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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - January, 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
* The Sure & Only Way To Happiness
* "If there is one thing that honors the name of Jesus more than another..."
* Liturgical Feasts in January
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine?
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Dear Friend,
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)
We send our best wishes to you for a blessed and holy new year! Whether or not you join the many in making resolutions this time of year, we encourage you to at least consider making one good spiritual resolution for 2013 for which you will earnestly try to keep. As some saints have said...
"In the spiritual life, whoever doesn't go forward goes backward. It's the same as with a boat that must always go forward. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back." (St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina)
"I earnestly pray you not to forget your own progress in virtue: for you are well aware that one who does not make progress in virtue, goes backwards." (St. Francis Xavier)
To that end, we'd like to remind of this 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) Also, please see below for a link for assistance with spiritual resolutions.
As we look forward to this new year, we hope to accomplish much progress on our new site redesign. We plan to roll out the new design in phases over the coming year (or for however long it takes). As indicated previously, this is a MAJOR undertaking for us and we have limited time and resources to devote to it. Nevertheless, we have already made some progress. For additional information on the proposed new design, please see below.
Lastly, we'd like to remind that the preparatory time for Lent begins this month (in the traditional calendar, Septuagesima Sunday falls this year on January 27). Please see below for a link for Lenten resources.
We wish you many blessings throughout this new year,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"Now, as all salvation comes from Jesus Christ - for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved - Our ardent desire is that the most holy name of Jesus should rapidly pervade and fill every land." (Pope Leo XIII)
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MCS News & Notes
* News Update: We have added highlights from Pope Benedict XVI's recent Motu Proprio On Charity ("De Caritas ministranda") to our news page and blog. Among other things, this document states that charitable initiatives promoted by or supported by the Church are to be "managed in conformity with the demands of the Church's teaching and the intentions of the faithful" and that they "are required to follow Catholic principles in their activity and they may not accept commitments which could in any way affect the observance of those principles." It emphasizes that charitable activities should "keep alive the spirit of the Gospel" and reminds that "The Church's charitable activity at all levels must avoid the risk of becoming just another form of organized social assistance." To view additional highlights from this Motu Proprio, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/News or http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Blog
* 'Papal Tweets': We have added a link to Pope Benedict's new Twitter account to our Catholic News Links page. To view, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/news/catholic_news_links.htm
* Site Redesign Update: We've made some progress on the previously mentioned site redesign. With our proposed new design, we have tried to somewhat maintain the present 'look and feel' of our existing site, yet we have incorporated various new elements (e.g. ability to expand the display to fit both large & small screens, addition of a watermark/background image, addition of some color changing elements). We have also shifted the side border to the right. While we would prefer to avoid this latter change, it is very important for us to make this adjustment. Although it's a bit different at first, we hope it won't take visitors very long to get adjusted to. We hope to have a sample page available for preview within the next few months. If you'd like an advance preview of the proposed new design, please reply to this newsletter with the words "site preview" in the subject line. We would like as many people as possible to preview and comment on the proposed new design. We thank you in advance for your participation.
* 2013 Resolutions: For assistance with spiritual resolutions for the new year, please try the 'Spiritual Growth' Topic Page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-spiritual_growth.htm
* Pro-Life Resources: 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
* Lenten Preparations: This year Septuagesima Sunday (in the traditional calendar) falls on January 27. For resources to begin preparing for Lent, please try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lent.htm
* Reminder: For your free 2013 liturgical calendar-flier (Jan.-Dec.), 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]
* Have friends or family that might benefit from our newsletter? Please invite them to subscribe at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/mail_list.htm
* We love to hear from you! Please submit comments at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/newsletter_feedback.htm
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* Have a new (or old) iPad®, iPhone®, iPod touch®, or Android™ device? Please consider purchasing Catholic apps in support of our site. For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps ) [Note: For Android apps, please visit www.MyCatholicSource.com/AndroidApps ]
* Since Lent is just around the corner, please consider purchasing our 'most beautiful' Catholic app, iStations. This app is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). It features beautiful images, two traditional methods, a handy audio option with optional auto-advance, selected prayers in English & Latin, easy navigation, and in-app help. It's great for Fridays, Lent, penitential times, family devotions, and daily meditation - any time you can't make it to your parish. Users of the app (both platforms) have called it "penetrating and profound", "excellent", "great", "simply beautiful", "wonderful", and "beautifully sublime". Three reviewers have referred to a version of the app as the "best" stations app. Download it today at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 . For more information & screen shots, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps . Note: For more information, download links and screen shots for the Android version of this app, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android
* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. They really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.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 January 2013
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The Month of January: Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
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"When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." (Lk. 2:21)
"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)
"With the Name of Jesus we shall overthrow the demons; we shall put them to flight." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
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Related Resources...
* Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Jesus.htm
* Prayers to Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Jesus (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_Jesus_Christ.htm
* Jesus (Papal Writings) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/classic_encyclicals_by_category.htm
* Jesus' Teachings (A-Z) - 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
* Fulfilled Biblical Prophecies Concerning Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies.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
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"I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, (rise and) walk." (St. Peter, Acts 3:6)
"...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)
"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)
"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)
"The Eternal Father Himself, through the Archangel Gabriel, gave the name of Jesus to the Son of God made man, at the moment when the Archangel announced to the Blessed Virgin the mystery of the Incarnation ["Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus." (Lk. 1:31)]." (Catechism of Pope St. Pius X)
"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)
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The Sure & Only Way To Happiness
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The following is taken from the widely acclaimed writings of Thomas à Kempis (d. 1471). [Please Note: We have made various changes to the text below (e.g. changed capitalization, spelling, punctuation)]
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The sure and only way to happiness, is to make Me [God], My Son, the chief and ultimate end of all thy actions and desires. By this thy sincerity will best be proved; by this thy mind refined and purified from all those sordid interests and partial respects, which are apt to debauch human nature, too much of it self addicted to private gain and selfishness, and those false prospects of happiness which the love of this world vainly proposes... Keep Me then constantly in view, and aim at nothing but the advancement of My honor: Which is indeed but reasonable and just, since I am the First and Perfect Good; the Source from whence all things flow, and therefore all of right return to, and should center at last in Me again. I ask but of My own, the tribute and acknowledgment of the successes given by My providence, of the actions performed by virtue of My concurrence, of the very faculties and powers originally inspired by My creating Spirit.
The high and honorable, as well as mean and low, the rich and poor, all drink of this common Fountain, and the most powerful of the sons of men can do nothing, till furnished will ability from hence. This Spring is inexhaustible, and they who receive most, and are grateful in their returns, I water with more liberal measures of grace. Them that honor Me, I never fail to honor and bless in a visible and eminent manner; But, if men glory in any thing but the Lord, I blast their devices, disappoint their hopes, make them ashamed of their vain boastings. For so have I ordered matters by My providence, that no true lasting satisfaction shall ever fill that heart which sets its affections upon private and paltry advantages. Crosses from without, and perplexities from within, are the certain consequence of worldly desires, and selfish principles.
If therefore thou hast received or done any good thing, take care of misplacing the honor and thanks due for it, upon thyself, or any other person. For this is robbing God of His due, from whom men receive whatever they have, or are; and stand in duty and equity bound, to pay Him their acknowledgments. Since therefore the whole is My gift, when I demand the whole thanks and praise, I demand but the product of My own; and this is what, as I injure no man in requiring, so I resolve never to depart from.
This is the true Principle of Justice. Necessary to be considered, and thoroughly submitted to; because it checks and utterly confounds that other most pernicious Principle of Pride and Vain-glory, to which mankind are so exceeding prone. Nor is it less conducive to their happiness, than to their duty; for, where this generous love and regard of Me takes place, it does not only engage My favor, but secures the man from envy, and discontent, partiality, and every other passion, that uses to torment little and worldly-minded people. For this respectful deference, and fervent love of God enlarges the soul, and fills it with great and truly noble thoughts. And therefore this is a certain mark of true and heavenly Wisdom to make Me its only joy, and hope; For how can he be wise, who does not see that God is the perfection and [origin] of all Good, and that the necessary consequence of His being so is that He is to be praised, honored, admired, in, and for, and above all: Since all the good which men pretend to esteem, is by communication from Him; an emanation from His fullness, an effect of that sole, that Universal Cause.
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"Happy those who do what is right, whose deeds are always just." (Ps. 106:3)
"Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in God's commands." (Ps. 112:1)
"Happy those whose way is blameless, who walk by the teaching of the Lord. Happy those who observe God's decrees, who seek the Lord with all their heart. They do no wrong; they walk in God's ways." (Ps. 119:1-3)
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For more reflections, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/reflections_categorized.htm
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"If there is one thing that honors the name of Jesus more than another..."
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The following excerpt is taken from "New and Old (Sermons): A Monthly Repertory of Catholic Pulpit Eloquence". The publication, which was compiled by Fr. Wirth & has copyright date of 1891, attributes the text to an adaptation of the Paulist Sermons. [Please note: We have made various changes to the original text (e.g. capitalization changes)]
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Every fresh effort you make to overcome a fault, or perfect a habit of virtue, will do more honor to the Holy Name of Jesus, than if you studded it with jewels upon your walls, or engraved it on your bodies in letters of blood. Perhaps the world is courting you just now with its hollow promises and its false pleasures, and your heart is divided between it and your duty to God. If so, call upon the Holy Name, and there will open to your mind's eye the vision of One who loved you so much as to give His life for you. In sudden storms of passion, whether of anger, or jealousy, or unholy desire, when you feel your heart rise and swell like the waves of the sea under the power of the wind, call then upon the Holy Name, and a heavenly calm will settle upon your soul. If there is one thing that honors the name of Jesus more than another, it is patience under suffering. When the hand of pain presses heavily upon you, O, how richly you honor the Holy Name by praying for resignation in His strength, who won His best right to that Name during the bitter sufferings of his Passion! [Reminder: The name Jesus means 'Savior']
Remember the beautiful example set us by the very first follower of our Lord in the path of martyrdom, St. Stephen. As he was preparing to die, he knew well where to seek his much-needed strength; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he saw the beautiful face of Jesus smiling down upon him. The sharp stones began to tear their rough way through his bleeding body, and as he looked once more upon that consoling celestial vision, he cried out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Who would not wish to have this name upon his lips when it comes his turn to die? There is none, I am sure, before me who does not. Well, then, remember that the only hope we can reasonably have of securing so great a blessing at the hour of death is in venerating and often calling upon His Holy Name while we are alive and well. Amen.
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For more reflections, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/reflections_categorized.htm
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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.
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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)
* Holy Day of Obligation
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, see below and 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...
1/2/13 - Holy Name of Jesus (T)
1/13/13 - Feast of the Holy Family (T)
1/13/13 - Baptism of the Lord (N)
1/27/13 - Septuagesima Sunday (T)
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'Catholic Trivia'
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Note: This month, all trivia is based on passages from Holy Scripture.
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1. What does St. Paul tell us not to be led astray about in 1 Cor. 15:33?
2. Complete the passage... "Every living thing loves its own kind, every man a man like himself. Every being is drawn to its own kind; with his own kind every man associates. Is a wolf ever allied with a lamb? So it is with ___."
3. Where words are many, what is not wanting?
4. Complete the passage... "In whatever you do, remember your last days, and ___."
5. Who are we to cast our worries upon and why?
6. Complete the passage... "Be generous to all the living, and withhold not ___."
7. According to Proverbs (Ch. 6), what are some things the Lord hates?
8. Complete the passage... "Do not be conquered by evil but ___."
9. Whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his ways will what?
10. What do the following four passages have in common? Ps. 97:10, Prov. 8:13, Amos. 5:15, Rom. 12:9
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Answers:
1. In 1 Cor. 15:33, St. Paul says, "Do not be led astray: 'Bad company corrupts good morals.'"
2. "Every living thing loves its own kind, every man a man like himself. Every being is drawn to its own kind; with his own kind every man associates. Is a wolf ever allied with a lamb? So it is with the sinner and the just." (Sirach 13:14-16)
3. "Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but he who restrains his lips does well." (Prov. 10:19)
4. "In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin." (Sirach 7:36)
5. "Cast all your worries upon (God) because he cares for you." (1 Pt. 5:7)
6. "Be generous to all the living, and withhold not your kindness from the dead." (Sirach 7:33)
7. "There are six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him; Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, the false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers." (Prov. 6:16-19)
8. "Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." (Rom. 12:21)
9. "My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (Jms. 5:19-20)
10. Hating evil: "The Lord loves those who hate evil, protects the lives of the faithful, rescues them from the hand of the wicked." (Ps. 97:10); "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil" (Prov. 8:13); "Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate" (Amos. 5:15); "Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good" (Rom. 12:9)
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For more information concerning the topics above, try the Scripture/Parables Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/scripture.htm , and also 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
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine?
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: Do You Reject Transubstantiation or That the Eucharist is Truly Christ's Flesh and Blood Under the Mere Appearance of Bread & Wine? [Note: Topic is directed at Protestants]
Consider:
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that "anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Cor. 11:29)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that "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)? Certainly if it was mere bread and wine one would not be guilty of the body and blood of Christ!
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why does Scripture say that many persons were ill, infirm, and dying specifically because they didn't discern the body (see 1 Cor. 11:30)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, how could it be said to be "a participation in the body of Christ" (1 Cor. 10:16)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say it was his body and his blood (and *not* a symbol or figure)? Why did Christ say that the bread and the contents of the cup would be given up / shed for the forgiveness of sins if the bread and the contents of the cup were only symbolic? How could mere bread and wine attain the forgiveness of sins? How could Christ call mere bread and wine his body and blood? If the bread and wine remained, in substance, along with Christ's body and blood, why did Christ say "is" instead of "contains"?
Mt. 26:26-28 (emphasis added): "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; THIS IS MY BODY.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you, for THIS IS MY BLOOD of the covenant, WHICH WILL BE SHED on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.'"
Mk. 14:22-24 (emphasis added): "While they were eating, [Jesus] took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it; THIS IS MY BODY.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, 'THIS IS MY BLOOD of the covenant, WHICH WILL BE SHED for many.'"
Lk. 22:19-20 (emphasis added): "Then [Jesus] took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN for you; do this in memory of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant IN MY BLOOD, WHICH WILL BE SHED for you.'"
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why did Christ say that "the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world" (Jn. 6:51)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why did the Jews ask "How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?" (Jn. 6:52)? If they were mistaken, why didn't Jesus correct them? Why didn't He make the doctrine easier for them to accept? Why did Christ not mention that they shouldn't be taking Him so literally? Why did Christ - who sought unity among his followers - allow a 'misunderstanding' to divide his disciples? Why would Christ let them leave over a simple misunderstanding? Why did Christ not correct this 'misunderstanding', but instead emphasize his 'troubling' doctrine even more strongly (see Jn. 6:53)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you" (Jn. 6:53)? Do you not take Christ at His word?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink" (Jn. 6:55)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (Jn. 6:56)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did Christ say that "the one who feeds on me will have life because of me" (Jn. 6:57)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh under the mere appearance of bread, why does Jesus say that "Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread [that is, the Eucharist] will live forever" (Jn. 6:58)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ's disciples leave Him over this doctrine (see Jn. 6:66)? Do you seriously believe they left Christ over bread? Why is it they knew Christ was speaking literally, but you don't?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ allow these disciples to leave him (see Jn. 6:66)?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine - but is only symbolism - why did Christ ask his apostles if they also wanted to leave Him over this doctrine (see Jn. 6:67)?
* Why is it that Scripture shows that those who rejected the Eucharist were the first to leave Christ - "the first 'protest-ants'", yet you (or your non-Catholic 'Christian' ancestors) have essentially left the Church over the same thing and see no problem with it? Doesn't it concern you that you reject the very thing that many of Christ's disciples rejected - the very disciples that Christ let leave Him (see Jn. 6:66)? Doesn't it bother you that those who rejected this very teaching are referred to in Scripture as the unbelievers (see Jn. 6:64)?
* What exactly is it that you imagine Christ means when He says to do "this" in memory of Him (Lk. 22:19)? Are you implying that "this" means to *pretend* to consume His flesh and blood?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh & blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why did the apostles teach this and why did all the earliest Christians believe this? Why were first century Christians charged with cannibalism? [Note: Of course their actions weren't really cannibalistic. Although the Eucharist is Christ's true flesh and blood, It is received sacramentally (as the Apostles received It) under the appearance of bread and wine.]
* Why is it that non-Catholic 'Christians' claim to be saved by 'faith alone', yet have no faith in the teaching of Christ which requires the most faith? Do you not realize that if you reject the Eucharist - Christ's body and blood - you are *directly* rejecting Christ?
* If you question whether the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Eucharist are possible - do you also question the change of water into wine noted in Scripture (see Jn. 2:1-11) and the miraculous increase of bread noted in Scripture (Mt. 14, Mk. 6, Lk. 9, Jn. 6 - one of the limited number of things mentioned in all four Gospels!)? Note that both of these events prefigure the miracle of the Eucharist! Is it that you think Christ couldn't or wouldn't accomplish this marvel (of the Eucharist)? Surely you know that Christ - being God - can do anything, and since Christ tells us He will do this (and lets the unbelievers leave him), why do you not believe that He does what He says?
* Besides the Old Testament manna, are you aware of the many passages of Scripture which foreshadow the Eucharist? Did you realize that Christ was even born in Bethlehem (meaning "House of Bread")?
* Why is it that many non-Catholic 'Christians' reject the Eucharist as being Christ's true flesh and blood, yet Satanists apparently believe that it is (they have been known to steal the Eucharist from Catholic churches for their satanic rituals)? Why is it that Satanists appear to have more 'faith' than those who go by the 'faith alone' theory? Why is it that Satanists - Christ's professed enemies - are known to steal the Eucharist from Catholic churches but are not known for stealing of bread wafers from Protestant 'churches'? Why is it that even our mortal enemies prove the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist yet you do not believe?
* Why do you say that the Eucharist is only a symbol or figure of Christ's body and blood when the Bible never says that it is a symbol or figure - and, in fact, says the very opposite?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, why have even animals recognized the presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Why have some animals even shown It reverence? Why have dogs trained to search for human flesh recognized the Eucharist as human flesh?
* If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh and blood under the mere appearance of bread and wine, how can you account for the numerous - including various scientifically verified and well-documented - miracles concerning the Eucharist (e.g. bleeding Hosts, persons living only on the Eucharist, etc.)?
* Why does Christ tell us that the Eucharist is His flesh and his blood, yet you deny it? Do you imagine that you know better than Christ? If the Eucharist is not truly Christ's flesh, why did Christ say that it is? (Jn. 6:55, Mt. 26:26, Mk. 14:22, Lk. 22:19)
* Do you deny the Catholic Church's claims regarding the Holy Eucharist because you cannot understand how this change can occur or because it is "too difficult to understand"? If so, why do you subject the omnipotent God's truths to your human reasoning? Is it not fair to say that you will only have faith in that which you can understand? Why do you withhold faith in Christ's teachings because you cannot understand them fully? Why is it that you believe that God made Adam from the earth without understanding how this could be, but reject the Eucharist because you cannot understand how it could be?
* Is it possible that you do not believe in the Catholic Church's claims regarding Eucharist not because you cannot see how this doctrine is contained in Scripture, but merely because you simply do not have enough faith?
* Are you troubled by the fact that the Eucharist is sometimes still called "Bread and Wine" even after the consecration? If so, you should know that persons may still refer to It in that way not because they deny the Real Presence, but "because that is what It *appears* to be to the senses. Or it may be called such because that is what it was before the consecration (just as one might refer to a former president still as 'president')."
* Why is it that this element of the Christian religion [the Holy Eucharist] - which truly calls for faith - is one of the major points of disbelief for those in sects who fancy themselves 'saved by faith alone' and push for a 'personal relationship with Jesus'. Is it not fitting that those who deny the only true Church of Christ and claim that they are saved by "faith alone" are the ones who have *no* faith in the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and forgo the most personal relationship with Jesus that is possible? As indicated above, we see in the Gospel that Jesus Himself let those leave Him who could not accept His doctrine concerning the Holy Eucharist.
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"[T]he bread and the wine of the Eucharist before the holy invocation of the adorable Trinity were simple bread and wine, but the invocation having been made, the bread becomes the Body of Christ and the wine the Blood of Christ" (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
"If some have called the bread and wine [symbols] of the Body and blood of the Lord... they said this not after the consecration but before the consecration" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)
"Surely the word of Christ, who could make something that did not exist out of nothing, can change things that do exist into something they were not before. For it is no less extraordinary to give new natures to things than it is to change nature." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church)
"That Bread which you see on the altar, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the Body of Christ. That chalice, or rather, what is in that chalice, having been sanctified by the word of God, is the Blood of Christ." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, c. 5th century A.D.)
"And let all take care that no unbaptized person taste of the Eucharist... For it is the body of Christ to be eaten by them that believe [that is, the Eucharist is not to be eaten by unbelievers] and not to be lightly thought of." (St. Hippolytus, 3rd century A.D.)
"So long as the prayers of supplication and entreaties have not been made, there is only bread and wine. But after the great and wonderful prayers have been completed, then the bread is become the Body, and the wine the Blood, of our Lord Jesus Christ" (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, c. 373 A.D.)
"He Himself, therefore, having declared and said of the Bread, 'This is My Body,' who will dare any longer to doubt? And when He Himself has affirmed and said, 'This is My Blood,' who can ever hesitate and say it is not His Blood?" (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
"As to the truth of the Flesh and Blood there is no room left for doubt. For both from the declaration of the Lord Himself and from our own faith, it is truly Flesh and truly Blood. And when These are eaten and drunk, it is brought to pass that we are both in Christ and Christ in us." (St. Hilary of Poitiers, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"The Lord did not say: This is a symbol of My Body, and this is a symbol of My blood but: This is My Body and My Blood. He teaches us not to look to the nature of those things which lie before us and are perceived by the senses, for by the prayer of thanksgiving and the words spoken over them, they have been changed into Flesh and Blood." (Theodore of Mopsuestia, as quoted by Pope Paul VI)
"Christ did this to bring us to a closer bond of friendship, and to signify His love toward us, giving Himself to those who desire Him, not only to behold Him, but also to handle Him, to eat Him, to embrace Him with the fullness of their whole heart. Therefore as lions breathing fire do we depart from that Table, rendered objects of terror to the devil." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"Before it be consecrated it is bread; but where the words of Christ come in, it is the Body of Christ. Finally, hear Him saying: 'All of you take and eat of this; for this is My Body.' And before the words of Christ the chalice is full of wine and water; but where the words of Christ have been operative it is made the Blood of Christ, which redeems the people." (St. Ambrose of Milan, Doctor of the Church, c. 390 A.D.)
"It is clear, therefore, that the Virgin gave birth contrary to the order of nature. And this Body which we consecrate is from the Virgin; why do you seek the natural order here in the case of the Body of Christ, when the Lord Jesus Himself was born of the Virgin contrary to nature? It was certainly the true flesh of Christ which was crucified, which was buried; truly, therefore, the Sacrament is a sacrament of that flesh." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"We call this food Eucharist; and no one else is permitted to partake of it, except one who believes our teaching to be true and who has been washed in the washing which is for the remission of sins and for regeneration, and is thereby living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread no common drink do we receive these; but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too, as we have been taught, the food which has been made into the Eucharist by the Eucharistic prayer set down by Him, and by the change of which our blood and flesh is nourished, is both the flesh and blood of that incarnated Jesus." (St. Justin the Martyr, c. 148-161 A.D.)
"Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, and see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God. For love they have no care, nor for the widow, nor for the orphan, nor for the distressed, nor for those in prison or freed from prison, nor for the hungry and thirsty. They abstain from the Eucharist and prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the Flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, Flesh which suffered for our sins and which the Father, in His goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes... It is right to shun such men, and not even to speak about them, neither in public nor in private." (St. Ignatius of Antioch, c. 110 A.D.) [Note: Notice the date of this quotation - c. 110 A.D.]
"The Body is truly united to divinity, the Body which was from that of the Holy Virgin; not that the Body which was taken up comes back down from heaven, but that the bread itself and the wine are made over into the Body and Blood of God. If you inquire into the way in which this happens, let it suffice for you to hear that it is through the Holy Spirit, just as it was through the Holy Spirit that the Lord took on Himself from the Holy Mother of God the flesh that subsisted in Himself. More than this we do not know, except that the word of God is true and effective and all powerful... For those who partake worthily and with faith, it is for the remission of sins and for life everlasting, and a safeguard to soul and body... The bread and wine are not a type of the Body and Blood of Christ - perish the thought! - but the deified Body Itself of the Lord, since the Lord Himself has said, 'This is My Body'. He did not say a type of His body, but His Body; nor a type of His Blood, but His Blood" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)
"Whoever turns over the pages of the holy Fathers will easily perceive that on this doctrine (of transubstantiation) they have been at all times unanimous. St. Ambrose says: You say, perhaps, 'this bread is no other than what is used for common food.' True, before consecration it is bread; but no sooner are the words of consecration pronounced than from bread it becomes the flesh of Christ. To prove this position more clearly, he elucidates it by a variety of comparisons and examples, In another place, when explaining these words of the Psalmist, Whatsoever the Lord pleased he hath done in heaven and on earth, 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)
"...it can be clearly seen that the true body and blood of our Lord are contained in the Eucharist. The Apostle, after having recorded the consecration of bread and wine by our Lord, and also the administration of Communion to the Apostles, adds: But let a man prove himself, and so eat of that bread and drink of the chalice; for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. If, as heretics continually repeat, the Sacrament presents nothing to our veneration but a memorial and sign of the Passion of Christ, why was there need to exhort the faithful, in language so energetic to prove themselves? By the terrible word judgment, the Apostle shows how enormous is the guilt of those who receive unworthily and do not distinguish from common food the body of the Lord concealed in the Eucharist. In the same Epistle St. Paul had already developed this doctrine more fully, when he said: The chalice of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? and the bread which we break, is it not the participation of the body of the Lord? Now these words signify the real substance of the body and blood of Christ the Lord.... [Furthermore, we may consult] the Fathers who flourished in the early ages of the Church and in each succeeding century, who are the most unexceptionable witnesses of her doctrine. All of these teach in the clearest terms and with the most entire unanimity the truth of this dogma. To adduce the individual testimony of each Father would prove and endless task..." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Rejoice in the Lord, you just, and praise his holy name." (Ps. 97:12)
"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)
"You, Lord, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth." (Ps. 145:18)
"Jesus, Son of the living God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, splendor of the Father, Have mercy on us. Jesus, brightness of eternal light, Have mercy on us. Jesus, King of glory, Have mercy on us." (From the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus)
"God gave men only ten commandments and one of the ten has for its sole object the reverence due to His Name." (St. John Vianney)
"[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)
"If thou dost debate or converse, I find no pleasure in thy words, unless I hear there the name of Jesus. Jesus is honey on the lips, melody in the ear, joy in the heart. Yet not alone is that name light and food. It is also a remedy. Is any one amongst you sad? Let the name of Jesus enter his heart; let it leap thence to his mouth; and lo! the light shining from that name shall scatter every cloud and restore peace. Has some one perpetrated a crime, and then misled, moved despairingly towards the snare of death? Let him but invoke this life-giving name, and straightway he shall find courage once more... Whoever, all a-tremble in the presence of danger, has not immediately felt his spirits revive and his fears depart as soon as he called upon this name of power? There is nothing so powerful as the name of Jesus to check anger, reduce the swelling of pride, heal the smarting wound of envy." (St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church)
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