January 5
Particular Judgment and the Final Judgment
The Church teaches us that when we die, our souls (which are immortal) receive a particular judgment of Heaven, Hell or Purgatory. The Final judgment will be the return of Christ who will judge the world and renew it to a new heaven and a new earth. All of the brokenness of the world will be repaired.
Some believe that a loving God would not place anyone in Hell. And they are correct because God puts no one into Heaven, Hell or Purgatory. We put ourselves into these places by either accepting or rejecting the truth given to us from God, His Church and the scriptures.
Everyone is held to the ability that they can intellectually attain. (Think of a mentally handicapped person or a person who never had the opportunity to know the full truth such as a Jew who has been taught that Jesus is not God). But the truth we do gain holds us responsible for our everlasting placement. Rejection of what we know about God to be true will keep us from our goal.
At the final judgment, our bodies will be united with our souls in the place our particular judgment has placed us.
December 29
Mass in Scripture and Tradition Pt. 3
Our Father. Mt. 6, Lk.11,
At the end of the prayer, we and an embolism. “Deliver us Lord, we pray, from every evil, an xpansive statement on forgiveness
Doxology: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Catholics do not add this prayer WITH the Our Father because it was not originally in scripture.
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins, but on the faith of the Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Jn. 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Peace of the Lord be with you always AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT (AGAIN, 2 Tim: 4:22 “The Lord be with your spirit….”)
Let us offer one each other the sign of peace. Mt. 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
The Bread is broken. Jesus takes, blesses, breaks and gives. Mt. 14:19 “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them…”
Lamb of God…you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us. Jn. “1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,* who takes away the sin of the world” When we asks saints to help us, we always ask them to pray for us. We don’t ask Jesus to pray for us, but to have mercy on us.
Private prayer of priest, there are 2 to choose from. Says something along the lines of free me from my sins and evil and protect me.
Behold the Lamb of God……Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Mt. 8: 5-8 “When he entered Capernaum,* a centurion approached him and appealed to him,6saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply,* “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” (A Centurion is a military leader of a group of 100 soldiers)
Priest receives> May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life. May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.
Private prayer when cleaning the vessels. What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.
Prayer after communion: Proper
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. (2 Tim: 4:22)
Blessing. Sign of the Cross again. Begin and end (book marks, book ends)
Dismissal. Lt. (Missio), mission;, go!
December 22
Liturgy of the Eucharist:
Bread and Wine: Gen. 14:18 Melchizedek, king of Salem,* brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High. Heb. 5: 8-10 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek
Melchizedek was not from the House of Levi or Aaron. Not a Levitical Priest or in the Aaronic Priesthood. A DIFFERENT PRIEST.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink. Jewish blessings of bread: Hamotzi:
Preparation of the Cup. “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” Christ is the wine; we are the water.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink. Jewish blessing of wine: Kaddush:
BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER
“With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God.” In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah…Hebrew names) Azariah says in Dan 3: 39 But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received; As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bulls, or tens of thousands of fat lambs…” Is. 57:15, and Psalm 51
Priest washes his hands. “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin” Jewish rhetoric of washing. Ex/ 30:17ff “The LORD told Moses: For ablutions you shall make a bronze basin with a bronze stand. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons shall use it in washing their hands and feet. When they are about to enter the tent of meeting, they must wash with water, lest they die. Likewise when they approach the altar to minister, to offer an oblation to the LORD, they must wash their hands and feet, lest they die. This shall be a perpetual statute for him and his descendants throughout their generations.” Psalm 26: 6 “I will wash my hands* in innocence so that I may process around your altar, Lord” The cleansing before entering the ‘Holy of Holies’ rebuilt in time. INCENSE; (if used) from Revelation and the psalm 142 may our prayers rise up like incense.
Pray brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice, and yours may be acceptable to God the almighty Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice and your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church
The Lord be with You. And with your spirit. 2 Tim: 4:22 “The Lord be with your spirit….”
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. It is right and just.
Preface: Changes with season or particular feast. At the end of the preface, when we say something along the lines of ‘and so, with the Angels and all the Saints we declare your glory, as with one voice we acclaim:’ We call to mind the heavenly celebration of the Mass given to us in the Book of Revelation. WE participate WITH the angels and saints.
The Church teaches us that, at the Mass, all the Church is present. The Church Militant: us, the Church Suffering: The souls in Purgatory, and the Church Triumphant; those in Heaven.
Holy Holy Holy. Isaiah 6: “….I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne with the train of his garment filling the temple. Seraphim were stationed above;. each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered. One cried out to the other:
“Holy, holy, holy* is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” Rev. 4 “The four living creatures, each of them with six wings,* were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.””
Eucharistic Prayer. (Canon). Several to pick from. But based on and around the institution narratives of the Last Supper. Oldest from Justin Martyr around 160 Eucharistic prayer #2
Eucharistic Prayer
At the sacrifice of the Mass, we do not re-crucify Christ, but bring in being the moment of Christ’s crucifixion among us. WE bring the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion into our understanding of time.
December 15
THE ROOTS OF THE MASS IN SCRIPTURE AND TRADITION. PT 1
INTRODUCTORY RITES
SIGN OF THE CROSS. 3 fold purpose: 1) Mark ourselves as Christians and 2) to remind ourselves to Know, Love and Serve God in the world so as to be happy with Him in the next. Also, we do everything IN THE NAME (SINGULAR) OF THE THREEFOLD GOD (TRINITY). The priest uses an open hand to bless. 3) We bless ourselves with the cross. In the Eastern Rites of the Church, they use the 3- fingers up (Trinity) and 2 closed (2 Natures of Christ when blessing themselves and giving the blessing. Matthew 28:19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.
”THE LORD BE WITH YOU/ And with your spirit” Luke 1:28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. The Lord is with US. 2 Tim: 4:22 “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.” The earlier translation said “And also with you”. This is not a good translation. The priest acts in Persona Christi, in the person of Christ. We say “and with your spirit” to the priest, (and with the spirit of Christ which is within.)
Penitential Rite 1) Confiteor I Confess…. 2) Petitions followed by “Lord, Christ, Lord Have Mercy), 3) Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have sinned against you. Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation. In the Jewish tradition, there was a public speaking of your sin. Leviticus 5:5 when someone is guilty in regard to any of these matters, that person shall confess the wrong committed. Gloria: Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The acclamation of the angels on the occasion of Jesus’ birth. The titles given God and Jesus are found throughout scripture
Collect: (Opening Prayer) Gathers our thoughts together: “collects” our thoughts and prayers and sets the tone for the Mass. PROPER/ORDINARY.
LITURGY OF THE WORD. O.T., PSALM, N.T. GOSPEL. HOMILY: ALL from the bible. ALLELUIA =Praise God, Praise Yahweh. Alleluia found in the psalms and in the Book of Revelation. Before Gospel: Blessing for Deacon: May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well, in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. /Priest prayer: Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim your holy Gospel. Isaiah 6:6-7 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. “See,” he said, “now that this has touched your lips,*your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” After Gospel: Through the words of the Gospel may our sins be wiped away.
Homily Gr. “homlietikos” “conversation”, [Mass is a dialogue]
Sermon” Latin “sermo” or “speech”
Creed. Nicene/Apostle’s. Reaffirmation of our faith before we begin the most important section of the Mass. Council of Nicea (325) Constantine calls for this.
Prayers of the Faithful
December 8
Beginning Dec. 1 (First Sunday of Advent), the rubrics for adoration were changed for the American Church.
When exposition occurs, proper vestments must be worn (alb or surplice over a cassock, and a white stole or the chasuble of the Mass. Also, incense must be used for exposition. The monstrance will be incensed and in accordance with local custom (which we have observed) an appropriate song is sung. The monstrance is placed on a corporal with 4 candles (at least). There is no closing prayer.
This will change our adoration between the Sunday Masses. However, we can expose the ciborium placed on a corporal and 2 candles in a less involved manner. Before the Masses on the weekends, we will expose the ciborium for adoration and then return the ciborium to the tabernacle before Mass begins.
The proper genuflection for Jesus, inside and outside of the tabernacle is a single genuflection. (If you want to continue the double genuflection, that’s fine.)
The monstrance is to be used on longer periods of adoration. On Wednesdays, we will end Mass with the closing prayer and then expose the Eucharist in the monstrance. The monstrance will be incensed and an appropriate song will be sung. We cannot repose the Eucharist before Mass and then expose the Eucharist in the monstrance after Mass until the Spanish communion service or Mass. If the monstrance is replaced with the Eucharist, it would entail another Benediction before the Spanish Mass. We do not duplicate the Benediction. WE WILL HAVE BENEDICTION WITH THE MONSTRANCE AND THE REPOSITION BEFORE THE 6:00 pm Mass. After the 6:00 PM Mass, we will then expose the ciborium on the altar until the Spanish Communion Service or Mass.
First Fridays will continue as usual although there is a different prayer to be said than in the past by the priest or deacon at Benediction.
December 1
Advent, 2024
Navigating the Arrival: Advent 2024
The season of Advent 2024 nears as the days grow shorter and a hint of crispness fills the air. Our thoughts naturally turn towards the upcoming Christmas season. But before the merriment of gift-giving and festive gatherings commences, the Church calls us to a period of preparation known as Advent.
What Is the Meaning of Advent?
Within the Catholic faith, the season of Advent holds profound meaning. It serves a twofold purpose:
- Preparation for the Birth of Christ: Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the arrival of Jesus. We reflect on the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, their fulfillment in Jesus our hope (1 Tim. 1:1), and thus the mission of salvation he’s given to us as members of the one Church he founded.
- A Call to Conversion: It’s also a season of introspection and renewal. The liturgical color purple reminds us of our imperfections and the need for repentance. By acknowledging our shortcomings, we open ourselves to God’s grace and prepare ourselves to receive the gift of Christ. Also, penance—such as through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—helps us quiet and discipline our hearts for the joy of Christmas (see Catechism 1434). In that light, without an Advent fast it’s harder to prepare for a Christmas.
In essence, this season is a bridge between the past, present, and future. It allows us to look back on the hope for the Savior of the World, experience anew the joy of his arrival and also his reign in the present through his Church, and to prepare ourselves for his glorious return at his Second Coming.
Sundays of Advent
Each Sunday of Advent holds a special significance, as symbolized by the respective four candles of the Advent wreath:
- First Sunday of Advent: This Sunday marks the beginning of the season and traditionally focuses on the theme of hope, symbolized by the Prophet’s Candle which points to the long-expected Savior (see Tit. 2:13; John 3:16–17).
- Second Sunday of Advent: The focus shifts to faith with the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to the city where Jesus would be born (see Mic. 5:2; Luke 2:1–7).
- Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday): In a departure from the usual purple vestments, priests wear a rose-colored one at this Sunday’s Mass, and rose is also the color of the Shepherd’s Candle. Both symbolize the world’s joy for the long-expected Savior’s birth (see Isa. 9:1–3; Luke 2:8–12).
- Fourth Sunday of Advent: The final Sunday before Christmas emphasizes the incomparable peace that our Divine Savior brings (see Isa. 9:6; John 14:27), and which the Angel’s Candle heralds (see Luke 2:13–14).
November 24
A Catholic Perspective on AI
As Catholics, it is crucial to engage with AI thoughtfully and ethically. Here are some points to consider:
- AI and Catholic Apologetics: AI can assist in spreading the faith, answering questions, and providing resources for Catholics to help them prepare the case for Catholicism and the Catholic Church.
- Ethical Considerations: The development and use of AI must respect human dignity and align with Catholic teachings.
- AI and Community: AI should enhance, not replace, human interaction and community building.
Catholics need not fear technology, as it is not inherently good or bad, but its use can be moral or immoral. The Church encourages the use of technology to serve God and humanity. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a complex issue, as it raises questions about what it means to be human. While AI can make decisions without direct programming, it lacks the free will that defines human beings. Unlike humans, who can make moral choices, AI operates within its programmed parameters. Furthermore, no matter how advanced AI becomes, it cannot compare to God’s all-powerful nature and ability to create life and intelligence from nothing.
AI and Apologetics
AI offers tools like answer.ai, an unrestricted AI chatbot that can provide answers to faith-related questions. This technology can support evangelization efforts and facilitate meaningful discussions on platforms like the Catholicism and Character AI subreddits.
November 17
Myths on Indulgences
Indulgences. The very word stirs up more misconceptions than perhaps any other teaching in Catholic theology. Those who attack the Church for its use of indulgences rely upon—and take advantage of—the ignorance of both Catholics and non-Catholics.
What is an indulgence? The Church explains, “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain defined conditions through the Church’s help when, as a minister of redemption, she dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions won by Christ and the saints” (Indulgentarium Doctrina 1). To see the biblical foundations for indulgences, see the Catholic Answers tract A Primer on Indulgences.
Myth 1: A person can buy his way out of hell with indulgences.
Since indulgences remit only temporal penalties, they cannot remit the eternal penalty of hell. Once a person is in hell, no amount of indulgences will ever change that fact. The only way to avoid hell is by appealing to God’s eternal mercy while still alive. After death, one’s eternal fate is set (Heb. 9:27).
Myth 2: A person can buy indulgences for sins not yet committed.
The Church has always taught that indulgences do not apply to sins not yet committed. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes, “[An indulgence] is not a permission to commit sin, nor a pardon of future sin; neither could be granted by any power.”
Myth 3: A person can “buy forgiveness” with indulgences.
The definition of indulgences presupposes that forgiveness has already taken place: “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven” (Indulgentarium Doctrina 1, emphasis added). Indulgences in no way forgive sins. They deal only with punishments left after sins have been forgiven.
Myth 4: An indulgence will shorten your time in purgatory by a fixed number of days.
The number of days which used to be attached to indulgences were references to the period of penance one might undergo during life on earth. The Catholic Church does not claim to know anything about how long or short purgatory is in general, much less in a specific person’s case.
Myth 5: A person can buy indulgences.
The Council of Trent instituted severe reforms in the practice of granting indulgences, and, because of prior abuses, “in 1567 Pope Pius V canceled all grants of indulgences involving any fees or other financial transactions” (Catholic Encyclopedia).
Myth 7: A person used to be able to buy indulgences.
One never could “buy” indulgences. The financial scandal surrounding indulgences that gave Martin Luther an excuse for his heterodoxy, involved indulgences in which the giving of alms to some charitable fund or foundation was used as the occasion to grant the indulgence. There was no outright selling of indulgences. The Catholic Encyclopedia states: “Among the good works which might be encouraged by being made the condition of an indulgence, almsgiving would naturally hold a conspicuous place. . . . To give money to God or to the poor is a praiseworthy act, and, when it is done from right motives, it will surely not go unrewarded.”
November 10
Catholics should NEVER demean or downplay another religion. All religions have a part of the “good” (unless you count Satanism). If you have to knock down other’s beliefs to prove your believes, you must be pretty insecure.
But here are some major differences between the Catholic church and other churches:
At times, (SOME) non-Catholics talk as if they think no case can be made for the Catholic faith. That’s understandable. After all, if you’re not a Catholic, it is because you do not believe that Catholicism is true. You reject it because you think it is false. But make sure what you’re rejecting is Catholicism, not merely a caricature of it. If you think Catholics worship Mary, pray to statues, and claim the pope is equal to God, then you aren’t rejecting Catholicism, but someone’s misrepresentation of it. You deserve to have the facts before you make up your mind. Here is a very brief case for Catholicism in a few important areas. Catholic Answers.com. has available tracts which consider in detail these and other topics—including, perhaps, just the ones you are most interested in.
Christian History
Christ established one Church with one set of beliefs (Eph. 4:4–5). He did not establish numerous churches with contradictory beliefs. To see which is the true Church, we must look for the one that has an unbroken historical link to the Church of the New Testament. Catholics are able to show such a link. They trace their leaders, the bishops, back through time, bishop by bishop, all the way to the apostles, and they show that the pope is the lineal successor to Peter, who was the first bishop of Rome. The same thing is true of Catholic beliefs and practices. Take any one you wish, and you can trace it back.
The Bible
Since the Reformers rejected the papacy, they also rejected the teaching authority of the Church. They looked elsewhere for the rule of faith and thought they found it solely in the Bible. Its interpretation would be left to the individual reader, guided by the Holy Spirit. But if individual guidance by the Holy Spirit were a reality, everyone would understand the same thing from the Bible—since God cannot teach error. But Christians have understood contradictory things from Scripture. Other denominations even differ among themselves in what they think the Bible says.
The Sacraments
When on earth, Christ used his humanity as a medium of his power (see Mark 5:25–30). He uses sacraments to distribute his grace now (see John 6:53–58, 20:21–23; Acts 2:38; Jas. 5:14–15; 1 Peter 3:21). Not mere symbols, sacraments derive their power from him, so they are his very actions. In them he uses material things—water, wine, oil, the laying on of hands—to be avenues of his grace. Although one can receive grace in other ways, a key way is through sacraments instituted by Christ. A sacrament is a visible rite or ceremony which signifies and confers grace. Thus baptism is a visible rite, and the pouring of the water signifies the cleansing of the soul by the grace it bestows. There are six sacraments other than baptism: Eucharist, penance (also known as reconciliation or confession), the anointing of the sick, confirmation, matrimony, and holy orders.
The Mass (Lt. Missio/ Mission)
The Old Testament predicted Christ would offer a sacrifice in bread and wine. Melchizedek was a priest and offered sacrifice with those elements (Gen. 14:18), and Christ was to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110 [109]:4); that is, offering sacrifice under the forms of bread and wine. We must then look for a New Testament sacrifice distinct from that of Calvary, because the crucifixion was not of bread and wine. We find it in the Mass. There, bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, as promised by him (see John 6:53–58) and as instituted at the Last Supper.
The Catholic Church teaches that the sacrifice of the cross was complete and perfect. The Mass is not a new sacrificing of Christ (he doesn’t suffer and die again; see Heb. 9:26), but a new offering of the same sacrifice. Through the instrumentality of the priest, he is present again, demonstrating how he accomplished our salvation: “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 1:11).
Yet, the command of Jesus is to love. Love everyone; not to condemn. Those who believe differently, believe what they believe. Jesus did not say love only those who agree with you. Love everyone and everyone has the dignity of being made in the image and likeness of God
November 3
Is IVF Accepted by the Church?
No. In the process of IVF, several eggs are removed from the mother and fertilized in a glass dish (vitro means glass). The eggs are evaluated by a doctor who implants the egg in the mother’s womb. Hopefully, a healthy pregnancy results in the birth of a healthy child.
But what about the other fertilized eggs? From the moment of conception, science tells us that life begins.
Either the eggs are destroyed (abortion) or frozen. At present, due to IVF, there are an estimated 1 million human embryos being kept frozen in laboratories across the country where they are often stored indefinitely or destroyed in embryonic scientific research.
The dignity of life is from conception to natural death. Abortion is wrong and in what way is a frozen embryo, the beginning of life held to dignity in a constant frozen state?
Yet God forgives everything. If someone has mistakenly conceived a child by way of IVF without understanding the process, now you know. Or if someone has been actively complicit in the destruction of a human, remember that no sin goes unforgiven and realize that that aborted child may be ready to jump into your arms in Heaven.
October 27
Can a Catholic Simply Not Vote?
Can Catholics vote for a minor candidate or not vote at all? Yes, they can.
The United States is just a few weeks away from the presidential election, and things just keep getting more depressing. Each of the leading candidates has endorsed intrinsic evils: abortion and/or IVF procedures. Many Catholics might ask in response, “What should I do in the face of these choices?”
One choice is to vote for a minor candidate who doesn’t endorse intrinsic evils. You might vote for Peter Sonski, the 2024 presidential nominee of the American Solidarity Party. This party describes itself as “upholding a vision of the common good of all and of each individual informed by Christian tradition.” They oppose abortion, euthanasia, and even in vitro fertilization.
But in the last election, the American Solidarity Candidate received only about 40,000 votes, or 0.026 percent of votes. So it’s safe to say they won’t win and voting for them is more about sending a message. Other people send a message about the political process by not voting at all. In “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the United States Conference of Catholic bishops recognizes a Catholic’s right not to vote when every viable candidate in a race endorses an intrinsic evil. It says, “When all candidates hold a position that promotes an intrinsically evil act, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate” (36).
But just as it isn’t sinful not to vote or to vote for a minor candidate, it isn’t always sinful to vote for a major candidate who endorses an intrinsic evil. It is sinful to vote for a law that expands an evil like abortion or to vote for a candidate because you agree with his support for an intrinsic evil. This is called formal cooperation with evil. However, in some cases, you can vote for a flawed candidate if you have other good reasons to justify it.
Cardinal Ratzinger said, “When a Catholic does not share a candidate’s stand in favor of abortion and/or euthanasia, but votes for that candidate for other reasons, it is considered remote material cooperation, which can be permitted in the presence of proportionate reasons.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says, “Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil” (35).
This means you can vote for a candidate who endorses grave evils, but you need a proportionate or really good reason to justify such a vote. What might that be? Typically, it would be that this candidate represents the lesser of two evils.
October 20
Seven Tenets of Social Teachings of the Church, Part. II
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative.
- Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice.1 The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
- Care for God's Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
October 13
Seven Tenets of Social Teachings of the Church, Part. I
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
- Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
October 6
Horoscopes, tarot cards, fortunetellers and astrology, etc....
Believe it or not, that stuff is real! But let me explain what I mean by “real.”
Regarding horoscopes, do our birthdates really have an influence upon who we are, our personality, or what we do? No. Sorry, not true. Reading them “just for the fun of it” is always a hidden temptation to wonder if they have an element of truth. But since a horoscope is not based on anything true, then I’d say it’s best not even reading it—not even for a laugh.
What about tarot cards and fortunetellers? The goal of both is to try and discover the future. Only God knows the future. The Catholic Church teaches this about knowing the future, “God can reveal the future to his prophets or to other saints. Still, a sound Christian attitude consists in putting oneself confidently into the hands of Providence for whatever concerns the future, and giving up all unhealthy curiosity about it” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #2115). Furthermore, the Catechism says, “All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to “unveil” the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (#2116).
What needs to be known is that even if someone seeks “guidance” from tarot cards, Ouija boards, fortunetellers, or the like just for fun or for curiosity, they are dabbling in something that is clearly forbidden by God. In fact, persons getting involved with all of this may even be opening themselves up to demonic influence without even knowing it. Why? Because the only way that one of these practices can be “real” is if a demon works through them giving some sort of false guidance about the future.
So, when it is said that this stuff is “real,” I mean that it is a real danger.
What’s important to believe is that God is the only one who knows the future. And generally speaking, God does not reveal the future to us. If God decides to use a saint or a prophet to reveal the future, in some way, He will do it on His own initiative and for our good. For our part, regarding the future, we only need to enter more deeply, each day, into a relationship of trust in God’s divine providence.
If you have been involved in one of these forbidden practices, simply go to confession. In that sacrament, God will free you from any mistakes you’ve made and help you rely only on His grace!
September 29
Why do priests wear black and a white collar?
A priest does not wear black all the time, and what he wears actually depends on what he is doing. The priest wears a black suit or shirt with a white collar in public. Why black? Black is a sign of mourning and penance. Priests are to be reminders to the laity that there is more to life than what this world offers. Wearing black should remind both the priest and those who see him that we should not set our sights on the fashion of this world but should remember that we are called to do penance, not just for our sins but for the sins of the world. It also demonstrates that a priest should be “dead to the world”; to be in the world, but not OF the world. Our true home is in Heaven.
For another reason, the display of black clerics allows a person to identify a priest in case that person needs the sacraments, like Reconciliation or Anointing of the Sick. A priest loves when a person approaches him on the street to ask to go to confession.
On a practical level, a priest would not wear his black while exercising, doing yard work, or sleeping.
Also, a priest in tropical climates would not wear black but white, not only for practical reasons—to decrease heat from the sun—but because white is a sign of mourning in some cultures.
The white collar? A priest is a slave for Christ.
September 22
Myths we Have Come to Believe
1.Shepherds break the leg of the wandering lamb. No. It hurts the lamb, makes it harder to care for and may cause death.
2.The folded napkin in the tomb meant that Jesus would come back. Numerous Bible study sources have been checked, but there is nothing about this alleged Jewish custom of the folded napkins. The only references to this story seem to be from internet postings and emails that appear to have originated in 2007.
- Jesus couldn’t have been born on December 25 because sheep aren’t out in the fields in winter. The average temperature in Bethlehem in December is from a high of 60 to a low of about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes it can snow in Bethlehem, but winters are mild, and the snow melts quickly. It’s not like Michigan or Minnesota. Additionally, European sheep give birth in the spring, but the Awassi breed in the Middle East “usually give birth in November to January, thus providing evidence for the traditional time of Jesus’ birth in mid-December”.
- Paul was given a new name at his conversion.
Simon was given a new name by Jesus. He was Simon, son of John, but Jesus said, “You are now Peter.” From that point on, he was called Simon Peter, with his old name and his new name combined. Saul of Tarsus was an opponent of the Church and persecuted the Christians. But later we hear him being referred to as Paul. Many people assume that, like Peter, he was given the new name after his conversion on the road to Damascus. However, that is not the case. He had two names from his birth. Saul was his Jewish name, after the first king of Israel. And because he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27-28), he also had a Roman name, which was Paul. Acts recalls “Saul, who was also known as Paul,” being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (13:9). He had two names from birth—Saulos and Paulos—and was not given a new name at his conversion.
September 15
HOW TO PRAY A HOLY HOUR
It is fitting to begin prayer by disposing yourself to receive the gift of prayer and invoking the Holy Spirit,
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. (St. Augustine)
ACT OF CONTRITION
MEDITATION Eucharistic Adoration is a special time to meditate on God and his action in the world. It is best to select one approach to meditation and spend 20-30 minute.
Scriptural Meditation. Read a brief passage of Scripture and meditate on each line slowly. If you make a weekly holy hour, it is especially profitable to meditate on the Gospel of the next Sunday in preparation for Mass.
Rosary Meditation
Life Meditation. Deepen your examination of conscience by considering what area of sin you struggle in most and asking the Lord's help with specific struggles; consider what you have to be grateful for and how you show gratitude to God; think about the commandment to love your neighbor and ask God how he is calling you to love your family, friends, coworkers, and the poor in your daily life.
INTERCESSION. What are you desires/needs?
THANKSGIVING Thank God for the gift of grace poured out by Jesus Christ through Mary, all his blessings in your life, and for the fruits of this Holy Hour. Express your thanks to God in your own words, and one of the following prayers may also be used.
Blessed be God. Blessed be his holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be his most Sacred Heart. Blessed be his most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.
CONCLUSION Conclude the holy hour with a suitable prayer to Christ.
Anima Christi Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus, hear me: within thy wounds hide me, suffer me not to be parted from thee, from the malicious enemy defend me, in the hour of my death call me, and bid me come to thee that with thy saints I may praise thee forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Spread of Eucharistic Adoration Heavenly. hearts may acknowledge your sacred royalty, and that so the Kingdom of your peace may be established throughout the entire universe.
September 8
Administrative Structure of the Church.
From the outside, its seems as though the Church looks up to the Pope as the pinnacle of the Priesthood. Yet, although he is the Vicar of Christ on Earth, he is not at the top of the totem pole when it comes to responsibility of care.
With the view of the “Vicar of Christ” as the “CEO”, one could put him at the top of the pyramid in the Church organizational structure. But to see his real purpose, we need to turn the pyramid upside down.
The pope is responsible for the entire Church. We locate him at the bottom of the pyramid. Next would be the archbishops who are responsible for a group of dioceses. Nashville is within the Archdiocese of Louisville. The Archbishop is responsible for the souls within the archdiocese. Third is the local bishop who is responsible for all of the souls within his diocese. A diocese is simply a geographical region. Originally, the Diocese of Nashville encompassed the entire state of Tennessee. Now, there are three dioceses: Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. The Diocese of Nashville is from the KY border to the AL border; west to Wayne county and East to Cookeville.
Within the diocese are parishes. Again, geographical boundaries. A priest is responsible for every soul within the boundaries of his parish. To assist the priest are deacons who are only responsible for the souls within a particular church and answerable to the parish priest. The laity are the top of the pyramid as the people whom the clergy is to serve (the clergy is not to be served)!
There is another layer of the clergy: Cardinals. Within the Vatican, there are several offices which are referred to dycasts (pl. dycastries). Examples are Catholic Relief, Office for Propogation of the Faith, etc… These offices are headed by a Cardinal. A Cardinal also may be the head of a very large diocese. Altogether these cardinals form the College of Cardinals. Some are referred to electors (electors must be under 80 years old). A primary function of some cardinals is to select a new pope when necessary. They are also part of the Curia which helps assist with the papal office.
The overwhelming job is to be pope who is responsible for the entire Church. I have heard that at his election as pope, Pope Francis stated, “may God forgive you for what you have done to me.”