October 31, 2013

Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 482
Reading 1 ROM 8:31B-39

Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

We read the first part of this verse, yesterday.  And it is only in context of that part that we can understand the whole.

In that part, St. Paul spoke of the Elect whom God predestined to salvation.  It is in context of the Elect that he is speaking.  Although God sent His Son to save all mankind, it is the Elect who have turned to God and whom God will save.  We will be given the glory of His only begotten Son. 

Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.

As His children, Jesus Christ, God the Son, intercedes for us before God the Father.  

What will separate us from the love of Christ?

If we love His Son, nothing can separate us from God's love.  

Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:

For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.

No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate the Elect of God from the Love of God.  But only God knows who are His elect.  We should not presume, like the Pharisee, that we are saved (Luke 18:10-12).  For it is God who judges the quick and the dead (Acts 10:42).

Responsorial Psalm PS 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

R. (26b) Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Do you, O GOD, my Lord, deal kindly with me for your name’s sake;
in your generous mercy rescue me;
For I am wretched and poor,
and my heart is pierced within me.

R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Help me, O LORD, my God;
save me, in your mercy,
And let them know that this is your hand;
that you, O LORD, have done this.

R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

It is not by our own deeds that we are saved.  But it is by the mercy of God that those who keep His Commandments will inherit eternal life (Ex 20:6).

Gospel LK 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go and tell that fox,
‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.’

The Pharisees tried to scare Jesus into leaving Jerusalem.  But Jesus was adamant that He would do the Father's will.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Then Jesus lamented that Jerusalem had fallen to the temptations of the Evil One.  And Jerusalem would be destroyed for the crime of killing their Lord (Rev 11:8).

October 30, 2013

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 481
Reading 1 ROM 8:26-30

Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;

Our flesh is weak.  But the Spirit dwelling in our hearts is the Spirit of God.

for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

And the Spirit calls us to pray and to be united with God.

And the one who searches hearts
knows what is the intention of the Spirit,
because he intercedes for the holy ones
according to God’s will.

And the Holy Spirit intercedes for us to God.

We know that all things work for good for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.

All things, even if they appear to be bad for us at this time, are for our good (1 Pet 1:7).

For those he foreknew he also predestined
to be conformed to the image of his Son,
so that he might be the firstborn
among many brothers.

God knows everything.  The way I understand this verse is such.  Heaven is eternal.  All who are in heaven have been there from the beginning.  Therefore, those who are in heaven, will be in heaven.

And those he predestined he also called;
and those he called he also justified;
and those he justified he also glorified.

And so, although God gives all free will and the opportunity to be saved.  Yet some reject that salvation.  And God already knows who they will be.

How does that differ from the Protestant doctrine of predestination?  Well, 

1.  God knows who will be saved.  But we don't.  Therefore, we must strive for salvation.

2.  We do not dare to judge ourselves saved before time.  We accept that God is our Judge and we consider it presumption to judge ourselves saved by faith alone.

Responsorial Psalm PS 13:4-5, 6

R. (6a) My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
Look, answer me, O LORD, my God!
Give light to my eyes that I may not sleep in death
lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him”;
lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

R. My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.
Though I trusted in your mercy,
Let my heart rejoice in your salvation;
let me sing of the LORD, “He has been good to me.”
R. My hope, O Lord, is in your mercy.

Hope in God (Psalm 146:5).  It is God who saves us (Ex 20:6).  Do not put your faith in your faith alone or your works.  It is by the grace of God that the faithful who do works of mercy and love, are saved (Gal 5:6).

Gospel LK 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.

In my opinion, this is primarily a warning about Purgatory.  Of course, hell is also included here.  But the majority of us will go to Purgatory and be made perfect by the mercy of God.

Why do I think it is about Purgatory?  Well, it says that many will attempt to enter heaven but will not be strong enough.  Those who go to hell, have rejected heaven.  The Catechism says:

1037 God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of her faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want "any to perish, but all to come to repentance":….

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.

Those who are cast into Purgatory will be shocked.  Because they believe they are doing the work of God.  They don't realize that they are lying to themselves.  By God's mercy, they will be saved.  But only as by fire (1 Cor 3:15).

And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”

This is a reference to the Gentiles who are part of God's Kingdom as well.  God will judge them in the end times.  He will judge them according to the law which is written in their hearts (Romans 2:15).

October 29, 2013

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 480
Reading 1 ROM 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

In this life, we suffer (John 16:33).   But if we persevere in suffering and in good works, we will inherit the glory of our Lord in the next (Romans 8:17).

For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;

Creation awaits the New Creation in heaven where the Elect will reign (Rev 21:2).

for creation was made subject to futility,

I think this occurred when Lucifer and his cohorts fell from heaven (Rev 12:8-10).

not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,

This subjection is apparently part of God's plan.  

in hope that creation itself

Why the word "hope" is here used, I don't understand.  The only thing I can bigger is that our free will could have changed the outcome of God's plan so that creation would never have been set free from Satan's rule.

would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Thanks be to God that Christ has come and set us free from the power of death.

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;

What St. Paul is saying is that the entire world is suffering in anticipation of the New Birth of the creation into when all will be reborn and be new again (2 Pet 3:7).

and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

And all of us, who are born again of the Spirit of God, groan with anticipation of the resurrection of our bodies from the dead (Rev 20:5).

For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Therefore, we hope for the mercy of God which has saved us and will save us if we endure in well doing til the end (Rom 2:7).

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1B-2AB, 2CD-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

In this world, we will suffer.  But be strong and courageous, follow after righteousness and you will receive your reward (Rom 2:13).

Gospel LK 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.

A mustard seed is very small.  But a mustard plant is almost the size of a tree.

When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

It is so big that birds can dwell within its branches.

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

The Kingdom of God, Jesus said, is like the yeast which multiplies in dough and makes it grow bigger.

Interestingly, I had a discussion with a fellow who said that both the birds and the yeast in these short parables are symbols of sinners.  He interpreted these verses as meaning that the Kingdom of God is sinful.  Which makes no sense.  Jesus was not divided against Himself.  The Kingdom of God is His Kingdom and He would not describe it as being in Satan's control.  That is what would happen if all the people in the Kingdom of God were sinful. 

However, if the birds represent sinners and the yeast also.  Then, it is because Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matt 9:13; Mark 2:17). 

Your denominations were started by men.

Lutero said:

Evading the ENTIRE point (and I think you know it).

I know that you are evading the entire point.

No, it was declared dogma by ONE denomination, not the "whole church."

The Catholic Church is the Church which Jesus made. Your denominations were started by men.

Yes, the year was 1950. Funny how it didn't know if it as a dogmatic fact until then.... or maybe did but hid this from the faithful, but whatever....

The Catholic Church merely confirmed that which Protestants were challenging.

Then give us the quotes from before 100 AD, quotes that state that upon her death or undeath, Mary was assumed - body and soul - into heaven upon her death (or undeath - let's see what these quotes say on that). You won't do it. We all know why.

Because Scripture says it.
Revelation 12:1

King James Version (KJV)
12 And 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:

Things said by the RCC are just..... well, if it's said - that's ALL that matters. True? Relevant? No, the RCC said it.

The Catholic Church was put in this world to teach the Wisdom of God. The fact that you consider Her teachings irrelevant is because you deny the Word of God:
Ephesians 3:10

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

This teaching has NEVER been affirmed by ANY ecumenical council and we all know that. It was declared dogma in 1950 by ONE - just one - denomination.

The one representing the Church that Jesus Christ established. That is enough.

THAT'S the point. The whole point...

Absolutely! Christ gave the Church His Authority to command His Disciples:
Matthew 28:19-20

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

If any deny His Commands as passed down by the Catholic Church, they condemn themselves.

Give a good Catholic long enough and his Catholicism comes out.

Amen!

Thanks for the confirmation of all the Protestants have been saying here.

The Protestants have been spreading man made traditions because they can't stomach the commands of Jesus Christ. Their coming was prophecied long ago in Scripture:
2 Timothy 4:3

King James Version (KJV)
³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Of course, it matters NOT to Catholics that it has nothing to do with anything we're discussing, because as you pointed out, the issue is the "AUTHORITY" (unmitigated absolute power) that the RCC aims at others. It's not about truth. It's not about support. It's not even about Tradition. It's about POWER. DOCILIC SUBMISSION as unto God.

What does Scripture say?

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;

Hebrews 13:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Matthew 18:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Show me where Scripture gives you license to disobey the Church.

Have you ever studied the "cults?" Just curious.

Yeah. You belong to one of them. Cults twist the Word of God to their own destruction:
2 Peter 3:16

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁶ As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

The Protestant Reformation is one long series of cults. 

Sincerely,

De Maria

October 28, 2013

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Lectionary: 666
Reading 1 EPH 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,

This is the advantage of the Christian.  When we are Baptized, we become members of God's family:

Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,  23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

And like living stonesd, we are built upon the foundation of Christ and His Apostles:

1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

And together we become the Body of Christ, the Church, holding together member to member and being built into the Temple of the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Responsorial Psalm PS 19:2-3, 4-5

R. (5a) Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.

R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.

Creation speaks of the power of God.  All who love God must proclaim His greatness.  We are all apostles, sent to proclaim the goodness of God to the whole world.

Gospel LK 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.

Jesus gives us an example of prayer.  Pray continually.

When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Then, having prayed, Jesus called to Himself His Twelve Apostles.  Those whom He would send out to make disciples of the world.

What is Halloween?

Halloween isn't simply a spooky night where children go out task for candy.  Halloween is an old English conjunction of two words.  Hallow and evening. It is the night  before   All Saints Day.

Christmas Day is preceded by Christmas Eve. All Saints Day is All Hallows Day and All Hallows Day is preceded by All Hallows Eve. In old English this was pronounced Halloween.

 Sincerely,

De Maria

Show me from Scripture, that there are no sinners amongst the Protestants.

Calvin said:The Catholic Church can't be Christ's Church because it is filled with sinners.

The fact remains that the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ. And you guys follow man made traditions.

Now, show me from Scripture, that there are no sinners amongst the Protestants.

Show me something from Scripture. Because you guys claim to hold Scripture alone, but all you spout contradicts Scripture.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Sunday Bible Reflections with Dr. Scott Hahn - October 27th 2013

Sunday Bible Reflections with Dr. Scott Hahn
October 27th 2013 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Readings:
Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34:2-3,17-19, 23
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:9-14


Jesus draws a blunt picture in today’s Gospel.

The Pharisee’s prayer is almost a parody of the thanksgiving psalms (see for example Psalms 30,118). Instead of praising God for His mighty works, the Pharisee congratulates himself for his own deeds, which he presents to God in some detail.

The tax collector stands at a distance, too ashamed even to raise his eyes to God (see Ezra 9:6). He prays with a humble and contrite heart (see Psalm 51:19). He knows that before God no one is righteous, no one has cause to boast (see Roman 3:10; 4:2).

We see in the Liturgy today one of Scripture’s abiding themes - that God “knows no favorites,” as today’s First Reading tells us (see 2 Chronicles 19:7; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11).

God cannot be bribed (see Deuteronomy 10:17). We cannot curry favor with Him or impress Him - even with our good deeds or our faithful observance of religious duties such as tithing and fasting.

If we try to exalt ourselves before the Lord, as the Pharisee does, we will be brought low (see Luke 1:52).

This should be a warning to us - not to take pride in our piety, not to slip into the self-righteousness of thinking that we’re better than others, that we’re “not like the rest of sinful humanity.”

If we clothe ourselves with humility (see 1 Peter 5:5-6) - recognize that all of us are sinners in need of His mercy - we will be exalted (see Proverbs 29:33).

The prayer of the lowly, the humble, pierces the clouds. Paul testifies to this in today’s Epistle, as He thanks the Lord for giving him strength during his imprisonment.

Paul tells us what the Psalmist sings today - that the Lord redeems the lives of His humble servants.

We too must serve Him willingly. And He will hear us in our distress, deliver us from evil, and bring us safely to His heavenly kingdom.




Yours in Christ,



Scott Hahn, Ph.D.

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October 27, 2013

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 150
Reading 1 SIR 35:12-14, 16-18

The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.

God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:6-11). 

Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.

God knows that many of the weak and poor have brought it upon themselves and are suffering as a consequence of their  own sins.  But God also knows that many of the poor and destitute are suffering as a result of oppression by the rich (James 2:6).

The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.

He who does the Will of God is heard by God (James 4:3-6).

The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.

The prayer of the lowly is the prayer of the humble man who falls on his knees before God.  Whether he be rich or poor.  And that man's prayers will be heard in the heights of heaven, where God judges justly the souls of all men.

Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

God hears the cry of the poor in Spirit.  Those who humble themselves before Him and realize that we are less than specks of dust compared to His Majesty.

Reading 2 2 TM 4:6-8, 16-18

Beloved:
I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.

St. Paul realizes that he is getting old and will be passing soon from this life.  And his life is a "libation" and offering unto God for the sins of those in the Church.

I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.

Before, St. Paul was not certain if he would be saved (1 Cor 9:27). But now, he must have received a message from God confirming his salvation.

From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

And therefore, because of his perseverance, God will crown him with the crown of righteousness which is salvation.  And along with him all who longed for the appearance of Christ.

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

At first, St. Paul felt deserted when he was brought to trial by the pagans.  But God remained with him and gave him strength.  And his faith remained in God to save him here on this earth and bring him home to heaven.

Gospel LK 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.

Jesus spoke to those in the crowd who thought they were beyond reproach and judged themselves holier than others.

"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’

Two people went to the Temple.  One of them looked around and considered himself holier than everyone else.  His prayer amounted to a boasting about all the things he had done for God.

But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'

The other person, would not even look up.  He was so repentant that his sorrow for his sins could not bring him to look at anyone else.  All he could do was look down at the ground. 

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The braggart was not justified before God.  But the lowly man was justified.  Let us all approach the Throne of God with fear and humility.  Because we must hope in the mercy of God.  We can not save ourselves by our faith alone nor by our faith and works.  God is the Judge who judges whether we are holy enough to enter heaven (Matt 7:21).

What does "the inspired word of God" mean?

What does the "inspired  word of God" mean?

To say that the word of God is inspired is essentially metaphorical.   God did not breathe the Bible out of His mouth.

God inspired man to write the word of God in Scripture.   So to say that God inspired the Bible does not mean that God breathed  the Bible out.     It means that God breathed his wisdom in  man.   It is man who was inspired of God to write the Bible and  all  these men were members of the Catholic Church.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Catholic Study Bible App

You have not studied to show yourself approved.

Lutero:
Matt 18: 15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.


Jesus speaking to all the disciples says the above.

So, if all the disciples had the ability to bind and loose, then binding and loosing cannot be the "keys' that were specially given to Peter.

Obviously, you have not studied to show yourself approved.

Eliakim was the Prime Minister. Prime meaning the Chief of the ministers. He was given the keys to the entire Kingdom. 

St. Peter is Christ's Prime Minister. He is given the keys to bind and loose the entire Kingdom.

Eliakim, being the Chief, also had ministers under him. Each one with their own jurisdiction and with the power to bind and loose therein. 

St. Peter also, being the Prince of the Apostles, has the right to bind and loose in the entire Kingdom. But the Apostles had the right to bind and loose as well, in their own jurisdiction.

Peter received the marvelous blessing of opening the door to the kingdom of heaven to the Jews on the day of Pentecost and of opening the door to the kingdom of heaven to the Gentiles when he preached to Gospel to Cornelius. THAT reveals the keys Peter was given.

In other words, the keys to the whole world. Because the world is divided into Jew and Gentile. Those who are Jews and those who are not.

The apostles, as part of the foundation of the church, were specially equipped to declare what would be binding and what would not upon the church. And we see that occurring, for example, when circumcision was declared non-binding upon the Gentiles, while the refraining from blood was declared binding.

By the entire Council in union with the then Pope, Peter.

Which, of course is an additional rebuttal of the RC claims that Christians are to consume Jesus' blood. By the time this affirmation was issued that Christians were to NOT consume blood, several years had passed since the first Lord's Supper. Yet the apostles set forth no exemption that consumption of blood was forbidden EXCEPT for the Lord's Supper.

What does Scripture say?

1 Corinthians 10:16

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁶ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 11:24-27

King James Version (KJV)
²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
²⁵ After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
²⁶ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
²⁷ Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Yeah, Scripture is clear. The Cup of blessing is the Blood of Christ:
Hebrews 10:25-31

King James Version (KJV)
²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
²⁶ For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
²⁷ But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
²⁸ He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
²⁹ Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
³⁰ For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Yeah, anyone who despises Communion, treats the blood of Christ as an unholy thing.

Sincerely,

De Maria

October 26, 2013

Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 478
Reading 1 ROM 8:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Those who are in Christ Jesus are those baptized people who are living in accordance with the will of God.

For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus

This is a simile comparing the Sacraments, wherein we receive Sanctifying grace which is a participation in the life of Christ to the Law, which is the Ten Commansments.  The Law of the Spirit of life is the Law of love.  Sanctifying grace leads us to live in love and giving love to God and all of God's creatures.

has freed you from the law of sin and death.

The law of sin is that law which resides in our flesh and tempts us to do wicked and evil things all day long (Romans 7:25).

For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,
this God has done:

Here, "the law" which God has put into our flesh (Romans 2:14) was powerless against the law of sin in our flesh.  

by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh
and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us,
who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.

Christ, came in the flesh in order to conquer sin in the flesh so that the law of righteousness which dwells in our hearts could bloom  in those of us who seek to do the will of God and live according to the spirit of holiness.

For those who live according to the flesh
are concerned with the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the spirit
with the things of the spirit.

Those who live according to their fallen nature do not seek to do the will of God but to do their own will.

The concern of the flesh is death,
but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.

Those who live according to the flesh seek death because they seek that which removes them from the spirit of life which is God.  But  those who seek to live by the spirit will receive eternal life and peace and holiness.

For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God;
it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it;
and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Those who seek to live by the flesh are at enmity with God.  They refuse to do the will of God and seek only their own will.

But you are not in the flesh;
on the contrary, you are in the spirit,
if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin,
the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Those of us who live by the spirit will live in unity with Christ and Christ will grant us eternal life.

If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit that dwells in you.

And if we continue to live in the Spirit, God will raise us from the dead.

Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1B-2, 3-4AB, 5-6

R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

We and all who live in this world belong to God.  Everything belongs to God.  Let us therefore give God thanks for all which He has given us and seek to live according to His holy will.

Gospel LK 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!

This verse confused me for a long time.  Then I realized that if I changed the conjunction from "But" to "And" it made more sense.  It would read like this:

“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?  By no means! AND I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

You see, Jews thought that the Galileans had died in this horrible manner because they were greater sinners than all other men. But Jesus replied, "No.  They were not worse sinners than you.  You are equally as sinful as they.  So, unless you repent, you will die just as horribly. "

Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them—
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”

And again, Jesus repeated, "Nor were those who died when the tower fell on them more sinful than you.  AND I TELL YOU,  repent! because if you do not, you will be punished just as they were."

And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”

Then Jesus gave them a warning.  I am the heavenly Gardner.  My Father is the owner of the Garden.  My Father would have condemned you by now.  But I have come to give you one more opportunity to repent.  If you do not repent, you will be cut down because of your unfruitfulness and be cast into the fire." 

It means that Christ put St. Peter in charge of His Sheepfold:

Lutero:

What the RC translation for the "keys" means the magesterium can make up any dogma they want to.

No. It means that Christ put St. Peter in charge of His Sheepfold:
John 21:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

the Church tests all things and keeps the good

Lutero said:

From the Vatican website :

"6. The New Testament contains no explicit record of a transmission of Peter’s leadership; nor is the transmission of apostolic authority in general very clear. Furthermore, the Petrine texts were subjected to differing interpretations as early as the time of the Church Fathers. "

7.<...> Yet it is possible to think that a primacy of the bishop of Rome is not contrary to the New Testament and is part of God’s purpose regarding the Church’s unity and catholicity, while admitting that the New Testament texts offer no sufficient basis for this.

The early church did not support Rome's claims of papal supremacy.

Clement of Rome

Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret. . . . If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [Jesus] through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in no small danger. We, however, shall be innocent of this sin and will pray with entreaty and supplication that the Creator of all may keep unharmed the number of his elect (Letter to the Corinthians 58:2, 59:1[A.D. 95]).

http://www.staycatholic.com/ecf_primacy_of_rome.ht

The early church 'fathers' had DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS of the whole Peter/rock thing.

Maybe, but the Church tests all things and keeps the good:

1 Thessalonians 5:21

King James Version (KJV)
²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

The Scriptures do not support Rome's claims of papal supremacy.

Papal supremacy is not based on historical fact or on Scriptural truth.

It is based on Tradition, Scripture, Magisterium, and history. It is just plain fact.

Papal supremacy was based on nothing more than Roman Church forgeries.

The Scriptures are not forged.

God's true church is not founded on the lust of position and power, the overlording of others, the attributes of the Roman Empire, and forgeries and falsifications.

True. Protestants do that.

Now, show me where Jesus wrote any Scripture? Because if Jesus wanted you to rely upon it, He would have written it. But He didn't. He wanted you to rely upon the Church and the Traditions which He established and passed down through the Church.

And I'll show you where Jesus commanded the passing down of Tradition:
Matt 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  

Sincerely,

De Maria


Catholicism: The New Evangelization DVD Set

October 25, 2013

Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 477
Reading 1 ROM 7:18-25A

Brothers and sisters:
I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.

The world, the flesh and the devil are our enemies where temptations dwell.  St. Paul is talking about our human nature which is fallen and frequently tends to sin.

The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not.

We are all ready, willing and able to do good.  But actually bringing it about is the problem.

For I do not do the good I want,
but I do the evil I do not want.

Even when intending to do good, we do something which causes pain and frustration to all involved.

Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me.

However, if we do commit sin, unwillingly, then it is not our fault.

So, then, I discover the principle
that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.

Then, we know that when we want to do right, Evil, that is to say, the Devil, is there to tempt us to do wrong.

For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self,
but I see in my members another principle
at war with the law of my mind,
taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

And so, sin and righteousness are always at war within us.  

Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But if we follow Christ, we will be delivered from sin and led to eternal life.

Responsorial Psalm PS 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94

R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.
Teach me wisdom and knowledge,
for in your commands I trust.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Never will I forget your precepts,
for through them you give me life.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

The Wisdom of God is not understood by our own natural powers.  We need to pray to God that He give us the Holy Spirit so that we can understand His righteous will.

Gospel LK 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Christ came preaching and producing signs and miracles.  But the Jews would not accept that their visitation was at hand.

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”

Judgment is coming.  God's judgment is coming whether it is at the point of our death or at the end of time.  Therefore, before we come before the Just Judge, let us make peace with all men so that we can present ourselves holy and without blemish (Hebrews 12:14).

 

Fr. Barron on Barrack Obama's "the audacity of hope"

Memorize the Bible - 1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

I use this verse often in conjunction with 2 Cor 5:15 and Heb 9:15.  Usually I mention that Christ died to redeem the transgressions of the Old or First Testament so that those who were called could receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Heb 9:15).  And also, so that those who live might live no longer to themselves but for Him who died for them (2 Cor 5:15).

I did all that from memory.  I'm so happy!

Then I inform them that Christ died not so that we might live forever without suffering.  But so that we would also know how to suffer and die for our fellow man.  He gave us an example to live by.  That is where 1 Peter 2:21 comes in.

So, let's see what we can do for that one.

One thing I learned about mnemonics.  I need to organize the chapter and verse numbers.  And I will do that in the future.  But in the meantime, I will continue simply taking memorizing each of these with a unique mnemonic.

Let's turn to the numerical alphabet.

So,
1 = t or d
2 = n

We have a bunch of 1's and 2's so that'll do.  But that's not helping any.

Another thing I learned in the mnemonics forum is that I don't have to follow that numeric alphabet.  I can see if the numbers remind me of anything.  And they do.  The number 2:2 reminds me of tu-tu.  You know, a ballet dress.  So, I will picture a ballet dress and a bottle of wine.  Wine for one.

Peter means "rock",  I know that because piedra is rock in Spanish and because I memorized Matt 16:18 long, long ago, without mnemonics.  Just repetition.

So let's picture 1 huge rock for 1 Peter.   So the mental picture is "tu-tu wine on a large flat rock" for the verse 1 Peter 2:21.

Now the text:

1.  For even hereunto were ye called: - Christ calls me.
2.  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,  - And I see myself on the Cross with Christ.
3.  that ye should follow his steps:- and I follow after Christ, carrying my cross as He carries His.

Now, from memory:

The ref is a tutu and a bottle of wine on a big flat rock.  That's 1 Pet 2:21

The word picture:

Christ is calling me, I am on the Cross with Christ, then I follow Him carrying my Cross as He carries His.

And the words are,
For this are we called, for Christ also suffered in order to give us an example that we might follow in His steps.

Let's compare:
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Thanks for listening,

Sincerely,

De Maria

Jesus did that:

Lutero said:

And.... why is it that you think the whole church was put under the authority of one faulty human?

Jesus did that:

John 21:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Why do you deny it when the Scripture is clear? 

All the Catholic frantic acrobatics are necessary to wrangle and mangle scripture to make it seem to agree with you.... however Peter was never given supreme authority over all the churches.

Yes, he was:
Matthew 16:18-19

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
¹⁹ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The Scripture is plain.

Why isn't Christ your Shepherd?

Christ is Chief Shepherd from which the Pope derives his authority. Why don't you accept the man whom Christ appointed to rule over you?

Hebrews 13:17

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

I'll come back to your verses to show you where you reach too far.

Please. But I doubt it.

The very best to you!

And to you!

Sincerely,

De Maria

October 24, 2013

Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 476
Reading 1 ROM 6:19-23

Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature.
For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity
and to lawlessness for lawlessness,
so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.

When you were a sinner, you sinned boldly.  Now, that you have sought righteousness, then do what is right, boldly.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
But what profit did you get then
from the things of which you are now ashamed?

Sin is of no value to us.

For the end of those things is death.

For sin leads to condemnation, eternal punishment and death.

But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God,
the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,
and its end is eternal life.

But the end of righteousness is holiness and eternal life with God.

For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For the reward of sin is death.  But God gives eternal life to all who live in Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6

R. (Ps 40:5) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.

R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.

R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

The good will live in eternity with God.  But the wicked will be banished to eternal punishment in hell.

Gospel LK 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!

Jesus came to make changes on this earth.  To destroy the wicked and exalt the good and humble.

There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

Jesus knew that He would be baptized by His own blood.

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.

Jesus came to give His followers peace which is beyond understanding so that they could then withstand the war which they would fight against the forces of evil.

From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Even households would be divided between those who follow Christ and those who do not.