Sodom, the Flood, and Today

As I'm sure we all know now, on June 26, the Supreme Court arrogated to itself the authority of legislating that all states must allow "same-sex marriage".

Let's look at it, first, as law

The Court has created a new right, never previously unknown
The Court has ignored the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, i.e., The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
There is widespread belief that, coexistence of this ruling and the First Amendment being tenuous at best, Religious Liberty and Free Speech will suffer in the days ahead.
Beyond that, however, let's look at the spiritual dimension.

Homosexual activity is a sin

Contrary to the claims of its apologists, the biblical  condemnation of homosexual activity is absolutely clear.  There are the Levitical condemnations.  There are the Pauline condemnations.

Some have made the claim that Jesus never spoke against it.  However, he spoke of heterosexual marriage as having been instituted by God (Matthew 19).  Also, He was a faithful Jew, adhering to the Mosaic Law - which has clear condemnation of such activity. And, don't forget, in the Gospel of John, he identifies Himself as the One who gave the Law to Moses ("Before Abraham was, I AM"), the very one who spoke the Levitical condemnation of homosexual behavior.
And then, there's Sodom

Now, some have claimed that the sin of Sodom was lack of hospitality.  Frankly, this doesn't fit the facts (Genesis 19). Besides, can you picture hurling down fire and brimstone whole yelling, "be more hospitable"?

The men of Sodom, young and old, came to Lot's house, seeking to have sex with  - "to know" - Lot's visitors, two angels in human form.  Lot said  “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly".  The Sin of Sodom is without question homosexuality - not that there were practicing homosexuals in Sodom, but that, not only was it the societal norm, but the society sought to impose it on others.  And, just as Sodom tried to get the angels to accept their sin, so the Homosexual Lobby is pushing to get the church to accept their sin and bless the "marriages" (as stated above, they've already been victorious in the Supreme Court).

Is this not the situation in which we find ourselves today?  Homosexual activity isn't something that is only done in whispers, or maybe a wink.  It is flaunted in parades, it is taught to our children in school.  And the symbol?  Do you know the Biblical story of the first rainbow?

“And you, be fruitful and multiply, bring forth abundantly on the earth and multiply in it.”Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,  I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.  When the bow is in the clouds, I will look upon it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.” (Gen 9:8-17)

First God tells them to be fruitful and multiply (and isn't homosexual activity contrary to this?), then, he tells them that the next time He destroys the earth, it will be with fire. Finally, he says that the rainbow is a reminder that the earth will never again be destroyed with water.

Can you see what has happened?  The "Gay" lobby flaunts God's command to be fruitful and multiply, and then takes as its symbol a sign of God's mercy.

And how will God destroy the earth in the next judgment?  By fire.
How did he destroy Sodom?  "Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;" (Gen 19:24) - a foretaste of the judgment to come, perhaps?

My friends, God's judgment for this is clear - and it's closer than many of us think.
But, hope is not lost.

God warned Abraham of the destruction of Sodom.  Abraham plead with God, and, eventually, God told him that, if there were ten righteous people to be found in Sodom, He would not destroy the city.

Lot alone was righteous in Sodom, and he was given warning so that he could escape in time.

"If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and heal their land and forgive their sins" (2 Chronicles 7:14)

And, even if judgment comes, God has given us the means of deliverance, just as He provided the Ark for Noah and his family.  The Church is the Ark today.  It has long been likened to a great ship carrying people. Be OF the Church, not just IN the Church. Remember, there were Jesuits in Hiroshima, living the message of Fatima.  The house in which they lived, at the center of the atomic blast, was untouched.

Charismatics, Pentecostals, and Montanists - dispelling a myth

When I was studying for the ministry in the Assemblies of God, the course of Church History, one of the study questions was "Although the text doesn't say it, this group was the result of an early Charismatic revival".  The answer was Montanists, and the thought that they looked at an early heresy as a precursor was one factor in my leaving the Assemblies of God. Of late, I've had occasion to do some research into the Montanists, and I've decided to do a comparison between them, Catholic Charismatics, and the Assemblies of God.

I’m taking the information from the Wikipedia article, which itself contains copious footnotes. By “Charismatics”, I refer to Catholic Charismatics, faithful to the Magisterium.The Assemblies of God is a Trinitarian Pentecostal denomination.  Other Trinitarian Pentecostal denominations would differ from it on the basis of issues which divide various non-Trinitarian Protestant denominations (church governance, free will vs. predestination, historic white vs. historic African-American, etc), and thus, the observations would equally apply.

It must be remembered that prophecy was not frowned upon in the early Church: Jerome 385, Letter 41.2: "we tell them [Montanists] that we do not so much reject prophecy—for this is attested by the passion of the Lord—as refuse to receive prophets whose utterances fail to accord with the Scriptures old and new".

Montanists: One source reports that Montanists claimed their revelation direct from the Holy Spirit could supersede the authority of Jesus or Paul or anyone else.
Charismatics: Faithful to the Magisterium
Assemblies: No.  The Assemblies (and all Pentecostals I've ever met) hold the Bible above Charismata.

Montanists: The Montanist prophets did not speak as messengers of God but were described as possessed by God while being unable to resist.
Charismatics: One is able to resist.
Assemblies: One is able to resist.

Montanists: A prophetic utterance by Montanus described this possessed state: "Lo, the man is as a lyre, and I fly over him as a pick. The man sleepeth, while I watch." Thus, the Phrygians were seen as false prophets because they acted irrationally and were not in control of their senses
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: again, no.

Montanists: In On the Resurrection of the Flesh, Tertullian wrote that the Holy Spirit through the New Prophecy cleared up the ambiguities of scripture. The new prophecies did not contain new doctrinal content, but mandated strict ethical standards. To the mainstream church, Montanists appeared to believe that the new prophecies superseded and fulfilled the doctrines proclaimed by the Apostles.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies:  lacking tradition, the assemblies only look to scripture.  And, again, the charismata take second place to scripture.

Montanists: The power of apostles and prophets to forgive sins. Adherents also believed, as did other Christians, that martyrs and confessors also possessed this power.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: Like all protestants, the Assemblies look only to God for the forgiveness of sins.

Montanists: They recognized female bishops and presbyters.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: The understanding of the ministry is different than the Catholic - non sacramental - therefore most arguments against female clergy would not apply.  The Assemblies do have some (few) female clergy.  I know of no women as district superintendent (the administratively functional equivalent of a bishop)

Montanists: Women and girls were forbidden to wear ornaments, and virgins were required to wear veils.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies:  In the first half of the 20th century, Pentecostals tended to be quite puritanical in regards makeup and jewelry.  This is no longer the case.  Virgins have never been required to wear veils.

Montanists: Their prophets dyed their hair, stained their eyelids, and were allowed to play with tables and dice and lend on usury. At that time, dyed hair and eye make-up was used by harlots; the mainstream Church forbade it. The Church also forbade usury.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: Nope

So, it would seem that comparing Charismatics to Montanists is, at best, mistaken. Any comparison between the Assemblies (and Pentecostals in general) and the Montanists is a bit of a stretch, and the similarities are not specific to Pentecostals, but to Protestants and/or Fundamentalists in general.

When I was studying for the ministry in the Assemblies of God, the course of Church History, one of the study questions was "Although the text doesn't say it, this group was the result of an early Charismatic revival".  The answer was Montanists, and the thought that they looked at an early heresy as a precursor was one factor in my leaving the Assemblies of God.Of late, I've had occasion to do some research into the Montanists, and I've decided to do a comparison between them, Catholic Charismatics, and the Assemblies of God.

I’m taking the information from the Wikipedia article, which itself contains copious footnotes. By “Charismatics”, I refer to Catholic Charismatics, faithful to the Magisterium.The Assemblies of God is a Trinitarian Pentecostal denomination.  Other Trinitarian Pentecostal denominations would differ from it on the basis of issues which divide various non-Trinitarian Protestant denominations (church governance, free will vs. predestination, historic white vs. historic African-American, etc), and thus, the observations would equally apply.

It must be remembered that prophecy was not frowned upon in the early Church: Jerome 385, Letter 41.2: "we tell them [Montanists] that we do not so much reject prophecy—for this is attested by the passion of the Lord—as refuse to receive prophets whose utterances fail to accord with the Scriptures old and new".

Montanists: One source reports that Montanists claimed their revelation direct from the Holy Spirit could supersede the authority of Jesus or Paul or anyone else.
Charismatics: Faithful to the Magisterium
Assemblies: No.  The Assemblies (and all Pentecostals I've ever met) hold the Bible above Charismata.

Montanists: The Montanist prophets did not speak as messengers of God but were described as possessed by God while being unable to resist.
Charismatics: One is able to resist.
Assemblies: One is able to resist.

Montanists: A prophetic utterance by Montanus described this possessed state: "Lo, the man is as a lyre, and I fly over him as a pick. The man sleepeth, while I watch." Thus, the Phrygians were seen as false prophets because they acted irrationally and were not in control of their senses
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: again, no.

Montanists: In On the Resurrection of the Flesh, Tertullian wrote that the Holy Spirit through the New Prophecy cleared up the ambiguities of scripture. The new prophecies did not contain new doctrinal content, but mandated strict ethical standards. To the mainstream church, Montanists appeared to believe that the new prophecies superseded and fulfilled the doctrines proclaimed by the Apostles.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies:  lacking tradition, the assemblies only look to scripture.  And, again, the charismata take second place to scripture.

Montanists: The power of apostles and prophets to forgive sins. Adherents also believed, as did other Christians, that martyrs and confessors also possessed this power.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: Like all protestants, the Assemblies look only to God for the forgiveness of sins.

Montanists: They recognized female bishops and presbyters.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: The understanding of the ministry is different than the Catholic - non sacramental - therefore most arguments against female clergy would not apply.  The Assemblies do have some (few) female clergy.  I know of no women as district superintendent (the administratively functional equivalent of a bishop)

Montanists: Women and girls were forbidden to wear ornaments, and virgins were required to wear veils.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies:  In the first half of the 20th century, Pentecostals tended to be quite puritanical in regards makeup and jewelry.  This is no longer the case.  Virgins have never been required to wear veils.

Montanists: Their prophets dyed their hair, stained their eyelids, and were allowed to play with tables and dice and lend on usury. At that time, dyed hair and eye make-up was used by harlots; the mainstream Church forbade it. The Church also forbade usury.
Charismatics: Nope
Assemblies: Nope

So, it would seem that comparing Charismatics to Montanists is, at best, mistaken. Any comparison between the Assemblies (and Pentecostals in general) and the Montanists is a bit of a stretch, and the similarities are not specific to Pentecostals, but to Protestants and/or Fundamentalists in general.

Beginning your Philosophy Studies

Recently, a blog posted Fr. Barron's recommendations for "some introductory philosophy books for someone like me who has no formal training in philosophy but wants to dive deeper into it".

As a service, I am providing a link to all of them

• Philosophy 101 

As well as a link to Fr. Copleston's 9 volume History of Philosophy

• Copleston's History of Philosophy (Philosophy 102) 

Two more areas which may interest the philosophically curious:

• Ancient Philosophy
• Medieval Philosophy

On Jesus fleeing after the Miracle

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Nineteenth Week after Pentecost - Tuesday

1st Point. "Now those men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come into the world." (John, vi. 14.) The soul tastes the delights of heaven, is endued with spiritual strength, and filled with consolation and joy.  Jesus Christ vouchsafes to nourish it with the adorable "Bread which cometh down from heaven." (John, vi. 50.)  Choose him as king, that he may govern you with absolute sway as Creator and Redeemer.  All your powers and affections should exclaim: We desire that Jesus reign over us.  The divine Saviour, who fled from the temporal royalty with which the people wanted to invest him, will never refuse to reign in souls that desire to live under his empire.    Make him, therefore, king of your heart: beseech him to reign there, sovereignly, universally, and eternally.

2nd Point. "And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water till he dismissed the people." (Matt., xiv. 22.) It is with regret the disciples separate from their beloved Master, but he obliges them to depart, because he knew their weakness, and the ideas they entertained of the temporal glory of the Messiah.  He takes their minds away from vain, terrestrial honours.  St. Jerome observes, that in this our Lord displayed his wisdom and foresight though, to the apostles, the separation was a sort of violence.  If obedience require you to forgo his conversation of prayer, you may embark with the apostles without danger: your submission will be your safeguard; but you should never leave his internal presence without fear and sorrow.

3rd Point. "And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray.  And when it was evening he was there alone." (Matt., xiv. 23.) The Son of God employs his all-pervasive words to change the minds of the people who would make him king; but when the cross is presented later, he embraces it with generous devotedness.  You fly the contempt you merit, and seek honour of which you are undeserving.  Imitate this adorable model; renounce human praise, seek retreat and silence, and when you have succeeded in what might occasion vain glory, have recourse to prayer, and sink into the depth of your own nothingness.

On the Miracle of the Loaves

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Nineteenth Week after Pentecost - Monday

1st Point. "One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him: There is a boy here that hath five loaves, and two fishes, but what are these among so many?" (John, vi. 8, 9.) The Son of God had chosen the disciples as the minister of his Providence, and would have them supply the matter on which he intended to exercise his sovereign power.  He needs not your services, yet he designs that you give something on your own part, to receive his benefits.  By co-operating with him in daily life, render yourself worthy of extraordinary graces of almighty power.

2nd Point. "And he commanded them that they should make them all sit down by companies upon the green greass.  And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties." (Mark, vi. 39., 40.)  The spirit of Jesus is a spirit of order.  Preserve in all your duties the order prescribed by those through whom he governs you.  When the charity of Christ shall reign in your heart, that virtue will establish perfect order, there ranging the senses under the guidance of the spirit, the passions under reason, and nature under grace.

3rd Point. "And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes: looking up to heaven he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to his disciples to set before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all.  And they all did eat, and had their fill." (Mark, vi. 41, 42.) How stupendous the miracle wrought each day at the table of the Lord for the nourishment of souls, in the multiplication of his Precious Body and Blood! "And when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost." (John, vi. 12.) With what vigilant zeal should you gather up in your heart, every grace, so that the faithful remembrance, and frequent consideration of his goodness, may increase his love in your heart!

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist

On Jesus animating his disciples to suffer (continued)

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Eighteenth Week after Pentecost - Monday

1st Point.  "Therefore, fear them not.  For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid that shall not be known." (Matt., x. 26.) Fear not those who oppose the preaching of the gospel.  I will add to your words light and power.  Proclaim confidently my doctrine. "That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light; and that which you hear in the eart, preach ye upon the house-tops." (Matt., x. 27.) Imprint in all minds the knowledge of God, with invincible constancy.

2nd Point. "And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt., x. 28.) A servant of Jesus Christ should fear nothing but sin. You dread a slight injury, a passing inconvenience, yet you fear not to incur the anger of God, and the penalty of eternal damnation.  Implore a right understanding of eternal evils, and meditate upon them; thus you will banish the fear of temporal suffering.

3rd Point. "Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword . . . HE that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. . . And he that taketh not up his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me." (Matt., x. 34, 37, 38.)  Your Divine Master will have you wage an unrelenting war with the flesh, the world, and inordinate affections.  He presents you a two-edged sword, his law and his love, to destroy his enemies.  Moreover, you must hate yourself if you would love Jesus Christ.  Therefore, bear the cross, which is an instrument of death ——— bear it daily and bear it courageously.

On Jesus animating his Apostles to Martyrdom

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

1st Point. "And you shall be be hated by all men for my name's sake." (Matt., x. 22.) Our Lord proposes as a motive of encouragement, that it is for his name's sake they shall be persecuted. He had strengthened their confidence by the consideration of his power.  It is "I", the Omnipotent, that "send you as sheep in the midst of wolves;" have confidence, I will render you invincible.  Now he tells them that for his sake they shall suffer persecution, in order to fortify their resolution, by his love. "Love is an excellent thing, a great good indeed, which alone maketh light all that is burdensome.  Whosoever is not ready to suffer all things, and stand resigned to the will of his beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover." (Imit., b. iii. c. 5.)

2nd Point. "But he that shall persevere unto the end he shall be saved." (Matt., x. 22.) Sufferings without perseverance merit not the crown.  Whatever good you have done, whatever trials sustained, you can never be saved unless you are faithful even unto death.  A long life of sanctity cannot save you, if the last moment surprise you in sin.  Perseverance is the glory of the saints and the crown of their virtues.  It is the nerve of your strength, the consummation of virtues, the crown of merit.

3rd Point. "The disciple is not above the master, nor the servant above the Lord.  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord.  If they have called the good man of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household?  Therefore, fear them not." (Matt., x. 24, et seq.)  Admire the tender charity of Jesus, who has vouchsafed to bear calumny and persecution, in order to console and fortify his followers by his example.  You who are the servant, learn patience of our Lord and Master.  Be consoled in your sufferings.  Hold it as honour to be treated as was your Saviour.  To you he addresses these words — "From the hour of my birth, till my expiring on the cross, I was never without suffering." (Imit., b. iii. c. 18.)  "Lord, thy life is our way: and by holy patience we walk on to thee, who art our crown."

On Jesus encouraging his Apostles to suffer Persecution

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Saturday

1st Point. "But be aware of men.  For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge  you in their synagogues." (Matt., x. 17) The Son of God prepares his disciples for the trials that await them.  The labours of a missioner are so liable to be opposed by men, that unless armed with untiring patience, he can never effect permanent good.  "Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode.  And we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it.  We are blasphemed, and we entreat; we are made as the refuse of this world, the off-scouring of all even until now." (1 Cor.,iv. 11-13.) All this you must expect if you would labour profitably in the service of Jesus Christ.

2nd Point. "But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak.  For it is not you that speak, but the spirit of your Father that speaketh in you." (Matt., x, 19, 20.) Learn form this instruction of the Saviour, when treating on the duties of your ministry when persons of the world, neither to yield to anxiety, nor confide in your own judgment, because it is on the Spirit of God you should depend for necessary light.  The Spirit of God alone can know that which is of God.  It is said in the gospel to those who speak by the Spirit of God: It is not you that speak; and it may be said to all that love and practice virtue: It is not you, it is the Spirit of your heavenly Father, that loves and practises it in your person.

3rd Point. "And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another.  Amen, I say to you, you shall not finish all the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man come" (Matt., x. 23) to judge the world and crown your labour.  Death puts and end to suffering, whereas he that flies protracts his trials.  The greatest saints have been fugitives.  Jesus Christ himself, who came to save mankind by the death of the cross, was pleased to fly from the tyranny of Herod.  When he sends Apostles to convert the world, he admonishes them to shun death, that they may preserve their lives for announcing the gospel, to which they are to draw all nations, before he will come to judge the world.

On Jesus instructing his Apostles in Meekness, Prudence, and Simplicity

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Friday

1st Point. "Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves." (Matt., x. 16.) The good shepherd sends his sheep amongst wolves, but he has promised: "They shall not perish forever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand." (John, x. 28.) Sheep of the fold of Christ, fear nothing! you have received your commission from him whose Omnipotence has created, whose Wisdom governs, and whose Goodness preserves the universe.  Does the meekness of the lamb mark your conduct? Do you shun the world as the lamb flies the wolf? Do you love your Pastor, listen to his voice, and endevour to walk in his footsteps?  If you resemble the lamb you may draw souls to Jesus Christ; but if you indulge, through the illusion of a mistaken zeal, in natural harshness or impetuousity, you may certainly be defeated.

2nd Point. "Be ye therefore wise as serpents." (Matt., x. 16) The serpent is remarkable for caution.  You should not forget what you owe yourself, in labouring for the salvation of others.  Lead souls to heaven so that you may be the first to enter thereby.  The serpent periodically renews its skin.  You should be renewed in spirit by continual mortification.  The serpent supplies by subtlety its want of strength, and is quickly-sighted in discovering danger. You should distrust your own strength, and avail yourself of those lights which God imparts, to discover and remedy your spiritual evils.  The serpent exposes his body for the preservation of his head.  Preserve a union with Jesus Christ, who is your mystic head: separated from him you can perform no action worthy of eternal life.

3rd Point. "Be therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves." (Matt., x. 16) Prudence guards you against the snares of the wily; simplicity prevents you deceiving others.  Prudence teaches you silence; simplicity renders you sincere in expression.  Prudence makes you discreet in action; simplicity directs the attention purely to God.  These virtues are essential to apostolic labourers.  Are you void of bitterness, anger, or vindictiveness; knowing neither artifice nor malice, but amiable to all? There are qualities that form a missionary according to the spirit and example of Jesus Christ, and constitute the sweet odour by which you are to attract many to his service.

On Jesus Recommending to his Apostles a social and peaceable Spirit

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Thursday

1st Point. "And into whatsoever city, or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till  you go thence." (Matt., x. 11.) You must lead your neighbour to God by edifying conversation and the example of a holy life.  Missioners should have no attachment to the goods of the earth, nor a preference to any particular place of residence.  They are not to consider whether those they meet are rich, noble, or liberal; but rather what are their spiritual necessities.  "He that receiveth you," says Jesus Christ, "receiveth me; and that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me." (Matt., x. 40.) The Son of God cherishes his disciples with such affection, that he recompenses those who assist them, as if their charity were exercised towards himself.  How consoling to those who, though precluded from any apostolic functions, may yet participate in their merits , by co-operating with those who are called to this glorious work!

2nd Point. The children of God should be, like their divine Master, the harbingers of peace wherever they enter.  Therefore, he forbids them to carry in their journeys either gold,  the cause of discord, or a staff, the instrument of vengeance.  "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things." (Rom., x. 15.) Weary not  in labouring for the peace and salvation of your brethren.  Your recompense depends not on the fruit, but on the purity of intention and ardour with which you seek the greater glory of God.

3rd Point. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, go forth from thence, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them." (Mark, vi. 11.) This to testify to those who reject them, that they offer not their services through interested motives — and as a declaration to obdurate sinners.

On Jesus instructing his Apostles in Humility and Poverty

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Wednesday

1st Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." (Matt., x. 8.)  The Son of God admonishes his Apostles that the power of miracles, a free gift,  should not inspire them with vanity.  God chooses the humble as his instruments in this great work, because they refer all the honour to its true source.  The conversion of souls is a divine operation, in which man acts only through the influence of God. The more perfect his humility, the more fully is he filled with this spirit.  The conversion of souls is dependent on their free will, which can only be gained by a love which humility effects.  Without it he will be dazzled by human applause, or if his opinions are contradicted, he will fall into great disorders. Annihilate the desire of honour and esteem, saying with your divine Master: "I seek not my own glory." (John, viii. 50.)

2nd Point. "Do not possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purses." (Matt., x. 9) Poverty and detachment are essential for those called to apostolic life.  A spirit of poverty is necessary for their own sanctification, because it is the foundation of the spiritual life.  It is a virtue which Jesus Christ practiced, and placed it at the head of his beatitudes.  It is equally necessary for the salvation of others, in order to convince them by a generous contempt for earthly goods, that these are truly despicable, and that God alone is the Sovereign Good.  "I will draw all things to myself." (John, xii. 32.)

3rd Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." How wide should be the charity of those called to the vocation of the apostles? He that loves wisdom desires that all adore, love, and possess with him the only Sovereign Good.  He labours to enkindle in all hearts the first of divine love.  Display as indefatigable a zeal in drawing all to God, as sinners are ardent and ingenious in their efforts to involve others in their own ruin.  "Preach the word: be instant, in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine."

On Jesus instructing his Apostles before their Mission

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Tuesday

1st Point. "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matt., x. 5, 6.) The Apostles had not yet received the plenitude of the Divine Spirit. Jesus therefore proportions their labour to their strength, and sends them, that they may learn to use the weapons of the heavenly warfare before attacking the universal world.  He announces the gospel first to all to whom God had given the Law, and promised the Messiah; but, when they despised this inestimable favour, he afterwards transferred it to the Gentiles.  Learn to fear the judgments of God, lest he choose another in your place.

2nd Point. "And going preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt., x. 7.) "And going forth they preached that men should do penance." (Mark, vi. 12.) This Divine Master had inspired St. John the Baptist to choose the same for the instruction of the people, and finally adopted it himself.  For the kingdom of God consists in the reign of his love in our hearts, by which he renders us partakers in his beatitude.  Blush to behold the slaves of the world more ardent in the pursuit of their everlasting ruin than thou in seeking the kingdom of God.

3rd Point. The Son of God enforces the exercise of heroic virtue as an indispensable qualification for the sacred ministry.  This alone unites men to God, without whose aid all their labours are fruitless; further, a holy life makes the deepest impression on the minds of those with whom they treat.  Sanctity is truly a miracle, changing what is earthly and human into that which is heavenly and divine. This is the only miracle that God imperatively demands.  Crucify your passions, and let the love of Jesus Christ live in your hearts if you would draw souls into his service.  Do you say you are not called to so important a ministry? All can and ought to take part in it.

On Jesus sending his Apostles to announce the Gospel

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Monday

1st Point. "And Jesus went about all the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.  And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd.  Then he saith to his disciples: the harvest is indeed great, but the labourers are few.  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt., ix. 35, et seq) "And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two." (Mark vi. 7)  Admire the tender compassion and ardent zeal with which the heart of Jesus burns to console and save mankind. This charitable shepherd beholding his flock dispersed by discord, and errors, descended from heaven to gather these strayed sheep, and lead them back to the fold.  His intense desire to save unbelievers allows him no repose.  When you are attacked by temptation, cast yourself into the arms of this good  shepherd: he will not reject you.

2nd Point. The Son of God animated the hearts of his disciples with zeal for the salvation of souls.  Dispose yourself by prayer to labour usefully, and to draw down these graces necessary for success.  To God it belongs to send labourers.  Nevertheless he requires that you pray, in order to teach you the power and efficacy of prayer.  He awaited the prayer of St. Stephen to give St. Paul to the church.  St. Augustine was converted through the prayers and tears of St. Monica.  Doubt not that he awaits your prayers also in order to bless your labours.  The workmen he requires are those of whom the Psalmist speaks: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." ( Ps., cxxv. 5)

3rd Point. "He called the twelve:" A particular vocation and extraordinary grace are necessary to undertake a work that is all divine.  "And began to send them two and two, " exercising them in mutual charity and humility; and also that each might have a guardian of his conduct.  "He gave them power over unclean spirits, and cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities." (Matt. x.1) The rebel angels would exalt themselves even to the throne of divinity; God casts them down beneath the feet of twelve poor fishermen, who receive power over them.  Jesus Christ confers on his Apostles the power of healing not only corporal but spiritual maladies.  He encourages them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid." (John, xiv. 27.)  Have confidence in me.

On the Parable of the Treasure

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Sixteenth Week After Pentecost - Saturday

1st Point. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Luke, vi. 45) In these texts our Lord teaches the obligation of mingling spiritual discourse in ordinary conversations.  He says of himself: "For this was I born, and for this I came into the world, that I should give testimony to the truth." (John, xviii. 37) You also have received existence, were made a member of the church, or called to the holy state of religion, to "gif testimony of the truth."  Vain or frivolous conversation is unseemly in a religious, who is consecrated to the service of God.  In the religious all should breathe sanctity, even to the last word.

2nd Point. The love of Jesus Christ is an additional motive that impels the religious to converse frequently on spiritual matters.  Those who love him, love to speak to him and of him, to listen to his divine voice, and make him the subject of their conversation.  "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil., i. 21)  This is the outpouring of a heart that loves Jesus Christ with ardour, and burns with zeal for the glory of his name.  You should desire to attract all hearts to this amiable master, and endeavour to enkindle around you the fire of his love.

3rd Point. Another motive for loving spiritual conversation, is found in the invitation of Jesus Christ, and his promise to those who faithfully respond.  Listen to his invitation: "Open to me, thou my sister, my dove, my perfect one.  Open to me, announce me, speak of me to those who have closed their hearts against me.  For how can I enter, unless some one open to me the door?"  Meditate also his promise: "Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. " (Matt., xviii. 20)  This is effectively proved in the disciples journeying to Emmaus: "Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in the way?" (Luke, xxiv. 32)  Where Jesus is, there is peace, joy, and slavation.  Is not his presence an anticipated heaven?

On Jesus being despised in his own country

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

1st Point. "And Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred.  And he could not do any miracles there, only that he cured a few that were sick, laying his hands upon them." (Mark, vi. 4, 5)  Blindness and incredulity were the effects of the envy the Nazarenes bore to Jesus Christ.  The envious man is blind, he imagines that which is not, whilst his eyes are closed to truth.  If the virtues of a brother are applauded in his presence, he maintains a cold silence, or insinuates some suspicion.  These rash judgments proceed from pride.  The envious man would be above all; and not being able to attain this end by other means, he endeavours to raise himself by judging his neighbour — an assumption of superiority.

2nd Point.  Calumny was another effect of the envy of these Jews.  Between vices and virtues there is a certain exterior similarity.  Prodigality assumes the appearance of generosity: hypocrisy wears the semblance of devotion.  Two classes of persons abuse this resemblance, that is, flatterers, and the envious.  The former give the name of virtue to the vices of those from whom they seek advantage; the latter obscure the lustre of virtue by attributing to it the character of vice, in order to destroy the reputation of a brother.  Jesus Christ healed strangers and not the Nazarenes, because grace is given, not to a country, but to the disposition of the suppliants.  The gifts of God are for those who watch and labour for their salvation.

3rd Point. "And all they in the synagogue, hearing these things, were filled with anger.  And they rose up and thrust him out of the city: and they brought him to the brow of the hill, whereon the city was built, that they might cast him down headlong." (Luke, iv. 28, 29)  Injustice, to which they are stimulated by anger and indignation, is a third effect of the envy of the Jews.  This vice extinguishes faith, multiplies calumnies and violates justice.  There is nothing more unjust than envy, because it makes a brother's good the object of hatred:  nothing, at the same time, more just, for it constitutes its own punishment.  Humility and charity are the remedy for this dangerous evil.  Be humble, conceal yourself from the eyes of the world, seek not the favour of men, and you will not repine at their prosperity.  Be charitable, love your neighbour as yourself:  make his happiness your own, and enrich yourself by enjoying his prosperity.

On the parable of the Pearl and the Net cast into the Sea

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Sixteenth Week After Pentecost - Friday

1st Point. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls." (Matt, xiii. 45)

This precious pearl is the knowledge of Jesus Christ — the knowledge of the Saviour, the mystery of his passion, and the secret of his resurrection.  Again, the pearl is the love of Jesus Christ — the precious pearl, without which all other treasures are worthless, whilst the possession of this alone fully satisfies every desire of the human heart.  Let your spirit resemble refined gold by the fervour of charity, and the practice of the most exalted virtues, in order that it may be worthy to enshrine the evangelic pearl.

2nd Point. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who, when he had found pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matt., xiii.45, 46) The great occupation of a Christian is to seek the precious pearl of the gospel, and purchase it at any price whatsoever.  Did you understand its value you would make no difficulty of renouncing all things for gaining it.  His is a wise merchant who exchanges that which he cannot long enjoy for a treasure including all that can be desired, and one beyond the vicissitudes and accidents to which temporal possessions are subject.  It suffices not to give all for the possession of Jesus Christ; you should, moreover, give it joyfully, that whatever you give, you will always gain infinitely more.

3rd Point. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes.  Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth.  So shall it be at the end of the world." (Matt., xiii. 47, 48, 49)  The religious state affords a peculiar facility to find and preserve the evangelic pearl, that is, the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.  The worldly man has neither leisure nor opportunity to acquire the knowledge and love.  There are, indeed, saints in every state in the Church, who know and love Jesus Christ with their whole heart; but he warns us in the parable that in his Church there are both good and bad. "So shall it be at the end of the world.  The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt., xiii. 49, 50)  Labour now with vigilance, seeking the precious pearl of the love of Jesus, that on the day of final retribution you may enter into the peace and joy of the blessed.

On the Parable of the Treasure

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Sixteenth Week After Pentecost - Thursday

1st Point.  "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field." (Matt.  xiii.44)  Jesus Christ is the treasure in which your heart should centre, his knowledge and love constitute your spiritual riches.  Holy Scripture is the field wherein is found this rich treasure, that is to say, Jesus Christ.  But there is a treasure hidden, "man knoweth not the price thereof.  Neither is it found in the land of them that live in delights." (Job xxviii. 13)  It is found in the cross, in the Blessed Sacrament, and in heaven.

2nd Point. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field, which a man having found, hid, and for joy thereof, goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." (Matt. xiii. 44) What should you not give to own the treasure hidden in the cross, in the Blessed Sacrament, in heaven, and in the hearts of Jesus and Mary.  No one has a right to possess this treasure except by purchase.  Heavenly riches can be acquired only by renouncing whatever the world holds valuable.  Did you understand this, you would sacrifice all, not only without difficulty, but with joy.  Love Jesus Christ and you shall experience a joy more pure and solid than the wicked possess in all the false delights of this world.

3rd Point. Once you have discovered and purchased this treasure, wisdom and humility require that you hide it anew.  If you are wise, guard it with extreme care. If you are obliged to tell your neighbour the lights and graces of heaven with which you have been enriched, you should purify your intention, satisfied the God beholds, and prepares for you a great recompense.  "Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy, and teach me thy justifications."

On the Parable of the Mustard Seed

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Sixteenth Week After Pentecost - Wednesday

1st Point. "Another parable he proposed unto them, saysing: The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed." (Matt. xiii. 31) Faith, which is called the kingdom of God, resembles the mustard seed, its virtue becomes sensible only when it is bruised. Faith shines forth most powerfully in the saints when under sufferings and persecution. Faith will increase the fervour with which you adhere to the doctrine of the church, and your esteem for the gospel maxims; regulating your life by its principles. This favour should be the subject of your prayer, both for yourself and the church in general. "Lord, increase our faith." (Luke xvii. 5) "I do believe, Lord, help my unbelief".

2nd Point. The church, which is also called the kingdom of God, resembles the mustard seed: because from the humbles commencement she has so increased as to surpass the greatest empires in extent and duration.  The grace of Christianity has subdued many nations to the cross of Jesus Christ.  All the empires of the earth shall at length perish; but the kingdom of Jesus Christ is the kingdom of all ages, the kingdom of eternity.  "Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord, they shall praise thee for ever and ever." (Ps. lxxxiii. 5.)

3rd Point. Jesus Christ with the saints who compose his kingdom, are compared to the mustard seed, because of their humility.  By virtue of humility the lowliest upon earth become the most elevated in heaven.  Jesus Christ, in his birth, was abject as the mustard seed, but in his ascension was exalted as the towering cedar.  His branches are extended even to the ends of the earth.  The birds of heaven, that is, all the predestinate, repose under his shadow, and are nourished with his fruits.  He was the mustard seed in His incarnation, and being bruised in His passion, communicates his virtue to all our spiritual actions.

Full of Grace

Luke records Gabriel's greeting of Mary as "Χαίρε, κεχαριτομένη"




On “Hail, Full of Grace”


The Greek is Χαίρε, κεχαριτομένη.


κεχαριτομένη is the feminine, passive perfect participle of χαριτόω.
The root of χαριτόω is χάρις, grace, the genitive of which is χάριτος.


-οω: chiefly derived from from o-stems. Verbs in –οω are usually factitive, denoting to cause or to make. (Greek Grammer for Colleges, Herbert Weyr Smyth)
Per Strong’s concordance, χαριτόω means to endowed with grace.
Passive indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action.
Perfect indicates that the action is completed.
Participle indicates that it is adjectival in meaning (in this particular case, used substantively)


κεχαριτομένη, therefore means “female for whom the reception of grace has been completed”.


χαίρε is a greeting, literally meaning “rejoice!”


Therefore, contrary to protestant translations, κεχαριτομένη is not best translated “highly favored one”, but, as Jerome translated it, gratia plena, or “full of grace”