William Hemsworth's Blog, page 124

Resist The Devil

Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?

Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?

You covet but do not possess.

You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;

you fight and wage war.

You do not possess because you do not ask.

You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly,

to spend it on your passions.

Adulterers!

Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God?

Therefore, whoever wants to be a lover of the world

makes himself an enemy of God.

Or do you suppose that the Scripture speaks without meaning when it says,

The spirit that he has made to dwell in us tends toward jealousy?

But he bestows a greater grace; therefore, it says:

God resists the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.

So submit yourselves to God.

Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Cleanse your hands, you sinners,

and purify your hearts, you of two minds.

Begin to lament, to mourn, to weep.

Let your laughter be turned into mourning

and your joy into dejection.

Humble yourselves before the Lord

and he will exalt you.-James 4:1-10

The letter of James is a book that is challenging.  It is a book that calls us to action, and the passage today is no exception.  St. James is blunt and to the point.  He is basically saying that we have conflict because we want what someone else has.  We want it so bad that it starts to take over our mind.  We think about it so much that we become resentful and start to justify doing wrong to the person.  Think about that.  You may have done that.  I know I have.  He then talks about humility and resisting temptation.  The reason that this is here is no accident.  Humility and resisting temptation will help us avoid covetousness.  This will help build stronger relationships and community among believers.

Satan knows what we like and he knows what makes us tick.  He will do everything in his power to make you stumble.  He will make you feel that someone doesn’t deserve what they have to the point that you wish harm on the person.  He will make you want to look at that porn site one more time because you aren’t hurting anyone.  He will make you do any number of things and will help you justify them.  He is called the father of lies for a reason.  Resist the bitterness, envy, and strife.  Be humble and resist the snares of the devil.  Remember to rest in Christ and be humble and he will lift you up.

 

Quote

Your first task is to be dissatisfied with yourself, fight sin, and transform yourself into something better. Your second task is to put up with the trials and temptations of this world that will be brought on by the change in your life and to persevere to the very end in the midst of these things.

–St. Augustine

Newman’s Development Hypothesis

After reading Cardinal Newman’s “The Development of Ideas” I came to the conclusion that ideas and doctrine do not just come about.  They started from an idea that was debated, was allowed to germinate, and must be allowed to mature.  This can only be done through debate and reason.  What is interesting is that this work was the turning point of Newman to Catholicism.  As many do he started as an evangelical, then Anglican, and finally seeing the ideas and doctrines that had matured, became a great asset to the Catholic Church.

Newman explains that at first man will have an idea, but will not be sure how to explain.  He may seem like a babbling fool unable to make a coherent point about the idea.  However over time something will be brought to light that will move the idea forward.  This new fact will be debated and judged by many, and after a time there will be something definite that comes from it.  Over time there may even be various views on the same subject, but there will be a definite teaching that came from the original idea.  History will show that great teachings of history can be boiled down to its original idea and this helps us understand it all the more.

This process, especially in terms of doctrine, can take a lot of time to develop.  It has been shaped and formed from many brilliant people with their own take on it.  We all have different experiences and an idea may mean something different to different people.  The ideas that came from the great councils of our church are great examples of this.  All the Bishops gathered together with their own input, and the Holy Spirit guided them in defining doctrine.  There was much debate and everyone learned from another.

Works Cited

http://www.newmanreader.org/works/development/index.html

Behold Your Mother

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother

and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,

and Mary of Magdala.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved,

he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”

Then he said to the disciple,

“Behold, your mother.”

And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

After this, aware that everything was now finished,

in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,

Jesus said, “I thirst.”

There was a vessel filled with common wine.

So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop

and put it up to his mouth.

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said,

“It is finished.”

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Now since it was preparation day,

in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs,

but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

and immediately Blood and water flowed out.-John 19:25-34

The episode mentioned in today’s Gospel is one that in only mentioned in John’s Gospel.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke have no mention of it for good reason.  John was the only disciples that stuck with Jesus during the crucifixion, and there he witnessed an amazing exchange.  Watching the savior of the world in agony on the cross must have been amazing enough, but he also witnessed a son loving his mother.  In his final moments he wanted to make sure that his mother was taken care of.  He tells John “Son, behold your mother”.  This would not have happened if Mary had other children.  In fact, it would have broken Mosaic law to do so.  It was the responsibility of the eldest son to take care of mom, and if something would have happened it would go to the next oldest.

There are a couple observations to take from today’s Gospel reading.  Firstly, Mary had no other children which would go to prove Church teaching about her perpetual virginity.  Secondly John takes care of Mary as his own mother.  John’s mom was still alive during the crucifixion, and yet Jesus hands her over to him.  As Christians we are adopted sons, and therefore Jesus is also giving Mary to us as our mother.  Christ is the head of the church, and Mary is his mother, as adopted sons she is our mother.  She is the mother of the Church.  Behold your mother.

 

Quote

“If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother.” -Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Episode 7: What is Divine Revelation? – SoundCloud

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Feed My Lambs

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,

he said to Simon Peter,

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

He then said to Simon Peter a second time,

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

He said to him the third time,

“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time,

“Do you love me?” and he said to him,

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,

you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;

but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,

and someone else will dress you

and lead you where you do not want to go.”

He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. 

And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”-John 21:15-19

There is a lot that are going on in today’s Gospel reading.  It may helpful to oneself in the place of St. Peter to fully understand.  You may recall that when Jesus was on trial, and according to Matthew’s Gospel Peter denied him three times.  In today’s passage Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him.  The significance of this was not lost on Peter as John describes Peter as being in distress about this.  Peter would go on to be the head of the church on earth, and the first Pope in the Church.  This was a moment of restoration and forgiveness.  Christ goes on to tell Peter that he would suffer martyrdom.

What does this mean for us?  In Matthew 16:18 Christ calls Peter the rock and says that church will be built on him.  Just a few verses later Jesus tells Peter that he is acting contrary to the will of God.  He even denied Jesus!  How many of us have acted contrary to the will of God?  How many of us even denied him?  The bottom line in the life of Peter is about a man who was restored even though he fell from grace.  God’s mercy is greater than anything we have ever done.  Peter went on to lead the early church and feed the sheep.  We may not be priests or bishops, but we all have a gift that help to feed the flock.  Are we using it?

 

Quote

“We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable.”

-St. Bernard of Clairvaux

The Ten Commandments, Part Two

6.  You shall not commit adultery

This command prohibits sexual activity with any person other than one’s spouse, and also any emotional connection as well.  This command also extends to masturbation as it turns the sexual gift into a selfish act. It protects the dignity of the sacramental marriage, prohibits divorce, and encourages a chaste life.  Regarding this command the catechism states, “They are contrary to the moral law. the sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage. Outside of marriage it always constitutes a grave sin and excludes one from sacramental communion” (CCC para 2390).  This command helps us remember that our bodies, though a gift from God, are also a gift to our spouses.  Our spouse may be going through a situation, such as a medical condition, that would not allow sexual activity.  This reminds us that marriage is much more than sex, but a union with that one person.  It reminds us that our sexuality is gift to be given freely to our spouse.

7.  You shall not steal.

This command prohibits the unlawful taking of one’s property.  Two examples are stealing physical property and intellectual property.  This command tells us to treat others how we want to be treated and promotes the fair treatment of all.  It also helps us to treat the poor virtuously as not to take advantage of their situation and steal the time that they have with their families.  The command tells us to treat every person with dignity, and the catechism echoes this when it states, “respect for human dignity requires the practice of the virtue of temperance, so as to moderate attachment to this world’s goods” (CCC para 2407).  One situation that is dealt with daily is in regard to social media.  Someone may post something that is insightful, but when it is posted it is now intellectual property.  It is ok to share the quotation, but not ok to post it without citing who said it.

8.  You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

This command tells us to not be dishonest in any way.  Two examples are not to lie and not to gossip.  The command encourages us to be fruitful witnesses to Christ and the gospel.  It also tells us to denounce hypocrisy.  Regarding this the catechism states, “Since God is “true,” the members of his people are called to live in the truth” (CCC para 2465).  An example of how this command can be applied happens at places of employment throughout the world.  When someone has a juicy piece of gossip to tell we must resist the temptation.  To listen is to encourage, and the character of the person may never recover.

9.  You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

This command tells us to not lust after someone else’s spouse or to look for sex outside of marriage.  This command encourages us to live a life of modesty and chastity.  We are to be chaste in the vocation in which we are called.  If we are single then we are chaste, and if married we have sexual relations with our spouse.  As the catechism states, “chastity lets us love with upright and undivided heart” (CCC para 2520).  This command helps us make sound moral decisions by reminding us that we are set apart as a Christian people.  Temptation is all around us, and we may be attracted to someone who is married.  It reminds us to respect the marriage sacrament and the dignity of the individual.  They are much more than their looks.

10.  You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

This command tells to not be envious by the material possessions that some one has, and reminds to not be greedy.  The command reminds us that we are to keep God first and be thankful for the blessings that he has given us.  God has given us so much and we must remember that.  The catechism says it best when it states, “The economy of law and grace turns men’s hearts away from avarice and envy” (CCC para 2541).  This command plays out perfectly when looking at those who have been blessed with riches.  Many think that since they have much they won’t miss it if we take a little.  If we see them drop a $100 bill it is not okay to keep it.  This command reminds us to act uprightly with our fellow man, and what is theirs is theirs.  It keeps us from having bad thoughts and keeps us from breaking other commands.

Works Cited

Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Doubleday Books.  New York, NY:  1995.  Print.

Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version

Seek Unity

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:

“Holy Father, keep them in your name

that you have given me,

so that they may be one just as we are one.

When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,

and I guarded them, and none of them was lost

except the son of destruction,

in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I am coming to you.

I speak this in the world

so that they may share my joy completely.

I gave them your word, and the world hated them,

because they do not belong to the world

any more than I belong to the world.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world

but that you keep them from the Evil One.

They do not belong to the world

any more than I belong to the world.

Consecrate them in the truth.

Your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world,

so I sent them into the world.

And I consecrate myself for them,

so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”-John 17:11b-19

Today’s Gospel reading from the mass is very interesting.  This is what is known as the high priestly prayer of Christ, and it happens before he is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Jesus prays that the disciples may be unified as Christ was in unity with the rest of the Trinity.  However Christianity is anything but united today.  The Protestant reformation ripped the church apart, and the division has not stopped since.  So what are we to do?

Christ consecrated the disciples, and steadfastness to the truth is what we are called to.  Speak, listen , and inform.  There are a lot of misunderstandings about the Catholic church, and we have the obligation to speak the truth.  In a loving manner lets address the concerns of our Protestant brethren, and in turn lets listen to what they have to say.  It will be frustrating at times, but they love Christ as well and we need to remember that.  We are not of this world and we don’t write off people because they believe differently than we do.  Christ wants unity, and that was one of his last prayers.  How are we bridging the divide?  Let’s address the questions of our Protestant brethren.  Not all of us are comfortable speaking, but if they are sincere about learning the truth they should be ok with getting a link or book.  Remain steadfast in the truth of the faith.

Quote

Take heed, then, to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup for the unity of his blood; one altar; as there is one bishop, along with the elders and deacons [lit. servants], my fellow-servants.-St. Ignatius of Antioch

The Ten Commandments, Part 1

1.       You shall have no other gods beside me.

The first commandment forbids idolatry and polytheism.  It promotes putting God first in our lives and aligning our lives in such a way that nothing takes the place of God.  Regarding this commandment the catechism says, “The first commandment forbids honoring gods other than the one Lord who has revealed himself to his people” (CCC para 2110).  This commandment is important in moral decision making because it tells us what is important.  We have many things such as cell phones, social media, and television that can take the place of God.  This commandment tells us to make sure He stays in his proper place in our lives.

2.       You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

The second commandment is a prohibition against taking false oaths and debasing the holy name of YHWH.  The catechism states that “Rejection of false oaths is a duty to God” (CCC para 2151).  The second virtue that this commandment promotes is honestly before God and man.  There are many ways in which this commandment comes into play in regard to moral decision making.  One that comes to mind is our faith.  Christianity is under attack in many areas of the world, and it may be tempting deny that we are Christians depending on the situation.  That is a false oath, and this commandment encourages us to make the right choice and stand up for our faith.

3.       Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

This command tells us to keep worship of God as a priority.  It is also a call to rest and remember everything the Lord has done for us.  It prohibits taking advantage of the poor in our employment, and worship of money.  Regarding this commandment the catechism states, “The sabbath brings everyday work to a halt and provides a respite. It is a day of protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money” (CCC para 2172).  Since worship is a priority it stands to reason that we should do everything possible to attend mass and receive the Eucharist if at all possible.  This assists our decision making by reminding us of what is important.  Though we may be exhausted by a hard work week, we must make the right choice and attend mass to worship with the community.

4.      Honor your father and mother.

This commandment implores us to honor our parents, but to also honor those whom God has given that authority to.  This includes teachers, police officers, and government officials. The commandment prohibits abuse of our parents in the latter stages of their lives, and manipulation of authority figures for personal gain.  Regarding this the catechism states, “This commandment includes and presupposes the duties of parents, instructors, teachers, leaders, magistrates, those who govern, all who exercise authority over others or over a community of persons” (CCC para 2199).  This commandment helps in moral decision making by helping us remember the great gift that has been given to us.  Though we may be experiencing hard financial times, it is never appropriate to take advantage of an elderly person for our own gain.  We must show them the respect that God tells us ins granted to them.

5.      You shall not murder.

Regarding this commandment the catechism states, “God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being” (CCC para 2258).  This commandment prohibits the taking of an innocent life or deliberately disrespecting those around us.  This commandment also tells us to protect life from the moment of conception to natural death.  Therefore, the commandment helps us virtuously protect life and to preserve peace among fellow humans.  This command assists in moral decision making by helping us remember that everyone is made in the image of God.  Though we may be disrespected by someone, we must show them grace because they are made in that image.  We must only resort to violence only if our own lives are threatened, and only as a last resort.

Works Cited

Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Doubleday Books.  New York, NY:  1995.  Print.

Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version

Blessed Be the Lord Who Saves

Blessed day by day be the Lord,

who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.

God is a saving God for us;

the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death. -Psalm 68:20-21

Today’s Bible reflection is taken from the second part of the responsorial Psalm.  Though it is short there is much contained within its words.  We are reminded that is God who saves, and it is He who controls our eternal destiny.  He has done much good for all of us, he gave us life, and we are to respect and be in awe of him.  In short, blessed be the Lord.

We have a tendency as humans to want to do things on our own.  This is fine and dandy if it is something like riding a bike, but not something we should be doing in terms of our salvation.  The fact of the matter is that we can’t get to heaven on our own.  God is our salvation as the Psalmist says.  Are you trying to do it alone?  Christ established the church to guide us on the road we should go and teach us the truths about God.  It is God who saves and we do not save ourselves.

Quote

“Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”

-St. Augustine of Hippo

Go and Bear Fruit

I chose you from the world,

to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.-John 15:16

Today’s gospel reflection is taken from the antiphon before today’s Gospel reading.  Jesus makes a very direct point and simply says “Go and bear fruit that will last”.  It seems so easy, and yet so complicated at the same time.  To bear fruit you have to start with a seed.  In its journey to become fruit the seed go through various stages.  As a seedling it pushes through the dirt towards the sun, it relies on the rain and the sun to nourish it to maturing, and when the time is right it brings forth fruit to bring nourishment to the recipient.

In the Christian life we look to the Son, Jesus, and he provides nourishment through his scripture and the church.  Scripture says that all of us have a gift that can help with the mission of the church.  Some are given the gift of teaching, administration, leadership, mercy, etc.  Each gift is vital and needed to fulfill the mission of the church.  Are we being faithful in this mission?  Using this gift is fruit that will last.  It lasts because it spreads the Gospel and helps teach the next generation that will pass it on.

Quote

He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows. –St. Gregory of Nissa