Response to Russell's series on Sola Scriptura

Merry Christmas! Some of the more popular articles on my blog have been my debates with Russell. In an effort to bolster my popularity, I will respond to his series on Sola Scriptura.

 Hi Russell,

Longtime no see. I'm going to respond to your article and simultaneously post my comments on my blog. I hope you have time to respond.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
QUICK NOTES ON SOLA SCRIPTURA (Part 1)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NASV)

This is a beautiful verse which is totally misunderstood by Protestants. The verse tells us that all of Scripture was written by man through God's prompting. God didn't write Scripture. Nor is writing Scripture the only thing which God prompted man to do. The explanation to this verse is found in 2 Peter 1: 19-21.

2 Peter 1:19-21

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

19 And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

As you can see, holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to preach the word of God. They preached first and then they wrote. Therefore, Scripture alone was not inspired of God. That is to say, Scripture and tradition were inspired of God. Both. Together. Not one by itself without the other.  

I won't take too much more time on this verse because you use it frequently and I'll have plenty more opportunities to explain how you are misusing it.

This is the main passage that Protestants use to demonstrate the concept of “Sola Scriptura” (“Bible Alone”). Just as a reminder, Sola Scriptura simply means that Scripture is the only infallible Rule of Faith (or spiritual standard) for the church today. And it is therefore the final authority in spiritual matters.

That's what I like about you Russell, you are the bravest Protestant run across. Now you say that Sola Scriptura means that Scripture is the only infallible Rule of Faith for the church today. So, I would like you to point that out in Scripture.

The reason for this request should be plain. If this rule is not in Scripture then sola Scriptura contradicts itself. Sola Scriptura is a rule which cannot be found in Scripture. Yet it requires that all rules be found in Scripture.

We want to point out that there is a relentless attack on this Protestant interpretation of the passage above from many today (especially Catholics) who try to avoid its clear and simple message, and they use several common arguments. So, the purpose of this series of articles is to deal with these arguments by demonstrating their weaknesses.

Now, from the outset, we want to say that no single verse in the Bible contains ABSOLUTE PROOF of Sola Scriptura. The concept of Sola Scriptura is something that is derived from many verses. However, the passage above strongly implies this teaching.

Having said that, each of these articles will deal with only one specific argument at a time, mainly those surrounding 2 Timothy 3. So, let’s begin. Today’s specific argument is:

ARGUMENT #1 – “THE PASSAGE SAYS THAT ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED, BUT NOT *ONLY* SCRIPTURE. SO, SOMETHING ELSE, LIKE “SACRED TRADITION,” COULD ALSO BE INFALLIBLE.

While it is true that the word “only” is not there, the context reveals that it is indeed Scripture that is able to equip each believer for every good work.

That's not true. Let's look at the verse carefully. Is he talking mainly about Scripture? Or is he talking about teaching?

Let's look at the whole letter of 2 Timothy. From the first chapter, St. Paul is exhorting St. Timothy to teach.

2 Timothy 1:8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the gospel in the power of God,

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. 

He only briefly mentioned Scripture in chapter 3 and even then within the overall context of TEACHING.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

The context is about an inspired (“God-breathed”) and infallible Rule of Faith to which the believer can turn in times of difficulty (3:1), persecution (3:12), and deception (3:13). If this Rule of Faith is able to equip someone FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, then it must be, by definition, sufficient as a Rule of Faith, and therefore, it is the only infallible source needed. This is just plain logic and common sense.

It is the teaching of the Word of God in Scripture and tradition which equips the man of God for every good work.

Consider this analogy: If a particular math book (as a tool for learning math) is profitable for simple math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, and it will equip you to handle every math problem, then, logically, it is the ONLY one you need, as math books go. No one should have a problem with this logic.

No one except those who have actually studied math. I went to 12 years of elementary school in four years of college. Every math class had a teacher explaining the contents of the books from which we studied.

But in the same way, Paul tells us that the Bible (as a Rule of Faith) is profitable for doctrine, etc

"Profitable" does not mean necessary.

and will equip you for every good work.

He is speaking within the context of teaching. Not passing out Bibles. He said the Bible is a good book to use to support your teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness. This strongly insinuates that there is someone standing there interpreting the Scripture for you and telling you what it means.

St. Paul is explicitly telling St. Timothy that this is his role.

So why wouldn’t the same logic apply? How can it NOT be sufficient if it equips you for ALL good works? And if we need another infallible source for the post-apostolic church, why does Paul not mention it here, in the context of a Rule of Faith? Notice that Paul never says, “Scripture equips you for every good work, EXCEPT for those works found in Tradition.” No, he doesn’t say anything like that. The Bible’s principles are sufficient for what the church needs to know and how the church needs to behave. He mentions no other infallible source here, but only points to Scripture.

He doesn't need to point to any other infallible source here. He has already mentioned it many times in other scriptures. Take for instance, Ephesians 3:10. Here he teaches us that the church teaches the wisdom of God. Obviously, the church is infallible. It must be in order to teach the wisdom of God.

In another verse, 1 Timothy 3:15, he says the church is the pillar of truth. In order to be the pillar of truth, the church must always uphold the truth. Obviously then, the church must be infallible.

The entire letter of 2 Timothy is written in the context of this Christian doctrine. Therefore, he doesn't need to mention it again.

Now, there are indeed other legitimate authorities, or rules of faith, in the church. For example, church leaders, theologians, the writings of the early church fathers, Bible commentaries, traditions, creeds, councils, catechisms, etc. But these are all lesser authorities and are subject to and tested by the Bible, since it is “God-breathed.” Thus, the Bible is the FINAL authority. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 not only implies sufficiency in its immediate context, but this sufficiency lines up with the whole of Scripture. The Bible is God’s blueprint for our lives and our spiritual roadmap, our infallible “toolbox” which equips us for EVERY good work. There is no rule of faith greater than it, nor is there one equal to it.

So, the fact that a particular word (i.e., “only”) is not in the passage is irrelevant. Context shows us that the CONCEPT is there.

In this final paragraph, you mix a great deal of error with the truth. The word of God, is the highest authority. But Tradition AND Scripture both contain the word of God.

The church herself teaches that she is the servant of the word of God. She does this by making certain that the word of God is taught correctly both in Tradition and Scripture.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Merry Christmas!

December 26, 2013

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr



Lectionary: 696
Reading 1 ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia,
came forward and debated with Stephen,
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

St. Stephen, a deacon of the early church, was filled with the wisdom of God. Jews from various synagogues in various parts of the country came to debate with him but could not withstand the force of his words.

When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and he said,
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,
and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

The Jews were infuriated that he could counter all their arguments. But he was filled with the Holy Spirit and looked up into the sky and saw a vision of God, Jesus Christ, coming down in the clouds.

But the Jews attacked him and dragged him outside the city where they killed him with stones. A certain man, Saul of Tarsus, watched their coats while they threw rocks at him until he died.

Responsorial Psalm PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

God is our protector. Withdraw from sin and turn to God when he will watch your step so that you will not stumble. Turn to God and he will save you.

Gospel MT 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Beware of natural men. They are the enemies of the spiritual man. They do not understand the spirit and in fact are against the spirit. Therefore, they will seek to destroy anyone who seeks the spirit. Remember the Scripture:

Romans 8:1-8 King James Version (KJV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

December 25, 2013 - Mass During The Day

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)



Lectionary: 16
Reading 1 IS 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.

Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. God has made himself visible to his people. He has come to save all who were lost.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

R. (3c) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
his right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The Catholic Church has taught the saving power of Jesus Christ throughout the world. It is by the faith of the saints who preceded us that the gospel has been preached to alter world. We owe them a great debt.

Reading 2 HEB 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

Christ is the image of God. He is God in the flesh.

When he had accomplished purification from sins,

When he had established the sacraments.  When he had established the sacraments.  When he had shed his blood upon the cross for the forgiveness of sins, he established the sacraments to which the grace which he released by his death upon the cross is applied to the faithful.

he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

And then he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?
And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.

And he takes his place upon the throne at the right hand of the Father.   Let all creation worship him.

Gospel JN 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

Jesus is the Word. And from eternity he is at the right hand of the Father. Because Jesus is God, the second person of the holy Trinity.

He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,

All things were created through Christ. He is he in whom we live, move, and have our existence.

and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Christ is life. He gave us our human life. And extends to us the hope of eternal life.

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

St. John the Baptist announced into the world the coming of the Savior. But the world rejected their Savior.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.

But some in the world, we ejected the world, and accepted Jesus Christ. These are they who were born again of the Spirit in the sacrament of baptism.

And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.

The law was given to Moses for our benefit. The sacraments were given to Jesus for our benefit. It is two sacraments there we receive the grace of eternal life.

 No need for further commentary on the alternate reading which follows. 

Or JN 1:1-5, 9-14

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.

December 25, 2013 - Mass At Dawn

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 15
Reading 1 IS 62:11-12

See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!

Daughter Zion is a reference to Jerusalem. And Isaiah is prophesying to Jerusalem the coming of the Savior.

Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.

There is a reference to the end times, when Jesus Christ will come in power to judge the living and the dead (Rev 22:12-15).

They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called “Frequented,”
a city that is not forsaken.

At that time, the elect of Christ will be gathered in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1, 6, 11-12

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Alleluia! The King of Kings is born! Let all creation rejoice!

Reading 2 TI 3:4-7

Beloved:
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,

This, is what St. Paul is talking about when he says that it came about without all works. It being our justification through Christ. God, our Savior, took flesh and became man to save us from our sins. There is no work that any man could do to bring this about.

He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

And this, is what St. Paul is talking about when he says that we are justified by grace. He is talking about the sacraments. Especially, in this verse where he mentions the "bath of rebirth", which is a euphemism for "baptism". When we present ourselves for baptism, we ask God for his grace out upon us. And we do so in a proper disposition of faith alone. There is nothing that we can do to wash our souls. God alone cleanses us of sin in the sacrament of baptism. It is his work

Gospel LK 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

God our Savior took upon himself our flesh. This is what the shepherds saw. This is what the shepherds announced to the world.

December 25, 2013 - Mass At Midnight

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 14
Reading 1 IS 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

This is a very deep verse which has many spiritual meanings. The people walked in darkness could be the misbehaving Jews which God had punished the time of Isaiah. It could also be sinners who have repented. Or it could be the Gentiles who had seen the son of God in the time of Jesus.

upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.

Similarly, the land of gloom could be the land of the Gentiles where the Jews were punished and exiled.

You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.

The harvest could be a reference to the harvest at the end of time. When God will harvest the souls of the righteous. And destroy the souls of the wicked. Or, it could be a reference to the joy which people have when they harvest their crops.

For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

The yoke which burdened them could be a reference to Satan's oppression. Or it could be a reference to the Babylonians enslavement of the Jews where they were exiled by God.

For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

This of course, is a very famous prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13

R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room. Joy to the world!

Reading 2 TI 2:11-14

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

This is probably the best summary of the Gospel. Jesus Christ did not die on the cross in order that we would continue to live in our same sinful ways. Jesus Christ died for all in order that those who live would turn to him who died for us.

Gospel LK 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

December 25, 2013 - Vigil Mass

The Vigil Mass is held on the night before Christmas.  It is the evening Mass celebrated on December 24th between 4pm  and midnight.

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 13
Reading 1 IS 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch.

Zion and Jerusalem are the same thing.  Zion stands for Mount Zion which is right outside of Jerusalem. Therefore, Isaiah is saying that he will speak out until Jerusalem is saved.

Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.

The new name for Jerusalem is the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is the new Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the body of Christ. The whole world has seen the Catholic Church because she is active in spreading the word of Christ throughout the world.

You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken,”
or your land “Desolate,”
but you shall be called “My Delight,”
and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land his spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.

I think it is more beautifully stated in 

Ephesians chapter 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
He shall say of me, “You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.”
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

We are sons in the Son. We call God, "Abba, Father". Therefore let us always sing the goodness of the Lord sent his only begotten son to sacrifice himself so we may be united to him.It's

Reading 2 ACTS 13:16-17, 22-25

When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue,
he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said,
“Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the
land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out of it.
Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king;
of him he testified,
‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.’
From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’”

St. Paul recalled the salvation history of the Jews. He recalled the salvation of the Jews from the captivity of Egypt. And we called the time of Saul being replaced by David. And recalled the promise which God made to David. And then he recalled the coming of Christ, the son of David.

Gospel MT 1:1-25

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,
whose mother was Tamar.
Perez became the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz,
whose mother was Rahab.
Boaz became the father of Obed,
whose mother was Ruth.
Obed became the father of Jesse,
Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon,
whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asaph.
Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
Joram the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah became the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amos,
Amos the father of Josiah.
Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers
at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile,
Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.
Abiud became the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok.
Zadok became the father of Achim,
Achim the father of Eliud,
Eliud the father of Eleazar.
Eleazar became the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Thus the total number of generations
from Abraham to David
is fourteen generations;
from David to the Babylonian exile,
fourteen generations;
from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,
fourteen generations.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.

St. Joseph did not know how the Virgin Mary had become pregnant. So he had decided to divorce her quietly. But Angel of God came to him in a dream informed him that the child which would be born would be the son of God.

The alternate gospel is a subset of the first. No commentary necessary.

Or MT 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.

Journey Home - Jason Stellman

Gospels in a Year - Day 1, 2

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Day 1 -The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Today's Reading: Matthew 1:1-17 RSV-CE

Today's Commentary: Matthew 1:2-17

The Abrahamic and Davidic ancestry of Jesus establishes his credentials to be the royal Messiah of Israel (1:1, 16). God long ago promised that "kings" would stem from Abraham's line (Gen 17:6) and later swore a covenant oath that David would always have a dynastic heir (2 Sam 7:16; Ps 89:3-4).


Note that Matthew's genealogy reaches back to Abraham, the forefather of Israel, whereas Luke's genealogy of Jesus stretches back to Adam, the father of all nations (Lk 3:23-38). This difference is heightened by numerous discrepancies between the two genealogies, especially in the generations spanning from David to Jesus. More than a dozen solutions have been proposed to harmonize them. At the very least, it should be recognized that gaps are a common feature in genealogical registries from antiquity. There are also many examples in Scripture of one person having more than one name - a fact that must be considered when attempting to identify the ancestors of Jesus (e.g., Solomon/Jedidiah, 2 Sam 12:24-25).

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Day 2 - The Birth of Jesus Christ

Today's Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 RSV-CE

Today's Commentary

Behold, a virgin: The first of several "formula-quotations" in Matthew (2:6, 15, 18, 23). Here the citation is from Is 7:14 of the Greek OT. Matthew interprets it with reference to Mary (virgin) and Jesus (son). Isaiah 7:14 initially prophesied the birth of King Hezekiah, who rescued Israel from many evils (2 Kings 18:1-6). Matthew sees a deeper level of fulfillment here, where the absence of a human father in the prophecy points to the virginal conception of the Messiah (CCC 497). The name God with us is most perfectly fulfilled in Jesus' Incarnation, where his ongoing presence in the world is both ecclesial (18:20; 28:20) and eucharistic (26:26). (Download the FREE Catholic Study Bible App for full commentary and notes)

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by Fr. Larry Richards.

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December 24, 2013

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Lectionary: 200
Reading 1 2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
“Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?

“‘It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

God told David through Nathan, His prophet, that he should not build Him a house.  God would raise a son for David and that son would build God a house.  That son is Solomon, on the natural plane.  Solomon built a temple for God to dwell in.  

But in the supernatural plane, that Son is Jesus Christ, the Son of David who built the Church which is the true Temple of God. 

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.’
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Always recognize that we are beggars before God.  We have nothing.  He has everything. He is everything.  Therefore praise God.  Give Him the glory, always!

Gospel LK 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hand of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Literally, Zecheraiah is speaking about St. John.  who was prepared from the womb to go before the Lord and prepare His way.  But, spiritually, it is speaking about us.  We are supposed to go before the Lord and prepare his way in the hearts of all  people with whom we come in contact.

December 23, 2013

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Lectionary: 199
Reading 1 MAL 3:1-4, 23-24

Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.

This is a prophecy" the messenger, John the Baptist and the Lord, our Savior, whom he came to announce.

Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the LORD,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

This prophecy mixes both the coming of the suffering servant and the Son of Man. The Son of Man will come in the clouds and bring chastisement to the world. But suffering servant will offer the once for all sacrifice which will please the Lord.

Lo, I will send you
Elijah, the prophet,
Before the day of the LORD comes,
the great and terrible day,
To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children,
and the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike
the land with doom.

This is an Old Testament prophecy telling us that before the suffering servant and the Son of Man come, the messenger, the precursor, who is likened to Elijah, John the Baptist will come to prepare the way of the Lord and announce his coming.

Responsorial Psalm PS 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14

R. (see Luke 21:28) Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.

R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.

R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
R. Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Jesus Christ redeemed all mankind by his sacrifice on the cross. But our redemption is not complete until we walked through the pearly gates of heaven.

Gospel LK 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.

The Angel Gabriel had prophesied to marry that her cousin Elizabeth would bear a child in her old age. And it came to pass that Elizabeth gave birth to a very special child.

Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”

The angel had given strict instructions to the child will be named John. Friends and neighbors did not understand why he would not be named after the father. The Zechariah, the father, who had been struck dumb for his unbelief, wrote on tablet at the child's name would be John.

But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

And then Zechariah began to speak and family and friends realized that this was a sign from God revealing that this was a special child.

Catechism in a Year - Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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Day 2 - Why did God create us?

God created us out of free and unselfish love. When a man loves, his heart overflows. He would like to share his joy with others. He gets this from his Creator. Although God is a mystery, we can still think about him in a human way and say: Out of the "surplus" of his love he created us. He wanted to share his endless joy with us, who are creatures of his love. (YOUCAT question 2)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (11-25) and other references here.

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by Mark Hart

Day 3 - Why do we seek God?

God has placed in our hearts a longing to seek and find him. St. Augustine says, "You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." We call this longing for God Religion.

It is natural for man to seek God. All of our striving for truth and happiness is ultimately a search for the one who supports us absolutely, satisfies us absolutely, and employs us absolutely in his service. A person is not completely himself until he has found God. "Anyone who seeks truth seeks God, whether or not he realizes it" (St. Edith Stein). (YOUCAT question 3)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (26-30) and other references here.

Looking for ways to make Advent more about SEEKING and less about shopping? Learn from a modern spiritual master:  Listen to:

 

by Fr. Robert Barron

 

Day 4 - Can we REALLY know that God exists?  

Can we know the existence of God by our reason?

Yes. Human reason can know God with certainty. The world cannot have its origin and its destination within itself. In everything that exists, there is more than we see. The order, the beauty, and the development of the world point beyond themselves toward God. Every man is receptive to what is true, good, and beautiful. He hears within himself the voice of conscience, which urges him to what is good and warns him against what is evil. Anyone who follows this path reasonably finds God. (YOUCAT question 4)

Day 5 - How can we deny God? (or speak about him?)

Why do people deny that God exists, if they can know him by reason?

To know the invisible God is a great challenge for the human mind. Many are scared off by it. Another reason why some do not want to know God is because they would then have to change their life. Anyone who says that the question about God is meaningless because it cannot be answered is making things too easy for himself.
Can we grasp God at all in concepts? Is it possible to speak about him meaningfully?

Although we men are limited and the infinite greatness of God never fits into finite human concepts, we can nevertheless speak rightly about God.

In order to express something about God, we use imperfect images and limited notions. And so everything we say about God is subject to the reservation that our language is not equal to God's greatness. Therefore we must constantly purify and improve our speech about God.

Dig Deeper: CCC section (31-38) and other references here.

Need Some Proof? Get 

By Fr. Robert Spitzer

 

Day 6 - Why Did God Reveal Himself?

Why did God have to show himself in order for us to be able to know what he is like?

Man can know by reason that God exists, but not what God is really like. Yet because God would very much like to be known, he has revealed himself.

God did not have to reveal himself to us. But he did it out of love. Just as in human love one can know something about the beloved person only if he opens his heart to us, so too we know something about God's inmost thoughts only because the eternal and mysterious God has opened himself to us out of love. From creation on, through the patriarchs and the prophets down to the definitive revelation in his Son Jesus Christ, God has spoken again and again to mankind. In him he has poured out his heart to us and made his inmost being visible for us. (YOUCAT question 7)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (50-53) and other references here.

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Day 7 - How is God Revealed in the OT? // What does Christ show us about God?

How does God reveal himself in the Old Testament?

God shows himself in the Old Testament as God, who created the world out of love and remains faithful to men even when they have fallen away from him into sin.

God makes it possible to experience him in history: With Noah he establishes a covenant to save all living things. He calls Abraham so as to make him "the father of a multitude of nations" (Gen 17:5b) and to bless "all the families of the earth" in him (Gen 12:3b). The people Israel, sprung from Abraham, becomes his special possession. To Moses he introduces himself by name. His mysterious name Yhwh, usually transcribed Yahweh, means "I am who I am" (Ex 3:14). He frees Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes a covenant with them on Sinai, and through Moses gives them the Law. Again and again, God sends prophets to his people to call them to conversion and to the renewal of the covenant. The prophets proclaim that God will establish a new and everlasting covenant, which will bring about a radical renewal and definitive redemption. This covenant will be open to all human beings.

What does God show us about himself when he sends his Son to us?

God shows us in Jesus Christ the full depth of his merciful love.

Through Jesus Christ the invisible God becomes visible. He becomes a man like us. This shows us how far God's love goes: He bears our whole burden. He walks every path with us. He is there in our abandonment, our sufferings, our fear of death. He is there when we can go no farther, so as to open up for us the door leading into life. (YOUCAT questions 6-7)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (54-65) and other references here. Help your kids see how God reveals Himself to THEM: Check out a great selection of amazing Catholic children's books.

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Sunday Bible Reflections with Dr. Scott Hahn - December 22nd 2013 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 22nd 2013 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Listen Here!
God Is With Us
Readings:
Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24:1-6
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24


The mystery kept secret for long ages, promised through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, is today revealed (see Romans 16:25-26).

This is the “Gospel of God” that Paul celebrates in today’s Epistle - the good news that “God is with us” in Jesus Christ. The sign promised to the House of David in today’s First Reading is given in today’s Gospel. In the virgin found with child, God himself has brought to Israel a savior from David’s royal line (see Acts 13:22-23).

Son of David according to the flesh, Jesus is the Son of God, born of the Spirit. He will be anointed with the Spirit (see Acts 10:38), and by the power of Spirit will be raised from the dead and established at God’s right hand in the heavens (see Acts 2:33-34; Ephesians 1:20-21).

He is the “King of Glory” we sing of in today’s Psalm. The earth in its fullness has been given to Him. And as God swore long ago to David, His Kingdom will have no end (see Psalm 89:4-5).

In Jesus Christ we have a new creation. Like the creation of the world, it is a work of the Spirit, a blessing from the Lord (see Genesis 1:2). In Him, we are saved from our sins, are called now “the beloved of God.”

All nations now are called to belong to Jesus Christ, to enter into the House of David and Kingdom of God, the Church. Together, through the obedience of faith, we have been made a new race - a royal people that seeks for the face of the God of Jacob.

He has made our hearts clean, made us worthy to enter His holy place, to stand in His presence and serve Him.

In the Eucharist, the everlasting covenant is renewed, the Advent promise of virgin with child - God with us - continues until the end of the age (see Matthew 28:20; Ezekiel 37:24-28).


Yours in Christ,


Scott Hahn, Ph.D.

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Christ-mass

In this secular world, Christians decry the fact that non-Christians have taken Christ out of Christmas.  But that was bound to happen after non-Catholic Christians took the Mass out of Christmas.  Christ-mas is Christes Masse.  Or the Mass of Christ.

Wiki says:Christmas (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ[6][7] and a widely observed cultural holiday, celebrated generally on December 25[3][4][5] by billions of people around the world.[2][8] A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it closes the Advent season and initiates the twelve days of Christmastide, which ends after the twelfth night.[9] Christmas is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations,[10][11][12] is celebrated by an increasing number of non-Christians,[1][13][14] and is an integral part of the Christmas and holiday season.

Historically, every Christian holiday has been celebrated in the context of the Mass.  That is why we have the ancient celebrations of Michaelmas (the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel), Lammas (the festival of the wheat harvest), Candlemas ( Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.), and Hallowmas (All Saints Tridium).

First, non-Catholics took the Mass out of Christmas.  Sure, they celebrate Christ, but they don't worship Him the way that God wants Him to be worshipped.  In the Mass.

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.

That, is a description of the Mass and the anger which God feels when people neglect the Mass.

First they took the Mass out of Christmas.  And now they have taken Christ out of Christmas.  It was bound to happen.

Today, the Catholic Church continues to celebrate Christmas in the fullest sense of the word.  The Catholic Church celebrates Christ in the Mass.

Sincerely,

De Maria

December 22, 2013

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 10
Reading 1 IS 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
“I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”

The prophet Isaiah is speaking the word of God get Ahaz. When it says the Lord spoke to Ahaz, it means that Isaiah is telling Ahaz what God said.

Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary people,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel.

Then Isaiah proclaimed the prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, born of our Lady, St. Mary.

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

R. (7c and 10b) Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
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. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.

R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
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. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.

In this Advent season, we are waiting for our Lord to enter into his creation. Everything is the Lord's. Therefore let everything and everyone give the Lord glory and praise.

Reading 2 ROM 1:1-7

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,
which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh,
but established as Son of God in power
according to the Spirit of holiness
through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.

There is a mystery here about the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ. There were two types. The prophecies of the suffering servant. And the prophecies of the Son of Man coming in the clouds to bring about the final judgment. All of these things were prophesied in the Old Testament about Jesus Christ.

Through him we have received the grace of apostleship,
to bring about the obedience of faith,
for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,
among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;
to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a mystery here about the body of Christ which we are. We will belong to Christ are in Christ and members of his body. It is a total mystery then we are one with the son of God.

Gospel MT 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.

St. Joseph did not know how Mary had come to be pregnant. Therefore, to avoid scandal, and to avoid that she should be punished, he said about to divorce her privately.

Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.

However, St. Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, came to him in a dream and explained to him that the child in her womb was brought about by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.

And further, St. Gabriel revealed that the child to be born was the son of God.

Memorize Scripture –Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This is a very sacramental teaching which points to our attitude in the sacraments. Especially the sacrament of baptism. In another place (Mark 16:16) Scripture says, "He that believes and is baptized will be saved. But he who does not believe will be condemned."

Therefore, when we approach the sacraments, we must believe that God will keep his promises. If we do not believe that will give us that which he promised to give us in the sacraments, we condemn ourselves. It is a little bit more plainly explained in another verse:

1 Cor 11:27 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.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

So we're still in the book of Hebrews. And Hebrews still reminds me of "he brews". And the number 1 can be represented by the letter T or D. and the number 6 can be represented by j, ch, sh, g (soft).

One of my favorite foods is dates. Yes, Palm dates. So, will say that, "he brews DaTes with SHugar." For the picture we see a Hebrew dipping dates and pouring sugar into a teacup.

Now I want to try something a little bit new. Let's visualize a little square. In the upper left-hand corner, we visualize our Hebrew, but without a face. This is to symbolize, "but without faith".

Now move to our upper right-hand corner, then visualize an older man dressed in a white, is sporting a long beard and long white hair. This represents God and he is wagging his finger as though he is not pleased with the Hebrew. This is to represent, "it is impossible to please him".

Let's move to the lower left-hand corner, and our Hebrew is walking towards God. This refers to, "he that comes to God must believe that he is".

And now we'll move to our lower right-hand corner and see God showering the Hebrew with gifts and treasures. This represents, "that he is old rewarder of those who diligently seeking."

All right, I hope that works.

Sincerely,

De Maria

A prayer to Santa Claus (i.e. Saint Nicholas)

A Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Glorious St. Nicholas, my special patron, from thy throne in glory, where thou dost enjoy the presence of God, turn thine eyes in pity upon me and obtain for me from our Lord the graces and helps that I need in my spiritual and temporal necessities and especially this favor, provided that it be profitable to my salvation. Be mindful, likewise, O glorious and saintly Bishop, of our Sovereign Pontiff, of Holy Church, and of all Christian people. Bring back to the right way of salvation all those who are living steeped in sin and blinded by the darkness of ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the afflicted, provide for the needy, strengthen the fearful, defend the oppressed, give health to the infirm; cause all men to experience the effects of thy powerful intercession with the supreme Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

V. Pray for us, O blessed Nicholas.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O God, who has glorified blessed Nicholas, Thine illustrious Confessor and Bishop, by means of countless signs and wonders, and who dost not cease daily so to glorify him; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, being assisted by his merits and prayers, may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 21, 2013

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent 
Lectionary: 197
Reading 1 SG 2:8-14

This is a reading from the song of Solomon sometimes also called the Song Of Songs.

Hark! my lover–here he comes
springing across the mountains,
leaping across the hills.

"My lover" is a reference to God or to Jesus Christ. He is metaphorically described as a deer or stag.

My lover is like a gazelle
or a young stag.
Here he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
peering through the lattices.

God reveals himself in order we may seek him in faith and love.

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

My lover speaks; he says to me,
“Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one,
and come!
“For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!

When God comes into our lives is like the world is reborn. Suddenly, all which was dead is alive. We also come to life. Suddenly, we are new people reborn in Christ.

“O my dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let me see you,
let me hear your voice,
For your voice is sweet,
and you are lovely.”

"My dove" represents our soul. Before we know Christ, it is as though our soul is buried in the rocks. Where he says, "let me hear your voice", that is a reference to our prayers.

The Song Of Songs represents a relationship with God as a love affair.

Or ZEP 3:14-18A

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;

Israel had been afflicted by God's punishment. But now God relented and forgave Israel their sins. Therefore, Zephaniah called for prayers of thanksgiving and celebration.

The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

This is an Old Testament prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.

Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21

R. (1a; 3a) Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Let us rejoice because we are God's chosen, the people he has elected to receive his gifts. There is rejoicing that others can hear us and come to the Lord.

Gospel LK 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.

Yesterday we read that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and gave her the good news is she would be the mother of God. He also informed her that Elizabeth her cousin would bear a son in her old age.

Today we see Mary rushing to her cousins aid.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

St. Elizabeth was the first woman to call Mary by the title "mother of God". That is what "mother of my Lord" means. This she did by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So if we go back to yesterday's reading, we have the angel Gabriel pronouncing the message of God to Mary. Praising Mary through the angel.

Today we have a saint praising Mary inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Therefore it is God's will that Mary be praised.

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

Let us join the Angels and Saints then in praise of Mary. There's join our voices together and cry out, "Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb."

Catholic Doctrine all makes sense - the Atonement

It just makes sense. Catholic doctrine just makes sense.

Consider the Atonement. Atonement means to repay or to repair. Here's a definition from Google:

a·tone·ment

əˈtōnmənt/Submit

noun

1.reparation for a wrong or injury.

"she wanted to make atonement for her husband's behavior"

That, in essence is the Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ died to make reparation for our sins. He offered himself as a sacrifice to the Father. His sacrifice was of eternal value. By his sacrifice he redeemed all of mankind.

Some say however, that Jesus death was the punishment imposed upon them by God the Father.. This is wrong because it would be in error to call  it atonement. Atonement is a voluntary offering to make repayment. Inflicting the punishment  in order to obtain repayment is totally different and violates the spirit of the word. They could no longer be considered atonement but RETRIBUTION.

Yes sir, Catholic doctrine all makes sense.