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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - April, 2014
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of April: Dedicated to the Holy Eucharist
* Resources For Holy Week & Easter
* Tips for Meditating on the Most Sacred Passion of Jesus
* Liturgical Feasts in April
* 'Catholic Trivia' [Themed: Sin / Sinners (From Holy Scripture)]
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Think it is Wrong For Catholics to Call Priests 'Father' Because Scripture Says to "Call No Man Father..."?
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Dear Friend,
"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ." (2 Thes. 3:5)
We hope you are having a blessed, holy Lent and will be given the grace to persevere in your worthy resolutions over the days ahead as you keep in mind the words of our Lord, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt. 16:24). It won't be long now until Lent gives way to the joy of Easter. Some important dates in April include...
4/6/14 - Fifth Sunday of Lent [Passion Sunday (T)]
4/13/14 - Palm Sunday
4/16/14 - Spy Wednesday
4/17/14 - Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
4/18/14 - Good Friday
4/19/14 - Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
4/20/14 - EASTER SUNDAY
We hope you will be showered with many graces and blessings during this especially holy time of the year.
May God bless you always,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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"Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, 'Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And (behold) I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.'" (Lk. 24:45-49)
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MCS News & Notes
* Site Redesign Update & Beyond: We are happy to report that our site redesign is now more than 90% complete.* We are hoping to finish the remaining pages soon. When all pages are completed, there will still be a number of items which will need to be addressed (e.g. finalizing the shared borders, additional checks, significant backend changes, ongoing + additional security scans, software updates, etc.). At this time, we are hopeful that items will not take more than a few months to complete. We are also hopeful that these changes will go smoothly and will not be noticeable for our visitors, however there is a possibility that some accessibility issues may occur during this time. If so, it is hoped that they will be resolved quickly. Should you have trouble accessing our site over the next few months, please try again later. For longer-term issues, please try our notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm and our blog at http://mycatholicsource.blogspot.com . Once the site redesign has been completed, we will need to devote a number of months to addressing various items we put off while we were focused on the site redesign. A significant update to the MCS Daily Digest is also on our agenda later in the year. Furthermore, we anticipate a server change may occur sometime before the end of 2014. As applicable, we expect to provide more information concerning these items in our newsletters. In the meantime, if you have any questions / comments / suggestions / etc. about our site transition, please contact us using the form at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/transition_feedback.htm . We welcome and appreciate your feedback! [* Note: This estimate is based on a count of total number of pages]
* Search Engine Change: We expect to change our default search page in April to the new version (currently in beta form). This new search page offers a number of advantages over our old page (e.g. ability to perform more advanced searches, ability to use wildcards and negative keywords, highlighted keywords, alternate spelling/word suggestions, recommended links, inclusion of images, multiple category searches, etc.). Since this new search engine was made available to visitors about a year ago, it has been tested with thousands and thousands of users' queries. We have also made various improvements to the new search engine over the past year in an attempt to provide even better results. As time permits, we hope to continue to make adjustments & improvements to the search engine. Please note that for best results when using this search page, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided. In our experience, when the instructions are followed, results have generally been very good. Likewise, if instructions are ignored, search results may not be optimal. Also, please note that we believe we may be able to retain the old search page at this time, at least for a while. If so, we expect to include a link to the old search page at the top of the new search page. We would like to retain both search pages indefinitely, however, we do not know if (or for how long) we may be able to maintain both pages. To try the new search page now, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/srch/search.php . As always, we welcome your comments. Please submit feedback concerning our new search engine at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/transition_feedback.htm . Thanks in advance for any feedback.
* Traffic Update: We anticipate we may receive our 2.5 millionth visitor (based on raw, unfiltered access logs) sometime in April. We send our thanks to all who have visited MyCatholicSource.com!
* Your Help Needed With Wording Changes: Now that the site redesign is nearing completion, we have attempted to change all references such as 'left border', 'border at left', 'Classified Ad button', etc. to reflect the new design with the links and borders at right. If we have missed any such reference(s), please let us know. When contacting us, please provide the page's URL where the old reference is found. If you do find such a reference remaining on our site, please don't assume someone else will tell us about it. Rather, please take a moment to report it to us using the form at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/transition_feedback.htm . Thanks in advance for your help!
* New Lending Library Titles: We have added new titles referred to in previous newsletters to our Lending Library. To review a list of titles that may be available for loan, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/lending_library__titles.htm . To request a book from our Lending Library, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/lending_library_reserve_request.htm . For more information regarding our Lending Library, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/lending_library_Q_and_A.htm
* 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
* Will you be traveling for Easter? Need to locate a parish or Mass time? Don't forget our 'locate a Mass' links page at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Churches (or alternately at www.MyCatholicSource.com/Masses ) [Note: These URL shortcuts both redirect to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/lk/links-churches_masses.asp ]
* For 'Divine Mercy Sunday' information, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-divine_mercy.htm [Note: This page includes links to Divine Mercy prayers at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/divine_mercy.htm and also to the user-submitted article "What's Up With Faustina's Divine Mercy Devotion? Unanswered Questions & Things You May Not Know" at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_article-faustinas_divine_mercy_devotion.htm ]
* Upcoming Canonizations: With the planned upcoming papal canonizations, it seems opportune to remind about our Catholic News Links page available at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/news/catholic_news_links.htm . Please visit here for a variety of news links, including Vatican news links, general Catholic news links, and tradition-minded Catholic news links. For resources regarding the Vatican (including papal info., Q & A, Vatican facts, 'Classic Encyclicals', user-submitted article: "'Great' Popes: When a Pope Should Be & Should Not Be Called Great", etc.), please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/vatican.htm
* We will soon be preparing for our Sixth Annual Rosary Week. Please plan to join us by praying the Rosary each day of the week (from 10/20/14 through 10/26/14) for the indicated intentions. A sign up sheet should be available shortly.
* Planning some 'spring cleaning'? Rather than toss out items you can no longer use, consider offering these items to others for free (or for the cost of shipping). To offer your item(s), please visit the Give & Take Section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/give_and_take.htm . Or, if you are in need, please feel free to stop by the Give & Take Section to request needed items for yourself.
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* It's not to late to get iStations! Our Stations of the Cross app is perfect for Lent. Last month iStations ranked #2 in Lifestyle at least twice on Amazon.com and was also on the Apple charts for America, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Spain, Australia, Singapore, India, South Africa, Kenya, St. Lucia, and the Philippines. We were also pleased to receive at least 4 more 5-star reviews for iStations on various platforms. Recent reviewers called the app "Great" and "A perfect daily Lenten prayer". Comments included references to "beautiful pictures" and "beautifully written" prayers which are "perfect for a meaningful way to remember and reflect on the death and rising of Jesus." The app was also called "Very handy, uplifiting" and "a great Lenten time app [that] brings home the meaning of lent and helps me with setting my goals." Why not get your copy today? Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ]
* As previously mentioned, Android Market changed its name to Google Play a while back. We have planned to update various links & images on our site to correspond to this change, however we have yet not been able to get to this update. Please note that we do plan to eventually get to this change as time permits. In the meantime however, the old links/images are still functional.
* 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
* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )
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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 2014
* Help keep us online! You can donate from $1 using PayPal at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/donate.htm [note that we do NOT sell donor information to third parties and we do NOT contact you about your donation unless it is necessary (e.g. processing problems)]. Thank you for your much needed support!
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* Please visit our Notices page for timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
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The Month of April: Dedicated to the Holy Eucharist
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"There is nothing more to be added when we have said 'The Eucharist', since It is Jesus Christ." (St. Peter Julian Eymard)
"[The Eucharist is] a medicine of immortality, an antidote to death" (St. Ignatius of Antioch, c. 110 A.D.)
"Every Communion is a new gift which Jesus Christ makes of Himself." (St. Ignatius Loyola)
"[T]he Eucharist is, in itself, the greatest of the sacraments" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
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Related Resources...
* Holy Communion / Holy Eucharist (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Holy_Communion.htm
* Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_mass.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (General Info.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Catechism of the Council of Trent on the Holy Eucharist - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/catechism_of_the_council_of_trent_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Holy Communion (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/sacraments_reflections_Holy_Eucharist_Mass__Holy_Communion.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/sacraments_reflections_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Mass / Holy Eucharist (Prayers) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Mass_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Mirae Caritatis (On The Holy Eucharist, Pope Leo XIII) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/mirae_caritatis.htm
* Holy Eucharist / Mass (Apologetics) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Eucharist_Mass.htm
* Holy Eucharist (Word Search) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_Holy_Eucharist.htm
* Holy Eucharist (Crossword Puzzle) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_Holy_Eucharist.html
* Communion in the Hand: Why Not? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/communion_in_the_hand__why_not.htm
* Communion Under Both Species: Is it Required? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/communion_under_both_species__is_it_required.htm
* Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not? - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/sacraments/lay_ministers__why_not.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 said to them, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.'" (Jn. 6:53-58) [Note: As Scripture makes clear, reception of the Holy Eucharist is one essential condition for salvation. To be saved, one must also live according to God's laws.]
"He who communicates (i.e. worthily receives Holy Communion) most frequently will be freest from sin, and will make farthest progress in Divine Love." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"History bears witness that the virtues of the Christian life have flourished best wherever and whenever the frequent reception of the Eucharist has most prevailed. And on the other hand it is no less certain that in days when men have ceased to care for this heavenly bread, and have lost their appetite for it, the practice of Christian religion has gradually lost its force and vigor." (Pope Leo XIII, "Mirae Caritatis", 1902 A.D.)
"'Eat My Flesh,' He says, 'and drink My Blood.' The Lord supplies us with these intimate nutriments. He delivers over His Flesh, and pours out His Blood; and nothing is lacking for the growth of His children." (St. Clement of Alexandria, c. 3rd century A.D.)
"This Sacrament, whether as the theme of devout meditation, or as the object of public adoration, or best of all as a food to be received in the utmost purity of conscience, is to be regarded as the center towards which the spiritual life of a Christian in all its ambit gravitates; for all other forms of devotion, whatsoever they may be, lead up to it, and in it find their point of rest." (Pope Leo XIII, "Mirae Caritatis", 1902 A.D.)
"[T]o the Holy Eucharist we owe the future resurrection of our bodies. Our Savior himself teaches us this, where he says: 'Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the Bread which cometh down from heaven, that if any man eat of it, he may not die... He that eateth my Flesh, and drinketh my Blood, hath everlasting life, and I will raise him up in the last day (Jn. 5:49,50,55).'" (Dom Gueranger)
"No one who has a mortal sin on his conscience shall dare receive the Holy Eucharist before making a sacramental confession, regardless of how contrite he may think he is. This holy council declares that this custom is to be kept forever" (Council of Trent)
"Eternal Wisdom, on the one hand, wished to prove his love for man by dying in his place in order to save him, but on the other hand, he could not bear the thought of leaving him. So he devised a marvelous way of dying and living at the same time, and of abiding with man until the end of time. So, in order to fully satisfy his love, he instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist and went to the extent of changing and overturning nature itself." (St. Louis de Montfort)
"We are bound to receive Holy Communion, under pain of mortal sin, during Easter time and when in danger of death." (Baltimore Catechism) [Note: Of course, those receiving Holy Communion must be properly disposed and in the state of grace. Any who have committed a mortal sin must first make a sacramental Confession and receive absolution prior to receiving Holy Communion. Remember that "He who receives Communion in mortal sin receives the Body and Blood of Christ, but does not receive His grace, and he commits a great sacrilege." (Baltimore Catechism)]
"Certainly, then, the more a Christian is aware of the holiness and the divinity of this heavenly Sacrament [of the Eucharist], the more careful he should be not to receive it without great reverence and sanctity, especially since we read in the Apostle the fearful words: 'He who eats and drinks unworthily, without distinguishing the body of the Lord, eats and drinks judgment to himself' (1 Cor. 11:29)" (Council of Trent)
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Resources For Holy Week & Easter
+ + + Resources For Holy Week + + +
* Good Friday (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Good_Friday.htm
* Lenten Prayers (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-lenten_prayers.htm
* Stations of the Cross / Way of the Cross - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/prayers_and_devotions/stations_of_the_cross.htm
* The Passion of Jesus (from the Gospels) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_J.htm
Note: Scroll down page to view (about 1/3 way down page...contains selections on the Passion from all four Gospel accounts)
* 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
* The Passion / Cross Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_The_Passion.htm
* Holy Week / Indulgence Information - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Stabat Mater (Sequence) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_hymns_sequences.htm
* Prayers to Jesus (Prayer in Honor of the Five Wounds, Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Jesus.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Abandonment & Betrayal of Jesus - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_betrayal.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Passiontide, Spy Wednesday, Triduum / Easter Triduum, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Coloring Page: Jesus Washing Apostle's Feet - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_jesus_washing_feet.htm
* Coloring Page: Last Supper - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_last_supper.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"O Jesus, most glorious in your magnificence: I praise and bless your incomprehensible omnipotence, weak and helpless for us in the Passion. I adore and glorify your unsearchable wisdom, accounted foolishness for us. I praise and magnify your unutterable love, which submitted to hatred of all people for the sake of your elect. I praise and extol your meek and gentle mercy, sentenced to so fearful a death for humankind. I praise and I adore your ravishing sweetness, embittered for us by your most bitter death. Amen." (St. Mechtilde)
+ + + Resources For Easter + + +
* Easter (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-easter.htm
* Prayers for Easter - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_for_certain_occasions_times.htm
* Easter Duty - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_precepts_of_the_church.htm
* Definitions (e.g. for terms such as Easter, Easter Duty, Resurrection, etc.) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_definitions.htm
* Fulfilled Prophecies in Scripture: Jesus' Passion, Death, & Resurrection - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/biblical_prophecies_passion_death_resurrection.htm
* Easter Date - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_basics/catholic_basics_councils.htm
* The Resurrection Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_the_resurrection.htm
* Happy Easter Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_happy_easter.htm
* Alleluia Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_alleluia.htm
* He is Risen Coloring Page - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/coloring_book_He_is_risen.htm
* Crossword Puzzle (Easter) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/crossword_puzzle_easter.html
* Word Search Puzzle (Easter) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pca/word_search_easter.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"In thy resurrection, O Christ, alleluia. Let heaven and earth rejoice, alleluia." (Liturgical Year)
"O sing, my tongue, the victory of the glorious combat! Tell how was won the noble triumph on the trophy of the cross, and how the world's Redeemer, when immolated, conquered." (From 6th century hymn)
"Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin; Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein! Let all things seen and unseen their notes of gladness blend, For Christ the Lord hath risen, our Joy that hath no end!" (St. John Damascene, Doctor of the Church)
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Another Useful 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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Tips for Meditating on the Most Sacred Passion of Jesus
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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. capitalization, punctuation, formatting and spelling changes)]
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Perhaps there is no subject for meditation more suitable to every class of persons than the most sacred Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. In it may sinners find the encouragement and graces necessary for their conversion; from it may beginners derive strength and fervor wherewith to subdue their passions; in it may the good discover fresh incentives to advance in the paths of virtue. In short, there are none who will not find it an inexhaustible mine of hidden treasures, and an endless source of graces and spiritual blessings. In all ages it has been a favorite exercise of all the saints, who greatly to their spiritual consolation have been in the habit of spending hours, day and night, in meditation on the bitter sufferings of their Savior. [Here the author recommends one not reflect superficially, but give attentive consideration and apply one's mind diligently to the subject of reflection, noting that "you will be convinced, by your own experience, how great a change of heart, reformation of life, hatred of sin, and love of God it will produce in your soul."] ...
Whatever mystery of the Passion you take for the subject of your meditation, you may always bestow attentive consideration on the following five points:
1. The infinite greatness of Him who suffers.
2. The excess of suffering and ignominy which He endures.
3. How great is the love with which He suffers.
4. The infinite unworthiness and vileness of those for whom He suffers.
5. That His principal aim in all His sufferings [besides, of course, atoning for sin & making salvation possible] is to be loved by men.
Let these reflections sink deep into your mind, and if one of them, or any other point of the meditation which you are reading, should make a lively impression upon your heart, dwell awhile on it without caring to go on any further. You may even make your prayer upon the same point for several days, and even weeks, in succession, if you find it productive of good thoughts, reserving the other points for the following days, and you will soon perceive how useful such repetitions will be to your soul. After your mind has been employed in attentively considering and reflecting upon the mystery and its attendant circumstances, it will not be difficult for your will to be excited and touched by different holy affections, which you ought to pass some short time in exercising with great calmness of spirit...
The principal affections to which you may excite your mind during your meditation upon the sufferings of Jesus are as follows:
1. Admiration - How is it possible, you may say, that a God can suffer so much for the love of me, a vile creature? Oh what excessive love and charity!
2. Gratitude - By exciting yourself to interior emotions of gratitude and appreciation of the greatness of the benefits bestowed upon you by Jesus in His Passion, feeling how much you are indebted to your dear Redeemer, and resolving constantly to praise and thank Him for His infinite love towards you.
3. Compassion - By compassionating your Crucified Jesus overwhelmed with sorrow and suffering, and by earnestly desiring that you had been present to have afforded some relief to your most afflicted Lord.
4. Contrition for your sins - By considering all that those guilty pleasures in which you have indulged contrary to the law of God have cost Jesus Christ, and how large a share you have had in His Passion and Death. Bewail your sins at His feet, and firmly resolve to die rather than ever more to offend a Father so worthy of your love.
5. Love - By protesting that you will bestow all the affections of your heart upon Him who has so much loved you, and by desiring to have, if possible, a thousand hearts solely occupied in loving Him, and corresponding in some measure with His infinite charity. Offer and consecrate yourself entirely to the love of Jesus Crucified. Desire that He may be known and loved by all men.
6. Prayer - By asking of our Lord grace to love Him, to imitate Him, and never to offend Him. Endeavor to inspire your heart with lively feelings of confidence that God will grant all your requests through the merits of the Passion of Jesus Christ. Your most fervent request ought to be for grace to correct some habitual fault, to overcome your predominant passion, and to practice that virtue in which you are most deficient, and which has occupied a prominent place in the subject of your meditation, thereby to imitate Jesus Christ; for the imitation of Christ should be the principal object of every meditation on His Passion. Having made the affections, you should proceed to resolutions. Promise our Lord that you will never more displease Him by mortal or even deliberate venial sin. Determine to avoid such or such a fault (name it), and to make use of such or such means (specify which). For example, to fly from such or such a house, to avoid such and such a companion, instantly to dismiss this or that thought, immediately to curb those bursts of passion, to place a guard over your eyes, to keep silence on such and such occasions, etc., etc.
Remember that the principal fruit of your prayer consists in these resolutions, and far more in keeping them faithfully. Place them in the sacred Wounds of Jesus, and in the hands of Mary, and implore grace to put them in practice. Keep them in view during the whole course of the day, and an occasional examination as to the manner in which you are practicing them will be a most efficacious means of ensuring your fidelity.
Whoever follows the instructions here given will discover by experience how easy a practice is meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ, and will clearly perceive how greatly those are deceived who say that it is a practice suitable only to Religious and too difficult for Seculars. Meditation, as I have already said, is in fact, nothing more than the exercise of the memory, understanding, and will upon some mystery or truth of our holy Faith; now, if we are accustomed to exercise those powers from morning till night on sensible objects which are often sinful, why should we not be able, with the assistance of God's grace, to exercise them in the consideration of the bitter Passion of Jesus Christ, our most loving Redeemer?
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"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 2:2)
"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the learning of the learned I will set aside.'" (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 1:18-19)
"The cross is the ladder to Heaven." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
"Here learn the science of the saints: All is to be found in the passion of Jesus." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"You should carry the passion of God in your hearts, for it is man's consolation in his last hour." (St. Nicholas of Flue)
"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)
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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 April
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for April 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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April 2 - St. Francis of Paula (Paola) (T)
April 2 - St. Francis of Paola (N)
April 4 - St. Isidore of Seville (T)
April 4 - St. Isidore of Seville (N)
April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer (T)
April 5 - St. Vincent Ferrer (N)
April 6 - St. Juliana of Cornillon (T)
April 7 - St. John Baptist de la Salle (N)
April 8 - St. Julia Billiart (T)
April 11 - St. Leo the Great, pope (T)
April 11 - St. Stanislaus (N)
April 13 - St. Hermenegild (T)
April 13 - St. Martin I, pope (N)
April 14 - St. Justin (T)
April 14 - Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian & Maximus (T)
April 17 - St. Anicetus, pope (T)
April 21 - St. Anselm of Canterbury (T)
April 21 - St. Anselm (N)
April 22 - Sts. Soter & Caius, popes (T)
April 23 - St. George (T)
April 23 - St. Adalbert (N)
April 23 - St. George (N)
April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (T)
April 24 - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (N)
April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist (T)
April 25 - St. Mark the Evangelist (N)
April 26 - Our Lady of Good Counsel (T)
April 26 - Sts. Cletus & Marcellinus, popes (T)
April 27 - St. Peter Canisius (T)
April 27 - St. Thuribius of Mogrobejo (T)
April 28 - St. Paul of the Cross (T)
April 28 - St. Vitalis (T)
April 28 - St. Louis Marie de Montfort (N)
April 28 - St. Peter Chanel (N)
April 29 - St. Peter of Verona (T)
April 29 - St. Catherine of Siena (N)
April 30 - St. Catherine of Siena (T)
April 30 - St. Pius V, pope (N)
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...
4/6/14 - Fifth Sunday of Lent [Passion Sunday (T)]
4/13/14 - Palm Sunday
4/16/14 - Spy Wednesday
4/17/14 - Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
4/18/14 - Good Friday
4/19/14 - Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
4/20/14 - EASTER SUNDAY
4/27/14 - Low Sunday (Quasimodo Sunday) (T) | Divine Mercy Sunday (N) [Reminder: Plenary Indulgence May Be Available. For indulgence information, please go to http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm . For information on the Divine Mercy devotion, including a link to the user-submitted article "What's Up With Faustina's Divine Mercy Devotion? Unanswered Questions & Things You May Not Know", please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-divine_mercy.htm ]
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'Catholic Trivia'
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Note: This month there are 40 themed trivia items. [Theme: Sin / Sinners (From Holy Scripture)]
[Reminder: Translation / punctuation / referencing / capitalization / etc. may vary. Interpretation and application of Scripture should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take Scripture passages out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally.]
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Complete the scripture passages below...
1. "Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one ___." (Sirach 7:8)
2. "For whoever keeps the whole law, but falls short in one particular, ___. For he who said, 'You shall not commit adultery,' also said, 'You shall not kill.' Even if you do not commit adultery but kill, you ___." (St. James, Jms. 2:10-11)
3. "The Most High himself ___ sinners, and upon the wicked he ___." (Sirach 12:7)
4. "If sinners do not repent, God ___." (Ps. 7:13-14)
5. "Whoever sins ___, because the devil has sinned from the beginning." (St. John, 1 Jn. 3:8)
6. "God will ___ of the enemy, the hairy heads of those who ___." (Ps. 68:22)
7. "An ill-tempered man stirs up disputes, and a hotheaded man is the cause of ___." (Prov. 29:22)
8. "My son, if you have sinned, ___ and for your past sins ___. Flee from sin ___ that will bite you if you go near it; Its teeth are lion's teeth, destroying the souls of men." (Sirach 21:1-2)
9. "Reprimand publicly___, so that ___." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 5:20)
10. "Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in s*xual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by ___." (St. Jude 1:7)
11. "If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, ___. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay,' and again: 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing ___." (St. Paul, Heb. 10:26-31)
12. "Observe the honest, mark the upright; those at peace with God have a future. But all sinners ___; the future of the wicked ___." (Ps. 37:37-38)
13. "Sin directs the heart of the wicked; their eyes are closed to the fear of God. For they live with ___." (Ps. 36:2-3)
14. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,___. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 18:6-7)
15. "If your brother sins, ___ him; and if he repents, ___ him." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)
16. "Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation ___. Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, ___. Delay not to ___, neglect it not till you are in distress." (Sirach 18:19-21)
17. "Virtue guards one who walks honestly, but the ___ of the wicked is sin." (Prov. 13:6)
18. "Give to the good man, ___ the sinner; refresh the downtrodden, give ___ to the proud man." (Sirach 12:4)
19. "For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? 'And if the righteous one is ___, where will the godless and the sinner appear?'" (St. Peter, 1 Pt. 4:17-18)
20. "Virtue exalts a nation, but sin is a people's ___." (Prov. 14:34)
21. "The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst... But I now write to you not to ___ anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? God will judge those outside. 'Purge the evil person from your midst." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 5:2, 11-13)
22. "Rely not on your wealth; say not: 'I have the power.' Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart. Say not: 'Who can prevail against me?' for the LORD will exact the punishment. Say not: 'I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?' for the LORD bides his time. Of forgiveness be not ___, adding sin upon sin. Say not: 'Great is his ___; my many sins he will forgive.' For ___ are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath. Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you ___." (Sirach 5:1-9)
23. "By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are ___, who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but ___ to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness." (St. Paul, Rom. 2:5-8)
24. "Against a sinful band fire is enkindled, upon a godless people ___. He forgave not the leaders of old who rebelled long ago in their might; He spared not the neighbors of Lot whom he detested for their pride; Nor did he spare the doomed people who were uprooted because of their sin; Nor the six hundred thousand foot soldiers who perished for the impiety of their hearts. And had there been but one stiffnecked man, it were a wonder had he gone unpunished. For ___ alike are with him who remits and forgives, though on the wicked alights his wrath. Great as his mercy ___; he judges men, each ___." (Sirach 16:6-12)
25. "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another ___, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband ___." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk.16:18)
26. "Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but ___ is an abomination to the sinner." (Sirach 1:22)
27. "But if you do evil, ___, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to ___." (St. Paul, Rom. 13:4)
28. "After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is ___." (St. Paul, Ti. 3:10-11)
29. "Water quenches a flaming fire, and ___ atone for sins." (Sirach 3:29)
30. "In whatever you do, remember your last days, and ___." (Sirach 7:36)
31. "He who conceals his sins ___, but he who confesses and forsakes them ___." (Prov. 28:13)
32. "If your hand causes you to sin, ___. It is better for you to ___." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mk. 9:43)
33. "Where words are many, ___; but he who restrains his lips does well." (Prov. 10:19)
34. "The vengeful will ___, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, ___. Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the LORD? Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins? If he who is but flesh cherishes wrath, ___?" (Sirach 28:1-5)
35. "Then, dismissing the crowds, [Jesus] went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, 'Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.' He said in reply, 'He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom ___. They will throw them into ___, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.'" (Mt. 13:36-43)
36. "This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world ___." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 1:15)
37. "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 ___." (St. James, Jms. 5:19-20)
38. "Therefore, sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you ___. And do not present the parts of your bodies ___, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness." (St. Paul, Rom. 6:12-13)
39. [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you, everyone who ___ has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:27-28)
40. "The one who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' Then he said, 'Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.' He said to me, 'They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son. But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is___.'" (Rv. 21:5-8)
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Answers:
1. "Do not plot to repeat a sin; not even for one will you go unpunished." (Sirach 7:8)
2. "For whoever keeps the whole law, but falls short in one particular, has become guilty in respect to all of it. For he who said, 'You shall not commit adultery,' also said, 'You shall not kill.' Even if you do not commit adultery but kill, you have become a transgressor of the law." (St. James, Jms. 2:10-11)
3. "The Most High himself hates sinners, and upon the wicked he takes vengeance." (Sirach 12:7)
4. "If sinners do not repent, God sharpens his sword, strings and readies the bow, Prepares his deadly shafts, makes arrows blazing thunderbolts." (Ps. 7:13-14)
5. "Whoever sins belongs to the devil, because the devil has sinned from the beginning." (St. John, 1 Jn. 3:8)
6. "God will crush the skulls of the enemy, the hairy heads of those who walk in sin." (Ps. 68:22)
7. "An ill-tempered man stirs up disputes, and a hotheaded man is the cause of many sins." (Prov. 29:22)
8. "My son, if you have sinned, do so no more, and for your past sins pray to be forgiven. Flee from sin as from a serpent that will bite you if you go near it; Its teeth are lion's teeth, destroying the souls of men." (Sirach 21:1-2)
9. "Reprimand publicly those who do sin, so that the rest also will be afraid." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 5:20)
10. "Likewise, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in s*xual promiscuity and practiced unnatural vice, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." (St. Jude 1:7)
11. "If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay,' and again: 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (St. Paul, Heb. 10:26-31)
12. "Observe the honest, mark the upright; those at peace with God have a future. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off." (Ps. 37:37-38)
13. "Sin directs the heart of the wicked; their eyes are closed to the fear of God. For they live with the delusion: their guilt will not be known and hated." (Ps. 36:2-3)
14. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!" (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 18:6-7)
15. "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk. 17:3)
16. "Before you are judged, seek merit for yourself, and at the time of visitation you will have a ransom. Before you have fallen, humble yourself; when you have sinned, show repentance. Delay not to forsake sins, neglect it not till you are in distress." (Sirach 18:19-21)
17. "Virtue guards one who walks honestly, but the downfall of the wicked is sin." (Prov. 13:6)
18. "Give to the good man, refuse the sinner; refresh the downtrodden, give nothing to the proud man." (Sirach 12:4)
19. "For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God? 'And if the righteous one is barely saved, where will the godless and the sinner appear?'" (St. Peter, 1 Pt. 4:17-18)
20. "Virtue exalts a nation, but sin is a people's disgrace." (Prov. 14:34)
21. "The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst... But I now write to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, if he is immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or a robber, not even to eat with such a person. For why should I be judging outsiders? Is it not your business to judge those within? God will judge those outside. 'Purge the evil person from your midst." (St. Paul, 1 Cor. 5:2, 11-13)
22. "Rely not on your wealth; say not: 'I have the power.' Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart. Say not: 'Who can prevail against me?' for the LORD will exact the punishment. Say not: 'I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?' for the LORD bides his time. Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin. Say not: 'Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive.' For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath. Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed." (Sirach 5:1-9)
23. "By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness." (St. Paul, Rom. 2:5-8)
24. "Against a sinful band fire is enkindled, upon a godless people wrath flames out. He forgave not the leaders of old who rebelled long ago in their might; He spared not the neighbors of Lot whom he detested for their pride; Nor did he spare the doomed people who were uprooted because of their sin; Nor the six hundred thousand foot soldiers who perished for the impiety of their hearts. And had there been but one stiffnecked man, it were a wonder had he gone unpunished. For mercy and anger alike are with him who remits and forgives, though on the wicked alights his wrath. Great as his mercy is his punishment; he judges men, each according to his deeds." (Sirach 16:6-12)
25. "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Lk.16:18)
26. "Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner." (Sirach 1:22)
27. "But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer." (St. Paul, Rom. 13:4)
28. "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)
29. "Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins." (Sirach 3:29)
30. "In whatever you do, remember your last days, and you will never sin." (Sirach 7:36)
31. "He who conceals his sins prospers not, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy." (Prov. 28:13)
32. "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mk. 9:43) [Reminder: Interpretation and application of Scripture should not be contrary to the perennial, official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Do not take Scripture passages out of context. Do not inflict harm on yourself or others, break laws, take unsuitable / incautious or inappropriate / drastic actions, or take figurative items literally.]
33. "Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but he who restrains his lips does well." (Prov. 10:19)
34. "The vengeful will suffer the LORD'S vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the LORD? Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins? If he who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?" (Sirach 28:1-5)
35. "Then, dismissing the crowds, [Jesus] went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, 'Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.' He said in reply, 'He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.'" (Mt. 13:36-43)
36. "This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (St. Paul, 1 Tm. 1:15)
37. "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." (St. James, Jms. 5:19-20)
38. "Therefore, sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness." (St. Paul, Rom. 6:12-13)
39. [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Mt. 5:27-28)
40. "The one who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' Then he said, 'Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.' He said to me, 'They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son. But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death.'" (Rv. 21:5-8)
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For more information concerning the topics above, try the Sin Topic Page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-sin.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 Think it is Wrong For Catholics to Call Priests 'Father' Because Scripture Says to "Call No Man Father..."?
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__priests.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Think it is Wrong For Catholics to Call Priests 'Father' Because Scripture Says to "Call No Man Father..."? (Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants)
Consider:
* If Christ's injunction to "call no one on earth your father" (Mt. 23:9) was to be taken literally, how can you explain the following...?
* We are commanded to honor our mother and father (Mt. 19:17-19)
* Jesus refers to various human fathers as "father" (Mt. 8:21, Mt. 10:21, Mt. 10:35, Mt. 10:37, Mt. 15:4-6, Mt. 19:5, Mt. 19:29, Mk. 10:7, Mk. 10:29, Mk. 13:12, Lk. 11:11, Lk. 12:53)
* St. Paul also uses the term "father"...
Acts 22:1: "My brothers and fathers, listen to what I am about to say to you in my defense."
1 Cor. 4:15: Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Phlm. 1:10: I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment...
* St. John also uses the term "father"...
1 Jn. 2:13: I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one.
1 Jn. 2:14: I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.
* Why is it that Protestants take this one passage literally to condemn the Church (even though Jesus, St. Paul, and St. John by their usage show that it was not to be taken strictly literally), but don't take such weighty matters as prohibitions against divorce so literally? Why is it they selectively point to this term on one hand to show that they are "bible believing", but on the other hand ignore other Scriptural instructions that are clearly not to be taken strictly literally. For example,
* Do you call other persons good? (see Mk.10:18)
* Do you really hate your parents, siblings, and children? (see Lk. 14:25-27)
* Are you really unable to see how a priest may be likened to a father when "a carnal father gives his child three things, being, nourishment and instruction" (St. Thomas Aquinas) and a Catholic priest also gives his spiritual children being (through baptism), nourishment (through the Eucharist), and instruction (through preaching)?
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"The priest has as the proper field of his activity everything that pertains to the supernatural life, since it is he who promotes the increase of this supernatural life and communicates it to the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ. Consequently, it is necessary that he renounce 'the things of the world,' in order to have care only for 'the things of the Lord'. And it is precisely because he should be free from preoccupation with worldly things to dedicate himself entirely to the divine service, that the Church has established the law of celibacy, thus making it ever more manifest to all peoples that the priest is a minister of God and the father of souls. By his law of celibacy, the priest, so far from losing the gift and duties of fatherhood, rather increases them immeasurably, for, although he does not beget progeny for this passing life of earth, he begets children for that life which is heavenly and eternal." (Pope Pius XII, "Menti Nostrae", 1950 A.D.)
"The minister of God is a father of souls; and he knows that his toils and his cares cannot adequately be repaid with wealth and honors of earth... a priest must expect no other recompense than that promised by Christ to His Apostles: 'Your reward is very great in Heaven.'" (Pope Pius XI, "Ad Catholici Sacerdotii", 1935 A.D.)
"Call none your father - Neither be ye called masters, etc... The meaning is that our Father in heaven is incomparably more to be regarded, than any father upon earth: and no master is to be followed, who would lead us away from Christ. But this does not hinder but that we are by the law of God to have a due respect both for our parents and spiritual fathers, (1 Cor. 4:15) and for our masters and teachers." (Footnote for Mt. 23:9, Douay Rheims Translation)
"Even as when he baptizes, not he doth baptize thee, but it is God that possesses thy head with invisible power, and neither angel nor archangel nor any other dare draw nigh and touch thee; even so now also. For when God begets, the gift is His only. Seest thou not those who adopt to themselves sons here, how they commit not the act to slaves, but are themselves present at the judgment-seat? Even so neither hath God committed His gift to angels, but Himself is present, commanding and saying, 'Call no man Father on earth;' not that thou shouldest dishonor them that gave thee birth, but that thou shouldest prefer to all those Him that made thee, and enrolled thee amongst His own children. For He that hath given the greater, that is, hath set Himself before thee, much more will He not think scorn to distribute unto thee of His body. Let us hear therefore, both priests and subjects, what we have had vouchsafed to us; let us hear and tremble. Of His own holy flesh He hath granted us our fill; He hath set before us Himself sacrificed." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"'The poor hath been left unto Thee.' For therefore is he poor, that is, hath despised all the temporal goods of this world, that Thou only mayest be his hope. 'Thou wilt be a helper to the orphan,' that is, to him to whom his father this world, by whom he was born after the flesh, dies, and who can already say, 'The world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.' For of such orphans God becomes the Father. The Lord teaches us in truth that His disciples do become orphans, to whom He saith, 'Call no man father on earth.' Of which He first Himself gave an example in saying, 'Who is my mother, and who my brethren?' Whence some most mischievous heretics would assert that He had no mother; and they do not see that it follows from this, if they pay attention to these words, that neither had His disciples fathers. For as He said, 'Who is my mother?' so He taught them, when He said, 'Call no man your father on earth.'" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"But who calls no man father upon earth? He who in every action done as before God, says, 'Our Father, which art in Heaven.'" [Origen ("the greatest scholar of Christian antiquity" - although he would eventually be excommunicated and be regarded as a heretic), 3rd century A.D.]
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Let Him be fixed deep in your heart, who for you was fastened to the cross" (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"That man should be delivered by Christ's Passion was in keeping with both His mercy and His justice. With His justice, because by His Passion Christ made satisfaction for the sins of the human race, and so man was set free by Christ's justice; and with His mercy, for since man of himself could not satisfy for the sin of all human nature, God gave him His Son to satisfy for him. And this came of a more copious mercy than if he had forgiven sins without satisfaction: Hence St. Paul says: 'God, who is rich in mercy, by reason of His very great love wherewith He has loved us even when we were dead by reason of our sins, brought us to life together with Christ.' (St. Thomas Aquinas)" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
"...death has not destroyed this Body which was pierced with nails and scourged... this is the Body which was once covered with blood, pierced by a lance, from which issued saving fountains upon the world, one of blood and the other of water... This Body He gave to us to keep and eat, as a mark of His intense love." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"What is here written of the side of Christ, opened by the wound from the soldier, should also be said of the Heart which was certainly reached by the stab of the lance, since the soldier pierced it precisely to make certain that Jesus Christ crucified was really dead. Hence the wound of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, now that He has completed His mortal life, remains through the course of the ages a striking image of that spontaneous charity by which God gave His only begotten Son for the redemption of men and by which Christ expressed such passionate love for us that He offered Himself as a bleeding victim on Calvary for our sake: 'Christ loved us and delivered Himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness.'" (Pope Pius XII, "Haurietis Aquas", 1956 A.D.)
"'See how we were bought: Christ hangs upon the cross, see at what a price He makes His purchase... He sheds His blood, He buys with His blood, He buys with the blood of [Christ], He buys with the blood of God's only Son. He who buys is Christ; the price is His blood; the possession bought is the world.' (St. Augustine) This purchase, however, does not immediately have its full effect; since Christ, after redeeming the world at the lavish cost of His own blood, still must come into complete possession of the souls of men. Wherefore, that the redemption and salvation of each person and of future generations unto the end of time may be effectively accomplished, and be acceptable to God, it is necessary that men should individually come into vital contact with the Sacrifice of the Cross, so that the merits, which flow from it, should be imparted to them. In a certain sense it can be said that on Calvary Christ built a font of purification and salvation which He filled with the blood He shed; but if men do not bathe in it and there wash away the stains of their iniquities, they can never be purified and saved." (Pope Pius XII, "Mediator Dei", 1947 A.D.)
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