Stephen K. Ray's Blog, page 501

New Revision to Catholic Bible

All Bibles are revised and updated. That's why there is the King James and the NEW King James, the New American Standard and the New American Standard 1995 revision.

The Bishops are now releasing a revised New American Bible based on new studies, new development in the English language and more. I for one am happy about this. Here is the Zenit review:

Revised Bible Translation Coming Soon: Reflects Advances in Biblical Languages

WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 10, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A revised translation of the New American Bible, which aims to be more accurate, will be released March 9.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops' Conference announced the forthcoming publication of the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), which was approved last Sept. 30.

This revision, the most extensive in the past 20 years, reflects advances in linguistics of the biblical languages, new discoveries of ancient manuscripts, and changes in the English language.

The conference referenced Benedict XVI, who affirmed in "Verbum Domini" that "the inculturation of God's word is an integral part of the Church's mission in the world, and a decisive moment in this process is the diffusion of the Bible through the precious work of translation into different languages."

The press release noted that this new edition "has attempted to be more consistent in rendering Hebrew (or Greek) words and idioms, especially in technical contexts, such as regulations for sacrifices."

The Psalms were completely revised, and an effort was made to "provide a smooth, rhythmic translation for easy singing or recitation and to retain the concrete imagery of the Hebrew."

The bishops approved the NABRE for private use and study, though they noted that it was not be used for the Mass, which uses an earlier version of the New American Bible translation.

Catholic Answers Live – Questions I Answered

Today I was on Catholic Answers Live. The topic was "ARE YOU STILL SAVED?"

It was a rousing show with a lot of calls and heated (well, calmly heated) discussion. This topic is always bound to bring out the passion in people because it is such an important question and there are such divergent opinions on it.

The questions I answered are below. Here is the audio link. For other listening options, click here.

1 – When Protestants claim "once saved, always saved" are they confusing salvation and redemption?

2 – My Protestant family member says that the Catholic Church does not recognize her salvation because it forbids her to partake in communion.

3 – Many Protestants also believe you can lose your salvation. Can you explain the difference? How do Catholics maintain their salvation?

4 – What do you make of the Bible verses in Romans that says "Nothing can separate you from the love of God"?

5 – How does a Catholic believe they get to heaven?

6 – How can you say you are saved by your works when the Bible says we are saved by grace?

Our Mumbai India Schedule in January

Janet and I leave Tuesday for three weeks in India, two weeks leading a pilgrimage group through Egypt-Jordan, and then leading another group through Israel. We will be gone a total of seven weeks. Pray for us!

In India I will be speaking in Pune, Goa and Mumbai (also called Bombay). Below is our schedule for Mumbai.

God and Dog and my Weakness

Found these Tracks While Walking Recently

Don't know about where you live — but here in Ann Arbor Michigan it is cold! But Janet and I don't mind and we've been walking to keep in shape and enjoy the outdoors. It snowed last night so it was fun looking at all the track little creatures left in the fresh powdery snow, some as big as deer.

The tracks to the right intrigued us since they started from nowhere and had a fan pattern to the left.

We immediately thought of angel patterns our grandkids make in the snow by laying on their backs in the snow and waving their arms and legs back and forth. We finally figured out what made these tracks.

Have any guesses?

UPDATE: I am now a bit confused myself now. At the time I thought the tracks were left by a crow since the size somewhat fit and there were lots of crows in the trees nearby. However, the next day we were walking through the same area and saw a flock of 24 wild turkeys in the field. They had walked all the way across the road at the same place the tracks were seen the day before and when they saw us they all took to the air. So, what I thought was a crow, might now have been a turkey. Mystery continues.

(Picture to the left is our back yard.)

By the way, the word snow, or variations such as snowy, are used 27 times in the Catholic NAB translation of the Bible. Usually snow is used to exemplify something very clean and pure.

But my favorite, especially since I was out looking at animal tracks in the snow, is this one referring to one of King David's Mighty Men: "1 Chronicles 11:22  Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a valiant man of mighty deeds, from Kabzeel. He killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab, and also, on a snowy day, he went down and killed the lion in the cistern."

Another favorite was this one, especially after praying as we walked along in the pristine snow kicking the fresh snow ahead of us on the path. Daniel. 3:70  "Ice and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever."

One Day It All Got Started; Why I Love Being A Grandpa

Big Story Breaking: See Why Planned Parenthood Sued Abby Johnson for unPLANNED

There's a big story breaking concerning a new book from Ignatius Press.  I'm confident you'll want to know about it and will want to spread the word to your friends.

Next week, former Planned Parenthood director and 2008 "employee of the year" Abby Johnson will expose what happens behind the closed doors of the abortion industry.  In her blockbuster, revealing new book, Unplanned, she explains how she went from directing an abortion facility to working for the prolife cause!

And not just any abortion facility but the place at which the first 40 Days for Life campaign was launched in 2004.

"Six 40 Days for Life campaigns were conducted outside her workplace," reports 40 Days for Life Campaign Director Shawn Carney, "before Abby experienced a profound conversion during the Fall 2009 campaign … and literally walked into my office with deep remorse to tell me she wanted out of the abortion business."

Unplanned tells the whole amazing, life-changing story.

For the whole story CLICK HERE and to REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR WITH ABBY JOHNSON, click HERE.

Sent by my Arab Christian Friend Living in the Middle East – About Muslims

There are several sources claimed and denied for the statements below, including the Prime Minister of Australia among others. It's original source is irrelevant to me at this point. It is the opinion of a good Christian Palestinian friend who sent it to me.

Christians in the Middle East have the same blood as their Muslim "brothers" but the Christian Arabs oppose the Muslim ideology and religion 110%. It is the way most Christians feel who live among the Muslims. They would like to warn Americans to open their eyes.

"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.

"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!

"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.

"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Sent A Jewish Son to Israel

A Jewish businessman in Chicago sent his son to Israel for a year to absorb the culture. When the son returned, he said, "Papa, I had a great time in Israel . By the way, I converted to Christianity."

"Oy vey," said the father. "What have I done?" He took  his problem to his best friend, Ike.

"Ike," he said, "I sent my son to Israel , and he came home a Christian. What can I do?"

"Funny you should ask," said Ike. "I too, sent my son to Israel , and he also came home a Christian. Perhaps we should go see the rabbi."

So they did, and they explained their problem to the rabbi.

"Funny you should ask," said the rabbi. "I, too, sent my son to Israel , and he also came home a Christian. What is happening to our young people?"

And so they all prayed, telling the Lord about their sons…

As they finished their prayer, a voice came from the Heavens: "Funny you should ask," said the Voice… "I, too, sent my Son to Israel . . ."

Epiphany? So What?

What is Epiphany anyway? And why should I care?

Find out on Wednesday, January 4 at 5:20 PM and Thursday, January 5 at 9:30 with Steve Ray on Ave Maria Radio. Listen on-line by clicking here. Follow their links to listen to the archived show later.

Steve will discuss the fascinating history behind this week's Feast of the Epiphany– the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus and the Miracle of Cana and how this feast developed over the centuries.

For Steve's article "Did the Wise Men Meet the Shepherds" click here. To read about the Epiphany in the Catholic Encyclopedia, click here. To learn why Steve Ray converted to the Catholic Church, click here for his story, and here for his talk.

For brochures of upcoming pilgrimages and cruises, click here.

For more information on our Footprints of Jesus & Mary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land click on the link provided or on the picture of me with our bus, my local guide and driver in Israel. and upcoming , click on the links provided. For our Pilgrimage Website, click here. For more info, call Suzanne at 800-727-1999, extension 121. (Steve with guide and driver in Israel with our bus.)

Catechism 528: "The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates 1) the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with 2) his baptism in the Jordan and 3) the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. In the magi, representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation. "

"The magi's coming to Jerusalem in order to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the star of David, the one who will be king of the nations. Their coming means that (us) pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Saviour of the world only by turning towards the Jews and receiving from them the messianic promise as contained in the Old Testament. The Epiphany shows that "the full number of the nations" now takes its "place in the family of the patriarchs", and acquires Israelitica dignitas–(is made "worthy of the heritage of Israel")."