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Washed, Sanctified and Justified in the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Lighthouse Catholic Media - New Releases
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
I compared the teachings of Luther and Calvin against the Scriptures and I came back to the Catholic Church
Idiocy.
Wrong yet again...
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.
they searched the Scriptures, comparing what Paul said to what the Scriptures say...they accepted what Paul said because of what Scripture said....As we are all to do....Test all things against the Scriptures....if you did this you would never remain Catholic.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Monday, January 5, 2015
Affirming an infallible Magisterium
A fellow Catholic named James and I have been talking to PeacebyJesus (PbJ) over at the Catholicism website.
PbJ was throwing us off with some of his verbiage. One of which was that "...an infallible magisterium is essential for recognizing spiritual Truth...." A saying which is basically true. Without the infallible Magisterium, we would go the way of the 10's of thousands of Protestant denominations.
However, PbJ was putting a twist on what he was intending the phrase to convey. What he meant was that Catholics claim that no truth can be identified without the Magisterium. Well, that's not true. So I challenged him to provide the Catholic Doctrine which says such a thing.
And he said that the Jews had done just fine identifying the Scriptures without an infallible Magisterium before the advent of the Church. Well, that's not true. Because, before the advent of Jesus and the Church, the Jewish Scriptures were in disarray. There were hundreds of Jewish books which the Jews considered Scripture. It is because Jesus Christ used the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament that the Catholic Church also used it. And it is because Jesus Christ used the Septuagint, that the Jews rejected it and chose to use on the books written in Hebrew.
Anyway, here's how I answered that part of his response to James.
PbJ was throwing us off with some of his verbiage. One of which was that "...an infallible magisterium is essential for recognizing spiritual Truth...." A saying which is basically true. Without the infallible Magisterium, we would go the way of the 10's of thousands of Protestant denominations.
However, PbJ was putting a twist on what he was intending the phrase to convey. What he meant was that Catholics claim that no truth can be identified without the Magisterium. Well, that's not true. So I challenged him to provide the Catholic Doctrine which says such a thing.
And he said that the Jews had done just fine identifying the Scriptures without an infallible Magisterium before the advent of the Church. Well, that's not true. Because, before the advent of Jesus and the Church, the Jewish Scriptures were in disarray. There were hundreds of Jewish books which the Jews considered Scripture. It is because Jesus Christ used the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament that the Catholic Church also used it. And it is because Jesus Christ used the Septuagint, that the Jews rejected it and chose to use on the books written in Hebrew.
Anyway, here's how I answered that part of his response to James.
Israel is not a woman.
The woman is ISRAEL.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Sunday, January 4, 2015
I'm not SS!
Sincerely,
De Maria
Saturday, January 3, 2015
I think PBJ is getting desperate
He wants to invoke Catholic Doctrine to have me stop responding to his false claims. But I wasn't born yesterday.
<b>PeaceByJesus said...
Thanks. Hope that was not too much. </b>
Not at all.
It is you and Protestants who continually abuse Scripture. Even the lowliest devout Catholic layman understands the Word of God better than the loftiest Protestant scholar. The reason being that we understand the Traditions which underly the Scripture and therefore, understand what the Scripture truly means.
Let me give you an example. Protestants continually judge themselves saved by faith alone. And they get flustered when they ask a Catholic, "Are you saved?" And he says, "I don't know. Christ is my judge."
But which is the Scriptural answer?
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
The Protestant is exalting himself. The Catholic, humbling himself.
Luke 14:11
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
That is no longer in force. The Popes have been marshalling us to join the fray:
DECREE ON THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY
APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM
SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS,
POPE PAUL VI
ON NOVEMBER 18, 1965
INTRODUCTION
1. To intensify the apostolic activity of the people of God,(1) the most holy synod earnestly addresses itself to the laity, whose proper and indispensable role in the mission of the Church has already been dealt with in other documents.(2) The apostolate of the laity derives from their Christian vocation and the Church can never be without it. Sacred Scripture clearly shows how spontaneous and fruitful such activity was at the very beginning of the Church (cf. Acts 11:19-21; 18:26; Rom. 16:1-16; Phil. 4:3).
Our own times require of the laity no less zeal: in fact, modern conditions demand that their apostolate be broadened and intensified. With a constantly increasing population, continual progress in science and technology, and closer interpersonal relationships, the areas for the lay apostolate have been immensely widened particularly in fields that have been for the most part open to the laity alone.....
However, it is forbidden for Protestants to interpret Catholic documents because they have no idea what they are looking at or how to understand them.
<b>PeaceByJesus said...
Thanks. Hope that was not too much. </b>
Not at all.
In the light of DM's manifest excessive abuse of Scripture, I actually can see some warrant in Rome's restriction of access to the Bible by laymen, and forbidding them to debate.
It is you and Protestants who continually abuse Scripture. Even the lowliest devout Catholic layman understands the Word of God better than the loftiest Protestant scholar. The reason being that we understand the Traditions which underly the Scripture and therefore, understand what the Scripture truly means.
Let me give you an example. Protestants continually judge themselves saved by faith alone. And they get flustered when they ask a Catholic, "Are you saved?" And he says, "I don't know. Christ is my judge."
But which is the Scriptural answer?
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
The Protestant is exalting himself. The Catholic, humbling himself.
Luke 14:11
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
We furthermore forbid any lay person to engage in dispute, either private or public, concerning the Catholic Faith. Whosoever shall act contrary to this decree, let him be bound in the fetters of excommunication. — Pope Alexander IV (1254-1261) in “Sextus Decretalium”, Lib. V, c. ii)
That is no longer in force. The Popes have been marshalling us to join the fray:
DECREE ON THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY
APOSTOLICAM ACTUOSITATEM
SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS,
POPE PAUL VI
ON NOVEMBER 18, 1965
INTRODUCTION
1. To intensify the apostolic activity of the people of God,(1) the most holy synod earnestly addresses itself to the laity, whose proper and indispensable role in the mission of the Church has already been dealt with in other documents.(2) The apostolate of the laity derives from their Christian vocation and the Church can never be without it. Sacred Scripture clearly shows how spontaneous and fruitful such activity was at the very beginning of the Church (cf. Acts 11:19-21; 18:26; Rom. 16:1-16; Phil. 4:3).
Our own times require of the laity no less zeal: in fact, modern conditions demand that their apostolate be broadened and intensified. With a constantly increasing population, continual progress in science and technology, and closer interpersonal relationships, the areas for the lay apostolate have been immensely widened particularly in fields that have been for the most part open to the laity alone.....
...when there is a question of dogmatic or moral theology, every intelligent layman will concede the propriety of leaving the exposition and defense of it to the clergy..... Clerics and members of religious institutes may write in them only with the permission of the local Ordinary. - http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P2P.HTM
However, it is forbidden for Protestants to interpret Catholic documents because they have no idea what they are looking at or how to understand them.
There was no one in heaven to whom they could pray
I've been debating with Peace by Jesus on the Beggars all forum. And it just occurred to me why the OT Jews did not pray to the saints for their intercession.
Notice that the OT Jews did pray for the dead to be loosed from their sins. The Books of Maccabees, although it is not acceptable to the Protestants because they don't claim it to be inspired, they do keep them for their "educational" value.
If we read the 2nd Book of Maccabees, we find that it records a historical fact. The Jews prayed for their beloved dead and, in fact, already did many things for which the Catholic Church developed Doctrines.
Let's go over it:
1. Prayer for the dead. The Jews who survived immediately began to pray that the sin of those dead might be forgotten. "Forgotten by whom?" you might ask. By God, of course. Forgotten meaning forgiven.
But for the valiant Judas Maccabaeus, this wasn't enough. He also ordered a monetary offering, a sacrifice of 12 thousand drachmas, to sent to Jerusalem in the name of the fallen. What do Protestants say to that? "BLASPHEMY! We can't buy our way into heaven! You can't buy anyone's way into heaven!"
Notice how, two dead saints are here revealed to be in prayer for the Jewish people.
All these things support the Catholic Doctrine of the Communion of Saints.
In summary, the Hebrew Fathers, Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. etc., were not in heaven. Therefore, there was no Saint in heaven to whom the OT Jews had recourse. And that is probably why God forbade them to communicate with the dead. Even though, it is clear, that on some occasions, God permitted the dead to communicate with the living.
It is also clear, that the Jews could pray for their souls to be freed from sin.
Anyway, here are some of the objections which PBJ raised and how I answered them, I had just said that we walk upon Mt. Sion with the Saints, which is from Heb 12:22-24:
Not at all. You need to read it more carefully:
These are just men who have already passed through the purifying fire of purgatory or which have been purified by their suffering on this earth.
That matches perfectly. And explains that we are now in communion with all the souls that are in the Body of Christ. We, therefore, understand that since we are together, alive in Christ, we can communicate one with the other.
Partly. But it refers moreso to the fact which Elisha revealed, even in the Old Testament:
Asking saints to pray for us is already part of the Gospel:
Acts 8:24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
It is because we look to Jesus that we have recourse to His Saints.
Yes, you are. You don't see the New Dispensation in Christ and want to put your burden upon everyone else. But we are made free by Christ and now walk amongst the Saints and commune with them.
The Old Testament Saints were approved by God and yet did not enter heaven. Therefore, there was no one in heaven to whom the OT Israelites could pray. But, when Jesus Christ died upon the Cross, He went to the place of the dead which we call Purgatory, where the OT Israelites were awaiting Him in order to be led to the promised land, which is a metaphor for heaven:
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
You understand neither the Scripture, nor the power of God.
Notice that the OT Jews did pray for the dead to be loosed from their sins. The Books of Maccabees, although it is not acceptable to the Protestants because they don't claim it to be inspired, they do keep them for their "educational" value.
If we read the 2nd Book of Maccabees, we find that it records a historical fact. The Jews prayed for their beloved dead and, in fact, already did many things for which the Catholic Church developed Doctrines.
Let's go over it:
2 Maccabees 12:41-46.
41 Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had discovered the things that were hidden.42 And so betaking themselves to prayers, they besought him, that the sin which had been committed might be forgotten. But the most valiant Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forasmuch as they saw before their eyes what had happened, because of the sins of those that were slain.43 And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection,44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)45 And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
Notice several Catholic doctrines here confirmed.
1. Prayer for the dead. The Jews who survived immediately began to pray that the sin of those dead might be forgotten. "Forgotten by whom?" you might ask. By God, of course. Forgotten meaning forgiven.
But for the valiant Judas Maccabaeus, this wasn't enough. He also ordered a monetary offering, a sacrifice of 12 thousand drachmas, to sent to Jerusalem in the name of the fallen. What do Protestants say to that? "BLASPHEMY! We can't buy our way into heaven! You can't buy anyone's way into heaven!"
But what does Jesus say?
Matthew 19:21King James Version (KJV)
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
What? Did Jesus just counsel someone to buy his way into heaven? Of course not! But giving of your wealth for the good of the people of God is a good deed, a sacrifice, a form of prayer, which God takes into account for your soul and for those whom you love.
Notice how this falls perfectly in line with the Maccabean verse.
Notice how this falls perfectly in line with the Maccabean verse.
45 And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
Because of the treasure which they offered in the name of the fallen, the fallen had treasure laid up for them. This is the reason why the Protestants had this book taken from the Bible.
Aside: There's a whole 'nother argument where Protestants claim that Luther kept the book in a separate section. They will try to side step the issue that he did not regard it the Word of God. Essentially, if not literally, removing the book from the Bible because the Bible is the Word of God, isn't it? Anyway, back to our proof for prayer for the dead….
So, what other Catholic Doctrines are here confirmed? We just mentioned "prayer for the dead" above.
2. We also mentioned the Treasury of merit and we confirmed it in the New Testament. Here's another confirmation for the Treasury of merit:
Mark 12King James Version (KJV)
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
In a very real sense, the poor widow was giving her life for those whom she loved. And her sacrifice was stored in the treasury in heaven. That isn't explicit, but where else would it be stored?
3. Indulgences. The Treasury of merit is key to understanding the Doctrine of indulgences because indulgences, the idea that the merits of the Saints can be offered for the souls of those in Purgatory or anyone whom we love. This rests upon the idea that the graces of the saints are stored up for us in heaven.
Many, unfortunately, limit the idea of "merits of the Saints" to Jesus and the canonized Saints. But that isn't true. The Church teaches that all the baptized are saints. Our merits are also stored in that same treasury. Otherwise, it would not make sense for us to "sell all we have and give to the poor and we will have treasure in heaven."
Where does 12 Macc mention indulgences? Here:
Many, unfortunately, limit the idea of "merits of the Saints" to Jesus and the canonized Saints. But that isn't true. The Church teaches that all the baptized are saints. Our merits are also stored in that same treasury. Otherwise, it would not make sense for us to "sell all we have and give to the poor and we will have treasure in heaven."
Where does 12 Macc mention indulgences? Here:
And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
4. And the entire idea of praying for the dead stands firmly upon the Doctrine that the dead will rise to eternal life.
44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)This proves that the living were praying for the dead from Old Testament times.
More interesting things from Maccabees:
We find that, although the living Jews did not request prayer from the Saints, the Saints were already interceding on their behalf:2 Maccabees 15:8–16
8 And he exhorted his men not to fear the attack of the Gentiles, but to keep in mind the former times when help had come to them from heaven, and now to look for the victory which the Almighty would give them. 9 Encouraging them from the law and the prophets, and reminding them also of the struggles they had won, he made them the more eager. 10 And when he had aroused their courage, he gave his orders, at the same time pointing out the perfidy of the Gentiles and their violation of oaths. 11 He armed each of them not so much with confidence in shields and spears as with the inspiration of brave words, and he cheered them all by relating a dream, a sort of vision, which was worthy of belief.
12 What he saw was this: Onias, who had been high priest, a noble and good man, of modest bearing and gentle manner, one who spoke fittingly and had been trained from childhood in all that belongs to excellence, was praying with outstretched hands for the whole body of the Jews. 13 Then likewise a man appeared, distinguished by his gray hair and dignity, and of marvelous majesty and authority. 14 And Onias spoke, saying, “This is a man who loves the brethren and prays much for the people and the holy city, Jeremiah, the prophet of God.” 15 Jeremiah stretched out his right hand and gave to Judas a golden sword, and as he gave it he addressed him thus: 16 “Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which you will strike down your adversaries.”
Notice how, two dead saints are here revealed to be in prayer for the Jewish people.
And here's another interesting point, from the OT
In the OT, we find Elisha praying for his assistant's eyes to be opened to the spiritual life on earth. And what does he see:
2 Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.This coincides very well with the Cloud of Witnesses which St. Paul says surrounds us (Hebrews 12:1).
All these things support the Catholic Doctrine of the Communion of Saints.
In summary, the Hebrew Fathers, Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. etc., were not in heaven. Therefore, there was no Saint in heaven to whom the OT Jews had recourse. And that is probably why God forbade them to communicate with the dead. Even though, it is clear, that on some occasions, God permitted the dead to communicate with the living.
It is also clear, that the Jews could pray for their souls to be freed from sin.
Anyway, here are some of the objections which PBJ raised and how I answered them, I had just said that we walk upon Mt. Sion with the Saints, which is from Heb 12:22-24:
PeaceByJesus said...
Pt.10.
And which nukes purgatory, as it is written to all,
Not at all. You need to read it more carefully:
Heb 12:23 and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
These are just men who have already passed through the purifying fire of purgatory or which have been purified by their suffering on this earth.
and is positional, (Eph. 2:6)
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That matches perfectly. And explains that we are now in communion with all the souls that are in the Body of Christ. We, therefore, understand that since we are together, alive in Christ, we can communicate one with the other.
and surrounded by a cloud of witnesses refers to the witnesses testimony of their faith the previous chapter details,
Partly. But it refers moreso to the fact which Elisha revealed, even in the Old Testament:
2 Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
and does not teach praying to them, though this would be a prime opportunity.
Asking saints to pray for us is already part of the Gospel:
Acts 8:24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
And instead the Spirit goes on to say believers are to look to Jesus, "the author and finisher of faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) Thanks be to God
It is because we look to Jesus that we have recourse to His Saints.
I'm not bound by the Old Testament. I don't live in the shadow.
Yes, you are. You don't see the New Dispensation in Christ and want to put your burden upon everyone else. But we are made free by Christ and now walk amongst the Saints and commune with them.
The Old Testament Saints were approved by God and yet did not enter heaven. Therefore, there was no one in heaven to whom the OT Israelites could pray. But, when Jesus Christ died upon the Cross, He went to the place of the dead which we call Purgatory, where the OT Israelites were awaiting Him in order to be led to the promised land, which is a metaphor for heaven:
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
You understand neither the Scripture, nor the power of God.
January 4, 2015 - The Epiphany of the Lord
Lectionary: 20
the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
and have come to do him homage.
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
We continue in the book of Isaiah. He prophesies of the forgiveness and mercy of God.
Reading 1 IS 60:1-6
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory.
Nations shall walk by your light,
and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about;
they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.
God has forgiven Jerusalem their iniquities and shown mercy upon them. He has freed them from the oppression of the Gentiles. Therefore, Isaiah is prophesying the good news to the Jews. It is both, the good news of their liberation from the Babylonians. And the good news of the coming of the Messiah.
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
This is prophetic in more than one way. Our heart shall throb because God will write His commandments in our heart and give us a heart of flesh to replace our heart of stone. And overflow because God shall pour the grace of the Holy Spirit into our hearts when we are born again in Baptism. Now, the Latin word for "sea" is "mar" and Mary's womb shall be emptied out when she brings for the Messiah.
The wealth of the nations is the Pearl of great price and His name is Jesus Christ, who shall be made manifest, the mystery which has been kept secret from of Old.Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
This, of course, prophecies the coming of the Three Kings or Magi from the Orient. But it is a veiled prophecy of the inclusion of the Gentiles, who will, in the New Testament times, convert in great numbers when the Gospel is proclaimed to them.
Acts 13:46 (NABRE)
46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
Responsorial Psalm PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.
R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
This prefigures the coming of the Gentiles into covenant with God in the New Testament era.O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.
This speaks of King Solomon, who was given wisdom to judge the people of God. His wisdom was such that no other man before or since could compare. But, Jesus Christ, the Son of David, was prefigured by King Solomon. Jesus Christ is Wisdom Itself, because He is the Word of God made flesh.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Solomon's rule was great. But it was nothing compared to the worldwide rule of the Catholic Church through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him.
Today, there is hardly a nation upon this earth that does not have a representative of the Catholic Church within its borders, worshipping Jesus Christ.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.
He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;
the lives of the poor he shall save.
This is so hard for me to understand. Because I still see so many poor and helpless who are crying out for God and yet are still suffering on this earth. But I am comforted by the fact that Scripture says that those who suffer are sons of God and only through suffering will we receive the inheritance of the glory of God with Jesus Christ, who suffered and died upon the Cross to give us an example to follow.
R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
Reading 2 EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.
It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
What is this mystery of which St. Paul so often speaks? It is the mystery of the revelation of Christ. The mystery that Christ is hidden in the Old Testament and revealed in the New. The mystery that all humankind is called to live the Commandments and do the will of God. The mystery that we are, all humankind, united in Christ.
Alleluia MT 2:2
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Have you ever wondered, "what is this star?", that the Three Magi saw? It is one of those mysteries. It is the "Rising Star." It is the "Light of the Nations."
Isaiah 42:6 I, the Lord, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,
2 Peter 1:19 Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
This Rising Star is Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit informed Three Magi that He was soon to be born and in the form of a star, led them to His birthplace.
Gospel MT 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
The Three Kings or Magi, were Gentiles. Yet, the Holy Spirit had informed them of the coming of the Messiah, the King of the Jews, and they were the first Gentiles to give Him worship.When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
King Herod was troubled because that newborn King was His competition. Jerusalem was troubled because the Jews were awaiting the coming of the Messiah which was prophecied in the Old Testament.Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
King Herod knew the customs of the Jews and had heard of the Messiah. So, he got the Jewish leaders together and found out where they expected the King of the Jews to be born. And they informed him that it was prophecied it would be Bethlehem. The city of Bread.
Then Herod called the magi secretlyand ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
So, Herod found the Three Magi and tried to use them to find the newborn King.After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
And the Star which they had been following, rose again and led them to the place where the Messiah was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They were very happy. And they entered the place and saw the newborn King with His mother, Mary.They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
They worshipped Him and gave Him gifts. But they did not return to Herod, as they had promised, because they had been warned, in a dream, that he meant to do harm to the child. So, they departed in secret by another way.
Yes, they did!
Idiocy...there was no Tradition or Magesterium.
Magisterium simply means an authoritative teacher. In this case, the Church represented by Sts. Paul and Silas.
And Tradition, St. Paul confirms that he taught the Thessalonians Tradition:
2 Thessalonians 2:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Friday, January 2, 2015
7QT's on Why believe?
Here are 7 quick reasons to believe in God. Skepticism, scientific method, deductive reasoning, intelligence, design, living rocks, laws
SKEPTICISM
I'm a skeptic. If you tell me something is true, you'd better be able to prove it, TO ME. If you want me to believe in say, abiogenesis, the idea that life sprang out of lifeless matter by itself without God's involvement, you need to produce concrete proof.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
As a youngster, I was trained to use the scientific method to determine if something is true.
1. Construct a Hypothesis. God exists.
2. Test Your Hypothesis. Does the scientific data disprove the existence of God?
In my opinion, "No!" Quite the opposite. In my opinion, scientific data supports the existence of God.
DEDUCTIVE REASONING
Deductive reasoning takes a set of premises and deduces from them the truth.
a. The Big Bang theory. Newton's first law that an object at rest remains at rest disproves the Big Bang theory. A singularity would not expand unless energy is added to it. Therefore, the best explanation for the Big Bang is that an Entity outside of the singularity added energy to the singularity in order that it might expand.
b. Abiogenesis. Life does not spring from lifeless matter. Life produces life. Therefore, the best explanation of the beginning of life is that God had to produce it.
c. Evolution. The intricacy and elaborateness of the design of living organism can't be explained except by the existence of a primordial super intelligence which we humans have yet to achieve.
INTELLIGENCE
Human intelligence is wonderful. But it has not yet begun to scratch the surface of the intelligence in nature which is being just now being discovered by science.
DESIGN
Closely linked to the intelligence we find in nature, is the design of the universe. The design is beautiful and wondrous. Everything is connected, one to the other. There are systems and laws and processes which man could not dream of nor has even yet the ability to produce.
LIVING ROCKS
No one has ever witnessed nonliving matter come to life. But even if they did, the assumption would have to be that Something or Someone, Grand and Supernatural, must have brought them to life.
LAWS
Laws require a lawgiver. The laws of nature which everything in creation observes and follows without deviation are of a super magnitude higher than the laws which human beings make.
That is why I believe in God.
The Jews in Thessalonica also read the Scriptures but rejected the Teachings of the Church
Acts 17
King James Version (KJV)
17 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Yea, the Jews in Thessalonica also read the Scriptures but rejected the Teachings of the Church concerning Jesus Christ. Whereas, the Bereans read the Scriptures and ACCEPTED THE Teachings of the Church regarding Jesus Christ.
Thessalonians, by Scripture alone, rejected Jesus Christ.
Bereans, by the Teaching of the Church and Scripture, accepted Jesus Christ.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Whereas you deny the value of all except Scripture.
Lutero:
Are you now SS? (i.e. Sola Scripturist)I don't deny the value of Tradition:
2 Thessalonians 2:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Or the value of the Church:
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,
Or the authority of the Priests:
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 uphold the authority of Tradition, Scripture and the Church. Whereas you deny the value of all except Scripture. A lie which is taught by the Protestants and can be found nowhere in the Word of God.
Sincerely,
De Maria
P.S. By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
May God grant you a blessed and happy New Year.
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