Laws
Evangelism
Prayers
Miscellaneous
LAWS
There are 4-Type of Law:
1) God's Law
Law that even God cannot change it, modify it, nor make exception of it because God cannot lie nor negate Himself. Else He won't be God. For example, the wages of sins is death. He cannot deny it nor negate it nor cancel it. This is why He must send someone eligible (sinless), who is Lord Jesus Christ, to die and redeem mankind, in order to enter Heaven (Perfect Holy Place where there is no sin).
2) Natural Law
Law that only God can alter it, modify it, make exception, when He chose to. For examples, Jesus can walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33). He can let the sun move backward 10 degrees (Isaiah 38:8 and 2 Kings 20:9-11), etc.
3) Canon (Church) Law
Ecclesiastical law (e.g., in the Roman Catholic Church) that is laid down by papal pronouncements, in accordance to the God's Law through His Words (Bible). This could be revised, for example, the Creed have been revised several times, when the Trinity understanding finally gained (after they connect-the-dots), in accordance to the Scriptures and what Jesus explained.
4) Civil (Man-Made) Law
The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community in a country (Government Law). This law is imperfect (man-made) and can be changed from time to time, to achieve the Common Goods.
These laws are made for the Common Goods [manageability and sustainability of everybody's life on earth]. Actually you don't really break the Law but the Law breaks you. For example, if you don't believe in the Gravity Law (as an example of Natural Law) and jump-off a cliff by thinking, "Oh, Gravity Law only applies to everybody else but myself because I'm flying now [as opposed to falling-down like everyone else]," you don't really break the Natural Law; but the Natural Law breaks you (your neck, body, and bones are going to break, or you are going to die as a result of disbelieving the Gravity Law and jumping-off the cliff.
Another Example, if you don't pay off your credit card, or any loan, such car loan, mortgage, student loans, apartment rental, etc. and think you can get the benefits of spending the money/loan without the responsibility of paying them back as agreed, then at one point, the Civil Law is going to break you. Your proven track record (for example, credit history) showed that you have been living Financially Irresponsible - then when you go to seek a job, those employers will check those credit records and deny giving you a job. You probably don't even know why. Or you have DUI, partying and do drugs/narcotics, jails records and you don't even know why you applied jobs and didn't get any job offers. That's what it meant by "The Law breaks you" - it ruins your life, thereafter. Both Earthly Life and Heavenly/Hell realms. Do you truly think that Hitler can get away at the Final Judge's Judgement Day [the True Fair and Just Judge / God]?
On the other hand, if you live Consistently Responsibly and be compliance with the Laws (especially those Perfect Laws - God's Law and Natural Law), then you will reap the benefit of obeying them compliantly (including the debated/revised Man-Made Imperfect Laws - Canon Law and Civil Law). These Man-Made Imperfect Laws are made for the Common Goods - to differentiate what is right and wrong.
The following 3 different sources CONCLUDED the same spirit (perspective) below:
1) An Old Saying said it this way, "You reap what you sow".
2) The Scriptures Passages (God's Word) consistently said: Hosea 10:12 | Psalm 126:5 | Proverbs 11:18 | Job 4:8.
3) Oprah Winfrey summarized it this way, "If you cannot manage to live in peace with everybody, as far as it depends on your power/ability, then the world will slap you harder and harder, until you learn to cope with life. Then you keep wondering why you are unsuccessful in doing everything."
EVANGELISM
Pope Francis reminds Christians that it is our DUTY to evangelize (Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission). To evangelize is not to boast bringing a lot of people to church (reduce the Gospel to mere tasks or badge of honors) nor to proselytize - those are sources of PRIDE. It is by a Living Witness of Christ without too much talk. The last thing one wants to do is to say anything. People will see what you do and will ask you out of curiosity what motivate you. At that point, respond that because you believe in Jesus Christ and we must proclaim Jesus not only with words but with our lives (Living Witness).
There are 3-STYLE of Evangelism - per Theologian Christopher West:
1) Fast Food Gospel -- Instant (Pediatric) Approach
Recruit people fast (for example, Campus Crusade) - once you are saved, you are saved, no matter what you do. This style is what Pope Francis pointed out as Bragging/Boasting bringing a lot of people to church. Other examples, knocking door-to-door, or posting flyers on university campus, offering Prosperity Gospel, or promising anything worldly, as quick escape, offering Prayer Hot Line 1-800-NUMBER, or justifying any sins you do so long as you become members, etc.
2) Starvation Gospel -- Short Term (Dead Rituals) Approach
Your desires are bad; they only got you into troubles; you need to repress all those; follow these rules and you would be good Christian Citizen. Catechism begins with the reflection of Desire or Hunger or Longing Heart. CS Lewis pointed out that our human hearts has capacity of infinite desire and there is a big hole that cannot be filled nor satisfied with anything but God alone. This is why we see a Mass Exodus out of the Church into Secular World (i.e., quit going to church, mass, or simply quit their faith -- Oprah Winfrey pointed out that if you don't know why you do certain commitments, such as going to Mass or to Church or going to college simply because everybody do so or your parents told you so, then you will easily quit, at one point). No wonder when comparing Fast Food versus Starvation Gospel, the former, wins!
3) Infinite Banquet (Wedding Feast of the Lamb) Gospel -- Long Term (TRUTH) Approach
Satan only has one goal: to prevent us to enter the Infinite Banquet (Wedding Feast of the Lamb) by twisting the TRUTH of Gospel (into the above 2 easy approaches). But if we present this TRUTH (Infinite Banquet Gospel) and compare it to Fast Food Gospel, in the Long Run, the Infinite Banquet Gospel will win (lead to the TRUTH and HEAVEN).
On "MEMORY & IDENTITY":
There are also 3-STAGE of INTERIOR JOURNEY - per St. Pope John Paul II (StPJP2) Final Book on "The Interior Journey":
Every Saints have gone through these 3 stages to enter Heaven and become God's Holy Saints. No exceptions. When we trace back reading their life stories, all these Saints shared these common 3-STAGE of their Interior Journey, as pointed out by StPJP2 Final Book (summarized below). StPJP2 invites us to experience the Fullness of Unitive Stage (3RD Stage).
1) The PURGATIVE Stage (Our Own Perspective)
When PURIFICATION or SANCTIFICATION begins, certainly it hurts, as Jesus warned us that everyone who wants to follow Him, must deny themselves and carry their cross. Denying our flesh will and carrying our daily cross required DISCIPLINES are certainly UNEASY and HURTS. When it hurts (BITTER), this is when a lot of people QUIT and LEAVE their believe/faith. But when we CONTINUE to follow the Lord (via the Small Gate and Narrow Road - Matthew 7:13-14), we will begin to see the 2ND Stage, Illuminative Stage.
2) The ILLUMINATIVE Stage (God's Perspective)
This is the Way the Lord see others and you open yourselves to new depth to His Mercy. This is when you discover VALUES of PURITY which God sees. As you see the LIGHT, we discover and encounter JESUS everywhere. Then you start encountering Him everywhere and experiencing Jesus in the Real World, your own memory and sufferings; as we allow a deeper conversions of our own hearts - free to love like Jesus.
3) The UNITIVE Stage
In this 3RD Stage, you experience deep evangelization and conversion of our own hearts, experience deep abiding NUPTUAL UNION with the Heart of the Lord.
Mother Teresa spent 50 years in the Unitive Stage; only few years in Purgative and Illuminative Stages. Likewise, StPJP2 discover early in his live and spent most of his life in the Unitive Stage. Notice that these 3-STAGE are Not Permanent Stage here while on Earth - but in Heaven, all the Saints spent ETERNITY (Permanent) Unitive Stage (NUPTUAL UNION) with the Lord.
COMMENTS: Indeed [while on EARTH Life] the Non-Permanency of the 3-Stage is evidenced with examples of St. Peter who (at one moment) experience 2ND Stage (Illuminative Stage) as Jesus said (Matthew 16:16-17) - while shortly thereafter, Peter immediately fall-back into his 1ST Stage (Purgative Stage) when Jesus rebuked him (Matthew 16:22-24). Notice Jesus Disciples are with Him all those 3-year times, on Earth. Yet, these 3-Stage are not permanent stage. How much more, we need to pray harder to the Lord, with the intercessions of All His Saints, to be in the UNITIVE STAGE (NUPTUAL UNION), as much as possible of our lifetime (Interior Journey) on Earth !!
In his Apostolic Letter, "NOVO MILLENNIO INEUNTE" (Published 6-JAN-2001) about Pastoral Plan/Work (for the Church) of the New Millenium, StPJP2 said that if we are not on the 3-Stage Journey, not really praying, not praying as community, not praying as individuals, not enrich interior contemplating prayer life, then we fish all nights and catch nothing. Only possible to the fruits, those kind of fervent prayers.
PRAYERS
Sharing several Basic Daily Prayers (on top of your Personal or Individual Prayers):
1) The Angelus
3) Memorare
4) Anima Christy | Song in Cantonese |
5) St. Joseph to intercede:
(In the world full of uncertainties that compound and expand, St. Joseph who had taken Mary and Jesus to Egypt, had lost all his home, carpenter business, normal place of worship, friends, relatives, community, normal routine, etc. Like nowadays people, St. Joseph also had no idea when life would return to normal; not to mention the added pressure of trying to provide and protect a young family in a foreign country without the support of a network of friends, family, and business colleagues. The uncertainties of St. Joseph were undoubtedly many, however, the real test of St. Joseph's character lies in how he dealt with these uncertainties. In the few passages of scriptures, St. Joseph demonstrated a real resilience, a real grit; he never lets the fears brought on by the uncertainties overtake him. In other words, St. Joseph exercised his Faith and Obedience in a very Ordinary Way. Hence, like St. Joseph, let us continue doing the Ordinary Things in life as best we can do them. This includes having the courage to continue to discern and pursue God's will for you -- So, let us go to St Joseph!)
O St Joseph, who God gave the vast, monumental, and seemingly impossible task of raising and loving the incarnate God, safeguarding and loving the Blessed Virgin Mary, and who responded to this great calling by doing humble and ordinary labor. O St Joseph, pray for us so that we may approach difficulties in our life with the same trust, humility, and readiness that you did.
6) Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
7) The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy Prayer
8) The Secret of the Rosary (by St Louis Marie De Montfort)
9) St. Bridget of Sweden | 15 Prayers | 5840 Wounds of Christ |
Prayer is a dialog with God (as opposed to merely a monologue). When our Interior Journey is jammed at Purgative Stage, we only see things from our own perspective; and that's when our prayer is only monologue to God (keep asking your wants and have a tendency to treat Him as a Genie). This is when people keep wondering why they are still unhappy, unjoyful, uncheerful being believers; because they have not seen things from God's perspective (Illuminative Stage) but only from their own perspectives (Purgative Stage). In that case, you need to keep on going (and nurturing your soul) in your Faith Journey, asking the Lord to give you His Perspectives. Then wait and experience Him. Repeat until He leads you to experience the Illuminative Stage; then your life will shine to others, for His Glory. Finally when you experience the Unitive Stage with Jesus, that's when your experience unspeakable joy and bearing some fruitfulness.
MISCELLANEOUS
These are some Basic FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) from RCIA (Rites of the Christians Initiation for Adults) discussions, and/or our own faith questions while growing up. These were asked numerous times, but sadly, even Deacons, Catechists, some Priests, Clergies most of the time, could not answer them satisfactorily. Yet, to cover-up their imperfection [human nature], some of them even punish those who asked (sincerely); acting as if they were God, by abusing their mis-entrusted power. In fact, such behaviors are very commons which mostly resulting in (gradually) 'pushing people away' from their Faith. This is one of the reason [among many] why churches are in crisis, world-widely. Now, that the world-wide church are in crisis, they start campaigning and putting efforts to "call them home". [This is laughable, prevention are better than curation, but in practice, the latter is what often happened, which could be too late]. Indeed, these Basic Faith Questions need to be actively seek on your own Intentional and Discipline efforts (via retreats, listening to EWTN, pilgrimage, digesting your own Bible, Bible Study, discussion with fellow believers, etc.) because unfortunately most Catholic Parish don't seem to offer anything beyond RCIA nor beyond Children Catechism Class. As we can see, many of such aforementioned classes are offered by volunteers and we know even paid jobs, most of the time, people still don't do good jobs. Let alone volunteer (unpaid) jobs. However, Jesus promised, "Seek and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:8b). Hence, ultimately after baptismal, it is our own/personal (3-Stage) Internal Journey (per St Pope John Paul II terminology), with the Lord. Obviously, once-a-week Eucharist alone is not sufficient to remain in Jesus. We need to actively spend more intimate time with Jesus by prayers, Eucharistic Adorations, receiving Daily Eucharist whenever possible, confessions, contemplating our own death, etc. In other words, the church, the parish, etc. cannot offer much [Spiritual] Help beyond the Cathecism, RCIA, Bible Study classes, and analogous to anything else in this broken-and-crooked world, you are on your own, kids! Hence, the only ONE whom you can RELY HEAVILY on, is the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. He will open ways (doors, windows, roof, etc.) for you to understand all these. His ways does not need to be "Audio" (else, you will be scared to death). But the Lord can speak to you, via your language (as Dr. Christopher West, a famous Theologian shared on many of his seminars); if your language is movie, He can speak thru a movie; if your language is songs, He can speak to you via songs on radio; if you are graphical person, He can speak via a picture/vision/dream in your mind, etc). But the premises [among numerous other premises in the Bible -- which you have to read/verify it on your own -- don't just buy what others claimed], you have to ask Him and seek Him, then He will be found (Deuteronomy 4:29; Proverbs 8:17; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; Acts 17:24-28).
Jesus said to cut-off every branch that doesn't bear Fruits (John 15:2). Again, St PJP2 reminds us if we are not on the 3-Stage Interior Journey, then how can you be Fruitful? St Pio of Pietrelcina reminded us that in the spiritual life, he who does not advance goes backwards. Also, Archilochus (6th Century) said that we don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training. Therefore, we must train ourselves to keep advancing and nurturing our own souls and stay in the Pathway-of-Holiness, until we become His Holy Saints, in Heaven.
WARNINGS: There are people in the Church who are ordering others tasks (but themselves) and deceiving themselves by being Legalistic/Pharesees -- For example, paparizzing and scrutinizing others, and being busy bodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13) -- after that, they blow their trumpets loudly declaring and justifying themselves (Legalistically) saying, I have done Cantoring, I have done Lectoring, I have done Bible reading on Weekly Masses -- everything they do is done for people to see (Matthew 23:5); and then what's worse is that they feel entitled to command you to do this and do that (to fulfill their selfish ambitions/agendas), and repeatedly being manipulative and trying to control you even after you told them to stop, multiple times -- Even Oprah Winfrey run-away from such Anger-Filled (Unloving/Unkind) people and stop going to Church, in our century. In addition, such behaviors have existed since centuries ago, even Aristotle, a famous Greek Philosopher, said "Meanness is incurable; it cannot be cured by old age, or by anything else." True, isn't it?! Historically even until today, after experiencing traveling from State-to-State, Country-to-Country, even Continent-to-Continent (i.e., world-widely, or every where on earth), we often encounter such hypocrites, busy-bodies, mean-spirited church-goers, or paparazzi whose behaviors often deemed to be worse than the infidel; such disruptive mean-spirited people exist everywhere, even at work/church/parish/schools/neighborhoods/etc. Some giant companies even hire professional Emotional Intelligence (EI) trainers to teach their employees on how to deal with such busy-bodies at workplaces; lots of time, their suggestions are mostly to avoid and stay-away from such busy bodies (to maintain your own composure and not go down to their level); or just ask them plainly, "What do you mean by doing/saying such-and-such?"; at most, they replied, "Oh I am just curious!" Next, you can respond plainly, "Well, I don't answer such idle/curious questions and hence leave me alone! Per St. Paul (2 Thessalonians 3:12), such idle/busy-bodies church people are commanded in the Lord to settle down and earn the living. Unfortunately, some church leaders ("the shepherd") often ignore or not doing anything to prevent further damage, probably mistakenly afraid that more people will leave the church; while instead, people will leave when such things unresolved satisfactorily! What a pitiful fact! When majority of church-goers are not bringing honor/glory (be salt-and-light to the world) for the Lord, who else should be expected to be proven living-witnesses of Christian faith?! To their own consequences, who even like to be around them?! Such behaviors are opposite to Living-Witness to God's Glory. Jesus warned his disciples to be careful of the yeast of Pharesees (Matthew 16:6). Additionally, Jesus Himself said the consequences of the salt loses its saltiness is being thrown-out and tramped underfoot (Matthew 5:13-14). Likewise and frankly, I warned my own Dad (who is a Baby Catholic and was just baptized and accepted Jesus recently) and to all of you to be careful, otherwise your Faith could fall-away because of their Counter-Evangelism (Hypocrites, Malicious, Unloving/Unkind) behaviors. Again, Pope Francis reminded us, to shine (illumminate) or evangelize by being a Living Witness to Christ Honor and the last thing you want to gospel is to talk too much. Talk is cheap. Actions speaks louder than words.
Basic FAQ:
Q1 -- God has already know all your needs, but why He still want to you ask Him?
A1 -- because He wants you to learn to trust Him; have faith in Him; and ultimately experience the Unitive Stage (Third Stage of your Interior Journey) with Him. God loves you so much (analog to your Earthly Father) and He wants to have an Intimate (AGAPE) Loving (John 3:16) Relationship with you. Hence Jesus taught us to ask-seek-knock (Matthew 7:7-12). In addition, St Paul reminded us to persistently keep-on-praying (Ephesians 6:18) because persistent prayers focus your attention, clarify your desire, test your faith, and prepare your heart to receive answers. St James also reminded us that the testing of your faith will produce perseverance character which make you more mature (James 1:3-4). Going back to what St Pio Padre said that in the spiritual life, he who does not advance goes backward.
Q2 -- Where is the Bible reference of the so called the 7-Deadly Sins (and their antidotes, the 7-Virtues)?
A2 -- St John, the Beloved Disciple of Jesus categorized these 7-Deadly Sins (1 John 2:16-17) into 3 categories: the lust of the flesh or physical wants (gluttony, lust, sloth), the lust of the eyes (greed), and the pride of life (pride, envy, anger). The term 7-Deadly Sins (and the 7-Virtues) are layman terms. Likewise, the English Bible uses the terms Holiness / Godliness / Sanctification / Purification, as opposed to Virtue, as a layman term.
Q3 -- Who are Saints?
A3 -- Dr. Christopher West (Theologian), in his Serial Talks (Fulfilled, the Promise of Christian Life) pointed out that the Definition of Saints (per Pope Benedict XVI): A Saint is someone who has the courage to allow his/her heart to be pierced so deeply by God's Truth, Goodness, and Beauty that the person is transformed into a Living Image of God's Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. This is the Journey to Fulfillment. This is the Journey of Christian Life.
Q4 -- What is Purgatory and the Bible Reference?
A4 -- Christopher West gave a talk about Purification or Sanctifying Fire (Purgatory) and referenced 1 Cor 3:12-15. Additionally, Matthew 5:26, Matthew 12:32, Mark 9:49, Luke 12:47, and Luke 12:59. After being sanctified/purified by/thru the Fire, they will escape/enter Heaven. However, it's better to be sanctified as much as possible, while we are on Earth, than being purified [different degrees of justice] through the Purifying Fire (in the Purgatory!!)
Purgatory is a layman term, so it is not in the Bible. The terminologies used (Beaten, Fire, Blow, Purification, Sanctification) are different (than the layman term: Purgatory) but they illustrate or point out to the same thing: Penance/Restitution.
Eg: Even though Jesus death on His Cross pays-off all sins, including the Good Thief (St. Dimas) sins, but JUSTICE still demands him to be hang on his cross. Then the soldiers also broke his leg, which was also his "Purgatory" on Earth because Justice demands it. That's what it meant when people explained: God (who is Just-and-Fair) who established the entire Galaxy System will 'BALANCE' the score!
This is why in the Old Testament (OT), Micah 6:8 the Lord requires us to: 1) do what is Fair and Just, 2) to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. This is also consistent with the New Testament (NT), Mark 12:30-31, Jesus said: 1) to Love God, and 2) love your neighbors as yourself (i.e., to apply the "Golden Rule": treat others the way you want to be treated, in a layman term).
Q5 -- Why do Catholics pray to Saints?
A5 -- Catholics only pray to God via His Son, Lord Jesus Christ. However, Catholics ask the Saints to INTERCEDE for their prayers. Intercession is the act of saying a prayer on behalf of another. This is the same to ask our fellow believers to pray for us; except that we are not holy/righteous enough to get your prayers answered powerfully and effectively. Jesus said only the pure will see God (Matthew 5:3). St James reminds us (James 5:16b) that the prayers of righteous man is powerful and effective. Those Saints are Holy People of God; they are in Heaven now; have Fully Experienced God; and they are in Holy Eternal Nuptual / Unitive Union with the Lord. Hence for our prayers to be powerful and effective, we must be pure (on the Pathway-of-Holiness), and we need to ask the Saints to intercede for our prayers to the Lord.
Q6 -- What is God's (AGAPE) Love? How many types of love exists in the Bible?
A6 -- Unlike in English language (or many other languages), in Greek language (where the New Testament is mostly written), they differentiate 4 types of love: AGAPE (God's Infinite / Unconditional Love), EROS (Romantic Spousal Love), PHILEO (Friendship Care/Love), and STORGE (Neighbor Care/Love).
Q7 -- What are Sacraments?
A7 -- Sacraments are outward (External) signs (symbols) of (Internal) Sacred Grace given by Jesus Christ. Mainly, these Sacraments are channeled-out/ministered by His Ordained Priests. The priest are used/established by the Lord as His ordained channel/tunnel (or "Portal" in modern computer terminology, like you sign-in to a network via VPN as a portal). Jesus uses these Priests as His "Portal" to channel-out His Grace.
Q8 -- How many Sacraments are there established by Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church?
A8 -- There are 7 (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance/Reconciliation, Oil for the Sick, Priesthood, and Marriage).
Q9 -- What is the Summary of What God Wants from us (mankind)?
A9 -- Short Answer: LOVE -- see Q6 (there are 4 different degrees of LOVE, in Greek).
Longer Answer (Summary): the Old Testament (OT), Micah 6:8 the Lord requires us to: 1) do what is Fair and Just, 2) to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. This is also consistent with the New Testament (NT), Mark 12:30-31, Jesus said: 1) to Love God, and 2) love your neighbors as yourself (i.e., to apply the "Golden Rule": treat others the way you want to be treated, in a layman term).
Q10 -- Who can then do such (AGAPE or God's Unconditional) LOVE requirements (in Q9)? Hence, many quits their faith.
A10 -- That's why there are degrees/layers of expectations: AGAPE vs STORGE (Neighbor Love). You can't expect any human being to meet all your needs, while only God (Agape Love) can, if He chose to. Else, you will surely be disappointed. Hence, do not be trapped into people-pleaser traps.
Additionally, King David reminds us there is LIMIT (Psalm 119:96) for everything. Moreover, his son, King Solomon also warns us not to do either EXTREMES (Ecclesiastes 7:18), acting as if we were God.
There are certainly huge difference between "Help the Needy/Poor" vs. "Disabling" (train people to be Lazy or Moochers or take advantage of you or treating you as their Genie to meet all their needs).
Pope Francis explains, "Help that does not teach people how to reproduce is not a real help." This is why Catholic (validated/approved) Charities help the Poorest-of-the-Poor the knowledge, skills, ability (KSA) to reproduce. Eg: donate money to buy mango trees and teach them how to plant/nurture/grow mangoes to reproduce and sell them; build water irrigation system so that the entire village have source of clean water; donate money to buy chickens and they can sell the eggs, etc.
Oprah Winfrey at one point, squeezed her brain, sharing "This is not how I should help people -- just giving away money to those who came to her Harpo Studio in Chicago, claiming they have spent all they have to reach her and no money to go home." Therefore, the way she discerned/decided to help is by building schools in Africa, educate those children, because she said/believed, "The only way to get-out of Extreme Poverty is through Education. Education cannot make/guarantee one to be rich, but it can get people out of Extreme Poverty." Additionally, she also conducted a study regarding Homeless People in America (not in other countries). After randomly selected several homeless people (in different states), set-up paper works for them, give them jobs, paid-for their furnished apts; and all they need to do is to show up work (as Bell Boys in Hotels) with their suit and ties. All of them uniformly did not show up and chose to go back to the street. Hence, Oprah concluded they chose to live homeless, and there is no excuse (in America) to be homeless. Therefore, she discerned/decided not to waste her resource helping/disabling lazy people.
Q11 -- What is a Mass Intention?
A11 -- From the days of the Early Church it has been common practice to offer Mass for the dead, as well as for others. Archaeologists have discovered epitaphs on tomb sin the Roman catacombs, asking for prayers for the departed one. Numerous early Church Fathers witness to this practice. Recall from St. Augustine’s “Confessions” St. Monica’s one dying request, “that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” Countless Christians have made this same request of their survivors. In his encyclical Mirae caritatis (1902), Pope Leo XIII situated the offering of Mass for other sin the true context of our concern for others, the Communion of Saints. “For faith teaches us, that although the venerable Sacrifice may be lawfully offered to God alone, yet it may be celebrated in honor of the saints reigning in heaven with God who has crowned them in order that we may gain for ourselves their patronage. And it may also be offered — in accordance with an apostolic tradition — for the purpose of expiating the sins of those of the brethren who, having died in the Lord, have not yet fully paid the penalty of their transgressions” (No.12).
Q12 -- What is Plenary Indulgence?
A12 -- Here's the text from the Manual of Indulgence:
FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
§1 A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,
1° on any and each day from November 1 to 8, devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the departed;
2° on All Souls’ Day (or, according to the judgment of the ordinary, on the Sunday preceding or following it, or on the solemnity of All Saints), devoutly visit a church or an oratory and recite an Our Father and the Creed.
§2 A partial indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who
1° devoutly visit a cemetery and at least mentally pray for the dead;
2° devoutly recite lauds or vespers from the Office of the Dead or the prayer Eternal rest.
Requiem aeternam Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
GENERAL CONDITION FOR PLENARY INDULGENCE: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/conditions-13362
THE CREEDS: https://www3.nd.edu/~afreddos/courses/43801/creeds.pdf
Q13 – How does a person become a canonized saint?
A13 -- It is important to remember that all the saints are people, real people who lived just as we do! The first saints of the Church were martyrs or theologians known for a holy life. Over time, the Church has established a set process to investigate the causes of saints. After a holy person’s death, the bishop of their diocese initiates the canonization process with the Vatican. Typically, they must wait five years to ensure any false enthusiasm has lessened. With Vatican approval, the process begins and the person receives the title “Servant of God.” The first phase involves collecting information about the person’s life and scrutinizing it carefully. One person has the specific role of raising doubts — this is the origin of the phrase “devil’s advocate!” When it is clear the person truly lived a heroically holy life according to Church teaching, they are declared
“Venerable.” If the person is a martyr for the faith, they will also be declared “Blessed.” If the person is not a martyr, they must be credited with a miracle. This is also closely examined for authenticity. Once the miracle is authenticated as truly a
miracle performed by God through the person or through their intercession, they are beatified. An additional authenticated miracle is required before canonization, and we can call them “Saint.”
Q14 – If we have a separation of church and state, how should faith influence the way we act in society, especially for those who have a role in the government?
A14 -- No matter who we are, our inner lives affect the way we Interact with the world. In the United States, we have freedom of religion. That means there is no official state-sanctioned religion. This does not mean that our faith is a private affair with no impact on public life! We have the ability to freely exercise our religious beliefs in accord with our conscience. Not only do we have the option to do so, but we also have the responsibility. We’re called to imitate Christ in every area of our life, Not compartmentalize our faith. This means acting with respect and honoring the common humanity all we encounter. It means recognizing the person behind the politics. It also means standing up for the truth of human life and dignity, and advocating for just policies that serve the common good. The Vatican has produced a “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.” It contains more detailed exposition of how our Catholic faith relates to various aspects of public life.
Q15 - What is CMLA (Catholic Men's Leadership Alliance)?
A15 - https://www.catholicmenleaders.org/
Q16 - Are we saved by Faith or by Works?
Q17 - Does Jesus have brothers?
Q18 - What Does It Mean To Be Holy?
A18 - https://justaguyinthepew.com/episode-186-what-does-it-mean-to-be-holy/
Q19 - Will we be like angels once we get to heaven?
A19 - Our Lord told us, "in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." (Matthew 22:30). We must underscore the word, 'like' in these words of our Lord. Jesus did not say we will become angels, but that we will be like angels. We are not angels nor will we become angels. Their nature is pure spirit. Human beings are a composite of spirit and body. Our soul is the form of the body and is therefore ordered to the body. Its natural state is to be embodied. The body is not a prison to be set free from after death. Nor is it merely a vessel that contains our soul for a time that we can then discard forever after death. The likeness we will have to angels will be in so far as we will be entirely free from our bondage to sin and see God directly, like the angels, "in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Mt 19:10). The doctrine of the Resurrection of our body reveals this truth of our composite nature as good and willed by God. Our spirit or soul is immortal by its nature, but it will exist in an unnatural state until it is further clothed with a new glorified spiritual body like the one our Lord had when he rose bodily from the dead.
Q20 - Why Sola Scriptura seems to work (and why it really doesn't).
Q21 - Why does the Catholic Bible have 73 books?
A21 – To answer that question we have to go back to the 2nd century BC when a very important translation was made in Alexandria Egypt of the Hebrew books of the Old Testament into Greek. It was called the 'Septuagint', which means '70'. This name was given to it because a legend grew up that it was translated by 70 Jewish rabbis who went off separately and came back with the identical translations. Included with these Hebrew translations were also 7 additional books and parts of two others that were originally written in Greek. These original Greek texts are known as 'deuterocanonical,' which means, 'secondarily canonical'. They are considered fully inspired and equal members of the canon of the Bible. This word, 'deuterocanonical,' is just used to differentiate them from the books originally written in Hebrew. In the Septuagint there were a total of 45 or 46 books, depending on whether you separated Lamentations from Jeremiah. This Greek Old Testament spread all around the Mediterranean world and was eventually mated up with the 27 books of the Greek New Testament. This total of 72 or 73 combined Old and New Testament books was what the early Church prayed with as its 'Bible'. In the 4th Century AD, St. Jerome was asked by Pope Damasus I to translate the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments, into Latin. At the insistence of the Pope, St. Jerome included in his Latin translation all the Old Testament books of the Septuagint along with the 27 New Testament books. This became known as the Vulgate translation. Our modern Bibles include these same books. By the way, the word 'canon' comes from the Greek word, 'qaneh,' which is like a measuring stick. The Church discerned over time as she prayed with these texts that these 72 or 73 books, 'measured up,' or were considered the canonical word of God. In the 16th century the protestants rejected the deuterocanonical books from their Old Testament, but retained the same 27 New Testament books we have in our Catholic Bibles. So the protestants have a total of 66 books in their Bible.
Q22 – How did God make us?
A22 – If you are referring to the origin of the human race, according to the Bible, "the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7). However, it is important to realize that, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, "The biblical account expresses this reality in symbolic language" (362). The Bible is not a science textbook. What we can at least say is that at a certain point in the history of the universe, the Lord God formed a unique species of creatures to whom he imparted a rational soul to, so that they would bear his image and likeness. The Catechism teaches us that, "every spiritual soul is created immediately by God- it is not 'produced' by the parents" (366). The word 'immediately' refers to a special kind of creation. It means that when we are physically conceived by our parents as one single cell that can fit on the head of pin, God specially creates ex nihilo (out of nothing), our utterly unique individual immaterial soul, and infuses, or pours it into our physical body. How God forms both our physical body and our spiritual soul is very mysterious, "As you do not know how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything" (Ecclesiastes 11:5).
Q23: If receiving Holy Communion forgives venial sins, why do we have to go to Confession if we haven't committed a mortal sin?
A23: That is correct in saying that reception of Holy Communion forgives venial sins, "As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens our charity, which tends to be weakened in daily life; and this living charity wipes away venial sins" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1394). Forgiveness of sins can be assisted by other means as well, "Reading Sacred Scripture, praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the Our Father- every sincere act of worship or devotion revives the spirit of conversion and repentance within us and contributes to the forgiveness of sins" (CCC, 1437). Unless you are in mortal sin it is not necessary to go to Confession other than a minimum of once per year. However, the Church states, "Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit" (CCC, 1458). There is a special sacramental grace that is received through absolution. It is a sacrament of healing and strengthening that is very good for our souls. While not required in the case of venial sins, it is still strongly recommended as a special channel of grace that our Lord left us. It is up to us to avail ourselves.