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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - February, 2016
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of February: Dedicated to the Holy Family
* Resources For Lent
* 'The School of Jesus Crucified': Acts of Adoration to the Five Wounds
* Liturgical Feasts in February
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Trust Martin Luther?
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Dear Friend,
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:1-2)
Greetings to you as we will soon enter the penitential season of Lent (Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, 2/10/16). With God's grace, we hope you will have a very profitable Lent that atones for past sins, moves you forward in your spiritual life, and prepares you well for Easter. Please see below for resources that we hope may be of assistance.
Also, it looks like we will need to change to a new server this month. This transition is always very challenging so any prayers would be appreciated. Please see below for additional detail concerning this switch to a new server.
We thank you for your support of our site & newsletter and wish you a blessed, holy Lent.
God bless you,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"[T]he observance of Lent is an essential mark of Catholicity" (Dom Gueranger)
"It is also true that we should practice mortification in many things to make reparation for our sins. There is no doubt that the person who lives without mortifying himself is someone who will never succeed in saving his soul." (St. John Vianney)
"The holy season of Lent is fast advancing; the choicest graces are being daily offered us; woe to the man whose mind is distracted by the fashion of this world that passeth away, and takes no thought for eternity and heaven, and, even in this time of grace, is like...a worthless weed of the desert. Oh how numerous is this class! And how terrible is their spiritual indifference! Pray for them, O ye faithful children of the Church, pray for them without ceasing. Offer up your penances and your almsgivings for them. Despair not, and remember that, each year, many straying sheep are brought to the fold by such intercession as this." (Dom Gueranger)
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MCS News & Notes
* Server Migration: For security reasons, it looks like it will very soon be time for new server. We are told that the new server should be comparable to what we have now, although it will contain a new operating system. The transition to a new server is always very difficult (think moving from one home to another and all the many things that entails), and this transition is particularly poorly timed for us. Nevertheless, it must be done. We cannot give a precise schedule at the time of this writing, but it looks like the migration process may begin at the very beginning of February (it is even possible that it begins a few days prior to the start of February). Depending on the issues we encounter during the process, we may or may not be able to update our site [although it is possible that we may place some update(s), if necessary, on our blog at http://mycatholicsource.blogspot.com/ ]. Again, this will be a brand new operating system, so we are not entirely certain what issues we may face until the migration unfolds. Unfortunately this transition means that there may be some outages, functionality & accessibility issues affecting our site as we move forward. Also, there may be issues with e-mail - affecting both the receiving and sending of email & possibly issues preventing us from sending out newsletters (for example, the last time we switched servers, we were not able to send out the 8/13 newsletter). Also, until we build up a reputation with the new IP number that we will be assigned, is likely that there will be mail delivery issues with our newsletter for some time after the transition. Other than requesting that subscribers add us to their list of trusted senders, there may be little we can do concerning this latter issue. Until the all matters are resolved, interested parties may read the online (text only) versions of our newsletters at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/newsletters/mcs_newsletters.htm . We do realize that the timing of this transition is unfortunate with Lent fast approaching (it is also very inconvenient for us personally at this time), nevertheless we must move forward as soon as possible. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our visitors & subscribers and we thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and prayers. God bless you.
* Service Delays: Due to medical reasons, please continue to expect some sporadic delays in all correspondence & services (including processing of posts) for the foreseeable future. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for any prayers.
* Reminder: A plenary indulgence may be available for Fridays in Lent. For more information on indulgences, please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Coloring Page for 2/14: For a Happy St. Valentine's Day coloring page, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_happy_saint_valentines_day.htm . [Note: For more on love / charity, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-love_charity.htm ]
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* If you don't already own iStations, why not purchase it now in preparation for Lent? iStations is a handy devotional app which is perfect for those times when you can't make it to your parish for the Stations of the Cross. It features...
· Convenient audio option with optional auto-advance
· Two traditional methods of praying the Stations of the Cross
· Beautiful images accompany each station
· Easy navigation
· Selected prayers in English & Latin
· In app help
The following quotes are from actual user reviews (both platforms)...
"Nice app!"
"This is a lovely app"
"This app is a must!"
"excellent app!"
"wonderful!!!"
"pictures and audio are great!"
"Very good for meditation and reflection."
"Glad to have found this!"
"It is definitely worth the purchase price."
"Best Station App"
"This is simply beautiful"
"I love it"
"Great Job"
"Penetrating and profound."
"Beautifully sublime"
"Simply wonderful."
"The best I have seen so far. great to take along for those with unusual schedules. Very happy to have found it."
"This is awesome... I love the audio, and the quality of this prayer app. Well done."
"This is a great App. The illustrations of the stations are some of the most beautiful Christian art to be found. Being able to listen on audio makes for a very peaceful experience. Highly recomended."
"There are a few other versions of the stations in the app store, some I have installed, but this is the best in my opinion."
For more information & screenshots, please visit: http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android [or visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps for an iPad® / iPhone® / iPod touch® version]
Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ]
Your purchase helps support MyCatholicSource.com - Thank you for your support!
* Can you help? At least one parish site and one Knights of Columbus website have already linked to our apps page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm . Might your parish also link to us or mention our apps (or site) in the parish bulletin? Please help spread the word so other Catholics can learn of these great Catholic apps. Thank you!
* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. Favorable reviews really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.htm
* If you have any thoughts to share regarding our apps, please contact us using the e-mail address provided in the app or online at http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/bfsapps-feedback.htm
* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )
Note: Any prices included herein are in U.S. dollars, excluding any applicable tax.
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* Please see our Notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm for dates of anticipated service delays through May 2016
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* Do you drink coffee? Did you know we can earn a percentage on coffee sales made via the Mystic Monk Coffee website ("Coffee Roasted by Real Monks")? If you are interested in ordering Mystic Monk Coffee to benefit our site, please use this link - http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/store/?aid=169 . Thank you for your support of our site!
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The Month of February: Dedicated to the Holy Family
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"And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Mt. 1:16)
"Lord Jesus Christ, who, being made subject to Mary and Joseph, didst consecrate domestic life by Thine ineffable virtues; grant that we, with the assistance of both, may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family and may attain to its everlasting fellowship. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen." (Roman Missal)
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Related Resources...
* Holy Family Topic Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Holy_Family.htm
* References to the Holy Family in Scripture - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/marian_scriptural_references.htm
* Family / Families (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_life_reflections__family.htm
* Holy Family Coloring Pages - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_coloring_activities.htm
* Holy Family (Mazes) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_mazes.htm
* Jesus (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Jesus.htm
* Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Blessed_Virgin_Mary.htm
* St. Joseph (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Saint_Joseph.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"Jesus, Mary, Joseph!" (Aspiration)
"Our Lord, His Mother, and His foster-father, St. Joseph, together formed one family which should be the model and veneration of all Christian households." (Manual of the Holy Catholic Church, 1906 A.D.)
"We cannot separate Mary and Joseph, were it only for their having such close connection with the mystery of the Incarnation - Mary as being the Mother of the Son of God; and Joseph, as being guardian of the Virgin's spotless honor, and Foster-Father of the divine Babe." (Gueranger)
"Jesus reigns over the family when it, modeled after the holy ideals of the sacrament of matrimony instituted by Christ, maintains unspotted its true character of sanctuary. In such a sanctuary of love, parental authority is fashioned after the authority of God, the Father, from Whom, as a matter of fact, it originates and after which even it is named. (Ephesians iii, 15) The obedience of the children imitates that of the Divine Child of Nazareth, and the whole family life is inspired by the sacred ideals of the Holy Family." (Pope Pius XI, "Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio", 1922 A.D.)
"Joseph heard the Son of God call him 'father'. He had charge of, he labored for the maintenance of the Son of the Eternal Father. He was the head of the Holy Family at Nazareth, and Jesus recognized his authority. The plan of the Mystery of the Incarnation required that these relations should exist between the Creator and the Creature. As the Son of God, now that he is seated at the right hand of the Eternal Father, has kept our human nature indissolubly united with his divine Person; so likewise has he retained the feelings he had, when here on earth, for Mary and Joseph." (Gueranger)
"Family life in the dignity and sacredness which properly belong to it is the blessing and fruit of Christianity, one of mankind's earliest means of sanctification. From the beginning, God established the marriage state - and, through it, family life - as the foundation and corner-stone of human society. But the divine designs having been frustrated or destroyed by man's wickedness and impiety, the only begotten Son of God descended from heaven and made himself a member of a human family in order to purify all the families of earth from sin, and restore them to their pristine dignity. Yes, by becoming man, Christ gave to the family a higher dignity, making it, through his grace, a type of his Church. The more an anti-Christian spirit prevails, the greater and more baneful will be its effects upon family-life. What wonder, then, that, at the present day, unbelief is sapping the very foundations of the Christian household, until we behold it tottering and crumbling before our very eyes!" ('Catholic pulpit excellence', 1891 A.D.)
"Let us take our stand in front of that earthly and divine home of holiness, the House of Nazareth. How much we have to learn from the daily life which was led within its walls! What an all-perfect model of domestic society! Here we behold simplicity and purity of conduct, perfect agreement and unbroken harmony, mutual respect and love - not of the false and fleeting kind - but that which finds both its life and its charm in devotedness of service. Here is the patient industry which provides what is required for food and raiment; which does so 'in the sweat of the brow,' which is contented with little, and which seeks rather to diminish the number of its wants than to multiply the sources of its wealth. Better than all, we find there that supreme peace of mind and gladness of soul which never fail to accompany the possession of a tranquil conscience. These are precious examples of goodness, of modesty, of humility, of hard-working endurance, of kindness to others, of diligence in the small duties of daily life, and of other virtues, and once they have made their influence felt they gradually take root in the soul, and in course of time fail not to bring about a happy change of mind and conduct." (Pope Leo XIII, "Laetitiae Sanctae", 1893 A.D.)
"And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch. And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem. And his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men." (Lk. 2:41-52)
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Resources For Lent
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"Lent is the forty days before Easter Sunday, during which we do penance, fast and pray to prepare ourselves for the resurrection of Our Lord; and also to remind us of His own fast of forty days before His Passion." (Baltimore Catechism)
"The observance of Lent is the very badge of Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of the cross of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should mankind grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God's glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls. Neither can it be doubted that such negligence would become the source of misery to the world, of public calamity, of private woe." (Pope Benedict XIV, 1741 A.D.)
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Related Resources...
* Lent (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lent.htm
* Ash Wednesday (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-ash_wednesday.htm
* Fasting (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-fasting.htm
* Lenten Prayers (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lenten_prayers.htm
* Way of the Cross (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-stations_of_the_cross.htm
* Sin (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-sin.htm
* Penance (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-penance.htm
* Spiritual Growth (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-spiritual_growth.htm
* Good Friday (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Good_Friday.htm
* Make Your Own Lent Calendar - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/lent_calendar.htm
* Traditional Practices For Lent / Easter (Incl. Fasting / Abstinence / Partial Abstinence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_prayers_and_practices.htm
* Lent / Easter Activities (See 'Holiday Activities') - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_other_activities.htm
* Lent / Easter Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Stations of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm
* Jesus' Last Words From the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/jesus_last_words.htm
* Trials & Sorrows of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/sorrows_of_jesus.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture (Abandonment & Betrayal of Jesus, Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies.htm
* The Passion / Cross (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm
* Rome's Lenten Station Churches - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/vatican_view/vatican_view_lenten_station_churches.htm
* Prayers & Devotions - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayers_and_devotions.htm
* Indulgences - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Works of Mercy - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_works_of_mercy.htm
* Sin & Vice: Q & A - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_sin_and_vice.htm
* Stabat Mater (Sequence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_hymns_sequences.htm
* Collages (Incl. Holy Land, Church of the Holy Sepulchre) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/travel_collages.htm
* Coloring Pages (Incl. Last Supper, Jesus Washing Apostle's Feet) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_coloring_activities.htm
Note: The MCS Daily Digest at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/DD ) is also an excellent resource for Lent. The MCS Daily Digest may contain Catholic calendar information corresponding to the date (including reminders about feast days/holy days, fasting, etc.), various quotations (e.g. from scripture, Jesus, popes & saints), Q & A, 'Today in Catholic History' items, and more... This is a great page to bookmark - and it also makes a great home page. Don't miss a day!
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"The forty days' fast, which we call Lent, is the Church's preparation for Easter, and was instituted at the very commencement of Christianity. Our blessed Lord Himself sanctioned it by fasting forty days and forty nights in the desert; and though He would not impose it on the world by an express commandment... yet He showed plainly enough, by His own example, that fasting, which God has so frequently ordered in the old Law, was to be also practiced by the children of the new... [W]e find it mentioned, in the Acts of the Apostles, the disciples of our Lord, after the foundation of the Church, applied themselves to fasting. In their Epistles, also, they recommended it to the faithful. Nor could it be otherwise. Though the divine mysteries whereby our Savior wrought our redemption have been consummated, yet are we still sinners: and where there is sin, there must be expiation." (Dom Gueranger)
"Oh, how bitterly shall we regret at the hour of death the time we have given to pleasures, to useless conversations, to repose, instead of having employed it in mortification, in prayer, in good works, in thinking of our poor misery, in weeping over our poor sins; then we shall see that we have done nothing for Heaven. Oh, my children, how sad it is! Three-quarters of those who are Christians labor for nothing but to satisfy this body, which will soon be buried and corrupted, while they do not give a thought to their poor soul, which must be happy or miserable for all eternity. They have neither sense nor reason: it makes one tremble." (Catechism of the Cure of Ars)
"Now the whole essence of a Christian life is to reject the corruption of the world and to oppose constantly any indulgence in it; this is taught in the words and deeds, the laws and institutions, the life and death of Jesus Christ, 'the author and finisher of faith.' Hence, however strongly We are deterred by the evil disposition of nature and character, it is our duty to run to the 'fight proposed to Us,' fortified and armed with the same desire and the same arms as He who, 'having joy set before him, endured the cross.' Wherefore let men understand this specially, that it is most contrary to Christian duty to follow, in worldly fashion, pleasures of every kind, to be afraid of the hardships attending a virtuous life, and to deny nothing to self that soothes and delights the senses. 'They that are Christ's, have crucified their flesh, with the vices and concupiscences' - so that it follows that they who are not accustomed to suffering, and who hold not ease and pleasure in contempt belong not to Christ." (Pope Leo XIII, "Exeunte Iam Anno", 1888 A.D.)
"If we trace back the religious observance of Lent, in the Christian [that is, Catholic] Church, through every age from the present time, we shall find it clearly mentioned in the councils and ecclesiastical writers of every century, up to the very first. These monuments and vouchers, in all parts of the church, evidently carry it as high as any such monuments are extant, that is, to the time when the immediate disciples of the apostles were living, and governed the chief sees... St. Augustine teaches, before the year 430, that the fast of Lent is recommended by the authority of the fasts of Moses and Elias in the old law, and of Christ in the gospel... The ancient Fathers attest that the fast of Lent is an apostolical tradition, or institution; thus, St. Jerome writes to Marcella, before the year 420, 'We fast one Lent by apostolical tradition, the whole world agreeing with us herein.' St. Leo, about 450 says, 'Let the apostolical institution of forty days be spent in fasting.' Serm. vi. de Quadrages. St. Isidore, of Seville, says, about the year 630, 'Lent is kept over the whole world, by an apostolic institution.' Orig. lib. vi. c. 19." ('Catholic Penny Magazine', 1834 A.D.)
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.'" (Mt. 16:24)
"Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the sacrifice of Lenten observance which we offer to Thee may both make our souls more acceptable to Thee and give us the strength to restrain ourselves more readily. Through our Lord." (Secret)
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Another Useful Lenten Resource
iStations - A handy devotional app for Android (or for the iPad® / iPhone® / iPod touch®) which is perfect for those times when you can't make it to your parish for the Stations of the Cross. It features...
* Convenient audio option with optional auto-advance
* Two traditional methods of praying the Stations of the Cross
* Beautiful images accompany each station
* Easy navigation
* Selected prayers in English & Latin
* In app help
The following quotes are from actual user reviews (both platforms)...
"Nice app!"
"This is a lovely app"
"excellent app!"
"wonderful!!!"
"pictures and audio are great!"
"Very good for meditation and reflection."
"Glad to have found this!"
"It is definitely worth the purchase price."
"Best Station App"
"This is simply beautiful"
"I love it"
"Great Job"
"Penetrating and profound."
"Beautifully sublime"
"Simply wonderful."
"The best I have seen so far. great to take along for those with unusual schedules. Very happy to have found it."
"This is awesome... I love the audio, and the quality of this prayer app. Well done."
"This is a great App. The illustrations of the stations are some of the most beautiful Christian art to be found. Being able to listen on audio makes for a very peaceful experience. Highly recomended."
"There are a few other versions of the stations in the app store, some I have installed, but this is the best in my opinion."
For more information & screen shots, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android [For iOS version, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps ]
Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [For iOS version, please download at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ]
Your purchase helps support MyCatholicSource.com - Thank you for your support!
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'The School of Jesus Crucified': Acts of Adoration to the Five Wounds
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The following is taken from a 19th century publication by Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus titled "The School of Jesus Crucified". The publication was issued with the approval of the Passionist Monastery. [Please note: We have made various changes to the original text (e.g. spelling, capitalization & punctuation changes, shortening)]
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ACTS OF ADORATION, ADDRESSED TO EACH OF THE FIVE MOST HOLY WOUNDS OF JESUS CRUCIFIED
I.
I humbly adore Thee, O most holy Wound of the Left Foot of my Lord, and implore Thee, my Crucified Jesus, through the pain Thou didst endure in it, and through the Blood which Thou didst shed from it, to grant me the remission of my most grievous offences, and preserve me from ever again committing them, giving me strength to resist every temptation, even unto death. And I beseech thee, most blessed Virgin, through the anguish which thy soul endured on account of this Wound, to intercede for me, that my prayer may be heard.
II.
I most humbly adore Thee, O holy Wound of the Right Foot of my Redeemer, and I beseech Thee, my Crucified Jesus, to grant me the precious gift of perseverance in Thy grace to the last moment of my life, and that of a holy death. And thou, O Mary, my sweet Mother, who didst suffer in thy soul what thy beloved Son endured in His Body, be my advocate, and obtain this great favor for me.
III.
I humbly adore Thee, O most sacred Wound of the Left Hand of my Savior, and with a heart filled with tender gratitude for the sufferings Thou didst endure, I beseech Thee, my Crucified Jesus, to deliver me in Thy mercy from the eternal punishment of Hell. And thou, most sorrowful Virgin, who didst endure overwhelming anguish with so great constancy at the foot of the Cross, vouchsafe to ask of thy Son for me the grace not to be condemned to the abode of everlasting torments.
IV.
I most humbly adore Thee, O blessed Wound of the Right Hand of my Lord, and with my whole heart do beg of Thee, my Crucified Jesus, by the Blood Thou didst shed from it, to grant that on the great day of General Judgment I may find myself in the number of the elect, on Thy right hand, and hear myself summoned by Thy own sweet invitation, to enter into the joys of Heaven. And thou, O Mary, my loving Mother, never cease assisting me by thy powerful intercession, that so I may be made worthy to come and behold thee in Heaven, and in union with thee to praise and bless my God continually.
V.
I adore Thee with my whole soul, most sweet Wound of the sacred Side of my Redeemer, and I beseech Thee, my Crucified Jesus, through its merits, and those of all the Blood shed by it, that Thou wouldst enkindle in my heart the most ardent love for Thy infinite goodness. And thou, O immaculate Virgin, Mother of fair love, and advocate of sinners, through that anguish which thou didst endure when the Side of thy beloved Son was wounded, obtain for me the gift of that love, and imprint in my soul the memory of His Wounds, and of thy bitter anguish.
A prayer which St. F. Xavier was accustomed to recite: My Lord Jesus Christ, through those most holy Wounds which Thou didst endure on the Cross for love of us, I beseech Thee succor Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
A short prayer to Mary, the Queen of Sorrows: Most afflicted Mother of grace and mercy, by that great love which induced thee to assist with unshaken firmness at the foot of the Cross, at the last agony of thy beloved Son, and by all the sufferings there endured by thy virginal heart, I beseech thee to assist me with thy especial patronage at the hour of my death, that so, through thy assistance, I may die the death of the just, and come happily to enjoy in Heaven the fruit of the Wounds of Jesus my Redeemer.
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"When I came to you, brothers, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 2:1-2)
"From the sufferings and death of Christ we learn God's love for man and the evil of sin, for which God, who is all-just, demands such great satisfaction." (Baltimore Catechism)
"Is there anything that a generous heart would not willingly suffer on contemplating Jesus crucified?" (St. Raphaela Mary)
"Here learn the science of the saints: All is to be found in the passion of Jesus." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"The cross is the ladder to Heaven." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
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For more prayers, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
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Liturgical Feasts in February
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for February 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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February 1 - St. Brigid (T)
February 1 - St. Ignatius of Antioch (T)
February 2 - Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
February 2 - The Presentation of the Lord (N)
February 3 - St. Blase of Sebaste (T)
February 3 - St. Ansgar (N)
February 3 - St. Blase of Sebaste (N)
February 4 - St. Andrew Corsini (T)
February 5 - St. Agatha of Sicily (T)
February 5 - St. Philip of Jesus (T)
February 5 - St. Agatha of Sicily (N)
February 6 - St. Dorothy (T)
February 6 - St. Titus of Crete (T)
February 6 - St. Paul Miki & companions (N)
February 7 - St. Romuald (T)
February 8 - St. John of Matha (T)
February 8 - St. Jerome Emiliani (N)
February 8 - St. Josephine Bakhita (N)
February 9 - St. Apollonia (T)
February 9 - St. Cyril of Alexandria (T)
February 10 - St. Scholastica (T)
February 10 - St. Scholastica (N)
February 11 - Our Lady of Lourdes (T)
February 11 - Our Lady of Lourdes (N)
February 12 - The Seven Founders of the Servite Order (T)
February 14 - St. Valentine (T)
February 14 - Sts. Cyril & Methodius (N)
February 15 - Sts. Faustinus & Jovita (T)
February 17 - Seven Founders of the Order of Servites (N)
February 18 - St. Mary Bernard (Bernadette) Soubirous (T)
February 18 - St. Simeon (T)
February 21 - St. Peter Damian (N)
February 22 - St. Paul (T)
February 22 - St. Peter's Chair at Antioch (T)
February 22 - Chair of St. Peter, apostle (N)
February 23 - St. Peter Damian (T)
February 23 - St. Polycarp (N)
February 24 - St. Matthias, apostle (T)
February 27 - St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (T)
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...
2/7/16 - Quinquagesima Sunday (T)
2/10/16 - Ash Wednesday
2/14/16 - First Sunday of Lent [Quadragesima Sunday (T)]
2/17/16 - Ember Wednesday in Lent (T)
2/19/16 - Ember Friday in Lent (T)
2/20/16 - Ember Saturday in Lent (T)
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'Catholic Trivia'
1. What is asceticism?
2. "Is it enough only to avoid sin?"
3. What do passages like the following have in common...? Ex. 15:3, Ps. 68:5, Isa. 42:8, Jer.16:21, Hosea 12:5-6, Amos 5:6,8-9
4. Who said...? "God has promised pardon to the one who repents, but he has not promised repentance to the one who sins."
5. A judge who does not punish someone guilty of wrongdoing is what?
6. Complete the passage: "After a first and second warning, break off contact with ___, realizing that such a person is ___." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)
7. What do these passages have in common? Isa. 46:4, Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8, Jms. 1:16-17
8. What are ten (10) ways a person can become an accessory to another's sin?
9. Who said each of the following...? [Hint: The first five are papal quotes, the next four are quoted from various Doctors of the Church, and the last two are from councils]
a. "Far, far from the clergy be the love of novelty!"
b. "Let them innovate nothing, but keep the traditions. ['Nihil innovetur nisi quod traditum est']"
c. "[N]othing of the things appointed ought to be diminished; nothing changed; nothing added; but they must be preserved both as regards expression and meaning."
d. "Indeed, the true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators: they are promoters of tradition."
e. "But for Catholics nothing will remove the authority of the Second Council of Nicaea, where it condemns those 'who dare, after the impious fashion of heretics, to deride the ecclesiastical traditions, to invent novelties of some kind...or endeavor by malice or craft to overthrow anyone of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church' ... Wherefore the Roman Pontiffs, Pius IV and Pius IX, ordered the insertion in the profession of faith of the following declaration: 'I most firmly admit and embrace the apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions and other observances and constitutions of the Church'."
f. "It is unlawful to alter the established customs of the Church ... Remove not the ancient landmarks which the fathers have set."
g. "The best advice that I can give you is this. Church traditions - especially when they do not run counter to the faith - are to be observed in the form in which previous generations have handed them down"
h. "It will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the Apostles, and guarded by the Fathers. For upon this faith the Church is built, and if anyone were to lapse from it he would no longer be Christian either in fact or in name."
i. "The customs of God's people and the institutions of our ancestors are to be considered as laws. And those who throw contempt on the customs of the Church ought to be punished as those who disobey the law of God."
j. "Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated."
k. "The Holy Spirit was not promised to the successor of Peter that by the revelation of the Holy Spirit they might disclose new doctrine, but that by His help they might guard sacredly the revelation transmitted through the Apostles and the deposit of faith, and might faithfully set it forth."
10. Match up the following Eucharist-related quotes up with their source (Catechism of the Council of Trent, Council of Trent, St. Francis of Assisi, or St. Paul)...
"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable number are dying."
"If anyone says that faith alone is sufficient preparation for receiving the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist: let him be anathema. And that so great a Sacrament may not be unworthily received, and therefore unto death and condemnation, [it is declared that] that sacramental confession must necessarily be made beforehand by those whose conscience is burdened by mortal sin, however contrite they may consider themselves. If anyone moreover teaches the contrary or preaches or obstinately asserts, or even publicly by disputation shall presume to defend the contrary, by that fact itself he is excommunicated."
"Therefore all those who saw the Lord Jesus according to [His] humanity and did not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Godhead that He is the true Son of God were condemned. And now in the same way, all those who see the sacrament [of the Holy Eucharist], which is sanctified by the words of the Lord upon the altar at the hands of the priest in the form of bread and wine, and who do not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Godhead that is truly the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, are condemned. [Such] is attested by the Most High Himself Who says: 'This is my Body and the Blood of my new testament...' and 'He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life' (cf. Jn. 6:55). Therefore it is the Spirit of the Lord, Who lives in His faithful, Who receives the most holy Body and Blood of the Lord. All others who do not share in this same Spirit and who presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment to themselves (Cf. 1 Cor. 11:29)."
"[F]or no crime is there a heavier punishment to be feared from God than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which is full of holiness, or rather which contains the very author and source of holiness. This the Apostle wisely saw, and has openly admonished us of it. For when he had declared the enormity of their guilt who discerned not the body of the Lord, he immediately subjoined: Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep [that is, die]."
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Answers:
1. "Asceticism is self-discipline in all its forms, particularly those voluntarily undertaken out of love of God and desire for spiritual improvement; its meaning is sometimes improperly limited to corporal austerity. It may be internal discipline applied, to the mind, heart and will by purely internal effort, and at least a little of this is imposed on every Christian as a condition of salvation; or external, whether by the renunciations implied by the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience...or by the various forms of bodily mortification and austerity directed to making and keeping the appetites conformed to right reason and God's law. Asceticism is an integral part of Christian life, having its sanction in our Lord's life...and teaching. It is not an end in itself, discomfort of mind or body for its own sake, but a means towards personal sanctification, freedom of soul, and approach to God; its higher forms are entirely voluntary and based on the distinction between precepts and counsels: it seeks first the Kingdom of God and so attains to fullness of life." (Catholic Dictionary)
2. "No; we must also do good." (Catechism of St. John Neumann)
3. Each of the passages references God's name, LORD...
"The LORD is a warrior, LORD is his name!" (Ex. 15:3)
"Sing to God, praise the divine name; exalt the rider of the clouds. Rejoice before this God whose name is the LORD." (Ps. 68:5)
"I am the LORD, this is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols." (Isa. 42:8)
"Look, then: I will give them knowledge; this time I will leave them in no doubt of my strength and my power: they shall know that my name is LORD." (Jer.16:21)
"He contended with the angel and triumphed, entreating him with tears. At Bethel he met God and there he spoke with him: The LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is his name!" (Hosea 12:5-6)
"Seek the LORD, that you may live, lest he come upon the house of Joseph like a fire That shall consume, with none to quench it for the house of Israel: He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns darkness into dawn, and darkens day into night; Who summons the waters of the sea, and pours them out upon the surface of the earth; Who flashes destruction upon the strong, and brings ruin upon the fortress; whose name is LORD." (Amos 5:6,8-9)
4. St. Anselm of Canterbury, Doctor of the Church
5. "A judge justly punishes one who is guilty of wrongdoing; and if he does not punish him he is himself a wrongdoer. In punishing him the judge is not the cause either of the wrongdoing or of the vengeance taken against the wrongdoer, the cause being the wrongdoer's freely chosen actions." (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church, c. 8th century A.D.)
6. "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)
7. Each of the passages references God's unchangeableness...
"Even to your old age I am the same, even when your hair is gray I will bear you; It is I who have done this, I who will continue, and I who will carry you to safety." (Isa. 46:4)
"Surely I, the LORD, do not change, nor do you cease to be sons of Jacob." (Mal. 3:6)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8)
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change." (Jms. 1:16-17)
8. There are a variety of ways of being an accessory to another's sin, including:
* By counsel
* By command
* By consent
* By provocation
* By praise or flattery
* By concealment
* By being a partner in the sin
* By defending the ill done
* By providing the sinner refuge from justice
* By silence
Ref.: Catholic Dictionary, A Catechism of Christian Doctrine ("Penny Catechism")
9. Names appear prior to the passages below...
a. Pope St. Pius X, "Pascendi Dominici Gregis", 1907 A.D.: "Far, far from the clergy be the love of novelty!"
b. Pope St. Steven I, 3rd century A.D.: "Let them innovate nothing, but keep the traditions. ['Nihil innovetur nisi quod traditum est']"
c. Pope Agatho: "[N]othing of the things appointed ought to be diminished; nothing changed; nothing added; but they must be preserved both as regards expression and meaning."
d. Pope St. Pius X, "Our Apostolic Mandate", 1910 A.D.: "Indeed, the true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators: they are promoters of tradition."
e. Pope St. Pius X, "Pascendi Dominici Gregis", 1907 A.D.: "But for Catholics nothing will remove the authority of the Second Council of Nicaea, where it condemns those 'who dare, after the impious fashion of heretics, to deride the ecclesiastical traditions, to invent novelties of some kind...or endeavor by malice or craft to overthrow anyone of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church' ... Wherefore the Roman Pontiffs, Pius IV and Pius IX, ordered the insertion in the profession of faith of the following declaration: 'I most firmly admit and embrace the apostolic and ecclesiastical traditions and other observances and constitutions of the Church'."
f. St. Peter Damian, Doctor of the Church: "It is unlawful to alter the established customs of the Church ... Remove not the ancient landmarks which the fathers have set."
g. St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.: "The best advice that I can give you is this. Church traditions - especially when they do not run counter to the faith - are to be observed in the form in which previous generations have handed them down"
h. St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church: "It will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the Apostles, and guarded by the Fathers. For upon this faith the Church is built, and if anyone were to lapse from it he would no longer be Christian either in fact or in name."
i. St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, as quoted by St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church": "The customs of God's people and the institutions of our ancestors are to be considered as laws. And those who throw contempt on the customs of the Church ought to be punished as those who disobey the law of God."
j. Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.: "Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated."
k. Vatican Council I: "The Holy Spirit was not promised to the successor of Peter that by the revelation of the Holy Spirit they might disclose new doctrine, but that by His help they might guard sacredly the revelation transmitted through the Apostles and the deposit of faith, and might faithfully set it forth."
10. Sources appear prior to the quotations below...
St. Paul, 1 Cor. 11:27-30: "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable number are dying."
Council of Trent, 1551 A.D.: "Can. 11. If anyone says that faith alone is sufficient preparation for receiving the sacrament of the most Holy Eucharist: let him be anathema. And that so great a Sacrament may not be unworthily received, and therefore unto death and condemnation, this holy Council ordains and declares that sacramental confession must necessarily be made beforehand by those whose conscience is burdened by mortal sin, however contrite they may consider themselves. If anyone moreover teaches the contrary or preaches or obstinately asserts, or even publicly by disputation shall presume to defend the contrary, by that fact itself he is excommunicated."
St. Francis of Assisi: "Therefore all those who saw the Lord Jesus according to [His] humanity and did not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Godhead that He is the true Son of God were condemned. And now in the same way, all those who see the sacrament [of the Holy Eucharist], which is sanctified by the words of the Lord upon the altar at the hands of the priest in the form of bread and wine, and who do not see and believe according to the Spirit and the Godhead that is truly the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, are condemned. [Such] is attested by the Most High Himself Who says: 'This is my Body and the Blood of my new testament...' and 'He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life' (cf. Jn. 6:55). Therefore it is the Spirit of the Lord, Who lives in His faithful, Who receives the most holy Body and Blood of the Lord. All others who do not share in this same Spirit and who presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment to themselves (Cf. 1 Cor. 11:29)."
Catechism of the Council of Trent: "[F]or no crime is there a heavier punishment to be feared from God than for the unholy or irreligious use by the faithful of that which is full of holiness, or rather which contains the very author and source of holiness. This the Apostle wisely saw, and has openly admonished us of it. For when he had declared the enormity of their guilt who discerned not the body of the Lord, he immediately subjoined: Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep [that is, die]."
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For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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 Trust Martin Luther?
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__misc.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Trust Martin Luther? (Note: Topic is directed at Protestants)
Consider:
* Did you know that Luther...?
* Approved of adultery / concubineage
* Approved of bigamy (Philip of Hesse)
* Broke his vows to God
* Engaged in fornication
* Believed unchastity was inescapable
* Is considered to have had "depraved manners"
* Used "disgusting" language and is accused of "flagrant violations of decency"
* Admitted he was "consumed by the fires of [his] unbridled flesh" and "consumed by the flesh and by lasciviousness" (De Wette, 2, 22)
* Was admittedly impure: "I burn with a thousand flames in my unsubdued flesh: I feel myself carried on with a rage towards women that approaches madness. I, who ought to be fervent in spirit, am only fervent in impurity." (Table Talk)
* Wanted the Ten Commandments to be removed "out of sight and heart". He called them "stupid" and said that, "If we allow them - the Commandments - any influence in our conscience, they become the cloak of all evil, heresies and blasphemies." (Comm. ad Galat., P. 310)
* Admittedly received confirmation of his doctrines from Satan
* Etc.
This, you believe is an "instrument of God" or "messenger of God"?
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"Read Luther's work against 'the Mass and the Ordination of Priests' where he tells of his famous disputation with the 'Father of Lies' who accosted him at 'midnight' and spoke to him with a 'deep, powerful voice', causing 'the sweat to break forth' from his brow and his 'heart to tremble and beat.' In that celebrated conference of which he was an unexceptionable witness and about which he never entertained the slightest doubt, he says plainly and unmistakingly that 'the devil spoke against the Mass, and Mary and the Saints' and that, moreover, Satan gave him the most unqualified approval of his doctrine on 'justification by faith alone.' Who now, we ask in all sincerity, can be found, except those appallingly blind to truth, to accept such a man, approved by the enemy of souls, as a spiritual teacher and entrust to his guidance their eternal welfare?" (O'Hare)
"Luther's advocates might, if their eyes are not filmed, read with profit the following words which their master penned when he had genuine misgivings at the outset of his apostasy. 'How many times,' he writes, 'have I not asked myself with bitterness the same question which the Papists put me: Art thou alone wise? Darest thou imagine that all mankind have been in error for so long a series of years? I am not so bold as to assert that I have been guided in this affair by God. How will it be, if, after all, it is thou thyself who art wrong, and art thou involving in error so many souls who will then be eternally damned?' (Latin Works, Weim. ed., 8, p. 411 seq.)." (O'Hare)
"Jesus Christ says: 'Hear the Church' (Cf. Mt. 18:17). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'do not hear the Church; protest against her with all your might.' Jesus Christ says: 'If any one will not hear the Church, look upon him as a heathen and a publican' (Mt. 18:17). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'if any one does not hear the Church, look upon him as an Apostle, as an ambassador of God.' Jesus Christ says: 'The gates of hell shall not prevail against my Church' (Mt. 16:18). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'it is false; the gates of hell have prevailed against the Church for a thousand years and more.' Jesus Christ has declared St. Peter, and every successor to St. Peter - the Pope - to be his Vicar on earth (Mt. 16:18, Jn. 21:15-17). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'the pope is the Antichrist.' Jesus Christ says: 'My yoke is sweet, and my burden is light' (Mt. 11:30). 'No,' said Luther and Calvin; 'it is impossible to keep the commandments.' Jesus Christ says: 'If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.' (Mt. 19:17) 'No,' said Luther and Calvin, 'faith alone, without good works, is sufficient to enter life everlasting.' Jesus Christ says: 'Unless you do penance, you shall all likewise perish' (Lk. 13:3). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'fasting and other works of penance are not necessary in satisfaction for sin.' Jesus Christ says: 'This is my body' (Mt. 26:26, Mk. 14:22, Lk. 22:19, Jn. 6:55). 'No,' said Calvin, 'this is only the figure of Christ's body; it will become his body as soon as you receive it.' Jesus Christ says: 'I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, and shall marry another, committeth adultery, and he that shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery' (Mt. 19:9). 'No,' says Protestantism to a married man, 'you may put away your wife, get a divorce, and marry another.' Jesus Christ says to every man: 'Thou shalt not steal' (Mt. 19:18). 'No,' said Luther to secular princes, 'I give you the right to appropriate to yourselves the property of the Roman Catholic Church.' The Holy Ghost says in Holy Scripture: 'Man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love or hatred' (Eccl. 9:1). 'Who can say, My heart is clean, I am pure from sin?' (Prov. 20:9); and, 'Work out your salvation with fear and trembling' (Philip. 2:12). 'No,' said Luther and Calvin, 'but whosoever believes in Jesus Christ is in the state of grace.' St. Paul says: 'If I should have faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing' (1 Cor. 13:2). 'No,' said Luther and Calvin, 'faith alone is sufficient to save us.' St. Peter says that in the Epistles of St. Paul there are many things 'hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as also the other Scriptures, to their own perdition' (2 Pt. 3:16). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'the Scriptures are very plain and easy to understand.' St. James says: 'Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord' (Jms. 5:14). 'No,' says Protestantism, 'that is a vain and useless ceremony.' Being thus impious enough to make liars of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the Apostles, need we wonder if they continually slander Catholics, telling and believing worse absurdities about them than the heathens did?" (Muller)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 14:27)
"He should also be taught not to suffer a day to pass without devoting a portion of it to meditation on some mystery of the Passion of our Lord, and to exciting and inflaming himself to the imitation and most ardent love of his Redeemer." (Catechism of the Council of Trent)
"When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 6:16-18)
"The more we conquer ourselves the more He gives us of His grace; and if today we have had power to overcome one difficulty, tomorrow and the day after we shall be able to surmount others that are much greater and more distressing." (St. Vincent de Paul)
"What was done on Calvary avails for us only in the degree that we repeat it in our own lives." (Archbishop Fulton Sheen)
"[T]here never was a spot on earth whence so ardent prayer ascended into heaven, as from the house of Nazareth. There the holiest souls poured out their prayers before the Lord. In every Christian house prayer should be the first object of solicitude. 'Let nothing hinder thee from praying always' (Ecclus. 18: 22.) 'Watch ye, praying at all times.' (Luke 21: 35.) O that prayers would be said in every household! Say your morning and evening prayers. Let parents see to it that their children say their prayers in the morning and in the evening." ('Catholic pulpit excellence', 1891 A.D.)
"At length the Holy Family enter Jerusalem. The name of this holy City signifies 'Vision of Peace'; and Jesus comes to bring her Peace. Let us consider the names of the three places in which our Redeemer began, continued, and ended his life on earth. He is conceived at Nazareth, which signifies a Flower; and Jesus is, as he tells us in the Canticle, the Flower of the field and the Lily of the valley (Cant. ii I), by whose fragrance we are refreshed. He is born at Bethlehem, the 'House of Bread', for he is the nourishment of our souls. He dies on the Cross in Jerusalem ('Vision of Peace'), and, by his Blood, he restores peace between heaven and earth, peace between men, peace within our own souls" (Dom Gueranger)
"Grant to us, Lord, we beseech Thee the ready aid of Thy grace; that as we are earnestly occupied, as is meet, with fasting and prayer, we may be set free from all enemies both of body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen." (Collect)
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