William Hemsworth's Blog, page 96

Hosea The Prophet, And Our Relationship With Christ

The Old Testament Mass reading from Hosea chapter 2 is a powerful reading and some background is in order and shows how we are pursued by the Lord. In chapter 1, Hosea is told to marry Gomer who is described as a promiscuous woman. Hosea does so and they are blessed with children. At the beginning of Chapter 2, Hosea is determined to divorce his wife because of her infidelity. Yet in this reading he has a change of heart.

Pursued by God In Hosea

This change of heart is significant as he sees passed the transgressions of Gomer and vows to love her. Hosea sees this as imagery of God and the people of Israel. Throughout salvation history the Lord pursued Israel, but time and again they sin. Yet the Lord has a made a covenant with his people that is seen as a type of marriage bond.

What does this have to do with us? In short it has everything to do with us. We have this annoying this called concupiscence. We have the inclination to sin. However, like Gomer, every time we sin we are committing adultery. Sin is akin to spiritual adultery. We are looking past God to something else. That something else may be our egos, sex, or cash. It can be anything. Yet we are pursued by God at every turn.

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This imagery of being pursued and that of a marriage bond is continued in the life of Christ. Christ is the bridegroom who came for his bride. The church is the bride of Christ and the church is made up of sinners like you and I. Through it all we are relentlessly pursued by the Bridegroom. He loves us and nourished us with his own body and blood in the holy Eucharist.

Application

The question I have for all of you is two fold. First and foremost are we actively pursuing the Bridegroom? This pandemic has showed us that many have taken the Eucharist for granted. It is my hope that this Eucharistic fast has been a big wake up call. I know it was for me. May we evaluate ourselves to see if this was, or is, the case.

The answer just may surprise you. Secondly are we ready for the Bridegroom to come again? Jesus said he will come again and we will not know the time nor place. How can we be ready for such an event? Live each day like today is the day! Be in a state of grace. Regularly attend Mass if you are able, read scripture, pray, and frequent the sacraments.

This article was posted on epicPew and you ca read the rest of it here.

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I Quit My Job…But Why?

Something crazy happened a couple weeks ago. In the middle of a worldwide pandemic, my wife and I made the decision to quit my job. Crazy right! For what reason though?

I Quit But I Am Moving On

Over the past few years we have been blessed to have my wife stay home with the kids. This was very difficult as she was successful at her career, but with four kids it was the best option. During this seven year stretch I have been studying and getting more involved in Catholic ministry. That has grown into blogs, you tube, podcasts, and teaching whenever and wherever I can.

In January my wife went back to work, the pandemic hit, and it opened our eyes to many possibilities. With the uncertainty of the school situation in the immediate future we decided that it was time for me to pursue ministry on a full time basis. So I quit, meaning I resigned with 30 days notice.

After all this is something that God has been calling me to for years. Time to walk the walk and do it.

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What Is ahead?

There are many exciting things on the horizon from a ministry perspective. I turned in my notice on August 3 and told my employer that September 3 would be my last day. They were nothing but supportive, and it is hard to leave an industry that you have been a part of for 15 years.

There will be new daily shows, more writing, and more vents on the horizon. All to spread the truth about Christ and His church.

Starting September 4th I will relaunch a daily apologetics podcast. September 8th will be the beginning of a daily Bible study where we will go through the Bible verse by verse. Exciting things are happening.

Please pray for me. They are much needed. God bless you and all your support.

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Sex Trafficking: Fighting A Hidden Evil

Thank you to Steven Pokorny of www.freedom-coaching.net for coming on the program. We discussed sex trafficking, how to protect our children, and how to break the cycle of porn. Let’s fight these two evils. Pray and fast!

Parental discretion is advised.

Porn And Sex Trafficking Must Be Fought



Podcast Version

You can listen to the podcast here.

Youtube Interview









About Steven And Freedom Coaching

Freedom Coaching is a one-to-one mentoring system aimed at helping those with an attraction and compulsion to pornography, with the goal of reclaiming a healthy vision of the body and of sexuality and thus become inoculated to the enticement of pornographic images.

The effects of pornography on the brain have been well documented as mirroring the effects of a physical drug problem (NOTE: The term to best define the issue of pornography attachment is “compulsion,” not “addiction.” To learn why this terminology is important, click here.) The chemicals stirred up in the brain radically affect the way a person sees and interacts with others. The more a person uses pornography, the more it steals their ability to love, incapacitates them from forming bonds of communion with others (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2332), and decimates their emotional world, leaving them trapped in guilt and shame.  Anything but harmless, pornography use can damage or destroy relationships, end careers, and shatter dreams.

Countless people attest that trying to overcome the temptation to use pornography involves more than resolutions, will power, and strengthening one’s moral character. In order to get to the root, we must recognize and treat pornography as a drug, intimacy, and vision problem. In addition to making certain lifestyle changes, it requires an intentional process of “rewiring” the brain of discovering one’s true identity, seeking out healthy forms of intimacy, and learning how to view the body and sexuality correctly.​

Although Freedom Coaching uses principles based upon Catholic theology, specifically Saint John Paul the Great’s Theology of the Body, this process is available to everyone regardless of religion. Freedom Coaching is offered by those who have struggled with an attachment or compulsion to pornography in their own lives and are experiencing lasting freedom. They desire to walk alongside others as they pursue the redemption of their vision.

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Jesus and Mary Talk about Peter Before Dinner

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Here is an imagined conversation between Our Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary shortly after Peter’s Confession in Matthew 16:13-20.

This is purely from my imagination and is no way meant to be an addition to Scripture nor an official interpretation of the passage.

The Conversation

Mary: Good Evening Son. How did your preaching go today? Did those Pharisees change their attitude about you yet?

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Jesus: No. They still cling to their rigid judgment. Today, I asked them [the Apostles] who they thought I was. Elijah? John the Baptist? A new prophet?

Those were common answers given by the public. I told them I did not what others thought, but what they thought.

Can you guess who answered my question Mother?”

Mary: Was it that bold and ambitious fisherman? Simon is his name, right?

Jesus: You say so and it is true. Simon recognized me as the “Messiah, Son of the living God.” His name is now changed to Peter meaning “rock”.

I also entrusted to him authority to lead my disciples.

Mary: Do they know?

Jesus: That I must suffer, die, and be raised on the third day? Yes. Peter’s rashness surfaced again. His great passion and love for his teacher made him overprotective of me.

I directly called out his actions as that of the Adversary.

Mary: Though I know your suffering will be a great pain for me, I trust in the will of God.

Jesus: I know. Mother you are most holy.

The Advocate will guide Peter, John, James and the rest once I go back to The Father.

Help Peter in his mission. Be a consolation for him with he experiences distress.

Mary: Yes, my Son. Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord. May it be done according to your word.

Jesus: You are indeed most blessed among all women!

I am hungry from the day’s walk. I brought home fish for dinner. Do you want to start the grill fire or should I cook?

Mary: Let’s cook together. You work is mine and mine is yours.

Jesus: Amen!

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[Mary and Jesus end their day with a tasty meal followed by praying the Scriptures before they go to sleep to prepare for another day telling the Good News.]

About Our Guest Blogger

Matthew Chicoine loves the Catholic Church, comics books, finding truth in literature, and drinking Dr. Pepper. His work can be found at https://thesimplecatholic.blog/.

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Defending Marriage Is Something We Must Do

Fr. Sebastian Walshe spends some time with me this week to discuss strengthening and defending marriage. He is part of Saint Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, California. Learn more about the Abbey and the amazing Abbot’s circle at https://www.theabbotscircle.com/

Defending Marriage Is Vital

This exclusive Abbot’s Circle video series is led by Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem., who is also the author of the recent book, “Understanding Marriage & Family: A Catholic Perspective”. The understanding of marriage and family in western culture has changed significantly in the past 30 years. What used to be taken for granted is now challenged and even rejected.

The first series in this course of videos will consider the meanings of the terms “marriage” and “family” and will answer modern objections to the traditional definitions of marriage and family. Among other things, the course will consider the foundations of marriage and family in human experience and human nature.

In a second series, the course will cover marriage as a sacrament, that is, insofar as God has revealed truths in sacred Scripture about marriage and family. Finally, in a third series, the course will give practical advice to Christian couples about how to live a flourishing family life.

Marriage Is Under Attack

During a time when U.S. marriage rates have plummeted to the lowest in recorded history, and marriage and the family is under attack — it’s important for Catholics to be educated, enlightened, and knowledgeable on issues of faith, marriage and the family, and this series seeks to be a catalyst during this time in our world.

Listen to the audio here

My Interview With Fr. Sebastian

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Natural Knowledge Has Limits

Truth is all around us.  It is something concrete and is not able to be changed.  For one to come to truth one must have a knowledge of that truth.  In this case there is natural and supernatural knowledge. 

Natural Knowledge Has Limitations

Man is a creature of reason, and it is through this reason that man differentiates himself from lower creature.  However, there are limitations to natural knowledge. For one to understand divine truths, or supernatural knowledge, the grace of God must be present.

For one to know any element of truth, God must first move the intellect to do so .  Supernatural grace is not something needed to know natural knowledge. 

This can be seen in many places in sacred scripture, but probably most famously in Romans chapter one.  One of the verses in question is Romans 1:20 which states, “Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse” (NRSV). 

Natural knowledge, great as it may be, is limited in scope.  Through natural knowledge we can know that God exists, we can come to a know the end of things, scientific processes, and how we are to relate to each other.

Enter Supernatural Knowledge

Grace changed things and allows us to obtain supernatural knowledge.  This does not mean that we will be understand all things about the divine, but God touches us and raises us up.  We become fully dependent on God and God works through us. 

This supernatural knowledge brought about by grace gives a reinforcement “to the power of the soul over the body, of reason over the passions, of man over the world, belongs to the sphere of preternatural gifts, which we might call miraculous” (Journet 5.5).  Furthermore, this supernatural knowledge of knowing that we are fully dependent on God and understanding that we cannot do anything apart from him, helps us persevere in grace and charity (Hardon Ch. 3).

Works Cited

Hardon, John.  History and Theology of Grace.  Ann Arbor, MI:  Sapientia Press, 2005.

Journet, Charles.  The Meaning of Grace.   Princeton: Scepter Publishers, 1997.

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Papacy And The Primacy Of Peter

This week bestselling author, international speaker, and Catholic Apologist Steve Ray joins me to discuss the Papacy. We discuss the biblical and early church evidence for the papacy, the primacy of Peter, and some common Protestant objections.

Interview About the Papacy with Steve Ray

It was a very enlightening interview. Check out Steve’s books about the papacy “Upon this Rock: Peter and the Primacy of Rome in Scripture and the Early Church” and “The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why it Matters“. He has a great documentary and Study Guide titled “Mary, Mother of God” Learn my about Steve at www.CatholicConvert.com. You can also purchase his talks and books there.

About Steve Ray

Stephen K. Ray was raised in a devout and loving Baptist family. His father was a deacon and Bible teacher, and Stephen was very involved in the Baptist Church as a teacher of Biblical studies.

Steve Ray Discussing His Newest Book On The Papacy On EWTN

After an in-depth study of the writings of the Church Fathers, both Steve and his wife Janet converted to the Catholic Church. He is the host of the popular, award-winning film series on salvation history, The Footprints of God. Steve is also the author of the best-selling books Crossing the Tiber, and St. John’s Gospel.

The Interview

Listen to the podcast here.

My Interview with Steve Ray

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Feast Of Tabernacles And The Gospel Of John

The Feast of Tabernacles plays an important role in John’s gospel.  It was an important Jewish festival that brought to mind the provision of God while the children of Israel were wondering in the wilderness for forty years en route to the promised land. 

Feast Of Tabernacles

It occurred after the Day of Atonement and marked the end of the festival calendar.  It was full of rich symbolism that Jesus comes to fulfill.  During the festival water would be poured out in commemoration of Number 28:7 and Isaiah 12:3.  The Feast of Tabernacles came to be associated with eschatological hopes. 

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On the last day of the festival Jesus tells the crowds that that he is the living water.  This is seen in John 7:37 which states, “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  By doing so Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit which had not been given as of yet.

Old Testament Symbolism

The Old Testament background regarding the words of Christ would have been clearly understood by those listening to Christ.  By saying what he say our Lord is referencing Isaiah 58:11 and Isaiah 12:3.  The later describes that joy will come from the waters of salvation. 

This, of course, is something only Christ can give.  Isaiah 58:11 speaks of one being well waters which is a metaphor for someone being a blessing to those around them.  By fulfilling this symbolism, and doing so at the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus is doing something very profound. 

He is telling those around him that he is the one who gives the Holy Spirit, and those who come to faith in him will be a blessing to others.  In Isaiah 55:1 the prophet invites the thirsty to drink from the waters. At the feast of tabernacles Jesus announces that he is the one that provides the waters.

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The Risks Of Following Christ

Recently the news has coming out about attacks and vandalism at Catholic parishes around the world. This is not really unexpected given the current state of the world.

The Risks That Followers Face

However we should look at this though the lens of history and realize that this kind of stuff is not really new. It was not different in the days of Christ and it is no different now. The evil one does not like God or what the church itself stands for.

Thus he will use any means he can to destroy us. Even in the Gospels Christ warns us several times that following Him carries risks. That not all will be accepting of the truth that He has given us.

Standing Firm

 Seeing places of worship being destroyed is always a sorrow filled moment. The Catholic Church stands for something for more profound. Holding fast to the Gospels and all that Christ teaches.

These lessons and wisdom passed down though the generations in the lives of the Saints. Not all accept this truth. They will hate and fear what they don’t understand. If they did not then we would not have anyone who would be considered martyrs: Those who died for accepting Christ.

Remember Your Faith

 We must remember that we are more than the buildings and the statues. If the suspension of public Mass during a pandemic has taught us anything is that our faith has to be deeper than the foundations of the buildings.

Statues can be vandalized and topped. Churches can be set on fire and destroyed. They are a focal point for the faith but they are not the faith itself. Our faith lies in the path that Christ has given us in this life. Doesn’t matter what happens around us so long as we hold true to the Catholic faith and not make compromises because the world demands us to.

The Risks Are Worth It

We have a commitment to Christ that goes past the world. When we commit to walking with Christ. Nothing should stop is at all. No matter what evil the world will throw our way. Much like the days of the Apostles we must be willing to face the hatred. Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.” True words to live by in an age where the faith is under more attacks than ever before.

Important Links!

Our Guest blogger today is J.M. Kraemer who is the creator and founder of The Lego Church Project. Check him out at the links below.

The Lego Church Project (FB Page)

Twitter: @kc8wzm

EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com

If you love coffee then follow the link for the best http://lifeboatcoffee.com?aff=8

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The Holy Spirit And Evangelization With Nancy Ward

Nancy Ward Joins me this week. She is the author of a great book titled “Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story”. In this great book she gives her story on her journey into the church and it includes the stories of others as well. We talk about how the Holy Spirit helps us, developing our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and our call to evangelization. Learn more about Nancy and her great work at www.nancyhcward.com and www.joyalive.net. Also check out her great book on Amazon.

Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story by Nancy HC Ward

Let The Holy Spirit Work

Nancy also goes into great detail, not only about her story (which is amazing), but how proclaiming our story fulfills the commandment of Christ to evangelize.  Through our story we are involving ourselves in works of mercy, participating in the Great Commission, and defending the faith.  People cannot argue with a life that has been changed.

This book is much more than one that gives tips and tools for sharing one’s story.  That alone is worth checking this book out, but Nancy also includes the Catholic Faith Stories of 30 people.  If you enjoy these types of stories then this book is for you.  These stories are not long, but pack a powerful evangelistic punch.  I highly recommend this book.  It will help you share your story, and in turn share the faith.

About The Author

Nancy Ward’s training in journalism, experience in writing, conversion to the Catholic Church, and maturity of spirit qualify her to write Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story at this time. She has seen the results in others and deeply experienced conversion and spiritual renewal in her own life in astounding ways.

Nancy has been writing since her childhood and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of North Texas. Her media experience includes three years with the Texas Catholic newspaper and two years with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas Television and Evangelization Office. Throughout her 25 years as an entrepreneur of The Word Works, a writing and editing consulting service, her clients included corporate, technical, educational, and nonprofit organizations. She has written more than 200 articles for commercial, nonprofit, and Catholic publications.

Listen to the podcast here.

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