Washed, Sanctified and Justified in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Emmaus Road initiatives so far this summer.
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Why We're Contraception-Free
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| Newly engaged at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris |
And why would we have? We were just wanting to get married, not start a family. Read more
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Error - Protestants say, "Before Abraham did anything, he was made righteous by faith."
Protestants frequently say that we need no longer do anything to be saved. They claim, for example, that Abraham was saved before he did anything. Then, the question is, what happened between Gen 12 and Gen 15 or 22, whichever you prefer as the point of Abraham's justification? Was that just filler in the Old Testament? By no means! (Read more).
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Simplistic Paraphrasing of the Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica
from the New Advent website
Introduction
Because the doctor of Catholic truth ought not only to teach the proficient, but also to instruct beginnersSt. Thomas intended his Summa (i.e. summary) of theological thought for the teacher as well as the beginner.
(according to the Apostle: As unto little ones in Christ, I gave you milk to drink, not meat -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-2),In this verse from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul is admonishing the Corinthians because they have not advanced in the knowledge of Christ.
weI don't know who he means by "we". Perhaps he is using it in the sense of the Royal "we", wherein, those in authority represent all in authority and those who have gone before and perhaps even that they speak as representatives of God.
purpose in this book to treat of whatever belongs to the Christian religion,The Summa, then, is about teaching the Christian faith. Not any other.
in such a way as may tend to the instruction of beginners.And, it is intended to simplify the matter in order that beginners may better understand it.
We have considered that students in this doctrine have not seldom (not seldom i.e. frequently) been hampered by what they have found written by other authors,St. Thomas feels that most teachers of theology, in his day, were boring. Therefore, students who wanted to learn theology, stopped, because the authors bored them with ...
partly on account of the multiplication of useless questions, articles, and arguments,...silly questions,...
partly also because those things that are needful for them to know are not taught according to the order of the subject matter, but according as the plan of the book might require, or the occasion of the argument offer,...illogical organization of the material,...
partly, too, because frequent repetition brought weariness and confusion to the minds of readers....and, too much repetition. All these things confused the students and they dropped the subject.
Endeavouring to avoid these and other like faults, we shall try, by God's help, to set forth whatever is included in this sacred doctrine as briefly and clearly as the matter itself may allow.So, St. Thomas seeks to correct these faults. His intention is to be very brief and quite clear in his teaching of the Christian faith.
The following is the outline of his book, the Summa Theologica. The links will take you to the New Advent website.
PRIMA PARS.
Sacred Doctrine. The One God. The Blessed Trinity. Creation. The Angels. The Six Days. Man. The Government of Creatures.
Sacred Doctrine. The One God. The Blessed Trinity. Creation. The Angels. The Six Days. Man. The Government of Creatures.
PRIMA SECUNDÆ PARTIS.
Man's Last End. Human Acts. Passions. Habits. Vice and Sin. Law. Grace.
Man's Last End. Human Acts. Passions. Habits. Vice and Sin. Law. Grace.
SECUNDA SECUNDÆ PARTIS.
Faith. Hope. Charity. Prudence. Justice. Fortitude. Temperance. Acts Which Pertain to Certain Men.
Faith. Hope. Charity. Prudence. Justice. Fortitude. Temperance. Acts Which Pertain to Certain Men.
TERTIA PARS.
The Incarnation. The Life of Christ. Sacraments. Baptism. Confirmation. The Holy Eucharist. Penance.
The Incarnation. The Life of Christ. Sacraments. Baptism. Confirmation. The Holy Eucharist. Penance.
Penance (continued). Extreme Unction. Holy Orders. Matrimony. The Resurrection. Appendices.
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Answering Common Objections - 6-CD SetStatue of the Virgin Mary is Left Miraculously Intact After Fire
A violent fire at a military base near Madrid spared nothing except a small statue and surrounding vegetation read more
Monday, August 24, 2015
Let us all join in prayer against abortion!
Protest and Prayers for Planned Parenthood: ‘America Is Waking Up and Speaking Out’ (1246)
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/protest-and-prayers-for-planned-parenthood-america-is-waking-up-and-speakin/#ixzz3jkcz1NiZ
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/protest-and-prayers-for-planned-parenthood-america-is-waking-up-and-speakin/#ixzz3jkcz1NiZ
Saturday, August 22, 2015
If you don't keep the Commandments, how do you claim to know that you have eternal life?
1 John 5:1-7
King James Version (KJV)
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Do you keep the Commandments? If you don't, how do you claim to know that you have eternal life?
That's in regards to our daily walk, not in regards to eternal destiny.
Luke 9:23
King James Version (KJV)
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Matthew 10:38
King James Version (KJV)
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Thursday, August 20, 2015
What is the cup of God's wrath?
How does it differ from the chastisement of God's children?
Protestants say that God the Father poured out the Cup of His wrath upon His beloved Son....(Read more).
Protestants say that God the Father poured out the Cup of His wrath upon His beloved Son....(Read more).
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
The difference between prayer, worship and Liturgy
There is very little difference between the words "prayer" and "worship". But they do not mean exactly the same thing.
The basic difference in this day and age, is that worship is only directed to God but prayer can be directed to either God or the Saints.
So, what is prayer?...(Read more)
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Is St. Paul confusing?
In this article, I would like to explain:
1. What, in my opinion, is confusing about St. Paul's theology.
2. How it is different from the theology of the other New Testament authors and
3. What I believe is Martin Luther's misunderstanding.....Read More.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Protestant Assumptions about the Assumption
What came first, the chicken or the egg?
What came first? The doctrine? Or the practice? In my opinion, Protestants function under the premise that:
a. all doctrine is first, written down.
b. the Church issues the doctrine in some sort of edict.
c. the Catholic faithful now begin to follow this doctrine.
a. all doctrine is first, written down.
b. the Church issues the doctrine in some sort of edict.
c. the Catholic faithful now begin to follow this doctrine.
Although that is how God promulgated the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. That is probably ....(Read More).
Really? And yet it is you who seems to be throwing a fit.
Definition of APOPLECTIC
1
: of, relating to, or causing stroke
2
: affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
3
: of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke <anapoplectic rage>; also : greatly excited or angered <wasapoplectic over the news>
Let's simplify this by having Jesus answer the question as to what works are necessary for salvation.
John 6:27-29, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.' 'Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said unto them, 'This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
Do you mean "believe that He exists"? If so, Scripture says:
James 2:19
King James Version (KJV)
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
If that is what Protestants mean by "believe", then you have your reward.
Whereas, the Catholic Church tells us that to believe means to believe everything He says and obey everything He commands. Therefore Scripture teaches:
John 14:21-25
King James Version (KJV)
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
and elsewhere:
Hebrews 5:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Sincerely,
De Maria
Friday, August 14, 2015
Praise Mary
Scripture says that God's will should be done on earth as it is in heaven.
And God wills that the Angels praise Mary:....Read more.
And God wills that the Angels praise Mary:....Read more.
Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and it is described in Scripture
First off, I want to thank all who participated in the “Does the Bible say that missing the Mass is a mortal sin?” thread.
One of the things which was brought up by one of the Protestants in that thread is this idea that St. Constantine started the Catholic Church. But, is that true? Why do Protestants make this claim?
The short answer, “I don’t know.” The claim is patently false...(Read More).
How do I prove the Assumption from Scripture?
A few years ago, I was asked,
Is there a way to prove the Assumption of Mary other than saying "the Church says so" to a Protestant?Lets try this:
1. We know assumption into heaven is possible because Enoch, Elijah and Moses were assumed into heaven according to the Bible:
Genesis 5:24And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2 Kings 2:11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Jude 1:9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
2. And we also know that assumption into heaven is possible because we are awaiting what Protestants call the Rapture.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
3. And we also know that assumption into heaven is possible because St. Paul went to heaven and came back again:
2 Corinthians 12:2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven.
4. And presumably, the dead who rose when Jesus died on the Cross were also caught into heaven since there is no record they were returned to their graves:
Matthew 27:52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
5. And Jesus said that some would not taste death:
Matthew 16:28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
6. The Bible does not say that Mary was not assumed into heaven.
7. But the Bible does show a Woman, clothed with the Sun, the Mother of Jesus Christ, seen in Heaven:
Revelation 12:1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
8. This Woman is Mary because only Mary is the mother Jesus.
So, our belief squares with Scripture perfectly. We have plenty of Biblical reasons to believe that the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was assumed into heaven:
CCC #966 "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians: In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.
What do you think?
Analysis of my conversion, kneeling
Kneeling? Yep. Kneeling. I didn't like to kneel.
Raise your hand if you can't stand to kneel.
In the last, "Analysis of a Conversion", I related how, when I was about 5 years old, my grandmother taught me about the power of the faith of a mustard seed. And how I completely missed the point....
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Steve Ray Travel
UPCOMING PILGRIMAGES
- 23-Sep-2015Holy Land Pilgrimage
with Franciscan University
SOLD OUT - 26-Oct-2015Saint Paul
Mediterranean Cruise
with guest Fr. Larry Richards - 14-Nov-2015Holy Land Pilgrimage
Guest: Jesse Romero
November 2015 - 28-Dec-2015Christmas Break
Holy Land Pilgrimage - 26-Jan-2016Holy Land *PART 2*
Digging Deeper - 7-Mar-2016Year of Mercy Pilgrimage
to Rome and Assisi - 30-Mar-2016Holy Land Pilgrimage
March 2016
VIEW ALL PILGRIMAGESCatholic Answers Cruise
 An Exclusive Invitation! Join us for the Catholic Answers Cruise, “The Catholic British Isles” July 7–19, 2016 My Friend, Catholic Answers has led the way in Catholic cruising for fifteen years. Our high-seas adventures offer: elegant and festive ships; exciting itineraries; delicious food and drink; inspiring, orthodox presentations and tours; and, best of all, conversation and camaraderie with fellow Catholics who share deep and abiding love of the Catholic Faith. I invite you to join us for our July 2016 cruise, “The Catholic British Isles.” This cruise will be our first to England, Ireland, and Scotland, so we are very excited. All three countries are rich in natural beauty, architectural splendor, and literary and poetic genius. All three are overflowing with stirring Catholic tales—some tragic, some triumphant—from the fervor of Irish monastics to the fortitude of English martyrs. And what a line-up of minds! The insights into the human heart found only in (the most certainly Catholic) William Shakespeare, the wit of St. Thomas More, the brilliance of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, the joy of G.K. Chesterton, and the sheer storytelling of J.R.R. Tolkien. The French and the Russians may disagree, but the greatest literary tradition in human history is English, and the greatest of that tradition is Catholic. To help us tell the story of the Catholic British Isles, we will be joined by special guest, Dale Ahlquist, President of the American Chesterton Society. Dale is a great storyteller himself, and more than that, a lively companion. Watch this space as we add more speakers. When we are not listening to exciting and edifying talks we’ll be enjoying exclusive, Catholic-Answers-only shore excursions. Join us as we explore ruined abbeys and soaring cathedrals, medieval towns and spectacular countryside, in such ports of call as Edinburgh, Cork, Dublin, the Orkney Islands (I can’t wait!), Glasgow, and Belfast. There’s even a stop on the Normandy side of the Channel and a chance to see Paris. Of course the cruise begins and ends in London, so make plans to come early or stay on. As is customary on every Catholic Answers Cruise, we will have daily Mass and regular opportunities for confession. I am very happy to offer you a special, early-bird discount of $100 off per person if you sign up before September 17. To receive your discount, enter promotion code “EARLY BIRD” on your application at CatholicAnswersCruise.com. If you book a balcony cabin or higher before August 18, the first two people in the cabin will receive an all-inclusive beverage package, a $49-per-day, per-person value! (The beverage package includes not only wine and cocktails, but also all espressos, and cappuccinos, and lattes, and all your specialty drinks.)To find out more about our 2016 Catholic British Isles Cruise, please call The Cruise Authority at 1-800-707-1634 or visit our website at CatholicAnswersCruise.com
We look forward to seeing you onboard,
Christopher Check
President Catholic Answers |