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Papacy: 10 Quotes That Show It Is Ancient

When I first started taking the idea of Catholicism seriously it was natural to look into the papacy. I’d wonder how if the word “pope” isn’t in the Bible, why does this man have so much power?

At first, I thought it was a power play and Catholics let the old man in Rome tell them what to do (no disrespect intended). But after digging into the practice of the Early Church I was stunned to see that the papacy is ancient and was practiced. Here are ten of the quotes that I came across.

Quotes About The PapacyThe blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate. Of this Linus, Paul makes mention in the Epistles to Timothy. To him succeeded Anacletus; and after him, in the third place from the apostles, Clement was allotted the bishopric. This man, as he had seen the blessed apostles, and had been conversant with them, might be said to have the preaching of the apostles still echoing [in his ears], and their traditions before his eyes. – St. Irenaeus, A.D. 189This is the way in which the apostolic churches transmit their lists: like the church of the Smyrneans, which records that Polycarp was placed there by John, like the church of the Romans, where Clement was ordained by Peter-Tertullian 200AD
In the tenth year of the reign of Commodus, Victor succeeded Eleutherus, the latter having held the episcopate for thirteen years. – Eusebius, A.D. 211With a false bishop appointed for themselves by heretics, they dare even to set sail and carry letters from schismatics and blasphemers to the chair of Peter and to the principal church at Rome, in which sacerdotal unity has its source. – St. Cyprian of Carthage, A.D. 251Paul testifies that Crescens was sent to Gaul [2 Tim. 4:10], but Linus, whom he mentions in the Second Epistle to Timothy [2 Tim. 4:21] as his companion at Rome, was Peter’s successor in the episcopate of the church there, as has already been shown. Clement also, who was appointed third bishop of the church at Rome, was, as Paul testifies, his co-laborer and fellow-soldier [Phil. 4:3]. – Eusebius of Cesarea, A.D. 312At Rome the first apostles and bishops were Peter and Paul, then Linus, then Cletus, then Clement, the contemporary of Peter and Paul. – St. Epiphanius, A.D. 375I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. Whoever eats the Lamb outside this house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will perish when the flood prevails. – St. Jerome, A.D. 396They [the Novatian heretics] have not the succession of Peter, who hold not the chair of Peter, which they rend by wicked schism; and this, too, they do, wickedly denying that sins can be forgiven [by the sacrament of confession] even in the Church, whereas it was said to Peter: ‘I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven’[Matt. 16:19]. – St Ambrose, A.D. 388We exhort you in every respect, honorable brother, to heed obediently what has been written by the most blessed pope of the city of Rome, for blessed Peter, who lives and presides in his own see, provides the truth of faith to those who seek it. For we, by reason of our pursuit of peace and faith, cannot try cases on the faith without the consent of the bishop of Rome. – St. Peter Chrysologus, A.D. 449If all men throughout the world were such as you most vainly accuse them of having been, what has the chair of the Roman church done to you, in which Peter sat, and in which Anastasius sits today? – St. Augustine, A.D. 402

I wrote this article for Epicpew and it appeared there first.

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Source & Summit Is Elevating The Liturgy

Adam Bartlett of Source & Summit recently joined me to discuss what his organization is doing to elevate the liturgy. We discuss music, antiphons, online resources for parishes, and how we can elevate the celebration of the Novus Ordo to be fitting of the worship of Christ.

Liturgy And Missal

To that effect they recently released a beautiful new Missal that does just that and it is something we also discuss. Check out Source & Summit by going to https://www.sourceandsummit.com/.

About Adam Bartlett

Adam Bartlett is a sought-after Catholic speaker, writer, and clinician on topics of liturgy, music, and the New Evangelization. With over a decade of experience as a parish and cathedral music director, seminary instructor, and teacher, Adam routinely brings his passion for sacred music and liturgical renewal to his work as CEO and founder of Source & Summit, a Catholic publisher and tech company that exists to help every Catholic parish elevate the liturgy. Adam additionally serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Augustine Institute and sacred music consultant for FOCUS. He resides in Michigan with his wife and three children.

Liturgy Interview

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Judgment And Death In Ecclesiastes 11:9

You may recall in the analysis of the passage in Ecclesiastes 3 that the Hebrew word Mishpat was the key to understanding the text and subsequent postmortem judgement. Ecclesiastes 5 also uses the term, but it does so in a way that a man judges another man. However that changes in 11:9 which states, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment” (ESV-CE).

Ecclesiastes And Judgment

Here we see Qohelet turn from the hebel statements to a more positive tone. As a skilled speaker and teacher Qohelet is looking to leave on a positive note . Life is fleeting and will be over before one knows it. Therefore, it is important to enjoy it while you can . Some suggest that this section of Qohelet was the work of a later editor and was inserted later upon Hellenization. Though it is most likely a work of the postexilic era the idea of a judgment was seen and being developed using other Old Testament works.

As stated previously, this section is calling for one to enjoy life but to do so in a rational manner . For a better picture one should look at a wider context and look at Ecclesiastes 11:7-10. When this is taken into account a repetitive construction using the Hebrew words tob and samakh, which mean “good” and “rejoice” respectively. Life is fleeting and transient, enjoy it while you can, and be cautious while you are living .

A Word Of Warning

Qohelet gives us a type of antithetical parallelism to draw upon the ultimate conclusion. In the first half of 11:9, Qohelet reiterates what he has said so many times in the book about enjoying life. In the second half is a warning that judgment looms over ones life. There is a question as to what this judgment is though. Personally, I would argue that this is postmortem and occurs after we have drawn our last breath. Others say that these judgments are more temporal and have no bearing on eternity. Proponents of the latter look to 11:10 and the admonition to banish anxiety and the like.

Language Of Judgment

The two views have everything to do with the construction word yebi’aka. Those who do not see this passage as depicting a judgment postmortem simply see it as something that will happen in this life. Essentially, they are arguing for an imperfect present tense of the verb meaning. They will be judged in the here and now based on what they have done and also what they have not done.

The word in question can also be used in the future sense as well. This would mean that the “young man” in this case is emblematic of us all and we will be judged when we die. Furthermore the language of judgment that is given in 11:9 is done so as a consequence of the first half of the verse. It is fully contingent on the enjoyment of life which is given as a future event and likewise the judgment in the future is that of man.

Those who think that the judgment mentioned in 11:9 is temporal are within their bounds to think so. After all, a majority of Qohelet is made up of such warnings. However, 11:9 takes it to a whole new level. The language if judgment is much more than temporal, the best conclusion is a judgment that happens postmortem. The text also highlights the responsibility of man in regard to his choices as God will judge him on that basis.

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The Dead Sea Scrolls and Early Christianity

Dr. John Bergsma recently joined me to discuss the dead sea scrolls and their influence on Early Christianity. What did the Qumran community the Messiah? Who was the Teacher of Righteousness? What was the significance of ritual bathing? What was so important about the way they prepared for meals and the position of the presider? He answers all this and much more.

One of the Dead Sea ScrollsDr. Bergsma And The Dead Sea Scrolls

Learn more about Dr. Bergsma at https://www.johnbergsma.com/. Check out Dr. Bergsma’s book about the Dead Sea Scrolls at https://catholicproductions.com/collections/john-bergsma/products/jesus-and-the-dead-sea-scrolls-unlocking-the-jewish-roots-of-christianity

About Dr. John Bergsma

Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A former Protestant pastor, Dr. Bergsma entered the Catholic Church in 2001 while getting his Ph.D. in Bible from the University of Notre Dame. A close collaborator of Dr. Scott Hahn, Bergsma speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally.

Dr. John Bergsma

He has authored seven books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor), and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (with Brant Pitre; Ignatius Press). Dr. Bergsma’s talks and studies are available on CD and mp3 from catholicproductions.com. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.

Interview About The Dead Sea Scrolls

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Death And Judgment In Ecclesiastes 3

When one reads the words of Qohelet (please note that Qohelet and Ecclesiastes are referring to the same work) the skepticism that is experienced is real.  On the surface it seems much different that other books of the Old Testament.  Perhaps new ideas were emerging regarding a postmortem judgment during the postexilic period.  When the texts regarding death are examined we see much of the frustrations that are prevalent in our own lives. 

            The first passage, which is troubling to many, is Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.  It reads,

For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.

Death Of Man And Beast

At first glance this passage is difficult and even hopeless. After all it says that the fate of man and beast is the same and all end up as dust in the end.  This appears to go contrary to what we normally hear as Christians.  After all we are told about an afterlife in Heaven and how man is the pinnacle of creation.  There is no mention of the rising of this dust or even a final resting place[1].  Looking into the New Testament and the ministry of our Lord we see two camps.  The Pharisees who believed in the resurrection, and the Sadducees that did not.  The Sadducees also did not acknowledge anything as scripture other than the Pentateuch. 

            There is no doubt that this passage in Qohelet is difficult.  However, breaking it down is helpful in understanding.  First and foremost, Qohelet is not saying that man and beast are the same.  Man is the pinnacle of creation and remains as such, but death is a certainty that applies to every living thing[2].  The passage goes on to say that man and beast end up in the same place.  Man is not like an animal that does not have an immortal soul, but both have a common mortality[3].  In other words, it is the cycle of life as both man and beast live and likewise, they die[4].  Qohelet calls this a time to live and time to die. 

            An important distinction between man and beast could easily be overlooked as both are described as going back to dust.  This brings to mind the creation account in the book of Genesis.  Man and beast have been created from the dust of the Earth.  There is an appointed time for each to die and return back to the Earth[5].

Postmortem Judgment in Qohelet (Ecclesiastes) 3

          Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 is considered one of the “dark passages of scripture”, but context is missing.  To get the full context it is best to look at Ecclesiastes 3:16-22.  Verse 16 discusses a placed of justice and how even in the midst of justice there is wickedness.  The word for justice in verse sixteen comes from the Hebrew Mishpat.  This word is crucial in understanding as it is means judgment, case, worthy, rightful place, and deserving[6].  This word is also interesting as justice is one of the attributes of God.

            It is a frustration of the human condition that those who live in wickedness should prosper or do not receive correction.  All this happens while the good suffer or are oppressed.  However, this passage tells us that God will judge and his justice will be made whole.  If Qohelet believed that there was nothing to the afterlife then why would God have to judge anything?  God has appointed a time for everything and God will judge when this life is over[7].  Another clue regarding a postmortem judgment in Qohelet is found in Ecclesiastes 3:21. That passage of scripture states, “Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? (ESV)” 

Death And Sheol

            This is fascinating because it is widely believed that when one died Sheol was the destination.  Sheol is the abode for the dead and the place where people go when they die[8].  Sheol is associated with the grace and the two, are at times, used interchangeably[9].  It is interesting to note the varying views regarding Sheol.  Though it is associated with the grave, it appears that there were different levels in this realm of the dead.  Some of these levels can range from total abandonment and isolation to a place where the righteous go[10].

            Some of this is speculative, but it suffices to say that Qohelet was aware of some semblance of a postmortem judgement.  After all it was a matter of understanding in Israel that Yahweh was the divine judge, and this is seen with the gods of the ancient near east as well[11].  Therefore, there is a form of parallelism at play.  Qohelet is describing all the injustices that are happening, but a divine judgment, perhaps even postmortem will equal everything out,  The righteous will take their rightful place and the wicked will be cast to the bowels of Sheol. 

This is seen in Ecclesiastes 12:7 where Qohlet says that the spirit goes back to God who made it.  Therefore Qohelet comes full circle in 12:7 by answering his rhetorical question in 3:21.  The presence of the Hebrew verb shapat in 3:17b is also a helpful indicator[12].  God is presented as the presider over the coming judgment.  This is like in a court of law that will rule a case for the plaintiff or defendant, but the just judge who will execute the penalty.  The other verbs in  3:17, such as the verbs for righteous and wicked, are characteristic of standing before God for one’s own judgment.

Note: Unless otherwise stated all scripture is from the ESV-CE.

Works Cited

[1]. Matthew J. Ramage, Dark Passages of the Bible: Engaging Scripture with Benedict XVI & Thomas Aquinas (Washington D.C: Catholic University of America Press, 2013), 48.

[2]. Walter C. Kaiser Jr. et al., Hard Sayings of the Bible (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1996), 294.

[3]. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 985.

[4]. Katharine J. Dell, “The Cycle of Life in Ecclesiastes,” Vetus Testamentum 59, no. 2 (2009).

[5]. Tyler Atkinson, “Contemplation as an Alternative to Curiosity: St Bonaventure on Ecclesiastes 1:3-11,” Scottish Journal of Theology 68, no. 1 (February 2015).

[6]. Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc, 1998), mishpat.

[7]. Edward G. Dobson et al., The KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 741.

[8]. Douglas Mangum et al., eds., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), sheol.

[9]. Shaul Bar, “Grave Matters: Sheol in the Hebrew Bible,” Jewish Bible Quarterly 43 (March 2015).

[10]. Matthew Suriano, “Sheol, the Tomb, and the Problem of Postmortem Existence,” The journal of Hebrew scriptures. 16 (2016) (March 2016).

[11]. Paluku Mwendambio, “Eschatological Judgment in the Book of Ecclesiastes,” Valley View University Journal of Theology 2 (2012).

[12]. Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc, 1998), shapat.

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Life And Its Defense: What The Laity Can Do

Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life joins me for a very important conversation. We discuss how his ministry started and all the great things that Priests For Life does to fight for the sanctity of life. We also discuss what the laity can do to fight for the most innocent. Fr. Pavone also discusses what we can do to support those who have had an abortion. It is a fascinating conversation that we all need to hear.

Learn About Priests For Life

Learn more about Priests For Life and their great work at www.endabortion.us and www.priestsforlife.org.

About Father Frank Pavone

FR. Frank Pavone is one of the most prominent prolife leaders in the world. Originally from New York, he was ordained in 1988 by Cardinal John O’Connor, and since 1993 has served full-time in pro-life leadership with his bishop’s permission. He is the National Director of Priests for Life, the largest pro-life ministry in the Catholic Church.

Fr. Frank Pavone

He is also the President of the National Pro-life Religious Council, and the National Pastoral Director of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and of Rachel’s Vineyard, the world’s largest ministry of healing after abortion. He travels throughout the country, to an average of four states every week, preaching and teaching against abortion. He produces programs regularly for religious and secular radio and television networks. He was asked by Mother Teresa to speak in India on the life issues, and has addressed the pro-life caucus of the United States House of Representatives. The Vatican appointed him to the Pontifical Academy for Life and to the Pontifical Council for the Family, which coordinates the pro-life activities of the Catholic Church.

He was present at the bedside of Terri Schiavo as she was dying and was an outspoken advocate for her life. He was invited by members of the Class of 2009 at Notre Dame to lead an alternate commencement ceremony for those students who refused to attend the ceremony in which President Obama was honored. Fr. Frank was invited by members of Congress to preach at the prayer service they had in the Capitol just prior to the vote on health care reform. He received the “Proudly Pro-life Award” by the National Right to Life Committee, and numerous other pro-life awards and honorary doctorates. He is the author of four books, Ending Abortion, Not Just Fighting It; Pro-life Reflections for Every Day; Abolishing Abortion, and Proclaiming the Message of Life. Norma McCorvey, the “Jane Roe” of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade abortion decision, called Fr. Frank “the catalyst that brought me into the Catholic Church.”

What The Laity Can Do To Fight For Life

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Being Light And Leaven In The World

I recently had the honor of sitting down with Bishop Joseph Strickland to discuss his book “Light and Leaven”. We have a conversation about his book, but more importantly we discuss how the laity can help renew the church. In our conversation we discuss the importance of the eucharist, how catechists can convey this vital truth, how abortion is still a issue of vital importance, and many other great topics.

Bishop Strickland On Light And Leaven

I’m sure you will enjoy the conversation with Bishop Strickland. To check out the bishop’s book you go to the St. Philip Institute here. You can also purchase the book from the publisher Catholic Answers by going here.

About Bishop Joseph Strickland

Bishop Strickland is a trusted and sought-after voice of Catholic orthodoxy in the Church today. Appointed the fourth bishop of Tyler Texas by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Bishop Strickland’s valuable insights and constructive counsel regularly reach a national audience through Catholic news and social media.

Interview On Light And Leaven

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Having Some Alone Time Is Okay

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,[a] for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, 36 and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.-Matthew 14:22-36 NRSV

Alone Time Is Okay

Admit it.  Sometimes you feel guilty about taking sometime for your self.  After all there is so much for you to do that spending 30 minutes alone seems like you are wasting time.  In the Gospel above our Lord teaches us something very important.  However it is something that we tend to dismiss.

Take time out of your day to be alone, reflect, and pray.  How many of us actually do this?  We are pulled in so many different directions with our jobs, work obligations, and family obligations that we think it noble to ignore alone time.

Let me be clear.  I am not saying to ignore your family and other responsibilities, but you won’t be able to take care of others if you are not taking care of ourselves.

Application

If we are not taking time on a daily basis to be alone with the Lord in prayer then we will eventually take our eyes of of God.  Isn’t this what happened to St. Peter in the next section of today’s Gospel?  We get caught up in our business and Satan takes the opportunity to tell us that we are too busy for God.  Quite the contrary.  The busier we are the more we need to spend time in prayer.  Prayer helps us keep things in focus and prioritizes our actions.  Today’s devotion is short mostly because the Gospel reading is so long today.  Ponder the reading.  Ask the Lord to show you where you can carve out some time for him.

Saint Quotes

Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.-St. John Chrysostom

Without prayer we have neither light nor strength to advance in the way which leads to God.-St. Alphonsus Liguori

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.-St. Ephraem of Syria

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.- St Francis de Sales

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The Rosary Made Me Catholic

Jeffery Stevens is a convert to the Catholic faith and an author. In this interview Jeffrey describes his childhood and the role that faith played, how he came to accept Jesus as savior, and how the rosary led him to discover the Catholic church. It is a heartwarming story and so inspiring.

The Role Of The Rosary

Jeffrey describes that when he came to faith as an evangelical he purchased a Bible and a rosary. He had seen a rosary growing up and associated it with Jesus. He started praying it and it led him to a deep relationship to our lord Jesus Christ.

About Jeffrey Stevens (From His Website)

My life can best be summed up with the three most significant roles I fulfill. I’m a devout Catholic. Lil v calls me daddy. Writing is both a blessing and a curse in my life. Shortly after Jesus became important to me, I discovered my passion for writing, particularly writing in regards to how Scripture could be applied to daily life. While I grew up attending a Catholic elementary school, the Catholic Church didn’t begin influencing how I lived until 2015. I followed through with becoming in full-communion with the Church in 2018.

Jeffrey Stevens

As far as writing is concerned, I’m a published author and columnist for a few websites. I’m a senior writer for ThinkCivics, focusing on the Vatican’s involvement in world politics. I’m a columnist for both Catholic Stand and Catholic365. I also contribute to Joshua’s Outpost, a ministry geared towards men looking to discover and cultivate a personal relationship with God. Then there’s Lil v, my amateur ballerina, gymnast, cheerleader, and swimmer. At just five years old, she’s still trying to decide what her profession will be.

We’re parishioners at St. Jude Catholic Church in the South Bend – Ft. Wayne diocese in northern Indiana. We can be found at mass every Saturday evening and regularly visit the adoration chapel throughout the week. I’m currently studying for a second degree in theology from Aidan University in Jacksonville, Florida. The concentration of this degree is ancient and sacramental studies. My education played a significant role in my conversion to the Catholic Church. The more I studied the early church and the church fathers, the more intense the Holy Spirit’s pull leading me to the Church became. I say that as someone with a degree in theology from a Protestant university.

Jeffrey is also an author and ghostwriter. Check out his website at www.thecatholicwordsmith.com

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Ambrose, The Mass, and The Eucharist

When we attend Mass, we are entering a holy place in which a miracle takes place.  Not only are we present when the basic elements of bread and wine are transubstantiated to the body and blood of Christ, but those at Mass are transported in a mystical way to a heavenly banquet.  Though the reception of communion happens a few prayers after the Eucharistic prayer is complete, it is vital from a theological and catechetical perspective.  With Christ present with his church, the Bridegroom has come for His bride.

Wedding And The Mass

After commingling of the body and blood the Priest tells those present to behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  This is the praise of the angels and those in Heaven as seen in Revelation 19.  In Revelation 19:9 and Angel told St. John. “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (NRSV).

At this point in Mass the priest is passing on this wedding announcement from Heaven.  Like a groom at a wedding, our Lord calls to us and wants to have an intimate relationship with his bride.  He does this by giving himself, his own body and blood, as a way to show his eternal commitment to us. 

Like a bride we process down towards our groom to be united with him.  In the Eucharist we are united with Christ not only spiritually, but physically.  Being united with the flesh of Christ is the most personal thing we will be able to experience. 

Ambrose And The Eucharist

The Old Testament book of Song of Songs has very vivid imagery between a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for His church.  One passage that is particularly relevant to the Wedding Supper of the lamb is Song of Songs 1:2 which states, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth” (NRSV)!  This is exactly what St. Ambrose says happens during the reception of the Eucharist. 

The second person of the blessed Trinity has forgiven us of our sin and unites himself with us with his very body.  The Wedding Supper of the Lamb is a taste of the heavenly worship that we will experience in eternity and unites us with the church suffering and church triumphant in heavenly praise.

The Mass And Ambrose

Next time you are at Mass take that extra moment to thank Christ for the very gift of himself.  Take the time to realize that we are worshiping the King of the universe alongside those who have gone before us in the faith.  There is much more happening at Mass than meets the eye.  It is a place where a true miracle happens, ordinary bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.  Let us not merely go through the notions, but truly understand what is happening.  Do you want to transform the church?  It begins with understanding what is happening at Mass and who we are receiving in the Holy Eucharist. 

I leave you with the following quote from St. Ambrose for further meditation:

“Perhaps you will say “I see something else, how is it that you assert that I receive the body of Christ?”  And this is the point that remains for us to prove.  And what evidence shall we make use of?  Let us prove that this is not what nature made, but what the blessing consecrated, and the power of blessing is greater than that of nature, because by blessing nature itself is changed”.

God bless you all.

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