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Visions of Modernism Part 1: Fátima & sins of the flesh
May 22, 2024 by Michael
As I start to write this a few days past the May 13 anniversary, and considering the world about us, one can hardly think that Our Lady of Fatima's 1917 warnings of the Father's wrath expired with two world wars and the fall of Soviet communism. Likewise, it is difficult to imagine that God is any less offended by our sins today than in 1919, when Our Lady told the young Jacinta that "sins of the flesh" were condemning more souls to perdition than any other form of sin.
While we have progressed materially since then, I am hard put to think of more than a single way we have advanced spiritually, and that can only be through the purifiying effect of our general depridation upon a faithful core.
Recieving (not taking) Communion
May 13, 2024 by Michael
Even from Catholics, one may hear the Rite of Communion referred to -- incorrectly -- as "taking Communion."
"Taking" Communion -?
It seems that "taking" Communion is more commonly used by Protestants, and, if so, perhaps it represents a doctrinal diistinction regarding the Holy Eucharist. This website is uninterested in Catholic v. Protestant apologetic debates, so we will not go into the Protestant choice of words here, and, instead, focus on Catholic teaching of the Sacrament of the Eucharist and why one "recieves" and does not "take" Holy Communion.
A possible source of the confusion may stem from the use of "partake" by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 17:
Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf (1 Cor 10:16-17)
Separation from God: free will, sin and willful damnation
May 6, 2024 by Michael
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, from now on do not sin any more.” (Jn 8:11)
As across Salvation History, here we have the blessing and the correction -- called a "curse" in the Old Testament:
"Go, from now on do not sin any more."
There has been much wonder and academic debate over this passage. Some scholars say it was added to the Gospel of John well after its writing, and is thus inauthentic. Others say it was in the original manuscripts but dropped for a time for fear that the passage legimized adultery.
"(and you yourself a sword will pierce)": an Easter reflection
April 1, 2024 by Michael
At The Presentation in the Temple (Lk 2:34-36), the Evangelist tells us of Simeon's blessing of Mary and Joseph:
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
God speaks to us, St. Paul instructs us, "through his prophets in the holy scriptures" (Rm 1:2), but not always so plainly as Simeon to Mary:
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
Why are there no eulogies in a Catholic Funeral Mass?
March 12, 2024 by Michael
The purpose of the Liturgy & lay participation at Mass: Liturgical celebrations are, by definition, public ceremonies (see Glossary: Liturgy). But they are not for the public. In liturgical celebrations, the faithful come together to celebrate, praise, and glorify God. When we interject ourselves into the Mass, we make it about us, not God. I love a good Homily, and enjoy a particularly beautiful choir, but those liturgical elements elevate and do not replace the purpose of the Mass.