On Mercy and Justice

Confusion reigns in the "new Church" regarding the virtue of justice. Now, most Catholics understand "social justice", but few understand the justice of God, Who is All Just.

Here is one passage to start the examination of God as Just here.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

6 Seeing it is a just thing with God to repay tribulation to them that trouble you:

7 And to you who are troubled, rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, with the angels of his power:

8 In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God, and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 Who shall suffer eternal punishment in destruction, from the face of the Lord, and from the glory of his power:

We tend to understand mercy, which is defined as the giving of compassion when punishment would be due.

Mercy is not merely the overlooking of the error, but the admitting of an error and then the dispensing of punishment.

Mercy is not denial of sin, of evil.

Justice looks at "what is morally right and fair" and decides on punishment or mercy. Now, justice does not have to entail mercy, mercy is not a "given".

But, justice must exist in order for mercy to exist.

Without some type of judgement, mercy does not make sense.

Justice is one of the cardinal virtues and involves the intellect, reason and freedom. The last word forms a real obstacle for some Catholics.

Many Catholics deny free will. We all have the freedom to choose good or evil, a Godly life, or a life without God. Too many people want to deny culpability.

Freedom is one way in which we are created in the Image and Likeness of God. The other ways we are like God may be seen in our ability to think, our intellect, and in our creativity, our ability to create.

We are free because God has made us in His Image and Likeness and He is free. 

Therefore, God represents to us pure Freedom, which leads to pure Mercy and pure Justice.

To be continued....

Comments from Readers on the Rosary

St. Michael Chaplet from Tigga Wild

I grew up saying the Memorare after the rosary except during the Easter Season, when we said the Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen). I suppose this was in imitation of Compline, were the Salve is only sung in Eastertide.

Now, I am hearing more and more people and CDs with the Salve.

In the parishes in Dublin, we still said the Memorare last year.

Comments welcomed from rosary experts, please

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come; before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

See also
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tiggawild

A Healing?

I think Father Hardon, through this prayer and those of readers, helped to heal some problem with my left eye.

Since Friday, one doctor thought I had a rip in one retina. I had trouble seeing and lots of symptoms of a torn retina.

Yesterday, the blood on the retina, and the possible hole were gone.

I suggest this prayer for healings.

All the symptoms are not gone, so keep praying for me, including a dullness in one area of the left eye. But, there is no tear. Praise God.

Almighty God, You gave Your servant,
Father John Anthony Hardon of the Society of Jesus,
the grace of religious and priestly consecration after the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Through Father Hardon,
You provided for your Flock an extraordinary teacher of the faith.

You entrusted Father Hardon into the loving
care of the Blessed Virgin Mary
whose counsel, "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn 2:5)
he faithfully followed and whose intercession he unceasingly invoked.

If it be Your holy will, please grant the request I now make,
calling upon the help of Father Hardon,
so that his heroic sanctity may be recognized in the whole Church.

I ask this through Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who
with You and the Holy Spirit, is one God forever and ever.
Amen.

Poll Alert!

I have a feeling my clientele has changed in a year. I have two or three ideas of why. But, first, I have placed a new poll on the side to see if my thinking is based on fact.

You may mark two categories-your age by generation and your status in the Church.

Thanks.