One thing that sets the Catholic Church apart from other Christian denominations is her guidance in regard to interpreting the Bible.? While the Church doesn’t go “line by line” and give us an exact interpretation, she does give us a framework as a guide.? And, believe me, 2,000 years of Church doctrine really comes in handy when dealing with some of the more complex Bible passages!
In the First Reading from today’s Mass (Acts 8:26-40), we read of the Ethiopian eunuch’s struggle as he read the Scriptures.? Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, questioned the eunuch about his understanding of the book of the prophet Isaiah.? The question, “Do you understand what you are reading?” caused the Ethiopian to reply, “How can I unless somebody instructs me?”?? Philip proceeded to explain that a particularly challenging passage (Isaiah 53:7-8) was actually referring to Jesus.? After this, the man requested to be baptized and was filled with?joy.
There are a couple of?key points to the story.? First,?we have Biblical evidence that? “help” is needed to understand the?Bible.? Rather than a line by line interpretation,? our “help” consists of 2,000 years of Church teaching as stated by the Church fathers, the Saints, and the Magisterium.? Interpreting the Bible in a vacuum has been the cause of division among Christians and even the justification of immoral behavior.? If we try to interpret the Bible without any outside influence, we will probably get ourselves in BIG trouble!
The other point is that the message of Jesus is contained not only in the New Testament, but also in the Old Testament.? While that message is often hidden and requires some digging,?Philip’s interpretation of Isaiah’s writing brings that fact to light.? Without the proper instruction and education, this fact could easily be missed and the writings of the prophet written off as being obsolete.
As I always tell you, stick with the Church and her teachings and you’ll be in good shape spiritually.? There is a benefit to being around for 2,000 years and being guided by the Holy Spirit !
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As Catholics, we are blessed to be able to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.? Unfortunately, many of us fail to appreciate this tremendous gift.? As we’re walking up the aisle to receive Our Lord, we look around the church and think of everything under the sun.? After we receive Him, we sometimes find ourselves distracted with thoughts of our “to do” list.? What’s “wrong” with us?? Why don’t we care more about this unimaginable gift?
First of all, let me reassure you by telling you that this happens to ME all of the time!? I constantly have to work on focusing at Mass and when receiving Communion.? Like it or not, we are human and are afflicted by all of weaknesses that go along with our humanity.? We must also remember that we can fix some of the problem, but God has to help us with the rest.
What can WE do?? For starters, we can ask the Lord to help us appreciate the gift of Holy Communion…and ask, and ask, and ask, etc.? This is something we should continue to do for the rest of our lives, as we want to constantly seek a greater appreciation of the Eucharist.?
Secondly, we can read about and meditate upon the Holy Eucharist.? There are tons of books and resources out there that can inspire us and help us to understand this great gift.? Many of the saints and Church Fathers have reflected upon the Real Presence and we can learn a lot from their insight.
Finally, don’t panic!? There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t always “feel something” after receiving the Eucharist.? The only time to panic is when you’re not trying to do anything to appreciate this great gift.? Before receiving Holy Communion, ask the Lord to help increase your joy and desire to receive Him in Holy Communion.? Afterward, thank Him, talk to Him and ask to receive all of the possible graces associated with the Sacrament.? It might take a little time, but you’ll start to see a difference in your life.
On today’s episode of Following The Truth, I discussed the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37).? The?lawyer questioning Jesus was well aware of the law, but still asked Him, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”? Jesus answered by referring back to the law, which contained the instruction to “love your neighbor as yourself”.??The lawyer responded, “And who is my neighbor?”
The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that we must love everyone.? This includes the “annoying” person at the office, your “short tempered” husband, the “incompetent” cashier, and even Osama Bin Laden!? Before you fall off?of your chair at hearing that?last name,?he is still a child of God and desperately stands in need of prayers for his soul.?? Everyone is “our neighbor” and?the Lord reminds?us that?loving them is a condition of?achieving eternal life.
On today’s episode of Following The Truth, we discussed the Healing of the Paralytic Man.? This miracle, as told by Matthew, Mark and Luke (Mt 9: 1-8, Mk 2: 1-12, Lk 5:17-26) reminds us of the importance of spiritual healing in our lives.
The Lord can certainly heal any physical ailments that afflict us, but, more importantly, He can heal the spiritual illness of mortal sin through the Sacrament of Confession.? If it’s been a long time since you’ve received His healing through this Sacrament, considering doing it soon…Jesus is waiting for you!
On this episode of Following The Truth, we continued our “mercy” theme by discussing the Parable of the Debtors:
A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. 13 But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Lk 7: 36-50)
On today’s episode of Following The Truth, we discussed how the death of Usama Bin Laden should be viewed from a Catholic perspective.
Jimmy Akin’s article from The National Catholic Register can be found here.
The Vatican statement from Fr. Federico Lombardi can be found here.
The comments about the death penalty from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) are as follows:
Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
The efforts of the state to curb the spread of behavior harmful to people’s rights and to the basic rules of civil society correspond to the requirement of safeguarding the common good. Legitimate public authority has the right and the duty to inflict punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offense. Punishment has the primary aim of redressing the disorder introduced by the offense. When it is willingly accepted by the guilty party, it assumes the value of expiation. Punishment then, in addition to defending public order and protecting people’s safety, has a medicinal purpose: as far as possible, it must contribute to the correction of the guilty party.
Assuming that the guilty party’s identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people’s safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.
Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm?without definitively taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself?the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity “are very rare, if not practically non-existent.” (CCC 2265 – 2267)
I am probably in the minority this morning, but I am saddened by the news that has unfolded over the past 12 hours. As an American, I fully understand the tragedy that occurred in New York on 9/11 and I grieve for everyone who was affected by that horrible act of terror. However, as a Catholic and an unworthy recipient of Jesus’ Divine Mercy, I have compassion for a fellow soul who may be condemned to hell. What also saddens me is the joy and celebration by many Christians over the death of a man who quite possibly could be facing eternal damnation.
Yesterday, the Catholic Church celebrated the feast of Divine Mercy. It was a day set aside to recall Our Lord’s tremendous mercy poured forth on all mankind. Hitler, Hussein, Bin Laden, Judas…there are no exceptions. Jesus is merciful to everyone and “wants all men to be saved” (1 Tm 2:3-4). As a Catholic, I mustalsolove all of my brothers and sisters, despite their sinfulness. The Lord has stated that if we do not show mercy toward others, we cannot expect it in return (MT 18:21-35).
I am going to pray a Divine Mercy chaplet for the repose of the soul of Usama Bin Laden. Anyone care to join me?
On today’s episode of Following The Truth, we discussed the Mass readings from the 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday):
First Reading (Acts 2: 42-47) They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one?s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24) R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Let the house of Israel say, ?His mercy endures forever.? Let the house of Aaron say, ?His mercy endures forever.? Let those who fear the LORD say, ?His mercy endures forever.?
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
I was hard pressed and was falling, but the LORD helped me. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Second Reading (1 Pt 1: 3-9) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Gospel (Jn 20: 19-31) On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ?Peace be with you.? When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ?Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.? And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ?Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.?
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, ?We have seen the Lord.? But he said to them, ?Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands And put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.? Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ?Peace be with you.? Then he said to Thomas, ?Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.? Thomas answered and said to him, ?My Lord and my God!? Jesus said to him, ?Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.? Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
We also discussed the Divine Mercy devotion. More information can be found here.
On today’s show, we discussed the encounter on the Road to Emmaus:
Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning (within us) while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Lk 24:13-35)
I also mentioned the parallel to the Last Supper where, just as on the road to Emmaus, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to His disciples!
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” (Mt 26:26)
When we hear the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass and receive the Body of Christ, do we recognize the presence of the risen Lord?
Lord, help us to become more aware of Your presence, especially when we participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!
