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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - July, 2016 [Plain text version]

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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - July, 2016

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IN THIS ISSUE:

* Greetings

* MCS News & Notes

* The Month of July: Dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

* Invocations to the Precious Blood

* 'Eternity ought to have precedence over time'

* Liturgical Feasts in July

* 'Catholic Trivia'

* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - How Can One Believe in the Real Presence When it is Not Perceptible to the Eye?

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Dear Friend,

"May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His will. May He carry out in you what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Heb. 13:20-21)

Greetings to you during this hot (at least here) Summer month. We hope you are having a pleasant & enjoyable Summer. If you will be traveling, we wish you a safe & blessed journey. Don't forget to invoke one of the several patrons for travel (e.g. St. Christopher, St. Joseph, St. Nicholas of Myra, St. Raphael the Archangel). Your friends in heaven are always ready to help!

We are happy to report that the signup sheet for our Eighth Annual Rosary Week is now ready. Please sign up today at www.MyCatholicSource.com/RosaryWeek . Participation in Rosary Week is easy, free, and takes only a little time. You can sign up for one day, a few days, or for the entire week. You can participate at any time of the day or night. And, you can join us from the comfort of your own home or even from your parish. We hope you will join us & other Catholics throughout the world in praying the Holy Rosary for some worthy intentions. Please also invite your family & friends!

We thank you for being a valued subscriber to our mailing list & we wish you God's blessings,

Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com

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"Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us. Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us. Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, save us." (From the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus)

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MCS News & Notes

* Rosary Week: The signup sheet for our Eighth Annual Rosary Week (to be held from 10/24-10/30/16) is now ready. To sign up today, please visit www.MyCatholicSource.com/RosaryWeek . We hope you will consider joining us in this prayerful & 'hassle-free' endeavor that others have called "very special", "a wonderful idea", "a worthy spiritual exercise", "uplifting", a "wonderful event", "a fantastic idea", "very spiritually rewarding", "much needed", and "a great way for Catholics to bring themselves to [pray] the rosary". We have tried hard to make participation easy and remove any objections that people may have (e.g. you can sign up anonymously, no e-mail address is required to sign up, the event is totally free, you can participate for just one day, you can pray at any time and from any appropriate location...). We really hope you will join us and other Catholics around the world in this important prayer effort to our Blessed Mother! We think you'll be glad you did.

* Can you help? Do you have any friend(s) or relative(s) in another state or country? Please invite them to sign up for Rosary Week at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/rosary_week_sign_up.htm . We are starting a bit late this year, yet we are hoping to get participation in states and countries that we have had more difficulty with (in terms of signups) in the past. Also, could you please pass the word around at your parish? You can find printable Rosary Week fliers at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/rosary_week.htm (click on the 'Fliers' link). Thanks in advance for any help!

* Affiliate Program Discontinued: Our participation in the Mystic Monk affiliate program has been discontinued. Using our affiliate links will no longer benefit our site. Although most links still remain on our site for now, we expect to remove/replace some/all of them at a later time (possibly incrementally). We may also consider joining some additional affiliate programs in the future. Thank you for your past support of this program.

* Issue With Mailing List Signup Form: We discovered last month that our mailing list subscription form no longer allows a period in the name field (e.g. for Mr., Jr., etc.). The third party service changed this recently and we were not made aware of it. We have contacted them to ask that they restore the period as a permitted character in this field. At the time of this writing, however, we still do not have a resolution to this issue. If you were not able to use a period in your name when signing up, and if you still wish your name to contain this character, please advise us how you would like your name to appear and we will see if it will be possible to make the change at a later date. To make this request, please reply to this newsletter by 7/15/16.

* At long last! We were finally able to resolve a long-standing issue with our IP number appearing on some block lists. You may recall that last June (2015), we referenced delivery issues and being on a 'sp*m offender list' (term masked to prevent filtering) even though we did *not* send out any unwanted mail (our subscribers must double-opt-in to our mailing list). According to our host, the list was based on "the entire C-class IP address range that [our] IP address is in. That means all of the IPs in the same range are listed, whether they have sent [sp*m] or not." Our host told us that removal from the list we were on was "difficult to impossible". Nevertheless, we were able to get removed from the list due to our own efforts. However, it later became clear to us that some 'remnants' of that issue still remained that affected a number of subscribers. Finally, we were - at last - able to trace down the cause of the issue (some 'rarely used' block lists, according to our host). Once again we were given the impression that it was going to be virtually 'impossible' for us to get cleared from these block lists. Yet, we continued to engage in a lot of (rather frustrating...sorry we are not saints here!) back and forth with our host and with the party that maintains the lists. And, finally, success! We believe (or at least hope) we may now be fully cleared from all block lists. Although we are hopeful that the situation has been resolved at this time, subscribers may help us avoid future delivery issues by 'whitelisting' us and by using other applicable options to inform e-mail providers that our e-mail is wanted. Thanks in advance for any help! And, if you were one of the subscribers affected by this issue, we apologize that we were unable to get our mailings through to you over the last year. We wish this matter could have been resolved more expeditiously, but we don't know what else we could have done to make that happen. Still, we are very sorry for the occurrence and hope you will now be able to enjoy your mailing list subscription. Also, if you are interested in viewing past newsletters, please note that plain text versions of them are available at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/newsletters/mcs_newsletters.htm

* Need a prayer? You can submit prayer requests any time at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayer_requests.htm . Please also consider praying for others who have asked for prayers. As Pope St. Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church, has noted: "He causes his prayers to be of more avail to himself, who offers them also for others." Thanks in advance for any prayers.

* Reminder: If you would like some summer activities for Catholic children, please try our Catholic Fun & Activities Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/catholic_fun_and_activities.htm for coloring pages, crosswords, mazes, word searches, travel activities, etc.

* What could be better for America on July 4th than Masses & prayers for the USA? For prayers for the United States, please try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-prayers_for_the_United_States.htm

* With the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel approaching (on July 16), it seems an excellent time to recommend the scapular to all who do not already wear it. If you don't already wear the scapular, why not start now? "The other devotions to Our Lady last only for a certain time, but he who wears the Scapular honors Our Lady at all times and in all places. The Scapular is, as the Blessed Virgin herself has declared, 'a safeguard in danger'" (Muller) For more information on the scapular, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/scapulars.htm

* Service Delays: Due to medical reasons, please continue to expect some sporadic delays in all correspondence & services (including processing of posts) for the foreseeable future. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for any prayers.

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MyCatholicSource.com App News...

* We are happy to report that the Android version of our Catholic Bible References app reached #4 on Amazon last month [Category: Reference/Religion (Android/Paid)]. If you don't already own this helpful app, why not get it today? It's a great memory aid for truths of the Catholic faith that conveniently puts important scripture passages at your fingertips. It is a handy apologetics tool that can be used to help Catholics discuss & defend the faith. The app features hundreds of key bible references conveniently arranged by topic, 100+ tips for locating related passages (including those related to defending the Catholic faith among 'Jehovah's Witnesses' & Mormons), modern / traditional scripture translations, a convenient index, an easy-to-use search feature, selectable text (where available), Old Testament / New Testament indicator, a quick, easy-to-use interface, and more... Download your copy of this 'must-have' app today at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bfsnet.catholicbiblerefs or at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YGHU58K . [Note: An iOS version is still available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/catholic-bible-references/id450589859?ls=1&mt=8 ]. For more details and screenshots, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/AndroidApps (or http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps ).

* Great for any time of year! Our Stations of the Cross app is perfect for Lent and beyond. Reviewers have called the app "Great", "wonderful", "excellent", "Penetrating and profound", and "Beautifully done". Comments have included references to "beautiful pictures" and "beautifully written" prayers which are "perfect for a meaningful way to remember and reflect on the death and rising of Jesus." The app was also called "Beautifully sublime", "a great app for meditation", "Best Station App", and "a joy to use". One reviewer said that the app "brought tears to [their] eyes", while another said "This app is a must!" One reviewer said their 5-STAR review "Should have been 10 stars instead of 5!!!". Why not get your copy of this great app today? Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ].

* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. Favorable reviews really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.htm

* If you have any thoughts to share regarding our apps, please contact us using the e-mail address provided in the app or online at http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/bfsapps-feedback.htm

* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )

Note: Any prices included herein are in U.S. dollars, excluding any applicable tax.

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* Please see our Notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm for dates of anticipated service delays through August 2016

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* Please visit our Notices page for timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm

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The Month of July: Dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus

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"For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 26:2)

"In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth." (Eph. 1:7-10)

"What is a man able to find so valuable that he can give it for the ransom of his soul? Yet one thing was found that was worth as much as all men together. It was given as the ransom price for our souls, the holy and most precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He poured out for all of us; we were, therefore, 'bought dearly'." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)

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Related Resources...

* Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_litanies.htm

* Scapular of the Most Precious Blood - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/scapulars.htm

* Prayers to Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm

* Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Jesus.htm

* The Passion / Cross Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm

* Jesus' Last Words From the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_last_words.htm

* Stations of the Cross / Way of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm

* Trials & Sorrows of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/sorrows_of_jesus.htm

* The Holy Eucharist - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/Holy_Eucharist.htm

* Communion Under Both Species: Is it Required? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/communion_under_both_species__is_it_required.htm

Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm

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"We love a thing in proportion to what it has cost us. You may judge by that of our Lord's love for our soul, which has cost him his Blood." (St. John Vianney)

"Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us. Blood of Christ, Price of our salvation, save us. Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us." (From the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus)

"According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified by these rites, but the heavenly things themselves by better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him." (Heb. 9:22-28)

"Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one's works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ" (St. Peter, 1 Pt. 1:17-19)

"Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb [that is, Jesus] and by the word of their testimony..." (Rv. 12:7-11)

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Precious Blood): "Most glorious Virgin, chosen by the eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of divine graces and the advocate of sinners, I who am thy most unworthy servant have recourse to thee: be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner obtain for the Holy Church victory over her enemies and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen." (Raccolta)

Prayer of Adoration: "O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price of sinful man's redemption, both drink and laver of our souls, Thou who dost plead continually the cause of man before the throne of infinite mercy; from the depths of my heart, I adore Thee, and so far as I am able, I would requite Thee for the insults and outrages which Thou dost continually receive from human beings, and especially from those who rashly dare to blaspheme Thee. Who would not bless this Blood of infinite value? Who doth not feel within himself the fire of the love of Jesus who shed it all for us? What would be my fate, had I not been redeemed by this divine Blood? Who hath drawn it from the veins of my Savior, even to the last drop? Ah, this surely was the work of love. O infinite love, which has given us this saving balm! O balm beyond all price, welling up from the fountain of infinite love, grant that every heart and every tongue may be enabled to praise Thee, magnify Thee and give Thee thanks both now and for evermore. Amen." (Raccolta)

"We therefore confess that the Sacrifice of the Mass is and ought to be considered one and the same Sacrifice as that of the cross, for the victim is one and the same, namely, Christ our Lord, who offered Himself, once only, a bloody Sacrifice on the altar of the cross. The bloody and unbloody victim are not two, but one victim only, whose Sacrifice is daily renewed in the Eucharist, in obedience to the command of our Lord: Do this for a commemoration of me. The priest is also one and the same, Christ the Lord; for the ministers who offer [the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass], consecrate the holy mysteries, not in their own person, but in that of Christ, as the words of consecration itself show, for the priest does not say: This is the body of Christ, but, This is my body; and thus, acting in the Person of Christ the Lord, he changes the substance of the bread and wine into the true substance of His body and blood." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)

"Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord." (1 Cor. 11:27)

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Invocations to the Precious Blood

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The following is from a 19th century publication entitled "Visits to Jesus in the Tabernacle: Hours and Half-Hours of Adoration Before the Blessed Sacrament" by Rev. Francis Xavier Lasance. The work contains an imprimatur. [Please Note: We have made some changes to the original text (e.g. capitalization & punctuation changes, word additions (some w/o notations)]

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Precious Blood of Jesus, shed in the Circumcision, make me chaste of mind, heart, and body!

Precious Blood of Jesus, oozing in the agony of Jesus from every pore, grant me to love above all things the holy and adorable will of God!

Precious Blood, flowing abundantly in the scourging at the pillar, inspire me with a keen sorrow for my sins and a love of suffering!

Precious Blood, falling in profusion from the crown of thorns, grant me a love of humiliations.

Precious Blood, fructifying the way of Calvary, fill me with the courage to walk unfalteringly in the footsteps of Jesus!

Precious Blood, shed so profusely in the crucifixion of our Jesus, make me die entirely to self-love!

Precious Blood, shed to the very last drop by the opening of the Sacred Heart, give me that generous love that sacrifices all for God!

Precious Blood, sacred source whence flow all virtues and all graces, apply thy infinite merits to my soul!

Precious Blood, whose virtue animates and vivifies our actions, apply thy infinite merits to all our works!

Life-giving Fountain, in which the soul fully slakes its thirst, saturate it with pure love!

O Divine Blood of my Jesus, I adore thee from the depth of my heart! Thee I ardently invoke, for thou art my salvation, and by thee I hope to obtain the joys of paradise.

Eternal Father, be merciful, through the name of the blood of Thy only Son; we [beg] Thee, show us Thy mercy!

Most Precious Blood of Jesus, [plead] for mercy for us to thy divine Father and deliver us!

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins and for the wants of the holy Catholic Church.

Amen.

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For more prayers, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm

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'Eternity ought to have precedence over time'

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The following is from a 20th century publication entitled "The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament". The work contains an imprimatur. [Please Note: We have made some changes to the original text (e.g. spelling changes, removed headers)]

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It is good, in the presence of the Eternal, veiled behind the cloud of His condescension, to make a serious examination as to the esteem in which we hold eternal things, and as to the manner in which we prepare for our eternity.

It is but too clear for it to need demonstration, that eternity ought to have precedence over time, in the same degree that the infinite is above the finite, the perpetual above the temporary, the substance above the shadow, life above death.

Our end, the reason why we were created, our labor and our task is the acquisition of the Eternal Good; neither knowledge, nor fortune, nor health, nor friendship, nor life, nothing which can be measured by time, is our end. It is folly therefore and more than folly to seek after it, to attach ourselves to it, to rest in it! Folly, above all, to prefer possessions of a day to an endless possession! Folly to allow ourselves to be absorbed with cares about them, and thereby forget the care of our eternity!

But as it is by labor, by suffering, by the merits acquired during time that we acquire eternal possessions, woe to him who loses his time, who fritters it away, who does not throughout the day give careful attention to the task which is set him to accomplish and to prepare his eternity. Each fugitive moment of time is capable, if it be employed according to the will of God and in His holy grace, of producing eternal fruit, of working our eternal happiness and glory. In point of fact, our eternity is in our own hands; it is our eternity which we compromise or make secure; it is our eternity which we render happy or unhappy, it is life or death eternal, heaven or hell forever, according as we are faithful or not day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to the duties of our state, to the impulses of divine grace, to the indications of the will of God.

Oh creature of God, created in time for eternity, weigh all things by the weight of thy eternity! It will render thee serious, wise, fearful, attentive; it is the foundation of a Christian life.

Ask earnestly for grace and make a resolution frequently to meditate upon eternal truths. Do so above all at the foot of the Sacrament, which will give you the taste and will facilitate the exercise of such meditation.

If you desire thoroughly to know the price of eternity, the Savior who resides therein will show you His wound and will recall to you His humiliations, His sufferings and His death on the cross, which He endured only to acquire eternity for you. He will tell you that if, in spite of His glory, He redescends into the humiliation of the Eucharist, it is in order to assure your eternity. Labor then and suffer for your eternity, beneath His eyes and in virtue of the Bread of life.

Never let a week pass without making at least one meditation upon the price of eternity.

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Also Try: Spiritual Growth (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-spiritual_growth.htm

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Liturgical Feasts in July

The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for July as they appear at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/feasts.htm

Note: (T) = Traditional, (N) = New (Novus Ordo)

Reminder: Feasts may be superseded / transferred / etc.

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July 1 - The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord (T)

July 2 - Sts. Processus & Martinian (T)

July 2 - Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)

July 3 - St. Leo II, pope (T)

July 3 - The Commemoration of all Holy Pontiffs (T)

July 3 - St. Thomas, apostle (N)

July 4 - St. Elizabeth of Portugal (N)

July 5 - St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (T)

July 5 - St. Anthony Zaccaria (N)

July 6 - St. Maria Goretti (N)

July 7 - Sts. Cyril & Methodius (T)

July 8 - St. Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal (T)

July 9 - St. John Fisher (T)

July 9 - St. Thomas More (T)

July 9 - St. Augustine Zhao Rong & companions (N)

July 10 - Seven Holy Brothers (T)

July 10 - Sts. Rufina & Secunda (T)

July 11 - St. Pius I, pope (T)

July 11 - St. Benedict (N)

July 12 - St. John Gualbert (T)

July 12 - Sts. Nabor & Felix (T)

July 13 - St. Anacletus, pope (T)

July 13 - St. Henry (N)

July 14 - St. Bonaventure (T)

July 15 - St. Henry II (T)

July 15 - St. Bonaventure (N)

July 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel (T)

July 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel (N)

July 17 - St. Alexius the Beggar (T)

July 18 - St. Camillus de Lellis (T)

July 18 - St. Symphorosa & 7 Sons (T)

July 18 - St. Camillus de Lellis (N)

July 19 - St. Vincent de Paul (T)

July 20 - St. Jerome Emilian (T)

July 20 - St. Margaret of Antioch (T)

July 20 - St. Apollinarus (N)

July 21 - St. Praxedes (T)

July 21 - St. Lawrence of Brindisi (N)

July 22 - St. Mary Magdalene (T)

July 22 - St. Mary Magdalene (N)

July 23 - St. Apollinaris of Ravenna (T)

July 23 - St. Liborius (T)

July 23 - St. Bridget of Sweden (N)

July 24 - St. Christina (T)

July 24 - St. Francis Solano (T)

July 25 - St. Christopher (T)

July 25 - St. James the Greater, apostle (T)

July 25 - St. James the Greater, apostle (N)

July 26 - St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)

July 26 - Sts. Joachim & Ann (Anne), Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (N)

July 27 - St. Pantaleon (T)

July 28 - St. Nazarius & Celsus (T)

July 28 - Sts. Victor & Innocent (Innocentius) I, popes (T)

July 29 - St. Felix II, pope (T)

July 29 - St. Martha (T)

July 29 - Sts. Simplicius, Faustinus & Beatrice (T)

July 29 - St. Martha (N)

July 30 - Sts. Abdon & Sennen (T)

July 30 - St. Peter Chrysologus (N)

July 31 - St. Ignatius of Loyola (T)

July 31 - St. Ignatius of Loyola (N)

Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_liturgical_calendar.htm . For other feasts, try the MCS Daily Digest each day at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp

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'Catholic Trivia'

Note: This month there are 25 scripture-themed trivia items. [Reminder: Translation / wording / punctuation / referencing / capitalization / etc. may vary. Interpretation and application of Scripture should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take Scripture passages out of context. Do not inflict or wish harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally.]

Hints: All items are from the NEW Testament. References to the writers/authors refer to human authors, not to the Holy Spirit (who inspired all of Scripture).

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1. In what book of Holy Scripture may these passages be found?

"The Devil who had led them astray was thrown into the pool of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

"Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire."

"But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

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2. Who said...?

"Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a l*ver of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a l*ver of the world makes himself an enemy of God." [Note: Term masked to avoid filtering]

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3. In which book of the bible do these quotes appear?

"Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers."

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching."

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4. Which writer of Holy Scripture said...?

"Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called 'the friend of God.' See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

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5. In what book of Holy Scripture do these Eucharist-related quotes appear?

"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord."

"For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself."

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6. Which book of Holy Scripture contains these quotes?

"For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding him up to contempt. Ground that has absorbed the rain falling upon it repeatedly and brings forth crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is rejected; it will soon be cursed and finally burned."

"If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay,' and again: 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

---

7. The following quotes may be attributed to which Apostle?

"For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? 'And if the righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the sinner appear?"

"May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money. You have no share or lot in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your intention may be forgiven. For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity."

---

8. Who said...?

"Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist. Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense. Anyone who is so 'progressive' as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works."

---

9. The following passage appears in which book of Holy Scripture?

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere (and pure) commitment to Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough."

---

10. Who said...?

"If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector."

---

11. Which book of Holy Scripture contains these quotes?

"Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves!"

"Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows"

"I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by (the) grace (of Christ) for a different gospel (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

---

12. Are all the following passages from the same book of Holy Scripture?

"If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother."

"This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God; not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed. For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness."

"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord (Jesus) will kill with the breath of his mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of his coming, the one whose coming springs from the power of Satan in every mighty deed and in signs and wonders that lie, and in every wicked deceit for those who are perishing because they have not accepted the love of truth so that they may be saved. Therefore, God is sending them a deceiving power so that they may believe the lie, that all who have not believed the truth but have approved wrongdoing may be condemned."

---

13. What do these passages have in common? [Hint: They all have the same author]

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people, not at all referring to the immoral of this world or the greedy and robbers or idolaters; for you would then have to leave the world. But I now write to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? God will judge those outside. 'Purge the evil person from your midst.'"

"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God."

"I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did."

"As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. Did the word of God go forth from you? Or has it come to you alone? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or a spiritual person, he should recognize that what I am writing to you is a commandment of the Lord. If anyone does not acknowledge this, he is not acknowledged."

"If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Marana tha."

"Do not be yoked with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What accord has Christ with Beliar? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: 'I will live with them and move among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Therefore, come forth from them and be separate,' says the Lord, 'and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'"

---

14. Who said...?

"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned."

---

15. Which book of the bible contains the following passages...?

"The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed, and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery, and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know the just decree of God that all who practice such things deserve death, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

"Indeed you will say, 'Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.' That is so. They were broken off because of unbelief, but you are there because of faith. So do not become haughty, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, (perhaps) he will not spare you either. See, then, the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but God's kindness to you, provided you remain in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off."

"...if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer."

---

16. The following quote appears in which book of Holy Scripture?

"But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'You son of the devil, you enemy of all that is right, full of every sort of deceit and fraud. Will you not stop twisting the straight paths of (the) Lord? Even now the hand of the Lord is upon you. You will be blind, and unable to see the sun for a time.' Immediately a dark mist fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand."

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17. Complete the passage...

"So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation ___." (Phil. 2:12)

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18. Who said the following...?

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few."

"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."

"Many are invited, but few are chosen."

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19. Who said the following...?

"You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire... His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

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20. Complete the following sentences/passages of Jesus...

"But if you do not forgive others, ___."

"Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted ___. Let them alone; they are blind guides (of the blind). If a blind person leads a blind person, ___"

"Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, ___."

"Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but ___."

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins,___; and if he repents, ___."

"[Jesus] made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, 'Take these out of here, and ___'"

"....whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but ___."

"Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will ___."

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21. Besides being negative, what do these terms have in common?

"brood of vipers"

"hypocrites"

"serpents"

"wicked"

"liar"

"whitewashed tombs"

"fools"

"a devil"

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22. Who does St. Jude say serves as an example?

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23. Complete the passage...

"In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus ___."

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24. Which book of Holy Scripture contains the following quotes?

"It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. Similarly, (too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."

"Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences."

"Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid."

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25. In what gospel passages did Jesus condemn divorce?

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Answers:

1. Revelation/Apocalypse

"The Devil who had led them astray was thrown into the pool of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Rv. 20:10)

"Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire." (Rv. 20:15)

"But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Rv. 21:8)

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2. St. James

"Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a l*ver of the world means enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a l*ver of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (Jms. 4:4) [Note: Term masked to avoid filtering]

---

3. Letter to the Hebrews (St. Paul)

"Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge the immoral and adulterers." (Heb. 13:4)

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching." (Heb. 13:8-9)

---

4. St. James

"Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called 'the friend of God.' See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (Jms. 2:20-26)

---

5. First Letter to the Corinthians (St. Paul)

"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Cor. 11:27)

"For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself." (1 Cor. 11:29)

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6. Letter to the Hebrews (St. Paul)

"For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding him up to contempt. Ground that has absorbed the rain falling upon it repeatedly and brings forth crops useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is rejected; it will soon be cursed and finally burned." (Heb. 6:4-8)

"If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay,' and again: 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb. 10:26-31)

---

7. St. Peter

"For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? 'And if the righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the sinner appear?" (1 Pt. 4:17-18)

"But Peter said to him, 'May your money perish with you, because you thought that you could buy the gift of God with money. You have no share or lot in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your intention may be forgiven. For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity.'" (Acts. 8:20-23)

---

8. St. John

"Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh; such is the deceitful one and the antichrist. Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense. Anyone who is so 'progressive' as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works." (2 Jn. 1:7-11)

---

9. Second Letter to the Corinthians (St. Paul)

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere (and pure) commitment to Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough." (2 Cor. 11:3-4)

---

10. Our Lord Jesus Christ

"If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 18:15-17)

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11. Letter to the Galatians (St. Paul)

"Would that those who are upsetting you might also castrate themselves!" (Gal. 5:12)

"Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows" (Gal. 6:7)

"I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by (the) grace (of Christ) for a different gospel (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal. 1:6-12)

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12. No. One is from the First Letter to the Thessalonians, two are from the Second Letter to the Thessalonians.

"If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother." (2 Thes. 3:14-5)

"This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality, that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion as do the Gentiles who do not know God; not to take advantage of or exploit a brother in this matter, for the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you before and solemnly affirmed. For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness." (1 Thes. 4:3-7)

"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord (Jesus) will kill with the breath of his mouth and render powerless by the manifestation of his coming, the one whose coming springs from the power of Satan in every mighty deed and in signs and wonders that lie, and in every wicked deceit for those who are perishing because they have not accepted the love of truth so that they may be saved. Therefore, God is sending them a deceiving power so that they may believe the lie, that all who have not believed the truth but have approved wrongdoing may be condemned." (2 Thes. 2:8-12)

---

13. All were written to the Corinthians by St. Paul.

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people, not at all referring to the immoral of this world or the greedy and robbers or idolaters; for you would then have to leave the world. But I now write to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? God will judge those outside. 'Purge the evil person from your midst.'" (1 Cor. 5:9-13)

"Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

"I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did." (1 Cor. 10:1-6)

"As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. Did the word of God go forth from you? Or has it come to you alone? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or a spiritual person, he should recognize that what I am writing to you is a commandment of the Lord. If anyone does not acknowledge this, he is not acknowledged." (1 Cor. 14:33-38)

"If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Marana tha." (1 Cor. 16:22)

"Do not be yoked with those who are different, with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What accord has Christ with Beliar? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said: 'I will live with them and move among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Therefore, come forth from them and be separate,' says the Lord, 'and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor. 6:14-18)

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14. St. Paul (Letter to Titus)

"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned." (Ti. 3:10-11)

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15. Letter to the Romans (St. Paul)

"The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed, and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery, and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know the just decree of God that all who practice such things deserve death, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." (Rom. 1:18-32)

"Indeed you will say, 'Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.' That is so. They were broken off because of unbelief, but you are there because of faith. So do not become haughty, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, (perhaps) he will not spare you either. See, then, the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but God's kindness to you, provided you remain in his kindness; otherwise you too will be cut off. (Rom. 11:19-22)

"...if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer." (Rom. 13:4)

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16. The Acts of the Apostles

"But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'You son of the devil, you enemy of all that is right, full of every sort of deceit and fraud. Will you not stop twisting the straight paths of (the) Lord? Even now the hand of the Lord is upon you. You will be blind, and unable to see the sun for a time.' Immediately a dark mist fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand." (Acts 13:9-11)

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17. "So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12)

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18. Our Lord Jesus Christ

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:13-14)

"Someone asked [Jesus], 'Lord, will only a few people be saved?' He answered them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.'" (Lk. 13:23-24)

"Many are invited, but few are chosen." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 22:14)

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19. St. John the Baptist

"When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." (Mt. 3:7-12)

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20. Note: All passages are from the Gospels...

"But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 6:15)

"[Jesus] said in reply, 'Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides (of the blind). If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit." (Mt. 15:13-14)

"Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Apostles, Mk. 6:11)

"[Jesus] said to his disciples, 'Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur.'" (Lk. 17:1)

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)

"[Jesus] made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, 'Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace.'" (Jn. 2:15-16)

"....whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 3:36)

"Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 15:6)

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21. All were spoken by Jesus in the Gospels...

"You brood of vipers!" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 3:7 & Lk. 3:7)

"You hypocrites!" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 12:56)

"You serpents, you brood of vipers, how can you flee from the judgment of Gehenna?" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 23:33)

"...you then, who are wicked..." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 7:11 & Lk. 11:13)

"Jesus answered, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar.'" (Jn. 8:54-55)

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 23:27-28)

"You fools!" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 11:40)

"Jesus answered them, 'Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?'" (Jn. 6:70)

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22. "Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (Jude 1:7)

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23. "In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Tm. 3:12)

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24. First Letter to Timothy (St. Paul)

"It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument. Similarly, (too,) women should adorn themselves with proper conduct, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hairstyles and gold ornaments, or pearls, or expensive clothes, but rather, as befits women who profess reverence for God, with good deeds. A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self-control." (1 Tm. 2:8-15)

"Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions through the hypocrisy of liars with branded consciences." (1 Tm. 4:1-2)

"Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid." (1 Tm. 5:20)

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25. Jesus condemned divorce in the following gospel passages...

"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.' But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 5:31-2)

"Some Pharisees approached [Jesus], and tested him, saying, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?' He said in reply, 'Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.' They said to him, 'Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss (her)?' He said to them, 'Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery." (Mt. 19:3-9)

"The Pharisees approached and asked, 'Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?' They were testing him. He said to them in reply, 'What did Moses command you?' They replied, 'Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.' But Jesus told them, 'Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.' In the house the disciples again questioned him about this. He said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'" (Mk. 10:2-12)

"Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 16:18)

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For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm

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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - How Can One Believe in the Real Presence When it is Not Perceptible to the Eye?

It is good for Catholics to be able to defend their faith against attacks (or even simple questions) from those outside the Church. We therefore hope you may find the following "apologetics brief" helpful.

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Note: Text below is taken from http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Eucharist_Mass.htm

The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).

Topic: How Can One Believe in the Real Presence When it is Not Perceptible to the Eye? (Note: Topic is directed at Protestants)

Consider:

* Just as Christ's divinity not perceptible to the human eye, the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist is also not perceptible to the human eye. Instead, we are called to look "through the eyes of faith." Remember that belief in the Real Presence is ESSENTIAL to salvation. As Scripture says, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 6:53) and "anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself" (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:29)

* We must have faith in this doctrine because we are told that it is true by God Himself. And, we know that God cannot lie.

* We must believe in many things even though we cannot see them (e.g. oxygen, love, that we have a soul, etc.). The fact that something cannot be seen does not mean that it is not true.

Note: Also see "Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine?" at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Eucharist_Mass.htm

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"Let us [St. Chrysostom] says, obey, not contradict God, although what He says may seem contrary to our reason and our sight. His works cannot deceive, our senses are easily deceived." (Catechism of the Council of Trent) 

"What you see is the bread and the chalice; that is what your own eyes report to you. But what your faith obliges you to accept is that the bread is the Body of Christ and the chalice the Blood of Christ." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, c. 5th century A.D.)

"St. Ambrose says: Although the species of bread and wine are visible, yet we must believe that after consecration, the body and blood of Christ are alone there. Explaining the same doctrine almost in the same words, St. Hilary says that although externally it appear bread and wine, yet in reality it is the body and blood of the Lord." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)

"Consider therefore the Bread and the Wine not as bare elements, for they are, according to the Lord's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ; for even though sense suggest this to thee, yet let faith establish thee. Judge not the matter from the taste, but from faith be fully assured without misgiving, that the Body and Blood of Christ have been vouchsafed to thee." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.) 

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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm

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In Closing...

Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood: "O almighty and everlasting God, who didst appoint Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and hast willed to be appeased by His Blood; grant unto us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate with solemn worship the price of our redemption, and by its power be so defended against the evils of this life, that we may enjoy the fruit thereof for evermore in heaven. Through the same our Lord." (Collect)

"If any one denieth that in the sacrament of the most holy Eucharist are contained truly, really, and substantially, the Body and Blood together with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently the whole Christ; but saith that He is only therein as a sign, or in a figure, or virtue; let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)

"Our Lady wants all to wear the Scapular. The Scapular and the Rosary are inseparable." (Sr. Lucy of Fatima)

"The bread and the wine are not merely figures of the Body and Blood of Christ (God forbid!) but the deified Body of the Lord itself, for the Lord has said: This is My body, not, this is a figure of my body; and My blood, not, a figure of my blood." (St. John of Damascus, Doctor of the Church, 8th century A.D.)

"We cannot refrain from again and again exhorting all to love holy Mother Church with a devoted and active love. If we have really at heart the salvation of the whole human family, purchased by the precious Blood, we must offer every day to the Eternal Father our prayers, works and sufferings, for her safety and for her continued and ever more fruitful increase. And while the skies are heavy with storm clouds, and exceeding great dangers threaten the whole of human society and the Church herself, let us commit ourselves and all that we have to the Father of Mercies, crying out: 'Look down, we beseech Thee, Lord, on this Thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be betrayed into the hands of evil men and to undergo the torment of the Cross.'" (Pope Pius XII, "Mystici Corporis Christi", 1943 A.D.)

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