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Monday 20 August 2012

The Forgotten Commandment


The Telegraph is pushing an idea today that adultery helps marriage. Good grief! How stupid can sin get? Of course, Paul VI prophesied all of these happenings because of the acceptance of contraception and abortion. Separating love and commitment from sex is easy when pregnancy is not involved. Women are less free than they were 100 years ago, IMO. Adultery, as good Catholics know, a mortal sin, separating the two invovled from God and eternal life. No person is worth that.

Here is an extract for the online publication:


Alongside the internet dating revolution, these “playfairs” are evidence of a potentially dramatic shift in British marriage. As dating websites open up a global shop window of sexual possibilities, as life expectancy continues to rise and we become increasingly sexually aware, how can we still take the crushing old rules of fidelity, that turn marriage into a prison, for granted? Why should we not be able to recapture the heady thrills of youth, while protecting a secure home life?
The time has come, alongside the technology, to redraw the rules of marriage for the 21st century. Just as the Pill opened up premarital sex in the Sixties, the internet is opening up a whole new culture of affairs among married people. Sex has become a major leisure activity of our time, accessible to everyone, married or not, rich and poor. It’s time to start honing our seduction skills and join the playground.
Yet it is the most puritanical nations, including Britain and America, that have traditionally resisted the notion of adultery most rigorously. Here, couples endure the challenges of child care, work pressures, mid‑life crisis and dwindling marital sex against a backdrop of repressive Anglo-Saxon hang‑ups about infidelity, seen always in pejorative terms such as “cheating”.
Of course, in journalism, "puritanical" is a buzz word used to pretend the Puritans created the Ten Commandments. Nope, sorry, God did.


Another False Prophet

Satan wants you in hell for all eternity. He will even use the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary to get you there. Also, if a seer is a heretic in one area only, he or she is a heretic. Most likely, errors are in other areas of doctrine as well as the one noticed, but one is enough for censure.

A reader pointed out to me another dangerous false seer. People, if someone contradicts Church teaching in faith and morals, that person is not from God. The Nicene and Apostle's Creed hold the doctrines we must believe in the Catholic Church. These credal statements are integral to our Faith and cannot be changed. Any seer who states Mary changed our creeds is blatantly in serious error. Here is the false statement and website:

Also, my dear ones, when you say the Apostles’ Creed, do not say “descended into Hell” but
add the words, “descended into the lower part of Purgatory.

Our Blessed Mother would never say anything contrary to the Teaching Magisterium of the Church. Never. 

Look at this document from Blessed John Paul II.


JOHN PAUL II


APOSTOLIC LETTER MOTU PROPRIO


AD TUENDAM FIDEM


BY WHICH CERTAIN NORMS ARE INSERTED INTO THE
CODE OF CANON LAW 
AND INTO THE
CODE OF CANONS OF THE
EASTERN CHURCHES


TO PROTECT THE FAITH of the Catholic Church against errors arising from certain members of the Christian faithful, especially from among those dedicated to the various disciplines of sacred theology, we, whose principal duty is to confirm the brethren in the faith (Lk 22: 32), consider it absolutely necessary to add to the existing texts of the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches new norms which expressly impose the obligation of upholding truths proposed in a definitive way by the Magisterium of the Church, and which also establish related canonical sanctions.

1. From the first centuries to the present day, the Church has professed the truths of her faith in Christ and the mystery of his redemption. These truths were subsequently gathered into the Symbols of the faith, today known and proclaimed in common by the faithful in the solemn and festive celebration of Mass as the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
This same Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed is contained in the Profession of Faith developed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which must be made by specific members of the faithful when they receive an office that is directly or indirectly related to deeper investigation into the truths of faith and morals, or is united to a particular power in the governance of the Church.
2. The Profession of Faith, which appropriately begins with the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, contains three propositions or paragraphs intended to describe the truths of the Catholic faith, which the Church, in the course of time and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit "who will teach the whole truth" (Jn 16: 13), has ever more deeply explored and will continue to explore.
The first paragraph states:  "With firm faith, I also believe everything contained in the Word of God, whether written or handed down in Tradition, which the Church either by a solemn judgement or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed". This paragraph appropriately confirms and is provided for in the Church's legislation in canon 750 of the Code of Canon Law  and canon 598 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
The third paragraph states:  "Moreover I adhere with submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act". This paragraph has its corresponding legislative expression in canon 752 of the Code of Canon Law  and canon 599 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
3. The second paragraph, however, which states:  "I also firmly accept and hold each and everything definitively proposed by the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals", has no corresponding canon in the Codes of the Catholic Church. This second paragraph of theProfession of Faith is of utmost importance since it refers to truths that are necessarily connected to divine revelation. These truths, in the investigation of Catholic doctrine, illustrate the Divine Spirit's particular inspiration for the Church's deeper understanding of a truth concerning faith and morals, with which they are connected either for historical reasons or by a logical relationship.
4. Moved therefore by this need, and after careful deliberation, we have decided to overcome this lacuna in the universal law in the following way: 
A) Canon 750 of the Code of Canon Law will now consist of two paragraphs; the first will present the text of the existing canon; the second will contain a new text. Thus, canon 750, in its complete form, will read: 
Canon 750 1. Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal Magisterium, which in fact is manifested by the common adherence of Christ's faithful under the guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All are therefore bound to avoid any contrary doctrines.
2. Furthermore, each and everything set forth definitively by the Magisterium of the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals must be firmly accepted and held; namely those things required for the holy keeping and faithful exposition of the deposit of faith; therefore, anyone who rejects propositions which are to be held definitively sets himself against the teaching of the Catholic Church.
Canon 1371, n. 1 of the Code of Canon Law, consequently, will receive an appropriate reference to canon 750, 2, so that it will now read: 
Canon 1371 The following are to be punished with a just penalty: 
1° a person who, apart from the case mentioned in canon 1364, 1, teaches a doctrine condemned by the Roman Pontiff, or by an Ecumenical Council, or obstinately rejects the teachings mentioned in canon 750, 2 or in canon 752 and, when warned by the Apostolic See or by the Ordinary, does not retract;
2° a person who in any other way does not obey the lawful command or prohibition of the Apostolic See or the Ordinary or Superior and, after being warned, persists in disobedience.
B) Canon 598 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches will now have two paragraphs:  the first will present the text of the existing canon and the second will contain a new text. Thus canon 598, in its complete form, will read as follows: 
Canon 598 1. Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal Magisterium, which in fact is manifested by the common adherence of Christ's faithful under the guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All Christian faithful are therefore bound to avoid any contrary doctrines.
2. Furthermore, each and everything set forth definitively by the Magisterium of the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals must be firmly accepted and held; namely, those things required for the holy keeping and faithful exposition of the deposit of faith; therefore, anyone who rejects propositions which are to be held definitively sets himself against the teaching of the Catholic Church.
Canon 1436, 2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, consequently, will receive an appropriate reference to canon 598, 2, so that it will now read: 
Canon 1436 1. Whoever denies a truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or who calls into doubt, or who totally repudiates the Christian faith, and does not retract after having been legitimately warned, is to be punished as a heretic or an apostate with a major excommunication; a cleric moreover can be punished with other penalties, not excluding deposition.
2. In addition to these cases, whoever obstinately rejects a teaching that the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising the authentic Magisterium, have set forth to be held definitively, or who affirms what they have condemned as erroneous, and does not retract after having been legitimately warned, is to be punished with an appropriate penalty.
5. We order that everything decreed by us in this Apostolic Letter, given motu proprio, be established and ratified, and we prescribe that the insertions listed above be introduced into the universal legislation of the Catholic Church, that is, into the Code of Canon Law and into the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.
Given in Rome, at St Peter's, on 28 May, in the year 1998, the twentieth of our Pontificate.
IOANNES PAULUS PP. II

NOTES
  Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity (9 January 1989):  AAS 81 (1989), 105.
  Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 833.
  Cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 747, 1; Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 595, 1.
  Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen gentium, n. 25; Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum, n. 5; Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian Donum veritatis (24 May 1990), n. 15:  AAS 82 (1990), 1556.
  Code of Canon Law, canon 750 Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal Magisterium, which in fact is manifested by the common adherence of Christ's faithful under the guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All are therefore bound to avoid any contrary doctrines.
  Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 598 Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal Magisterium, which in fact is manifested by the common adherence of Christ's faithful under the guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All Christian faithful are therefore bound to avoid any contrary doctrines.
  Cf. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian Donum veritatis (24 May 1990), n. 17:  AAS 82 (1990), 1557.
  Code of Canon Law, canon 752:  While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising their authentic Magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith and morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ's faithful are therefore to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine.
  Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 599 While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising their authentic Magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith and morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ's faithful are therefore to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine.
 Cf. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of the Theologian Donum veritatis (24 May 1990), n. 16:  AAS 82 (1990), 1557.
(©L'Osservatore Romano - 15 July 1998)

The last meditation on Ephesians for awhile...


This is the last day I am thinking on the pericope from Ephesians, which was a reading at Mass over a week ago. What really struck me was this verse: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness. Ephesians 5:2 DR

The word "us" refers to the company of the believers, the people of Ephesus who were Christians, Catholics already. 

Wow. What does this mean? That Christ offered Himself up for those who believe. The non-believer and those who have rejected Christ, and some who hate Him, are not here being addressed.

Christ offered Himself up as Victim, as Sacrifice, which is His Body and Blood. And, those who partake in the Holy Eucharist receive both Victim and Priest.

He is the Priest and the priest at Mass is the alter Christus.

We are reminded that He offered Himself for us as we sin daily. 

Thanks be to God. I would love to go to the Holy Land. I would love to visit the earliest churches in the cities mentioned in Revelation. Ephesus had a library...

These Christians were urbane and yet, open to Christ. Read, think, pray, act....evangelize.




A Novena to St. Raphael


St. Raphael helped Tobit find Sarah, his true wife, in order to complete God's plan for that family and the tribe. Many of my single friends have asked me to pray for them for a spouse. Here is a novena I am starting today for A, T, J, D, and M. Please join me in this prayer.


Novena to St Raphael for people desirous of making a good marriage. Obviously, say for nine days

NOVENA PRAYER TO ST RAPHAEL
O Glorious St. Raphael, Patron and Lover of the Young, I call upon thee and plead with thee for thy help.In all confidence I open my heart to thee, to beg thy guidance and assistance in the important task of planning my future. Obtain for me through thy intercession the light of God’s grace, so that I may decide wisely concerning the person who is to be my partner through life. O Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us by the hand to find each other. May all our movements be guided by thy light and transfigured by thy joy. As thou didst lead the young Tobias to Sara and opened up for him a new life of happiness with her in holy marriage, lead me to such a one whom in thine angelic wisdom thou dost judge best suited to be united with me in marriage.
St. Raphael, loving Patron of those seeking a marriage partner, help me in this supreme decision of my life. Find for me as a helpmate in life that person whose character will reflect the traits of Jesus and Mary. May he (she) be upright, loyal, pure, sincere and noble, so that with united efforts and with chaste and unselfish love, we both may strive to perfect ourselves in soul and body, as well as the children it may please God to entrust to our care.
St. Raphael, Angel of chaste courtship, bless our friendship and our love, that sin may have no part in it. May our mutual love bind us so closely that our future home may ever be most like the home of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Offer thy prayers to God for both of us and obtain the blessing of God upon our marriage, as thou wert the herald of blessing for the marriage of Tobias and Sara.
St. Raphael, Friend of the Young, be thou my friend, for I shall always be thine. I desire ever to invoke thee in my needs. To thy special care I entrust the decision I am to make as to my future wife (husband). Direct me to the person with whom I can best cooperate in doing God’s Holy Will, with whom I can live in peace, love, and harmony in this life and attain to eternal joy in the next. Amen.



In honor of St. Raphael recite one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.



Catholic Reminder

Catholics, if you forget who you are, if you forget Who Christ Is, if you forget to be grateful, watch


The Passion of the Christ again.

Bless the Lord, O my soul...O God, Who stretchest out the heaven like a pavilion


Psalm 104 


For David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great. Thou hast put on praise and beauty:

 and art clothed with light as with a garment. Who stretchest out the heaven like a pavilion:
 who coverest the higher rooms thereof with water. Who makest the clouds thy chariot: who walkest upon the wings of the winds. Who makest thy angels spirits: and thy ministers a burning fire.
 Who hast founded the earth upon its own bases: it shall not be moved for ever and ever.
 The deep like a garment is its clothing: above the mountains shall the waters stand.
 At thy rebuke they shall flee: at the voice of thy thunder they shall fear.
 The mountains ascend, and the plains descend into the place which thou hast founded for them.
 Thou hast set a bound which they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth.
 Thou sendest forth springs in the vales: between the midst of the hills the waters shall pass.
 All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst.
 Over them the birds of the air shall dwell: from the midst of the rocks they shall give forth their voices.
 Thou waterest the hills from thy upper rooms: the earth shall be filled with the fruit of thy works:
 Bringing forth grass for cattle, and herb for the service of men. That thou mayst bring bread out of the earth:
 and that wine may cheer the heart of man. That he may make the face cheerful with oil: and that bread may strengthen man's heart.
 The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted:
 there the sparrows shall make their nests. The highest of them is the house of the heron.
 The high hills are a refuge for the harts, the rock for the irchins.
 He hath made the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
 Thou hast appointed darkness, and it is night: in it shall all the beasts of the woods go about:
 The young lions roaring after their prey, and seeking their meat from God.
 The sun ariseth, and they are gathered together: and they shall lie down in their dens.
 Man shall go forth to his work, and to his labour until the evening.
 How great are thy works, O Lord? thou hast made all things in wisdom: the earth is filled with thy riches.
 So is this great sea, which stretcheth wide its arms: there are creeping things without number: Creatures little and great.
 There the ships shall go. This sea dragon which thou hast formed to play therein.
 All expect of thee that thou give them food in season.
 What thou givest to them they shall gather up: when thou openest thy hand, they shall all be filled with good.
 But if thou turnest away thy face, they shall be troubled: thou shalt take away their breath, and they shall fail, and shall return to their dust.
 Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created: and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.
 He looketh upon the earth, and maketh it tremble: he toucheth the mountains, and they smoke.
 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
 Let my speech be acceptable to him: but I will take delight in the Lord.
 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth, and the unjust, so that they be no more: O my soul, bless thou the Lord.





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