How Can A Person Be Born Again?

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, ?Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.? Jesus answered and said to him, ?Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.? Nicodemus said to him, ?How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother?s womb and be born again, can he?? Jesus answered, ?Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit(Jn 3:1-5).

In yesterday’s segment of our Biblical journey to the one, true Church, we looked at the Great Commission, when Jesus directed the Apostles to make disciples of all the nations through baptism and teaching.? I discussed the fact that we’re?now looking for a Church that baptizes its members.? While many churches fall into that category, it is often treated as a symbolic act and not deemed necessary for salvation.? Looking at the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, however,?makes it very difficult to draw that conclusion.? Based on our evidence so far, it really appears that?the Church?established by Christ will view baptism as a requirement for salvation.

How did the first Christians feel about this?? When we look at the writings of the early Church Fathers, we see much support for the necessity of baptism:

“Without baptism, salvation is attainable by none.” (Tertullian)

“If any man does not receive baptism, he does not have salvation.” (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

“[According to] apostolic tradition . . . the churches of Christ hold inherently that without baptism and participation at the table of the Lord it is impossible for any man to attain either to the kingdom of God or to salvation and life eternal. This is the witness of Scripture too” (St. Augustine)

So far, the Catholic Church is very much in the running and her position will grow stronger as we look at the next few passages.? In my next post, we’ll discuss one of Jesus’ most difficult teachings which is also one of His greatest gifts.

Tomorrow: The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:48-66)

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The Most Surprising Fact About The Ascension

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Gary Zimak

As we celebrate the solemnity of the Ascension today, there are several points which can be considered “surprising”.? Why would Jesus ascend into Heaven before the Church had fully spread to all nations?? Wouldn’t it make more sense if He stuck around a little longer?? Another fact that has always astonished me was the fact that Jesus counted on the?VERY human Apostles to carry on His work.? During the Lord’s public ministry, they certainly?didn’t do very much to prove their qualifications as scholars or leaders!

However, in my opinion, the most surprising fact about Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven can be found in St. Luke’s version of the gospel:

Then he led them (out) as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them.??As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.??They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,?and they were continually in the temple praising God.? (Luke 24:50-53)

When we put ourselves in the Apostles’ shoes, we often think that they were terrified or sad when Jesus left them.? However,?the above passage tells us that they had “great joy”!? How is that possible?? After all, they saw?how Jesus was rejected and persecuted and now THEY were going to be the targets of that same treatment.? In addition, what skills did they really possess?? How were they going to make disciples of all the nations?

What they discovered is that the Lord can give them His peace, even in the midst of turmoil.? This is a lesson that each of us can?learn in our own lives.??No matter how crazy or hectic our lives become, we can still experience the Lord’s peace.? Ask Him to send you?that?same?peace that was felt by the Apostles and you’ll see that you can also have “great joy”, even when it doesn’t make sense!

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The Great Commission And The Importance Of Baptism

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.? Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.? And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”? (Mt 28:18-20).

Although we now know that Jesus founded a Church and that this Church is the guardian of truth, we still don’t?know?the identity of that Church.? With thousands of?Christian churches to choose?from, where do we begin?? Fortunately, by looking at some more clues we can narrow down?our list of choices.

In today’s passage,?known as the Great?Commission, Jesus instructs the Apostles to carry on His work of making disciples.? The Lord is clear when?He?lists the way that this should be done:

1.? Through baptism.

2. By teaching the?future disciples to observe all that?Jesus has commanded.

Jesus’?mention of baptism as a requirement for discipleship is?an important clue when trying to?find the one, true Church.? In fact, in Saint Mark’s version of the Great Commission, he adds emphasis to the importance of baptism with the words, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).? While many Christian churches baptize their members, not all of them consider baptism to be a sacrament and necessary for salvation.? Our list of potential churches has just gotten A LOT smaller!

Tomorrow: Jesus confirms that baptism is necessary for?salvation?(John 3:1-5)

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Jesus Founded A Church

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Gary Zimak

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.? Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.??? (Mt 16:18-19).

As we approach the halfway point in our journey?to finding the one, true Church, let’s look at?some of Jesus’? most famous and important words.? In our last segment, we looked at the fact that the Church is the ultimate guardian of truth.? Today, we see that Jesus founded this Church?under the leadership of a specific individual.? Saint Peter, the?head of the Apostles, is entrusted with the “keys?to the?kingdom” and is given the power to?make authoritative decisions?on earth?that will be upheld in Heaven.? Recognized as the first pope, Peter led the early Christian Church?with the same Christ-given authority as Pope Benedict XVI does today.? When we analyze Jesus’ words to St. Peter, it becomes apparent that we’ve just eliminated a number of churches, as they just don’t hold up when compared to the Bible!

In the next stop on our trip, we’ll look at the “Great Commission”, when Jesus instructed the Apostles to “make disciples of all nations”, through baptism and authoritative teaching.? It will give us an another critical clue and bring us closer to discovering the TRUE Church!

Tomorrow: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)

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Becoming A Living Tabernacle

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Gary Zimak

Mary also anticipated, in the mystery of the incarnation, the Church’s Eucharistic faith. When, at the Visitation, she bore in her womb the Word made flesh, she became in some way a ?tabernacle? ? the first ?tabernacle? in history ? in which the Son of God, still invisible to our human gaze, allowed himself to be adored by Elizabeth, radiating his light as it were through the eyes and the voice of Mary. (Blessed Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia)

As we celebrate the feast of the Visitation on May 31st, we meditate on Mary’s visit to her relative, Elizabeth.? Despite the inconvenience that?the pregnant Mother of God?would experience in traveling into the hill country, Mary desired to make the trip to visit her kinswoman.? By carrying Jesus inside of her, she became a living “tabernacle” and allowed Elizabeth to adore Him.

As Catholics, we have the privilege of receiving the Lord in Holy Communion on a daily basis.? We enter the church alone, but when we leave, we carry?the Lord’s Body inside of us.? What?happens then?? Do we go about our?business?as if nothing happened or do we take Jesus into the world, allowing His presence to shine before others??

Blessed Mother Mary, teach me to become a living “tabernacle”.??Allow the light of Jesus to shine before men, that they may see my good works and give glory to Our Father in Heaven (Mt 5:16)!??

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Memorial Day – Remembering Those Who Served

Posted on May 29, 2011 by Gary Zimak

On May 30th, in the United States, we honor all members of the military who gave their lives in service to our country.??Their sacrifice?has allowed us to?remain free.? In gratitude, I recommend that we take a break from our picnics and relaxation?to say a prayer for the souls of these men and women.?

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and?let perpetual light shine upon them.? May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Let’s also pause to remember all?those who are currently serving in the armed forces.? May they remain safe from harm and stay close to the Lord.? I found this simple?prayer in a children’s prayer book from the 50’s (Child of God Prayer Book by Rev. Henry Thiefels, C.S. Sp, 1954) and I think it’s very appropriate:

Prayer For Those In Military Service

O Virgin most powerful, watch over the souls of all who are in the service of their country.

Strengthen their faith.

Keep them free from sin.

Let nothing in life or death separate them from your Beloved Son.? Amen.

(flag photo courtesy of http://www.ace-clipart.com)

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Visiting The Lord…I Finally Get It!

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Gary Zimak

All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.? As recreation is most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so homiletic creativity is best nourished before the Eucharist.? The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face.? The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination.? (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen)

As I sat in the adoration chapel this evening, I felt peaceful and blessed to be in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.? I prayed, talked to Him and asked for advice.? Sadly, for years I neglected to visit Him even though the chapel was within walking distance of my house.? I?now find myself?looking forward to visiting Him each week for adoration.? In fact, I often stop to say “hi” for a few minutes on the way home from work.? The?peace I?feel being in the Lord’s presence is something that is beyond compare.??While I’m there, I suddenly think of solutions to my problems, get ideas for articles and feel safe….Something?truly supernatural takes place in that chapel!

Many holy men and women?have written about the importance of visiting?Our Lord in the?Blessed Sacrament and I’m?starting to see what they mean.? It took me a while, but I finally “get it”!?

Thanks for being patient with me, Lord…I can’t wait to visit you again soon!

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The Church – The Ultimate Guardian Of Truth!

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Gary Zimak

If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.? If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.? If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ?every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.??? If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.? If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. ?Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven? (Mt 18:15-18).

In yesterday’s post,? I looked at how the Holy Spirit protects the Church from teaching error.? The words of Jesus are clear as He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide His followers to the truth.? As further evidence that this protection is with His Church and not necessarily with individuals, let’s take a look more of the Lord’s words.

If one disciple sins against another, Jesus provides a course of action.? First, the wronged party should inform the guilty party in private.? If that is ineffective, Jesus recommends “two or three” witnesses be utilized.? If even that doesn’t work, take the matter to the Church.? If the sinner still refuses to repent…you can use your imagination, but I wouldn’t want to be that person!? The Lord further emphasizes the fact that the Church has the authority to make earthly decisions that will be upheld in Heaven.? That, my friends, is what I call authority!? From this, we can conclude that the Church we’re looking for can teach authoritatively and make binding moral decisions.

Due to the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, we’ll take a break from our journey for a few days.? When we resume on Tuesday, we’ll look at the most important passage covered thus far!

Next Tuesday: Jesus founded a Church (Matthew 16:18-19)

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Holy Is His Name

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Gary Zimak

In a few days, we’ll celebrate the feast of The Visitation (May 31st).? This?feast commemorates the visit of Mary to her relative,?Elizabeth.? It was during this visit that the?Blessed Mother?recited the beautiful prayer known as the Magnificat.? This prayer, set to music by John Michael Talbot, illustrates the profound humility shown by Mary.? May we always strive to imitate that same humility and remember that all of our gifts come from God.

P.S.? I know I’m a few days early, but I love this song!

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Letting The Holy Spirit Guide You To The Truth

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Gary Zimak

But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming (Jn 16:13).

Now that we’ve established that God wants us to know the truth and that the Church is the guardian of that truth, we need to look at some important words from Jesus.? In John’s Gospel, the Lord tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us to the truth.? Initially a comforting statement, further reflection makes us wonder how this is possible.? What if you and I both ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and end up with different versions of the truth?? In reality, this is a common problem?which occurs in many?Christian churches.? The idea?of personal infallible interpretation of the Bible (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) falls apart the minute any 2 Christians disagree about a doctrinal matter!? If the?Holy Spirit is?guiding us to ALL truth, then no two believers could ever come up with conflicting beliefs.? There must be something else to Our Lord’s promise…

If the Church is the “pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Tm 3:15) and the Holy Spirit will “guide us to all truth” (Jn 16:13), then doesn’t it follow that the guidance of the Holy Spirit?must lie with the Church and not with individuals?? As we continue our search for the one, true Church, we need to find a Church?which claims to teach authoritatively?under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.?

Tomorrow: A look at Church authority (Matthew 18:15-18)

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