|
Return to MyCatholicSource.com | Sign Up For FREE Newsletter |
Copyright © 2011, B.F.S. All rights reserved. |
Why not have MyCatholicSource.com newsletters delivered free to your inbox? Click here
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - January, 2011
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
IN THIS ISSUE:
* New Year's Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
* 25 Aspirations For 2011
* Liturgical Feasts in January
* Norbertine Reflection on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Shouldn't the Catholic Church Be Condemned for the Inquisition?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Friend,
Greetings to you and best wishes for a blessed new year!
We wish you much success on your good resolutions for 2011. May the Lord help and guide you to achieve your worthy goals for this brand new year. To this end, we will include a saint's prayer below asking God's help in being faithful to one's resolutions.
And since so many make resolutions for the body (us included), might we suggest making at least one spiritual resolution this year as the health of our soul is so much more important than the health of our bodies. As a wise priest suggests, pray to the Lord for health of soul, mind, and body (in that order).
Thanks for your support of our site and newsletter.
Warmest regards,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
+ + +
Prayer to Be Faithful to One's Resolutions: "Grant, O Lord, that I may be faithful to my resolutions. Alas! I cannot depend upon myself, incapable as I am of fulfilling the least commitment. But I confide in Thee alone, Who art Goodness and infinite Mercy and Who cannot fail in Thy promises. O Supreme Goodness, when I failed, the failure was on my side! Henceforth, I desire Thee to act in me. Grant, O Lord, that I may keep my resolutions exactly and without fault. I firmly hope this from Thee, O Thou inexhaustible Treasure!" (St. Gerard Majella)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
MCS News & Notes
* We are facing difficult decisions concerning the future of our website in the days ahead. Please help keep us online. To respond to our emergency appeal, please donate here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/donate.htm . Please also invite your friends to visit MyCatholicSource.com & kindly keep us in your prayers.
* January marks another anniversary of the terrible tragedy of 'legalized' abortion in the U.S. For pro-life resources on our site (including: Life is a Gift From God, Scope of Abortion, Abortion Kills, Abortion is a Grave Sin, Risks & Aftermath, The Abortion Procedure, and More...), please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-pro-life.htm
* Reminder: For your free 2011 liturgical calendar-flier, go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_liturgical_year.htm and click your choice of "fliers" links [Note: Fliers are based on the traditional calendar]
* Looking for ideas for your 2011 spiritual resolutions? You might be interested in the 'Increase Holiness' section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/increase_holiness.htm
* Please see our Notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm for dates of anticipated service delays through January 2011
* Reminder: To shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com, please use this link: http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=mycathcom-20 . You can shop here for books, household & office products, Catholic items, electronics, and much more. Already shop at Amazon.com? It doesn't cost any extra to shop at Amazon using this link, yet we can benefit from your purchases. Thank you for your support!
* The 'post of the month' page has been updated for 12/10. This month it was chosen from the 'Notable Catholic Laity' Section and it is titled "God bless large families!" 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. Thank you.
* 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
+ + +
"And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins." (Mt. 1:21)
"Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus." (Lk. 1:31)
"And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." (Lk. 2:21)
+ + +
Related Resources...
* Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Jesus.htm
* Jesus (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_Jesus_Christ.htm
* Prayers to Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Jesus' Teachings - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_teachings.htm
* Jesus' Emphasized Statements - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_emphasized_statements.htm
* Jesus' Parables - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/parables.htm
* Jesus' Miracles & Signs - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_miracles_and_signs.htm
* Who Jesus is and Why You Should Believe - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/who_jesus_is_and_why_you_should_believe.htm
* Who Jesus Is / The Divinity of Christ (Apologetics) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Divinity_of_Christ.htm
* Jesus Christ, Our Lord (Crossword Puzzle) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_Jesus.html
* Jesus Christ, Our Lord (Word Search) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_Jesus.htm
* Jesus (Coloring Pages) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_coloring_activities.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
+ + +
"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)
"Jesus is the proper name of the God-man and signifies Savior: a name given Him not accidentally, or by the judgment or will of man, but by the counsel and command of God." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"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)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
25 Aspirations For 2011
+ + +
"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)
+ + +
This year, why not adopt the saints' practice of saying short prayers frequently each day? This action has been highly recommended any may offer the opportunity for gaining many indulgences. The following are some short prayers for your consideration. [Note: Where applicable, Latin versions of the prayers appear in brackets. For information on praying in Latin - the Church's official language - please go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/latin_language.htm ]
1. Jesus! [Jesu! (or Iesu!)]
2. Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
3. Assist me, O God!
4. Blessed be God in everything.
5. My God, I love Thee.
6. Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!
7. My Mother, my hope. [Mater mea, fidúcia mea.]
8. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. [Sancta Trínitas, unus Deus, miserére nobis.]
9. From all dangers, deliver us, O Lord. [A perículis cunctis, líbera nos, Dómine.]
10. Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.
11. O Jesus, be to me Jesus, and save me. (Note: 'Be to me Jesus' means 'Be to me Savior') [O Iesu, esto mihi Iesus et salva me.]
12. Draw us after thee, holy Mother. [Trahe me post te, sancta Mater.]
13. Hail, O Cross, our only hope. [O Crux, ave, spes única.]
14. From all sin deliver me, O Lord. [Ab omni peccáto líbera me, Dómine.]
15. O Jesus, with all my heart I cling to Thee. [O Iesu, toto corde tibi adhæreo.]
16. O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us! [O Iesu, Fili Dei vivi, miserére nobis!]
17. Lord, have mercy on me according to Thy great mercy.
18. Blessed be the Name of the Lord! [Sit Nomen Dómini benedíctum!]
19. Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things. [Iesu, Deus meus, super ómnia amo te.]
20. Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
21. Jesus, for love of Thee, with Thee and for Thee. [Iesu, amóre tui, tecum et pro te.]
22. Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us. [Mater de Perpétuo Succúrsu, ora pro nobis.]
23. Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory! [Laus tibi, Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae!]
24. Thy will be done! [Fiat volúntas tua!]
25. Thanks be to God. [Déo grátias.]
+ + +
"Pray without ceasing." (St. Paul, 1 Thes. 5:17)
"He who prays will be saved, he who does not pray will be damned!" (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
+ + +
For more aspirations / short prayers, try here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_aspirations.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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)
Reminder: Feasts may be superseded / transferred / etc.
+ + +
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 (Novus Ordo) 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
+ + +
Also...
+ Reminder: 1/1 is a Holy Day of Obligation (although it may be abrogated...contact your diocese/parish for more info.)
1/2/11 - Holy Name of Jesus (T) / Epiphany (N) [or 1/6]
1/9/11 - Feast of the Holy Family (T) / Baptism of the Lord (N)
Note: Last day of Christmastide: 1/13/10
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Norbertine Reflection on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
+ + +
The following is taken from a 1871 publication "Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays, Holidays and Festivals throughout the Ecclesial Year...", from the writings of a Norbertine priest, Fr. Leonard Goffine, with approbation by the Bishop of Ratisbon. We have made various minor changes to the text below (e.g. spelling, formatting, capitalization, combining paragraphs, references, etc.).
+ + +
Instruction for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Who Instituted This Festival?
Pope Innocent XIII who, in the year 1721, commanded that the most holy name of Jesus should be festively honored throughout the Catholic world, although, a few centuries before this, St. Bernard, with the sanction of the Apostolic See, had established the solemn veneration of this most holy name, in his order. In the Introit of this day's Mass, the Church thus shows the glory of this name: "In the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11) "Lord, our God, how admirable is Thy name in the whole earth!" (Ps. 8:2) Glory be to the Father...
Prayer of the Church
O God, who didst design Thy only begotten Son for the Redeemer of mankind, and commanded the name of Jesus to be given Him, mercifully grant, that we may, one day, be made worthy to behold His face in heaven whose holy name we honor on earth. Through the same Jesus Christ...
Lesson (Acts. 4:8-12)
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear: If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to this infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God has raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner: neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved.
Explanation
This lesson speaks of the omnipotence of the name of Jesus, through which not only are miracles performed, but on which alone our salvation depends. For Jesus alone can give us redemption and happiness; He alone under heaven has been given to man by God, that through Him happiness could he reached; He alone can break the fetters of error and sin in which all mankind, every human being, lies captured. He alone is the truth, He alone, as the Son of God, has power to give perfect satisfaction for sin, and to make us truly good; and the good alone can be saved. Cling, therefore, ever faithfully and firmly to Jesus, and depart not from Him; without Him you can accomplish nothing; with Him, through Him you can accomplish all things.
Remarks of St. Bernard on the Sweet Name of Jesus
The holy name of Jesus produces holy thoughts in us, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, lets good works bloom, and nourishes pure affections. All nourishment leaves our soul dry, if it contains not that penetrating oil, the name Jesus. When you take up your pen, write the name Jesus: you may make books, but if the name of Jesus is not in them, you are without strength and flavor for me; you may speak, or you may reply, but if the name of Jesus sounds not from your lips, you are without unction and without charm. Yes, it must be owned: Jesus is honey in our mouth, light in our eyes, a flame in our heart. This name is the cure for all the ills of the soul. Art thou troubled? think but of Jesus, speak but the name of Jesus, the clouds disperse, and peace descends anew from heaven.* Hast thou fallen into sin? and doest thou fear the net of death? invoke the name of Jesus, and soon wilt thou feel life returning. No obduracy of the soul, no weakness, no coldness, resists this holy name; no heart is so closed that it is not moved, and opens not in tears, to the name of Christ Jesus. Art thou surrounded by sorrow and danger? invoke the name of Jesus, and thy fears will vanish. Never yet was human being in urgent need, and on the point of perishing, who invoked this help-giving name, and was not powerfully sustained. It was given us for the cure of all our ills; it softens the impetuosity of anger, the tire of concupiscence, the movements of pride, the smart of our wounds, the thirst of avarice, the sensual passions, and the desires of low pleasures. If we call it to our minds, the very name of Jesus brings before us the most meek and humble heart of Jesus, and gives us a new knowledge of the most loving and tender compassion that ever yet was seen. The name of Jesus Christ, the purest and holiest, the noblest and most indulgent of men, of the God-Man, of sanctity itself, the name of all blessings and of all virtues! To think of Jesus is to think of the infinite great God, who, while He has given His life as an example to ours, has also given us the needful understanding and energy, and the assistance necessary to enable us to follow and imitate Him, in our thoughts and inclinations, and in our words and actions. If the name of Jesus reaches the depths of our heart, it leaves heavenly virtue there. We say, therefore, with our great master, St. Paul, the Apostle: If any man love not our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema (1 Cor. 16:22)
* St. Bernardine says the same: "Does grief bow us heavily, then we the more loudly call on Jesus." [Footnote in original]
+ + +
For more reflections, try here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/reflections_categorized.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'Catholic Trivia'
This month, there are 25 trivia questions & all items are themed [Theme: 'politically incorrect' (so to speak, at least in today's confused age) scripture verses from the NEW Testament]
[Reminder: Capitalization, punctuation, translations, references, etc. may vary. We recommend reading Scripture in full context in an appropriate Catholic Bible. Consult appropriate, competent Church authorities for assistance in interpreting / applying Scripture. 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 harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable/incautious or inappropriate/drastic actions, or take figurative items literally.]
+ + +
1. Those who sin belong to whom?
2. Who does St. Paul say to shun?
3. Who does the Son give life to?
4. Are ALL invited? Are MANY chosen?
5. In Acts, which gentiles came to believe in Christ?
6. What happens to those who do not remain in God's kindness?
7. What instruction does St. Paul give with regard to heretics in his letter to Titus, Chapter 3?
8. What does St. James say about those who keep the whole law, but fall short in one particular?
9. Who is the gospel veiled for?
10. What does St. Paul say to do to the brother who committed "immorality of a kind not found even among pagans"?
11. Can (unrepentant) adulterers or slanderers be saved?
12. Who will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord?
13. Who 'eats and drinks judgment upon himself'?
14. St. Paul says what about those who do not love the Lord?
15. According to St. Paul, who should we not be yoked with?
16. How does St. Paul instruct that (certain) sinners be reprimanded in 1 Tm.?
17. Who serves as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire?
18. Who is 'barely saved'?
19. What remains for those who sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth (and do not repent)?
20. Does St. Paul say those who do evil should not be afraid?
21. What does St. Paul instruct regarding the treatment of those who do not obey his letter?
22. Who are these 'biblical insults' attributed to? (1) "You son of the devil, you enemy of all that is right, full of every sort of deceit and fraud"; (2) "O stupid Galatians!"; (3) "you ignoramus"; (4) "Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God?"; (5) "You brood of vipers!"; (6) "You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father's desires"
23. What sin does Jesus say a divorced person commits when he/she takes up with another?
24. What does St. Paul say about women and silence?
25. What does St. Paul say about women praying with their heads uncovered? What reason does St. Paul give for the covering of women's heads?
---
Answers:
1. "Whoever sins belongs to the devil" (St, John, 1 Jn. 3:8)
2. "We instruct you, brothers, in the name of (our) Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us." (St. Paul, 2 Thes. 3:6)
3. "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 5:21)
4. No & no. "Many are invited, but few are chosen" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 22:14)
5. "All who were destined for eternal life came to believe" (Acts 13:48)
6. "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." (St. Paul, Rom. 11:22)
7. "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." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)
8. "For whoever keeps the whole law, but falls short in one particular, has become guilty in respect to all of it. For he who said, 'You shall not commit adultery,' also said, 'You shall not kill.' Even if you do not commit adultery but kill, you have become a transgressor of the law." (St. James, Jms. 2:10-11)
9. "And even though our gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (St. Paul, 2 Cor. 4:3-4)
10. "The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst... 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." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 5:2, 11-13)
11. "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." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)
12. "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord [receives Holy Communion] unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:27)
13. "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body [of Christ in the Holy Eucharist], eats and drinks judgment on himself." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:29)
14. "If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 16:22)
15. "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.'" (St. Paul, 2 Cor. 6:14-18)
16. "Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 5:20)
17. "Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in s*xual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (St. Jude 1:7)
18. "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?'" (St. Peter, 1 Pt. 4:17-18)
19. "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." (St. Paul, Heb. 10:26-31)
20. No. Rather, he says: "Therefore, whoever resists [lawful] authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it, for it is a servant of God for your good. But 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." (St. Paul, Rom. 13:2-4)
21. "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." (St. Paul, 2 Thes. 3:14-15)
22. (1) & (2)-St. Paul; (3) & (4)-St. James; (5) & (6)-Our Lord Jesus Christ
23. Adultery. As expressed in the gospels: "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. 5:32); "I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 19:9); "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." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mk.10:11-12); "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)
24. "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." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 14:33-37) And: "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." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 2:11-15)
25. "But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:5) "A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:7-10)
---
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
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Shouldn't the Catholic Church Be Condemned for the Inquisition?
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__church_history.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Shouldn't the Catholic Church Be Condemned for the Inquisition?
Consider:
* When evaluating the Inquisition (actually "inquisitions" since there were more than one), it is necessary to consider things in their full context. Although enemies of the Church will point to some abuses, they invariably fail to mention the reasons for the Inquisition's existence and other important facts. For example, they often fail to note that:
* The Inquisition was restricted in scope and was limited to those inside the Church (or who claimed to be).
* The Inquisition sought to protect the life of children (e.g. against ritual murders that were being performed on Christian children) and adults (e.g. against those who considered all matter evil and promoted murder and suicide).
* The Inquisition sought to protect the Church's most holy of possessions (the Eucharist).
* The Inquisition sought to 'weed out' those who had "infiltrated the Church with a desire to destroy her from within."
* The Inquisition sought to 'weed out' "those who were defying the Church's teachings and were using their influence to pervert the faith of many."
* The Inquisition sought to protect the faith and root out heresy - heresy that can cause the eternal loss of souls (see Ti. 3:10-11)
* Many persons of the time actually welcomed the Inquisition "as an instrument of peace and security."
* The Inquisition has been credited with "keeping Christendom intact"
* The Inquisition provided guilty persons an advance opportunity to repent and receive only a light penance.
* Certain practices of the Inquisition have been praised for their fairness (e.g. secrecy, large juries, higher standards, etc.), especially when compared to the secular courts of their time. In fact, they have been called "meticulous" in comparison with the secular tribunals of the time. They required evidence (as opposed to mere charges) and persons were given an opportunity to repent. Even when compared against various Protestant practices, certain aspects of the Inquisition have been called "lenient". In fact, some even purposely tried to have their cases heard there instead of in the secular courts in order to gain a fairer hearing.
* Only a small percentage of convicted persons were turned over by the Inquisition to the state for punishment (the number of deaths has been greatly exaggerated by non-Catholics - in fact, some have claimed a number of persons killed which totaled more people than had even lived there!). It was not millions that were killed, but it has been estimated to be a few thousand over the centuries. Compared to other court systems of this time, this actually was considered to be "quite moderate".
* Punishments given by the Inquisition have been considered to be more lenient than punishments given at that time by the secular courts.
* The Inquisition was not used to persecute Jews - in fact, only those who were professed Christians were subject to Inquisition (note that Jews of the time may have pretended to be Christians - and had they not pretended to be such, they would not have been subject to the Inquisition). Remember that Spain had recently been liberated from the Muslims and had deported non-Christians "for security reasons".
* Although abuses occurred, they should be attributed to those persons who perpetrated them, not the Church as a whole. Further, it is said that the Church had a "softening effect" even on the Spanish Inquisition. It has also been shown that the number of abuses attributable to the Spanish Inquisition has been greatly exaggerated by her enemies. Finally, note that "Because of the Inquisition, Spain never suffered the internecine religious warfare unleashed by the Protestant Reformation (except in the Spanish Netherlands). Compared to the blood that would soon be shed between Protestants and Catholic, and between Protestant and rival Protestant sect, the blood on the hands of the Spanish inquisitors is but a thimbleful. Between 1551 and 1600, for example, the Spanish Inquisition claimed an average of four lives a year - making Spain by far Christendom's safest haven in this time of religious strife." (Crocker)
- - -
For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In Closing...
"[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)
"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)
"...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)
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12)
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out. Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought (you) to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace." (2 Pt. 3:10-14)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
* Please donate $1.00 or more - 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!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -