Mary | Blogger Priest

C. S. Lewis & Transubstantiation

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Father Joe

Cynthia G writes:

Concerning CS Lewis, Father, I read that he was contemplating joining the Catholic Church when he died, and he never wrote anything about having a problem with Mary, although in one of his books, The Great Divorce, I think, he said that he couldn’t “get” the concept of transubstantiation.

Father Joe responds:

The issue about transubstantiation comes up in his Letters to Malcolm, my least favorite of his works. He personally found the Aristotelian distinction between substance and accidents difficult to grasp. I suppose it sounded too cold for him and removed from the perception of the apostles, although he admits it is unclear how they conceptualized the Eucharist. Lewis certainly believes that there is something significant about the Eucharist, far removed from a mere empty symbolism. He thinks of the veil being the thinnest in its regard. I suppose one might say that he preferred a mystical awareness, one probably better befitting his literary approach. Critics remark that it represented a divide with Tolkien. However, it should be noted, that Lewis was an Anglican. While many of his views are very Catholic, it remains that Anglican orders had been declared null-and-void by Catholicism. If there is no valid priest then there is no genuine Eucharist or REAL PRESENCE. The stumbling block might have been this objective reality. The Anglican Eucharist feigned being something that it was not. A man with a sensitive soul about such things might on some level, even if unconscious, register this shortcoming.

It reminds me of a Catholic friend who used to delight in his visits to the area of first going to the Episcopalian Washington Cathedral and afterwards to the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. When I asked about it his response was both rude and funny. He said he went to the Cathedral to experience the gothic beauty and the REAL ABSENCE. Then he went to the Shrine with its many conflicting styles so as to encounter the REAL PRESENCE.

Filed under: Apologetics, Catholic, Eucharist, Faith, Mary, Mass | 2 Comments »

Argument Over Jesus & Intercession

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Father Joe

Georgios argues:

The primary role and purpose of the devil is to take the believer’s attention as far away as possible from the truth and the blue-prints or foundations of Christians, which is the Bible.

He would have us compromise them with unbiblical diatribes so that the believer loses focus upon JESUS.

He would have the Christian weakened by diminution from 100% fidelity to the doctrine of JESUS.

JESUS is the Way and the Truth and the Life— the only way toward the Father-God.

JESUS taught with parables and he is our answer to all intentions in the spiritual process.

The parable of the sinful rich man and poor Lazarus is sufficient to verify that the saints who died are in a place where intercession for people on earth is impossible! What this means is that only the living saints have the right to do so.

God does not give exemptions to the prohibition of acting outside his Word, which is JESUS.

If Mary can intercede for us, then God is lacks constancy with his Word and that is something that God will not do. He will not oppose his Word. If God made such exceptions then he would not be God at all.

Receive this revelation of the Spirit of God— what he is saying to you Now in the mighty NAME OF JESUS!

Father Joe responds:

The devil’s primary aim is one of eternal spite. He would have us corrupted so as to offend God. He would have us embrace selfishness and a disordered love.

The devil knows well the Bible. The trouble is that what he knows, he utterly rejects. While the devil is certainly involved with error, this in itself is not his primary purpose. Good men and women might be confused or ignorant about many matters of faith. They may yet be saved. The devil places an emphasis upon the will. HE especially delights in one who comes close to the truth and then rejects it. The more you know the more that you will be held accountable.

Much of the confusion and fracturing of the Church after the Reformation has to do with men and a rejection of the shepherds appointed by Christ. You seem to infer that the Bible is self-sustaining and interpreting. This is simply not the case— historically or theologically. I suspect that the “diatribes” you condemn are efforts within the Church to prayerfully reflect upon the saving kerygma.

If you have rejected the sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic faith then you have quite literally separated yourself from elements of the revelation received from Jesus Christ. The Church follows the Lord and his two sources for Christian revelation: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Only the reformation churches, and not all of them, would utterly reject the second tier established by Christ.

Jesus is also one with the Mystical Body or the Church. That is why the early Church spoke about Christ and our life in the Church as the WAY.

Jesus taught in many ways. Yes, his parables give us insight into the kingdom of God. But he also prophesied, made commands, and witnessed the message of the Gospel.

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus does indeed speak to life after death, although there is some question as to whether Lazarus was in heaven or the limbo of the fathers. Similarly, was the rich man in hell or in purgatory? The gates of heaven are only opened by Christ, and at the telling of this parable, Jesus had yet to undergo his saving trial. Further, the parable does not offer us an instance of attempted intercession as understood by the Church. He requests that Abraham send a message to the living or make an appearance to warn them. The intercession of the saints is directed, not to another saint, but to almighty God. We pray that they will add their prayers to ours in asking God for his mercy and favor.

Actually, the trouble here is you have a very narrow notion of how the Word operates. The Word is written upon human flesh in the incarnation. The Word is breathed into the Scriptures. The Word becomes one with his Holy Church. The Word is given perpetual efficacy through the sacraments. The Word takes to himself a human mother, sanctifies her and gives her to us as a model of the Church. The Word conquers death and all who are alive in Christ can pray for themselves and others, including the saints of heaven.

Who are you to tell God his business? Who are you to make yourself the interpreter for all Christianity, including attacking a Church that was instituted by Christ, gave us the Bible and is the Mother of all the breakaway Protestant denominations? Mary can do as she did at Cana… intercede when the wine runs out.

I would caution you again hubris. You are not God’s special messenger or prophet. You are just one poor confused soul putting on airs to others.

Filed under: Anti-Catholicism, Apologetics, Bible, Catholic, Evangelization, Faith, God, Hell, Jesus, Mary, Prayer, Purgatory, Redemption, Religion, Saints | Leave a comment »

Question: Where Do I Find Mary in the Bible?

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Father Joe

Laura writes:

Where do I find Mary’s role in the Bible— what Scriptures? I haven’t found them. I hope it’s not made up by the aimless traditions of our fathers. Oh, I did find that we are not to pray to dead— would MARY be any different? Please help me understand.

FATHER JOE:

Do you really want to understand, Laura? Then you need to do a lot more study. Catholicism was preaching the Gospel before we even had a New Testament or a canonical Bible. Sacred Tradition was not a gift that Christ gave the Church and then took away. Similarly, he gave us shepherds who speak in his name and who interpret the truths from the deposit of faith. Not all traditions are aimless, but some have their source in Christ, the apostles and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Catholicism speaks of two fonts to revelation: Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture. There are Marian teachings that emerge both from the Bible and Tradition. These two elements are not in conflict. Indeed, the New Testament Gospels emerged from the oral tradition. The Bible and the Church forbid seeking two-way communication with the dead as in occult practices. However, we are not forbidden to request their intercession (the saints) or to pray for them (souls in purgatory). Praying for the dead as we see in 2nd Maccabees was within Jewish practice and the Church continued it. Indeed, the mystery of the redemption and resurrection would give it an increased intensity. As for Mary, there are good books available and a number of informative posts at this blog site:

Posts about the Virgin Mary (click here)

Here are some scripture quotes that refer to the Mother of God.

The devil hates her and he stands against her. Do you?
Genesis 3:15
Revelation 12:17

God makes her the virgin mother.
Isaiah 7:14

Mary is “full of grace,” even prior to the coming of Christ.
Luke 1:26-28

Her presence with Christ in the womb awakened the Spirit in others:
Luke 1:41

The first half of the Hail Mary prayer comes from Scripture.
Luke 1:42

Mary is truly the Mother of God, mother of the whole person of her child.
Luke 1:43

Mary is without sin and calls Christ her Savior even at the annunciation (present tense).
Luke 1:47

Mary will always be called blessed among women.
Luke 1:48

God has miraculously and uniquely intervened in her life.
Luke 1:49

Mary will receive our many prayers. She will suffer much in solidarity with her Son for our sake.
Luke 2:34-35

Mary is the first disciple of her Son, keeping the Word so wondrously that the Word becomes flesh and lives among us.
Luke 11:27-28

Mary is a powerful intercessor with Christ.
John 2:3-5

The Mother of the Redeemer becomes the Mother of all the Redeemed.
John 19:26-27 / Revelation 12:17

Mary and the saints are in communion with Jesus Christ in heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:17

Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant.
Revelation 11:19-12:1

Mary was assumed into heaven as Queen.
Revelation 12:1

Filed under: Catholic, Jesus, Mary | 4 Comments »

Is Mary JUST the Mother of Jesus?

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Father Joe

See post: Intercession of Mary & the Saints

ERNESTO: No argument, just pure facts, Joe— Mary was and should be known as the mother of Christ, but that was her only role in the Bible.

FATHER JOE:

Actually, Mary is shown to have many roles in Scripture and they emerge as elements of her miraculous motherhood. The Bible has an angel giving Mary homage as “full of grace” (Luke 1:28). She is the “most favored daughter” of our race. She is utterly imbued with the presence of God, the source of her holiness. Prevenient grace will become a factor in our understanding of her as the Immaculate Conception. God prepared her for the role she would play. The All Holy One would enter the world through a pure vessel.

She is the “Virgin” who conceives the Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her maternity will be like no other. Catholicism gives a heightened meaning to her virginity (Matthew 1:22) and speaks of her as belonging wholly to God.

Mary announces that she is the “handmaid of the Lord” totally at the service of God and his providence (Luke 1:38). Notice that she is not “a” handmaid but “the” handmaid. She will play a continuing role like no other woman in human history. Her motherhood is an enduring reality… throughout the life of the historical Christ and even into eternity.

When she visits Elizabeth, she proclaims her Magnificat, saying, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48). She calls God her savior, not that she does not say “he will be” her savior. She has already been touched by the power of Christ’s redemptive Cross. This same paschal mystery touches us forward in time in the sacraments. She also gives us a bit of prophecy, saying that all generations will call her blessed. While Catholics call her the BLESSED Virgin or the BLESSED Mother, you pretty much never hear such an attribute given Mary from the lips of fundamentalists like the critic here.

Speaking of prophecy, Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus says to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). Mary’s immaculate heart will be pierced in that she will hold not just the baby Jesus but the God-Man taken down from the Cross. She will be the Sorrowful Mother who keeps saying YES to God from the Annunciation to Calvary. She was given the living Word as her child. At the Cross, she will surrender her Son back into the embrace of the Father. The reference to the “thoughts of many hearts” has to do with prayer and intercession to her. We open ourselves up to her. Again, prophecy is fulfilled for true believers.

Eve was the mother of all the living and yet Mary is the Mother of all who would have new life in Christ. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. As such, Mary is our Mother. Mary is the New Eve, “the Woman” who sought and found Christ in the Temple (Luke 2:39-52), who interceded at Cana when Christ changed water into wine (John 2:1-11) and at the Cross when Jesus said, “Woman, behold, your son” (John 19:26). Then our Lord formally gives her to the Church through our emissary, John. “‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:27).

You have a very narrow view of Scripture to ignore the importance of all this and so much more.

ERNESTO: There is no record in the Bible of her ascending into heaven or playing a role.

FATHER JOE:

We read in Revelation: “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars… She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth” (Revelation 12:1-2, 5). I cite this vision to show evidence of the Mother and Child in the heavens. But my answer goes to a deeper matter. The Gospels give us the life of Christ, and the focus is not directly upon Mary. Catholics have an experience of God that did not end with the Gospels or the Acts of the Apostles. There is no reference to a canonical New Testament either because none existed. Such emerged from the bishops of the Church in council. Show me where the books of the New Testament are listed in any of the biblical books! You cannot because such belongs to the realm of Church Tradition and authority. This matter remain so confused at the time of the Reformation that Martin Luther wanted to delete more than seven books of the Old Testament but some of the epistles as well, like the Letter of James. The Bible did not come out of the sky pre-made. Your hermeneutics will not satisfy and no Catholic should limit himself to the fraudulent “sola scriptura” stance.

ERNESTO: I’ve read some of your answers to people, and you have called some people ignorant?!

FATHER JOE: It is worse than that. I am exposing an ignorance that has been bred by bigotry; much like yours appears to be.

ERNESTO: Come on, is that really act when someone is just trying to have a conversation with you?

FATHER JOE: But many do not come for conversation. They come with venom or poison. They are not open to the truth and they want to make sure that no one else has it either.

ERNESTO: Why get up right when they are just sharing their thoughts?

FATHER JOE: Is that what you call it? A genuine ecumenism would share ideas. Anonymous anti-Catholics come to drop their bombs on a priest’s blog, thinking their rehashed arguments will win the argument and salvage the day. When they find there is an actual rebuttal they start using capital letters and exclamation points as if emphasis might still win a debate. But it does nothing more than to show how absolutely closed-minded they are to any Catholic truth. Next they start throwing out slurs. “You Papists are idolaters and cookie-worshipers! You have made Mary into your pagan goddess! You are demon-possessed! Then they will attack the Pope as the antichrist and the Church as the harlot of Babylon. It is tragic and ridiculously ignorant. They repeat the lies of Know Nothings who hated the immigrant Catholics over a century ago. It goes on and on. They only know their religion by contrast to what they oppose in “Romanism.”

ERNESTO: Just read these verses straight out of the a Holy Bible, clearly it shows what the Catholics believe in. There are saints and images of Mary everywhere and people do worship and carry her around in villages in Mexico where my family is from. And I clearly understand that you say Catholicism has been around longer, but his word has been around longer since the book of Genesis to the creation of man till now.

FATHER JOE:

Catholicism is the successor to Judaism. God called a people to himself before there were any Scriptures at all. This pattern in Genesis and the Old Testament is repeated with the Gospels and the New Testament. Our Lord instituted his priesthood and Church before even one word of the New Testament was composed. The first to receive this WORD was the Blessed Virgin Mary. See yesterday’s Mass readings for the Immaculate Conception:

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120814.cfm

[Luke 1:26-38] Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary received the Word, carried the Word and gave it birth!

The Church is the Mother of the Bible and New Testament. The Holy Spirit protects the Magisterium established by Jesus in interpreting the sources of revelation.

ERNESTO:

Revelation 22:18-19

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

FATHER JOE: These words are only in reference to the Book of Revelation, not the whole Bible. It was composed at a time when the oral tradition was supreme and there was no New Testament. Indeed, Pope Clement’s letter to the Corinthians is older than this book. And yet, it was not added to the canon. It is a literary device or inclusion that parallels Revelation 1:1-3. It is not a negation of the oral tradition.

ERNESTO: Nowhere in the Holy Bible says that Mary had healing power, or descended to heaven and sits by our Heavenly Father.

FATHER JOE: The word is NOT descended. Jesus “descended” to the dead. Jesus “ascended” into heaven. Mary is “assumed” into heaven. Here is a perfect example of your ignorance to speak about this topic and Catholicism. You cannot even get basic terminology correct. Life goes on, even after the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus ascends into heaven by his own power. Mary is taken into heaven by the power of her Son. Similarly, believers have every reason to hope for a share in Christ’s life. Ours is not a superstitious faith in Mary. We simply trust in the power of her intercession with Christ: two hearts beating harmoniously in love for us.

ERNESTO:

Revelation 9:20-21

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

FATHER JOE: This is not even topical to this discussion. Catholics do not worship idols. We do treasure depictions of Mary and the saints. Of course, our nation does as much with the Lincoln Memorial and most people keep photos of loved ones. So does the Church, but we do not worship objects.

ERNESTO:

Isaiah 44:6-20

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing?

FATHER JOE: This reading is also in Catholic bibles. We are not threatened by Scripture or our book. Catholicism views Jesus as Savior, Redeemer and Lord. Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the divine pontifex or bridge to the Father and into the kingdom. Nothing about Mary and the communion of the saints negates any element of these truths. Your failure to appreciate this fact, told to you by a Catholic priest, is evidence of both ignorance and bigotry. You would rather accept the skewed facts of prejudiced non-Catholics over the testimony of the Church, herself. This is why this is not a real discussion. You have not come here to dialogue but to pillage and destroy.

ERNESTO: Don’t get me wrong. I do believe she was chosen by God to give birth to Jesus Christ.

FATHER JOE: Is that all motherhood is to you? Such would reduce human motherhood to something akin to incubators for eggs and chickens. Mothers do not stop being mothers at the birth of their children. There is a bond there that remains into eternity. A mother is the mother of the whole person of her child. The only difference with Mary is that she is the Mother of a divine Person, the living Word, Immanuel or God among Us. That is why she is permitted the title Mother of God. Mary is a blessed creature, not divine, but the title defends the unity and divinity in Christ. Jesus is God and man. We can make the distinction but our Lord cannot be dissected.

ERNESTO: Nowhere does it say we need to worship her. In the Ten Commandments it clearly states he is a very jealous God and only wants us to only bow down to him? I am not ignorant like you called the person on an earlier response. Just read the facts he and the apostles left behind.

FATHER JOE: You can profess enlightenment all you want, but you do not even correctly summarize the Catholic teaching, just a straw man view that anti-Catholics can conveniently tear down. Catholics do not give divine worship to Mary or any creature. What is sometimes called worship in her regard is a unique veneration or expression of love. We literally view her as our spiritual mother. Your failure to appreciate speaks to the coldness with which many of your likes show to her. The facts are not what you say they are.

Responding to David J. Hageman’s Comments

DAVID: The woman mentioned in Revelations is the church. (protestant church obviously)

FATHER JOE: There is no Protestant church but rather many Protestant churches. None existed over 500 years ago. The woman with child is an obvious reference to Mary and Christ. Mary is a type for the Church. She signifies what the Church shall become. Catholicism speaks of both Mary and the Church as MOTHER.

DAVID: The catholic church also being a woman… a whore.

FATHER JOE: The Catholic Church was instituted by Christ. When you call the Church “a harlot” you are literally saying that Jesus is a PIMP. How dare you do this? Do you not fear God?

DAVID: Woman = church. Mary = Mary.

FATHER JOE: Mary = Church.

DAVID: As you very well know.

FATHER JOE: I know far better than you do.

DAVID: Mary of roman worship is Sophia or Diana Luciferus.

FATHER JOE: This allegation is absolutely ridiculous… it is slander and false witness. Mary is not a pagan goddess. The Mary of Catholicism is the Mother of Christ in Scripture.

DAVID: serpent Knowledge- Illimunistion.

FATHER JOE: This may be the source for your demonic deceit.

DAVID: For the life of me I cannot fathom why anyone would serve that god. Life is so short, is it worth failing the test of life for a little temporary power?

FATHER JOE: Fools are befuddled by lies and prejudice… that is why you are in the employ of the demons. I suppose you get some glee from feeling you can speak alone for your deity. I am a servant of Christ and his Church. You are merely a messenger of venom for what you regard as private interpretation. You build error upon error… with nothing of charity.

DAVID: And you priets (priests) poking your fingers in the dyke in this apocalypse?

FATHER JOE: Priests participate in the high priesthood of Christ. Our Lord’s power and authority will prevail.

DAVID: The dam has burst, Truth has come forth again.

FATHER JOE: Yes, a dam has burst. But when you open your mouth, it is not grace that emerges but calumny and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

Responding to Xian’s Comments on Saints & Intercession

XIAN:

Catholics argue that praying to Mary and the saints is no different than asking someone here on earth to pray for us. Let us examine that claim. (1) The Apostle Paul asks other Christians to pray for him in Ephesians 6:19. Many Scriptures describe believers praying for one another (2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:19; 2 Timothy 1:3). The Bible nowhere mentions anyone asking for someone in heaven to pray for him. The Bible nowhere describes anyone in heaven praying for anyone on earth. (2) The Bible gives absolutely no indication that Mary or the saints can hear our prayers. Mary and the saints are not omniscient. Even glorified in heaven, they are still finite beings with limitations. How could they possibly hear the prayers of millions of people? Whenever the Bible mentions praying to or speaking with the dead, it is in the context of sorcery, witchcraft, necromancy, and divination—activities the Bible strongly condemns (Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:10-13). In the one instance when a “saint” is spoken to, Samuel in 1 Samuel 28:7-19, Samuel is not exactly happy to be disturbed. It is clear that praying to Mary or the saints is completely different from asking someone here on earth to pray for us. One has a strong biblical basis; the other has no biblical basis whatsoever.

God does not answer prayers based on who is praying. God answers prayers based on whether they are asked according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). There is absolutely no basis or need to pray to anyone other than God alone. There is no basis for asking those who are in heaven to pray for us. Only God can hear our prayers. Only God can answer our prayers. No one in heaven has any greater access to God’s throne than we do through prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

FATHER JOE:

The common theme is intercession or praying for others. Obviously, there is a difference in being alive and mortal and being dead and living in eternity. The Book of Revelation describes those before the throne of God presenting our prayers to him (Revelation 5:8).

“When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones” (Revelations 5:8).

Therefore the Scriptures are not silent on the subject. Part of the issue here is that in the case of the early Church, most New Testament saints or believers were still living in this world. Of course, after Christ’s descent to the dead, those Jews and righteous Gentiles in the limbo of the fathers would have been translated into heaven.

Further the dead do not sleep. The souls of the dead are alive and conscious. We are not annihilated.

“And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, `I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32).

The saints of God live in eternity and are no longer locked in time. Thus there is no issue with many cries for intercession.

“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with burning coals from the altar, and hurled it down to the earth. There were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake” (Revelations 8:3-5).

“And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:3-5).

Moses and Elijah seem very aware about what is happening on earth.

As members of the Mystical Body and part of the communion of the saints, Paul teaches us that those who have gone before us into heaven still witness what happens on earth.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

The saints know our lot, pray for us and rejoice when we walk with the Lord. Jesus says as much.

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, `Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7-10).

Saints can only know our prayers because God allows them to do so by his power. Yes, only God is all-powerful and all-knowing. But we should not underestimate the unity of the saints with the Lord. As members of the Mystical Body we are called to think as Christ thinks and to love as he loves. The saints of heaven hear with Jesus’ ears and intercede in a way that pleases God. The saints want what God wants.

Filed under: Anti-Catholicism, Apologetics, Bible, Catholic, Jesus, Mary, Religion, Saints, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Dave Protestant Attacks Mary & Catholic Piety

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Father Joe

Dave Protestant (also posting under the name David J. Hageman) posted his slurs as a comment on my blog. Here is his post and my response. I deleted links to his Facebook and blog although they have him hailing from Australia.

DAVE:

What is it with Catholics and Mary? Do any of you ever bother to read the Bible?

FATHER JOE:

I deleted the link to your Facebook page on account of vulgarity and the “F” word. How can you do this and regard yourself still able to speak for Jesus? You know nothing and would invite others to share your prejudice and ignorance.

“Hail full of grace” (Luke 1:28).

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

“Blessed art thou amongst women” (Luke 1:42).

“All generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).

“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

DAVE:

NEWS FLASH! Mary is dead— dead as a doornail. She gave up the ghost and is sleeping until judgment day.

FATHER JOE:

Our Lord tells us that ours is the God of the living, not the dead. The believers in soul sleep deny both the immortal soul and the existence of hell. The message of the resurrection and the communion of the saints is that we can have a share in Christ’s life. The grave will not consume us. Heaven is real and we will know both eternal life and reunion with those who have gone before us. Love is not conquered by the grave. Our blessed dead are alive in Christ, still loving and praying for us. Notice that our Lord makes references to ghosts and appears with Elijah and Moses in the Transfiguration. Remember also the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in the afterlife. Mary is assumed body and soul into heaven as a sign for us and the Church.

DAVE:

Dianna Luciferus, on the other hand, might answer those prayers.

FATHER JOE:

Condemning the things of God as demonic is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mary is a blessed creature, not a goddess and not the devil. Mary, as the queen of the saints, intercedes for us. Jesus gave us Mary from the Cross to our emissary, John. “Behold your mother!” The Mother of the Redeemer would become the Mother of All the Redeemed.

DAVE:

Geez, if the invention of moveable type didn’t wake you up to the fact you’re following the very antichrist, the internet leaves you with no excuse whatsoever.

FATHER JOE:

The multiplication of words is no assurance on truth. Bigotry and ignorance can be expressed in many or a few words. You prove this on your website by slurring African-Americans.

DAVE:

Grow up peasants. Mary worship! Oh em gee! So medieval. Whatever next? A Negro for president? What’s the world coming to?

FATHER JOE:

You are a hateful racist. You give a bad name to fundamentalists and SDA believers.

Filed under: Anti-Catholicism, Apologetics, Catholic, Faith, Mary, Religion, Saints | 8 Comments »

40 Days for Life

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Father Joe

From September 24 through November 2, you’re invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life – 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.

You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Metropolitan Family Planning, 5915 Greenbelt Road, College Park, MD.

If you’d like more information – and especially if you’d like to volunteer to pray, please contact: Tom Trunk at 240-593-6982 or 40daysforlifeMD@gmail.com.

Visit the website at http://www.40daysforlife.com/collegepark.

Father Joseph Jenkins, our Council Chaplain and the Pastor of Holy Family Parish was scheduled to lead the Rosary in front of the Greenbelt Abortion Clinic on the first day of the prayer vigils, Wednesday, September 24 at 1:00 PM. He was accompanied by Jim Murry, PGK, PFN. He was joined by other Council Knights, Jimmy Cardano, DGK and Roger Doucet, Fraternal Benefits Advisor. Various others had come from other councils and parishes. People came and left, although numbers swelled into the 20’s at one point. A young woman came over and told us that the happiest day of her life was when she had an abortion and that she did not regret it. We did not debate her but simply let her know that we were praying for the unborn children, including hers, and for the conversion of the hearts and minds of mothers and fathers to the Gospel of Life. It was clear to see that she came over to incite some negative action. Instead, we extended love and prayers. After the Rosary was offered, Father Jenkins offered an extemporaneous prayer, invoking the grace and aid of the Holy Spirit upon the prayer champions for life and for this woman in particular. That she might come to repentance and instead of dispairing when her eyes are opened, that she might find hope in Christ’s mercy. A few people beeped their car horns at us. In the past we have had people shout and gesture obscenities. Our reaction is always non-violence. We hate no one and do not want to hurt anyone.

Every year when we do this prayer of protest there are women who will also tell us that we made them rethink what they were doing and turn around. Babies are saved. Father Jenkins also made mention of SPIRITUAL ADOPTION and how our prayers are an expression that all children are miracles and wanted. We are Christians proclaiming the Gospel of Life. There is no such thing as a pro-abortion Christianity. We witness to life. The Council Knights and their families were urged to come throughout the month and to offer their prayers and rosaries, both outside the clinic and wherever else they find themselves. We should pray unceasingly against the scourge in our society. Father Jenkins was very defiant and exclaimed, “When the child in the womb is not safe, none of us are safe!”

Filed under: Catholic, Discipleship, Family, Knights of Columbus, Mary, Morality, Personal, Pro-Life, Prophets, Religious Liberty, Right to Life, Sexuality, Sin, Social Justice | 1 Comment »

The Sad Case of the Fatima Priest

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Father Joe

QUESTION:

What is wrong with Fr. Nicholas Gruner and The Fatima Crusader magazine? He seems to be very holy, intelligent, and sincere–not anything like the “nut” people make him out to be. His main message seems to be that the consecration of Russia requested at Fatima was never performed properly and that humanity could be headed for a chastisement.

RESPONSE:

Compliance with a request to consecrate Russia and/or the world remains with the judgment of the Holy See. Such has been done and it can be repeated. However, it does not rest with Fr. Gruner or with you and me. We can certainly dedicate ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but such also demands fidelity in our state of life, as well as respect to the Church and the Pope. Fr. Gruner proposes to direct what is best for the world and the Church while he cannot even get his own house in order. The Soviet Union fell and many nations knew freedom. But faith is not magic. Sin still exists in Russia (just ask the Ukraine), around the world and here in the U.S. where our religious liberty is threatened by the current administration and a culture of death. Any utopian view or interpretation of Fatima and its fruits are arguably not in sync with Catholic or Christian eschatology.

Fr. Gruner has not had proper priestly faculties for much of his priesthood. He argues that we must prove otherwise but that is not how the process works. He must present signed faculties from his bishop to the diocesan officials of any local church he visits. He cannot do this because he is not in good standing. Thus, he is not welcome by true Catholic authorities anywhere in the United States. His censure was reaffirmed by the Congregation for the Clergy. Priests are not the same as the laity. We are not our own men. We belong to the Church and our bishops. The problem with the priest is simply this… he disobeyed and continues to disobey his legitimate bishop. He says “public” Mass even though he is forbidden to do so. He cannot even “lawfully” hear Confessions. He is closer today to the schismatic SSPX than the Roman Catholic Church.

[No other bishop can extend him faculties or give him permission to minister while he is suspended. No other bishop could even adopt him unless he were formally released by his home bishop. He has never been released.]

I am told that when the late Sr. Lucia took issue with him, he accused her of lying. Similarly he has directly attacked the popes and questioned the honesty of the Vatican. How is any of this meritorious? Sorry, I can well appreciate that his manner is very disarming. While critics accuse him of being a self-serving scam artist, he seems quite pious and sincere. But it remains true that he brings in plenty of money from donations and has no one, not even a Catholic bishop, to oversee him.

As a diocesan priest, he can only function as an extension of his bishop. But what happens when a priest will allow no one to tell him what to do? Disobedient priests are by definition, bad priests. This is a rule that I take seriously to protect my own priesthood. Many of the renegade clergy know the code-words to get people on their side. Particularly troubling is that to justify himself and his standing, Fr. Gruner wrote a book that distorts the truth of his situation and conflicts with Catholic ecclesiology. I would simply ask him, who and where is your bishop? Have you obeyed him? His defense fails before it begins. Catholicism is a mediated religion. We do not follow God directly but through his appointed authority. He cannot claim fidelity to Jesus and Mary while ignoring the summons of his bishop or by defaming the Holy See as deceptive or satanic.

Fr. Gruner’s claims not only lack substantiation; nothing that he has done can be justified. It is said that he has become increasingly traditional (at least externally) because, as has been observed, he seeks kindred bedfellows and follows the money trail. And yet, certain traditionalists mock him as a false priest because he was ordained within the reformed ordination ritual after Vatican II, which they reject.

Does he have any legitimate convictions? Might he be more delusional than fraudulent? I cannot say. But he should not be supported. Catholics should urge him to be humble and to submit as a priest to the lawful authority to which HE PROMISED OBEDIENCE. A priest that breaks his promise of obedience to his bishop is as bad as a priest who breeches celibacy. Again, do not be fooled. His name and organization does not appear in the official directory of institutions and clergy in the U.S or Canada. He does not work for the Catholic Church in any capacity whatsoever. He is independent. In that sense, he has fabricated his own church.

The appeal letters that he sends out include the signatures of other renegade clergy. I was surprised some years ago to discover that the names included that of an old retired priest who purportedly went senile and another priest who was long dead. I have not checked the current names. Again, he wants to give himself a false credibility.

While I would urge against material support, I would recommend that everyone should pray for Father Gruner and that he will know repentance and humbly accept the guidance of his bishop under holy obedience. I suspect that this is what would most please our Lord and the Blessed Mother. Let us never forget that the devil likes to fool us, making the darkness look like light. Pray for him and all priests.

1976 – Bishop Pasquale Venezia ordained Fr. Gruner. He refused to serve the diocese of Avellino and left for Canada without permission.
1978 – Bishop Venezia sent Gruner a letter saying that he could remain in Canada if a local bishop incardinated him. None did and no applications were made.
Bishop Gerardo Pierro ordered him to return to his diocese. Fr. Gruner did not answer his letter.
Cardinal Innocenti, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, wrote to him and ordered him to return to Italy and his bishop. Fr. Gruner refused.
1989 – Bishop Gerardo Pierro again sent Gruner a letter ordering him to return or find another bishop in 30 days.
1990 – Fr. Gruner went to Avellino and met with Bishop Pierro to give him time to seek incardination. This was granted but two years later he still had not started the process or found a receptive bishop.
1992 – Cardinal Sanchez and Archbishop Sepe stated in L’Osservatore Romano that Fr. Gruner and his Apostolate had not been approved by the competent ecclesiastical authorities (October 14, 1992).
1994 – The new bishop of Avellino issued a decree declaring Fr. Gruner a vagus priest. Such priests have no faculties and cannot publicly offer the sacraments.

INFORMATIVE LINKS:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=3441

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=4086

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/fr_gruner_old.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/fr_gruner.htm

http://www.staycatholic.com/fr__nicholas_gruner.htm

Filed under: Catholic, Church, Evangelization, Magisterium, Mary, Priests, Religion | 4 Comments »

Walmart Store Dedicates Virgin Mary

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Father Joe

On Wednesday, Father Brown blessed the mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe that is displayed on the outside of the Sherman Heights Walmart (San Diego). The effort was a restoration since the image was taken down from the earlier Farmer’s Market.

“It’s the only Walmart in the world with a plaque of our Blessed Mother,” said Father Richard Brown.

Hail Walmart,

Full of great bargains,

Low prices are with thee.

Blessed art thou among discount stores,

And blessed is the fruit of thy many sales.

Holy Walmart,

Mother of Low Wages,

Prey on us customers,

Now and at the hour of our shopping.

Amen.

“It’s something the community members asked for, the business owners asked for,” said store manager Luciano Villela. “We’re very happy to please the community by doing this.”

Filed under: Catholic, Mary, News | 2 Comments »

The Pastor’s/Chaplain’s Reflection: Immaculate Conception

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Father Joe

The Mystery of our Lady as the Immaculate Conception is one that speaks to the Church about the identity of Christ and the sanctity of life. Things are not preserved from sin or forgiven, only persons. This dogma reminds us that human life and personhood begins at conception!

Mary is preserved from sin from the very first moment of her existence in the womb of St. Ann. This honor was shown her since the All Holy One would enter our world through her. It would not be fitting that the one who is the source of holiness should be touched by sin in the womb. Therefore, our Lord comes into the world through a sinless vessel. Mary calls the Lord her Savior, not in future tense, but present. The saving work of Jesus on the Cross reached backward into human history and embraced this precious daughter of Israel. That same saving power touches us, forward in time, through faith and baptism. Mary remains the Immaculate Virgin and Mother who intercedes for her spiritual children, we who are still so caught up in their weaknesses and sins. Mary is always about bringing others to her Son.

This appreciation of Mary as the Immaculate Conception is intimately linked to another title of Mary— that she is the NEW EVE. She cooperates in a unique manner with the work of her Son. Just as sin entered the world through a man and woman; now in Jesus and Mary we have a new Adam and a new Eve who are ever faithful. Mary utterly cooperates with the grace that fills her. She never sins but as the faithful handmaid at the Annunciation, always says YES to God.

The image we venerate acknowledges this role and the symbolism in the Book of Revelation. She stamps upon the head of the ancient serpent. This past week Pope Francis consecrated the world to her Immaculate Heart. We pray for peace. We pray for the conversion of hearts and minds.

May we also consecrate ourselves as loving children of Mary— brothers and sisters to Jesus— adopted sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

Father Joseph Jenkins

Filed under: Knights of Columbus, Mary, Parish | Leave a comment »

Marian Prayer Program: Immaculate Conception Image

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Father Joe

The Immaculate Conception Prayer Program

The Immaculate Conception Prayer Program began August 7 at the 131st Supreme Convention in San Antonio, Texas. This program features an image of Mary as the Immaculate Conception, which is a copy of the original painting that is housed in the Cathedral Basilica Notre-Dame de Quebec in Canada. The church and the Archdiocese of Quebec are celebrating their 350th anniversary in 2014.

The Immaculate Conception Prayer Program is the 16th Marian Prayer Program sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, beginning with the first program – honoring Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe – in 1979. In preparation for the 1982 Centennial of the Order, the second prayer program was initiated, which also highlighted the Immaculate Conception. Since then, the Blessed Mother has been honored by her Knights under her titles of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of Pochaiv, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Charity.

These Orderwide programs of Marian Prayer have gathered together more than 16 million people at some 140,000 prayer services conducted at local councils and parishes.
Our District Deputy, Joseph Massimini notified that the state was available to the Third District. We alerted him that we wanted to participate in the Marian Prayer Program and we scheduled the event. It was announced at Holy Family Masses.

The image was delivered to Holy Family Parish/Father Kidd Council, Mitchellville, MD, on Monday evening, October 14, 2013 by Brother Knight Massimini following use in another parish and council. He met with our chaplain, Father Joseph Jenkins and the icon was set up in the parish church.

The icon/image was on display Tuesday morning, October 15 for 8:00 AM Mass. The general intercessions from the prayer service were utilized in place of the regular Prayer of the Faithful. It was the feastday for St. Teresa of Avila. Father spoke about how, along with St. John of the Cross, she was influential in the reform of the Church. At the end of the liturgy, our Grand Knight, Manny Rodriguez passed out the prayer cards associated with the program. The Rosary was recited immediately after Mass. Sixteen people were in attendance.

Filed under: Knights of Columbus, Mary, Parish | Leave a comment »

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