Aside – On God's Payroll

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.

www.agapebiblestudy.com

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

I’m Catholic

Booklet Three

Freewill does not mean Free Reign

By Pat Miron

How prayer worked in my life

“All Saints were sinners and …All Sinners Can be saints”

But who are you, a man to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me thus?’ ‘Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out lump one vessel for beauty and another for menial use?’ ” Rom: 9: 20-21 God is the potter, and we are the clay obligated to cooperate with His holy will and permit Him to mold us and use us for His greater glory in what ever manner best serves His purpose.

“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.” Mt: 28: I9-20 These words of Christ apply to you and me. We don’t exist on an island in a vacuum; the laws of God bind all of His children. Those expressed by Christ, in the bible, and His teaching authority, the Magisterium, are as valid and binding today as on the date of issue. Catholicism is not a cafeteria style, pick and choose religion. If we are to be fully spiritually nourished, we take it all in, obey all its laws and rules, such is necessary for our salvation.

Christ owned nothing, but possessed everything. We, who live in the most affluent, dispersed wealth economy in the world’s history, have a grave obligation to share with others what God has given us. Whether it is (in our perception) little, or a lot. We are to share all of our gifts, money, time and talents; we are to spend ourselves in the vineyard of our Lord and God.

This is an easier “sermon” to preach, than to live. As I look back on the many challenges that my wife Karen and I have had to face, and continue to face, with a daughter and two grandchildren living with us, it is clearly evident that we are not made to “go it alone.” The Holy Spirit is a necessity, not a luxury.

Thus far we have looked at several kinds and aspects of prayer. As a testimony of the merciful love of God and the power of prayer, I will share the effects of the graces available through prayer evidenced in my life

After we were married, “stereo typical male” that I seem to be at times; I was completely focused on getting ahead, and “daddy practicing” and not at all concerned about God; like a favorite toy, I put religion on a shelf for safekeeping. I was simply too busy to “play” with it at the time. After an affair and the threat of divorce, it would still be awhile before my (thank God!), good religious upbringing would finally take hold.

I was raised in a Catholic orphanage, without the benefit of parental role modeling guidance until my- mid – teen years. Somewhere along the way, I picked up the silly notion that the husband’s primary (as in only) duty was providing for the material welfare of his family and everything else-was the wife’s responsibility. Habits, both good and bad, are difficult to break. I~ ~ was doing my “Catholic duty.” Attended Holy Mass regularly, gave financial support to the Church, and I even sang in the choir. But oh, how I love to work! I’m a workaholic

My conversion experience:

My high regard for selfish, self -focused behavior had to have a negative impact on my marriage. After many job relocation’s, mostly due to promotions, much loneliness for Karen, and having destroyed the walls of the faith in each other so necessary to keep a marriage together, Karen informed me that she “needed more” than I had demonstrated the willingness to give. She filed for an uncontested divorce and received full custody of our two kids. I had come half way; I was now for many years, faithful in our union, but still wrongly focused on getting ahead, and not assuming my God given role as a father and a dad. I really loved Karen and our kids, but labored under the egregious impression that the way to demonstrate that love was to buy them “stuff,” lots of stuff!

The divorce was the most excruciating experience of my life, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I found the experience to be humiliating. It shook the core of my soul, my self-confidence was destroyed in a single blow, and I was forced to face my nothingness, old feelings of being unlovable were given new life. Knowing that it was my own doing was of little comfort. I was knocked to my knees physically and spiritually. Seemingly by instinct (the supernatural grace of the Holy Spirit), I knew that even though I was unlovable, Jesus still loved me. I attempted to give my pain to Him. In His mercy, and through His Divine Providence, My life – long (over fourty years) friend and mentor Al, with the support of his wife, would not permit me to drown in my own self-pity. At the time they were very active in the Charismatic Movement in the greater Detroit area, and as was God’s will the National Conference would be coming soon to the Michigan State campus, and I should plan on attending. This was not so much a suggestion, as an order.

Like many Catholics of the time, my Catholicism was just that, my (as in private and personal) Catholicism. There was little if any instruction or understanding of being an active member of the Church Militant. Holy Mass was in Latin, and we prayed mostly by ourselves, except for the Holy Rosary, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, which was also in Latin, and the Holy Stations of the Cross. These were the legitimate reasons for Vatican II renewal and call for more active participation. I agreed conditionally to attend the two – day conference, even though I knew that I would be extremely uncomfortable by the physical, very vocal, and public display of showing God that we love Him. I have always been able to speak to a group, but strangely this didn’t spill over to a comfort level of mixing with strangers at a party, or sharing my faith beliefs. They promised to leave God and me alone, but didn’t keep their promise. The Conference was held in the Michigan State basketball stadium, which I would estimate, holds about thirty thousand fans. The attendees of the National Charismatic Conference filled about half of the seating.

On the first day I sat by myself near the top of the bleachers. There wasn’t a soul within twenty rows of where I was seated. Shortly before Holy Mass, which was around noon, (the ~conference started at nine a.m.), four very senior citizens came and sat directly behind me. I was amazed that they had the physical ability to climb that high and annoyed that they choose to sit by me when there were oh so many better options. No greetings were exchanged. It was announced that we would sing a few songs prior to the celebration of Holy Mass to get us more in the spirit, and to better prepare our souls for Christ coming. Two of the seniors sang so poorly (and loudly) ~ that I considered moving so I could better meditate and prepare for Holy Mass. The only reason I didn’t do it was to avoid embarrassing both the elders and myself.

Holy Mass began, and we started to sing the entrance song; all of a sudden I became aware that no longer was the singing behind me a distraction, but in fact had become the most beautiful singing that I had ever heard. Clearly all four were joined in this profoundly beautiful praise to God. I stopped singing and listened; it was as though the heavenly host was serenading God and me. Even stranger, right after the song was completed, the four seniors, without a word left for parts unknown. Wow! Suddenly, I felt as though a great burden had been lifted from my soul, and my spirit, was able to better focus on the rite of Holy Mass. The balance of the day went without incident.

Day two began at eight a.m., with a prayer service and praise. Charismatic’s are really big on vocal praise. Soon after the morning prayer and praise their was a break, and my friend Al climbed the bleachers to my perch, and hauled be down to the floor of the stadium, where a special group of nuns and laity were going to pray over me. They seemed to either know or sense my pain, and got me to admit how badly I was hurting. I confessed to wanting more than any other favor from God, to be reunited with Karen and the kids. (Karen allowed me free access to the kids and I saw them several times every week.) They prayed over me, touched me hugged me and somehow (God’s grace) I knew that God was personally very interested in my plight. The highlight of day two was to be a healing Mass, and a blessing time that would allow one to be slain -in -the – Spirit, which is a blessing where one is filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, and goes unconscious for a short period. A bit similar to passing out, but one does not collapse, but rather falls backwards into the arms of the waiting helper, who lays them gently on the floor, until they come back around.

My friend AI who is well over six feet tall and about two hundred and fifty pounds, was assisted by a person half his build, and who with the grace of God, handled his weight as thought he were but a child. This blessing is too a special gift from God; one must be a firm believer in order for the blessing to take effect.

At the healing Mass were a nun from Africa, and a priest from parts unknown. Both were reported to be blessed with the gift of physical healing. I confess I have never doubted God’s ability or desire to heal us when it was His Holy Will; I had never witnessed any healing before, but was not the least bit skeptical. That day I witnessed multiple healing, through the power of Almighty God, and the hands of these two blessed and faithful people. Crippled were healed and made to walk, sight was restored, cancer was cured and while I prayed for each soul brave enough, and faith filled enough to present themselves healing. I had declined repeatedly the opportunity to present myself for healing as I have suffered all my life from a serious intermittent back condition that was aggravated while I was in the US Air Force, and subsequently I was medically discharged for it. My medical prognosis was that by age forty I could expect to not be unable to walk unaided

While all this was going on, sitting all alone near the top of the stadium, which has a circle of windows near the top, I became aware of a strong light off to my left. At first I paid it little attention, as I thought it might be the sun. What got my attention was that it continued to move slowly but steadily towards me. Suddenly I lost focus of the heading’s, fully aware that I was witnessing real miracles before my very eyes, and prayerfully grateful to God for the blessings. As the light got closer to being directly in front of me, I knew that I was in the presence of God, and I knew mysteriously, that He came to visit me, but why? The answer was immediate! When the light stopped right in front of me (I was only a row or two below the window line) it became so bright that I had to shut my eyes. Suddenly I felt and intense heat in my lower back, in the area of my then constant pain. I knew that I was being healed, and uttered in total amazement, why me Lord? I knew that I was a sinner and that our Lord knew well what I was, what I am. No sooner had I uttered, why me Lord, than the light and the heat disappeared. I felt completely at peace for the first time in a long time. I refocused on what was taking place before me, looked around, sure that someone else had seen the light, but there was no evidence that anyone else had. The day went on, and I just sat there and prayed. I didn’t feel any different physically, but spiritually I was floating on a cloud.

Later that evening when a group of us met to discuss the day’s events, there was a joy that can only be had by an encounter and close union with God. A lively discussion followed, as the intense emotions needed a release valve. I remained quiet, as I knew only two of the people in the group. Suddenly, one of the members noticed that I hadn’t participated, and when Al explained that I was not a Charismatic, but in need of prayer, their curiosity was piqued, and I was asked to give my impressions of the conference. I was as brief as possible in my response, which was highly favorable. Then I was asked, “What did God do for you?” Somewhat embarrassed I explained about the light, the heat on my lower back, my back problems, and then before I could finish, ~Al (who “invited me” to the conference) interrupted me and asked What ~~~:my response was? I told him and the group that, fully aware of what was taking place, I asked, “why me God” and again before I could say anything else, Al told me, “your healing is only partial”, the proper response was to only say ‘thank you Lord. ‘ ” He was right; I’m still walking, but continue occasionally to experience the pain in my lower back. It is a good reminder, and I am most grateful for the blessings of friends that had the courage to practice their faith, and make me go with them.

Not too long after this, Karen contracted “the world’s worse case of poison Ivy.” (God always lets us know His Will, its just that sometime we are too insensitive, or thickheaded to hear the call.) Karen figured it out, and we again exchanged vows in a private Church ceremony a few months later. (A civil divorce doesn’t nullify a proper consummated Catholic marriage. In the eyes of God and the Church we were never divorced.)

It was on the occasion of taking our son to his weekly religious education class, and asking what did you learn, that God gave me my most poignant wake up (you dummy) call. Casually, I asked, what did you learn today? His reply to my question was “nothing.” I pressed for a more specific response, and he said, “Dad, you could teach me more than they do.” Wow! Out of the mouths of babes. Sean was right, I could, and God was telling me clearly that I should, so I finally listened and obeyed. I called the next day and offered to be an assistant teacher. God would have none of it. The regular teacher conveniently quit, and I “substituted” with Karen as my assistant for the next ten years. Finally, I was doing what God expected. I suspect that I learned as much or more than our students did. Certainly my desire to learn, live and really practice my faith was “reborn” from these experiences. God’s will always will be done! We can delay it, but it’s nearly impossible to thwart it.

Finally I really did turn back to God, wife and family; it took me a long time to refocus my lives priorities to God first, Karen and family second, and work third. These events took place over the past thirty years, [We just celebrated our 44^th. Wedding Anniversary] and still bring painful memories. Thank God, we are madly and passionately in love with and each other, and God. With Karen’s support God is now my number one priority. Still in retail, I have been unable to find a management position that keeps me home with Karen and the kids, so I accepted employment as a commissioned sales associate, selling major appliances for Sears. This was a double cross, as I am so well qualified to be a manager, (I’m really good at it) but the sales position made me more reliant on the Divine providence of God. He is and must be in charge.

Knowing and accepting the crosses that we are given is a grace and can be a form of catechesis. “Thy will be done.” Amen. Obedient acceptance and change, brought about through prayer has allowed God to work these changes in my life. With God nothing is impossible, prayer is the most powerful tool given to us to over come sin in our lives. One of the most important messages in this book is that we all need to develop a strong and consistent prayer life. God does hear and always responds.

“The Church was founded for the purpose of spreading the kingdom of Christ throughout the earth for the glory of God the Father, and to enable all men to share in His saving redemption. All activity of the Mystical Body directed to the attainment of that goal is called the apostolate. For the Christian vocation by its very nature is a vocation to the Apostolate. In the Church there is a diversity of ministry but a oneness of mission.” Vatican II, Decree on the Apostolate Of The Laity. (AA)

God places us where we are at for the dual purpose of getting ourselves and others to heaven, and this can only be accomplished by living in union with Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Jn: I5: 5 We must continue to make progress in holiness. Just s one cannot forever swim in place, similarly it is not possible to simply maintain ones current position. Prayer is the key to holiness, as evidenced from Christ Himself; Jesus and all saints were people of prayer. Like a burning candle, the evidence is not clear while we watch, but change is taking place. We either grow closer to God, or we move, perhaps, imperceptibility, away from God’s love and grace.

It’s good to recall what Saint Peter tells us about living together. “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, for you has tasted the kindness of the Lord. “ 1Pet: 2: I-3 Nothing good can or will be accomplished without charity and, darn few things without sacrifice, which is something precious to us, to be given up as a willing offering to God.

We, Christ faithful and we, who may not be quite so faithful are called by God and led by the Holy Spirit, to be today’s Apostles, disciples and Saints. To the degree that we succeed or fail in our mission, the Church that Christ founded will grow or wither. Simply put, if we don’t do it, it likely won’t get done. cf. CIC. 225 §I

The most common, and most effective method of evangelization is by our lives example. It is impossible to know how many people we can and do influence within and outside of our family and work communities by the daily repeated decisions we make, and the example we set. Keep always charity and truth in mind, and be ever mindful that by our personal example we are always teaching someone, something. If others know that we are Catholics (and they should), they will judge us more harshly and have greater expatiation’s of us, as does Christ. “All Christ’s faithful, each according to his or her own condition, must make a wholehearted effort to lead a holy life, and to promote the growth of the Church and its continual sanctification.” CIC 2I0

But our live example is just one way that we are to evangelize; we are also to share our God given talents by working in our parish communities, and in the broader world community in which we live. We are also obligated to provide reasonable sustenance to our parish, our pastor, and our Universal Church, and it’s organizations. Far more are called to active participation, than respond to the call. Pray about your call, if the thought occurs more than once that God may be asking you to assist in a parish role, or other matter, it is quite likely that He indeed is calling you for this task. Never ask, “why me Lord,” and give no prolong thought to the personal cost to you. God knows these things, and still God calls.

A form of catechesis often overlooked is making welcome all new members into our Church and our parish. This is extremely important for several reasons including; it is a duty every Christian in charity. New Catholics are very vulnerable to Satan; many of them come from other Christian sects that nearly always are more sociable and less rigid with fewer demands than we Catholics have. That we are commonly less social is a sad commentary on us. Leading by example, demonstrating that faithful Catholicism can be lived in Christ true Church and making them feel truly welcome is a privilege, an opportunity for grace and an not to be ~overlooked. Care needs to be taken to not discredit where they came from only to welcome them home with care and sensitivity to the ONLY Church that Christ Himself founded. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on Love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col: 3:I2-I4

Just this week I encountered after daily Mass some friends that I had not seen in about twenty years. They have never been members of my parish, but recently their handicapped son had moved out and became a new parish member. He complained to them about not feeling welcomed, and as we are a somewhat stereotypical Catholic parish, of great renown for minding our own business (or at least pretending to) I suspect that he was correct in his analysis. They were visiting in hopes of seeing my pastor to make him aware of the situation, which hopes of getting improvement. We spoke at length about the strange cool indifference (for professed lovers of God, sister and brother) we Catholics seem infamous for.

We Catholics seem to seldom be aware of who ~ is in the pew with us, or around us. Seeming for fear of being struck dead, most of us would NEVER greet a stranger in church. I confess to be occasionally guilty of the same sin. Why is this? My sister left the Catholic Church for “better preaching and more fellowship.” (How damned sad this is!)

This is precisely one of the problems Vatican Council II tried to address, but to date seems to have made little headway in improving. I can think of several reasons why this reality exists, but NOT a single good one. Not one that is as valid as Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

I might add that poor preaching, lousy fellowship, or any other reason are ~ inadequate excuses for leaving the only Church founded by Christ, and for (possibly) trading ones soul for a personal preference that may change tomorrow. Let’s alter this perception by our evident love and concern for each other. Look for strangers in Church to say “hi” too. A smile is contagious. Christ’s faithful are “those who, since they are incorporated into Christ through baptism, are constituted the people of God. For this reason they participate in their own way in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ. They are called each according to his or her particular condition, to exercise the mission, which God entrusted to them. CIC: 204.

“Those who are married (both the husband and the wife), are bound by the special obligation, in accordance with their own vocation, to strive for the building up of the people of God through their marriage and family. Because they gave life to their children, parents have the most serious obligation and the right to educate them. It is therefore primarily the responsibility of (both) Christian parents to ensure the Christian education of their children in accordance with the teaching of the Church “CIC 226 §I, §2.

If you have a Catholic school in your parish, make every effort to support it by sending your children, and grandchildren there. If your Catholic school has become too secularized, work to change it, always with charity, and prayerfully consider the call to “home – school” your children.

At times we hear that “today’s youth will be tomorrow’s citizens”; true enough, they will also be the ones who sustain and continue to build Christ’s Church. If we fail to know, live and share our faith, we are potentially putting the roots of our Catholic faith at risk. It is from our families that future priest, religious and Brothers must come. If we don’t promote and pray for vocations we are casting the die for a secularly run and administered Church, which already suffers from excessive feminism. When we reach the point of no Ordained priest, we effectively have “no Catholic Church,” as ONLY an Ordained priest can make the Real Presence of Jesus Christ a reality! Can there be a Catholic Church without Christ? No, I think not.

In fulfilling our grave obligation to educate our children, and thus contribute greatly to building God’s Church, it is necessary to point out that darn few of the Universities in America that call themselves Catholic, really – faithfully are. Take great care in your discernment process, and pay particular attention to the Theology departments. Speak to a priest whom you know to be obedient to Rome for advice. Many of the best known “Catholic Universities” are no longer worthy of the name Catholic.

Simple proclamation and self-identification do not alone make one a true Catholic. Nor does Baptism in and of itself. Practicing Catholics, must know, live, and share all their faith. Practicing Catholics are fully obedient to all the Catholic Magisterium teachings (the official teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church), and to our Supreme Pontiff, our Pope. In the language of our Church, we are in full communion. Practicing Catholics make regular use of the sacraments. Practicing Catholics cannot, must not “pick N’ choose” what they will obey, and what they feel is optional as it cramps their style. There is always but a single truth, to discover and obey.

It is of extreme importance that we understand that a church not in obedience to God, is a church, being offered limited, perhaps even no graces from God. This reality is evident in the current blasphemous scandals recently brought to light, and those still ebbing their way to the light of truth.

We might ask is there enough evidence convicting me of being a “Catholic”?

Here is a short checklist one might consider for a Catholic Faith check-up.

1.Do I attend Holy Mass Every Sunday and Holy day? Do everything I am able to insure that my family members also attend? Do I actively participate, and lead by example?

2. Do I fully accept Christ teaching on the Holy Eucharist? That it is Really Jesus, Glorified Body, Soul and Divinity that we receive in Holy Communion. Do my actions support my belief?

3.Do I go to Confession regularly? Do I encourage my family members to do the same?

4.Am I fully, keenly aware that I am receiving the Very Real Body and Blood of Jesus, my Savior? Do my actions belie my belief or support it?

5.Do I, or could I attend Holy Mass more often? Do I have an active daily prayer life?

6. Do I share my faith with my family and friends? Am I a good Catholic example at home and at work? Do we regularly schedule and plan to eat meals as family?

7. If a stranger came into my home, would they know without words, that this is a Catholic home, would they see a Bible out? (One that’s actually used).

8.Would Jesus approve of what I watch on TV (and allow my family to watch)? Would Jesus approve of my friends, and those of my children?

9.Do I ever share my Catholic Faith with others? With my family?

I0.What do I do to keep learning my faith, too properly form my conscience, to keep me on the right path?

11.Do I obey the Catholic Magisterium teaching on birth control, pre-material sex, abortion, all of which are grievous sins? (This mandate includes not voting or supporting those who do)

I2.As a husband, do I take the proper leadership role in the family?

I3.As a wife do I support my husband’s role as leader of our family?

I4.Do I vote my conscience or my political affiliation? We are obligated to vote for the person and or party that will for example, not support abortion, which is murder. We must vote “Catholic” moral issues, and not support those, who in Catholic name only, scandalize our Church, by their public positions that are clearly in apposition to Christ and His Church.

This is a grave obligation: Would we be found guilty of really being a practicing Catholic? Clearly to be an informed, practicing Catholic requires continued spiritual growth and holiness, and these are only possible with the grace of God and assistance of the Holy Spirit. To be known as a Catholic in today’s secular, anti-Christian, “hate Catholics,” society requires the ~ courage of “the Martyrs” and friend that is exactly what we are called to be.

Here is a suggestion on how to begin? With prayer, lots of prayer, the sacraments, especially Penance and Holy Eucharist, regularly, piously and eagerly received. Start in a small way, and grow with God’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance and grace.

You may wish to consider starting with your immediate family, progress to your extended family, proceed to your Work environment, participate in your parish community, and if you feel called, go into the world – proclaiming the Good News, by knowing it, living it and loving it. Always in truth and always with charity. We don’t have to do it all; the Holy Spirit will assist us, and those we are trying to convert and save. Beware that once we start to “preach,” we become even greater targets of Satan, and we will be judged not so much by what we say, but how we live what we preach. “By their fruits you shall know them.”

“Command and teach these things. Let no one have contempt for your youth or inexperience because the Holy Spirit is with you, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Be diligent in these matters; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” Saint Paul Tim: 4: I2-I6

Our goal is perfection, and while that may not be humanly possible, a perfect effort is within our reach and. It requires sacrifice, commitment and effort. It will require prayer, lots of prayer, and a pious, holy life style. God will take the clay we offer Him, and make what is pleasing unto Him. A former pastor used to occasionally ask, “who died and put you in charge of the results committee.” I still find it necessary to ask myself this question at times. Far from perfect, like you, I’m still only a saint in progress that’s the way God made us.

“I have given them the words, which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, that they may be one, even as we are one. I have given them your word; and the world has hated them because they – are not of the world. I pray that you will keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 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. Father, I desire that they, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory.” Jn: I7: 8, 11, I5, I7 -I9, 24

Discussion Questions: Booklet Three

1. What are some of the effects of prayer?

2. What does God call each of us to be?

3. Who is responsible for the education of their children? How is this best exercised? What advice does Saint Paul give about living together?

How often must a Catholic attend Holy Mass. How serious are the consequences for intentionally failing this responsibility?

What might be considered valid justification for one to leave the Catholic Church in favor of another Christian denomination?

i Catholic

by Pat Miron

Key’s “to The Kingdom” Explained

Collected and written in part by Pat Miron

Introduction by Marianne [A friend and convert]

That was a great reply! Now, she’ll be armed against protestant claims that “petra” and “petros” are different words. They were in Attic Greek, centuries before Christ, but in Koine Greek, they were the same word with feminine/masculine endings. And, of course, protestant skeptics overlook the evidence of Peter’s title in Aramaic altogether!

A small interesting point about the transfiguration and Simon’s appointment as first pope. It happened at the headwaters of the Jordan, at the site of an older temple of the pagan Hellenistic god Pan and the later white marble temple Herod built to Caesar Augustus. There, a site that had been dedicated to false gods – imaginary and human – is supplanted by the creation of the one, holy, apostolic, AND visible Church. Here, where the headwaters of the Jordan arise in a great fountain, on the mountain of Caesaria Phillipi, Jesus establishes the new order. I find that a thrilling image. Where there had been superstition, fear, and slavery, Jesus creates Mother Church, to guide and preserve us. And he gives us Peter, the Rock, our Holy Father, to stand upon that high place to inspire and lead us. She is a visible Church, created to stand high upon a mountaintop, led by a human. This is another rebuttal of protestant theology that the Church is an invisible entity. The Church is a visible, human institution not some airy-fairy “spiritual” idea. One can go to that mountain today and stand where Peter stood and watch the waters of baptism well up out of the ground. Jesus gave us physical touchstones to confirm our faith: water, bread, wine, a Pope.

blessings to you my friend,

In your opinion, what does the phrase “keys to the kingdom” refer to?

Quote:

“I would like just one Catholic to tell me specifically what they think these keys are that” were given to their church.”

Who? Jesus the Christ [Mt. 16:16] The Son of God. All Knowing – all Wise – all everything Good. A key element of Gods Perfect Goodness is that God is and has to be “All-Fair and All Just.” Otherwise He would not be God.

The words used by Jesus are carefully selected to insure proper understanding.

[Mt. 16: 15-19] He [JESUS] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, [Peter is in a personal one on one conversation with Jesus here] “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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. And [JESUS]I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock [ON YOU PETER] I will build my [SINGULAR] church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] I [Jesus] will give you [PETER / My new Church] the keys of the kingdom of heaven, [To be understood as everything one needs to get to heaven; Including Christ Himself] and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The choice of words selected by Christ. To “bind” and to “loose” were common, rabbinical, legally binding at Law terms for exactly that! Complete, and free governance. Jesus, Peter and all that heard knew exactly what Jesus meant!

WHERE Mt. 16:13: “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” “

Caesarea Philippi is in the Northern hill country of Judea. It was a by their standards, a large town. It was also the site of the areas Major Pagan Temple.

The location Jesus chooses is a clear indication of the Mission of His Church, and Peter and the Apostles. “Overcome, do away with pagan worship.” Jesus not only gives His Church this Mission, He gives His Church all of the tools and authority needed to accomplish it!

Why? The “Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven” is a literal statement of FACT! [Mt. 16:19] Jesus speaking directly to Saint Peter at the occasion of Founding His [now Catholic] Church: “[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.”

This is what Jesus said, did, intended and has accomplished. It’s what the Word of God clearly says and clearly means. Amen!

Back in the time if Jesus it was common for major cites to be walled in for protection from attack. These cities actually had two real GATES, with REAL KEYS. A minor gate and the Main gate.

Now under independent rule, each major city also had there own king, and thus a “kingdom.” So there were many Kings and many kingdoms. A brief reading of the Old Testament list many Kings (who often merged with other kingdoms for the purpose of self-defense) because they were often too small to be completely independent against other NATIONS, who too merged all of their kingdoms resources to do battle and gain territory.

So the Apostles and the Jewish people of that time period would have been familiar and comfortable with the idea of a King and his Kingdom, as well as a Prime Minister who is the Keeper of the Key’s.

Typically the Prime Minister had complete, autonomous control of ALL day to day activities. The Prime Minister answered to NO-ONE except the King Himself. Thus the Pope answers directly to God.

This is the common understanding and the very reason for the specific reference to “Keys” and the “Kingdom.” There would have been absolutely zero doubts about what Christ was saying, doing and mandating for Peter, now the “Prime Minister” for Christ new Kingdom!

This account is historically provable. Indeed Christ intended to start His (ONE) Church, and to give Peter and those “prime-ministers” (POPES) complete and autonomous control and governance of His Church. WHY? Because Christ knew He would soon return to the Father.

Isaiah 22:22-24 Re: PETER(and Jesus)“And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him like a peg in a sure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. And they will hang on him the whole weight of his father’s house, the offspring and issue, every small vessel, from the cups to all the flagons”

Mt. 28: 19-20 “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.”

John 10: 1“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door [ MY CHURCH] but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2 but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Rev. 3: [RE: PETER] [/b]. “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shall shut, who shuts and no one opens.

Eph. 2:19 “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 [SINGULAR] in the Lord; [singular] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” [b]

John 20: 19-22 “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 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.”

The last two color-highlighted verses are pregnant with teaching and meaning: Jesus is in the upper room with the eleven Apostles and 120 other disciples…. Clearly He is speaking Directly to the Apostles. [Verses 17 and 23 give evidence of this], as do these passages:

Mark.16:14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen“. Luke.24: 9 “and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them,”

As the Father [God] has sent “Me” [also God and man] , even so I [God] send you.”

This is saying that Just as I came in the Power of God; so I send you with My Powers. It is these words that are attributed as Christ Officially initiation of the CC. [“CC”] means the Roman Catholic Church with Her Present 22 branches that are in FULL Communion with Rome. [The term means in alignment with and Obedient too].

Haydock’s Catholic Commentary [widely recognized throughout the years as perhaps the best… Written in the late 1800’s.]

Ver. 21. As the Father hath sent me. The word mission, when applied to our Saviour Christ, sometimes signifies his eternal procession from the Father, and sometimes his mission, as he was sent into the world to become man, and the Redeemer of mankind: the first mission agrees with him, as the eternal Son of God; the second, as man, or as both God and man. The mission which Christ here gives his apostles, is like this latter mission, with this great difference, that graces and divine gifts were bestowed on Christ, even as man, without measure: and the apostles had a much lesser share in both these missions. See St. Augustine, lib. iv. de Trin. chap. xix. xx. tom. 4. p. 829. and seq. (Witham) —

A few words about Binding and Loosing: FYI: I make use of Strong’s [non-catholic] Lexicon to get definitions from the Bibles English to there Hebrew and Greek meanings.

Bind/ Hebrew = 3256 yacar yaw-sar’ a primitive root; to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct:–bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. 6105 `atsam aw-tsam’ a primitive root; to bind fast, i.e. close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; denominatively (from 6106) to crunch the bones:–break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er).

Bind Greek = 332. anathematizo an-ath-em-at-id’-zo from 331; to declare or vow under penalty of execration:–(bind under a) curse, bind with an oath.

Loose Hebrew = 332. anathematizo an-ath-em-at-id’-zo from 331; to declare or vow under penalty of execration:–(bind under a) curse, bind with an oath. 7971 shalach shaw-lakh’ a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications):–X any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).

Loose Greek= 142. airo ah’-ee-ro a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare 5375) to expiate sin:–away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up). 630. apoluo ap-ol-oo’-o from 575 and 3089; to free fully, i.e. (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce:–(let) depart, dismiss, divorce, forgive, let go, loose, put (send) away, release, set at liberty. 2673. katargeo kat-arg-eh’-o from 2596 and 691; to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:–abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void.

Haydock’s On Mt. 16:19 ‘The Key’s”

Ver. 19. And I will give to thee the keys,&c. This is another metaphor, expressing the supreme power and prerogative of the prince of the apostles. The keys of a city, or of its gates, are presented or given to the person that hath the chief power. We also own a power of the keys, given to the other apostles, but with a subordination to St. Peter and to his successor, as head of the Catholic Church. — And whatsoever thou shalt bind, &c. All the apostles, and their successors, partake also of this power of binding and loosing, but with a due subordination to one head invested with the supreme power. (Witham) — Loose on earth. The loosing the bands of temporal punishments due to sins, is called an indulgence: the power of which is here granted. (Challoner) — Although Peter and his successors are mortal, they are nevertheless endowed with heavenly power, says St. Chrysostom, nor is the sentence of life and death passed by Peter to be attempted to be reversed, but what he declares is to be considered a divine answer from heaven, and what he decrees, a decree of God himself. He that heareth you, heareth me, &c. The power of binding is exercised, 1st. by refusing to absolve; 2nd. by enjoining penance for sins forgiven; 3nd. by excommunication, suspension or interdict; 4th. by making rules and laws for the government of the Church; 5th. by determining what is of faith by the judgments and definitions of the Church. (Tirinus) — The terms binding and loosing, are equivalent to opening and shutting, because formerly the Jews opened the fastenings of their doors by untying it, and they shut or secured their doors by tying or binding it.

[QUOTE]=Protestant= You are really behind the times. Catholicism; especially in North America has become a house divided, on abortion, and other issues. [B] The [/B] only [B] difference is Catholics won’t call the differences “denominations.” [/B] They use other fancy words and terminology. [/QUOTE]

As highlighted I tend to agree with you on this one point. But that is not “the only difference.”

The Catholic Church in America (what some of refer to as the American catholic? Church) holds many different views, moral, political and biblical than us Roman Catholics living here in America.

[QUOTE]I would like just one Catholic to tell me specifically what they think these keys are that were given to their church. I would be willing to bet that the OP doesn’t even know and will have to look it up. [/QUOTE]

Allow me to at least try to respond to your challenge.

In order to do so I must attempt to answer for you the W’s, who, what, where and why?

Who? Jesus the Christ [Mt. 16:16] The Son of God. All Knowing – all Wise – all everything Good. A key element of Gods Perfect Goodness is that God is and has to be “All-Fair and All Just.” Otherwise He would not be God.

So from this we are able to understand that when God teaches He does so with complete understanding of what it is He is teaching, and does so in a manner those whom He chooses to enlighten WILL UNDERSTAND that. [Mt. 11:25-26]

The words used by Jesus are carefully selected to insure proper understanding.

[Mt. 16: 15-19] He [JESUS] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, [Peter is in a personal one on one conversation with Jesus here] “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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. And [JESUS]I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock [ON YOU PETER] I will build my [SINGULAR] church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. [19] I will give you [PETER / My new Church] 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.”

Peter called “Cephas” meaning Peter =ROCK

John.1: 40 to 42 “ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). [WHICH MEANS ROCK]

Strong’s Greek Lexicon Search Results

Result of search for “Cephas”:

2786. Kephas kay-fas’ of Chaldee origin (compare 3710); the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter:–Cephas.

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com

“Cephas” is the Greek transliteration of Peter’s Aramaic name “Rock” = Kepha, or perhaps in Galilean Aramaic “Qepha”. Only John among the Gospels gives this form of Peter’s name but it is also the preferred name that St. Paul uses when he writes about Peter.”

This is part of the discourse in which Christ makes clear in unambiguous language that He intends to: 1. Form His Church (singular use of “I” and “you” and “church.” 2. That it is to be only ONE church. 3. That Peter is given the access (gate keys) to heaven. 4. Peter (and Peter alone) is given all of the power and authority to govern with COMPLETE autonomous authority, answering ONLY to God Himself!

We can know this by the choice of words selected by Christ. To “bind” and to “loose” were common, rabbinical, legally binding at Law terms for exactly that! Complete, and free governance. Jesus, Peter and all that heard knew exactly what Jesus meant! Exactly what Jesus meant! At the time these were very commonly used words. Also see [Mt. 18:15-18] “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; [SINGULAR] and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind [Mandate / decide on] on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

WHERE? Mt. 16:13: “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” “

The timing and the location were of great significance to the message, the purpose and the mission of what Jesus was in the process of setting up and doing. Jesus was aware of when and how soon He would be put to death.

Caesarea Philippi is in the hill country of Judea. It was a by their standards, a large town. It was also the site of the areas Major Pagan Temple. Thus Jesus ask, “ who do people say that I am.” Not satisfied with the response Jesus then “ask His decuples (plural.) PETER answers, [Mt. 16: 16 ]Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This is significant, for the mandate that follows is directly out of the mouth of God! And all there were aware of this fact.

Why? Why indeed! Jesus knew from the moment of his Conception in the Virgin womb of His Mother, what Gods plan (His Plan) was. He knew that he would suffer and die that He would rise from the Dead, and be our Redeemer. He further knew that [Mt. 22:14 “14 ] For many are called, but few are chosen.” The word “chosen, in this context means “chosen BY US!” In other words, many will deny, and many will die because of unbelief, because of the personal choice we make.

Jesus clearly knew what lie in store for His Disciples and the persecution His Church, and His Disciples, would have to face. This is precisely why the mandate, why the authority, why the church, why they too would die professing that Christ is Lord! That Jesus remains present “ Really Present,” why Jesus instituted the Seven Sacraments. All this so that His Church would have the power and the authority, the tools and the grace, to become the “Narrow Gate” of Christ plan for our Salvation. [Mt. 7: 13.] The “Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven” is a literal statement of FACT! [Mt. 16:19] Jesus speaking directly to Saint Peter at the occasion of Founding His [now Catholic] Church: “[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.”

This is what Jesus said, did, intended and has accomplished. It’s what the Word of God clearly says and clearly means. Amen!

I made a point of why Jesus selected Caesarea Philippi, and it was primarily because it was the “center of pagan worship for the area.” Indeed it was the location of a very large Pagan Temple.

But why did Jesus use the term “the keys?” Was there a specific reason? Would those to whom Jesus was speaking have easily picked up on what Jesus was saying and doing?

Our Blessed Lord was fond of Parables that told stories in order to make the point He was trying to make. So we can understand that whatever words Jesus selected were carefully chosen.

Have you by chance ever watched EWTN and the morning rosary?] The reason I ask is that it shows various parts of Jerusalem today. Jerusalem even today continues to be a walled in fortified city, with real gates, and real keys.

Back in the time if Jesus all major cites were walled in for protection from attack. These cities actually had two real GATES, with REAL KEYS. A minor gate and the Main gate.

Now under independent rule, each major city also had there own king, and thus a “kingdom.” So there were many Kings and many kingdoms. A brief reading of the Old Testament list many Kings (who often merged with other kingdoms for the purpose of self-defense) because they were usually too small to be completely independent against other NATIONS, who too merged all of their kingdoms resources to do battle and gain territory.

So the Apostles and the Jewish people of that time period would have been familiar and comfortable with the idea of a King and his Kingdom, a Prime Minister who is the Keeper of the Key’s.

Such was true of Kings and Kingdoms. All day to day governance was given to a person that they selected as “Prime Minister.” An example of this is Genesis 42 and Joseph, the brother sold into slavery, which is made Prime Minister of all of Egypt.

Typically a Prime Minister had complete, autonomous control of ALL day to day activities. The Prime Minister answered to NO-ONE except the King Himself and nobody but the King.

Some further Biblical evidence on the Authority of the Pope and the Only Church actually founded by Christ.

Authority Luke 10:16 “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

John 21: 15-19 [15] When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

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, 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.

Luke 22:28 “You are those who have continued with me in my trials; 2 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mt. 28: 19-20 19 “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.”

2^nd. Cor.11: 12 “And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”

1 Peter 1: “12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”

John 10: 1“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door [ MY CHURCH] but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2 but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

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.”

2 Peter 2: 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words; from of old their condemnation has not been idle, and their destruction has not been asleep.

Mt. 16: 15 He [Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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. And I [singular] tell you, you are Peter,[singular] and on this rock [singular] I will build my [singular] church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.[singular] 19 I [God singular] will give you [singular] the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you [singular] bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Eph. 4: 4 -8 “There is one body [One Church] and one Spirit, [One set of beliefs] just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, [One God] one faith, [One set of doctrine and dogma] one baptism,[ By water in the Trinity] 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. Therefore it is said,

Eph. 5: 23 Christ is the head of the church [SINGULAR] , his body, [[SINGULAR].

1 Cor. 14: 12 “ So with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. [singular]

Eph. 3: 9 “And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 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”

Acts 20: 28 “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of the LORD” [SINGULAR]

Mt. 18: 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; [singular] and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [18] Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

1 Cor. 12: 12-1 “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.”

The Keys represent unlimited Power of Governance as well as being “the [also singular] narrow gate” one MUST enter to attain salvation. PJM [Matt. 7:13-14.]

God’s Continued Blessings for you and your’s,

Love and prayers,

Pat

Pope Francis: scandals happen when there is no true relationship with God

(Vatican Radio) Scandals in the Church happen because there is no living relationship with God and His Word. Thus, corrupt priests, instead of giving the Bread of Life, give a poisoned meal to the holy people of God: that’s what Pope Francis affirmed in his homily Thursday morning during the Mass celebrated in the Santa Marta guesthouse.

Listen to Tracey McClure’s report:

Commenting on the day ‘s reading and responsorial Psalm which recount the crushing defeat of the Israelites by the Philistines, the Pope notes that the people of God at that time had forsaken the Lord . It was said that the Word of God was “uncommon” at that time . The old priest Eli was “lukewarm” and his sons “corrupt; they frightened the people and beat them with sticks.” In their battle against the Philistines, the Israelites brought with them the Ark of the Covenant, but as something “magical,” “something external .” And they are defeated : the Ark is taken from them by their enemies. There is no true faith in God, in His real presence in life:

“This passage of Scripture,” the Pope says, “makes us think about what sort of relationship we have with God, with the Word of God: is it a formal relationship? Is it a distant relationship? The Word of God enters into our hearts, changes our hearts. Does it have this power or not? Is it a formal relationship? But the heart is closed to that Word! It leads us to think of the so many defeats of the Church, so many defeats of God’s people simply because they do not hear the Lord, do not seek the Lord, do not allow themselves to be sought by the Lord! And then after a tragedy, the prayer, this one: ‘ But, Lord , what happened ? You have made us the scorn of our neighbors. The scorn and derision of those around us. You have made us the laughing stock (it: favola) among nations! All the nations shake their heads about us. ‘”

And of the scandals in the Church, Pope Francis said:

“But are we ashamed? So many scandals that I do not want to mention individually, but all of us know…We know where they are! Scandals, some who charged a lot of money…. The shame of the Church! But are we all ashamed of those scandals, of those failings of priests, bishops, laity? Where was the Word of God in those scandals; where was the Word of God in those men and in those women? They did not have a relationship with God! They had a position in the Church, a position of power, even of comfort. But the Word of God, no! ‘But, I wear a medal,’ ‘I carry the Cross ‘ … Yes, just as those bore the Ark! Without the living relationship with God and the Word of God! I am reminded of the words of Jesus about those for whom scandals come … And here the scandal hit: bringing decay (it: decadenza) to the people of God, including (it: fino alla) the weakness and corruption of the priests.”

Francis Pope concluded his homily, turning his thoughts to the people of God, saying:

“Poor people! We do not give the Bread of Life to eat; we do give – in those cases – the bread of Truth! And many times, we even offer a poisoned meal! ‘Awaken! Why do you sleep, Lord?’ Let this be our prayer! ‘Awaken! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide Your face? Why do You forget our affliction and oppression?’ We ask the Lord that we never forget the Word of God, which is alive, so that it enters into our hearts and never to forget the holy people faithful to God who ask us to nourish and strengthen them

Text from page http://en.radiovaticana.va/articolo.asp?c=764583
of the Vatican Radio website

Man’s Right relationship with God

The Wisdom of Saint Francis de Sales

“We must fear God out of love; NOT love God out of fear.”

Acts Of Apostles 9:31

“Now the church had peace throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria; and was edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and was filled with the consolation of the Holy Ghost.”

Revelations 14: 6-7 “And I saw another angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the eternal gospel, to preach unto them that sit upon the earth, and over every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people: Saying with a loud voice: Fear the Lord, and give him honour, because the hour of his judgment is come; and adore ye him, that made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of water”

Matthew 10:28

“And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell”

Luke 2:10
“And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people”

Luke 12:5

But I will shew you whom you shall fear: fear ye him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him”

Luke 24:36

Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not