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Month: March 2014
Why “Just-One” is a critical key to our Catholic faith by Patrick Miron
Why “Just-One” is a critical key to our Catholic faith and right understanding, and right practice of it.
One of the most amazing, most significant and critically important observations that we are called to make, is in understanding that Christ didn’t reinvent the wheel of truth or faith in the New Testament. Like a Theoligian does; He explained it, at times expanded its defination and undertanding, He fulfilled it, and even perfected parts of it, while at the same time building on the already firm foudation of Hebrew Traditions and beliefs already taught by Yahweh.
Simply put the bible literally cannot contain contradictions. One truth cannot replace another truth.. Otherwise the bible would have no merit, no value for teaching and learning what God taught..
From the Creation of humanity and consistanly onward God always and every time inisited on belief in only One God, only One set of common faith -beliefs as taught by God [and those chosen by Him to teach, guide and lead], and always only One Faith-organization. First the Hebrew Nation; then the Jewish Faith and now in the NT; the Catholic Church.
From very early on Yahweh set the precedence of One Male Leader of HIS Faith and his Church. Beginning with Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, David, Soloman, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Zechariah, Malachi, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ and then Peter and through Peter, Christ [by practical necessity] includes the other Apostlres and those that follow Peter in order for the New Church to continue to Grow and flourish and complete the Mandate of Christ: Matt.28 Verses 16 to 20 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority 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 lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
Why?
So that the inevenabtle arguments and power grabs of ordinary men, could be easily resolved. One God, and only One set of beliefs to be held, through only One Church organization is symplistic-genius. ONE leader affirms that One set of teaching triths. Supported by God Himself. Guided, directed and protected from ANY possible error in Teaching on WHAT MUST BE BELIEVED, ACCEPTED AND LIVED IN ORDER TO “BE SAVED.” The CC cannot be [impossible] to-be in error when officially teaching on Faith matters and Moral issues.
John.14 : 16 to 17 “ And I [Jesus] will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, [COMPLETED IN JOHN 20:1922] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you”
John 17:15-19 “I [Jesus] do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [With My authority and with My Powers] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth
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[QUOTE] your Bible doesn’t say that Christ’s Church is one denomination. It also doesn’t name the church in Rome as the only true church. It is you who will not see the truth. [/QUOTE] |
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My dear friend in Christ Jesus.
Of course it does! My bible does and if you use the KJV so does yours!
Matthew: 16: 15-19 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Please do not take the enlarged letters as yelling. I simply wish to make it easy for you to see EXACTLY what YOUR God and Ours is clearly saying!
Note the following please.
Jesus Himself is speaking directly to and only to Peter (with others listening).
NOTE the use of SINGULAR TENSE WORDS.
“I” = Jesus
“You” = Peter (EACH time “you” is used!)
“ The Keys” = only one set of keys = only access to heaven is being granted to Peter.
“This rock” = PETER (singular)
“church” SINGULAR = One, = One Denomination!
“The Church” did not move to Rome until after Jerusalem was destroyed for the Second Time, roughly 75 years after Jesus died. Now look at verse # 19.
The terms “bind and loose” are highly significant and important.
They were well known, often-used Legal and Binding “At Law” terms for complete, uninhibited, unrestricted total control and governance of what ever they were applied to. In this case the One True Church founded by Jesus to be governed by St. Peter and subsequent Pontiffs.
There has been a historically provable unbroken and consecutive line of Popes. I can provide specific names and dates if you wish. This unbroken line goes from St. Peter, right up to our present Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI.
Does Jesus say the power to governance is transferable? Yep, read verse 19 and my explanation of it. Really, would Jesus found His Church and expect to die with Peter? Does your church die if your pastor is called “home?” Of course NOT!
Nor would Jesus began a church for just a few years! Certainly He DID NOT expect it to end with the Apostles!
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[QUOTE] “your Bible doesn’t say that Christ’s Church is one denomination. It also doesn’t name the” church in Rome as the only true church. It is you who will not see the truth. [/QUOTE] |
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My dear friend in Christ Jesus.
Of course it does! My bible does and if you use the KJV so does yours!
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Please do not take the enlarged letters as yelling. I simply wish to make it easy for you to see EXACTLY what YOUR God and Ours is clearly saying!
Note the following please.
The terms “bind and loose” are highly significant and important.
They were well known, often-used Legal and Binding “At Law” terms for complete, uninhibited, unrestricted total control and governance of what ever they were applied to. In this case the One True Church founded by Jesus to be governed by St. Peter and subsequent Pontiffs.
There has been a historically provable unbroken and consecutive line of Popes. I can provide specific names and dates if you wish. This unbroken line goes from St. Peter, right up to our present Pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI.
Does Jesus say the power to governance is transferable? Yes, read verse 19 and my explanation of it. Really, would Jesus found His Church and expect to die with Peter? Does your church die if your pastor is called “home?” Of course NOT!
Nor would Jesus began a church for just a few years!
Nowhere in the Entire Bible Does Yahweh or Jesus ever speak of More than One God [Triune], One Faith [set of beliefs required for salvation], or more than one Church. Not one word!
One Church
Phil.2: 2 “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body [WHICH MEANS ONE CHURCH] and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, [Meaning only One set of beliefs] one baptism,
one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Eph. 2: 18-22 “ for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [SINGULAR… when NO OTHER Christian faiths would exist for more than ONE THOUSAND YEARS AFTER THIS WAS WRITTEN] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
John.10: 16 “And Ihave other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flo
Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Eph. 3: 9-10 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church [SINGULAR / THERE WERE NO OTHERS] the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,”
John 17:18-20 “As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [WITH MY POWERS AND MY AUTHORITY] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
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John.10: 1-2, 7, 9 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door [SINGULAR] but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” …. WHICH MANDATES ACCEPTANCE OF ALL THAT CHRIST TAUGHT!
John 17: 17-22 “Sanctify them in the truth; [DONE DEAL] thy word is truth. As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [With My Power as God] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. [Assurance of IMPOSSIBILITY of Error in teaching on Faith-Beliefs [WHAT MUST BE HELD AS TRUE] and Morals] “I do not pray for these only, but for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one”
Eph. 5: 23 Christ is the head of the church [singular] , his body, [singular]
Eph. 3: 9-10 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church [singular] the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Col. 1: 18 “ He is the head of the body [singular], the church; [singular] he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell”
SUMMATION:
Salvation must, in an absolute sense Flow through the CC for all of the following reasons:
One God, One Faith and One Church is the ONLY Biblical teaching. Period!
Jesus Founded Only One Church, One Faith on One God, AND THE CC IS THE ONLY CHURCH THAT EXISTED WHEN THE BIBLE WAS SPOKEN WRITTEN AND PRESERVERED.
Jesus gave to Peter ALONE the Key’s to the Kingdom of Heaven [Mt. 16:18-19] AND THROUGH PETER THE OTHER APOSTLES: Mt. 18:18, Mt. 28:16-20, John 14: 16-17, John 17:15-19, John 20:19-23.
The Seven Sacraments ALL Instituted are ONLY and Exclusively practiced within the Catholic Church [and the Orthodox churches as well].
The CC is the Only Church actually founded by God; just as the OT Jews were the Chosen people; NOW under the New Covenant; we Catholics are the “Chosen people.”
Jer. 31:33 “ But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
1 Cor. 11: 23 “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for * you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Heb. 8: 6 “But as it is, Christ * has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second.
Heb. 8: 13 “ In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
2 Cor. 3:12-16 “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not see the end of the fading splendor. But their minds were hardened; for to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds; but when a man turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
God Bless you,
Pat
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call 43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time} by Patrick Miron part 3
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call
43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time}
by Patrick Miron
part 3
[QUOTE] 11. Did God send all his prophets to USA or Europe or Australia? [/QUOTE]
Actually God did not send ANY of His Prophets to these places. The USA and Europe and Australia as We know it did not even exist as countries Before Christ.
[QUOTE] 12. How many prophets did God send to mankind? [/QUOTE]
Again I’m unclear of what you’re seeking here? The LAST Prophet was John the Baptist who was beheaded while Christ was still on Earth [30 to 33 AD]
Matthew 14: 6-12 “But on Herod’ s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him. But she being instructed before by her mother, said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist. And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison And his head was brought in a dish: and it was given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and came and told Jesus”
[QUOTE]13. Who made some people beggar and some people rich?[/QUOTE]
Both are normal conditions of the “human condition.” There are a few examples that come to mind where God did REWARD faithful service to King Solomon; who when asked by God what he wanted; replied in the utmost humility: “wisdom” to rule YOUR People Lord.
3 Kings 4: 26-32 “ And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of chariot horses, and twelve thousand for the saddle. And the foresaid governors of the king fed them: and they furnished the necessaries also for king Solomon’ s table, with great care in their time. They brought barley also and straw for the horses, and beasts, to the place where the king was, according as it was appointed them. And God gave to Solomon [REWARDED him] wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart as the sand that is on the sea shore. And the wisdom of Solomon surpassed the wisdom of all the Orientals, and of the Egyptians, And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol, and he was renowned in all nations round about. Solomon also spokethree thousand parables: and his poems were a thousand and five”
- And “Job” who had great wealth, and satan asked God’s permission to TEST Job’s faithfulness; which God granted only he could not KILL Job. He did KILL his entire family and make Job blind; but Job remained faithful to God through it all’
Job 1: 11-12 ”But stretch forth thy hand a little, and touch all that he hath, and see if he blesseth thee not to thy face. Then the Lord said to Satan: Behold, all that he hath is in thy hand: only put not forth thy hand upon his person.”
Job 1: 19-22 “ A violent wind came on a sudden from the side of the desert, and shook the four corners of the house, and it fell upon thy children and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to fell thee. Then Job rose up, and rent his garments, and having shaven his head fell down upon the ground and worshipped, And said: Naked came I out of my mother’ s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: as it hath pleased the Lord so is it done: blessed be the name of the Lord. In all these things Job sinned not by his lips, nor spoke he any foolish thing against God.”
I’m unaware of any that God CAUSED to be poor.
This deservers a fuller explanation. God can rightly be defined as “All Good things perfected” God certainly has the Power and authority to cause both good and evil, in man’s manner of understanding. BUT God id infinitely Superior to man in every way:
- Isaiah 55: 6-10 “Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive. For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater”
- I have often heard uninformed opinions that the “God of the Old Testament was a mean and vengeful God.” When I hear this I always ask for specific passages; then show them that indeed God is; because as a Good; Fair and Just God; he MUST repay good with good and evil with evil WHEN there is no repentance! That dear friend is Divine Justice.
- God is the cause of ALL Good things; but God cannot cause EVIL without a just cause motivating Him to do so. God does however PERMIT evil, death, illness, poverty for TWO REASONS.
- So that God can remove this for His GREATER Glory
- So that Both man and God can benefit: If man accepts his burdens and offers them up Job did, man merits Grace and benefits from God. So there is in all affliction a POSIBILITY for man’s spiritual enrichment and God’s Glory.
Take Up your Cross and Follow Me
C. Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Mark.8: 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke.14: 7 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple”
[QUOTE] 14. Which Angel(s) spoke to Maryam and Jesus ? [QUOTE]
As a FYI: It’s “Mary” not Maryam. And I’m unaware of any Angels talking to Christ; but several times He had angels minister to His needs. 1. When he was tempted by Satan in the Desert
- Matthew 4: 1-11 “ Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. And the tempter coming said to him: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him upon the pinnacle of the temple, And said to him: If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written: That he hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him: It is written again: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, And said to him: All these will I give thee, if falling down thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written, The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left him; and behold angels came and ministered to him”
- And a second time during Christ Agony in the Garden: Luke 22: 41-45 “And he was withdrawn away from them a stone’ s cast; and kneeling down, he prayed, Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow”
- To Mary: Luke 1: 26-35 “ And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’ s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever.[33] And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”
- There was an angel that did appear multiple times to Mary’s husband: Joseph.
Matthew 1:20 “ But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.” But the name of the angel is not revealed.
[QUOTE] 15. Is Jesus the Son of God? [/QUOTE]
YES, and the evidence is in number 14. Luke 1: 26-35
End of Q’s 6-15
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call 43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time} by Patrick Miron part 3
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call
43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time}
by Patrick Miron
part 3
[QUOTE] 11. Did God send all his prophets to USA or Europe or Australia? [/QUOTE]
Actually God did not send ANY of His Prophets to these places. The USA and Europe and Australia as We know it did not even exist as countries Before Christ.
[QUOTE] 12. How many prophets did God send to mankind? [/QUOTE]
Again I’m unclear of what you’re seeking here? The LAST Prophet was John the Baptist who was beheaded while Christ was still on Earth [30 to 33 AD]
Matthew 14: 6-12 “But on Herod’ s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him. But she being instructed before by her mother, said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist. And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison And his head was brought in a dish: and it was given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and came and told Jesus”
[QUOTE]13. Who made some people beggar and some people rich?[/QUOTE]
Both are normal conditions of the “human condition.” There are a few examples that come to mind where God did REWARD faithful service to King Solomon; who when asked by God what he wanted; replied in the utmost humility: “wisdom” to rule YOUR People Lord.
3 Kings 4: 26-32 “ And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of chariot horses, and twelve thousand for the saddle. And the foresaid governors of the king fed them: and they furnished the necessaries also for king Solomon’ s table, with great care in their time. They brought barley also and straw for the horses, and beasts, to the place where the king was, according as it was appointed them. And God gave to Solomon [REWARDED him] wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart as the sand that is on the sea shore. And the wisdom of Solomon surpassed the wisdom of all the Orientals, and of the Egyptians, And he was wiser than all men: wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Dorda the sons of Mahol, and he was renowned in all nations round about. Solomon also spokethree thousand parables: and his poems were a thousand and five”
- And “Job” who had great wealth, and satan asked God’s permission to TEST Job’s faithfulness; which God granted only he could not KILL Job. He did KILL his entire family and make Job blind; but Job remained faithful to God through it all’
Job 1: 11-12 ”But stretch forth thy hand a little, and touch all that he hath, and see if he blesseth thee not to thy face. Then the Lord said to Satan: Behold, all that he hath is in thy hand: only put not forth thy hand upon his person.”
Job 1: 19-22 “ A violent wind came on a sudden from the side of the desert, and shook the four corners of the house, and it fell upon thy children and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to fell thee. Then Job rose up, and rent his garments, and having shaven his head fell down upon the ground and worshipped, And said: Naked came I out of my mother’ s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: as it hath pleased the Lord so is it done: blessed be the name of the Lord. In all these things Job sinned not by his lips, nor spoke he any foolish thing against God.”
I’m unaware of any that God CAUSED to be poor.
This deservers a fuller explanation. God can rightly be defined as “All Good things perfected” God certainly has the Power and authority to cause both good and evil, in man’s manner of understanding. BUT God id infinitely Superior to man in every way:
- Isaiah 55: 6-10 “Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive. For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts. And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater”
- I have often heard uninformed opinions that the “God of the Old Testament was a mean and vengeful God.” When I hear this I always ask for specific passages; then show them that indeed God is; because as a Good; Fair and Just God; he MUST repay good with good and evil with evil WHEN there is no repentance! That dear friend is Divine Justice.
- God is the cause of ALL Good things; but God cannot cause EVIL without a just cause motivating Him to do so. God does however PERMIT evil, death, illness, poverty for TWO REASONS.
- So that God can remove this for His GREATER Glory
- So that Both man and God can benefit: If man accepts his burdens and offers them up Job did, man merits Grace and benefits from God. So there is in all affliction a POSIBILITY for man’s spiritual enrichment and God’s Glory.
Take Up your Cross and Follow Me
C. Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Mark.8: 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke.14: 7 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple”
[QUOTE] 14. Which Angel(s) spoke to Maryam and Jesus ? [QUOTE]
As a FYI: It’s “Mary” not Maryam. And I’m unaware of any Angels talking to Christ; but several times He had angels minister to His needs. 1. When he was tempted by Satan in the Desert
- Matthew 4: 1-11 “ Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he was hungry. And the tempter coming said to him: If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Who answered and said: It is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him upon the pinnacle of the temple, And said to him: If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written: That he hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said to him: It is written again: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, And said to him: All these will I give thee, if falling down thou wilt adore me. Then Jesus saith to him: Begone, Satan: for it is written, The Lord thy God shalt thou adore, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil left him; and behold angels came and ministered to him”
- And a second time during Christ Agony in the Garden: Luke 22: 41-45 “And he was withdrawn away from them a stone’ s cast; and kneeling down, he prayed, Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow”
- To Mary: Luke 1: 26-35 “ And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’ s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever.[33] And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”
- There was an angel that did appear multiple times to Mary’s husband: Joseph.
Matthew 1:20 “ But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.” But the name of the angel is not revealed.
[QUOTE] 15. Is Jesus the Son of God? [/QUOTE]
YES, and the evidence is in number 14. Luke 1: 26-35
End of Q’s 6-15
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call 43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time} by Patrick Miron
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call
43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time}
by Patrick Miron
part 2
[QUOTE] 6. Does God eat, sleep and die?[/QUOTE]
No God being Pure Spirit has no need of sleep and nourishment. And “God” cannot die for the same reason. However Jesus Christ who ALONE has BOTH a perfect Divine Nature [meaning He is always God], ALSO choose to have for a time, a perfect human nature that dies on the Cross for us. And then three days later Arose from the Dead.
John 10: 30 “ I and the Father are one”. [That is, one divine nature, but two distinct persons]John 2: 14:21 “And he found in the temple them that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting. And when he had made, as it were, a scourge of little cords, he drove them all out of the temple, the sheep also and the oxen, and the money of the changers he poured out, and the tables he overthrew. And to them that sold doves he said: Take these things hence, and make not the house of my Father a house of traffic. And his disciples remembered, that it was written: The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up. The Jews, therefore, answered, and said to him: What sign dost thou shew unto us, seeing thou dost these things? Jesus answered, and said to them: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. [Here the reference to “THIS TEMPLE” MEANS the Temple of Christ Own Body; He was Prophesying His Death and Resurrection.] The Jews then said: Six and forty years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days? [They obviously didn’t get the message!] But he spoke of the temple of his body”
- Mt. 16: 21 “From that time Jesus began to shew to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the ancients and scribes and chief priests, and be put to death, and the third day rise again.”
[QUOTE] 7. Which God control the universe?[/QUOTE]
By default, this is already answered. There IS ONLY One True God who is the Creator of the Universe and all living things in it.
Dt 32:39 “It is I [God] who bring both death and life”
[QUOTE] 8. Who created us?[/QUOTE]
This too has already been addressed. Genesis 1: 26-28
[QUOTE] 9. Who was the first prophet?[/QUOTE]
I’m not sure what you’re seeking here? And Why? It seems to me to not be very relevant?
If we are speaking of Major Prophets? [there are also so “minor Prophets]
To Israel: The first was Elijah [about 900 years BC]
The First Prophet of the Exiles: Ezekiel
To Judah: Habukkuk
The First Prophet After the return from Exile was Haggai
The First Prophet to Assyria was Jonah.
The first MAJOR Prophet was Isiah; about 700 years before the Birth of Christ
Not understanding exactly what your seeking here. I do hope this meets your need? IF NOT please let me know.
[QUOTE] 10. Who was the last prophet?[/QUOTE]
The Last Old Testament Prophet was Malachi around 450 BC
However the LAST Prophet was John the Baptist the cousin and forerunner for Jesus Christ.
Mark 1:1-10 “ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’ s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And forthwith coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on him.”
- Matthew 21:32 “For John came to you in the way of justice, and you did not believe him. But the publicans and the harlots believed him: but you, seeing it, did not even afterwards repent, that you might believe him”
When God Beckons [ an 8 part series] pt 1 by Pat Miron
When God beckons; it’s prudent to heed the call
43 “pagan” questions with Catholic answers; {5 at a time}
by Patrick Miron
Dear friend in Christ,
Thank you so much for your post. The questions you ask are well thought out but will require
lengthy and extensive replies to provide what you’re looking for. The Problem with that is the FORUM limits the size of post, as well as the PM [private mail] system.
As a FYI: I offer a TOTALLY FREE OF ALL COST course called “BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH” It is: 1. Comprehensive 2. Easy to read and comprehend 3. Provides the evidence [usually biblical] of what we do, what we believe and why we can do and believe it. Lessons are e-mailed once or twice a week [your call]. I also answer all Faith questions.
In an attempt to limit these replies to a readable and comprehendible length; I will address 5 of your questions at a time.
Also as filler information:
We hold and believe that there is
Only One True God
That One True God can and DOES have only One True Faith
And that God in the Old Testament [“Yehweh”] chose only One Chosen People; and Christ in the New Testament followed that tradition with founding ONLY One New Church. Which I will demonstrate in your first Question.
One God: [“Triune in Nature”] Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Mt. 3: 13-17 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him. And Jesus being baptized,{1} [JESUS: SON OF GOD] forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove,[ {2}God the “HOLY SPIRIT”] and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, [{3} GOD THE FATHER] in whom I am well pleased.”
This ONE True God; Has Three Divine Persons [Father, Son and Holy Spirit]. One Divine and Perfect Nature which each of them hold in its entirety. THIS IS PERHAPS THE MOST PROFOUND AND DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND FAITH-BELIEF. Which is why it requires what we call it; “Faith.”
Exodus 6:7 “And I will take you to myself for my people, I will be your God: and you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brought you out from the work prison of the Egyptians.” Mt. 26: 36-38 “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.This is the greatest and the first commandment”
ALSO you should be aware of something [that most folks aren’t [even “Christians”]; which is THE INFALLIBLE RULE FOR RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE. As a FYI, I share it with you here:
[I use caps for emphasis; not shouting]
“Never ever; can. May or DOES
One passage, verse or teaching
Have the power or authority to
Invalidate, make void or override another
Passage, verse or teaching.
Were this even the slightest possibility; [ITS NOT], it would render the bible as useless and worthless to teach or learn one’s Faith.”
Mt. 4: 4 ”Who answered and said: It is written, Not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God” 2nd.Tim. 3:16-17 “ All scripture, [IS] inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work”.
Other Christian faiths; all “manmade” and originated by founders who thought they knew more or knew better than God and the only Church He promised to guide and protect, which is WHY there exist today thousands of Protestant sects [means to “protest”]; yet :truth is as it MUST be: singular per defined issue.”
While there are many THOIUSANDS of self -professed; man-made “Christian religions” which started about 500 years ago , there is still Just One Catholic Church holding to the same basic beliefs and practices after about 2,000 Years, with 23 associated, same belief branches. AND Today’s Roman Catholic Church is the only Church and Faith desired by God; founded by God and protected by God; so help ME God! Today’s Catholic Church was the ONLY Christian Faith from the time of Christ for about 1,000 Years [‘The Great Eastern Schism 1010AD]; which too is provable historical fact. And todays Catholic Church is the only one that can prove these claims biblically.
[QUOTE]Dear all,
“I am interested to know more about Christian Religion. Please provide evidences from the Holy Bible.”[/QUOTE] I will endeavor to do just that; however you need to know that NOT everything is in the Bible.
- John 20:30-21“Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.” This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” John 21:24-25 “But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.”
- I will use primarily the Douay Rheims Catholic bible and it is the Oldest and truest translation. … http://www.drbo.org/chapter/50001.htm [a historically provable fact]
This also historically provable. Christ died around 33-35 AD. The bible in its entirety was authored by the end of-the First Century or the very early 2nd Century. There was a prolonged period of time when the bible did not exist in book form; although some individual letters did exist. Writing implements were scarce and very costly; PLUS the general population was mostly illiterate. So WORD of Mouth; following OT tradition and practice was very common and relied upon. And the very early Church grew despite not having the bible.
[QUOTE]1. Which is the true religion?[/QUOTE] “TRUTH” logically and Morally MUST BE singular per defined Issue. Pope Benedict said: “THERE CANNOT BE MY TRUTH AND YOUR TRUTH OR THERE WOULD BE NO TRUTH.”
First; you’re right. There can be, and is ONLY One True religion. It is both historically and biblically provable to be today’s Catholic Church.
Mt. 10: 1-8 “And having called his twelve disciples together, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities. And the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent: commanding them, saying: Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give”
- Mt. 16: 13-19 “And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, [Apostles] saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church [SINGULAR], and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I [Jesus] will give to thee [Peter] [ALL OF] the keys of the kingdom of heaven.And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven”
- John 17: 14-20 “I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world; I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth.Thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. [THIS MEANS PRECISELY WHAT IT SAYS: “WITH GOD’S OWN POWERS AND AUTHORITY] And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. [HERE JESUS GIVES HIMSELF AS WARRANTY OF THE TEACHING TRUTHS TAUGHT BY HIS CATHOLIC CHURCH… NO OTHER CAN MAKE THIS CLAIM!] And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me”
- Eph. 4: 2-7 “ With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body [MEANS ONLY ONE CHURCH] and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, [ONLY] one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.”
- Mark 16: 14-15 “ At length he [JESUS] appeared to the eleven [Apostles: Judas Christ betrayer killed himself] as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” NOTE HERE CHRIST CHANGED HIS ORIGINAL MANDATE TO GO ONLY TO THE JEWS; NOW TO THE ENTIRE WORLD, WHICH REQUIRES SUCCESSION IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH.
Mt. 28: 16-20 “And the eleven disciples [APOSTLES] went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And Jesus coming spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded [TAUGHT] you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”
Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Eph. 3: 9-10 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church [singular]the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
1 Cor. 12: 12-13 For just as the body [singular] is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, [singular] though many, are one body, [singular] so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit. [SO LONG AS ONLY THE ONE SET OF FAITH BELIEFS IS HELD TOO]
John 10:16“And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd”
So the answer to question #1,is today’s Catholic Church, which is founded by Christ on the Apostles and is historically traceable back to them. The Eastern churches that are in “Schism” WERE a part of the original CC, until they choose to separate themselves from us around 1010 AD. The CC was the ONLY “Christian Church” anywhere in the world until this sad event took place.
[QUOTE]2. What is the true name of God?[/QUOTE]
The short answer is “GOD”
In the Old Testament He is called “Yahweh” / the Omega : the First and the Last; the one that always was and always Is. The “great “I AM!”
Exodus 3:11-14 “And Moses said to God: Who am I that I should go to Pharao, and should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said to him: I will be with thee: and this thou shalt have for a sign, that I have sent thee: When thou shalt have brought my people out of Egypt, thou shalt offer sacrifice to God upon this mountain. Moses said to God: Lo, I shall go to the children of Israel, and say to them: The God of your fathers hath sent me to you. If they should say to me: What is his name? what shall I say to them? God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM.He said: Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel: HE WHO IS, hath sent me to you.”
Rev. 22:12-13 “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his works. I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Isaiah 9: 6-7 [ABOUT 700 YEARS BEFORE THE BIRTH IF JESUS CHRIST] “For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” The “most commpn name for God remains “Jesus Christ” who among a great many other things fut a “human face” ON GOD for our sakes.
[QUOTE] 3.Why we cannot see God?[/QUOTE]
Once again the short answer [not being glib here], is that God wants to be Known; more than seen. God is [because He us all things good] a Spiritual Entity. … Genesis 1: 1-5 “In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made. And God saw the light that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness. And he called the light Day, and the darkness Night; and there was evening and morning one day. “ &John 4: 23-24 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true adorers shall adore the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father also seeketh such to adore him. God is a spirit; and they that adore him, must adore him in spirit and in truth.”
That said; God is “All Powerful” and able to do any, yes, ANY Good thing. Not only did God become Incarnate man through Jesus Christ, but there are times when God had Angels [also spiritual beings] {the term means “God’s messengers”}, appear in human form.
Tobias 5: 5-8 “ Then Tobias going forth, found a beautiful young man, standing girded, and as it were ready to walk. And not knowing that he was an angel of God, he saluted him, and said: From whence art thou, good young man? But he answered: Of the children of Israel. And Tobias said to him: Knowest thou the way that leadeth to the country of the Medes? And he answered: I know it: and I have often walked through all the ways thereof, and I have abode with Gabelus our brother, who dwelleth at Rages a city of the Medes, which is situate in the mount of Ecbatana.
So we know now that God AND His Angels are “Spiritual Realities”; Spiritual Beings. In the First Book of Genesis, the first book of the bible we are informed that man [humanity] is made in the “image and likeness of God”
Gen. 1: 26-28 “And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. And God blessed them, saying:Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth”
Humanity is the pinnacle of the hierarchy of ALL Created Things. [the term means “to make something out of nothing]. So just HOW & WHY does man alone,of ALL created things in the Universe emulate the God who Created us?
Only man [humanity] is given a mind, [not speaking here of the brain], a intellect [not meaning ones “IQ”] and a freewill which are ALL prenatally attached to mans’ Soul. And like “God” [but to a lesser degree]; these things are too, Spiritual Realities. And like God they are also immortal. Cannot be killed and do not die. It is this “Other Self
of humanity” that will be judged in the Judgment; and will “see God” [intuitively] and then either attain heaven or hell; which ever OUR lives choices have determined. Man mortal bodies were Created from dust and will return to DUST upon death.
Genesis 3: 13 “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return to the earth, out of which thou wast taken: for dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return”
So that explains the HOW; now let’s address the WHY?
Isaiah 43 Verses 7 & 21 “And every one that calleth upon my name, I have created him for my glory, I have formed him, and made him. & This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise”
Man exist by God’s desire to be known, loved and served; fully and obediently. In fact the ENTIRE Universe exist so that man COULD know, in Awe and Wonder, that a Good God exist; and then freely choose to love and serve Him; or deny and hate Him.
In Old Testament times Yahweh appeared under various forms; but never as a human being until the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Some of the forms were:
Fire: Exodus 3:2 “And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burn”
A Cloud: Exodus 13:21“And the Lord went before them to shew the way by day in a pillar of a cloud, and by night in a pillar of fire: that he might be the guide of their journey at both times”
A Voice: Deuteronomy 5:22 “These words the Lord spoke to all the multitude of you in the mountain, out of the midst of the fire and the cloud, and the darkness, with a loud voice, adding nothing more: and he wrote them in two tables of stone, which he delivered unto me.”
The passages that quote Moses as “seeing” God “face to face” mean that God made His Presence known to Moses in a unique manner. Not a literal “face to face” meeting. Perhaps in the same manner He did with Peter, James and John in the New Testament at the “transfiguration?”
Mt. 17: 1-5 “And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him
[QUOTE]4. Does God have any partner?[/QUOTE]
Not is the sense that I THINK???? You’re asking?
God chose the Jewish nation and ordered them to build for Him a temple:
3 Kings 5:5 “Wherefore I [King Solomon; son of King David] purpose to build a temple to the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to David my father, saying: my son, whom I will set upon the throne in thy piece, he shall build a house to my name”
So it was the temple and those that worshiped God in it that were in a sense “God’s partners’.
Likewise it is in the New Testament; under the New Covenant; the only Church and Faith Founded, desired, guided and protected by God; todays Catholic Church that are God’s TRUE “friends,” and “partner” with Him in sharing HIS “Good News” [Gospel]. Others have GRAFTED themselves on to the vine, and are partial truth, and partial partners. BUT only the CC is in full communion with what God founded, desires and protects. JohnJohn.15: 15 “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you”
[QUOTE]5. Does God have a wife and children?[/QUOTE]
NO, that is a fable created by the Mormon /LDS church, just a few hundred years ago.
So this ends Q’s 1 through 5. PLEASE ask any questions this may raise.
God Bless you,
Patrick
Contraception is not God’s way; not God approved by Bishop James Conley
.- Bishop James Conley of Lincoln hopes his new pastoral letter on the sacrificial “language of love” and the disruptive immorality of contraception will be received “with open hearts and open minds.”
“My hope is that people, Catholic couples especially, and also Catholic physicians and pharmacists, will be willing to look at this issue again,” he told CNA March 20.
“The Language of Love” is Bishop Conley’s pastoral letter on the sacrificial nature of love and on contraception, officially promulgated March 25 — the feast of the Annunciation, when the Church celebrates Mary’s assent to becoming the Mother of God. The letter can be read in full, and listened to, here.
Bishop Conley said Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae,” which rejected contraception as contrary to Christian ethics, had a “prophetic message” that was “good news for all Catholics, since we know that the contraceptive mentality has been so pervasive and so devastating.”
He said he hopes that couples using contraception, and physicians prescribing it, will “think again” about their actions, and turn to “God’s tender mercy by making a good heartfelt confession.”
“Sacrifice is the language of love,” Bishop Conley wrote in his pastoral letter. “Love is spoken in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who poured out his life for us on the cross. Love is spoken in the sacrifice of the Christian life, sharing in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. And love is spoken in the sacrifice of parents, and pastors, and friends.”
“We live in a world short on love,” he lamented.
The pastoral letter warns that “when it rejects the gift of new life, through the use of contraception,” American culture is rejecting love.
“Husbands and wives are made to freely offer themselves as gifts to one another in friendship, and to share in the life-giving love of God.”
He said God created marriage to be unifying and procreative, joining husband and wife “inseparably in the mission of love, and to bring forth from that love something new.”
“Contraception robs the freedom for those possibilities,” he continued, warning that the use of contraception “gravely and seriously disrupts the sacrificial, holy and loving meaning of marriage itself.”
He said marriage is a call to “loving as God loves… freely, creatively and generously.”
The letter will be delivered to every registered family in the diocese, and will be made available as a podcast and as a broadcast on Nebraska Catholic radio.
Bishop Conley voiced gratitude for the example of the “hundreds of families” who have “opened themselves freely and generously to children.”
While this requires sacrifice, he said, “sacrifice is the harbinger of true joy.”
“The Language of Love” was inspired by a 1991 pastoral letter, “In Obedience to Christ,” issued by Bishop Glennon Flavin, who shepherded the Lincoln diocese from 1967 to 1992.
Bishop Flavin’s letter had discussed contraception’s incompatibility with Catholic married life and medical ethics, and is regarded as a landmark in the history of the Diocese of Lincoln.
Bishop Conley said that his predecessor’s letter had “a profound effect” on him as a young priest in the Diocese of Wichita.
When he became Bishop of Lincoln in November 2012, he began to think how he could re-present Bishop Flavin’s “wonderful, beautiful teaching,” which led to his preparation of “The Language of Love” as an update to his predecessor’s teaching.
Bishop Conley told CNA that Catholics who reject or ignore the immorality of contraception should look to the Church and to the teachings of Christ as “a message of love and mercy,” a message proclaimed by Pope Francis.
The bishop’s letter specially addressed Catholic physicians, pharmacists, and other health care professionals. He praised their efforts to help their patients, but at the same time he said no Catholic health care providers should engage in medicine “by undermining the gift of fertility.”
Health care, he noted, is “the art of healing,” while and contraception and sterilization “denigrate and degrade the body’s very purpose.”
John Brehany, executive director of the Catholic Medical Association, told CNA March 20 that he welcomed the pastoral letter as “a clear, compelling call to fidelity on an issue that is central to human happiness and health,” saying the letter has an “inspiring and constructive explanation” of Catholic teaching on contraception and sterilization.
Brehany said the letter can benefit faithful Catholic health care professionals through its “high-quality reaffirmation of Church teaching.”
“Even the choir needs to hear good sermons from time to time.”
The letter can bring clarity to health care professionals who are confused or ignorant of their moral obligations related to contraception and sterilization; Brehany said he knows many Catholic physicians who did not know about the immorality of these practices for many years.
“People respond to the truth, especially when it is spoken with clarity and love,” Brehany continued, encouraging lay Catholics to read the letter and to “share it with confidence.”
Tags: Diocese of Lincoln
The Death of Saint Joseph; husband of Mary
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- July 20, 18 AD, Nazareth, Israel
Saint Joseph, Died
https://www.google.ca/#q=Death+of+Saint+Joseph
Joseph died when Jesus was between 12 to 33 years old
Based off scripture we can deduce that Joseph died when Jesus was between the age of 12 and 33. We know that Joseph is still alive when Jesus is 12, as he and Mary search for Jesus who is ‘missing.’ There is no mention of Joseph after this event in Christ’s life. It is believed that he probably died before Jesus started his public mission because we find Mary mentioned and present a few times but never Joseph; except when it is remarked that Jesus is the son of Joseph the carpenter. With that in mind and a solid possibility that he died before Jesus was 30, we know for sure that Joseph was already dead when Jesus was 33 because that would have been around the age Jesus was put to dead. By Jesus’ placing Mary in the care of the apostle John during his execution this would suggest no one is left to take care of Mary. This leads us to believe that Joseph is already dead.
Granny Annie brings up a good observation. She mentioned in her answer above that Joseph would have died after Jesus learned the family trade from him. That makes sense as it is assumed that Jesus worked as a carpenter until he turned 30, and started his public mission.
note:
I should note that Jesus’ entrusting Mary in the care of John is significant on many levels, not just by the obvious (that there is no one left to take care of her). In giving Mary as John’s mother and John has her son, Jesus is symbolically giving Mary to all of us. He is giving Mary to be mother of his Church, and we who are the Church of Christ to be the sons of the Mother of God.
PARTS OF JOHN CHAPTER EIGHT
ASSEMBLED BY Patrick Miron
John.8: [3] The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst [4] they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. … [10] Jesus looked up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.” [BECAUSE OF her Faith in Jesus he forgives her the sin and tells her not to sin again.]
[12] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” … [13] The Pharisees then said to him, “You are bearing witness to yourself; your testimony is not true.” … [17] In your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true; [18] I bear witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me.” …[24] I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.”
[25] They said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Even what I have told you from the beginning. …[28] So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority but speak thus as the Father taught me.
[31] Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, [which MEANS TO LISTEN; TO HEAR; TO ACCEPT AND TO LIVE ACCORDINGLY …ONLY THEN] you are truly my disciples, [MEANS “THE new ‘Chosen-people’ of God”] [32] and you will know [BELIEVE What I Teach] …the truth, and the truth will make you free.” [ALL SINGULAR]
[34] Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin.
[35] The [SINNER] slave does not continue in the house for ever [means: DOES NOT MERIT ETERNAL LIFE]; [BUT] the son continues for ever. [36] So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. [SAVED].
[43] Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. [44] You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] But, because [AND] I tell the truth, [BUT] you [STILL] do not believe me. [46] Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?
[47] He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” [48] The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” [49] Jesus answered, “I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. [50] Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it and he will be the judge.
[51] Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.”
[54] Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God. [55] But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word.
[56] Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”
[57] The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”
[58] Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John.1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
1John.1 Verses 8 to 10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1John.5 Verses 16 to 17 “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal.
John.20 Verses 20 to 23” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained”
Heb.5 Verses 1 to 6 “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.” John.15: 16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Bible passages that reference CONFESION OF SINS
THE OLD TESTEMANT / OLD COVENANT WAY: … Lev. 16: 20-22 OT Forgiveness of sins: [20] “And when he has made an end of atoning for the holy place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat; and Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins; and he shall put them upon the head of the goat, and send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness. The goat shall bear all their iniquities upon him to a solitary land; and he shall let the goat go in the wilderness.”
I confess my iniquity, I am sorry for my sin. Psalm 38: 18
Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, Sir. 4:26
When a man is guilty in any of these, he shall confess the sin he has committed Lev. 5:5
he shall confess his sin which he has committed; and he shall make full restitution for his wrong Num. 5:7
Proverbs 28:13 “Those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy.”
Sirach 4:26 “Do not be ashamed to acknowledge your sins, and do not struggle against a rushing stream.”
I acknowledged my sin to thee, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; then thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5
Heb. 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant he treats the first as obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
And Christ who is God NEW COVENANT WAY of Forgiveness of sins
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Mt. 16:19
Jesus said to them [the Apostles] again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Jn .20:021-23
1 Jn. 1:8-10 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Eph. 4: 17 “Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness.”
First Peter 2: “So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation;
Romans 1: 24 ”Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen.”
Romans 2: 13 -16 “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. “
Matthew 11: 25 ”At that time Jesus declared, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
1: John 5: 16 If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal. [Mortal sin is so grievous that it completely separates us from a personal relationship with God until we BOTH repent and Confess! Pjm]
Acts.8:22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
The Old Covenant people of God understood the necessity of confession and repentance of sins to remain in fellowship with God. All sin sacrifices began with confession of sin and all peace offerings (communion sacrifices) with a confession of praise. These Old Covenant animal sacrifices prefigured the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Heb 10:1-10).
1Tim.6: 12 “Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
2 Cor. 7: 10 “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”
Matt.9 [6] But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic — “Rise, take up your bed and go home.” [8] When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Matt.10: [1] And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity
Matt.28: [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. This authority was given by the Father to the HUMAN NATURE of Jesus. Christ as God always possessed it. It was given in conjunction to the merits of Christ earned by His passion and death.
James 4: 7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind.” All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him”
Mt. 7: 21 “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.”
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn. 1: 9
Heb. 9: 15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.
Heb. 3: 1 “Therefore, holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession”
And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” Mt. 19: 17
Baptism the third way; BY DESIRE
“Ok, I would like to focus in more on Baptism of Desire. [1] Is this not an exception to the necessity of water baptism? [2] Is this an infallible (dogmatic) teaching of the church? [3] Has this always been taught (universally) by the church? [4] Is there biblical reference to baptism of desire. I know this particular subject has some controversy surrounding it (not just within Protestantism but with Traditional Catholics/[5]Sedevaticanist). Help me understand the controversy.
Thank you for your time,”
——–
by Patrick Miron
Thanks for asking
Amazingly I have never been asked this question before, and it’s a darn good one too.
I think I’ll give you the brief and direct replies first than explain it so that you have a fuller understanding of this issue. I’ve added numbers to your question points so you can follow along.
[1] Yes this is HIGHLY conditional
[2] Yes it is: CCC# 1259 For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament
[3] I think so? It dates back to the Apostles and the extensive persecutions of the Early Church. I’m not sure exactly when the DOCTRINE was defined. But I do know that it dates back to Apostolic times is Sacred Tradition, from which doctrines gain “birth.”
[4] Yes and that is what we will be discussing in far greater detail. The example that comes quickly to mind is “the good-thief.” But it’s more profound and complicated than just this example.
[5] Sedevaticanist are as a FYI; no-longer ROMAN Catholics and are in Schism with the RCC. Many of there positions are clearly heretical! Rome has been discussing their errors with them, and in the 50+ years of schism, little actual agreement has been found. Because of this no Catholic is to participate, approve, or support ANY of their position that oppose those of the Catholic Magisterium. To do so effectively DOES put them on a path towards Hell, unless they repent and convert.
The Code of Canon Law explains:
THE TEACHING FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH
LIBER III. DE ECCLESIAE MUNERE DOCENDI
Can. 747 §1. The Church, to which Christ the Lord has entrusted the deposit of faith so that with the assistance of the Holy Spirit it might protect the revealed truth reverently, examine it more closely, and proclaim and expound it faithfully, has the duty and innate right, independent of any human power whatsoever, to preach the gospel to all peoples, also using the means of social communication proper to it.
§2. It belongs to the Church always and everywhere to announce moral principles, even about the social order, and to render judgment concerning any human affairs insofar as the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls requires it.
Can. 748 §1. All persons are bound to seek the truth in those things which regard God and his Church and by virtue of divine law are bound by the obligation and possess the right of embracing and observing the truth which they have come to know.
§2. No one is ever permitted to coerce persons to embrace the Catholic faith against their conscience.
Can. 749 §1. By virtue of his office, the Supreme Pontiff possesses infallibility in teaching when as the supreme pastor and teacher of all the Christian faithful, who strengthens his brothers and sisters in the faith, he proclaims by definitive act that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held.
§2. The college of bishops also possesses infallibility in teaching when the bishops gathered together in an ecumenical council exercise the magisterium as teachers and judges of faith and morals who declare for the universal Church that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held definitively; or when dispersed throughout the world but preserving the bond of communion among themselves and with the successor of Peter and teaching authentically together with the Roman Pontiff matters of faith or morals, they agree that a particular proposition is to be held definitively.
§3. No doctrine is understood as defined infallibly unless this is manifestly evident.
Can. 750 §1. A person must believe with divine and Catholic faith all those things contained in the word of God, written or handed on, that is, in the one deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn magisterium of the Church or by its ordinary and universal magisterium which is manifested by the common adherence of the Christian faithful under the leadership of the sacred magisterium; therefore all are bound to avoid any doctrines whatsoever contrary to them.
§2. Each and every thing which is proposed definitively by the magisterium of the Church concerning the doctrine of faith and morals, that is, each and every thing which is required to safeguard reverently and to expound faithfully the same deposit of faith, is also to be firm-ly embraced and retained; therefore, one who rejects those propositions which are to be held definitively is opposed to the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
Can. 751 Heresy is the obstinate denial or obstinate doubt after the reception of baptism of some truth which is to be believed by divine and Catholic faith; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.
Can. 752 Although not an assent of faith, a religious submission of the intellect and will must be given to a doctrine which the Supreme Pontiff or the college of bishops declares concerning faith or morals when they exercise the authentic magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim it by definitive act; therefore, the Christian faithful are to take care to avoid those things which do not agree with it.
Now having shared this information, let’s see if we can make some sense of it and find support for these positions in the bible?
To gain a better and more full understanding of Baptism of Desire as God’s Will and a Teaching of the CC, one needs to review a couple of basic truths. [1] Who, and What are God? [2] Is there ANY validity to Sola Scriptura? [3] Just WHY everything is not in the Bible AND what did Christ do about it?
Your questions were not only “GOOD”, they are profound because they raise the issue of Catholic Church Teaching Authority, which is very often, either not understood, not accepted or even denied. Consequently it is necessary to take a somewhat convoluted route in answering your questions with evidence.
Let’s begin with a simple definition of God. One that finds wide acceptance within Christian communities.
GOD IS: “every good thing perfected.” So then we ask, are being “fair” and being “just” good things? Obviously they are. So then we can KNOW that everything God does must be both good and fair. God simply cannot contradict Himself, nor can God change who “God is.” Ps.110: 4 “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind”
Whenever questions arise such as your’s, the answer often is concealed within the bible. But why is it concealed? This gets to the issue of God’s “good and necessarily Perfect Devine Nature.” WHO”S in charge? Because we don’t “see” God; we often forget that He Is!
Wisdom 15:7 “The potter also tempering soft earth, with labour fashioneth every vessel for our service, and of the same clay he maketh both vessels that are for clean uses, and likewise such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of these vessels, the potter is the judge”
Isa.29: 16 “You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay; that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?
Jeremiah 18:6 “Cannot I do with you, as this potter, O house of Israel, saith the Lord? behold as clay is in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel“.
A GREAT many of the teachings in the bible are not rightly, not fully understood because we can so easily forget WHO”S IN CHARGE. Always it is God. Isaiah) 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.”
We, the most perfect, and most loved, and most cherished WORK of God’s hand [Genesis 1:26-27] must be ever mindful that God’s perfect plan was not to have everything clearly articulated in the bible. WHY? John 20:30-31 “Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.” John 21: 24-25 “This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.”
Because God is both “Good and Perfect”; God does not change. He may modify; and update, but foundational practices of the Old Testament Yahweh; are extended, improved and at times even expanded in the New Testament by Christ. WHY? Because we are now Under God’s-Grace, not simply [and clearly]; God’s laws. Indeed, the OT LEADS to the NT, which is completed and perfected Because we have now SEEN God, Been taught by God and receive Graces, not before granted by God; all through Jesus Christ.
Among the most evident and profound evidences of God’s Good and Perfect Devine Will, not being like mortal mans, is made manifest in non-Catholic Christians, Sedevaticanist included, bypassing, and not grasping the Powers and Authority granted by God to the ONLY Faith and Only Church that He Founded clearly expressed in the bible. There is ALWAYS an imposed penalty imposed by God who MUST BE “Fair” and “Just,” on all those who deny, ignore, or choose to compete with Him. The evident lack of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Fear of the Lord, are proof of this fact. Just how clear was this transfer of God’s Power and Authority? And just WHY was it an absolute necessity that God do this is our next point.
Matthew 10:1-8 “And having called his twelve disciples together, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities. And the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent: commanding them, saying: Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give”
It is critically important to note that two of the Evangelist; mark and Luke were NOT Apostles and yet Jesus choose to use them and personally warrants there works as well as those of the Apostles. Paul too was a God-added addition.
Here are other examples that are [our should be] exceedingly clear.
Matthew 16:18-19 “And I [your Good and Perfect GOD] say to thee: [alone here] That thou [YOU!] art Peter; and upon [YOU!] this rock I [Your Good and Perfect GOD] will build my church, [Singular] and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee [YOU! Peter] the [“MY ”keys] of the kingdom of heaven.And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.” This is passed on through Peter to the other Apostles in Matthew 18:18.
John 14: 16-18 “And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him; because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you”
John 20:21-22 “He [Our Good and Perfect God] said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.* When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost” * This means exactly what it say’s. Just as the father sent Me [God], I [now] send YOU, with MY Power and with MY Authority.
John 17: 14-20 “I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world; as I also am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. Sanctify them in truth. [God cannot deny Himself!] Thy word is truth. And for them do I sanctify [give as personal warranty; Myself-Personally, and guarantee of their teaching MY TRUTHS] myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.* [SAME AS ABOVE REPEATED] And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word [WHAT THEY TEACH in My Name] shall believe in me”
Mark 16:14-15 “At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Matthew 28:16-20 “ And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth*. [19] Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. *Here again for a third time Jesus makes clear His intent to pass on His Godly Powers and authority to the Apostles, through Peter; AND NOW BY VIRTUE OF THE DECISION TO EXPAND HIS MANDATE FORM ONLY THE JEWS; TO “THE”ENTIRE WORLD,” CHRIST HAS MANDATED PAPAL SUCCESSION. Nothing less would make this Mission a possibility.
So having established the Churches Power and Authority, as not only being from Christ; BUT also EQUAL to Christ own. “As the Father HAS sent ME; so TOO I NOW also SEND “YOU.”
The next thing then is to ask:
Just who does Christ hope to Redeem and be the Savior of? These terms are not biblically synonymous. “Redemption” is an accomplished fact, applies to ALL of humanity and the now renewed ability to [conditionally] access heaven. “Savior” references the highly conditional possibility of one attaining Salvation through the merits of Christ Sacrifice and grace.
Isaiah 43: 7 & 21 “And every one that calleth upon my name, I have created him for my glory, I have formed him, and made him & This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise”
1Tim.2: 4 “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Clearly it is God’s HOPE that “all men” attain eternal salvation. Yet we know also that Heaven, Hell and Purgatory all exist as parts of God’s plan, Fairness and Devine Justice. So then what is God’s Good; Fair, Just and Perfect plan to make this at least a possibility? The answer is His Church; Founded by Him, Protected by Him and warranted in ALL that She Teaches on matters of Faith that MUST be accepted; and on ALL Moral issues and matters. And this flows form what Yahweh did in the Old Testament. God has always, and consistently chosen a “single man” to rule His Chosen people. From Noah; Abraham, Moses, Aaron, The Judges, Kings like David and Solomon, the Prophets, leading to Christ Himself, who choose Peter and the Apostles through and with Peter, and Himself established in an absolute sense the papacy and succession in order to even have a possibility of fulfilling the MANDATE, he our Good and perfect God gave to Peter and the Apostles through him.
Heaven:
Matt.4: 17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt.5: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Hell:
Matt.10: 28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Luke.12: 5 “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him!”
Purgatory:
Rev. 21: 27 “But nothing unclean shall enter it, nor any one who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Mt. 5: 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny. Matt.5: 48 “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
So now we know and have proven biblically:
That God is in Charge
Has a Plan
That this plan requires specific Powers and Authority who Christ bestows exclusively on His Church; because it alone can, and does have the God granted ability to Teach ALL of His truths
That in order to fulfill the MANDATE given personally and exclusively to HIS Apostles; Christ HAD TO [absolutely] empower Peter, his Successors and the Church to make and enforce teachings, rules and regulations that would be accepted by God. That is the precise Gift of Power and Authority given by Christ to Peter: Matthew 16:19 “And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven” That is exactly what this passage is saying and doing.
Baptism of desire and Baptism of Blood FLOW from God’s Mercy; Love and DESIRE to SAVE as many as cooperate with GOD”S PERFECT plan. In the Early Church and even in present times there exist conditions that are beyond the “church’s reach.”
Severe Persecutions; a shortage of priest; underground churches existed in the early church and continue to exist today. Places like China, Russia, North Korea, the Middle East remain places of SEVERE Christian and notably, Catholic, persecutions in our time. Is God to ignore their plight? Can God: “Good; Perfect; Just and Fair” simply ignore and not provide for the POSSIBILITY of salvation to all of these, who CHOOSE GOD, but have no opportunity to receive the Sacraments? NO! God cannot, nor can God’s Church [singular] permit such to exist.
So while this doctrine, like the papacy, like Transubstanuation, like “the Trinity,” and numerous other examples are not explicitly articulated in the “bible” [another term NOT found in the bible], they are nevertheless taught, accepted and practiced.
Baptism of desire is HIGHLY conditional. The Normal, expected and accepted manner IS universally with Water in the Name of the Blessed Trinity. Matthew 28:19-20 “Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”
With the passing on of the very KEY”S to heaven; God HAD to and HAS to give sufficient Powers and Authority to His One Faith; One Church, to make it possible for ALL men, to conditionally attain Salvation. Only those to whom GOD [alone] has NOT made possible reception of the Sacrament of Baptism, in its NORMAL form; and then ONLY those who 1. KNOW God 2. Desire to be with God, freely choose to obey and Worship God ALONE might be so-baptized. 3. Not by there freewill-choice, but by imposed conditions that prohibit the sacrament’s normal application are eligible. AND ONLY God can and does determine WHO actually and rightly receives this necessary to everyone’s Salvation; Sacrament in this extraordinary form.
2nd. Cor. 4:7-15 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us. In all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute; We suffer persecution, but are not forsaken; we are cast down, but we perish not: Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies.
For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake; that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe, for which cause we speak also: Knowing that he who raised up Jesus, will raise us up also with Jesus, and place us with you. For all things are for your sakes; that the grace abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.” Matthew 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” AMEN? AMEN!
As always, I am grateful for your questions and interest. If this does not fully explain it, them PLEASE let me know.
God’s continued Blessings,
Pat
On God's Payroll 