Q. 1270. What is the fifth Commandment?
A. The fifth Commandment is: Thou shalt not kill.
Q. 1271. What killing does this commandment forbid?
A. This commandment forbids the killing only of human beings.
Q. 1272. How do we know that this commandment forbids the killing only of human beings?
A. We know that this commandment forbids the killing only of human beings because, after giving this commandment, God commanded that animals be killed for sacrifice in the temple of Jerusalem, and God never contradicts Himself.
Q. 1273. What are we commanded by the fifth Commandment?
A. We are commanded by the fifth Commandment to live in peace and union with our neighbor, to respect his rights, to seek his spiritual and bodily welfare, and to take proper care of our own life and health.
Q. 1274. What sin is it to destroy one's own life, or commit suicide, as this act is called?
A. It is a mortal sin to destroy one's own life or commit suicide, as this act is called, and persons who willfully and knowingly commit such an act die in a state of mortal sin and are deprived of Christian burial. It is also wrong to expose one's self unnecessarily to the danger of death by rash or foolhardy feats of daring.
Q. 1275. Is it ever lawful for any cause to deliberately and intentionally take away the life of an innocent person?
A. It is never lawful for any cause to deliberately and intentionally take away the life of an innocent person. Such deeds are always murder, and can never be excused for any reason, however important or necessary.
Q. 1276. Under what circumstances may human life be lawfully taken?
A. Human life may be lawfully taken:
1. In self-defense, when we are unjustly attacked and have no other means of saving our own lives;
2. In a just war, when the safety or rights of the nation require it;
3. By the lawful execution of a criminal, fairly tried and found guilty of a crime punishable by death when the preservation of law and order and the good of the community require such execution.
Q. 1277. What is forbidden by the fifth Commandment?
A. The fifth Commandment forbids all willful murder, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, and bad example.
Q. 1278. Can the fifth commandment be broken by giving scandal or bad example and by inducing others to sin?
A. The fifth commandment can be broken by giving scandal or bad example and inducing others to sin, because such acts may destroy the life of the soul by leading it into mortal sin.
Q. 1279. What is scandal?
A. Scandal is any sinful word, deed or omission that disposes others to sin, or lessens their respect for God and holy religion.
Q. 1280. Why are fighting, anger, hatred and revenge forbidden by the fifth commandment?
A. Fighting, anger, hatred and revenge are forbidden by the fifth commandment because they are sinful in themselves and may lead to murder. The commandments forbid not only whatever violates them, but also whatever may lead to their violation.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fourth Commandment from Baltimore Catechism
Q. 1257. What is the fourth Commandment?
A. The fourth Commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother.
Q. 1258. What does the word "honor" in this commandment include?
A. The word "honor" in this commandment includes the doing of everything necessary for our parents' spiritual and temporal welfare, the showing of proper respect, and the fulfillment of all our duties to them.
Q. 1259. What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?
A. We are commanded by the fourth Commandment to honor, love and obey our parents in all that is not sin.
Q. 1260. Why should we refuse to obey parents or superiors who command us to sin?
A. We should refuse to obey parents or superiors who command us to sin because they are not then acting with God's authority, but contrary to it and in violation of His laws.
Q. 1261. Are we bound to honor and obey others than our parents?
A. We are also bound to honor and obey our bishops, pastors, magistrates, teachers, and other lawful superiors.
Q. 1262. Who are meant by magistrates?
A. By magistrates are meant all officials of whatever rank who have a lawful right to rule over us and our temporal possessions or affairs.
Q. 1263. Who are meant by lawful superiors?
A. By lawful superiors are meant all persons to whom we are in any way subject, such as employers or others under whose authority we live or work.
Q. 1264. What is the duty of servants or workmen to their employers?
A. The duty of servants or workmen to their employers is to serve them faithfully and honestly, according to their agreement, and to guard against injuring their property or reputation.
Q. 1265. Have parents and superiors any duties toward those who are under their charge?
A. It is the duty of parents and superiors to take good care of all under their charge and give them proper direction and example.
Q. 1266. If parents or superiors neglect their duty or abuse their authority in any particular, should we follow their direction and example in that particular?
A. If parents or superiors neglect their duty or abuse their authority in any particular we should not follow their direction or example in that particular, but follow the dictates of our conscience in the performance of our duty.
Q. 1267. What is the duty of employers to their servants or workmen?
A. The duty of employers to their servants or workmen is to see that they are kindly and fairly treated and provided for, according to their agreement, and that they are justly paid their wages at the proper time.
Q. 1268. What is forbidden by the fourth Commandment?
A. The fourth Commandment forbids all disobedience, contempt, and stubbornness towards our parents or lawful superiors.
Q. 1269. What is meant by contempt and stubbornness?
A. By contempt is meant willful disrespect for lawful authority, and by stubbornness is meant willful determination not to yield to lawful authority.
A. The fourth Commandment is: Honor thy father and thy mother.
Q. 1258. What does the word "honor" in this commandment include?
A. The word "honor" in this commandment includes the doing of everything necessary for our parents' spiritual and temporal welfare, the showing of proper respect, and the fulfillment of all our duties to them.
Q. 1259. What are we commanded by the fourth Commandment?
A. We are commanded by the fourth Commandment to honor, love and obey our parents in all that is not sin.
Q. 1260. Why should we refuse to obey parents or superiors who command us to sin?
A. We should refuse to obey parents or superiors who command us to sin because they are not then acting with God's authority, but contrary to it and in violation of His laws.
Q. 1261. Are we bound to honor and obey others than our parents?
A. We are also bound to honor and obey our bishops, pastors, magistrates, teachers, and other lawful superiors.
Q. 1262. Who are meant by magistrates?
A. By magistrates are meant all officials of whatever rank who have a lawful right to rule over us and our temporal possessions or affairs.
Q. 1263. Who are meant by lawful superiors?
A. By lawful superiors are meant all persons to whom we are in any way subject, such as employers or others under whose authority we live or work.
Q. 1264. What is the duty of servants or workmen to their employers?
A. The duty of servants or workmen to their employers is to serve them faithfully and honestly, according to their agreement, and to guard against injuring their property or reputation.
Q. 1265. Have parents and superiors any duties toward those who are under their charge?
A. It is the duty of parents and superiors to take good care of all under their charge and give them proper direction and example.
Q. 1266. If parents or superiors neglect their duty or abuse their authority in any particular, should we follow their direction and example in that particular?
A. If parents or superiors neglect their duty or abuse their authority in any particular we should not follow their direction or example in that particular, but follow the dictates of our conscience in the performance of our duty.
Q. 1267. What is the duty of employers to their servants or workmen?
A. The duty of employers to their servants or workmen is to see that they are kindly and fairly treated and provided for, according to their agreement, and that they are justly paid their wages at the proper time.
Q. 1268. What is forbidden by the fourth Commandment?
A. The fourth Commandment forbids all disobedience, contempt, and stubbornness towards our parents or lawful superiors.
Q. 1269. What is meant by contempt and stubbornness?
A. By contempt is meant willful disrespect for lawful authority, and by stubbornness is meant willful determination not to yield to lawful authority.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The Beauty of Christ
Being struck and overcome by the beauty of Christ is a more real, more profound knowledge than mere rational deduction. Of course we must not underrate the importance of theological reflection, of exact and precise theological thought; it remains absolutely necessary. But to move from here to disdain or to reject the impact produced by the response of the heart in the encounter with beauty as a true form of knowledge would impoverish us and dry up our faith and our theology. We must rediscover this form of knowledge; it is a pressing need of our time.
--A message that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI) sent to a meeting of the ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation in August 2002. The group was meeting in Rimini, Italy.
--A message that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Benedict XVI) sent to a meeting of the ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation in August 2002. The group was meeting in Rimini, Italy.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Translation of "Jesus, dulcis memoria"
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy Presence rest.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' Name,
The Saviour of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.
Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy Presence rest.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' Name,
The Saviour of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.
Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.
"Jesu, dulcis memoria", St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Jesu, dulcis memoria,
dans vera cordis gaudia:
sed super mel et omnia
ejus dulcis praesentia.
Nil canitur suavius,
nil auditur jucundius,
nil cogitatur dulcius,
quam Jesus Dei Filius.
Jesu, spes paenitentibus,
quam pius es petentibus!
quam bonus te quaerentibus!
sed quid invenientibus?
Nec lingua valet dicere,
nec littera exprimere:
expertus potest credere,
quid sit Jesum diligere.
Sis, Jesu, nostrum gaudium,
qui es futurus praemium:
sit nostra in te gloria,
per cuncta semper saecula.
Amen.
dans vera cordis gaudia:
sed super mel et omnia
ejus dulcis praesentia.
Nil canitur suavius,
nil auditur jucundius,
nil cogitatur dulcius,
quam Jesus Dei Filius.
Jesu, spes paenitentibus,
quam pius es petentibus!
quam bonus te quaerentibus!
sed quid invenientibus?
Nec lingua valet dicere,
nec littera exprimere:
expertus potest credere,
quid sit Jesum diligere.
Sis, Jesu, nostrum gaudium,
qui es futurus praemium:
sit nostra in te gloria,
per cuncta semper saecula.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Virtue of Justice
St. Thomas in the Summa Theologiae understands the virtue of justice to be founded upon the notion of jus or right because, according to the classical definition of the virtue, it is by justice that one renders to another his due by a perpetual constant will.( Thomas Aquinas; Summa Theologiae II-II, 58, 1.) Justice directs man in his relations to others according to some kind of equality or rightness.( ST II-II, 57, 1; De Veritate 23, 6.) This relation of rightness is what is meant by jus. It is a right that is due to other men, and it is this object which specifies the virtue. As such, it is logically prior to the virtue itself which perfects a man so as to render this object swiftly, easily and gladly. Hence Thomas treats the question of jus before he does that of justice.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Commandments of God
Lesson 20 from the Baltimore Catechism
259. What is the seventh commandment of God?
The seventh commandment of God is: Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not steal. (Exodus 20:15)
260. What are we commanded by the seventh commandment?
By the seventh commandment we are commanded to respect what belongs to others, to live up to our business agreements, and to pay our just debts.
Better is a little with justice, than great revenue with iniquity. (Proverbs 16:8)
261. What does the seventh commandment forbid?
Besides stealing, the seventh commandment forbids cheating, unjust keeping of what belongs to others, unjust damage to the property of others, and the accepting of bribes by public officials.
Do not any unjust thing in judgment, in rule, in weight, or in measure. Let the balance be just and the weights equal, the bushel just, and the sextary equal. (Leviticus 19:35-36)
262. Are we obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value?
We are obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value, whenever we are able.
If any man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. (Exodus 22:1)
263. Are we obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others?
We are obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others, or to pay the amount of the damage, as far as we are able.
If any man hurt a field or a vineyard, and put in his beast to feed upon that which is other men's, he shall restore the best of whatsoever he hath in his own field, or in his vineyard, according to the estimation of the damage. (Exodus 22:5)
264. What is the eighth commandment of God?
The eighth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
265. What are we commanded by the eighth commandment?
By the eighth commandment we are commanded to speak the truth in all things, but especially in what concerns the good name and honor of others.
Wherefore, put away lying and speak truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)
266. What does the eighth commandment forbid?
The eighth commandment forbids lies, rash judgment, detraction, calumny, and the telling of secrets we are bound to keep.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. (Proverbs 12:22)
267. When does a person commit the sin of rash judgment?
A person commits the sin of rash judgment when, without sufficient reason, he believes something harmful to another's character.
Before thou inquire, blame no man. (Ecclesiasticus 11:7)
268. When does a person commit the sin of detraction?
A person commits the sin of detraction when, without a good reason, he makes known the hidden faults of another.
A good name is better than great riches, and good favor is above silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
269. When does a person commit the sin of calumny or slander?
A person commits the sin of calumny or slander when by lying he injures the good name of another.
Devise not a lie against thy brother, neither do the like against thy friend. (Ecclesiasticus 7:13)
270. When are we obliged to keep a secret?
We are obliged to keep a secret when we have promised to do so, when our office requires it, or when the good of another demands it.
271. What must a person do who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or has told a secret he is bound to keep?
A person who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or who has told a secret he is bound to keep, must repair the harm he has done to his neighbor, as far as he is able.
272. What is the ninth commandment of God?
The ninth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. (Deuteronomy 5:21)
273. What are we commanded by the ninth commandment?
By the ninth commandment we are commanded to be pure in thought and desire.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
274. Are mere thoughts about impure things always sinful in themselves?
Mere thoughts about impure things are not always sinful in themselves, but such thoughts are dangerous.
275. When do thoughts about impure things become sinful?
Thoughts about impure things become sinful when a person thinks of an unchaste act and deliberately takes pleasure in so thinking, or when unchaste desire or passion is aroused and consent is given to it.
276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbids all thoughts and desires contrary to chastity.
277. What is the tenth commandment of God?
The tenth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his house. (Deuteronomy 5:21)
278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?
The tenth commandment forbids all desire to take or to keep unjustly what belongs to others, and also forbids envy at their success.
Take heed and guard yourself from all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:15)
259. What is the seventh commandment of God?
The seventh commandment of God is: Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not steal. (Exodus 20:15)
260. What are we commanded by the seventh commandment?
By the seventh commandment we are commanded to respect what belongs to others, to live up to our business agreements, and to pay our just debts.
Better is a little with justice, than great revenue with iniquity. (Proverbs 16:8)
261. What does the seventh commandment forbid?
Besides stealing, the seventh commandment forbids cheating, unjust keeping of what belongs to others, unjust damage to the property of others, and the accepting of bribes by public officials.
Do not any unjust thing in judgment, in rule, in weight, or in measure. Let the balance be just and the weights equal, the bushel just, and the sextary equal. (Leviticus 19:35-36)
262. Are we obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value?
We are obliged to restore to the owner stolen goods, or their value, whenever we are able.
If any man steal an ox or a sheep, and kill or sell it, he shall restore five oxen for one ox, and four sheep for one sheep. (Exodus 22:1)
263. Are we obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others?
We are obliged to repair damage unjustly done to the property of others, or to pay the amount of the damage, as far as we are able.
If any man hurt a field or a vineyard, and put in his beast to feed upon that which is other men's, he shall restore the best of whatsoever he hath in his own field, or in his vineyard, according to the estimation of the damage. (Exodus 22:5)
264. What is the eighth commandment of God?
The eighth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
265. What are we commanded by the eighth commandment?
By the eighth commandment we are commanded to speak the truth in all things, but especially in what concerns the good name and honor of others.
Wherefore, put away lying and speak truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)
266. What does the eighth commandment forbid?
The eighth commandment forbids lies, rash judgment, detraction, calumny, and the telling of secrets we are bound to keep.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. (Proverbs 12:22)
267. When does a person commit the sin of rash judgment?
A person commits the sin of rash judgment when, without sufficient reason, he believes something harmful to another's character.
Before thou inquire, blame no man. (Ecclesiasticus 11:7)
268. When does a person commit the sin of detraction?
A person commits the sin of detraction when, without a good reason, he makes known the hidden faults of another.
A good name is better than great riches, and good favor is above silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
269. When does a person commit the sin of calumny or slander?
A person commits the sin of calumny or slander when by lying he injures the good name of another.
Devise not a lie against thy brother, neither do the like against thy friend. (Ecclesiasticus 7:13)
270. When are we obliged to keep a secret?
We are obliged to keep a secret when we have promised to do so, when our office requires it, or when the good of another demands it.
271. What must a person do who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or has told a secret he is bound to keep?
A person who has sinned by detraction or calumny, or who has told a secret he is bound to keep, must repair the harm he has done to his neighbor, as far as he is able.
272. What is the ninth commandment of God?
The ninth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. (Deuteronomy 5:21)
273. What are we commanded by the ninth commandment?
By the ninth commandment we are commanded to be pure in thought and desire.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
274. Are mere thoughts about impure things always sinful in themselves?
Mere thoughts about impure things are not always sinful in themselves, but such thoughts are dangerous.
275. When do thoughts about impure things become sinful?
Thoughts about impure things become sinful when a person thinks of an unchaste act and deliberately takes pleasure in so thinking, or when unchaste desire or passion is aroused and consent is given to it.
276. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbids all thoughts and desires contrary to chastity.
277. What is the tenth commandment of God?
The tenth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his house. (Deuteronomy 5:21)
278. What does the tenth commandment forbid?
The tenth commandment forbids all desire to take or to keep unjustly what belongs to others, and also forbids envy at their success.
Take heed and guard yourself from all covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:15)
Friday, October 16, 2009
With what Authority does the Church Speak?
Luke 10:16 "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sex and Holy Purity
What is the single greatest gift a young man and woman can give each other in marriage? It is their holy purity or chastity. Without holy purity, human love – popularly known as ‘sex’ - becomes corrupt. There is no true human love without holy purity.
What is the single greatest virtue a young man and woman find most difficult to practice in this 21st century? It is the virtue of holy purity or chastity.
The sixth and ninth Commandment of God teaches specifically against sins of the flesh. When we practice holy chastity as taught by God’s Commands, we also will obtain purity of mind and heart. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, "purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of God."
Without a knowledge and great love for God, holy purity will be very hard to maintain. St. Paul teaches us that chastity is a ‘fruit of the Holy Spirit.’ A strong Sacramental life, especially frequent reception of the Sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist, is most important.
Nevertheless, what about the countless temptations that seemingly are everywhere?
The best defense is a good offense – maintain a holy attack against impurity. How can young people accomplish this?
Here is a list of weapons to use to maintain holy purity:
~Begin each day with Holy Mass, if possible, and fruitful prayer. Moreover, remember Sister Christine Joseph’s morning prayer and offer every thought, word, and deed of the day to Jesus.
~Dress modestly. Forget the current...fashions.
~Avoid inappropriate conversations. When a discussion becomes off color or the language is impure, change the subject or walk away from the group. Remember, the tongue and lips that receive Holy Communion should not be accused of uttering neither indecent words nor risqué stories.
~Arm oneself with holy sacramentals. Wear a blessed crucifix on your chest; wear a properly invested Brown Scapular around your neck; keep a blessed rosary in your pocket or purse. A blessed ‘Angus Dei’ medal could be attached to your rosary.
~Reject bad forms of entertainment. Imagine sitting next to the guest of honor, Pope John Paul II. Would he be offended at the television program or the movie we were watching? If it is not appropriate for the Pope, it is not appropriate for persons desiring holy purity.
~Avoid useless activities. Ask the question: ‘By performing this activity, would it be giving honor and glory to God?’ If it would not, best to leave the activity alone.
~Remain cheerful. The crowd will follow a cheerful, courageous leader. Care not for human respect and give your heart to God. Observers will want to possess and imitate this same courage and dignity.
~Avoid occasions of sin. Very often young people feel compunction for their faults and yet they go back to the very sins they previously condemned and commit them again…and again. Do not return to the scene of the crime, for it will tempt the heart once more.
Saint (Mother) Theresa of Calcutta had this advice for young people:
~You are the future of family life.
~You are the future of the joy of loving.
~You are the future of making your life something beautiful for God…a pure love.
~That you love a girl or that you love a boy is beautiful, but do not spoil it, do not destroy it.
~Keep your heart pure…Keep your heart virgin.
~Keep your love virgin, so that on the day of your marriage you can give something beautiful to each other…the joy of a pure love.
What is the holy remedy? The first step is to begin again…and again. Seek the forgiveness of our merciful Lord in the confessional. The second step is to go to our Holy Mother, Mary, Mater pulchrae dilectionis, Mother of Fair Love. Mary Most Pure will help us overcome the many temptations of the flesh and to live holy purity as she lived it so perfectly with Saint Joseph.
Barbara Kralis
What is the single greatest virtue a young man and woman find most difficult to practice in this 21st century? It is the virtue of holy purity or chastity.
The sixth and ninth Commandment of God teaches specifically against sins of the flesh. When we practice holy chastity as taught by God’s Commands, we also will obtain purity of mind and heart. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, "purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of God."
Without a knowledge and great love for God, holy purity will be very hard to maintain. St. Paul teaches us that chastity is a ‘fruit of the Holy Spirit.’ A strong Sacramental life, especially frequent reception of the Sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist, is most important.
Nevertheless, what about the countless temptations that seemingly are everywhere?
The best defense is a good offense – maintain a holy attack against impurity. How can young people accomplish this?
Here is a list of weapons to use to maintain holy purity:
~Begin each day with Holy Mass, if possible, and fruitful prayer. Moreover, remember Sister Christine Joseph’s morning prayer and offer every thought, word, and deed of the day to Jesus.
~Dress modestly. Forget the current...fashions.
~Avoid inappropriate conversations. When a discussion becomes off color or the language is impure, change the subject or walk away from the group. Remember, the tongue and lips that receive Holy Communion should not be accused of uttering neither indecent words nor risqué stories.
~Arm oneself with holy sacramentals. Wear a blessed crucifix on your chest; wear a properly invested Brown Scapular around your neck; keep a blessed rosary in your pocket or purse. A blessed ‘Angus Dei’ medal could be attached to your rosary.
~Reject bad forms of entertainment. Imagine sitting next to the guest of honor, Pope John Paul II. Would he be offended at the television program or the movie we were watching? If it is not appropriate for the Pope, it is not appropriate for persons desiring holy purity.
~Avoid useless activities. Ask the question: ‘By performing this activity, would it be giving honor and glory to God?’ If it would not, best to leave the activity alone.
~Remain cheerful. The crowd will follow a cheerful, courageous leader. Care not for human respect and give your heart to God. Observers will want to possess and imitate this same courage and dignity.
~Avoid occasions of sin. Very often young people feel compunction for their faults and yet they go back to the very sins they previously condemned and commit them again…and again. Do not return to the scene of the crime, for it will tempt the heart once more.
Saint (Mother) Theresa of Calcutta had this advice for young people:
~You are the future of family life.
~You are the future of the joy of loving.
~You are the future of making your life something beautiful for God…a pure love.
~That you love a girl or that you love a boy is beautiful, but do not spoil it, do not destroy it.
~Keep your heart pure…Keep your heart virgin.
~Keep your love virgin, so that on the day of your marriage you can give something beautiful to each other…the joy of a pure love.
What is the holy remedy? The first step is to begin again…and again. Seek the forgiveness of our merciful Lord in the confessional. The second step is to go to our Holy Mother, Mary, Mater pulchrae dilectionis, Mother of Fair Love. Mary Most Pure will help us overcome the many temptations of the flesh and to live holy purity as she lived it so perfectly with Saint Joseph.
Barbara Kralis
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
How Do I Know It's True?
Someone asked in class the other day, "What if our Faith is not true?" Interesting question. In order to find an answer, however, one must ask a series of questions, very carefully, to see that our Faith is indeed true, as it comes from the God who is Truth itself.
Here's a quotation from GK Chesterton, an English journalist, and convert to Catholicism. It's not a bad place to start:
It is very hard for a man to defend anything of which he is entirely convinced. It is comparatively easy when he is only partially convinced. He is partially convinced because he has found this or that proof of the thing, and he can expound it. But a man is not really convinced of a philosophic theory when he finds that something proves it. He is only really convinced when he finds that everything proves it. And the more converging reasons he finds pointing to this conviction, the more bewildered he is if asked suddenly to sum them up. Thus, if one asked an ordinary intelligent man, on the spur of the moment, “Why do you prefer civilisation to savagery?” he would look wildly round at object after object, and would only be able to answer vaguely, “Why, there is that bookcase . . . and the coals in the coal-scuttle . . . and pianos . . . and policemen.”
The whole case for civilisation is that the case for it is complex. It has done so many things. But that very multiplicity of proof which ought to make reply overwhelming makes reply impossible. There is, therefore, about all complete conviction a kind of huge helplessness. The belief is so big that it takes a long time to get it into action. And this hesitation chiefly arises, oddly enough, from an indifference about where one should begin. All roads lead to Rome; which is one reason why many people never get there. In the case of this defence of the Christian conviction I confess that I would as soon begin the argument with one thing as another; I would begin it with a turnip or a taximeter cab.—GKC, Orthodoxy, Ch. 6
Here's a quotation from GK Chesterton, an English journalist, and convert to Catholicism. It's not a bad place to start:
It is very hard for a man to defend anything of which he is entirely convinced. It is comparatively easy when he is only partially convinced. He is partially convinced because he has found this or that proof of the thing, and he can expound it. But a man is not really convinced of a philosophic theory when he finds that something proves it. He is only really convinced when he finds that everything proves it. And the more converging reasons he finds pointing to this conviction, the more bewildered he is if asked suddenly to sum them up. Thus, if one asked an ordinary intelligent man, on the spur of the moment, “Why do you prefer civilisation to savagery?” he would look wildly round at object after object, and would only be able to answer vaguely, “Why, there is that bookcase . . . and the coals in the coal-scuttle . . . and pianos . . . and policemen.”
The whole case for civilisation is that the case for it is complex. It has done so many things. But that very multiplicity of proof which ought to make reply overwhelming makes reply impossible. There is, therefore, about all complete conviction a kind of huge helplessness. The belief is so big that it takes a long time to get it into action. And this hesitation chiefly arises, oddly enough, from an indifference about where one should begin. All roads lead to Rome; which is one reason why many people never get there. In the case of this defence of the Christian conviction I confess that I would as soon begin the argument with one thing as another; I would begin it with a turnip or a taximeter cab.—GKC, Orthodoxy, Ch. 6
Sixth Commandment
254. What is the sixth commandment of God?
The sixth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)
255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?
By the sixth commandment we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior.
I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1)
256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?
The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others.
But immorality and every uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becomes saints. (Ephesians 5:3)
257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity?
The chief dangers to the virtue of chastity are: idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, immodest dress, and indecent books, plays, and motion pictures.
258. What are the chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity?
The chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity are to avoid carefully all unnecessary dangers, to seek God's help through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, and assistance at Holy Mass, and to have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)
from Baltimore Catechism Online
The sixth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)
255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?
By the sixth commandment we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior.
I exhort you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice, living, holy, pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1)
256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?
The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others.
But immorality and every uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becomes saints. (Ephesians 5:3)
257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity?
The chief dangers to the virtue of chastity are: idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, immodest dress, and indecent books, plays, and motion pictures.
258. What are the chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity?
The chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity are to avoid carefully all unnecessary dangers, to seek God's help through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, and assistance at Holy Mass, and to have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)
from Baltimore Catechism Online
Fifth Commandment from CCC
Biblical Directive (2261-2262)
Scripture specifically says: "Do not slay the innocent and the righteous" (Ex 23:7). The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to man's dignity, to the golden rule and to the holiness of God. This law is universally valid, obliging everyone at all times and all places.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus went further. He prohibited anger, hatred and vengeance. Later, he asked his disciples to love their enemies. In his Passion, he did not defend himself and he told Peter to put away his sword.
Self Defense - The Principle of Double Effect (2263-2264)
The act of self-defense is not an exception to this prohibition. "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one's own life and the killing of an aggressor. The one is intended, the other is not" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Love for oneself is a fundamental principle of morality and defending one's life is not murder even if it results in the death of another.
"If a man, in self-defense, uses more than necessary violence, it is unlawful, whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Additional Items:
1.
scandal
(LL: scandalum, stumbling block)
Any word or action which has at least the appearance of evil, and which is the occasion of sin to another. It is a grave sin in grave matter because it is opposed to the law of charity. Christ speaks of scandal: "Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal, cometh." (Matthew 18)
New Catholic Dictionary
2.Euthanasia
(From Greek eu, well, and thanatos, death), deliberately taking the life of an ill person. This is here considered in so far as it may be artificially brought about by the employment of anaesthetics. When these last are of a character to deprive the sufferer of the use of reason, their effect at this supreme hour of human life is not viewed with approbation by the received teaching of the Catholic Church. The reason for this attitude is that this practice deprives a man of the capacity to act meritoriously at a time when the competency is most necessary and its product invested with finality.
Two passages from Evangelium Vitae(1995):
The deliberate decision to deprive an innocent human being of his life is always morally evil and can never be licit either as an end in itself or as a means to a good end. It is in fact a grave act of disobedience to the moral law, and indeed to God himself, the author and guarantor of that law; it contradicts the fundamental virtues of justice and charity. "Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly. Nor can any authority legitimately recommend or permit such an action."
Within this same cultural climate, the body is no longer perceived as a properly personal reality, a sign and place of relations with others, with God and with the world. It is reduced to pure materiality: it is simply a complex of organs, functions and energies to be used according to the sole criteria of pleasure and efficiency. Consequently, sexuality too is depersonalized and exploited: from being the sign, place and language of love, that is, of the gift of self and acceptance of another, in all the other's richness as a person, it increasingly becomes the occasion and instrument for self-assertion and the selfish satisfaction of personal desires and instincts.
Thus the original import of human sexuality is distorted and falsified, and the two meanings, unitive and procreative, inherent in the very nature of the conjugal act, are artificially separated: in this way the marriage union is betrayed and its fruitfulness is subjected to the caprice of the couple. Procreation then becomes the "enemy" to be avoided in sexual activity: if it is welcomed, this is only because it expresses a desire, or indeed the intention, to have a child "at all costs", and not because it signifies the complete acceptance of the other and therefore an openness to the richness of life which the child represents.
In the materialistic perspective described so far, interpersonal relations are seriously impoverished. The first to be harmed are women, children, the sick or suffering, and the elderly. The criterion of personal dignity which demands respect, generosity and service-is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, functionality and usefulness: others are considered not for what they "are", but for what they "have, do and produce". This is the supremacy of the strong over the weak.
--Pope John Paul II
Scripture specifically says: "Do not slay the innocent and the righteous" (Ex 23:7). The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to man's dignity, to the golden rule and to the holiness of God. This law is universally valid, obliging everyone at all times and all places.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus went further. He prohibited anger, hatred and vengeance. Later, he asked his disciples to love their enemies. In his Passion, he did not defend himself and he told Peter to put away his sword.
Self Defense - The Principle of Double Effect (2263-2264)
The act of self-defense is not an exception to this prohibition. "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one's own life and the killing of an aggressor. The one is intended, the other is not" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Love for oneself is a fundamental principle of morality and defending one's life is not murder even if it results in the death of another.
"If a man, in self-defense, uses more than necessary violence, it is unlawful, whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Additional Items:
1.
scandal
(LL: scandalum, stumbling block)
Any word or action which has at least the appearance of evil, and which is the occasion of sin to another. It is a grave sin in grave matter because it is opposed to the law of charity. Christ speaks of scandal: "Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal, cometh." (Matthew 18)
New Catholic Dictionary
2.Euthanasia
(From Greek eu, well, and thanatos, death), deliberately taking the life of an ill person. This is here considered in so far as it may be artificially brought about by the employment of anaesthetics. When these last are of a character to deprive the sufferer of the use of reason, their effect at this supreme hour of human life is not viewed with approbation by the received teaching of the Catholic Church. The reason for this attitude is that this practice deprives a man of the capacity to act meritoriously at a time when the competency is most necessary and its product invested with finality.
Two passages from Evangelium Vitae(1995):
The deliberate decision to deprive an innocent human being of his life is always morally evil and can never be licit either as an end in itself or as a means to a good end. It is in fact a grave act of disobedience to the moral law, and indeed to God himself, the author and guarantor of that law; it contradicts the fundamental virtues of justice and charity. "Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly. Nor can any authority legitimately recommend or permit such an action."
Within this same cultural climate, the body is no longer perceived as a properly personal reality, a sign and place of relations with others, with God and with the world. It is reduced to pure materiality: it is simply a complex of organs, functions and energies to be used according to the sole criteria of pleasure and efficiency. Consequently, sexuality too is depersonalized and exploited: from being the sign, place and language of love, that is, of the gift of self and acceptance of another, in all the other's richness as a person, it increasingly becomes the occasion and instrument for self-assertion and the selfish satisfaction of personal desires and instincts.
Thus the original import of human sexuality is distorted and falsified, and the two meanings, unitive and procreative, inherent in the very nature of the conjugal act, are artificially separated: in this way the marriage union is betrayed and its fruitfulness is subjected to the caprice of the couple. Procreation then becomes the "enemy" to be avoided in sexual activity: if it is welcomed, this is only because it expresses a desire, or indeed the intention, to have a child "at all costs", and not because it signifies the complete acceptance of the other and therefore an openness to the richness of life which the child represents.
In the materialistic perspective described so far, interpersonal relations are seriously impoverished. The first to be harmed are women, children, the sick or suffering, and the elderly. The criterion of personal dignity which demands respect, generosity and service-is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, functionality and usefulness: others are considered not for what they "are", but for what they "have, do and produce". This is the supremacy of the strong over the weak.
--Pope John Paul II
Fourth Commandment on Famly:
The Family of Singular Importance (2204-2206)
The Christian family is "the domestic church." The New Testament shows that it has singular importance in the Church (Eph 5:21-6:4).
The Christian family is a sign of the communion of the Trinity. In procreating and educating children the family reflects the Father's work of creation. The family must pray together, read God's Word, and evangelize.
Within the family, an affinity of feelings and interests arise from the mutual respect of each other. The family is a "privileged community" in which the spouses share their thoughts and cooperate in their children's upbringing.
The Christian family is "the domestic church." The New Testament shows that it has singular importance in the Church (Eph 5:21-6:4).
The Christian family is a sign of the communion of the Trinity. In procreating and educating children the family reflects the Father's work of creation. The family must pray together, read God's Word, and evangelize.
Within the family, an affinity of feelings and interests arise from the mutual respect of each other. The family is a "privileged community" in which the spouses share their thoughts and cooperate in their children's upbringing.
Love is Answered with Love
With all your heart honor your father, and do not forget the birth pangs of your mother. Remember that through your parents you were born; what can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?
--Sirach (7:27-28)
--Sirach (7:27-28)
FILIAL PIETY
Respect for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude towards those who, by the gift of life, their love and work, have brought children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace. CCC 2214
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Benedict XVI on the Law:
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 19, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the homily Benedict XVI delivered during a Mass dedicated to workers, in anticipation of Monday's feast of St. Joseph.
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
We have heard together a well-known passage of the Book of Exodus, in which the holy author recounts God's giving of the Decalogue to Israel.
A detail causes an immediate impression: The enunciation of the Commandments is introduced by a significant reference to the liberation of the people of Israel. The text says: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Exodus 20:20). The Decalogue, therefore, is a confirmation of the freedom won.
In fact, if the Commandments are examined in depth, they are the means the Lord gives us to defend our freedom both from the internal conditionings of the passions as well as from the external abuses of the malicious. The "no's" of the Commandments are as many "yes's" to the growth of authentic freedom. There is a second dimension in the Decalogue which must also be emphasized: Through the Law given by Moses' hand, the Lord reveals that he wills to conclude a covenant with Israel.
Therefore, more than an imposition, the Law is a gift. More than commanding what man must do, the Law manifests God's choice to all: He is on the side of the chosen people; he has delivered them from slavery and surrounds them with merciful kindness. The Decalogue is a testimony of a love of predilection.
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
We have heard together a well-known passage of the Book of Exodus, in which the holy author recounts God's giving of the Decalogue to Israel.
A detail causes an immediate impression: The enunciation of the Commandments is introduced by a significant reference to the liberation of the people of Israel. The text says: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Exodus 20:20). The Decalogue, therefore, is a confirmation of the freedom won.
In fact, if the Commandments are examined in depth, they are the means the Lord gives us to defend our freedom both from the internal conditionings of the passions as well as from the external abuses of the malicious. The "no's" of the Commandments are as many "yes's" to the growth of authentic freedom. There is a second dimension in the Decalogue which must also be emphasized: Through the Law given by Moses' hand, the Lord reveals that he wills to conclude a covenant with Israel.
Therefore, more than an imposition, the Law is a gift. More than commanding what man must do, the Law manifests God's choice to all: He is on the side of the chosen people; he has delivered them from slavery and surrounds them with merciful kindness. The Decalogue is a testimony of a love of predilection.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Worth Listening to:
"Love is the lamp of knowledge."
--Gavin D’Costa, Theology in the Public Square (Oxford: Blackwell, 2005), 128.
--Gavin D’Costa, Theology in the Public Square (Oxford: Blackwell, 2005), 128.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Fourth and Fifth Commandments of God
Lesson 19 from the Baltimore Catechism
241. What is the fourth commandment of God?
The fourth commandment of God is: Honor thy father and thy mother.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be long-lived upon the land which the Lord thy God will give thee. (Exodus 20:12)
242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?
By the fourth commandment we are commanded to respect and love our parents, to obey them in all that is not sinful, and to help them when they are in need.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is right. (Ephesians 6:1)
243. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and to obey others besides our parents?
Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors.
Let everyone be subject to the higher authorities, for there exists no authority except from God, and those who exist have been appointed by God. Therefore he who resists authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on themselves condemnation. (Romans 13:1-2)
244. What duty have parents toward their children and superiors toward those under their care?
Parents must provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of their children; superiors, according to their varying degrees of responsibility, must care for those entrusted to them.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but rear them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
245. What are the duties of a citizen toward his country?
A citizen must love his country, be sincerely interested in its welfare, and respect and obey its lawful authority.
246. How does a citizen show a sincere interest in his country's welfare?
A citizen shows a sincere interest in his country's welfare by voting honestly and without selfish motives, by paying just taxes, and by defending his country's rights when necessary.
247. Why must we respect and obey the lawful authority of our country?
We must respect and obey the lawful authority of our country because it comes from God, the Source of all authority.
248. Why are we obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship?
We are obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship because right reason requires citizens to work together for the public welfare of the country.
249. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?
The chief duties of those who hold public office are to be just to all in exercising their authority and to promote the general welfare.
Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations; for power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts. (Wisdom 6:3-4)
250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?
The fourth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.
Cursed be he that honoreth not his father and mother. (Deuteronomy 27:16)
251. What is the fifth commandment of God?
The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13)
252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?
By the fifth commandment we are commanded to take proper care of our own spiritual and bodily well-being and that of our neighbor.
253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?
The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and also fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example.
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (I John 3:15)
241. What is the fourth commandment of God?
The fourth commandment of God is: Honor thy father and thy mother.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thou mayest be long-lived upon the land which the Lord thy God will give thee. (Exodus 20:12)
242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?
By the fourth commandment we are commanded to respect and love our parents, to obey them in all that is not sinful, and to help them when they are in need.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for that is right. (Ephesians 6:1)
243. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and to obey others besides our parents?
Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors.
Let everyone be subject to the higher authorities, for there exists no authority except from God, and those who exist have been appointed by God. Therefore he who resists authority resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist bring on themselves condemnation. (Romans 13:1-2)
244. What duty have parents toward their children and superiors toward those under their care?
Parents must provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of their children; superiors, according to their varying degrees of responsibility, must care for those entrusted to them.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but rear them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
245. What are the duties of a citizen toward his country?
A citizen must love his country, be sincerely interested in its welfare, and respect and obey its lawful authority.
246. How does a citizen show a sincere interest in his country's welfare?
A citizen shows a sincere interest in his country's welfare by voting honestly and without selfish motives, by paying just taxes, and by defending his country's rights when necessary.
247. Why must we respect and obey the lawful authority of our country?
We must respect and obey the lawful authority of our country because it comes from God, the Source of all authority.
248. Why are we obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship?
We are obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship because right reason requires citizens to work together for the public welfare of the country.
249. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?
The chief duties of those who hold public office are to be just to all in exercising their authority and to promote the general welfare.
Give ear, you that rule the people, and that please yourselves in multitudes of nations; for power is given you by the Lord, and strength by the most High, who will examine your works, and search out your thoughts. (Wisdom 6:3-4)
250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?
The fourth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors.
Cursed be he that honoreth not his father and mother. (Deuteronomy 27:16)
251. What is the fifth commandment of God?
The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13)
252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?
By the fifth commandment we are commanded to take proper care of our own spiritual and bodily well-being and that of our neighbor.
253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?
The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and also fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example.
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (I John 3:15)
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