:29 pm (CNA).- An Anglican vicar has tried to make Bible stories more “accessible” to modern readers by rewriting them to portray Goliath as a celebrity binge drinker, Eve as a sex addict, and Noah’s wife as a woman with murderous intentions towards her husband, the Daily Mail reports.
Reverend Robert Harrison’s book, titled “Must Know Stories," retells ten Bible stories.
In the story of the Nativity, Jesus is born in an overcrowded house instead of a stable. Harrison’s story goes on to portray family conflict as Joseph’s aunt deals with the marital state of Joseph and Mary, who in Harrison’s retelling are unmarried.
Harrison said he wrote the book to encourage people to read stories "that are so utterly part of our culture.” According to the Daily Mail, he said people should know the stories not as a matter of religion but as a matter of cultural education."
"I wanted to write a book that tells the most important Bible stories in a way that relishes them rather than tries to make any particular religious point.”
Rev. Harrison added, "After all, who knows what the point is?”
"What is more important to me is that people are getting to know the stories,” he said.
Harrison, who preaches at a West London church, said, "It's better to tell the story controversially than not at all."
A Church of England spokesman said Harrison was “simply drawing parallels” between biblical stories and modern situations. "It doesn't change the original stories," the spokesman said.
Others disagreed with Harrison's approach.
"It sounds to me as if it's gone much too far,” said Catholic MP Ann Widdecombe, according to the Daily Mail. “It is one thing to give a biblical story a modern application and something quite different to distort all the facts."
Dr. Justin Thacker, the head of theology at the Evangelical Alliance, said, "In trying to communicate the stories to a contemporary audience some of the essential features and message may have been lost."
Reverend Robert Harrison’s book, titled “Must Know Stories," retells ten Bible stories.
In the story of the Nativity, Jesus is born in an overcrowded house instead of a stable. Harrison’s story goes on to portray family conflict as Joseph’s aunt deals with the marital state of Joseph and Mary, who in Harrison’s retelling are unmarried.
Harrison said he wrote the book to encourage people to read stories "that are so utterly part of our culture.” According to the Daily Mail, he said people should know the stories not as a matter of religion but as a matter of cultural education."
"I wanted to write a book that tells the most important Bible stories in a way that relishes them rather than tries to make any particular religious point.”
Rev. Harrison added, "After all, who knows what the point is?”
"What is more important to me is that people are getting to know the stories,” he said.
Harrison, who preaches at a West London church, said, "It's better to tell the story controversially than not at all."
A Church of England spokesman said Harrison was “simply drawing parallels” between biblical stories and modern situations. "It doesn't change the original stories," the spokesman said.
Others disagreed with Harrison's approach.
"It sounds to me as if it's gone much too far,” said Catholic MP Ann Widdecombe, according to the Daily Mail. “It is one thing to give a biblical story a modern application and something quite different to distort all the facts."
Dr. Justin Thacker, the head of theology at the Evangelical Alliance, said, "In trying to communicate the stories to a contemporary audience some of the essential features and message may have been lost."
Gift of Tongue
Question from Frank Bui on 3/21/2008:
Dear Fr. John Echert, Does the gift of tongue still exist in our Catholic Church today? And if it does, then in what language should it be? I am anxiously waiting for your answer, Father. Frank Bui.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
We do know that there abounded in the Apostolic period miracles and charismatic gifts, at a time when signs were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel and the Church. But these diminished substantially following this period, in part, no doubt, so that people would not be attached to the miracles and gifts themselves, rather than to have a pure faith without signs. While I cannot say for certain, I am skeptical of charismatic gifts today, at least on a large scale, though I will not deny the possibility of them or some charismatic graces in some places or circumstances. If we witness a major resurgence of miracles, as was the case in Apostolic times, then I would expect the same of charismatic gifts. This is merely my opinion on the matter.
God bless, Frank
Dear Fr. John Echert, Does the gift of tongue still exist in our Catholic Church today? And if it does, then in what language should it be? I am anxiously waiting for your answer, Father. Frank Bui.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
We do know that there abounded in the Apostolic period miracles and charismatic gifts, at a time when signs were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel and the Church. But these diminished substantially following this period, in part, no doubt, so that people would not be attached to the miracles and gifts themselves, rather than to have a pure faith without signs. While I cannot say for certain, I am skeptical of charismatic gifts today, at least on a large scale, though I will not deny the possibility of them or some charismatic graces in some places or circumstances. If we witness a major resurgence of miracles, as was the case in Apostolic times, then I would expect the same of charismatic gifts. This is merely my opinion on the matter.
God bless, Frank
Blessing cooking oil and table salt and speak strange language.
Question from Thach Pham on 3/27/2008:
Dear Fr. Robert: Could you help me with this question: Last month, I attended a "meditation group" that called themselves so called "Empower of the Holy Spirit" (translated my best in English here) outside of our state. In this 2-day of meditation, a retired priest was in charged of preaching the Gospels and preached of the power of the Holy Spirit. It was good for me to learn about the Holy Spirit. However, a few things that he and his group (about 15 people) did was really concerned me and I'm confused. First, the priest asked us to bring to church the "cooking oil" (or any oil) and "table salt" (cooking table salt) so he can "blessed" these things so we can use these at home to keep the "evils" out of our houses!?? Second, the priest asked us (members that attended the services) come forward to the altar so that he and his people placed their hands on our heads for the "healing prayers". In this "healing prayer, they (the people that came with the priest) spoke a very strange language (sounds bla bla bla shew shew bshe bshe....etc) to the persons that "to be receiving the healing power from the Holy Sprit 'through' their hands and prayers with a strange language". At first I thought they spoke Latin, but it wasn't?!!. They spoke it out loud thru the microphone as well as whispering to people ears. Amazingly that 70% of the people that attended the services fell on their backs and passed out for few minutes. I tried it myself but I didn't fall on my back even they have tried to "push me tenderly" for 2 times!!! Actually I almost fell on my back when they asked me to close my eyes and spread my hands and open my mind/heart/soul to the Holy Spirit. However, I didn't fall because all the sudden they spoke that strange language my ear that they claimed it was given by the Holy Spirit so they passed it on to us, (just like Holy Spirit did with the Twelve Disciples)!!?? Not only me concerned this, but many other people were not comfortable with these services (speak strange language and bless the cooking oil and table salts). So could you help understand these? Did what they have done (speak strange language and bless the cooking oil and table salts) are in-line with out Catholic teachings and believing? Does our church accept this? Many people attended this mediation/healing services have the same questions with curiosity and concerned. Could you have the answer back to me the sooner the better! Thank you for your help on this. Best Regards, Thach Pham.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/28/2008:
Dear Thach Pham, I sincerely urge you not to attend this session, this prayer session with oil and salt, with its experience of "talking in tongues", and falling down with the Holy Spirit. Actually all this is dangerous to Faith. I am unaware of any part of it being accepted by the Roman Catholic Faith. God bless your Faith. Fr. bob Levis
Dear Fr. Robert: Could you help me with this question: Last month, I attended a "meditation group" that called themselves so called "Empower of the Holy Spirit" (translated my best in English here) outside of our state. In this 2-day of meditation, a retired priest was in charged of preaching the Gospels and preached of the power of the Holy Spirit. It was good for me to learn about the Holy Spirit. However, a few things that he and his group (about 15 people) did was really concerned me and I'm confused. First, the priest asked us to bring to church the "cooking oil" (or any oil) and "table salt" (cooking table salt) so he can "blessed" these things so we can use these at home to keep the "evils" out of our houses!?? Second, the priest asked us (members that attended the services) come forward to the altar so that he and his people placed their hands on our heads for the "healing prayers". In this "healing prayer, they (the people that came with the priest) spoke a very strange language (sounds bla bla bla shew shew bshe bshe....etc) to the persons that "to be receiving the healing power from the Holy Sprit 'through' their hands and prayers with a strange language". At first I thought they spoke Latin, but it wasn't?!!. They spoke it out loud thru the microphone as well as whispering to people ears. Amazingly that 70% of the people that attended the services fell on their backs and passed out for few minutes. I tried it myself but I didn't fall on my back even they have tried to "push me tenderly" for 2 times!!! Actually I almost fell on my back when they asked me to close my eyes and spread my hands and open my mind/heart/soul to the Holy Spirit. However, I didn't fall because all the sudden they spoke that strange language my ear that they claimed it was given by the Holy Spirit so they passed it on to us, (just like Holy Spirit did with the Twelve Disciples)!!?? Not only me concerned this, but many other people were not comfortable with these services (speak strange language and bless the cooking oil and table salts). So could you help understand these? Did what they have done (speak strange language and bless the cooking oil and table salts) are in-line with out Catholic teachings and believing? Does our church accept this? Many people attended this mediation/healing services have the same questions with curiosity and concerned. Could you have the answer back to me the sooner the better! Thank you for your help on this. Best Regards, Thach Pham.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/28/2008:
Dear Thach Pham, I sincerely urge you not to attend this session, this prayer session with oil and salt, with its experience of "talking in tongues", and falling down with the Holy Spirit. Actually all this is dangerous to Faith. I am unaware of any part of it being accepted by the Roman Catholic Faith. God bless your Faith. Fr. bob Levis
Divine Mercy Sunday
Question from Mary on 3/27/2008:
Even though it says Divine Mercy Sunday, is going to confesstion for this particular event permitable on Saturday.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary, yes, even your Lenten confession is enough to gain the Plenary Indulgence. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Even though it says Divine Mercy Sunday, is going to confesstion for this particular event permitable on Saturday.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary, yes, even your Lenten confession is enough to gain the Plenary Indulgence. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Transubstantiation at the Last Supper
Question from Mary Rogers on 3/27/2008:
This is a question that a Sister and I have been discussing at college and I need help understanding. She said that basically there is not a Catholic theologian anywhere who believes that transubstantiation happened at the Last Supper. She said that catechetically that is what is taught, but that theology is different from doctrine. How can this be? Do theologians live by a different truth than the rest of us? Could you please clarify this question on whether or not transubstantiation, from a theological perspective, did or did not occur at the Last Supper. Thank you so much and God Bless!
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary Rogers, That religious actually is holding out for a heresy. With every Mass, Jesus' body and blood are really brought to the altar, both body and blood and together sacrificed for the sins of mankind and successfully accepted by the Father. The death of the Savior is made present by the separate presence of body and blood. How to explain this mystery? The best theological explanation is thru the Mystery of the Transubstantiation, i.e. the substance of bread is destroyed and replaced by the substance of Christ's body; and the substance of wine is removed and replaced by the substance of Christ's blood. Because this happens only to the substance, cannibalism is not a factor. Since only the substance of Christ is made present, not his corporeal b ody and blood, we call this mystery, the Real Presence. Tell Sister she is thinking like a good Calvinist. Fr. Bob Levis
This is a question that a Sister and I have been discussing at college and I need help understanding. She said that basically there is not a Catholic theologian anywhere who believes that transubstantiation happened at the Last Supper. She said that catechetically that is what is taught, but that theology is different from doctrine. How can this be? Do theologians live by a different truth than the rest of us? Could you please clarify this question on whether or not transubstantiation, from a theological perspective, did or did not occur at the Last Supper. Thank you so much and God Bless!
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary Rogers, That religious actually is holding out for a heresy. With every Mass, Jesus' body and blood are really brought to the altar, both body and blood and together sacrificed for the sins of mankind and successfully accepted by the Father. The death of the Savior is made present by the separate presence of body and blood. How to explain this mystery? The best theological explanation is thru the Mystery of the Transubstantiation, i.e. the substance of bread is destroyed and replaced by the substance of Christ's body; and the substance of wine is removed and replaced by the substance of Christ's blood. Because this happens only to the substance, cannibalism is not a factor. Since only the substance of Christ is made present, not his corporeal b ody and blood, we call this mystery, the Real Presence. Tell Sister she is thinking like a good Calvinist. Fr. Bob Levis
Televised Exorcism
Question from Sean on 3/27/2008:
Referring to a tv programme 'The Real Exorcist' is it a good or bad idea to be watching?
What is the Catholic stand on this
Thanks
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sean, The devil is never good entertainment. Fr. Bob Levis
Referring to a tv programme 'The Real Exorcist' is it a good or bad idea to be watching?
What is the Catholic stand on this
Thanks
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sean, The devil is never good entertainment. Fr. Bob Levis
Sacred Tradition
Question from Sandy on 3/26/2008:
Dear Father Bob,
I am a convert of three years this past Holy Saturday. I regret to say I am so upset with the whole of the Catholic Church. I was taught in RCIA all about the Sacred Traditions of the Church, and my parish has very few of these. We dip The Eucharist which was supposed to be temporary, the Christ Child is never taken to the Nativity, nor is the Nativity ever blessed, I have never seen the candle light service on Holy Saturday, the Tabernacle was not even opened on Holy Friday etc...
I have written to our Bishop and that has proven to be of little help. I am now leaving the Church I am going to and trying to find one which has Sacred Tradition as well as Sacred Scripture. I feel very let down, and like I was lied to regarding the beliefs and the Traditions of the Church. My heart is broken, as one parish member referred to Sacred Tradition as nonsense. I am tired of fighting for it, and have chosen to move on. Please I need some advice and your prayers, as the only thing which is stopping me from going back to the Protestant Church is the Eucharist. Thank you for your time. Sandy
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sandy, Calm down, all is not lost yet!!!!!!Generally Sacred Tradition is much bigger than how things are executed in any particular parish church. E.g. Mary's role in the Salvation of man was first Tradition (handed down from pastor to pastor by word of mouth, it was not written down like the Sacred Scriptures. Eventually Rome acts and brings all things together in a more formal setting. Holy Week is much different than other times in the Church. E.g. The Eucharist is removed out of its regular tabernacle and placed elsewhere in the Church. Many local pastors enact the Holy Week services in their own way with plenty of abbreviated prayers and omitted things. This should not be done, but this happens, to your disappointment. Sandy, later on, look around for a priest who loves the full liturgy and wants to teach it all to the people. It takes time and many pastors are very shy of time. Relax. Fr Bob Levis
Dear Father Bob,
I am a convert of three years this past Holy Saturday. I regret to say I am so upset with the whole of the Catholic Church. I was taught in RCIA all about the Sacred Traditions of the Church, and my parish has very few of these. We dip The Eucharist which was supposed to be temporary, the Christ Child is never taken to the Nativity, nor is the Nativity ever blessed, I have never seen the candle light service on Holy Saturday, the Tabernacle was not even opened on Holy Friday etc...
I have written to our Bishop and that has proven to be of little help. I am now leaving the Church I am going to and trying to find one which has Sacred Tradition as well as Sacred Scripture. I feel very let down, and like I was lied to regarding the beliefs and the Traditions of the Church. My heart is broken, as one parish member referred to Sacred Tradition as nonsense. I am tired of fighting for it, and have chosen to move on. Please I need some advice and your prayers, as the only thing which is stopping me from going back to the Protestant Church is the Eucharist. Thank you for your time. Sandy
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sandy, Calm down, all is not lost yet!!!!!!Generally Sacred Tradition is much bigger than how things are executed in any particular parish church. E.g. Mary's role in the Salvation of man was first Tradition (handed down from pastor to pastor by word of mouth, it was not written down like the Sacred Scriptures. Eventually Rome acts and brings all things together in a more formal setting. Holy Week is much different than other times in the Church. E.g. The Eucharist is removed out of its regular tabernacle and placed elsewhere in the Church. Many local pastors enact the Holy Week services in their own way with plenty of abbreviated prayers and omitted things. This should not be done, but this happens, to your disappointment. Sandy, later on, look around for a priest who loves the full liturgy and wants to teach it all to the people. It takes time and many pastors are very shy of time. Relax. Fr Bob Levis
Cautious Vatican response to Muslim critics on conversion
Vatican, Mar. 28, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Responding to concerns raised by a prominent Muslim scholar, the Vatican has distanced itself from the criticism of Islam expressed by Magdi Allam-- the reporter who was baptized by Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) at the Easter vigil.
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, released a statement in reply to comments by Arif Ali Nayed, the director of the Islamic Studies Center in Jordan and a participant in the "Common Word" initiative, who had complained that publicity surrounding the conversion of Allam was "a triumphalist tool for scoring points."
The Vatican spokesman said that Allam's harsh criticisms of militant Islam "remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or of the Holy See." While Allam is entitled to his own opinions, he noted, the Church can welcome a new member without "wedding all that person's ideas and opinions, especially on political and social matters."
The secretary-general of the Islamic Cultural Center in Rome, Abdellah Redouane, welcomed Father Lombardi's statement. Saying that Allam's public statements "denigrate Islam," the Muslim leader said that by issuing the clarification, the Vatican had "confirmed its choice of the path of dialogue with Islam."
Magdi Allam has frequently denounced Muslim extremism, and in public statements after his baptism he said that he does not believe that Islam is a religion of peace. Reacting to those comments, Lombardi told Vatican Radio: "He has the right to express his own ideas. They remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or the Holy See."
Father Lombardi emphasized that although some Islamic leaders had criticized the conversion of the Egyptian-born journalist, there was never a suggestion that the "Common Word" initiative should be postponed. He noted that even while he lodged his objections to the baptism, Nayed had indicated "his will to continue the dialogue" with the Catholic Church.
Nayed is one of the 138 Islamic leaders who issued a public statement calling for new dialogue between Christians and Muslims. Representatives of that group, organized as the Common Word initiative, will meet with Vatican officials for an in-depth discussion in November 2008.
Underlining the value that the Vatican places on those inter-religious talks, Father Lombardi said: "This process must continue, it is extremely important, it must not be interrupted, and has priority over episodes that may be the subject of misunderstandings."
Father Lombardi took exception to one point that Nayed had made, arguing that it is misguided to charge (as Nayed had) that Christian schools seek to produce converts in Muslim countries. The Vatican spokesman pointed out that in many countries, Catholic schools serve student populations in which the majority "are non-Christian and have happily remained so."
"We do not think the Church today merits the accusation of lack of respect for the dignity and freedom of the human person," the Vatican spokesman said; "these suffer entirely different violations to which priority attention must be given."
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, released a statement in reply to comments by Arif Ali Nayed, the director of the Islamic Studies Center in Jordan and a participant in the "Common Word" initiative, who had complained that publicity surrounding the conversion of Allam was "a triumphalist tool for scoring points."
The Vatican spokesman said that Allam's harsh criticisms of militant Islam "remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or of the Holy See." While Allam is entitled to his own opinions, he noted, the Church can welcome a new member without "wedding all that person's ideas and opinions, especially on political and social matters."
The secretary-general of the Islamic Cultural Center in Rome, Abdellah Redouane, welcomed Father Lombardi's statement. Saying that Allam's public statements "denigrate Islam," the Muslim leader said that by issuing the clarification, the Vatican had "confirmed its choice of the path of dialogue with Islam."
Magdi Allam has frequently denounced Muslim extremism, and in public statements after his baptism he said that he does not believe that Islam is a religion of peace. Reacting to those comments, Lombardi told Vatican Radio: "He has the right to express his own ideas. They remain his personal opinions without in any way becoming the official expression of the positions of the Pope or the Holy See."
Father Lombardi emphasized that although some Islamic leaders had criticized the conversion of the Egyptian-born journalist, there was never a suggestion that the "Common Word" initiative should be postponed. He noted that even while he lodged his objections to the baptism, Nayed had indicated "his will to continue the dialogue" with the Catholic Church.
Nayed is one of the 138 Islamic leaders who issued a public statement calling for new dialogue between Christians and Muslims. Representatives of that group, organized as the Common Word initiative, will meet with Vatican officials for an in-depth discussion in November 2008.
Underlining the value that the Vatican places on those inter-religious talks, Father Lombardi said: "This process must continue, it is extremely important, it must not be interrupted, and has priority over episodes that may be the subject of misunderstandings."
Father Lombardi took exception to one point that Nayed had made, arguing that it is misguided to charge (as Nayed had) that Christian schools seek to produce converts in Muslim countries. The Vatican spokesman pointed out that in many countries, Catholic schools serve student populations in which the majority "are non-Christian and have happily remained so."
"We do not think the Church today merits the accusation of lack of respect for the dignity and freedom of the human person," the Vatican spokesman said; "these suffer entirely different violations to which priority attention must be given."
abortion bill in NY
Question from Anonymous on 3/26/2008:
Dear Judie,
There is an abortion bill in NYS called the “Reproductive Health & Privacy Protection Act” (RHAPP). If passed this bill will:
ensure abortion-on-demand throughout all nine months of pregnancy. (even after Roe vs. Wade is overturned)
allow that a baby born alive after an abortion attempt would receive no support services.
repeal the current requirement that only doctors can perform abortions
suppress all efforts to enact an “Unborn Victims of Violence Act” by refusing to recognize the unborn child as a second crime victim in cases of assault against pregnant women.
The New York State Right to Life Committee, Inc. is heading a fight against this bill. I want to help the fight. Do you know if they would be the right place to donate funds to to help stop this bill from getting passed?
Thanks.
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/27/2008:
Dear Anonymous
I think it is safe to say that every pro-life group in the state of New York is fighting this bill, and I just saw a headline yesterday that with the resignation of Governor Spitzer, the fate of the bill was in jeopardy.
As far as donating is conerned, I am sure that the state pro-life group is a worthy recipient of your funds for this particular activity.
Please see this blog: http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2008/03/15/blogs/freds_gripes/blog01.txt
Judie Brown
Dear Judie,
There is an abortion bill in NYS called the “Reproductive Health & Privacy Protection Act” (RHAPP). If passed this bill will:
ensure abortion-on-demand throughout all nine months of pregnancy. (even after Roe vs. Wade is overturned)
allow that a baby born alive after an abortion attempt would receive no support services.
repeal the current requirement that only doctors can perform abortions
suppress all efforts to enact an “Unborn Victims of Violence Act” by refusing to recognize the unborn child as a second crime victim in cases of assault against pregnant women.
The New York State Right to Life Committee, Inc. is heading a fight against this bill. I want to help the fight. Do you know if they would be the right place to donate funds to to help stop this bill from getting passed?
Thanks.
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/27/2008:
Dear Anonymous
I think it is safe to say that every pro-life group in the state of New York is fighting this bill, and I just saw a headline yesterday that with the resignation of Governor Spitzer, the fate of the bill was in jeopardy.
As far as donating is conerned, I am sure that the state pro-life group is a worthy recipient of your funds for this particular activity.
Please see this blog: http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2008/03/15/blogs/freds_gripes/blog01.txt
Judie Brown
Victim of rape
Question from Anon on 3/26/2008:
Dear Judie,
How best is it to answer someone who says that a woman who is raped should not have to suffer the consequences of bearing that person's child? I know abortion is a great evil but how can i argue for the woman to keep her child when this has happened to her.
Many thanks
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/27/2008:
Dear Anon
First of all, the criminal is the man who criminally assaults the woman. If a baby is conceived during that tragic event, the baby is not the criminal and should not be killed for the sins of his father. We have to understand that a criminal rape is devastating for the victim, and if you compound that pain with the realization at some point in her life that she also participated in the death of an innocent child, the combination can be even more crippling psychologically and spiritually, not to mention physically.
There is a wonderful young woman in Michigan who speaks on this subject, and I commend your attention to her website: Rebecca Kiessling: http://www.rebeccakiessling.com/
Hope this is helpful.
Judie Brown
Dear Judie,
How best is it to answer someone who says that a woman who is raped should not have to suffer the consequences of bearing that person's child? I know abortion is a great evil but how can i argue for the woman to keep her child when this has happened to her.
Many thanks
Answer by Judie Brown on 3/27/2008:
Dear Anon
First of all, the criminal is the man who criminally assaults the woman. If a baby is conceived during that tragic event, the baby is not the criminal and should not be killed for the sins of his father. We have to understand that a criminal rape is devastating for the victim, and if you compound that pain with the realization at some point in her life that she also participated in the death of an innocent child, the combination can be even more crippling psychologically and spiritually, not to mention physically.
There is a wonderful young woman in Michigan who speaks on this subject, and I commend your attention to her website: Rebecca Kiessling: http://www.rebeccakiessling.com/
Hope this is helpful.
Judie Brown
Priestly Celibacy
Question from Nick H on 3/26/2008:
Dr. Geraghty,
You had a recent question about priestly celibacy and when it became required.
I would encourage your questioner to read two books: "The Case for Clerical Celibacy" by Alphons Cardinal Stickler - a very brief and accessible book and The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy by Fr. Christian Cochini - a much more detailed, scholarly treatment. The most important point from the general description of Cochini's book is this:
What Cochini shows through patristic sources and conciliar documentation is that from the beginning of the Church, although married men could be priests, they were required to vow to celibacy before ordination, meaning they intended to live a life of continence. He provides extensive documentation, a bibliography and an index.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
Dr. Geraghty,
You had a recent question about priestly celibacy and when it became required.
I would encourage your questioner to read two books: "The Case for Clerical Celibacy" by Alphons Cardinal Stickler - a very brief and accessible book and The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy by Fr. Christian Cochini - a much more detailed, scholarly treatment. The most important point from the general description of Cochini's book is this:
What Cochini shows through patristic sources and conciliar documentation is that from the beginning of the Church, although married men could be priests, they were required to vow to celibacy before ordination, meaning they intended to live a life of continence. He provides extensive documentation, a bibliography and an index.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your note.
Dr. Geraghty
Final judgent and purgatory
Question from PJ on 3/17/2008:
I the second coming when the dead are raised and all are publicly judged, what happenes to those that are saved but need purgation? Is purgatory offered to these resurrected people? I was under the impression that Purgatory is longer in existence when Christ comes back to transform all.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear PJ,
You are right in saying that at the end of the world purgatory will no longer exist. I suppose that people in need of purgation will get it by having the experience of being at the end of the world.
Dr. Geraghty
I the second coming when the dead are raised and all are publicly judged, what happenes to those that are saved but need purgation? Is purgatory offered to these resurrected people? I was under the impression that Purgatory is longer in existence when Christ comes back to transform all.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear PJ,
You are right in saying that at the end of the world purgatory will no longer exist. I suppose that people in need of purgation will get it by having the experience of being at the end of the world.
Dr. Geraghty
eucharistic prayer
Question from Mary Sturzl on 3/17/2008:
I just saw a monstrance with "A moment with our Lord" below it, and Mother Angelica was reading a beautiful prayer. Could you e-mail that prayer to me. I would be so greatful. Also, our priest doesn't do the washing of his hands during mass, is that acceptable? He has called God our father and our mother, and also says "the mass is never ended". Is this okay? Thanks so much. Don't forget that prayer...I will say it every day.....
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Mary,
Does anyone out there know this prayer?------As you already suspect, the priest is not following the proper ritual of the mass. Say a prayer for him.
Dr. Geraghty
I just saw a monstrance with "A moment with our Lord" below it, and Mother Angelica was reading a beautiful prayer. Could you e-mail that prayer to me. I would be so greatful. Also, our priest doesn't do the washing of his hands during mass, is that acceptable? He has called God our father and our mother, and also says "the mass is never ended". Is this okay? Thanks so much. Don't forget that prayer...I will say it every day.....
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Mary,
Does anyone out there know this prayer?------As you already suspect, the priest is not following the proper ritual of the mass. Say a prayer for him.
Dr. Geraghty
Sign of the Cross
Question from A Catholic on 3/17/2008:
Dear Dr. Geraghty, do we have to make the Sign of the Cross before every prayer? I have prayed with Protestants a few times in a class I'm taking and I don't make the Sign. I figure this is different than not doing it in a restaurant, because everyone already knows you're a Christian. What do you think? I'm not commiting a sin, am I?
God bless and thanks
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Catholic,
The fact is that making the sign of the cross would indicate to everyone that you were a Catholic Christian. What could be wrong with that? It would let you and others know who you are. I would say to go on and make the sign of the cross. I wouldn't say it was a sin not to do so. But I would say it might take a bit of courage. Being courageous for the faith is a good thing.
Dr. Geraghty
Dear Dr. Geraghty, do we have to make the Sign of the Cross before every prayer? I have prayed with Protestants a few times in a class I'm taking and I don't make the Sign. I figure this is different than not doing it in a restaurant, because everyone already knows you're a Christian. What do you think? I'm not commiting a sin, am I?
God bless and thanks
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Catholic,
The fact is that making the sign of the cross would indicate to everyone that you were a Catholic Christian. What could be wrong with that? It would let you and others know who you are. I would say to go on and make the sign of the cross. I wouldn't say it was a sin not to do so. But I would say it might take a bit of courage. Being courageous for the faith is a good thing.
Dr. Geraghty
removal of the blessed Sacrament
Question from Colleen Digby on 3/25/2008:
Should the blessed Sacrament be removed from the tabernacle when the church is being used for a secular function i.e. school concert etc.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
I have seen this done. However, there are no clear rules on this. Perhaps the question should be, Is this secular function appropriate for inside the church? If it not appropriate to be done in front of the Blessed Sacrament, maybe it is not appropriate to be done in the church building.
Still, in some situations, a secular (but inoffensive) event may attract many non-Catholics, and there is no possible alternative location. In this situation, perhaps it is prudent to remove the Blessed Sacrament. However, the removal of the Blessed Sacrament should not be a green light for bedlam in a sacred place.
Should the blessed Sacrament be removed from the tabernacle when the church is being used for a secular function i.e. school concert etc.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
I have seen this done. However, there are no clear rules on this. Perhaps the question should be, Is this secular function appropriate for inside the church? If it not appropriate to be done in front of the Blessed Sacrament, maybe it is not appropriate to be done in the church building.
Still, in some situations, a secular (but inoffensive) event may attract many non-Catholics, and there is no possible alternative location. In this situation, perhaps it is prudent to remove the Blessed Sacrament. However, the removal of the Blessed Sacrament should not be a green light for bedlam in a sacred place.
Liturgy Crucifix vs. Cross which to be used
Question from ESally on 3/21/2008:
Hi, Our Parish is in a small rural part of the South. During the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday... this year a cross was used -- no corpus on it, instead of a Crucifix. Although a Crucifix was available or could have been acquired from one of it's parishioners for this purpose. This is the first time in my life I have encountered this. And I was truly very upset by this change in that which has been a Tradition, to kiss the feet of Jesus on the Cross.
Is this a problem because the English word Cross, (the Non-Catholics use a Cross-without the Corpus) as oppose to the Crucifix.
If it is that a Cross could be used instead of a Crucifix please let me know. Or if they have a misunderstanding, because of the language?-- let me know. Where in the Rubrics or the GIRM does it state that a Crucifix is to be used? Please provide the numbers so that I may be able to give it to my Pastor. Or better yet is there a definition for the Cross when used in the Mass or Veneration, what exactly is a Cross and should it contain a corpus? That may be the problem... Not knowing the Church's definition of the word. I understand that the Latin Crux loses in translation. The word translates to Cross... some in the South would automatically assume that the Corpus can be omitted.
I truly love the Church and the traditions that we follow -- it is constant and a solace... never flighty with times... it is forever.
I thank you very much... God love and protect you
E. Sally Russell
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
The rubrics read "Cross" but the long-standing traditional practice of the Church has been to use a crucifix, that is, a cross with the image of our Lord affixed. One would expect that especially on Good Friday, when we commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord, a crucifix would be used for veneration. It may be difficult to fight this, as I imagine this was done quite intentionally by the pastor, in spite of the traditional practice.
A blessed Easter to you,
Father Echert
Hi, Our Parish is in a small rural part of the South. During the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday... this year a cross was used -- no corpus on it, instead of a Crucifix. Although a Crucifix was available or could have been acquired from one of it's parishioners for this purpose. This is the first time in my life I have encountered this. And I was truly very upset by this change in that which has been a Tradition, to kiss the feet of Jesus on the Cross.
Is this a problem because the English word Cross, (the Non-Catholics use a Cross-without the Corpus) as oppose to the Crucifix.
If it is that a Cross could be used instead of a Crucifix please let me know. Or if they have a misunderstanding, because of the language?-- let me know. Where in the Rubrics or the GIRM does it state that a Crucifix is to be used? Please provide the numbers so that I may be able to give it to my Pastor. Or better yet is there a definition for the Cross when used in the Mass or Veneration, what exactly is a Cross and should it contain a corpus? That may be the problem... Not knowing the Church's definition of the word. I understand that the Latin Crux loses in translation. The word translates to Cross... some in the South would automatically assume that the Corpus can be omitted.
I truly love the Church and the traditions that we follow -- it is constant and a solace... never flighty with times... it is forever.
I thank you very much... God love and protect you
E. Sally Russell
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
The rubrics read "Cross" but the long-standing traditional practice of the Church has been to use a crucifix, that is, a cross with the image of our Lord affixed. One would expect that especially on Good Friday, when we commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord, a crucifix would be used for veneration. It may be difficult to fight this, as I imagine this was done quite intentionally by the pastor, in spite of the traditional practice.
A blessed Easter to you,
Father Echert
Eternal Salvation
Question from Frank Leonard on 3/21/2008:
I have been told that The Pope has made a statement that if a person is not a Roman Catholic believer, he/she will spend eternity in Hell.
I am a born again Christian, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior, believing in His words in the Scripture that says, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me (Jesus).
Please clarify if indeed the Pope has made such a declaration and if so, on what scripture in the Bible has he made such a declaration.
Please e-mail me your response.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
It has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church that there is no salvation outside the Church (Catholic Church). I doubt that the present Pope made a statement quite so abrupt and unqualified as you may have heard (at least as you note in your post). We do acknowledge that God may excuse invincible ignorance with regard to the requirement to formally belong to the one true Church but there is no salvation possible for anyone except through Jesus Christ and in the Church (whether formally a member or spiritually).
God bless,
Father Echert
I have been told that The Pope has made a statement that if a person is not a Roman Catholic believer, he/she will spend eternity in Hell.
I am a born again Christian, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior, believing in His words in the Scripture that says, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me (Jesus).
Please clarify if indeed the Pope has made such a declaration and if so, on what scripture in the Bible has he made such a declaration.
Please e-mail me your response.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
It has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church that there is no salvation outside the Church (Catholic Church). I doubt that the present Pope made a statement quite so abrupt and unqualified as you may have heard (at least as you note in your post). We do acknowledge that God may excuse invincible ignorance with regard to the requirement to formally belong to the one true Church but there is no salvation possible for anyone except through Jesus Christ and in the Church (whether formally a member or spiritually).
God bless,
Father Echert
causes us to sin
Question from Anonymous on 3/22/2008:
Does "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell" mean that whatever is causing us to sin we need to eliminate from our lives?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
It would certainly mean that if something were evil or an occasion of sin for someone but not necessarily in all instances, when something is morally neutral or good. I would want concrete examples of what you had in mind.
Father Echert
Does "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell" mean that whatever is causing us to sin we need to eliminate from our lives?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
It would certainly mean that if something were evil or an occasion of sin for someone but not necessarily in all instances, when something is morally neutral or good. I would want concrete examples of what you had in mind.
Father Echert
Gift of Tongue
Question from Frank Bui on 3/21/2008:
Dear Fr. John Echert, Does the gift of tongue still exist in our Catholic Church today? And if it does, then in what language should it be? I am anxiously waiting for your answer, Father. Frank Bui.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
We do know that there abounded in the Apostolic period miracles and charismatic gifts, at a time when signs were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel and the Church. But these diminished substantially following this period, in part, no doubt, so that people would not be attached to the miracles and gifts themselves, rather than to have a pure faith without signs. While I cannot say for certain, I am skeptical of charismatic gifts today, at least on a large scale, though I will not deny the possibility of them or some charismatic graces in some places or circumstances. If we witness a major resurgence of miracles, as was the case in Apostolic times, then I would expect the same of charismatic gifts. This is merely my opinion on the matter.
God bless, Frank
Father Echert
Dear Fr. John Echert, Does the gift of tongue still exist in our Catholic Church today? And if it does, then in what language should it be? I am anxiously waiting for your answer, Father. Frank Bui.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/26/2008:
We do know that there abounded in the Apostolic period miracles and charismatic gifts, at a time when signs were needed to confirm the truth of the Gospel and the Church. But these diminished substantially following this period, in part, no doubt, so that people would not be attached to the miracles and gifts themselves, rather than to have a pure faith without signs. While I cannot say for certain, I am skeptical of charismatic gifts today, at least on a large scale, though I will not deny the possibility of them or some charismatic graces in some places or circumstances. If we witness a major resurgence of miracles, as was the case in Apostolic times, then I would expect the same of charismatic gifts. This is merely my opinion on the matter.
God bless, Frank
Father Echert
Holy Thursday washing of hands
Question from Gail on 3/25/2008:
Our priest on Holy Thursday asked everyone in church to go up just like they do during Communion and wash their hands in a bowl of water placed in front of the church and dry the hands of the person in back of them. This was done in place of washing of the feet.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 3/25/2008:
Gail--
It was outside that priest's authority to change the ceremonial washing in that way. Besides being liturgically incorrect, it also significantly altered the symbolism of the ritual. I once asked a priest if a handwashing could substitute for a footwashing on Holy Thursday and he reminded me, "It was Pilate who washed his hands!"
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Our priest on Holy Thursday asked everyone in church to go up just like they do during Communion and wash their hands in a bowl of water placed in front of the church and dry the hands of the person in back of them. This was done in place of washing of the feet.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 3/25/2008:
Gail--
It was outside that priest's authority to change the ceremonial washing in that way. Besides being liturgically incorrect, it also significantly altered the symbolism of the ritual. I once asked a priest if a handwashing could substitute for a footwashing on Holy Thursday and he reminded me, "It was Pilate who washed his hands!"
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
George Weigel discusses implications of Pope’s baptism of Muslim convert
Washington DC, Mar 27, 2008 / 09:49 pm (CNA).- George Weigel, a Catholic scholar and biographer of Pope John Paul II, in a recent interview with National Review Online addressed Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter vigil baptism of Magdi Allam, a prominent Italian journalist from a Muslim background.
Weigel also discussed the relevance of Allam’s baptism to relations between Muslim and non-Muslim countries and to debates about religious freedom in the Muslim world.
“Magdi Allam,” Weigel said, “has courageously defended the religious freedom of all while sharply criticizing those currents of thought in Islam which would deny the right of religious conversion to Muslims. Now he fights the war of ideas from a different foxhole, so to speak.”
Weigel said the most effective Muslim allies in war against jihadism will be “those Muslims who want to make an Islamic case for tolerance, civility, and pluralism.”
He said Osama bin Laden’s version of Islam, in addition to being the enemy of much of the non-Islamic world, is also the enemy of those Muslims who do not share his conception of what Islam requires.
Weigel, drawing on the themes of his recent book “Faith, Reason, and the War against Jihadism,” said that Pope Benedict’s Regensburg Lecture “identified the linked problems at the center of a lot of turbulence in world politics today.” These problems, according to Weigel, included both the detachment of faith from reason, as shown in jihadism, and the loss of faith in reason, as manifested in western Europe and American “high culture.” The Muslim theological separation of faith from reason encourages the idea that God can and does command the irrational, such as the killing of innocents. Westerners’ loss of confidence in reason, Weigel said, “leaves the West intellectually disarmed in the face of the jihadist challenge.”
At Regensburg, Weigel said, the Pope gave the world a “vocabulary with which to deal with these problems,” which Weigel characterized as “the vocabulary of rationality and irrationality.”
Weigel suggested that the United States would be much less likely to achieve victory in a contest with Islamic radicalism if its next president does not understand “the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle in which we are necessarily engaged.”
Weigel also discussed the relevance of Allam’s baptism to relations between Muslim and non-Muslim countries and to debates about religious freedom in the Muslim world.
“Magdi Allam,” Weigel said, “has courageously defended the religious freedom of all while sharply criticizing those currents of thought in Islam which would deny the right of religious conversion to Muslims. Now he fights the war of ideas from a different foxhole, so to speak.”
Weigel said the most effective Muslim allies in war against jihadism will be “those Muslims who want to make an Islamic case for tolerance, civility, and pluralism.”
He said Osama bin Laden’s version of Islam, in addition to being the enemy of much of the non-Islamic world, is also the enemy of those Muslims who do not share his conception of what Islam requires.
Weigel, drawing on the themes of his recent book “Faith, Reason, and the War against Jihadism,” said that Pope Benedict’s Regensburg Lecture “identified the linked problems at the center of a lot of turbulence in world politics today.” These problems, according to Weigel, included both the detachment of faith from reason, as shown in jihadism, and the loss of faith in reason, as manifested in western Europe and American “high culture.” The Muslim theological separation of faith from reason encourages the idea that God can and does command the irrational, such as the killing of innocents. Westerners’ loss of confidence in reason, Weigel said, “leaves the West intellectually disarmed in the face of the jihadist challenge.”
At Regensburg, Weigel said, the Pope gave the world a “vocabulary with which to deal with these problems,” which Weigel characterized as “the vocabulary of rationality and irrationality.”
Weigel suggested that the United States would be much less likely to achieve victory in a contest with Islamic radicalism if its next president does not understand “the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle in which we are necessarily engaged.”
Divine Mercy Sunday
Question from Mary on 3/27/2008:
Even though it says Divine Mercy Sunday, is going to confesstion for this particular event permitable on Saturday.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary, yes, even your Lenten confession is enough to gain the Plenary Indulgence. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Even though it says Divine Mercy Sunday, is going to confesstion for this particular event permitable on Saturday.
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mary, yes, even your Lenten confession is enough to gain the Plenary Indulgence. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Sacred Tradition
Question from Sandy on 3/26/2008:
Dear Father Bob,
I am a convert of three years this past Holy Saturday. I regret to say I am so upset with the whole of the Catholic Church. I was taught in RCIA all about the Sacred Traditions of the Church, and my parish has very few of these. We dip The Eucharist which was supposed to be temporary, the Christ Child is never taken to the Nativity, nor is the Nativity ever blessed, I have never seen the candle light service on Holy Saturday, the Tabernacle was not even opened on Holy Friday etc...
I have written to our Bishop and that has proven to be of little help. I am now leaving the Church I am going to and trying to find one which has Sacred Tradition as well as Sacred Scripture. I feel very let down, and like I was lied to regarding the beliefs and the Traditions of the Church. My heart is broken, as one parish member referred to Sacred Tradition as nonsense. I am tired of fighting for it, and have chosen to move on. Please I need some advice and your prayers, as the only thing which is stopping me from going back to the Protestant Church is the Eucharist. Thank you for your time. Sandy
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sandy, Calm down, all is not lost yet!!!!!!Generally Sacred Tradition is much bigger than how things are executed in any particular parish church. E.g. Mary's role in the Salvation of man was first Tradition (handed down from pastor to pastor by word of mouth, it was not written down like the Sacred Scriptures. Eventually Rome acts and brings all things together in a more formal setting. Holy Week is much different than other times in the Church. E.g. The Eucharist is removed out of its regular tabernacle and placed elsewhere in the Church. Many local pastors enact the Holy Week services in their own way with plenty of abbreviated prayers and omitted things. This should not be done, but this happens, to your disappointment. Sandy, later on, look around for a priest who loves the full liturgy and wants to teach it all to the people. It takes time and many pastors are very shy of time. Relax. Fr Bob Levis
Dear Father Bob,
I am a convert of three years this past Holy Saturday. I regret to say I am so upset with the whole of the Catholic Church. I was taught in RCIA all about the Sacred Traditions of the Church, and my parish has very few of these. We dip The Eucharist which was supposed to be temporary, the Christ Child is never taken to the Nativity, nor is the Nativity ever blessed, I have never seen the candle light service on Holy Saturday, the Tabernacle was not even opened on Holy Friday etc...
I have written to our Bishop and that has proven to be of little help. I am now leaving the Church I am going to and trying to find one which has Sacred Tradition as well as Sacred Scripture. I feel very let down, and like I was lied to regarding the beliefs and the Traditions of the Church. My heart is broken, as one parish member referred to Sacred Tradition as nonsense. I am tired of fighting for it, and have chosen to move on. Please I need some advice and your prayers, as the only thing which is stopping me from going back to the Protestant Church is the Eucharist. Thank you for your time. Sandy
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Sandy, Calm down, all is not lost yet!!!!!!Generally Sacred Tradition is much bigger than how things are executed in any particular parish church. E.g. Mary's role in the Salvation of man was first Tradition (handed down from pastor to pastor by word of mouth, it was not written down like the Sacred Scriptures. Eventually Rome acts and brings all things together in a more formal setting. Holy Week is much different than other times in the Church. E.g. The Eucharist is removed out of its regular tabernacle and placed elsewhere in the Church. Many local pastors enact the Holy Week services in their own way with plenty of abbreviated prayers and omitted things. This should not be done, but this happens, to your disappointment. Sandy, later on, look around for a priest who loves the full liturgy and wants to teach it all to the people. It takes time and many pastors are very shy of time. Relax. Fr Bob Levis
wounds of Christ
Question from Mikek on 3/26/2008:
Why does Jesus retain his wounds after the Resurrection?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mikek He was pleased to have these wounds, the price of our eternal salvation. Why ever should He surrender them? He is our Redeemer always. Fr. Bob Levis
Why does Jesus retain his wounds after the Resurrection?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/27/2008:
Mikek He was pleased to have these wounds, the price of our eternal salvation. Why ever should He surrender them? He is our Redeemer always. Fr. Bob Levis
Wanted: One million Americans to pray pro-life Rosary
Memphis, Tenn., Mar 28, 2008 / 03:29 am (CNA).- The Saint Michael the Archangel Organization is attempting to organize one million people in the United States to pray the Rosary for unborn babies on Saturday, May 3.
Organizers of the prayer event, called One Million Rosaries for Unborn Babies, are asking participants to pray during the same 60-minute time span, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
Patrick Benedict, President of the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, said, "The primary way to stop the killing of unborn babies is not by way of politics and is not by way of education."
“The person battling the ‘Culture of Death’ is primarily in a spiritual battle and needs to use spiritual weaponry,” he continued.
“The Rosary is a powerful spiritual weapon, and I hope there will be at least one million people in the United States taking hold of their Rosaries on May 3.”
The organization is asking Pope Benedict XVI to re-establish the practice of offering prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel after Mass. The organization also asks that these prayers be offered for the intention of ending the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies.
Participants can register for the event at www.SaintMichaelTheArchangelOrganization.org
Organizers of the prayer event, called One Million Rosaries for Unborn Babies, are asking participants to pray during the same 60-minute time span, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
Patrick Benedict, President of the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, said, "The primary way to stop the killing of unborn babies is not by way of politics and is not by way of education."
“The person battling the ‘Culture of Death’ is primarily in a spiritual battle and needs to use spiritual weaponry,” he continued.
“The Rosary is a powerful spiritual weapon, and I hope there will be at least one million people in the United States taking hold of their Rosaries on May 3.”
The organization is asking Pope Benedict XVI to re-establish the practice of offering prayers such as the Hail Mary and the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel after Mass. The organization also asks that these prayers be offered for the intention of ending the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies.
Participants can register for the event at www.SaintMichaelTheArchangelOrganization.org
Creation of people
Question from Philip on 3/21/2008:
Dear father,
Reading a previous post on the general forum someone asked if there were other people outside the Garden when Adam and Eve were kicked out. The response was "no" since Adam and Eve were the only people. Is this accurate? I read the Bible and it tells us God made man in His image and that he made then male and female and to go out and multiply. The creation of Adam doesn't happen to later on it seems. I've been told since Jesus would be descended from Adam that Adam was the "important" one....the rest of mankind weren't allowed in the garden...and Adam and Eve became the focus of history. What really happened?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/21/2008:
The Church--and Scripture--teach that we are all descended of Adam, and so it must follow that there were not other strains of human beings who were not descended of Adam and Eve. So any creatures outside the Garden in the original order of creation were NOT human beings.
God bless,
Father Echert
Dear father,
Reading a previous post on the general forum someone asked if there were other people outside the Garden when Adam and Eve were kicked out. The response was "no" since Adam and Eve were the only people. Is this accurate? I read the Bible and it tells us God made man in His image and that he made then male and female and to go out and multiply. The creation of Adam doesn't happen to later on it seems. I've been told since Jesus would be descended from Adam that Adam was the "important" one....the rest of mankind weren't allowed in the garden...and Adam and Eve became the focus of history. What really happened?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/21/2008:
The Church--and Scripture--teach that we are all descended of Adam, and so it must follow that there were not other strains of human beings who were not descended of Adam and Eve. So any creatures outside the Garden in the original order of creation were NOT human beings.
God bless,
Father Echert
Eternal Salvation
Question from Frank Leonard on 3/21/2008:
I have been told that The Pope has made a statement that if a person is not a Roman Catholic believer, he/she will spend eternity in Hell.
I am a born again Christian, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior, believing in His words in the Scripture that says, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me (Jesus).
Please clarify if indeed the Pope has made such a declaration and if so, on what scripture in the Bible has he made such a declaration.
Please e-mail me your response.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
It has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church that there is no salvation outside the Church (Catholic Church). I doubt that the present Pope made a statement quite so abrupt and unqualified as you may have heard (at least as you note in your post). We do acknowledge that God may excuse invincible ignorance with regard to the requirement to formally belong to the one true Church but there is no salvation possible for anyone except through Jesus Christ and in the Church (whether formally a member or spiritually).
God bless,
Father Echert
I have been told that The Pope has made a statement that if a person is not a Roman Catholic believer, he/she will spend eternity in Hell.
I am a born again Christian, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior, believing in His words in the Scripture that says, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father accept through me (Jesus).
Please clarify if indeed the Pope has made such a declaration and if so, on what scripture in the Bible has he made such a declaration.
Please e-mail me your response.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 3/22/2008:
It has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church that there is no salvation outside the Church (Catholic Church). I doubt that the present Pope made a statement quite so abrupt and unqualified as you may have heard (at least as you note in your post). We do acknowledge that God may excuse invincible ignorance with regard to the requirement to formally belong to the one true Church but there is no salvation possible for anyone except through Jesus Christ and in the Church (whether formally a member or spiritually).
God bless,
Father Echert
Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Mercy and Healing
By Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD
It is not only the Catechism of the Catholic Church that teaches us about the healing graces that flow from sacramental confession. Jesus gave the very same message about this sacrament to St. Faustina. In her Diary, for example, Jesus taught her about His compassion for sinners:
Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. (1588)
Now that is a very revealing quote, because when our Lord starts out by saying "I do not want to punish," we might expect Him to say "I do not want to punish sinful mankind, but to forgive it." But Jesus did not put it that way. Rather, He said, "I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it." Our Savior is so compassionate! While He is certainly offended and grieved by our sins, He also sees clearly how our sins can wound and tear the very life out of our souls. In other words, He sees how mankind is "aching" from sin, and so He wants not only to forgive our sins, but to heal our hearts, too, pressing them close to His own Merciful Heart.
In Diary entry 1487, Jesus encouraged Faustina by saying to her: "Tell me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them ..." So Faustina always approached the confessional with childlike trust, knowing that her Savior was always there to welcome her and heal her (cf. entry 377).
Perhaps the most remarkable teaching that our Lord gave to St. Faustina about this sacrament is found in Diary entry 1448. Jesus said to her:
Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are to look for solace, that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy [the Sacrament of Reconciliation]. There the greatest miracles take place [and] are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage, or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to Him one's misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were souls like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint there would be no [hope of] restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full.
Read again those last two sentences spoken by our Lord. Do you remember how the Catechism told us that a good confession brings about a true "spiritual resurrection" within us — Easter morning for the soul? Well, that is precisely what Jesus taught St. Faustina: Even if our hearts are as dead from sin as a lifeless corpse, still, the miraculous power of Divine Mercy that flows through this sacrament can restore that soul completely, to new life, and fresh hope.
The graces of healing that flow from this sacrament are truly amazing. In Diary entry 1602, Jesus said to St. Faustina that confession is a personal, life-giving encounter with Jesus Himself:
Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls.
These words sound so much like an echo of our Savior in the gospels, when He said:
Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ... If any one thirst, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, "Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water" (Mt 11:28; Jn 7:38)
In fact, as we have already seen (Diary, entry 1448, quoted above), Jesus goes so far as to tell St. Faustina that in this sacrament "the greatest miracles take place, and are incessantly repeated." The greatest miracles of all! We are used to speaking of the miracle of the Mass (Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist), and that is a pretty great miracle! Or how about the miracle of Christ's resurrection from the dead! Or how about the miracles at Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe! Or how about the miracle of the creation of the whole universe out of nothing! But our Lord said that these are NOT the greatest miracles. The "greatest" miracles, He said, take place in the confessional, and are incessantly repeated.
How can we understand this? Saint Thomas Aquinas can give us some help here. In his great Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas wrote that the miracle of the restoration and salvation of a soul is, in God's eyes, a greater miracle than the creation of the universe itself. For the material universe is something that is brought into being for a time, but then one day will pass away. A soul that is saved, however, is saved for eternal life.
In the case of the salvation of a soul, the effects of God's action last forever. In that sense, the creation of the universe is a lesser miracle than the rescue of a single human soul. In fact, all the other great miracles that we just mentioned (the creation of the universe, Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, the Mass, even Easter itself) are effected solely by God's power and His will: He commanded, and it was done. But it is not so with the rescue and healing of a human soul. God will not overwhelm a soul by His power. He will not force us to repent. Indeed, He cannot compel us to repent if our reconciliation with Him is to be a free response by His human creatures. If God overpowered our freedom with His grace, compelling us to repent and be healed, then He would be making us into mere "puppets on a string," so to speak, and not into real friends of God, who freely return His love.
He does not want to turn us into robots. He wants His long lost friends freely to return to Him and rejoice in Him. Thus, for God to convert a sinner and bring him home to heaven is an even greater achievement than any of His other miracles, for it requires all His wisdom, all His loving skill, without using force, to call, strengthen, and guide lost sinners home to His Heart. The healing and restoration of a human soul, therefore, especially through sacramental confession, is the greatest miracle of all of His merciful love.
It is not only the Catechism of the Catholic Church that teaches us about the healing graces that flow from sacramental confession. Jesus gave the very same message about this sacrament to St. Faustina. In her Diary, for example, Jesus taught her about His compassion for sinners:
Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. (1588)
Now that is a very revealing quote, because when our Lord starts out by saying "I do not want to punish," we might expect Him to say "I do not want to punish sinful mankind, but to forgive it." But Jesus did not put it that way. Rather, He said, "I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it." Our Savior is so compassionate! While He is certainly offended and grieved by our sins, He also sees clearly how our sins can wound and tear the very life out of our souls. In other words, He sees how mankind is "aching" from sin, and so He wants not only to forgive our sins, but to heal our hearts, too, pressing them close to His own Merciful Heart.
In Diary entry 1487, Jesus encouraged Faustina by saying to her: "Tell me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them ..." So Faustina always approached the confessional with childlike trust, knowing that her Savior was always there to welcome her and heal her (cf. entry 377).
Perhaps the most remarkable teaching that our Lord gave to St. Faustina about this sacrament is found in Diary entry 1448. Jesus said to her:
Write, speak of My mercy. Tell souls where they are to look for solace, that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy [the Sacrament of Reconciliation]. There the greatest miracles take place [and] are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage, or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to Him one's misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were souls like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint there would be no [hope of] restoration and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full.
Read again those last two sentences spoken by our Lord. Do you remember how the Catechism told us that a good confession brings about a true "spiritual resurrection" within us — Easter morning for the soul? Well, that is precisely what Jesus taught St. Faustina: Even if our hearts are as dead from sin as a lifeless corpse, still, the miraculous power of Divine Mercy that flows through this sacrament can restore that soul completely, to new life, and fresh hope.
The graces of healing that flow from this sacrament are truly amazing. In Diary entry 1602, Jesus said to St. Faustina that confession is a personal, life-giving encounter with Jesus Himself:
Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls.
These words sound so much like an echo of our Savior in the gospels, when He said:
Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ... If any one thirst, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, "Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water" (Mt 11:28; Jn 7:38)
In fact, as we have already seen (Diary, entry 1448, quoted above), Jesus goes so far as to tell St. Faustina that in this sacrament "the greatest miracles take place, and are incessantly repeated." The greatest miracles of all! We are used to speaking of the miracle of the Mass (Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist), and that is a pretty great miracle! Or how about the miracle of Christ's resurrection from the dead! Or how about the miracles at Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe! Or how about the miracle of the creation of the whole universe out of nothing! But our Lord said that these are NOT the greatest miracles. The "greatest" miracles, He said, take place in the confessional, and are incessantly repeated.
How can we understand this? Saint Thomas Aquinas can give us some help here. In his great Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas wrote that the miracle of the restoration and salvation of a soul is, in God's eyes, a greater miracle than the creation of the universe itself. For the material universe is something that is brought into being for a time, but then one day will pass away. A soul that is saved, however, is saved for eternal life.
In the case of the salvation of a soul, the effects of God's action last forever. In that sense, the creation of the universe is a lesser miracle than the rescue of a single human soul. In fact, all the other great miracles that we just mentioned (the creation of the universe, Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, the Mass, even Easter itself) are effected solely by God's power and His will: He commanded, and it was done. But it is not so with the rescue and healing of a human soul. God will not overwhelm a soul by His power. He will not force us to repent. Indeed, He cannot compel us to repent if our reconciliation with Him is to be a free response by His human creatures. If God overpowered our freedom with His grace, compelling us to repent and be healed, then He would be making us into mere "puppets on a string," so to speak, and not into real friends of God, who freely return His love.
He does not want to turn us into robots. He wants His long lost friends freely to return to Him and rejoice in Him. Thus, for God to convert a sinner and bring him home to heaven is an even greater achievement than any of His other miracles, for it requires all His wisdom, all His loving skill, without using force, to call, strengthen, and guide lost sinners home to His Heart. The healing and restoration of a human soul, therefore, especially through sacramental confession, is the greatest miracle of all of His merciful love.
What's the Best Way to Talk with Jesus
?
Dr. Robert Stackpole Answers Your Questions on Divine Mercy
By Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD (Feb 13, 2008)
One of our readers, a Mr. Tom Bailey, recently sent me a question that has surely been on the minds of many of us at one time or another:
Jesus mentions to Sr. Faustina and to other holy souls that we should talk to Him. What do you think He means? Structured prayer? Praise and glory worship? Or does He mean just talking with Him like He was your good friend? He says we must be like little children, and little children talk plainly; they explain their feelings openly. What is your opinion on this matter of talking to God?
Great question, Tom. It reminds me of an old hymn I used to sing at a YMCA summer camp, when I was a little boy:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O, what peace we often forfeit,
O, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
You are definitely right, Tom: Jesus invites us to approach Him with complete trust and openness, with all the freedom and spontaneity of a child. Over and over again, this is exactly what he encouraged St. Faustina to do as well. You will find the most vivid example of this in her Diary, entries 1485-1490, where Faustina records her conversations with Jesus in the various states of her soul: sometimes sinful, sometimes despairing, sometimes in great suffering or striving after perfection, and even at times attaining perfect love for Him. At every step of the way, Jesus encourages her to be completely honest and sincere with Him:
Be not afraid of your Savior, O sinful soul. I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to Me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish His graces on you. ... You will give Me pleasure if you hand over to Me all your troubles and griefs. I shall heap upon you the treasures of My grace (1485).
Tell me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you (1486).
Poor soul, I see that you suffer much and that you do not have even the strength to converse with Me. So I will speak to you. Even though your sufferings were very great, do not lose heart or give in to despondency. But tell Me, My child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell Me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them, and your sufferings will become a source of your sanctification (1487).
Now, we may wonder, Why does Jesus ask us to "reveal" all our miseries to Him? Doesn't He know all about them already? Doesn't He see everything, and understand the sorrows of my heart even better than I do myself?
Of course, that is perfectly true: He does know all about them already. In the same way, you may go to the doctor, and He may already have seen your x-rays before you come in the door of his office. But he still needs you to show him your injured limb, because unless you permit him to, he cannot begin to apply the remedy that you need. In the same way, Jesus, the Beloved Physician of our souls, knows very well what we need even before we ask Him. But asking Him, sincerely sharing everything with Him, is our way of showing Him our spiritual wounds, entrusting our spiritual illnesses into His care. When we do that, He takes it as our consent to do all that He can to heal and sanctify us. That is why He said to St. Faustina when she dared to begin to trust in His mercy in a time of great discouragement:
You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life (1486).
By the way, this free and spontaneous way of talking to Jesus, and to our heavenly Father, in the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 16:13), means that we can and must be completely truthful with Him, even opening to Him our negative feelings: anger, frustration, confusion, and despair. Jesus prayed to His Father with complete candor — and even brutal honesty at times: "Abba, Father, all things are possible to Thee; remove this cup from me. ... My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" (Mk 14:36, 15:34). The Psalms too are filled with this kind of honesty before God:
Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And hide not Thyself from my supplication!
Attend to me and answer me;
I am overcome by my trouble.
I am distraught by the noise of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger
They cherish enmity against me.
My heart is in anguish within me,
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me,
And horror overwhelms me (Ps 55: 1-5).
And yet, at the same time Jesus and the Psalmist always lead us through these dark nights of the soul to a new dawn. By sharing honestly their human, spiritual suffering with our heavenly Father, they "worked through it," so to speak, and, with the help of His grace came out the other side into the light again. "Father, into They hands I commend my spirit" (Lk 23:46), Jesus said from the Cross, and the Psalmist encouraged us with the words:
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope;
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
And with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Ps 130: 5-8).
So we are invited to talk with Jesus and our heavenly Father in prayer using our own simple, spontaneous words, any time we wish. How can we be afraid to do so, since He has shown Himself to be the one who loves us with infinite, merciful love?
At the same time, Jesus also encouraged St. Faustina to use more formal prayers at times, prayers already set down in written words. For example, He gave her the beautiful litany of praises of The Divine Mercy (see Diary, 948-949) and a special round of prayers called the Novena to The Divine Mercy (1209-1229). Many people find these prayers helpful for times of mediation and refreshing to the spirit. Our Lord gave to His disciples a "set prayer" too: the Our Father. The Church invites us to say the Daily Office, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist itself is a communal, set prayer.
In the very last book that he wrote before he died, the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis explained to a friend why he always felt it best to mix in formal, set prayers with his times of more natural, spontaneous talking to God:
The ready-made modicum has its use. ... First, it keeps me in touch with "sound doctrine." Left to oneself, one could easily slide away from "the faith once given" into a phantom called "my religion."
Secondly, it reminds me "what things I ought to ask" (perhaps especially when I am praying for other people). The crisis of the present moment, like the nearest telegraph-post, will always loom largest. Isn't there a danger that our great, permanent, objective necessities — often more important — may get crowded out? ...
Finally, they provide an element of the ceremonial. On your view, that is just what we don't want. On mine, it is part of what we want. I see what you mean when you say that using ready-made prayers would be like "making love to your own wife out of Petrarch or Donne" (Incidentally, might you not quote them — to such a literary wife as Betty?) The parallel won't do.
I fully agree that the relationship between God and a man is more private and intimate than any possible relation between two fellow creatures. Yes, but at the same time there is, in another way, a greater distance between the participants. We are approaching... the Unimaginably and Insupportably Other. We ought to be — sometimes I hope one is — simultaneously aware of the closest proximity and infinite distance. You make things far too snug and confiding. Your erotic analogy needs to be supplemented by "I fell at His feet as one dead"....
A few formal, ready-made prayers serve me as a corrective. ... They keep one side of the paradox alive. Of course, it is only one side. It would be better not to be reverent at all than to have recourse to a reverence which denied the proximity.
(Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, no. 2)
By "reverence" before God, Lewis is not telling us to approach God in servile fear, as if in doubt of His mercy and goodness. Rather, Lewis is telling us that we should include in our prayer life not only the attitude that Jesus is our Best Friend, but also that He is our infinite, radiant, heavenly Lord. The Scriptures say that people sometimes fell on their knees or flat on their faces before the Lord, not because they were afraid of Him, but because they were in awe of Him, overwhelmed with wonder and amazement at His divine glory: "And so with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord. ..." That too should be an aspect of the way we relate to God, even in our personal prayers, and sometimes using set prayers as part of our daily prayer times with God can help us with this.
Besides, the best set prayers can often express our deepest sentiments and aspirations better than we can do on our own: They give us words that we otherwise might not be able to find to express what is on our hearts. Hymn lyrics are great for this: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see." How could we put it any better than that?
Finally, daily set prayers can often be used as "launching pads" for our spontaneous prayers and meditations. Saint Bonaventure used to call this kind of prayer "elevations," because they start with written prayers, Bible passages, or litanies, and yet we are free at any moment to spring up from any line of them into our own reflections, and aspirations toward God: expressions of thanks, praise, adoration, supplication, contrition, or simple longing for His presence.
You see, Tom, Jesus gives us a variety of ways to come into His presence and converse with Him in prayer, from drawing upon the rich treasury of prayers passed down to us in the tradition of His Church, to the most simple, spontaneous, childlike raising of our hearts to God. In our personal prayer times, we are free to use any of these ways, as the Spirit moves us and as our spiritual directors may advise us to do.
Just one last thing: When we are talking with Jesus in prayer, let's remember to keep some times of silence as well, so that we can listen as well as speak, and let Him talk to us!
Dr. Robert Stackpole Answers Your Questions on Divine Mercy
By Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD (Feb 13, 2008)
One of our readers, a Mr. Tom Bailey, recently sent me a question that has surely been on the minds of many of us at one time or another:
Jesus mentions to Sr. Faustina and to other holy souls that we should talk to Him. What do you think He means? Structured prayer? Praise and glory worship? Or does He mean just talking with Him like He was your good friend? He says we must be like little children, and little children talk plainly; they explain their feelings openly. What is your opinion on this matter of talking to God?
Great question, Tom. It reminds me of an old hymn I used to sing at a YMCA summer camp, when I was a little boy:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O, what peace we often forfeit,
O, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
You are definitely right, Tom: Jesus invites us to approach Him with complete trust and openness, with all the freedom and spontaneity of a child. Over and over again, this is exactly what he encouraged St. Faustina to do as well. You will find the most vivid example of this in her Diary, entries 1485-1490, where Faustina records her conversations with Jesus in the various states of her soul: sometimes sinful, sometimes despairing, sometimes in great suffering or striving after perfection, and even at times attaining perfect love for Him. At every step of the way, Jesus encourages her to be completely honest and sincere with Him:
Be not afraid of your Savior, O sinful soul. I make the first move to come to you, for I know that by yourself you are unable to lift yourself to Me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish His graces on you. ... You will give Me pleasure if you hand over to Me all your troubles and griefs. I shall heap upon you the treasures of My grace (1485).
Tell me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you (1486).
Poor soul, I see that you suffer much and that you do not have even the strength to converse with Me. So I will speak to you. Even though your sufferings were very great, do not lose heart or give in to despondency. But tell Me, My child, who has dared to wound your heart? Tell Me about everything, be sincere in dealing with Me, reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them, and your sufferings will become a source of your sanctification (1487).
Now, we may wonder, Why does Jesus ask us to "reveal" all our miseries to Him? Doesn't He know all about them already? Doesn't He see everything, and understand the sorrows of my heart even better than I do myself?
Of course, that is perfectly true: He does know all about them already. In the same way, you may go to the doctor, and He may already have seen your x-rays before you come in the door of his office. But he still needs you to show him your injured limb, because unless you permit him to, he cannot begin to apply the remedy that you need. In the same way, Jesus, the Beloved Physician of our souls, knows very well what we need even before we ask Him. But asking Him, sincerely sharing everything with Him, is our way of showing Him our spiritual wounds, entrusting our spiritual illnesses into His care. When we do that, He takes it as our consent to do all that He can to heal and sanctify us. That is why He said to St. Faustina when she dared to begin to trust in His mercy in a time of great discouragement:
You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life (1486).
By the way, this free and spontaneous way of talking to Jesus, and to our heavenly Father, in the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 16:13), means that we can and must be completely truthful with Him, even opening to Him our negative feelings: anger, frustration, confusion, and despair. Jesus prayed to His Father with complete candor — and even brutal honesty at times: "Abba, Father, all things are possible to Thee; remove this cup from me. ... My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" (Mk 14:36, 15:34). The Psalms too are filled with this kind of honesty before God:
Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And hide not Thyself from my supplication!
Attend to me and answer me;
I am overcome by my trouble.
I am distraught by the noise of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger
They cherish enmity against me.
My heart is in anguish within me,
the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
Fear and trembling come upon me,
And horror overwhelms me (Ps 55: 1-5).
And yet, at the same time Jesus and the Psalmist always lead us through these dark nights of the soul to a new dawn. By sharing honestly their human, spiritual suffering with our heavenly Father, they "worked through it," so to speak, and, with the help of His grace came out the other side into the light again. "Father, into They hands I commend my spirit" (Lk 23:46), Jesus said from the Cross, and the Psalmist encouraged us with the words:
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope;
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
And with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Ps 130: 5-8).
So we are invited to talk with Jesus and our heavenly Father in prayer using our own simple, spontaneous words, any time we wish. How can we be afraid to do so, since He has shown Himself to be the one who loves us with infinite, merciful love?
At the same time, Jesus also encouraged St. Faustina to use more formal prayers at times, prayers already set down in written words. For example, He gave her the beautiful litany of praises of The Divine Mercy (see Diary, 948-949) and a special round of prayers called the Novena to The Divine Mercy (1209-1229). Many people find these prayers helpful for times of mediation and refreshing to the spirit. Our Lord gave to His disciples a "set prayer" too: the Our Father. The Church invites us to say the Daily Office, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist itself is a communal, set prayer.
In the very last book that he wrote before he died, the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis explained to a friend why he always felt it best to mix in formal, set prayers with his times of more natural, spontaneous talking to God:
The ready-made modicum has its use. ... First, it keeps me in touch with "sound doctrine." Left to oneself, one could easily slide away from "the faith once given" into a phantom called "my religion."
Secondly, it reminds me "what things I ought to ask" (perhaps especially when I am praying for other people). The crisis of the present moment, like the nearest telegraph-post, will always loom largest. Isn't there a danger that our great, permanent, objective necessities — often more important — may get crowded out? ...
Finally, they provide an element of the ceremonial. On your view, that is just what we don't want. On mine, it is part of what we want. I see what you mean when you say that using ready-made prayers would be like "making love to your own wife out of Petrarch or Donne" (Incidentally, might you not quote them — to such a literary wife as Betty?) The parallel won't do.
I fully agree that the relationship between God and a man is more private and intimate than any possible relation between two fellow creatures. Yes, but at the same time there is, in another way, a greater distance between the participants. We are approaching... the Unimaginably and Insupportably Other. We ought to be — sometimes I hope one is — simultaneously aware of the closest proximity and infinite distance. You make things far too snug and confiding. Your erotic analogy needs to be supplemented by "I fell at His feet as one dead"....
A few formal, ready-made prayers serve me as a corrective. ... They keep one side of the paradox alive. Of course, it is only one side. It would be better not to be reverent at all than to have recourse to a reverence which denied the proximity.
(Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, no. 2)
By "reverence" before God, Lewis is not telling us to approach God in servile fear, as if in doubt of His mercy and goodness. Rather, Lewis is telling us that we should include in our prayer life not only the attitude that Jesus is our Best Friend, but also that He is our infinite, radiant, heavenly Lord. The Scriptures say that people sometimes fell on their knees or flat on their faces before the Lord, not because they were afraid of Him, but because they were in awe of Him, overwhelmed with wonder and amazement at His divine glory: "And so with all the choirs of angels in heaven we proclaim your glory and join in their unending hymn of praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord. ..." That too should be an aspect of the way we relate to God, even in our personal prayers, and sometimes using set prayers as part of our daily prayer times with God can help us with this.
Besides, the best set prayers can often express our deepest sentiments and aspirations better than we can do on our own: They give us words that we otherwise might not be able to find to express what is on our hearts. Hymn lyrics are great for this: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see." How could we put it any better than that?
Finally, daily set prayers can often be used as "launching pads" for our spontaneous prayers and meditations. Saint Bonaventure used to call this kind of prayer "elevations," because they start with written prayers, Bible passages, or litanies, and yet we are free at any moment to spring up from any line of them into our own reflections, and aspirations toward God: expressions of thanks, praise, adoration, supplication, contrition, or simple longing for His presence.
You see, Tom, Jesus gives us a variety of ways to come into His presence and converse with Him in prayer, from drawing upon the rich treasury of prayers passed down to us in the tradition of His Church, to the most simple, spontaneous, childlike raising of our hearts to God. In our personal prayer times, we are free to use any of these ways, as the Spirit moves us and as our spiritual directors may advise us to do.
Just one last thing: When we are talking with Jesus in prayer, let's remember to keep some times of silence as well, so that we can listen as well as speak, and let Him talk to us!
Holy Thursday washing of hands
Question from Gail on 3/25/2008:
Our priest on Holy Thursday asked everyone in church to go up just like they do during Communion and wash their hands in a bowl of water placed in front of the church and dry the hands of the person in back of them. This was done in place of washing of the feet.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 3/25/2008:
Gail--
It was outside that priest's authority to change the ceremonial washing in that way. Besides being liturgically incorrect, it also significantly altered the symbolism of the ritual. I once asked a priest if a handwashing could substitute for a footwashing on Holy Thursday and he reminded me, "It was Pilate who washed his hands!"
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Our priest on Holy Thursday asked everyone in church to go up just like they do during Communion and wash their hands in a bowl of water placed in front of the church and dry the hands of the person in back of them. This was done in place of washing of the feet.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 3/25/2008:
Gail--
It was outside that priest's authority to change the ceremonial washing in that way. Besides being liturgically incorrect, it also significantly altered the symbolism of the ritual. I once asked a priest if a handwashing could substitute for a footwashing on Holy Thursday and he reminded me, "It was Pilate who washed his hands!"
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Divine Mercy
Question from Mark on 3/21/2008:
Hello Fr. Levis, I have a question regarding Divine Mercy. Can the Chaplet of Divine Mercy help someone who is presumed to be already in hell, like Judas Iscariot or Pontius Pilate? If so, this would mean that if we pray for them, every soul that has ever lived could go to heaven, right? Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this.
God Bless, Mark
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/22/2008:
mark, If one is judged by God and commissioned to Hell eternally, he truly is lost forever. Of course, we don't know where those rascals, Judas and Pilate, are. Fr Bob Levis Happy Easter
Hello Fr. Levis, I have a question regarding Divine Mercy. Can the Chaplet of Divine Mercy help someone who is presumed to be already in hell, like Judas Iscariot or Pontius Pilate? If so, this would mean that if we pray for them, every soul that has ever lived could go to heaven, right? Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this.
God Bless, Mark
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/22/2008:
mark, If one is judged by God and commissioned to Hell eternally, he truly is lost forever. Of course, we don't know where those rascals, Judas and Pilate, are. Fr Bob Levis Happy Easter
Doctrine vs. Dogma
Question from James on 3/24/2008:
I hate to admit it, but I'm confused as to the difference between a Dogma and a Doctrine?
Which one is permanment and which one(s) can change?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/25/2008:
James, Dogmas are defined doctrines. Dogmas can be said to be more unchangeable. Happy Easter. Fr. Bob Levis
I hate to admit it, but I'm confused as to the difference between a Dogma and a Doctrine?
Which one is permanment and which one(s) can change?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/25/2008:
James, Dogmas are defined doctrines. Dogmas can be said to be more unchangeable. Happy Easter. Fr. Bob Levis
sunday obligation
Question from LAR on 3/25/2008:
i know that if i mass sunday mass because i am sick, it is excusable. does this also include sickness of manic depression and drug or alchol addiction?
if i miss sunday mass for these reasons, does it mean that i shouldnt recieve communion without prior confession? does it make this sin even worse if it is a sin?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
Sickness can be due to psychological disorders as well as physical disorders.
It sounds like professional psychological treatment is in order.
i know that if i mass sunday mass because i am sick, it is excusable. does this also include sickness of manic depression and drug or alchol addiction?
if i miss sunday mass for these reasons, does it mean that i shouldnt recieve communion without prior confession? does it make this sin even worse if it is a sin?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
Sickness can be due to psychological disorders as well as physical disorders.
It sounds like professional psychological treatment is in order.
crucifix or risen Christ
Question from Dora Lauer on 3/25/2008:
many of the churches in the diocese of ... are replacing the crucifix with the risen Christ in the sanctuaries....is this right? Thank you
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
The liturgical norms require that a crucifix (with corpus) be on or near the altar. An image of the risen Christ may also be displayed, but this should not be in place of the crucifix.
many of the churches in the diocese of ... are replacing the crucifix with the risen Christ in the sanctuaries....is this right? Thank you
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 3/25/2008:
The liturgical norms require that a crucifix (with corpus) be on or near the altar. An image of the risen Christ may also be displayed, but this should not be in place of the crucifix.
Arizona passes partial-birth abortion ban
Phoenix, Mar 26, 2008 / 09:11 pm (CNA).- The Arizona legislature on Tuesday passed two bills regulating abortion in the state and sent them to Gov. Janet Napolitano for her consideration.
One bill clarified the circumstances that override the need for a minor seeking an abortion to obtain parental consent, while the other bill established state penalties for partial-birth abortion.
House Bill 2769 builds on a federal law outlawing partial-birth abortions. It makes performing the procedure a Class 5 felony, which cannot be pleaded down to a misdemeanor.
Senator Linda Gray described in detail on the Senate floor how a partial-birth abortion is performed. “This is a horrible, horrible procedure,” she said.
Ron Johnson, Executive Director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, called the bill “important pro-life legislation.” He said a state ban was needed so that Arizona citizens did not have to rely upon the United States Justice Department to prosecute violators.
“Additionally,” Johnson said, “a state ban is helpful because federal prosecutors attempting to enforce the current partial birth abortion ban must first show that interstate commerce is somehow impacted.”
Senator Paula Aboud said the bill "claims to copy the federal law but it goes too far." She said it creates a situation where a doctor could be prosecuted under both state and federal law.
The other bill, House Bill 2263, outlined the critera a judge should consider when deciding if there is “clear and convincing” evidence that a minor has the maturity to undergo an abortion without parental consent. A judge can consider whether the minor has worked and lived outside the home, handled her personal finances, or made other significant decisions on her own.
Senator Aboud criticized the bill for burdening minors already in a difficult position. "For some, speaking to their parents is not an option," she said.
"It is not changing the law or adding any new burdens," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative think tank.
The Arizona House of Representatives also approved a bill that bars nurses from performing surgical abortions.
The bills now require the approval of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. She has vetoed other abortion laws in the past, including one involving parental consent for minors.
One bill clarified the circumstances that override the need for a minor seeking an abortion to obtain parental consent, while the other bill established state penalties for partial-birth abortion.
House Bill 2769 builds on a federal law outlawing partial-birth abortions. It makes performing the procedure a Class 5 felony, which cannot be pleaded down to a misdemeanor.
Senator Linda Gray described in detail on the Senate floor how a partial-birth abortion is performed. “This is a horrible, horrible procedure,” she said.
Ron Johnson, Executive Director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, called the bill “important pro-life legislation.” He said a state ban was needed so that Arizona citizens did not have to rely upon the United States Justice Department to prosecute violators.
“Additionally,” Johnson said, “a state ban is helpful because federal prosecutors attempting to enforce the current partial birth abortion ban must first show that interstate commerce is somehow impacted.”
Senator Paula Aboud said the bill "claims to copy the federal law but it goes too far." She said it creates a situation where a doctor could be prosecuted under both state and federal law.
The other bill, House Bill 2263, outlined the critera a judge should consider when deciding if there is “clear and convincing” evidence that a minor has the maturity to undergo an abortion without parental consent. A judge can consider whether the minor has worked and lived outside the home, handled her personal finances, or made other significant decisions on her own.
Senator Aboud criticized the bill for burdening minors already in a difficult position. "For some, speaking to their parents is not an option," she said.
"It is not changing the law or adding any new burdens," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a conservative think tank.
The Arizona House of Representatives also approved a bill that bars nurses from performing surgical abortions.
The bills now require the approval of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. She has vetoed other abortion laws in the past, including one involving parental consent for minors.
Pregnancy top reason young women get fired in Spain
Madrid, Mar 26, 2008 / 03:39 pm (CNA).- A report by the Madrina Foundation in Spain has revealed that pregnancy is the main reason why 25% of women between the ages of 18 and 25 lose their jobs. The figure jumps to 50% when women ask to work fewer hours after returning from maternity leave or for time off to care for a sick child.
According to the newspaper “Alba,” 90% of women surveyed by the Madrina Foundation said their employers have harassed them because of a pregnancy. “Unfortunately, pregnancy is viewed as bad news, almost as an illness,” said the president of the foundation, Conrado Gimenez.
The report has been sent to the European Parliament’s Commission for Women and Gender Equality, whose president, Anna Zaborska, has requested that a series of proposals be drafted to address the problem.
In response to the growing problem, the Madrina Foundation has created the “Madrina Network,” which provides pregnant women and mothers with information on job openings in different companies.
According to the newspaper “Alba,” 90% of women surveyed by the Madrina Foundation said their employers have harassed them because of a pregnancy. “Unfortunately, pregnancy is viewed as bad news, almost as an illness,” said the president of the foundation, Conrado Gimenez.
The report has been sent to the European Parliament’s Commission for Women and Gender Equality, whose president, Anna Zaborska, has requested that a series of proposals be drafted to address the problem.
In response to the growing problem, the Madrina Foundation has created the “Madrina Network,” which provides pregnant women and mothers with information on job openings in different companies.
Signs and Wonders
March 26 — Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Lk 24:13-35
"In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk." Acts 3:6
The wonders of God continue still in today's reading from Acts. A lame beggar is healed through the power of the name of Jesus, the Risen Lord. Picture yourself in the scene. You are going to the temple to worship at the three o'clock hour, the afternoon hour of sacrifice. A crowd has gathered. You hear Peter's powerful words to someone you can't see, "... in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise up and walk." Suddenly, you see the very man who used to sit and beg at this gate of the temple now "walking and jumping and praising God" (v. 9).
What would your reaction have been? Luke tells us that the people who witnessed this miracle "were filled with amazement and astonishment" (v. 10). The Scripture scholar Fr. Jerome Crowe, CP, writes, "The cure of the lame man is the first of the wonders and signs done through the apostles. The miracle is symbolic of the salvation offered to those who 'call upon the name' of Jesus. It emphasizes once again the continuity of the era of the Church with that of Jesus; Peter's activity parallels that of Jesus (Lk 7:22) and will be paralleled by a cure of Paul (Acts 14:8-10).
Divine Mercy devotees will also notice a fascinating detail. This first miracle of the apostles occurs when Peter and John go to the temple at the three o'clock hour, the afternoon hour of sacrifice. This is the very hour of Jesus' Sacrifice to the Father on the Cross!
Praying at the hour of Christ's death is an aspect of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. It is called the Hour of Great Mercy. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, among other prayers, is recited at this hour around the world by thousands of the faithful.
Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, I stand amazed at the power of Your name to heal and save. Remind me to call upon Your name whenever I am in need. Alleluia! Amen.
Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Lk 24:13-35
"In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, [rise and] walk." Acts 3:6
The wonders of God continue still in today's reading from Acts. A lame beggar is healed through the power of the name of Jesus, the Risen Lord. Picture yourself in the scene. You are going to the temple to worship at the three o'clock hour, the afternoon hour of sacrifice. A crowd has gathered. You hear Peter's powerful words to someone you can't see, "... in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise up and walk." Suddenly, you see the very man who used to sit and beg at this gate of the temple now "walking and jumping and praising God" (v. 9).
What would your reaction have been? Luke tells us that the people who witnessed this miracle "were filled with amazement and astonishment" (v. 10). The Scripture scholar Fr. Jerome Crowe, CP, writes, "The cure of the lame man is the first of the wonders and signs done through the apostles. The miracle is symbolic of the salvation offered to those who 'call upon the name' of Jesus. It emphasizes once again the continuity of the era of the Church with that of Jesus; Peter's activity parallels that of Jesus (Lk 7:22) and will be paralleled by a cure of Paul (Acts 14:8-10).
Divine Mercy devotees will also notice a fascinating detail. This first miracle of the apostles occurs when Peter and John go to the temple at the three o'clock hour, the afternoon hour of sacrifice. This is the very hour of Jesus' Sacrifice to the Father on the Cross!
Praying at the hour of Christ's death is an aspect of the Divine Mercy message and devotion. It is called the Hour of Great Mercy. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, among other prayers, is recited at this hour around the world by thousands of the faithful.
Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, I stand amazed at the power of Your name to heal and save. Remind me to call upon Your name whenever I am in need. Alleluia! Amen.
Gorbachev denies conversion
Moscow, Mar. 26, 2008 (CWNews.com) - Mikhail Gorbachev has denied reports that he has embraced Christianity.
Responding to a series of reports that circulated last week, after he made a visit to the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the former Soviet leader said that "I have been and remain an atheist."
Gorbachev said that the reports of his conversion stemmed from a misunderstanding of his motives for the trip to Assisi. He visited the saint's tomb, he said, as a tourist rather than a pilgrim.
Gorbachev's statement to the Interfax news service, denying any religious conversion, directly contradicted a quotation that had been attributed to him after his March 19 visit to Assisi. "It was through St. Francis that I arrived at the Church, so it was important that I came to visit his tomb," the former Soviet leader allegedly told reporters. Witnesses testified that durng that visit, Gorbachev spent about 30 minutes in silence, seemingly in prayer, at the saint's tomb.
Responding to a series of reports that circulated last week, after he made a visit to the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the former Soviet leader said that "I have been and remain an atheist."
Gorbachev said that the reports of his conversion stemmed from a misunderstanding of his motives for the trip to Assisi. He visited the saint's tomb, he said, as a tourist rather than a pilgrim.
Gorbachev's statement to the Interfax news service, denying any religious conversion, directly contradicted a quotation that had been attributed to him after his March 19 visit to Assisi. "It was through St. Francis that I arrived at the Church, so it was important that I came to visit his tomb," the former Soviet leader allegedly told reporters. Witnesses testified that durng that visit, Gorbachev spent about 30 minutes in silence, seemingly in prayer, at the saint's tomb.
Sign of the Cross
Question from A Catholic on 3/17/2008:
Dear Dr. Geraghty, do we have to make the Sign of the Cross before every prayer? I have prayed with Protestants a few times in a class I'm taking and I don't make the Sign. I figure this is different than not doing it in a restaurant, because everyone already knows you're a Christian. What do you think? I'm not commiting a sin, am I?
God bless and thanks
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Catholic,
The fact is that making the sign of the cross would indicate to everyone that you were a Catholic Christian. What could be wrong with that? It would let you and others know who you are. I would say to go on and make the sign of the cross. I wouldn't say it was a sin not to do so. But I would say it might take a bit of courage. Being courageous for the faith is a good thing.
Dr. Geraghty
Dear Dr. Geraghty, do we have to make the Sign of the Cross before every prayer? I have prayed with Protestants a few times in a class I'm taking and I don't make the Sign. I figure this is different than not doing it in a restaurant, because everyone already knows you're a Christian. What do you think? I'm not commiting a sin, am I?
God bless and thanks
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Catholic,
The fact is that making the sign of the cross would indicate to everyone that you were a Catholic Christian. What could be wrong with that? It would let you and others know who you are. I would say to go on and make the sign of the cross. I wouldn't say it was a sin not to do so. But I would say it might take a bit of courage. Being courageous for the faith is a good thing.
Dr. Geraghty
Priest Celabacy
Question from George Mc Dermott on 3/15/2008:
How, when & why the church mandated that priests were no longer able to marry
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear George,
The on line Catholic Encyclopedia has an excellent article on clerical celibacy. It seems that by the the 11th and 12th centuries that celibacy was required of all but it has always been honored as the higher state, as we can see from the words of St. Paul. I do not think there are any records of a Bishop in the early Church who has been officially married. In the Eastern Church a married man may be ordained. But he cannot marry after he has been ordained.
Dr. Geraghty
How, when & why the church mandated that priests were no longer able to marry
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear George,
The on line Catholic Encyclopedia has an excellent article on clerical celibacy. It seems that by the the 11th and 12th centuries that celibacy was required of all but it has always been honored as the higher state, as we can see from the words of St. Paul. I do not think there are any records of a Bishop in the early Church who has been officially married. In the Eastern Church a married man may be ordained. But he cannot marry after he has been ordained.
Dr. Geraghty
newadvent.com
Question from Ray Butler on 3/15/2008:
I am new to the faith and do a lot of research on the internet. One site seems to provide a lot of good information, but I trust EWTN. The site I'm concerned about is newadvent.com. Are you familiar with the site and is the information reliable? Thanks. Ray
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Ray,
I would say that is perfectly trustworthy.
Dr. Geraghty
I am new to the faith and do a lot of research on the internet. One site seems to provide a lot of good information, but I trust EWTN. The site I'm concerned about is newadvent.com. Are you familiar with the site and is the information reliable? Thanks. Ray
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/26/2008:
Dear Ray,
I would say that is perfectly trustworthy.
Dr. Geraghty
Nurse in Canada stands up for what is right
Thursday March 27, 2008 at 8:00 am
Marie Hahnenberg
Researcher
Bill Whatcott, a licensed practical nurse in Canada protested outside a Planned Parenthood six years ago and apparently several individuals in the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses thought he shouldn't have done such a thing. Thus the SALPN has suspended his license and fined him $15,000 just for standing up for truth.
Three cheers for Bill Whatcott and what a disgrace the SALPN has brought upon itself.
Thankfully, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled that the attempt by SALPN to silence Mr. Whatcott was "unconstitutional," but it may not be over. It is pretty sad that nurses in Canada are at risk for losing their jobs just for helping save lives. Isn't that what nurses are suppose to do?
Marie Hahnenberg
Researcher
Bill Whatcott, a licensed practical nurse in Canada protested outside a Planned Parenthood six years ago and apparently several individuals in the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses thought he shouldn't have done such a thing. Thus the SALPN has suspended his license and fined him $15,000 just for standing up for truth.
Three cheers for Bill Whatcott and what a disgrace the SALPN has brought upon itself.
Thankfully, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled that the attempt by SALPN to silence Mr. Whatcott was "unconstitutional," but it may not be over. It is pretty sad that nurses in Canada are at risk for losing their jobs just for helping save lives. Isn't that what nurses are suppose to do?
Divine Mercy
Question from Mark on 3/21/2008:
Hello Fr. Levis, I have a question regarding Divine Mercy. Can the Chaplet of Divine Mercy help someone who is presumed to be already in hell, like Judas Iscariot or Pontius Pilate? If so, this would mean that if we pray for them, every soul that has ever lived could go to heaven, right? Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this.
God Bless, Mark
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/22/2008:
mark, If one is judged by God and commissioned to Hell eternally, he truly is lost forever. Of course, we don't know where those rascals, Judas and Pilate, are. Fr Bob Levis Happy Easter
Hello Fr. Levis, I have a question regarding Divine Mercy. Can the Chaplet of Divine Mercy help someone who is presumed to be already in hell, like Judas Iscariot or Pontius Pilate? If so, this would mean that if we pray for them, every soul that has ever lived could go to heaven, right? Please correct me if I am wrong about any of this.
God Bless, Mark
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 3/22/2008:
mark, If one is judged by God and commissioned to Hell eternally, he truly is lost forever. Of course, we don't know where those rascals, Judas and Pilate, are. Fr Bob Levis Happy Easter
Man makes “miraculous” recovery from brain death after accident
Zack DunlapOklahoma City, Mar 27, 2008 / 05:58 am (CNA).- A young man who was injured in an all-terrain-vehicle accident woke from his coma and showed signs of life just minutes before he was to be disconnected from life support, Dateline NBC reports.
Zack Dunlap suffered a broken collarbone, multiple skull fractures, and “absolutely catastrophic” brain injuries when his four-wheeled off-road vehicle flipped over.
After tests revealed no blood flow to Dunlap’s brain, doctors determined he met the legal and medical requirements for declaring someone brain-dead.
Dunlap’s family decided to remove him from life support, and a medical team prepared to harvest Dunlap’s organs for donation. Oklahoma authorities were informed of his death, while friends and family were told to gather at the hospital to say their goodbyes.
Dunlap’s grandmother, Naomi Blackford, went in and prayed for him. She said to Dateline NBC that she was asking for “Just a miracle. That he was too young for God to take him. It wasn't time.”
Dunlap’s cousin Christie Coffin, a nurse, said, “I sat there and I just said to him, ‘Zack, if you're in there, if you can hear me, ask God to help you.’ And I mean it probably wasn't 10 minutes later, I started getting this different feeling in my gut. And I thought, ‘he's not ready.’”
Another cousin who is also a nurse, Dan Coffin, thought the monitor recording Dunlap’s vital signs showed signs of improvement. On a hunch he pulled out his pocketknife and scraped Dunlap’s foot from his heel to his toes.
Dunlap jerked his foot, but the attending hospital nurse believed it was only a reflex. Dan Coffin then stuck his fingernail beneath Dunlap’s fingernail, which provoked a purposeful movement, a sign of brain activity.
Doctors immediately resumed medical treatment. Dunlap opened his eyes after five days, and was taken off a ventilator two days later.
The following week Dunlap began responding to his neurosurgeon and spoke his first words to his parents. Dunlap’s mother, Pam, said, “He looked around, and he said, ‘I love you’.”
He began taking steps later that day.
Dunlap’s trauma surgeon said he had no medical explanation for his recovery, and said all procedures were followed.
Doctors insisted the tests administered to Dunlap were accurate, and said the hospital would have detected his renewed vital signs before any organs were harvested.
Forty-eight days after being declared dead, Dunlap returned home, where Dan Coffin presented him with the pocketknife that proved he was still alive.
“I had heard of miracles all my life. But I had never seen a miracle. But I have seen a miracle. I've got proof of it,” said Dunlap’s grandmother.
“We both feel that God has some big plan for Zack. We'll do everything in our power to help him pursue it -- whatever it is,” said Dunlap’s mother, Pam.
Dunlap said he did not remember the accident, but he does remember the doctor declaring him dead. “I heard it and it just made me mad inside,” he said.
Amal Moorad, medical director of the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City where Dunlap recuperated, explained the patient’s prognosis. “Anytime you have severe brain injury, you'll never be the same again from a mental, emotional standpoint,” he said.
“Zack will be very close to normal, but not 100 percent, and only time will tell us.”
Dunlap has resolved to pursue fishing. “No more 4-wheeling,” he told Dateline NBC.
Zack Dunlap's interview on Dateline NBC can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4syekkzT0po
Zack Dunlap suffered a broken collarbone, multiple skull fractures, and “absolutely catastrophic” brain injuries when his four-wheeled off-road vehicle flipped over.
After tests revealed no blood flow to Dunlap’s brain, doctors determined he met the legal and medical requirements for declaring someone brain-dead.
Dunlap’s family decided to remove him from life support, and a medical team prepared to harvest Dunlap’s organs for donation. Oklahoma authorities were informed of his death, while friends and family were told to gather at the hospital to say their goodbyes.
Dunlap’s grandmother, Naomi Blackford, went in and prayed for him. She said to Dateline NBC that she was asking for “Just a miracle. That he was too young for God to take him. It wasn't time.”
Dunlap’s cousin Christie Coffin, a nurse, said, “I sat there and I just said to him, ‘Zack, if you're in there, if you can hear me, ask God to help you.’ And I mean it probably wasn't 10 minutes later, I started getting this different feeling in my gut. And I thought, ‘he's not ready.’”
Another cousin who is also a nurse, Dan Coffin, thought the monitor recording Dunlap’s vital signs showed signs of improvement. On a hunch he pulled out his pocketknife and scraped Dunlap’s foot from his heel to his toes.
Dunlap jerked his foot, but the attending hospital nurse believed it was only a reflex. Dan Coffin then stuck his fingernail beneath Dunlap’s fingernail, which provoked a purposeful movement, a sign of brain activity.
Doctors immediately resumed medical treatment. Dunlap opened his eyes after five days, and was taken off a ventilator two days later.
The following week Dunlap began responding to his neurosurgeon and spoke his first words to his parents. Dunlap’s mother, Pam, said, “He looked around, and he said, ‘I love you’.”
He began taking steps later that day.
Dunlap’s trauma surgeon said he had no medical explanation for his recovery, and said all procedures were followed.
Doctors insisted the tests administered to Dunlap were accurate, and said the hospital would have detected his renewed vital signs before any organs were harvested.
Forty-eight days after being declared dead, Dunlap returned home, where Dan Coffin presented him with the pocketknife that proved he was still alive.
“I had heard of miracles all my life. But I had never seen a miracle. But I have seen a miracle. I've got proof of it,” said Dunlap’s grandmother.
“We both feel that God has some big plan for Zack. We'll do everything in our power to help him pursue it -- whatever it is,” said Dunlap’s mother, Pam.
Dunlap said he did not remember the accident, but he does remember the doctor declaring him dead. “I heard it and it just made me mad inside,” he said.
Amal Moorad, medical director of the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City where Dunlap recuperated, explained the patient’s prognosis. “Anytime you have severe brain injury, you'll never be the same again from a mental, emotional standpoint,” he said.
“Zack will be very close to normal, but not 100 percent, and only time will tell us.”
Dunlap has resolved to pursue fishing. “No more 4-wheeling,” he told Dateline NBC.
Zack Dunlap's interview on Dateline NBC can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4syekkzT0po
Catholic vote could make or break McCain, says Reagan Catholic liaison
Washington DC, Mar 27, 2008 / 04:33 am (CNA).- Supporters of all major party candidates for the United States presidency are angling to discover how to best appeal to Catholic voters, who could be a key swing vote in the November presidential election. According to Robert Reilly, a successful McCain campaign must win over Catholics to win the White House.
Robert R. Reilly, who was President Ronald Reagan’s liaison to Catholics between 1983 and 1985, wrote in an article published on Wednesday that Senator John McCain could not win the presidential election without the Catholic vote, which makes up about 25 percent of the electorate. “The worst thing he could assume is that [the Catholic vote] is going to fall into his lap because Catholics will have nowhere else to go,” he said.
Reilly argued that McCain could emulate Ronald Reagan’s successful appeal to the Catholic vote during his 1984 presidential campaign. Reagan’s campaign ran advertisements in Catholic newspapers featuring a photo of Reagan and Pope John Paul II smiling together. The photo, Reilly claimed, was effective because Reagan shared positions “completely congruent with those of the Catholic Church” on issues like the family, the sanctity of human life, pornography, and school prayer.
Senator McCain, Reilly said, “cannot simply claim that point of view; he needs to promote it.” Reilly noted that Reagan held a White House screening of Bernard Nathanson’s film of an abortion, titled “The Silent Scream.” Reagan also published a noteworthy essay, “Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation,” in the Human Life Review. The essay helped convince Catholic pro-lifers of Reagan’s sincerity, Reilly said.
Reilly suggested McCain ask his Democratic opponent to watch “The Silent Scream” or an equivalent film with him. He said McCain should write a pro-life essay similar to Reagan’s for publication in a prominent Catholic-friendly journal.
Senator McCain could also make the upcoming U.S. visit of Pope Benedict XVI an opportunity to display his understanding of the Pope’s thought on the family, the sanctity of human life, and the nature of radical Islam.
McCain needed to take risks to show his conviction in order to appeal to Catholics, Reilly claimed.
“If he throws as much conviction and energy into these issues as he did into his backing of the surge, Catholics and others will flock to his banner -- and he can win. If he tries to coast on the moral issues, he will not,” said Reilly.
The Democrats, too, are debating how to capture the Catholic vote in the presidential primary contest between Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Clinton campaign has argued that its strength among Catholics in the Democratic presidential primaries could mean their candidate would be stronger than Senator Barack Obama against Republican candidate Senator John McCain.
Clinton won 63 percent of the Democratic Catholic vote in Ohio and 65 percent in Texas. Even in states where she lost to Obama, Clinton in some cases still won the Catholic vote in those states.
Catholics are also poised to play a large role in the Democratic primaries since a recent survey of 19 states that have held presidential primaries this year shows 63 percent of Catholics identified themselves as Democrats, while 37 percent identified themselves as Republican. In 2005, Edison/Mitofsky polls claimed that only 42 percent of Catholics identified themselves as Democrats.
Robert R. Reilly, who was President Ronald Reagan’s liaison to Catholics between 1983 and 1985, wrote in an article published on Wednesday that Senator John McCain could not win the presidential election without the Catholic vote, which makes up about 25 percent of the electorate. “The worst thing he could assume is that [the Catholic vote] is going to fall into his lap because Catholics will have nowhere else to go,” he said.
Reilly argued that McCain could emulate Ronald Reagan’s successful appeal to the Catholic vote during his 1984 presidential campaign. Reagan’s campaign ran advertisements in Catholic newspapers featuring a photo of Reagan and Pope John Paul II smiling together. The photo, Reilly claimed, was effective because Reagan shared positions “completely congruent with those of the Catholic Church” on issues like the family, the sanctity of human life, pornography, and school prayer.
Senator McCain, Reilly said, “cannot simply claim that point of view; he needs to promote it.” Reilly noted that Reagan held a White House screening of Bernard Nathanson’s film of an abortion, titled “The Silent Scream.” Reagan also published a noteworthy essay, “Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation,” in the Human Life Review. The essay helped convince Catholic pro-lifers of Reagan’s sincerity, Reilly said.
Reilly suggested McCain ask his Democratic opponent to watch “The Silent Scream” or an equivalent film with him. He said McCain should write a pro-life essay similar to Reagan’s for publication in a prominent Catholic-friendly journal.
Senator McCain could also make the upcoming U.S. visit of Pope Benedict XVI an opportunity to display his understanding of the Pope’s thought on the family, the sanctity of human life, and the nature of radical Islam.
McCain needed to take risks to show his conviction in order to appeal to Catholics, Reilly claimed.
“If he throws as much conviction and energy into these issues as he did into his backing of the surge, Catholics and others will flock to his banner -- and he can win. If he tries to coast on the moral issues, he will not,” said Reilly.
The Democrats, too, are debating how to capture the Catholic vote in the presidential primary contest between Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Clinton campaign has argued that its strength among Catholics in the Democratic presidential primaries could mean their candidate would be stronger than Senator Barack Obama against Republican candidate Senator John McCain.
Clinton won 63 percent of the Democratic Catholic vote in Ohio and 65 percent in Texas. Even in states where she lost to Obama, Clinton in some cases still won the Catholic vote in those states.
Catholics are also poised to play a large role in the Democratic primaries since a recent survey of 19 states that have held presidential primaries this year shows 63 percent of Catholics identified themselves as Democrats, while 37 percent identified themselves as Republican. In 2005, Edison/Mitofsky polls claimed that only 42 percent of Catholics identified themselves as Democrats.
America Needs Fatima
Question from Vin Terricola on 2/21/2008:
I have been getting solicitations for money from the aforementioned. They use Fr. Kenneth D. Brighenti as a sponsor. Is this a ligitimate cause? All the information I have found so far indicates they are against Vatican II and Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Please advise. Thank you.
Answer by David Gregson on 3/10/2008:
I think you must be confusing American Needs Fatima with some other publication with Fatima in the title. America Needs Fatima is sponsored by Tradition, Family and Property, which has the support of both Fr. Trigilio and Fr. Levis, of EWTN's "Web of Faith." They would never support an organization at odds with the Holy See.
I have been getting solicitations for money from the aforementioned. They use Fr. Kenneth D. Brighenti as a sponsor. Is this a ligitimate cause? All the information I have found so far indicates they are against Vatican II and Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Please advise. Thank you.
Answer by David Gregson on 3/10/2008:
I think you must be confusing American Needs Fatima with some other publication with Fatima in the title. America Needs Fatima is sponsored by Tradition, Family and Property, which has the support of both Fr. Trigilio and Fr. Levis, of EWTN's "Web of Faith." They would never support an organization at odds with the Holy See.
Holy Water Fonts Empty.... What should I do?
Question from KM on 2/19/2008:
My church parish has emptied the Holy Water fonts for lent. They also have put a plain wooden crucifix on the altar in place of the Gold one with our Lord Jesus on it. I also notice that someone brings up a bowl with incense instead of it being in the usual holder. Sorry but I cannot remember the name of what the incense is burned in. Can you tell me if this all should be done. I have read that the fonts should stay filled until after the Holy Thursday mass, but the rest I am not sure of. And if this is something that should not be done, should I go to my priest and let him know about this?
God Bless!
K :)
Answer by David Gregson on 3/10/2008:
There is an old custom of veiling crosses and images on the eve before the Fifth Sunday of Lent, or on Holy Thursday, as a sign of public penitence. In some places, images are even removed. As to the removal of holy water from church fonts, that is permitted only during the Triduum when the Mass is not celebrated (Good Friday and Holy Saturday). See Father McNamara's Covering of Crosses and Images in Lent.
My church parish has emptied the Holy Water fonts for lent. They also have put a plain wooden crucifix on the altar in place of the Gold one with our Lord Jesus on it. I also notice that someone brings up a bowl with incense instead of it being in the usual holder. Sorry but I cannot remember the name of what the incense is burned in. Can you tell me if this all should be done. I have read that the fonts should stay filled until after the Holy Thursday mass, but the rest I am not sure of. And if this is something that should not be done, should I go to my priest and let him know about this?
God Bless!
K :)
Answer by David Gregson on 3/10/2008:
There is an old custom of veiling crosses and images on the eve before the Fifth Sunday of Lent, or on Holy Thursday, as a sign of public penitence. In some places, images are even removed. As to the removal of holy water from church fonts, that is permitted only during the Triduum when the Mass is not celebrated (Good Friday and Holy Saturday). See Father McNamara's Covering of Crosses and Images in Lent.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His Resurrection?
Question from Sheila Olivieri on 2/29/2008:
This was sent to me by email and I would like to know if the reason they give for the following question is true. "Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?" The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side* Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!' He is Coming Back! * Thanks for your help, Sheila
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 3/10/2008:
Needless to say, the passage in John 20 has been studied for many centuries by scholars and exegetes. The stress upon the soudarion (or burial clothes) makes obvious in the Gospel that Jesus has truly risen.
The presence of the burial clothes point in part to the earlier resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus, an act that was punctuated by the emergence of Lazarus still clothed as he had been buried. Here, in John 20, Jesus has risen and has chosen to fold the cloth for he is in utter control of death and life. There is thus a unity between the death and resurrection implied in the very disposition of the soudarion.
Now the fact that the soudarion is carefully folded had its own specific purpose. The position or form of the clothes was seen by the early Church especially to support the clear and unmistakable affirmation that the body had not been removed, for had the body been stolen, grave robbers would not have taken the time to unwrap the linens and certainly not have placed the soudarion rolled up neatly in its place. This was the position of St. John Chrysostom, for example (In Jo.Hom. LXXXV 4; PG 59; 465).
This was sent to me by email and I would like to know if the reason they give for the following question is true. "Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?" The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side* Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!' He is Coming Back! * Thanks for your help, Sheila
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 3/10/2008:
Needless to say, the passage in John 20 has been studied for many centuries by scholars and exegetes. The stress upon the soudarion (or burial clothes) makes obvious in the Gospel that Jesus has truly risen.
The presence of the burial clothes point in part to the earlier resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus, an act that was punctuated by the emergence of Lazarus still clothed as he had been buried. Here, in John 20, Jesus has risen and has chosen to fold the cloth for he is in utter control of death and life. There is thus a unity between the death and resurrection implied in the very disposition of the soudarion.
Now the fact that the soudarion is carefully folded had its own specific purpose. The position or form of the clothes was seen by the early Church especially to support the clear and unmistakable affirmation that the body had not been removed, for had the body been stolen, grave robbers would not have taken the time to unwrap the linens and certainly not have placed the soudarion rolled up neatly in its place. This was the position of St. John Chrysostom, for example (In Jo.Hom. LXXXV 4; PG 59; 465).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)