tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984883853102695982024-02-07T16:28:40.750-08:00A Catholic KnightThoughts on being Christian in the 21st Century.David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-24876467362042879912019-12-04T08:29:00.001-08:002020-10-26T11:42:14.674-07:00The Most Effective Weapon of a Catholic Knight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary</div>
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Anyone seeking to be a Catholic Knight should make daily recitation of the Rosary a lifetime habit.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Jesus, my Lord and Savior, make me your instrument this day, that I may be a faithful witness to you and your Church. Preserve me from anything that would be detrimental to my soul and the souls of those around me.<br />
<br />
The Rosary is a form of contemplative prayer or meditation. There are fifteen “mysteries” which present to us aspects of the life of Christ and Mary. Each mystery has a theological theme for contemplation while reciting the prayers. That is, while you recite the prayers, your thoughts should be on the mystery and its corresponding theme, their importance in the plan of Salvation, and how to apply them to your life. Since the intention is that your mind actually focus on the mysteries and their themes, the beads of the Rosary are to help you keep time and move from one mystery to the other. <br />
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The fifteen mysteries are divided into three groups: Joyous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. For each mystery, one Our Father and ten Hail Marys are prayed. For this reason, the prayers of the mystery are also called a “decade.” Each mystery concludes with two additional prayers giving glory to God and asking Jesus for mercy. <br />
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One hundred fifty Hail Marys are recited for the mysteries, corresponding to the 150 Psalms. For this reason, the Rosary is also known as Mary’s Psalter. While it is encouraged to contemplate all fifteen mysteries each day, it is common to recite one of the three groups of mysteries (five decades) on a given day. A pattern of progression for the groups of mysteries has been established for each day of the week. In the section below that describes the mysteries, the normal days for reciting each group is given. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Using the Rosary</div>
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A Rosary is a loop of beads with a small string of beads connected at one point, usually by a religious medal. There is a crucifix at the end of the string. Praying the Rosary starts at the crucifix, moves into the loop, and ends on the medal. There are enough beads around the loop to pray five mysteries. The beads for reciting the Lord’s Prayer are usually separated from the others by extra space, or are larger than the others. As you recite each prayer of the rosary, move the beads through your hand to keep track of how many prayers you have recited and to know when to move on to the next mystery. If the rosary is said as a led prayer. One person introduces the intentions, the mysteries and the first part of each prayer (printed in red below) and everyone concludes the prayers (printed in black below). The theme of each mystery is included in parenthesis along with relevant biblical passages.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;">The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary</span></b></div>
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(<span style="color: red;">Red text <i>of prayers</i> recited by person leading the Rosary.</span>)</div>
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(Black text <i>of prayers</i> recited by all.)</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white;">Introductory Prayers for the Intention of the Rosary</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(On the Crucifix)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Sign of the Cross</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">and of the Holy Ghost.<span style="color: black;"> Amen.</span></span> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Apostle’s Creed</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried: He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.</span> I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.<br />
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<i>(On the single bead)</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The Lord’s Prayer</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.</span> Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. <br />
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<i>(On each of the three beads)</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Ave Maria</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.</span> Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Between the three beads and the next single bead)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Doxology</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.<span style="color: black;"> As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. </span></span> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(For each mystery, the same sequence of prayers is offered.)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(On the single bead)</i> <span style="color: blue;">The Lord’s Prayer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(On each of the ten beads)</i> <span style="color: blue;">Ave Maria</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><i>(Between the ten beads and the next single bead or the medal)</i></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Doxology <i><span style="color: black;">and</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Fatima Prayer</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">Oh my Jesus,<span style="color: black;"> forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. </span></span><br />
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<b>Concluding Prayers</b></div>
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<i>(On the medal)</i></div>
<span style="color: red;">Hail, Holy Queen,<span style="color: black;"> Mother of mercy. Hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us. And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.</span> That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Let us pray.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">O God,</span> whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the reward of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating upon these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Additional Prayers</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>These, or other, prayers are added according to custom before the final </i><br />
<i>Sign of the Cross.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Also on the medal)</i></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Prayer to Saint Joseph</span></div>
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(Usually added in March, the Month dedicated to Saint Joseph)</div>
<span style="color: red;">To thee,</span> O blessed Joseph, do we fly in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy thrice-holy Spouse, we now also confidently seek thy protection. By that charity which united thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love for the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ hath purchased with His Blood, and in our need to help us by thy powerful intercession. Do thou, O prudent guardian of the Holy Family, watch over the chosen people of Jesus Christ. Keep us, O most loving father, from all blight of error and corruption. O most mighty protector, from thy place in Heaven, graciously help us in this our conflict with the powers of darkness. And as of old, thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme evil of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Extend to each one of us thy continual protection, that led on by thine example and strengthened by thine aid, we may lead a holy life and die in holiness, and obtain everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel</span></div>
<span style="color: red;">Saint Michael the Archangel,</span> defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Sacred Heart of Jesus,</span> Have mercy upon us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Immaculate Heart of Mary,</span> Pray for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Saint Joseph,</span> Pray for us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">All the angels and saints,</span> Pray for us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">The holy souls in Purgatory,</span> Pray for us.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Final Sign of the Cross</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">and of the Holy Ghost.</span> Amen.</div>
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<b>The Joyful Mysteries</b></div>
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Mondays / Thursdays<br />
Sundays in Advent, Christmas, and after Epiphany</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Annunciation to Mary of the Birth of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Humility)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grant me the grace to submit to the Will of God.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in said unto her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” Who having heard was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end.” … And Mary said: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to thy word.” And the angel departed from her. <i>(Luke 1:26-33, 38)</i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">(Charity)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grant me the grace to tend to the needs of others.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into the city of Juda. And entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” <i>(Luke 1:39-42)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Nativity of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Poverty)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> </span><i>Shield me from the love of wealth and power.</i></div>
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And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. <i>(Luke 2:7)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">(Obedience)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> </span><i>Grant me the grace to obey the laws of Christ and His Church.</i><br />
<br /></div>
And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. <i>(Luke 2:22)</i><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">The Finding of Jesus in the Temple</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">(Piety)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">I dedicate all that I do to God.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
And it came to pass that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: “Son, why hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” And he said to them: “<span style="color: red;">How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?</span>” <i>(Luke 2:46-49)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Sorrowful Mysteries</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesdays / Fridays / Sundays in Lent</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Agony of Christ in the Garden of Gesthemani</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Contrition)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grant me true repentance from my sins</span></i>.</span></div>
<br />
And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him. And when he was come to the place, he said to them: “<span style="color: red;">Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.</span>” And he was withdrawn away from them a stone’s cast, and kneeling down he prayed, saying: “<span style="color: red;">Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done.</span>” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. <i>(Luke 22:39-44)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Scourging of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Purity)</span><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Grant me the grace to be willing to suffer for the Faith. </i><br />
<i>I offer all of my sufferings for the souls of those </i><br />
<i>in need of God's mercy.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Pilate saith to them: “What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ?” They say all: “Let him be crucified.” The governor said to them: “Why, what evil hath he done?” But they cried out the more, saying: “Let him be crucified.” And Pilate, seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: “I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it.” And the whole people answering, said: “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to be crucified. <i>(Matthew 27:22-26)</i><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Crowning of Christ with Thorns</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Courage)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">I accept Christ as my Lord and King.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, saying: “Hail, king of the Jews.” And spitting upon him, they took the reed and struck his head. <i>(Matthew 27:29-30)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Christ Carries His Cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Patience)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grant me the grace to carry my own cross without complaint for love of God.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
Pilate therefore saith to him: “Speaketh thou not to me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and I have power to release thee? Jesus answered: “<span style="color: red;">Thou shouldst not have any power against me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered me to thee has the greater sin.</span>” And from henceforth Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, saying: “If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar’s friend. For whosoever maketh himself a king, speaketh against Caesar.” … Then therefore he delivered him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led him forth. And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew, Golgatha. <i>(John 29:10-12, 16-17)</i><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus Dies on the Cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Self Denial)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Grant me the grace of final perseverance.</span></i> </span></div>
<br />
And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: “<span style="color: red;">Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.</span>” … And it was almost the sixth hour; and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And Jesus crying with a loud voice said: “<span style="color: red;">Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.</span>” And saying this, he gave up the ghost. <i>(Luke 23:33-34, 44-46)</i><br />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Glorious Mysteries</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wednesdays / Saturdays<br />
Sundays in Easter and after Pentecost</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Resurrection of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Faith)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I dedicate myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,</i><br />
<i>which has loved me so much.</i></div>
</div>
<br />
And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came to the sepulcher, the sun being now risen. And they said to one another: “Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: “Be not afrfrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid him.” <i>(Mark 16:2-6)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Ascension of Christ to Heaven</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Hope)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">G</span><i><span style="color: black;">rant me the grace to be grateful for the love and mercy of Christ, who stands before the Father on my behalf. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
And he said to them: “<span style="color: red;">Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.</span>” … And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going forth preached everywhere: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed. <i>(Mark 16:15-16, 19-20)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Descent of the Holy Ghost</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Love)</span><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart and make me your own. </i></div>
<br />
[Jesus said], ”<span style="color: red;">But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment.</span>” <i>(John 16:7-8)</i><br />
And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them, parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak in diverse tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. <i>(Acts 2:1-4)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Eternal Happiness)</span><br />
<i>I dedicate myself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.</i><br />
<i>Grant me the grace to follow her as she leads me to her Son.</i><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i> </span></div>
[Jesus said] “<span style="color: red;">Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.</span>” <i>(Luke 11:28)</i><br />
And Mary said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” <i>(Luke 1:46-48)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(Devotion to Mary)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">I accept Mary as my Queen and Holy Mother.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;"> </span></i></span> </span></div>
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: … And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God and to his throne. <i>(Apocalypse 12:1, 5)</i>David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-68229867335579549692015-03-13T14:27:00.000-07:002018-03-09T08:11:11.782-08:00Who's To Blame?<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-_pGLR5JOpfr1r_rVbxrU881h1R4lEx7ExHMFYvgoKLtkJhvNkhpFMtwutVzJwGq4fVtKltZLzmXMl_xnId7bDqTtsJm93ZQKeacdYC7Xal2F9GysJTh2b0yoabneIIbKchVuWu84Ds/s1600/Willmann_Christus_am_Kreuz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-_pGLR5JOpfr1r_rVbxrU881h1R4lEx7ExHMFYvgoKLtkJhvNkhpFMtwutVzJwGq4fVtKltZLzmXMl_xnId7bDqTtsJm93ZQKeacdYC7Xal2F9GysJTh2b0yoabneIIbKchVuWu84Ds/s1600/Willmann_Christus_am_Kreuz.png" /></a> </div>
As we approach Good Friday, making our way through the liturgical season of Lent, our mind is brought again and again to the Cross. More specifically, the Crucifix. As Catholics, we always have (or should have) reminders of Christ crucified. Crucifixes are in our churches, in our homes, around our necks, hanging from the mirrors of our cars, and even in our pockets. The image of the suffering of Christ is nearly always present to us, but during Lent, we are prompted to ask why. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Why did the Son of God suffer so much? Why was He scourged? Why was He crowned with thorns? Why did He carry His own Cross? Why was He nailed to it to finally suffer an agonizing suffocating death?<br />
<br />
We are sometimes tempted to blame the Jews, or the Romans. This is a claim that has arisen from time to time throughout the Church's history, but at no time did such a claim hold up. In fact, the Church has always rejected blaming the Jews or the Romans for the crucifixion. It is certainly true that individual Jews and Romans were involved, but we cannot lay the blame on them. Did He not say, "forgive them, they know not what they do?"<br />
<br />
It seems that some people forget that they believe Jesus is God. There is no earthly power that could take, torture, and kill Him if He chose to prevent it. Therefore, we cannot really blame even those individuals who performed the acts for the fact that they happened. Yet God hung on His Cross and we are still tempted to assign the blame.<br />
<br />
It is an interesting failing of ours, to always look outward when trying to assign blame. We see a figure of Him on the Cross, but don't want to really consider why He's there. We see the image of thorns on His head, the nails through his limbs, and the spear wound in His side, and we don't want to blame ourselves for all of that. But that is the message of the crucifix. That is precisely what we are supposed to do when we see one. <br />
<br />
Christ died for our sins, not only for all of humanity, but for each of us individually. When I look at a crucifix, I am supposed to look into my own soul and realize that He suffered for me. He suffered to redeem me from my personal sins, not just to remove the state of Original Sin. My sins. My failings. My unfaithfulness. That is the focus of Lent. That is the point of every Friday as a day of penance. Christ suffered and died for me. He loves me so much that He took on my curse and hung from a tree on my behalf.<br />
<br />
The crucifix is at the heart of our call to repent and amend our lives. Every time we see a crucifix we should be encouraged to be better Christians because God loves us so much He chose to suffer the curse of our unfaithfulness. He is there, in our place and on our behalf.<br />
<br />
Who's to blame for the crucifixion?<br />
Every Catholic should answer, "I am."David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-63689711504349810552015-02-19T15:48:00.000-08:002018-03-09T08:10:42.978-08:00The Catholic GentlemanHere are a couple of great articles from <a href="http://www.catholicgentleman.net/">The Catholic Gentleman</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.catholicgentleman.net/2015/02/catholicism-and-the-cross/">Catholicism and the Cross</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.catholicgentleman.net/2013/07/gentlemen-dress-up-for-mass/">Dress Up for Mass!</a></div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-48146635232758027772015-02-09T09:29:00.002-08:002018-03-09T08:10:24.358-08:00Gimli, Galadriel, and Guadalupe: An image of Our Lady in the Lady of Lothlorien<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZoLwS33_caNqJBwm5U5MX1sDunoEFBOIYTLKVpUGIbBeFmxAL4aIWkrezhOGMgpBn23pUDft9qL-MPnglhnBk6NKJF4tv-KpEAFvik1ORIshibnc_SIRhb2Ku6SLwf1obYBdw7ki6R0/s1600/OLGuadalupe-500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZoLwS33_caNqJBwm5U5MX1sDunoEFBOIYTLKVpUGIbBeFmxAL4aIWkrezhOGMgpBn23pUDft9qL-MPnglhnBk6NKJF4tv-KpEAFvik1ORIshibnc_SIRhb2Ku6SLwf1obYBdw7ki6R0/s1600/OLGuadalupe-500.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.daniel-bearman.com/2015/02/06/gimli-galadriel-and-guadalupe-an-image-of-our-lady-in-the-lady-of-lothlorien/">Gimli, Galadriel, and Guadalupe</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.daniel-bearman.com/2015/02/06/gimli-galadriel-and-guadalupe-an-image-of-our-lady-in-the-lady-of-lothlorien/">An image of Our Lady in the Lady of Lothlorien</a></div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-9703824340989922652015-02-03T14:05:00.002-08:002018-03-09T08:10:11.760-08:00Does Richard Dawkins Exist?<a href="http://www.aquinasphilosophy.com/page23/does_richard_dawkins_exist.htm">Dr. Bonnette provides the answer.</a>David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-22662296673753985242014-11-05T16:36:00.001-08:002019-07-17T12:27:02.394-07:00The Third WayI am working on some articles to post and will try to start posting on a regular schedule (still being worked out).<br />
<br />
In the mean time, I know that many out there will not like the message behind this documentary, but it is an important message about the Catholic Church.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/93079367" target="_blank"><b>The Third Way: Homosexuality and the Catholic Church</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This documentary not only explains an important message for homosexuals struggling to live the Faith, it has a very important message for heterosexual Catholics about how we act and comments we make that create a hostile and, quite frankly, unchristian atmosphere within the Church.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rather than trying to sweep aside Church doctrine in regard to what can be a difficult issue on a personal level, this documentary takes it head-on. It treats the subject with sensitivity and compassion while remaining entirely faithful to Christ and His Church. I already agreed with everything in this documentary, but I found myself profoundly moved by it.</div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-34779247726068608112014-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:002018-03-09T08:08:57.513-08:00Catholicism and Wealth Redistribution<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cfnews.org/page88/files/34de37aafc8a8763a6aa75371ca241d4-230.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Catholicism and Wealth Redistribution</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Brian McCall, J.D.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Catholic Family News</div>
</div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-3479517041176764952014-01-28T11:22:00.004-08:002018-03-09T08:08:15.569-08:00Europe, Christendom, and the FaithHere is an interesting article by Thomas Storck.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ethikapolitika.org/2014/01/27/europe-christendom-faith/?utm_source=Europe%2C%20Christendom%2C%20and%20the%20Faith" target="_blank">Europe, Christendom, and the Faith</a></div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-8651854177630017402013-11-21T12:12:00.002-08:002018-03-09T08:07:47.454-08:00Pope Francis and The Three AmigosI think this is a very important message from The Remnant Underground.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbrB2TMHMAc" target="_blank">Click to watch</a>David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-38355191792154920702013-11-05T09:38:00.004-08:002018-03-09T08:07:23.189-08:00Some Thoughts On Serving The AltarFar too many Catholics allow the issue of altar servers to be discussed as if it were an issue of secular civil rights. There is no more of a right to serve at the altar than there is to become a priest (or a monk or a nun for that matter). While I don't believe it is the only cause, the practice of allowing altar girls has been shown over and over to have a negative impact on the participation of boys.<br />
<br />
Since the participation of boys has always been known to be a factor in discerning a potential call to the priesthood, the practice of having girls serve at the altar, while not against any doctrine, is simply imprudent. Even if most of the boys who serve won't become priests, serving at the altar gives them a look at the most important aspect of priestly life - the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which gives those who do have a calling the important introduction to that. <br />
<br />
http://liturgyguy.com/2013/10/06/altar-boys-and-the-priesthood/<br />
<br />
Here is a great video where boys discuss what serving the altar means to them.<br />
<br />
http://vimeo.com/74684667<br />
<br />
To return to the topic of the "right" to do something in the Church, far too many Catholics forget that even being a member is not some sort of right we can claim. This is the whole point of the RCIA program. We don't have "altar calls" where people can just claim membership by voluntarily reciting a prayer. We have specific beliefs which must be accepted. There is a point in the RCIA program where a discernment meeting is held. At this meeting, it is not only the candidate who discerns if he wants to become a Catholic, the priest and sponsors are also supposed to discern if the candidate is truly ready - and say no if he is not. David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-69840877239638871832013-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:002018-03-09T08:05:46.020-08:00The Doctrine of the Celibate Priesthood<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, I deliberately said <i>the
doctrine</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">As I
have frequently pointed out to those who have questioned whether or
not the Catholic Church should allow married priests, it already
does allow them. Not only have the Eastern Catholic Rites always ordain
married men (as well as celibate men), but there have also been exceptions in the history of the Latin
Rite. The tradition of exclusively ordaining celibate men in the
Latin Rite is just that – a tradition with a lower-case “t.” </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">It is
a custom and, as evidenced by the examples I gave above, it can be
changed. However, the people with whom I've communicated on this
issue seem to remain confused about the status of the existence of a
celibate priesthood. There will always be a celibate priesthood in
the Catholic Church, and that is doctrine. Even if the Latin Rite
made the decision ordain more married men within its ranks – which
I believe would be a terrible mistake – it will never eliminate
them. There has always been a celibate priesthood in all of the Rites
of the Church. Its existence goes back to Scripture itself – Saint Paul was a celibate priest. Christ Himself, the preeminent and eternal High Priest of the Church was celibate. In other words, while the practice of
exclusively ordaining celibate men in the Latin Rite is not a
doctrine, the existence of celibate priests is. While the Latin Rite
could change its exclusive discipline, it will not – cannot –
eliminate celibate priests or, for example, decide to only ordain
married men. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I've noticed two other important areas of confusion in regard to the celibate priesthood. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>First:
</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">Many of those with whom
I've communicated think that a change in this rule will allow priests
to get married. This is not correct. While the Church has always
taught that marriage is a holy calling, it has always taught that
being called to serve God by serving the Church while living a
celibate life as a higher calling. Again, we have the testimony of
Saint Paul to back this up. You see, marriage imposes holy
obligations on the spouses. These are so serious, that Saint Paul
affirms that a married priest must divide his obligation. The
celibate man, on the other hand, can devote himself exclusively to
serving God through His Church. He can be moved where ever the Church needs, even remote or dangerous places, without having to be concerned about how it will affect his wife and children. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Because the priesthood is a higher
calling to a greater good, it is permissible to impose the higher
obligation on top of the lower one (marriage). Even then, the
obligations of marriage are so holy that this is not to be done
lightly and requires the consent of the wife. However, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">because
the priesthood is a higher calling, it is not permissible to impose
the obligations of the lower obligation on top of the higher one. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">In
other words, while a married man may become a priest, a priest may
not get married. In fact, if a married man becomes a priest and his
wife dies, he may not remarry. Additionally, the Tradition (note the
capital “T” indicating that this is not a custom, but a doctrine
that cannot ever be changed) of the Church is that while a married
man may be ordained to the priesthood, only celibate men may be
elevated to the rank of bishop.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Second:</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">
The reason given for pushing the idea of allowing married priests is
that it will solve so many of the Church's problems – especially
that of the shortage of priests. However, the only available evidence
contradicts this assertion. If a man is not called to the celibate
life before entering the priesthood, how will he handle being
required to be celibate for the rest of his life if his wife dies?
For this reason, at some points in the Church's history, the Latin
Rite still required a commitment of celibacy for spouses when married
men sought ordination. The man would become a priest and the wife
would become a nun. The Eastern Rite never had this requirement,
according to my studies, but they have been the first to defend the
Latin Rite's practice of the celibate priesthood when the issue has
come up. Additionally, if you look at the other religions that allow
the equivalent to married clergy, they have many of the same
problems. Clearly celibacy is not the real problem and does not cause
the problems that are there. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Would
allowing married men to become priest solve the problem of the priest
shortage? No. As I stated above, if a man was not called to the
celibate life when he entered the priesthood, will he accept the
prospect of living the rest of his life as a celibate if his wife
dies after he is ordained? I'm sure there are those who would, but
the priesthood is a permanent thing. A man cannot simply change his
mind about being a priest in the future. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">If we
look at the Latin Rite Catholic seminaries today, there is a striking
observation that can be made. The seminaries that are full, that have
waiting lists, that have been steadily growing, are typically those that adhere to what is today called “Traditional Catholicism.”
Communities and orders that require the traditional disciplines, the
traditional habits (clothes), and use the traditional Latin rites,
still have a great appeal. Despite the world's assurances that the
traditional structure and discipline of these communities will drive
away </span><span style="font-style: normal;">young Catholics – that
they are only for the older Catholics who pine for the “good old
days” - these communities are being filled with young Catholic men
and women who express joy over being able to serve God through His
Church within these very traditional communities. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">As
Saint Paul says, not everyone is called to the celibate life, but God
provides for the needs of His Church, so there will always be
celibate priests, and monks, and nuns. The world will rail against
their presence because it cannot believe that anyone can accept such a life, let
alone be happy with it. The Church cannot dispense with
them, ever. They have been part of the Church since her foundation, and God will always provide for her needs. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So,
don't be fooled by the headlines taking the pope's words out of
context. Yes, the discipline of an exclusively celibate priesthood in
the Latin Rite of the Church can be relaxed. There are already
exceptions to that discipline, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">but
that does not mean there is going to be any wide-sweeping change in
the practice</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. However, the
existence of a celibate priesthood has always been part of the
Church, it has always been taught and defended throughout the
Church's history, it is part of her doctrine, and doctrine – by
definition – can never change.</span></div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-66914797529677499962013-07-25T05:00:00.001-07:002018-03-09T08:05:27.633-08:00The Christian HusbandA lot of focus is given in Christian teaching to the roles of husband and wife in marriage. In my experience, presentations on these roles tend to focus mainly on the role of the wife, and how she is to be subject to her husband who is head of the family. Unfortunately, not much time seems to be given to exactly how a husband is to act as head of the family. This gives the unfortunate impression that the Christian ideal for family life is that the relationship between husband and wife is like that between master and servant rather than what Scripture reveals it should be.<br />
<br />
In Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he instructs wives to be<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
subject to their husbands as to the Lord; because a husband is head of the wife, just as Christ is head of the Church, being himself savior of the body. But just as the Church is subject to Christ, so also let wives be to their husbands in all things.</blockquote>
This short passage seems to get the lion’s share of attention in discussing this issue.What is often not read or considered is what Saint Paul instructed to both husbands and wives immediately before this passage,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.</blockquote>
They also ignore Paul's instructions to husbands immediately after his instruction to wives. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church, and delivered himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, cleansing her in the bath of water by means of the word; in order that he might present to himself the Church in all her glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she might be holy and without blemish. Even thus ought husbands also to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife, loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh; on the contrary he nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ also does the Church (because we are members of his body, made from his flesh and from his bones). ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery – I mean in reference to Christ and to the Church. However, let each one of you also love his wife just as he loves himself; and let the wife respect her husband.</blockquote>
Is it not ironic that Saint Paul wrote more than twice as much instruction to husbands here than to wives, but Christians seem to spend much more time instructing wives than husbands?<br />
<br />
The key theme of Saint Paul in this passage is that the relationship of husband and wife is like that of Christ and the Church. Indeed, the relationship of Christ to the Church is often referenced with spousal terms in the Bible. Christ demonstrates the Christian ideal for marriage relationships by his relationship to the Church he founded. Since Saint Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, we must examine how Christ demonstrated his love for the Church to learn how husbands must love their wives.<br />
<br />
<b>Christ Loves the Church</b><br />
<br />
Christ loves his Church completely. Everything he did was for the Church. Husbands should likewise love their wives and keep them second only to God in everything they do.<br />
<br />
Christ declares that in marriage a husband and wife become one flesh. Part of the meaning of this is that husband and wife should view each other as an integral part of themselves. While there still exists a distinctiveness of roles, they are complementary to each other and all are oriented toward the same goal, the sanctification of the family. When one spouse is degraded, the other is as well. If a husband is disrespectful toward his wife, he is also to himself. He can not gain honor by belittling his wife or allowing her to be belittled. If he would defend himself, he must also defend his wife for she is now part of him. What happens to her also happens to him. Christian marriage is truly a union.<br />
<br />
Christ respects the Church and husbands should respect their wives. This respect manifests itself in a different way because, unlike the relationship between Christ and the Church, husband and wife are equals in the eyes of God. Christ established the Church and bestowed upon her his own holiness, but the husband did not establish the wife. Her virtues and graces come not from the husband but from God, and he should therefore reverence her as a sacred and holy person. She is not something to be possessed, but someone to be honored. Although they are united to each other in marriage, they remain unique to themselves. Both possess their own strengths and weaknesses. They should aid each other with their weaknesses and allow their strengths come forth for the benefit of the family.<br />
<br />
To what extent is a husband required to love his wife? To the same extent that Christ loves his Church. Christ gave all for the Church and a husband should be willing to give all for his wife. Christ’s was a sacrificial love and he endured much for the benefit of the Church. Christ prayed three times to be spared from the Crucifixion, but willingly endured it so the grace of salvation would be made available to the world through the Church. A husband’s love for his wife (and family) must also be sacrificial. He must never allow pride to interfere with this. Consideration for the overall good of the family must take precedence over anything that may be of real advantage only to the husband. If there is a chance to advance himself, he should be willing to reject it if accepting will cause some harm to his wife and family; for he cannot truly advance without also advancing his wife. If the family is deprived of husband and father for the sake of career advancement, there is no true gain because the family has suffered a greater loss.<br />
<br />
Christ voluntarily endured many hardships and even crucifixion in order that the Church would be sanctified. He respects the Church and commands others to do likewise. Christ's example shows that husbands are to do likewise for their wives.<br />
<br />
A Christian husband is one who models his relationship with his wife according to Christ's relationship with his Church. Christ does not belittle the Church, but glorifies and respects her. Christ's love of the Church is a sacrificial love that puts what's good for her above other considerations. It is by following Christ's example that husbands fulfill their role as head of the family. Wives can then love and respect their husbands, as Scripture instructs, and work in union with their husbands' authority for the good of their families, just as the Church works in union with Christ for the good of the world. <br />
<br />
<b>Christ is Head of the Church</b><br />
<br />
In examining how the husband is to be head of the family, we must look at how Christ acts as head of the Church. To begin with, although Christ is Lord, He always acts with humility and compassion toward the Church. He is not quick to anger but quick to forgiveness. He does not exalt himself, but always acts to exalt the Church. His actions were done to establish and benefit the Church, so that she would be glorious in the eyes of others. Therefore, a husband should exalt his wife. His words and actions should always reveal a true respect for her and serve to honor her. <br />
<br />
In Christ, authority is a service, so the authority bestowed to the husband as head of the family also gives him the responsibility, the obligation, to serve its needs. Christ bestows his own authority on the Church and she exercises that authority in union with him in a very real way to fulfill her own responsibility to teach the Faith as a mother teaches her children. In this, both Christ and the Church serve each other, using their authority for each other and for the Church family.<br />
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In bestowing authority as head of the family on the husband, Christ intends that the husband will bestow that authority to his wife. Just as Christ gave his own authority to the Church so that she could raise children to God, a husband must bestow his authority to his wife so that she can raise their children to God. Likewise, both husband and wife are to recognize, respect, and utilize each other's strengths appropriately for the good of each other and their children.<br />
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<b>Past and Present</b><br />
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Some may try to argue that I am presenting a modernized view of the Christian call to husbands, that this is different than the teaching of the Church in the past. It is true that societal views of the relationship and appropriate roles of husbands and wives have changed, but the fundamental teaching of the Church has not. The Church has always taught that the husband is the head of the family and that the wife is subject to him, but did not teach that this relationship was one of total subjugation where the wife was little more than a servant in her own home. The Church has always acknowledged that this differentiation of roles does not imply that one is lesser than the other, but has insisted that the dignity inherent in each must be respected by both.<br />
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The Catechism of 1566 (known as the "Roman Catechism") states the following.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Matrimonial fidelity also demands that they love one another with a special, holy and pure love; not as adulterers love one another but as Christ loves His Church. This is the rule laid down by the Apostle when he says: Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the church. And surely (Christ's) love for His Church was immense; it was a love inspired not by His own, but only by the advantage of His spouse. ...<br />
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It is the duty of the husband to treat his wife generously and honorably. It should not be forgotten that Eve was called by Adam his companion. The woman, he says, whom thou gavest me as a companion. ...<br />
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On the other hand, the duties of a wife are thus summed up by the Prince of the Apostles: Let wives be subject to their husbands: that if any believe not they word, they may be won without the word by the conversation of the wives, considering your chaste conversation with fear. ... Again, and in this the conjugal union chiefly consists, let wives never forget that next to God they are to love their husbands, to esteem them above all others, yielding to them in all things not inconsistent with Christian piety, a willing and ready obedience.</blockquote>
Here we can see that even in the 16th Century the obedience of wives was not absolute. It was conditioned on consistency with Christian piety and second to God. Therefore, if a husband were to act in a way inconsistent with Christian piety, or to instruct his wife to do so, she was not to obey him. Additionally, husbands are to show a genuine respect for their wives, treating them generously and honorably, not as an object to be possessed or a servant to be ordered about and mistreated.<br />
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In the traditional Catholic rite of marriage (as in the modern), the vows are identical for the husband and wife.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I, (name), take thee, (name) for my wedded (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, till death do us part; and thereto I plight thee my troth.</blockquote>
There is no additional vow the wife is required to make. Although their roles are different, their dignity is not. However, the husband is required to make a further vow in the traditional rite. In addition to the ring, the groom is also to present his bride with gold and silver, saying,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
With this ring, I thee wed; this gold and silver I thee give; with my body I thee worship; and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.</blockquote>
The ring represents the union of the marriage and the wife's exclusive claim to her husband. Interestingly, while it may have been done, there was no requirement for the bride to present the groom with a ring. The pieces of gold and silver represented the man bestowing all of his worldly goods to his bride. By taking possession of these tokens, she had claim to everything that was his. <br />
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In 1930, Pope Pius XI wrote <i>Casti Connubii</i>, an encyclical on marriage. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The love, then, of which We are speaking is not that based on the passing lust of the moment nor does it consist in pleasing words only, but in the deep attachment of the heart which is expressed in action, since love is proved by deeds. This outward expression of love in the home demands not only mutual help but must go further; must have as its primary purpose that the man and wife help each other day by day in forming and perfecting themselves in the interior life, so that through their partnership in life they may advance ever more and more in virtue, and above all that they may grow in true love toward God and their neighbor, on which indeed "dependeth the whole Law and the Prophets." ...<br />
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This mutual molding of husband and wife, this determined effort to perfect each other, can in a very real sense, as the Roman Catechism teaches, be said to be the chief reason and purpose of matrimony, provided matrimony be looked not in the restricted sense as instituted for the proper conception and education of the child, but more widely as the blending of life as a whole and the mutual interchange and sharing thereof. ...<br />
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Domestic society being confirmed, therefore, by this bond of love, there should flourish in it that "order of love," as St. Augustine calls it. This order includes both the primacy of the husband with regard to the wife and children, the ready subjection of the wife and her willing obedience, which the Apostle commends in these words: "Let women be subject to their husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ is the head of the Church."<br />
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This subjection, however, does not deny or take away the liberty which fully belongs to the woman both in view of her dignity as a human person, and in view of her most noble office as wife and mother and companion; nor does it bid her obey her husband's every request if not in harmony with right reason or with the dignity due to the wife; nor, in fine, does it imply that the wife should be put on a level with those persons who in law are called minors, to whom it is not customary to allow free exercise of their rights on account of their lack of mature judgment, or of their ignorance of human affairs. But it forbids that exaggerated liberty which cares not for the good of the family; it forbids that in this body which is the family, the heart be separated from the head to the great detriment of the whole body and the proximate danger of ruin. For if the man is the head, the woman is the heart, and as he occupies the chief place in ruling, so she may and ought to claim for herself the chief place in love.<br />
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Again, this subjection of wife to husband in its degree and manner may vary according to the different conditions of persons, place and time. In fact, if the husband neglect his duty, it falls to the wife to take his place in directing the family. But the fundamental structure of the family and its fundamental law, established and confirmed by God, must always and everywhere be maintained intact.</blockquote>
We can see that the Christian idea of being a husband I have presented here is not new. It was taught by the Church decades before the recent trend advocating more respect for wives in the marital relationship, which was a reaction to the Victorian era's misconception of what it should be. That teaching was merely a restatement of what the Church had taught nearly four hundred years earlier, which was, at the time, a restatement of what the Church had taught for centuries.David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-71103475102755104262013-07-23T10:54:00.000-07:002018-11-05T15:26:22.987-08:00The Difference Between Being "In Love" and LoveYou've all seen it in the movies, read it in books, and heard it from friends. There are many attempts to define love, but too many of them fall far too short of the mark. Why? Because they focus on emotion rather than will. In other words, they tend to talk about being "in love" rather than what it means to love someone.<br />
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Now, I do not mean to disregard the emotional aspects of being in love. They are a very important part of a truly loving relationship. However, as is the case with all emotional responses, the intensity of the feeling can vary greatly, and can even disappear, at least for a while. The problem with focusing so much on the emotional aspect, is that it has resulted in people disregarding the willful aspect.<br />
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People choose to get into relationships, even to get married, based on a fleeting emotion rather than on a steadfast decision of the will. The break-up and divorce rate shows the results of having relationships founded primarily on emotion rather than will.<br />
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Part of the problem is that we phrase the question wrong. We usually ask, "What is love?" This question assumes that love is simply one thing. However, I would maintain that we are really talking about two things. One is the emotion of "being in love" and the other is the willful act to "love" someone. I also think that, when people ask what love is, they mean (even if unknowingly so) the willful act, but the answer they receive is almost always about the emotion.<br />
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So, what is the difference between love and being "in love?"<br />
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Being in love is the emotional state of attachment to another. It can range from a passionate euphoria to a nice comfort and feeling of belonging together. Like all emotional states, it can fluctuate for many reasons, including time, tiredness, hormones, and circumstances. I have been married for 24 years. There have been times where I have not felt "in love" with my wife (but not nearly as many as when I <i>have</i> felt in love with her).<br />
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The problem with basing a relationship primarily (or solely) on being "in love" is that there is not sufficient support for that relationship when those feelings aren't around. When you become annoyed over some trivial habit, or when you have a strong disagreement, being "in love" won't help you weather through the situation because, in those circumstances, you don't feel very much in love. This leads to the trite comments, "Well, I thought I loved you," and "I fell out of love."<br />
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To love someone, on the other hand, is a willful act. It is not simply riding the tide of emotion; it is making a deliberate choice. There are actually many choices involved in this. Ultimately, they all come down to one very specific choice - to desire the best for the other. This love is truly self-sacrificing. This is not a negative thing, but is very positive even when it means inconvenience or even hardship to some of your own hopes and desires.<br />
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It is this choice that weathers the difficulties that can occur in any relationship. It is this choice that helps to hold your tongue from saying something truly hurtful in an argument. It is this choice that carries your relationship through those times when you do not feel particularly "in love," and having withstood all of these challenges, it elevates the emotion of feeling "in love" to greater heights than it could ever reach on its own. David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-598488385310269598.post-64675756348762764812012-08-25T08:32:00.001-07:002018-03-09T08:00:56.312-08:00In our society ...<span class="userContent">you cannot be executed because a relative of yours committed a capital crime in which you had no participation ...<br /> <br />
you cannot be executed because a relative of yours did something
horrible which causes his victim to remember and emotionally relive the
crime every time she sees you ...<br /> <br /> you cannot be executed simply because your presence causes someone to change her plans or is</span> otherwise an inconvenience to her …<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
you cannot be executed without due process – a trial in court in which you are found guilty of a capital crime …<br />
<br />
unless you are an unborn child. <br />
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All arguments that abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest amount to the above.<br />
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As far as I'm concerned, rape and incest are capital crimes. They
attack the very foundation of all society and those who commit these
crimes have, by committing them, forfeited their right to life. However,
in those cases where a child is conceived as a result, the child is a
completely innocent victim of the crime. <br />
<br />
Instead of lying to
women and society, telling them that abortion is the most merciful way
of dealing with this terrible situation, we should be dedicating
resources to counseling and maternity assistance for the women, and
placement in foster care and adoption for the children if the mother is
not able to raise her child.<br />
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What about allowing abortion when
the life of the mother is in jeopardy from the pregnancy? In those
cases, both mother and child should be closely monitored to allow the
child to develop as much as possible in the womb. When the threat to the
mother's life become immanent, the child should be delivered and all
reasonable efforts to preserve his life should be made. If saving the
life of the child is not possible, then palliative care should be given
so that the child does not suffer while dying a natural death. In this
case, death is not caused or desired, it is merely accepted as
inevitable. <br />
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In no case is the deliberate killing of the child
justifiable. There is a name in the law for deliberately killing an
innocent person – murder.</div>
David W. Cooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447605091816577300noreply@blogger.com0