|
Return to MyCatholicSource.com | Sign Up For FREE Newsletter |
Copyright © 2010, B.F.S. All rights reserved. |
Why not have MyCatholicSource.com newsletters delivered free to your inbox? Click here
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - January, 2010
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
IN THIS ISSUE:
* New Year's Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
* Catholic Trivia
* Liturgical Feasts in January
* Fresh New Start in 2010: Holiness Tips From the Saints
* One Dozen Reflections on Faith
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Jesus' Divinity (Continued From 12/09)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Friend,
Greetings & best wishes for a blessed & holy new year! May 2010 be your best ever!
We thank you for being a subscriber to the MyCatholicSource.com mailing list.
May God bless you always,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
Ancient Prayer of Thanksgiving: "We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have caused to dwell in our hearts; and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have made known to us through Jesus your Son. Glory be to you forever. You, almighty Master, have created all things for your name's sake, and have given food and drink to men for their enjoyment, so that they might return thanks to you. Upon us, however, you have bestowed spiritual food and drink, and eternal life through your Servant. Above all we give you thanks, because you are mighty. Glory be to you forever. Remember, O Lord, your Church. Deliver it from every evil and perfect it in your love. Gather it from the four winds, sanctified for your kingdom, which you have prepared for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come; if anyone is not, let him repent. Marana Tha. Amen." (Didache, c. 140 A.D.)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MCS News & Notes
* We are happy to announce that MyCatholicSource.com received a favorable review from KillerStartups .com. Their review said the following about our site: "This website is perfect for every Catholic and anyone interested in anything about Catholic beliefs and traditions are. This site can't be missing from your bookmarks."
* New! Convenient news page shortcut: You can now use the following shortcut to directly access our News & Opinion Page: www.MyCatholicSource.com/News
* New! Next time you're looking for a Catholic parish or Mass time, check out our new 'Catholic Churches / Mass Times' Web Links page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/lk/links-churches_masses.asp . This page is available in the Catholic Web Links Section and includes links to sites which provide parish/Mass time information
* To assist visitors, we have added some explanatory text to the site search page. To view, please go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/search.asp
* Don't forget your free 2010 liturgical calendar-flier! Go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_liturgical_calendar.htm (see links to free fliers "Sundays of the Year / Moveable Feasts: 2000 A.D. - 2050 A.D." and "Moveable Feasts: 2000 A.D. - 2050 A.D.") [Note: Fliers are based on the traditional calendar]
* Looking for ideas for good spiritual resolutions for 2010? You might be interested in the 'Increase Holiness' section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/increase_holiness.htm
* January marks another anniversary of the terrible tragedy of 'legalized' abortion in the U.S. For pro-life resources on our site, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/the_gift_of_life.htm and http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_life_reflections_life_issues.htm . You can also find pro-life resources in our Catholic Web Links section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/links.htm
* Another user-submitted article has been added to the site. It is entitled "I Will Die Childless Thanks To NFP" For index of articles, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_articles_index.htm . To submit your own article, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/article_submission.htm
* The 'post of the month' page has been updated for 12/09. This month it was chosen from the Catholic Life Section and it is titled "Why I Pray The Rosary Daily". To view the 'post of the month' page, please go to: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/post_of_the_month.htm . To submit a post in your choice of hundreds of categories, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fa/share_your_thoughts.htm
* Reminder: To help ensure delivery of your newsletter, please put our e-mail addresses (for both our regular newsletter AND our news updates) in your 'trusted senders' list - or use other applicable options your e-mail provider may offer to let them know that our e-mail is wanted.
* Please visit the "Notices" page for timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
+ + +
"...at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11)
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col. 3:17)
"[W]hatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask me any thing in my name, that I will do." (Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:13-14)
"No voice can sing, nor heart can frame, nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than Thy blest name, O Savior of mankind." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)
"With the Name of Jesus we shall overthrow the demons; we shall put them to flight." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
"Jesus! A sweet name, a delightful name! A name that comforts sinners and offers blessed hope. A name that is a joyful cry from the heart, that is music to the ear and honey in the mouth." (St. Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church)
"Think upon the Name of Jesus, and it will break up thine enemies plans, conquer them, and put them to flight. This is the Name deserving of all honor, at which the wicked spirits ever tremble. This is the Name of salvation, and the wonderful consolation which comforts the sorrowful." (Bernardine de Bustis, as quoted by Dom Gueranger)
"Is anyone among you sad? Let but Jesus come into his heart, and the mouth echo him, saying Jesus! And Lo! The light of that Name disperses every cloud, and brings sunshine back again. Have any of you committed sin? And is despair driving you into the snare of death? Invoke the Name of life, and life will come back to the soul. Was there ever a man, that, hearing this saving Name, who could keep up that common fault of hardness of heart, or drowsiness of sluggishness, or rancor of soul, or languor of sloth? If anyone, perchance felt the fountain of his tears was dry, did it not gush forth more plentifully than ever and flow more sweetly than ever, as soon as he invoked the Name of Jesus? If any of us were ever in danger, and our heart beat with fear, did not this name of power bring us confidence and courage the moment we pronounced it? When we were tossed to and fro by perplexing doubts, did not the evidence of what was right burst on us as we called upon the Name of light? when we ere discouraged, and well nigh crushed, by adversity, did not our heart take courage, when our tongue uttered the Name of help? All this is most true; for all these miseries are the sicknesses and faintings of our soul, and the Name of Jesus is our Medicine." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)
+ + +
Also see...
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_litanies.htm
Name of Jesus Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_Jesus_Christ.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Catholic Trivia
1. What do the initials NSMV stand for and where do they appear?
2. The words 'amen, amen' used by Jesus and recorded in Holy Scripture may be equivalent to what?
3. What does Cordis Sanctae Iesu refer to?
4. He who honors his father what?
5. Who is patron saint of hatters?
6. What is St. Ignatius of Loyola patron of?
7. Which saintly bishop, known for holiness & miracles, aided Pope St. Damasus and was a friend of St. Ambrose?
8. What does Liber Usualis refer to?
9. Did the 1917 Code of Canon Law instruct men & women to sit close together in church?
10. The following is a short biography of which Pope? "Did much building and restoring, including construction of the 'Leonine city' to protect St. Peter's. Made other provisions for Rome's defense. Defended papal rights, restored Church disciple, performed miracles, and instituted the observance of the octave of the Assumption."
---
Answers:
1. The initials NSMV stand for "Nunquam suade mihi vana" ("suggest not to me thy vain things"). They appear on the medal of St. Benedict and are directed at the deceits of the devil.
2. "These words, 'Amen, amen,' are equivalent, in the Hebrew language, to a solemn oath." (Muller)
3. Latin for Sacred Heart of Jesus
4. "He who honors his father atones for sins" (Sirach 3:3)
5. St. James the Lesser
6. Scruples, Soldiers
7. St. Zenobius
8. Book of Gregorian Chant
9. No. The 1917 Code of Canon Law stated that: "It is desirable that, consistent with ancient discipline, women be separated from men in church." (Can. 1262 § 1, 1917 Code of Canon Law)
10. Pope St. Leo IV
---
For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
Like trivia? You might enjoy our crossword puzzles located at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_crossword_puzzles.htm
You might also be interested in the Q & A and historical information which may be found each day on the MCS Daily Digest at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Liturgical Feasts in January
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for January as they appear at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/feasts.htm
Note: (T) = Traditional, (N) = New (Novus Ordo)
+ + +
January 1 - Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ (T)
January 1 - Octave Day of Christmas (T)
January 1 - Octave of Christmas (N)
January 1 - Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (N)
January 2 - St. Basil the Great (N)
January 2 - St. Gregory Nazianzen (N)
January 3 - The Most Holy Name of Jesus (N)
January 4 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (N)
January 5 - St. Telesphorus, pope (T)
January 5 - Vigil of the Epiphany (T)
January 5 - St. John Neumann (N)
January 6 - Epiphany of Our Lord (T)
January 6 - Epiphany [Note: Epiphany is celebrated on 1/6 in the universal calendar, but in the U.S. it may be transferred to the Sunday after the first Saturday in January] (N)
January 7 - St. Raymond of Penyafort (N)
January 11 - St. Hyginus, pope (T)
January 13 - St. Hilary of Poitiers (N)
January 14 - St. Felix of Nola (T)
January 14 - St. Hilary of Poitiers (T)
January 15 - St. Maurus (T)
January 15 - St. Paul the First Hermit (in Thebaide) (T)
January 16 - St. Marcellus I, pope (T)
January 17 - St. Anthony the Abbot (T)
January 17 - St. Anthony the Abbot (N)
January 18 - Chair of St. Peter the Apostle at Rome (T)
January 18 - St. Paul (T)
January 18 - St. Prisca (T)
January 19 - St. Canute (T)
January 19 - Sts. Marius, Martha, Audifax & Abachum (T)
January 20 - St. Fabian, pope (T)
January 20 - St. Sebastian (T)
January 20 - St. Fabian, pope (N)
January 20 - St. Sebastian (N)
January 21 - St. Agnes (T)
January 21 - St. Agnes (N)
January 22 - St. Anastasius (T)
January 22 - St. Vincent (T)
January 22 - St. Vincent (N)
January 23 - St. Emerentiana (T)
January 23 - St. Raymund of Pennafort (T)
January 24 - St. Timothy (T)
January 24 - St. Francis de Sales (N)
January 25 - Conversion of St. Paul (T)
January 25 - St. Peter (T)
January 25 - Conversion of St. Paul, apostle (N)
January 26 - St. Polycarp (T)
January 26 - Sts. Timothy & Titus (N)
January 27 - St. John Chrysostom (T)
January 27 - St. Angela Merici (N)
January 28 - St. Agnes (T)
January 28 - St. Peter Nolasco (T)
January 28 - St. Thomas Aquinas (N)
January 29 - St. Francis de Sales (T)
January 30 - St. Martina (T)
January 31 - St. John Bosco (T)
January 31 - St. John Bosco (N)
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts see below & 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
+ + +
Please Note: Other Important Dates in January 2010...
January 1 - Holy Day of Obligation (T/N)
January 3 - Holy Name of Jesus (T) / Epiphany (N)
January 10 - Feast of the Holy Family (T) / Baptism of the Lord (N)
January 31 - Septuagesima Sunday (T)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Fresh New Start in 2010: Holiness Tips From the Saints
+++
We hope you enjoy the following "holiness tips from the saints"...
"You ask me for a method of attaining perfection. I know of love - and only love. Love can do all things." (St. Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church)
"Walk in the good, believe in God, don't try to acquire perfection by force, but do everything quietly and then you will be truly humble. God will give you everything." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"Nothing can be imagined more useful than for those who value their salvation to examine their consciences diligently twice every day, morning and night." (St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church)
"A sure way for a Christian to grow rapidly in holiness is a conscientious effort to carry out God's will in all circumstances and at all times." (St. Vincent de Paul)
"Do you want our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit Him seldom." (St. John Bosco)
"He who, when tempted, makes the Sign of the Cross with devotion, makes Hell tremble and Heaven rejoice." (St. John Vianney)
"When we are assailed by some vice, we must, as far as possible, embrace the practice of the contrary virtue." (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)
"Whosoever wishes to increase always in virtue and grace, should meditate without ceasing of the Passion of Jesus; for nothing conduces more to sanctify a soul than the frequent remembrance of the sufferings of Christ." (St. Bonaventure)
"Experience shows that the man who frequently subjects his thoughts, words and actions to a strict examination, gains new strength of soul both to detest and fly from evil and to desire and strive for the good." (Pope St. Pius X, "Haerent Animo", 1908)
"It is an old custom of the saints of God to have some little prayers ready and to be frequently darting them up to heaven during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the mire of this world. He who adopts this plan will obtain great fruits with little pains." (St. Philip Neri)
"Everything we do, we do as a preparation for the life to come. We weigh all in the light of that life, and consider it our duty to love and strive with might and main to attain whatever will help us reach it; whatever does not lead to it, we rightly put aside as worthless." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)
"Those who seek to perfect themselves in every aspect of virtue should look to the lives of the saints, which are like living and breathing works of art, and thus by imitation try to reproduce their virtues in their own life." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)
"Thus the servant of God ought not to fix his attention exclusively on one virtue, however great, but upon them all. Just as, in a viol, one string alone cannot produce harmonious music unless the others are made to contribute, so any single virtue is not sufficient to secure this spiritual harmony unless the others join in unison. A single defect destroys the whole value of a clock; so also it is with a spiritual life if but one virtue falters." (St. Peter of Alcantara)
For more holiness reflections, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/increase_holiness_reflections.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One Dozen Reflections on Faith
1 - "Make a note of the difference there is in believing in the existence of God and believing in him." (St. John Vianney)
2 - "[F]aith is not a gift of the proud but of the humble" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
3 - "Faith furnishes prayer with wings, without which it cannot soar to heaven." (St. John Climacus)
4 - "Reason is one thing, and faith is another, and reason can as little be made a substitute for faith, as faith can be made a substitute for reason." (Cardinal Newman)
5 - "Faith is the basis and foundation of all the other virtues, but particularly of hope and of charity." (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)
6 - "For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (St. James, Jms. 2:26)
7 - "[Faith] grows brighter and stronger under trial." (Liturgical Year)
8 - "[F]aith is the most precious possession of the just." (Liturgical Year)
9 - "[I]f faith be lost, all is lost." (Liturgical Year)
10 - "There is nothing more certain than our faith, nothing safer, nothing more holy, nothing that rests on firmer principles." (Pope Pius IX)
11 - "I may love by halves, I may obey by halves; I cannot believe by halves: either I have faith, or I have it not." (Cardinal Newman)
12 - "Since, then, without faith it is impossible to please God and reach the fellowship of his sons and daughters, it follows that no one can ever achieve justification without it, neither can anyone attain eternal life unless he or she perseveres in it to the end." (First Vatican Council)
For more faith reflections, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/feed_your_faith_reflections.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Jesus' Divinity (Continued From 12/09)
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.
- - -
Note: Text below is taken from http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Divinity_of_Christ.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: How Can Jesus be God Since Jesus Said the Father is Greater Than He Is and Since Christ Admitted to Not Knowing Something? What About the Other Indications That Christ Was Human or That He Had a Separate Will Than God? (Note: Topics are directed at Protestants)
Consider:
* Since Jesus took on our human nature while remaining God, He is rightly said to have two natures - one divine and one human. Speaking from the perspective of His divine nature, Christ was able to say that "The Father and I are one" (Jn. 10:30). Speaking from the perspective of His human nature, Christ said that "the Father is greater than I" (Jn. 14:28). Even though the statements appear contradictory, each is equally true. Christ clearly referred to his divine nature on various occasions in the Bible, and Scripture also clearly shows his human nature. "Jesus has two kinds of knowledge - divine and human - some things he answered with one, some things in another." Why is it that some non-Catholic 'Christian' sects see apparently contradictory statements in Scripture - all of which is written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - and simply choose one set of statements over the other? Should one not attempt to see how all statements are equally true? Why do some sects attempt to make a liar out of Holy Scripture?
* When Christ said that he didn't know the day or the hour (see Mk. 13:32), it should be noted that He is not saying that He doesn't know absolutely, but only in His human nature. In His human nature, it is unknown to Him, but in His divine nature, He knows the day that He is to return. It is clear from Scripture that Christ knows all things about that day and the time which will proceed it, therefore he must know when this will occur. And, clearly, a diversity of knowledge in the undivided Trinity makes no sense. It has also been explained that Christ's manner of speech may be taken to mean not that He is ignorant, but that it is "not expedient" to tell us this since we would not then be watchful, which is the entire point of the passage (see Mk. 13:32-37). One may also have to allow for a particular manner of speaking. For example, do you suppose that the omnipotent God really didn't know where Adam was after the fall because He inquired where Adam was (see Gen. 3:9)? Some additional relevant quotations appear below:
"How indeed could he know so accurately those things which are to proceed that hour and which are to take place at the end, but be ignorant of the hour itself? This thing would be like a riddle, as if one were to say that he knows accurately everything that is in front of a wall, but does not know the wall itself; or that he knows well the end of the day but knows not the beginning of the night, whereas knowledge of the one necessarily brings with it knowledge of the other. If, then, we may proceed from the example of what is seen to what is known, is it not perfectly plain to everyone that He does know as God, but says that, as man, he knows not?" (St. Gregory of Nazianz, Doctor of the Church, c. 380 A.D.)
"For how could anyone who confesses that the Wisdom Itself of God is incarnate say that there is anything of which the Wisdom of God is ignorant? Is it written? 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was, in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him.' If all things, then without a doubt even the day and hour of judgement. Who, then, is so foolish as to presume to say that the Word of the Father made that of which He was ignorant? It is also written, 'Jesus, knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His hands.' If all things, certainly the day of judgment and the hour. Who, then, is so stupid as to say that the Son received into His hands what He did not know?" (Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Doctor of the Church, c. 600 A.D.)
"Certainly, then, it is plain that as the Word He knows also the hour and the end of all things, although as man He is ignorant of it; for ignorance is proper to man, and especially in these matters. This, moreover, pertains to the Savior's love of man; for, inasmuch as He was made man, He is not ashamed, because of the ignorant flesh, to say, 'I do not know,' - so that He may demonstrate that, although as God He knows, according to the flesh He is ignorant. This, then, is why He did not say, 'nor does the Son of God know': lest the Godhead appear to be ignorant; but simply, 'nor the Son': so that the ignorance may be of the Son as born of man." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"(But) concerning that which has been written: That neither the Son, nor the angels know the day and the hour [cf. Mark 13:32], indeed, your holiness has perceived rightly, that since it most certainly should be referred not to the same son according to that which is the head, but according to his body which we are... He [Augustine] also says...that this can be understood of the same son, because omnipotent God sometimes speaks in a human way, as he said to Abraham: Now I know that thou fearest God [Gen. 22:12], not because God then knew that He was feared, but because at that time He caused Abraham to know that he feared God. For, just as we say a day is happy not because the day itself is happy, but because it makes us happy, so the omnipotent Son says He does not know the day which He causes not to be known, not because He himself is ignorant of it, but because He does not permit it to be known at all. Thus also the Father alone is said to know, because the Son (being) consubstantial with Him, on account of His nature, by which He is above the angels, has knowledge of that, of which the angels are unaware. Thus, also, this can be the more precisely understood because the Only-begotten having been incarnate, and made perfect man for us, in His human nature indeed did know the day and the hour of judgment, but nevertheless He did not know this from His human nature." (Pope St. Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church, 600 A.D.)
* The fact that Scripture indicates that Christ is fully human does not mean that Christ is not also fully divine. In fact, Scripture even says that "in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily" (Col. 2:9). Therefore, it is to be expected that Scripture sometimes refers to His divinity, and sometimes to his humanity. For example, we see that Christ performed great miracles, including raising people from the dead, yet he shed tears over the death of his friend. We see that Christ was troubled by his upcoming trials, yet we know he could have escaped them if He wished to do so. Since Christ is both God and Man, He can simultaneously be troubled as a Man, but not troubled in His divinity. "In writing of the human attributes of the Word, one must know also what concerns His divinity... When, therefore, he speaks of His weeping, he knows that the Lord, having become man, exhibited His humanity by His weeping, while as God He raised Lazarus and he knows that the Lord hungered and thirsted physically, while divinely He fed five thousand with five loaves" (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
* The fact that Christ referred to His will independently of His Father's will (e.g. Lk. 22:42, Jn. 5:30) does not prove that Christ is not God. Rather, in such passages, Christ is speaking of His human will. Certainly, the divine will is always one and the same, with no division whatsoever. Some additional relevant quotations appear below:
"If then there is but one will of the Father and Son, how is it that He says, 'Only not as I will, but as You will'? Were this saying to be attributed to the Divinity it would result in a certain contradiction and it would give birth to numerous absurdities. But if it is attributed to the flesh the words will have such consistency that no complaint will be possible." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, c. 387 A.D.)
"The Lord says, 'The Father and I are one;' and again, it is written of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 'And the three are one.' Does anyone believe that in the Church this unity which proceeds from the divine stability and which is welded together after the heavenly patterns, can be divided, and can be separated by parting asunder of opposing wills? Whoever holds not fast to this unity holds not to the law of God; neither does he keep faith with the Father and the Son, nor does he have life and salvation. This sacrament of unity, this bond of an inseparably cohering harmony, is indicated in the Gospel when the tunic of the Lord Jesus Christ is in no way divided nor cut apart." (St. Cyprian of Carthage, c. 251 A.D.)
"And when [our Lord Christ] says, 'Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me; yet, not My will be done, but Yours;' and 'the spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak,' He gives evidence therein of two wills, the one human, which is of the flesh, and the other divine, which is of God. That which is human, because of the weakness of the flesh, shrinks from suffering. That, however, which is divine is ready. Then too, Peter, hearing about the passion says, 'Cheer up, Lord;' but the Lord, chiding him, says 'Get behind Me, Satan; you are a scandal to Me, because you are mindful not of the things of God but of the things of men.' This, too, then is to be understood in the same way: for, having been made in the likeness of men, as a man He shrinks from suffering; but being God and, in according with the divine substance, really not being subject to suffering, He readily accepts suffering and death." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
* The fact that Christ said that no one has ever seen God (Jn.1:18, 1 Jn.4:12) does not mean that Christ is not God, but rather refers to a "perfect comprehension" of God. This may be made more clear by the fact that Christ also says that whoever sees Him sees the Father (cf. Jn. 12:45, Jn. 14:8-12). "Whenever God appears not as He is, but shows Himself in such a way as to enable Himself to be seen, measuring Himself to the weak vision of those seeing Him, that display of Himself is an accommodation... Why does John say, 'No one has ever seen God'? So that you might learn that he is speaking about the perfect comprehension of God and about the precise knowledge of Him." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, c. 386 A.D.)
For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Closing Quotations...
Prayer for Love of the Holy Name & Increase of Religion: "O God of all power, to whom belongs whatsoever is best: implant in our hearts the love of thy name, and grant us an increase of religion: that thou mayst nourish what is good in us, and, whilst we make endeavors after virtue, mayst guard the things thus nourished. Through Christ our Lord. Amen." (Collect)
"There is nothing which so restrains the impulse of anger, calms the swelling of pride, heals the wound of envy, represses the insatiability of luxury, smothers the flame of lust, quenches the thirst of avarice, and dispels the fever of uncleanness - as the name of Jesus. For when I pronounce this Name, I bring before my mind the Man, who, by excellence is meek and humble of heart, benign, sober, chaste, merciful, and filled with everything that is good and holy, nay who is the very God Almighty - whose example heals me, and whose assistance strengthens me. I say all this, when I say Jesus. Here have I my model for he is Man; and my help for he is God...believe me, it is wholesome, and good for every ailment thou canst possibly have. Ever have it with thee, in thy bosom and in thy hand; so that all thy affections and actions may be directed to Jesus." (St. Bernard, Doctor of the Church)
"Blessed be the Name of Jesus. (Benedictum Nomen Iesu.)" (From the Divine Praises) [English / Latin]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
We sincerely welcome feedback regarding our newsletters. Please visit our newsletter feedback page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/newsletter_feedback.htm to share your comments.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Thank You For Being a Subscriber to the MyCatholicSource.com E-Mail List.
We Wish You God's Blessings.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Note: Please do not reply to this e-mail address. If you are not a subscriber to this newsletter and you wish to join or if you are a subscriber and wish to unsubscribe, please go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/mail_list.htm . To contact us regarding other matters, please visit our feedback page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/feedback.htm
Use of site / newsletter is subject to our terms of use. For terms information, visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/terms_of_use.htm
MyCatholicSource.com is a division of B.F.S. Our mailing address is: Attn.: MyCatholicSource.com, B.F.S., P.O. Box 4292, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729-4292
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Please support quality Catholic content & help us maintain our non-commercial appearance...
* Invite a friend to MyCatholicSource.com - for online form, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/invite_a_friend.htm
* Pray for us
* Link to us in blogs, newsgroups, etc.
* Donate From $1.00 - please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/what_your_donation_might_do.htm
* For more free & low-cost methods, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help_us_keep_our_non-commercial_appearance.htm
We appreciate your support!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -