William Hemsworth's Blog, page 82

The Wedding Supper And The Mass

Sometimes we can do things so often that we inadvertently go through the motions. This can happen in our work, relationships, and in the worship of our Lord at Mass. At every Mass we are getting a foretaste of the wedding supper of the Lamb. This is mentioned in Revelation 19:7-10. Sometimes it helps to take a step back to realize the miracle and greatness that happens at Mass.

Wedding: The Bridegroom Comes For The Bride

When we attend Mass, we are entering a holy place in which a heavenly event is taking 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 Canon is complete, it is vital from a theological and catechetical perspective. With Christ present with his Church, the bridegroom has come for his bride.

The Lamb Of God

After the 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).

Wedding Imagery

At this point in the 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.

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.”

This is exactly what St. Ambrose says happens during the reception of the Eucharist:
“Of His goodness, therefore, He nourishes us with the breasts of the Law and Grace, soothing men’s sorrows with telling them of heavenly things”.-St. Ambrose

Jesus Unites With Us

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.

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.

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5 Catholic Youtube Channels To Check Out

YouTube is something we have all heard of and viewed on occasion. Some, like me, even have our own channels where we do all kinds of things.  As someone who rarely is able to sleep through the night, I tend to turn on YouTube and let the videos roll.

Youtube Graphic

In addition to videos about professional wrestling (I’m a huge fan), I also binge videos about Catholic theology, evangelism, and apologetics.  There are no shortage of channels out there, but here are five you should check out.  That is, if you haven’t already.  After each channel mentioned will be a video for you to preview.  The channels listed are done so in no particular order.

1.  Reason And Theology YouTube Channel

Reason and Theology is hosted by Michael Lofton and also has Erick Ybarra and William Albrecht as contributors.  This great channel recently surpassed 10,000 subscribers.  This channel is a favorite of mine because of its great theological content.

If you are interested in good theology and apologetics then this is a great channel to subscribe to.  They are also not afraid to have non-Catholics on the channel to discuss differing views in a respectful manner.  The channel has recently hosted debates on the Old Testament canon, papal primacy, and the filioque.

2.  Apocrypha Apocalypse

Apocrypha Apocalypse was started by Gary Michuta and William Albrecht.  The channel is described as

“Why are Catholic and Orthodox Bibles bigger than Protestant bibles? Authors Gary Michuta and William Albrecht explore different aspects of the development of the Old Testament canon and whether the Deuterocanon is Apocrypha.”

As you can guess it has everything to do with the books that we Catholics call Deuterocanonical.  Gary Michuta has written several books that discuss the inspiration of these books and he brings that knowledge to us.  IF you want to learn how to defend these books in a deeper way then this channel is for you.

3.  Keith Nester YouTube Channel

Keith Nester is a convert to the Catholic church.  In the description Keith describes himself as

“A former pastor/youth pastor with more than 20 years in full-time ministry. Keith served in United Methodist, Assemblies of God, and Evangelical Free churches in various roles.”

He had a 20 year discernment before resigning from his full time ministry position in 2018.  His YouTube channel has great content such as his conversion story, daily rosary, and great interviews on evangelism and apologetics.  He presents these videos in a way that is easy understood and relatable.

4.  Catholic Truth

The Youtube channel for Catholic Truth is run by Bryan Mercier.  The channel, and the charitable organization behind it, seeks to

“Help Catholics to know, love, and live their faith with purpose and passion, and to find transformation in Jesus Christ. We also seek to explain and defend to the Catholic faith so that anyone, at any time, from any religion, can know exactly what the Catholic Church teaches and why.”

Bryan is an engaging and energetic host who engages topics in a straightforward but respectable manner.  In his videos he discusses how to evangelize, has some apologetics resources, and engages issues our culture is dealing with.  His videos on the beliefs of Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, and Jehovah’s witnesses are worth subscribing alone.

5.  How To Be Christian

I found How To Be Christian by accident but I am glad I found it.  The about section describes the channel as

“How to be Christian” teaches you about the topic of Christianity. Whether you’re Christian or not Christian, this series welcomes you to learn about what Christianity is, if you are interested in the subject.”

There is great care taken in producing these videos.  The final product is well put together, engaging, and has some humor sprinkled in for good measure.  This channel looks at videos posted by Protestants that are talking about some aspect of Catholic theology.  This channel sets them straight.  It is done respectfully.

Is there a favorite Catholic YouTube channel that you have?  Submit a link in the comments and I will check it out.  While I’m at it check out my channel as well.  God bless.

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What Would Jesus Do?

What would Jesus Do?  This phrase became very popular in the 1990’s and had the power of merchandising behind it.  Christian Rock bands made songs by the title, T-shirts were made, and a bracelet that simply read “WWJD” was all the rage.  Jesus is our ultimate example. By seeking to better understand Jesus Christ we can benefit from the Bible’s teaching that Jesus is our genuine example.

Imitating Christ/What would Jesus Do?

In imitating Christ we are just not imitating a man, but the incarnate Son of God who was the sacrifice for our sin.  Medieval writer and theologian Thomas Kempis puts it this way,

“By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ [1].”

Many writers have discussed imitating Christ, but there are several passages in scripture that describe this.  Some of them even record Jesus saying those very words.  The Lord said in John 13:15, “ For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”  Paul also wrote about Christ being our example in Philippians 2:4-11, the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews echoes this in Hebrews 12:1-6, and Peter writes about it in 1 Peter 2:21-23.

The passage in 1 Peter is especially clear as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:21, “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.”  If one truly lives for Christ, repents, and believes what Christ and his church teaches then he will seek to imitate Christ.

Liberal Theology Takes Hold

During the 19th century, and into the 20th, liberal theology had started to gain a foothold within Christianity.  This especially happened within Protestantism, but Catholicism was not immune.  Liberal theologians believed that Christianity had to adapt or die, and in doing so several key doctrines were denied.

Liberal theology can be identified with denial of biblical inspiration and rejection of dogmas such as the Trinity or the Deity of Christ, and denial of the virgin birth just to name a few.. In 1897 Charles Sheldon wrote a novel titled In His Steps, and it challenged the very foundations of the liberalism that was running rampant.

To date the Christian fiction novel has sold over 50,000,000 copies, and though it is not a catholic book, it coincided with the anti-modernist movement that was springing up in the Catholic church at the time  This was very appealing before World War I as it was easy to read and cut to the heart of liberal theology.  Charles Sheldon writes, “giving illustrations from the life and teachings of Jesus to show how faith in the Christ helped to save men because of the pattern or character He displayed for their imitation [2].

It seemed, though it had been coincidental, that evangelicals and Catholics realized the inherit risk that liberal theology posed.  If we compromise the basic tenants of the Christian faith it is a slippery slope that has no end.  The result is progressive Christianity which is really another gospel.  To Be clear those basic tenants of Christianity are found fully in the Catholic Church.  The slow decent into liberal Christianity began with the reformation.

Look To Jesus

What Would Jesus Do?  By asking this one has the potential to become a better disciple of Christ.  Jesus gives us the ultimate example of how to live the Christian life. We can also look to the saints and the example they gave on how to follow Christ. We will have setbacks, but we can go to him for anything as he knows how we are tempted since he himself was tempted.

We can learn from his character, his study, his quiet time, and his prayer life.  Imitating Christ is a practice with scriptural merit, and it is something that Christ told us to do.  It does not mean that we will be sinless, but it does mean that our perfect savior expects us to live godly lives.  These godly and loving lives will be seen by others and will be helpful in evangelization.

Saint Quotes

“The devil fears hearts on fire with love of God.”- St. Catherine of Siena

“Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You.”-St. Augustine of Hippo

“Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.”-St. John Paul II

“Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me.”- St. Augustine of Hippo

WORKS CITED

[1]Thomas A Kempis, Imitation of Christ (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 1996), 1.

[2]”In His Steps by Charles Sheldon,” Christian Classics Ethereal Library, accessed December 4, 2020, http:/​/​www.ccel.org/​ccel/​sheldon/​ihsteps.....

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The Hebrew Tow`ebah And Proverbs 11:1

There are many occasions in which a word in Hebrew has many different meanings in English.  In this regard it is important to understand the context used to help determine its meaning.  For this exercise Proverbs 11:1 was used.  That passage of scripture states “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight” (ESV-CE). This article will look in depth at the meaning of Tow`ebah.

In this case the word being studied is “abomination”.  In Hebrew the word is tow`ebah, and it is used 142 times in the Old Testament.  On the surface the meaning of this word is straightforward, but as is often the case there are variations that can mean different things in English.

Tow`ebah and the English Root

The root of tow`ebah come from the root ta`ab which is a verb which means to loathe or abhor.  It is the act of hating something, whereas the noun being studies is the act itself.

An Abomination To The Lord

The word tow`ebah denotes something that is an abomination in a ritual or moral sense[1].  The passage given above from Proverbs is a good example of the moral sense in which the word is used. A balance in those days was used in trade and it was a normal practice to misconstrue the weight in one’s favor.  When a good was being sold its weight was overstated, and conversely, if something was being purchased in would be on the light side.  It was a dishonest means of gaining wealth, and it was that act that was an abomination.  This same sentiment is echoed just one chapter later in Proverbs 12:22 when the inspired author calls the act of lying an abomination to the Lord.

From a ritualistic point of view, this word is most used within the context of idolatry.  The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy gives many examples of such usage.  Deuteronomy 32:16 states, “They made Him jealous with strange gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger.” 

Idolatry is a sin where something is placed in front of God.  There is no coincidence that this word can be used is a ritualistic and moral sense, because dishonest gain will ultimately create an idol in one’s heart.  Being fair and honorable is pleasing to God because one is treating others how they want to be treated.  The word abomination may seem strong, but it shows how God wants his people to deal with one another.  We deal with fairness, honesty, and love.

English Meanings of Tow`ebah

There are a few English words that can be derived from this Hebrew noun.  Among them are disgusting, abhorrence, abomination, abominable, and abdominal thing.

Contextual Setting For English Choice

When Proverbs 11:1 is examined abomination is an appropriate choice because it deals with conduct with one another.  Disgusting is not a strong enough word for the dislike that the Lord has for dishonorable dealings.  It helps the reader fully understand that people are to be treated justly and mercifully just like we want to be treated.

Works CitedFrancis Brown, Samuel Rolles Driver, and Charles Augustus Briggs, Enhanced Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1977), 1073.

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Was Sola Scriptura Taught By The Early Church?

Sola Scriptura is one of the main differences between Protestantism and Catholicism as it boils down to the issue of authority. Known as the Bible alone, is the idea that sole infallible source of authority. Is this true and did the early church fathers teach this?

Open BibleInterview On Sola Scriptura

On March 10th I was a guest on Hands on Apologetics which is hosted by Gary Michuta. I go through the proof texts that Protestant apologists use, and show that upon further examination that, not only is Sola Scriptura not true, but it was not taught by the early church fathers.

Hands on Apologetics airs Monday-Friday at 1pm EST on Virgin Most Powerful radio. Learn more about Gary at www.handsonapologetics.com. Learn more about Virgin Most Powerful radio at www.virginmostpowerfulradio.org. Please support Virgin Most Powerful and the ministry of Gary.

Enjoy the interview which is provided below. If you are so inclined please subscribe to my Youtube channel and share the video.

The Interview

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St. Joseph Is An Example Men Can Follow…Updated

But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”- Matthew 1:20-21 NRSV

In my opinion, Joseph is the unsung hero of the Christmas story. Very little is said about him, but he was a righteous man.

We can learn much from this great saint.

Joseph, Mary, And Betrothal

Luke’s Gospel tells us that Mary was “betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph” (1:27). This arrangement was a little different than engagements of today. According to the rabbinical writings, there were two stages in a Hebrew marriage. The first, known as the betrothal period, was as legally binding as marriage.

If at any time during this phase of marriage either person violated their vows, a formal divorce was required to nullify the marriage. Mary and Joseph were legally married, and during the approximate twelve-month period of their betrothal, they had no physical relationship (neither did they afterward) and lived in separate houses. The second stage was the wedding ceremony, which lasted for seven days.

Statue of St. Joseph and the Child JesusHe Wanted To Do God’s Will

It was in the first stage of their betrothal that Mary became pregnant with the Son of God. Joseph could have divorced her because of this.  When Mary was pregnant he at first resolved to divorce her in a quiet manner.  This may sound harsh, but the law of the time called for much worse.

It called for stoning, but by intending to go the other route he was showing a great love for his Bride. His heart must have been broken, but he didn’t want to make a spectacle out of Mary. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

Joseph knew that he would be thought of as the husband of the woman who had broken her vow. And indeed Mary went through life with that reputation. The Pharisees once said to Jesus, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God” (John 8:41). In other words, “You were conceived out of wedlock, Jesus.”  Joseph was willing to endure all of that. He loved Mary. He obeyed God. And both of them agreed to God’s plan.

St. Joseph was a good earthly example, and he continues to be a good example for us.  Though he does not say one word in scripture we can learn much from his life.  How to love, work, and how to sacrifice.  Remember this as we head into the Advent and Christmas.

Saint Quotes

It is true that the other saints enjoy great power in heaven, but they ask as servants, and do not command as masters. Saint Joseph, to whose authority Jesus was subject on earth, obtains what he desires from his kingly foster Son in heaven.-St. Thomas Aquinas

Go to Joseph with extreme confidence, because I do not remember having asked anything from St. Joseph, without having obtained it readily.-St. Padre Pio

To give life to someone is the greatest of all gifts. To save a life is the next. Who gave life to Jesus? It was Mary. Who saved his life? It was Joseph. Ask St. Paul who persecuted him. Saint Peter who denied him. Ask all the saints who put him to death. But if we ask, “Who saved his life?” Be silent, patriarchs, be silent, prophets, be silent, apostles, confessors and martyrs. Let St. Joseph speak, for this honor is his alone; he alone is the savior of his Savior.-Blessed William Chaminade

Interviews About St. Joseph

A few months ago I interviewed Steve Ray about St. Joseph.

I also interviewed Fr. Boniface Hicks about his book about St. Joseph.

I was recently a guest on Fr. Edward Looney‘s podcast to discuss St. Joseph.

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Hypocrites, Corban, And Following Jesus

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands,[a] thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it;[b] and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.[c]) 5 So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live[d] according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
    teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”

9 Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God[e])— 12 then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.”-Mark 7:1-13 NRSV

Jesus Calls Out Hypocrites

This Gospel reading should be a word of caution to all of us.  Jesus calls out the Pharisees on their hypocritical behavior.  They saw the disciples eating without going through the proper ritual washing.  This was an opportunity for them to try to entrap Jesus.

He does not fall for it.

Instead he turns the tables.  The ritual washing that the Pharisees are speaking of is traced back to Exodus 30:19.  However, this only called for the washing of hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting, or the Temple, for service.  The ritual that Jesus called out developed over time and essentially a tradition of men.

Pharisees And Corban

Jesus goes for the jugular to prove what hypocrites the Pharisees were being.  They were ignoring the command of God to honor their father and mother.  Instead of taking care of them in their old age, they allowed their parents to slip into poverty when they were no longer able to work.

They did so by saying that their wealth was corban.  Corban was dedicating one’s wealth the the service of the temple.  The problem is that the Temple took really good care of the Pharisees.  As they lived a life of luxury through a loophole that was not a command from God, they’re parents struggles for basic needs.

They were thinking of only themselves, and not of honoring God.

What About Us?

As I was pondering over this passage this morning I was thinking about events in my life.  How many times have we done something similar?  Have we ignored the pleas of the poor and minutes later were eating a steak in a great steakhouse?  Maybe we made gods out of our possessions, and violated the very real command of having no other gods before the Lord?

We are human and we will mess up at times. Thank God for the sacrament of reconciliation.  May we be more mindful of our actions so we may not be hypocrites.  People are watching.

Saint Quotes

It is no use walking somewhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.-Saint Francis of Assisi

I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do with me as you please.-Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

We must all try to be preachers through our deeds.-Saint Teresa of Ávila

It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name.-Saint Ignatius of Antioch

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Two Gift Ideas For RCIA

Though it is June, RCIA classes will soon begin around the country (some have actually started already).  For those who stick with it, they will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church be received into the Catholic church.  It is a momentous occasion and should be celebrated.  We often do so by having a get together or by giving gifts.  We often give Bibles, rosaries, and crucifixes just to name a few.  Below are two great books that will also make great gifts for those in RCIA.

RCIA Recommendation #1:  The Beauty Of The Mass

One of the things I had trouble with during my journey to the Catholic Church was what went on at Mass.  I can’t begin to tell you how frustrated I would get as everyone sat and kneeled while I was left wondering what was going on.

As I started to understand the theology behind the Mass, I started to see a whole other issue entirely.  I started to notice how some who have been immersed their whole lives have no idea about the beauty and majesty that they are partaking in.

In his book The Beauty of the Mass:  Exploring the Central Act of Worship author Charles S. Johnston takes an in depth look at the Mass.  The book is brilliantly laid out and describes exactly what is happening with every aspect of Mass.  From the initial sign of the cross, to the final blessing, and everything in between the author lays out the reasons why we do what we do.

Even more importantly, at least to me, is that the Biblical basis is given for it.  There is so much scripture in the Mass!  As if having all the scriptural backup wasn’t enough, the author strengthens his research using church documents and writing from the early church fathers.

It is solid and is good for those who are coming into the church because it gives a great explanation of the Mass.  It is also good of those of us who have been around and I’m sure you will discover something that you didn’t know.  The book is well written and is written in a style that everyone will be able to understand it.  Check it out!

Please visit the author’s website at Nowthatimcatholic.com to learn more about his work.

You purchase the book here.

#2 I’m Catholic Now What?

I went through the RCIA program a couple times and it served to answer my basic questions.  However, I was lost for the most part because there were still many other questions I had and I wasn’t sure where to get involved.

Shaun McAfee, the founder of epicpew.com, recently released a fantastic book titled I’m Catholic, Now What?  This book is relatable for any convert who has ever come into the church.  It serves to answer those extra questions, and gives direction on where to go as far as resources go.

This book gives guidance on accepted translations of the scriptures, tips on how to read the catechism, brief explanations on apologetics issues, and explains the little things we do with in the church (such as genuflecting).

This book is a great refresher for those of us who have been in the church for a while, those who may be considering entering the church, or for those who want to understand what Catholicism is.

Shaun has went above and beyond with this work, and the results are simply phenomenal.  Do yourself a favor an check this book out if you get the opportunity.  The chapters are short, to the point, but are packed with great information.  The ultimate reference book on catholic practice for converts is here.

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Make The Choice To Serve God

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good.[a] But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?”16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us.[b] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary, 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire.91 Hearing them sing, and amazed at seeing them alive, King Nebuchadnezzar rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” 92 He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.”95 Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.-Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 NRSV

Serve God

The above scripture passage is very popular and one that we learn about as young children.  It is a long passage and speaks of three young men who took a stand.  They had the choice to live, but by doing so they had to worship a false god.  They chose not to abandon God and risked their lives in the process.

They were condemned to burning alive in a furnace and God rescued them.  There was a fourth person, but who is this?  This is what is called a theophany.  A Theophany is a direct communication or appearance by God to human beings.  God is with them.  A title for Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us”.  Jesus, the second person of the blessed Trinity, God incarnate, was with them.

Choose God over all things.  We have to choose God over false gods on a daily basis.

False Gods Of Our Daily Lives

It is likely that most of us don’t have a statue of a false god in our homes.  However, we often erect false gods in our lives without even knowing it.  How many times have we chosen to go on social media instead of praying or reading scripture?  Perhaps we are servants to our electronic devices and they dictate every aspect of our lives.

There is nothing wrong with these things or other material possessions.  The problem arises when we put these things ahead of God.  Let us examine our hearts and minds today to see if this is something we are doing.  Let us make the conscious choice to choose and serve the Lord.

Saint Quotes

A soul who is really resigned to God’s will does not become attached to any created thing because he sees clearly that all things are nothing except God.-Blessed Henry Susone

The goal of all our undertakings should be not so much a task perfectly completed as the accomplishment of the will of God.-St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face

If, devout soul, it is your will to please God and live a life of serenity in this world, unite yourself always and in all things to the divine will. Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God’s will.-St. Alphonsus de Ligouri

The first end I propose in our daily work is to do the will of God; secondly, to do it in the manner he wills it; and thirdly to do it because it is his will.-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

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Confession: 10 Early Church Quotes

One of the things I struggled with during the process of converting to Catholicism was confession. All of those standard questions were going through my mind. Why do I have to confess to a man? Why is a priest necessary for God to forgive me?  The quick answer is that this what out Lord established.  A key passage is John 20:21-23 which states,

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

When I started researching even more I asked another question. Is sacramental confession something that the early church practiced? Indeed they did and there are many writing from the earliest days of the church attesting to it. Here are 10 quotes from the early church proving the practice of confession.

10 Quotes From The Early Church On Confession

Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life…. On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure.- The Didache 70-90 AD

Just as a man is enlightened by the Holy Spirit when he is baptized by a priest, so he who confesses his sins with a repentant heart obtains their remission from the priest.- St. Athanasius of Alexandria 180 AD

It is necessary to confess our sins to those to whom the dispensation of God’s mysteries [i.e. the Sacraments] is entrusted [i.e. priests]. Those doing penance of old are found to have done it before the saints. It is written in the Gospel that they confessed their sins to John the Baptist [Matt 3:6]; but in Acts they confessed to the Apostles, by whom also all were baptized [Acts 19:18].-St. Basil The Great 330-379 AD

Regarding confession, some flee from this work as being an exposure of themselves, or they put it off from day to day. I presume they are more mindful of modesty than of salvation, like those who contract a disease in the more shameful parts of the body and shun making themselves known to the physicians; and thus they perish along with their own bashfulness.-Tertullian 200 AD

In addition to these kinds of forgiveness of sins, albeit hard and laborious: the remission of sins through penance…when he [the sinner] does not shrink from declaring his sin to a priest of the Lord and from seeking medicine.-Origen 244 AD

But the impenitent spurn and despise all these warnings; before their sins are expiated, before they have made a confession of their crime, before their conscience has been purged in the ceremony and at the hand of the priest…they do violence to his body and blood, and with their hands and mouth they sin against the Lord more than when they denied him.-St. Cyprian of Carthage 250 AD

There have been those who would say that no penance is available for certain sins; and they have been excluded from the Church and have been made heretics. Holy Mother Church is not rendered powerless by any kind of sin.-St. Augustine 354-430 AD

Just as in the Old Testament the priest makes the leper clean or unclean, so in the New Testament the bishop and presbyter [i.e. priest] binds or looses not those who are innocent or guilty, but by reason of their office, when they have heard various kinds of sins, they know who is to be bound and who loosed.- St. Jerome 347-420 AD

 It seemed likewise impossible for sins to be forgiven through penance; yet Christ granted even this to His Apostles, and by His Apostles it has been transmitted to the offices of priest.-St. Ambrose 333-397 AD

Priests have received a power which God has given neither to angels nor to archangels. It was said to them: “Whatsoever you shall bind upon earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose, shall be loosed” [Matt 18:18]. Temporal rulers have indeed the power of binding; but they can bind only the body. Priests, however, can bind with a bond which pertains to the soul itself, and transcends the very heavens…Whatever priests do here on earth, God will confirm in heaven, just as the master ratifies the decision of his servants. Did He not give them all the powers of heaven?-St. John Chrysostom 344-407 AD

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