Fides et Ratio: Recent Episodes
Karen Early
A Catholic theologian , scientist, engineer, wife and mother's response to a variety of topics. The topics include the Church Scandal, philosophy, natural law, marriage, and alternative medicine.
https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Litany-of-St-Joseph-I.m4a1. The Family as a Fundamental Building Block of Society: Vision of the Church
The Catholic Church has long taught that the family is the fundamental cell of society. It is within the family that children first encounter love, responsibility, sacrifice, and the knowledge of God. As Saint John Paul II affirmed, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family” (Familiaris Consortio, 86). Families are the first schools of virtue and the original communities of faith. Without strong families, the broader structures of society become fragile, susceptible to disorder, and eventually to disintegration. Fathers and mothers serve as the primary educators and protectors of their children. It is through their example and care that the next generation learns how to live virtuously and work for the common good. This ecclesial vision sees the health of society tied intimately to the health of family life.
Witnessed destruction of fatherhood often portrayed in sitcoms (cultural education)
Incompetent, buffoon, predator type of husband.
30-40s years
Ratzinger Crisis of Fatherhood
- In a 2000 address in Palermo, Ratzinger stated: “Human fatherhood gives us an anticipation of who God is. But when this fatherhood does not exist, when it is experienced only as a biological phenomenon, without its human and spiritual dimension, all statements about God the Father are empty. The crisis of fatherhood we are living today is an element, perhaps the most important, threatening man in his humanity.”
- He argued that human fatherhood reflects God’s fatherhood, and its dissolution obscures our ability to relate to God, damaging the “basic structure of human existence.”
- In his book The God of Jesus Christ(1973 homily), he wrote: “Where human fatherhood disappears, it is no longer possible to speak and think about God. It is not God who is dead; what is dead (at least to a large extent) is the precondition in man that makes it possible for God to live in the world.”
- He saw fatherlessness as linked to the “dissolution of our being sons and daughters,” undermining family and identity.
Advent Sermon (Second Sermon, December 10, 2021): “The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Prayer as Children of God”
- In this sermon, Raniero Cantalamessa reflects on God’s fatherhood, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s role in helping believers recognize God as “Abbà, Father.” He discusses how the Spirit transforms the perception of God from a distant figure to an intimate, loving Father, addressing the “terrible distortion” of viewing God as detached. This sermon connects to the theme of rediscovering God’s fatherhood, which could relate to the idea of “loss” if one feels distant from God.
- Relevance: While not titled “Loss of God the Father,” it addresses the spiritual danger of losing a sense of God’s intimate fatherhood and how to reclaim it through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Being aware of cultural deficits, makes proactive action possible. Know better do better.
Culturally, Roseann Barr Kramer, ship is off kilter, need to right the ship.
LA rioting, sign of absence of holy good Fatherhood in these peoples lives
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https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-IX.mp4https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-IX.m4aCaryll Houselander “The Reed” (pg 359)
The Virgin Mary as a hollow reed, ready for the Breath of God to make music in her.
As she wrote to wartime Londoners, “Because he [Christ] has made us ‘other Christs,’ because his life continues in each of us, there is nothing that any one of us can suffer which is not the passion he suffered.” In this way, her intuitive religious vision anticipated Pope Pius XII’s encyclical on the “Mystical Body of Christ.”[1]
Mary is presented the great agent of change. Mary answers for the whole world, Be it done unto me”. Houselander’s desire was to have her lines out into the world, even if bombs were falling. She counseled many of those traumatized by the war. She was hyper attuned to other’s suffering and vulnerable herself. Though single and childless, these are her lullabies to us, her prayers.
Being precede thought, action
Hollowness, Augustine, late have I loved thee. Man is a shell without Grace
Word of God, think Scripture, part but not the whole
WOG Christ, infinitely more than the words on paper
Residual empiricism through modernism. Strong hold can’t love that which is not measured. If its not in the Bible, not to be loved. God can’t be contained within the written word
Sola Fides, answer to the poem, seems concrete form for sake of abstraction. Go from paper to the Person, a hard transition.
VII. Hesitancy & Gratitude for this topic
Cover flap, many devout believers recoil from poetry, even though it is deeply Catholic. Thomas Aquinas, who wrote poetry, was ambivalent about poem’s ability to speak truth.[2] These selections would make a fitting Lenten &/or Easter season devotion.
Nice for a person hold a key to open a door we can’t. We need a mentor then we can understand.
He wants man to live in communion with others. Someone needs to assist especially in these profound endeavors.
[1] https://www.ncronline.org/culture/book-reviews/new-biography-caryll-houselander-illuminates-20th-century-catholic-writer accessed March 3, 2025
[2] Read xx
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https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VIII.mp4https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VIII.m4aTOL “To Scatter Flowers” (pg 289) Language of flowers an ancient metaphor for transcendent ideas. TOL famously promises, “a shower of roses”. Written a year before her painfully suffering death from TB, her DNS, she uses the metaphor of flowers as her language of love speaking to God and things she “offers up” to God.
Stumbling block for some the language of flowers, can sound syrupy
Decipher TOL language of flowers, offering up suffering, DNS
ICS Institute of Carmelite Studies very helpful to orient understanding
Flower girl at every wedding, counted the radicalness the separation of the petal from the stem.
Her self-recognizing through her suffering to pluck the flower from the stem. Intense pain separation from the flower from the root.
Charming metaphor as well, Doctor of the Church.
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https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VII.mp4https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VII.m4aThomas Aquinas “Adoro Te Devote” (pg 90) Latin translated by Victorian Jesuit Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ
The faculty of hearing serves us, we have heard the Truth from Christ himself. In terms of sight and being blind 2 ways
- Christ did not show Himself to be God on the Cross
- Christ does not show Himself God in the Host (though there are miracles including a recent one)[1]
Incarnation, the God man real, objective, individual did touch and hear God.
Greater awareness through abstraction than through senses. TA pondering of Eucharistic species profound grace filled understanding, read Aristotle, immediate awareness of nature, offer to us a way we can engage with accident and essence.
Open eyes to that
Hume, couldn’t measure it, not real. If tree falls does it make a sound? Trust vaguely what they could see touch smell
Pascal “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.”
Faith seeking understanding.
Engage the poem with belief that something is there.
Drawing out of meaning goes beyond concrete meaning is a personal process. Human heart hears in its own pitch.
[1] https://aleteia.org/2025/03/01/indianapolis-archdiocese-investigates-claims-of-eucharistic-miracle accessed March 3, 2025
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https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VI.mp4https://fidesetratio.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/100-Great-Catholic-Poems-VI.m4aGreat
1/3 of the selections written by converts
Shakespeare’s poetry has a beating heart of Faith. He like all of the poets elected was authentically formed with the Traditional Latin Mass. A liturgy, according to Popes (Pope Pius V one example)[1], has no parallel in beautiful worship of God
Resides in unflinching witness of historical events
ToL master of poetic ideas.
Looked for mostly English language, in spite of inclusion by ToL French, or Dante, Italian. These great texts merited inclusion.
Endured the test of time, no living poets included.
- Excerpts- Criteria for Selecting Karen those poets who foundationally formed my Faith, personal walk, YMMV
Augustine “Late have I Loved Thee’ (pg 22), translated from Latin by Frank Sheed
Beautiful synopsis of the pear tree sin. Stole for the vivifying thrill. Stark honesty.
Could be read on beauty, loss of years lack of relationship with his Creator.
Read does not relate Augustine’s Conversion. He had studied and been taught by the great Ambrose, but he could not leave behind (so he thought) his concubine’s embrace.
One day in a garden, Augustine heard, Take up and Read. In that moment of a sing song child, he knew God and completely followed Him from that moment on. Hearing this as a Divine Command to read Scripture his eyes fell on these verses read an injunction against “indecencies,” a command to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in its lusts.”[2]
God permits the encounters is a mystery.
[1] https://www.saintjeromechurch.org/mass/historical-roots-how-old-is-the-traditional-latin-mass/ accessed march 3, 20205
[2] https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/confessionsaug/section8/ accessed March 3, 2025
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Isaiah-III.m4a1. Historical/ geopolitical[1] context Isaiah prophesized in the Kingdom of Judah in the 700’s BC at the time when Assyria was destroying the Northern Kingdom
Isaiah does not only speak into that situation. Isaiah speaks ahead of time into situation of Judah, when Judah has been defeated and exiled by the Kingdom of Babylon.
587 BC or 586 BC Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian Kingdom, laid siege to Jerusalem and destroyed it
Nebuchadnezzar had already taken many cities and a lot of land from the people before that
- Salvation History
David is the first king over all 12 tribes, Saul kind of was but a lot of civil war. David unites all 12 tribes, monarch for them, God makes a promise He will always be with David and David’s line, David’s descendants on the throne, will be the seat of God’s kingdom on earth.
Solomon is incredibly unfaithful at the end of his life, worshipping many, many gods, for the sake of David I will not take the kingdom away from Solomon, but I will split it.
After Solomon dies the kingdom is split into the Northern Kingdom (called Israel 10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah with 2 tribes)
Northern Kingdom are still God’s people, still expected to be faithful and be disciplined if they are unfaithful, blessed if they are faithful. God’s special promise always stays in Judah with the Davidic line of kings. Line of kings from which Jesus comes.
Isaiah, God will judge the nations for their iniquities as well. Assyria will come and defeat the northern kingdom, Isaiah lives through this
Jonah God great faithfulness, Assyria did not persist in following God will be defeated by Greece
[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Isaiah accessed August 15, 2024 excellent link for more detail
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Authentic-Gratitude-VII.m4aSS passages profound
Jn 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
At the moment of His Passion, he has conquered the world.
Gratitude, love multipliers, bottomless well of goodness.
Embrace thankful outside self-path towards happiness. First step life of peaceful happiness.
True key, zero expectations, humility, happy to be about the beautiful of fall explosion of color.
ALL GRACE IS MEDIATED.
God is always bringing grace to me through other people, priests greatest graces, etc.
COS Dialogue, God the Father, I have designed you in such a way that you are not capable in and of yourself to make it to heaven. Need community, small groups, healthy Catholic communities, need faithful. Ex/ Aggressive dog does not attack 2 people.
God can bring good out of every circumstance, no matter how tragic or evil. TOL Everything is grace said during her intense and long passion.
Catherine of Siena 1347-1380; Teresa of Avila 1515-1582
This level of authentic gratitude is possible for all disciples of Christ (baptized) but it is not easy. Interior Castel TOA is a classic to help with the process of becoming a saint.
Ascent of Carmel
Matthew Leonard classes Science of Sainthood Teresa of Avila Nine Grades of Prayer, based in large part but not exclusively on the Interior Castle
https://www.scienceofsainthood.com for more information
Need the other to see reflection of goodness in the other, same with sorrow.
Carol Houselander Reed of God, Lords lived out every moment somewhere in the world. People grateful, sorrow, Lord in the tomb mortal sin, be effective means of grace.
Eve took, we are given.
Seems paradoxical. Weakness of the human intellect. God move beyond, sorrow not end but can be a lunch pad.
Sorrow of Our lady, death of her Son, birth of Church
Dunn Death you will die.
Death is entrance to eternal beginning.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Authentic-Gratitude-VI-.m4aPeople of hope, authentic gratitude, thankfulness
- Authentic Gratitude, humility is at its foundation. It is a truthful acknowledgement of our radical and total dependence upon God for everything. Ex nihilo
Throughout the day hearts and minds raised in gratitude. Angelus, 3 o’clock Divine Mercy, Liturgy of the Hours, friends have an 11 club. Many ways to help our humanity to raise its heart to God, the essential definition of prayer. TOA counsels us to frequently refer to spiritual matters in our conversation as a way of curtailing an evil tongue. Thankfulness of God is an opportune times.
Natural thanksgiving, people who helped me, even if poor parents, they gave life, boos hired you. So many people far from faith, can find something to be thankful every day.
Shoes on feet, gas in car, tree is beautiful, charming cat, baby, flower. Nobody is pauper with thanksgiving. Find 10 things to thankful, make a list, start small, but no limit.
Gratitude is independent of circumstances.
SS quotes of Dan Burke. Haunting.
Jn 16:33
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Jn 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
Phil 4:4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
1 Cor 10:13
No temptation[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. RSVCE
This passage does not say: it’s not a guarantee of God’s that all if have to do is resist the sin and I always win. Not the reality of our humanity. We have to grow in our knowledge, wisdom of God. Sometimes we need a retreat, to soak in wisdom of saints and doctors of the church, other times need someone else to fight with you (worst case) exorcism. Deep problems with habitual sin, endorphins, sexual, eating wound deeply embedded in emotional being, counseling, deliverance ministry, learning how to reprogram. Sometimes need more than one person walking with us.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Authentic-Gratitude-V.m4a4. Greed:the desire for and love of possessions. “Sin … is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods” (No. 1849). 5. Sloth (or Acedia):physical laziness, also disinterest in spiritual matters or neglecting spiritual growth. “Acedia or spiritual sloth goes so far as to refuse the joy that comes from God and to be repelled by divine goodness” (No. 2094).
6. Anger or wrath:uncontrolled feelings of hatred or rage. “Anger is a desire for revenge … The Lord says, ‘Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment’” (No. 2302).
- Envy:sadness or desire for the possessions, happiness, talents or abilities of another “Envy can lead to the worst crimes. ‘Through the devil’s envy death entered the world’” (No. 2553).
Pride top sins, Satan wants to be like him, suffers from it. Satan is author of death master of all of them.
Take a drug to feel nothing, acedia, refusing the joy from God.
Human person truly becomes a slave to sin. No will to fight, rather be numb. Devasting point. Antidote to malaise is not joy but numbness, Novocain. Counterfeit. Best is feeling nothing.
Where’s the joy?
God wants more for us than nothingness, numbness. God made steak taste good. Given to us, because He is God. God is good, We are made in His image
God calls us to community easier to see good, more than self.
We mirror God’s live to each other.
God wants us to people of light, not walk in darkness, fullness of joy forever.
In this discussion, we are focusing on acedia/sloth of which malaise or dysphoria is a subset
- Define Gratitude, Thanksgiving (day), Eucharist.
Grateful- 1 warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received
- pleasing to the mind or senses[1]
Gratitude- state of being grateful; thankfulness[2]
Thanksgiving[3]–
- A act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude, especially to God
- Thanksgiving Day
- The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.
act of the will, a choice, especially within the spiritual realm
Eucharist, a special form of thanksgiving
Eucharist (Gr. eucharistia, thanksgiving), the name given to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar under its twofold aspect of sacrament and Sacrifice of the Mass, and in which, whether as sacrament or sacrifice, Jesus Christ is truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. Other titles are used, such as the “Lord’s Supper” (Coena Domini), “Table of the Lord” (Mensa Domini), the “Lord’s Body” (Corpus Domini), and the “Holy of Holies” (Sanctissimum), to which may be added the following expressions, now obsolete and somewhat altered from their primitive meaning: “Agape” (Love-Feast), “Eulogia” (Blessing), “Breaking of Bread”, “Synaxis” (Assembly), etc.; but the ancient title “Eucharistia”, appearing in writers as early as Ignatius (Antioch), Justin, and Irenaeus (Lyons), has taken precedence in the technical terminology of the Church and her theologians. The expression “Blessed Sacrament of the Altar”, introduced by Augustine, is at the present day almost entirely restricted to catechetical and popular treatises. This extensive nomenclature, describing the great mystery from such different points of view, is in itself sufficient proof of the central position the Eucharist has occupied from the earliest ages, both in the Divine worship and services of the Church and in the life of faith and devotion which animates her members.[4]
Eucharistia goes to Ignatius of Antioch, ground as the fine flour of the Eucharist, by the wild beasts in the coliseum
Adoration, particularly illuminative before the Blessed Sacrament
Light therapy, impactful value seasonal disorder
Aquinas build and perfects nature. Aware of physically metaphors for the Truth of God. I am light, there is no darkness.
Sitting in front of Blessed Sacrament masstimes.org select service type adoration
Very quiet, not a Mass, nothing to do, sit in presence of the Lord
Faith seeking understanding, have the sensibility of a catholic, not idolatrous, sign where we can endure His beauty.
Malaise, sorrow, do the physical things, then find Adoration sit in presence of God for an hour. Son Lamp.
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/grateful accessed October 4, 2024
[2] https://www.wordnik.com/words/gratitude accessed October 4, 2024
[3] https://www.wordnik.com/words/thanksgiving accessed October 4, 2024
[4] https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/eucharist accessed October 4, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Isaiah-II.m4aLook at a prophetic book, not looking at something the prophet sat down with a pen and start writing. Not doing this. Going off and preaching. They are someone else later, collecting their sayings and putting them all together in the book that we have.
Similarly, in the Gospels, God speaks His perfect and inspired Word through Jesus handed down through His apostles and finally written down by the apostles, years after the Resurrection.
With the prophets, we have this as well. Things are not in a story form, in the same order.
Be ready for some of them, they to seem to be out of order. Come to them with the context I know that they have. Basic background for each prophet and for what they are prophesying about And any background in Kings or Chronicles.
A simple Outline of Isaiah
In the book of Isaiah, chapter 1-5 begin with an accusation that Israel has broken the covenant, a preview of God’s judgment, parable of a failed vineyard. Chapter 6 is Isaiah’s call. Chapter 7-12 King Ahaz and Assyria. This is not chronological. Rather, it is Isaiah building the case that Israel is not serving the God, and covenant curses are a result.[1]
- Date, authorship, & Hebrew Poetry (i.e. Psalms)
Isaiah son of Amoz prophesized (in Judah) (spoke the Word of God) in (Kingdom of) Judah during the reigns of four kings (Isa 1:1), beginning the year Uzziah died in 742 BC (Isa 6:1)
Prophesies before and after (The Northern Kingdom is defeated 721 BC and exile for her unfaithfulness) Assyria exiles the northern kingdom, Israel, for her faithfulness
Traditionally died a martyr, sawn in two (Heb 11:37)
God tells Isaiah a prophetic voice: Comfort My people, console them, remind them, this discipline where they paid for their sins and iniquity atoned for, this discipline of exile, was not the final word.
I have not left them, later in Isaiah God says I have not divorced you, My Bride. I have disciplined My people so that they turn again to Me and be faithful. I will restore you and redeem you.
40:3 A voice cries:[b]
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
NT says this is filled by John the Baptist who is literally in the wilderness and crying out make straight a way for our God. Because God is returning, our Lord, Father creator of heavens and earth, coming back to His people for judgment and especially redemption.
Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain made low.
Does this mean the literal prophecy some day we should look out or window in Colorado look at the mountain and see one go down and another flat area going down the valley or go back home, from Texas, and see a whole bunch of flat land rise up?
No, remember this is poetry. Valleys the low places lifted up, high places will come down,
The lowly, the people who have been kicked out of their homes, Israel humble and penitent
Great tall mountains towering over them, the overlords in the kingdom of Babylon will be brought low
Poetic images of mountains for people. Richness of imagery, Shakespearean.
[1] Tully 139
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Authentic-Gratitude-IV.m4aOzempic, RFK Jr, Proper Human Diet Dr. Ken Berry
Flat lines everything, terrible side effects, $1600/month, that is a lot of good food
Humans should enjoy the goods of the earth, something is amiss. A pill is not the solution. Human ecology, called to be beacons of hope to those with none, created to eat beautiful things. Extruder, extractor concerned gnostic, special knowledge to eat properly. Man is happy with a fully integrated life. Love God & neighbor, engage with world in truth. Ozempic is a lie.
Not an honest relationship with food.
Ex/ Birth control destroyed libido, did not get rid of lust. Desire for a spouse is a good. Many coming to realize the terrible side effects. Musk, Peterson, Tucker Carlson and others.
Natural Womanhood great organization to help. https://naturalwomanhood.org/category/birth-control-issues/
Natural sensations good and right for the human body. Virtue, vir, strong. Fight for the virtue, become weak.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Authentic-Gratitude-III.m4aDan Burke Spiritual Warfare & the Discernment of Spirits Sophia Press
Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. The Discernment of Spirits Crossroads Press
- TS: A remedy to counter malaise is authentic gratitude
III. Define malaise and dysphoria, subset of sloth/acedia (capital vice) and/or a time of spiritual desolation (Ignatius definition)
Malaise- 2. a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being[1]
Dysphoria- a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied[2]
Capital Vices With Definitions
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also refers to these sins as “capital sins” and explains why they are the most dangerous. “Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose, or also be linked to capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished, following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. They are called “capital” because they engender other sins, other vices. They are pride, avarice [greed], envy, wrath, lust, gluttony and sloth” (No. 1866).[3]
Discernment of spirits, cognizant the Holy Spirit, holy angels. Virtue golden mean, counterfeit vices. Easy to be pulled away from truth.
Satan taking evil with an appearance of good. Start out in good ways. Not evil draws but potential goodness. Slow instrumental steps move us away.
Eve saw good qualities proposed to her. Preternatural gifts and supernatural gifts of grace.
- Pride:an excessive love of self or the desire to be better or more important than others. “Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without exception) as “another self,” above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity’” (No. 1931).
- Lust:an intense desire, usually for sexual pleasure, but also for money, power or fame. “The God of promises always warned man against seduction by what from the beginning has seemed ‘good for food … a delight to the eyes … to be desired to make one wise’” (No. 2541).
- Gluttony:overconsumption, usually of food or drink. “The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco or medicine” (No. 2290).
Trained to believe goodness from pill or injection. Abusing body, then expecting happiness is impossible. Gnostic do whatever to my body, then take a pill. Ozempic birth control for the appetite
RFK Jr suppresses everything, flatlining joy.
Feast day is because we did. Food is not an enemy. Tastes good for a reason. Sins multiply if not rightly directed.
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malaise accessed October 4, 2024
[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphoria accessed October 4, 2024
[3] https://www.simplycatholic.com/understanding-the-7-deadly-sins/ accessed October 4, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ignatius-Rules-Discernment-VII.m4aRule 11
Eleventh Rule. Be humble in consolation and in desolation remember we have sufficient grace taking strength from God: · Let one who is consoled seek to humble himself and lower himself as much as he can, thinking of how little he is capable in the time of desolation without such grace or consolation. · On the contrary, let one who is in desolation think that he can do much with God’s sufficient grace to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord.
Striving for equilibrium. Glowing embers endures to set a fire.
Rule 10
Tenth rule. When in consolation prepare for desolation and what will do when in it. Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.
Living in a world of corruptibility and finitude.
Spiritual discern 5,6,7,8 different realities with each desolation. Do the next good thing pertinent to our state of grace. Strength to resist. Residual grace. Fortified in the fights. Patience, Abandonment of Divine Providence, everything our Lord does in its season and perfection. Patience consolation God’s time is perfect.
Rule 9 Ninth rule. The 3 potential causes of desolation. There are three principal causes for which we find ourselves desolate. · The first is because we are tepid, slothful or negligent in our spiritual exercises, and so through our faults spiritual consolation withdraws from us. · The second, to try us and see how much we are and how much we extend ourselves in his service and praise without so much payment of consolations and increased graces. · The third, to give us true recognition and understanding so that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to attain or maintain increased devotion, intense love, tears or any other spiritual consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and so that we may not build a nest in something belonging to another, raising our mind in some pride or vainglory, attributing to ourselves the devotion or the other parts of the spiritual consolation.
Does not lead with this, Why a good God permits this?, self-intuitive. Miles Chrisiti Ignatian retreats. Pondering and meditating before applying to life.
- Liberation from captivity to discouragement and deception in the spiritual life. The Lord came to set us free and give us His joy so that ours might be cull/ plenary/ abundant.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Practical-Meditations-VII.m4a13. Quote for parents, especially mothers July 29 Our Lord’s Teaching on Family Ties 477 – 478
Lord asks question needs to direct us. Rightly ordered relationship not an obstacle to being ordered to God for both God and their own sake. Not just for their own sake.
Scripture ever ancient ever new
Book a pearl of great price in the mid 1800’s
These books hard gained wisdom, deep love, intense formation, great education. Hard fought labor freely given.
Gregorian Chant break through during a musical dark time.
“Just just” prayers often become repetitive and at times shallow. Intention sincere prayers are at a higher level of dialogue and brain shifts and is formative in the psyche.
- Exhortation, restatement of thesis statement
Taken from how to engage Practical Meditations xxi
The Will: 1. Excites affections throughout the meditation more with the heart than the lips. 2. At the end of each practical consideration forms resolutions: practical-particular- suited to present circumstances- based upon solid motives- humble with fervent supplication for assistance.
Lord, with Thy grace, help us to know and do Your Most Holy Will.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Practical-Meditations-VI.m4a11. Many holy Catholic mothers want the children to be priests/ religious life. Few understand the cost and how to help their children if they go into the Church’s service. Practical Meditations For Every Day of the Year helps greatly in this regard. Families, perhaps unwittingly, are a cause of many vocations floundering. 12. Selected quotes substantiate with #9.
July 30 Of Misplaced Affection towards our Relations 480-481
Expected demand of excessive intention of parents helicoptering parents
Consolation to parents don’t have to always be there.
Over attachment and inability to disconnect. How can I safely surrender the child our Lord calls without feeling guilty from the modern world. Speak to modern parenting. Guilt if not always there.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ignatius-Rules-for-Discernment-VI.m4aAnother word to consider is work. God’s children are not stoics, waiting for their luck to somehow turn for the better. Rather Ignatius gives us concrete proven actions we can do to lessen the miseries of spiritual desolation, and thus hasten spiritual consolation. Rather as Rule 7 states by resisting with the grace the Good Lord always supplies, we grow stronger in resisting future spiritual desolations.
Not to be exhaustive but worth stating for clarity and reference
Rule 6 Petition, prayer both during and before spiritual desolation, meditation on SS about the faithful love of God, examination (consider the source is it because of sin, is it for our growth, humility, use of prayer journal to reflect on past instances of faithfulness and the ways one grew during desolation), suitable penance, breaking spiritual silence Rule 13 someone knowable SD, regular confessor, wise spiritual person, Rule 14 consider the weakness of each, personal principal sin and temperament, and make provision for attack before it occurs, strengthen weakest point.
Think back to good things Lord, where are you lately? Mothers of teenagers, put out their baby pictures. Find live in heart at the innocent foibles. Same position of concupiscence. No lack of grace, store up for a rainy day. Adoration, confession, against desolations.
We are people of hope, many resources to help during desolation.
Spiritual desolation versus physical desolation. Physical and moral evils not to be tolerated.
Rule 13, Break Silence.
Isaiah 43:1-7 See addendum
- Exhortation, for devout souls, the discernment of spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation is extremely helpful. Similar to knowing our principal faults (Rule 14) and given temperaments, knowing what to do with these movements of the heart greatly increases our fidelity to God. These rules are from astute experience over many years by a trained military man wanting to succeed in battle. We are rightly called the Church Militant. Ignatian’s Rules is a valuable part of our battle plan for success in our Journey to God.
Humble in our wants. Mother of God, natural expectation born in a palace. Her joy was complete in the manger. Nothing lacked. Perfect for her Child. Poetry exquisite from this place.
- No one wants to admit weakness of avoidance near occasions of sins. He gives grace those who earnestly seek it.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Practical-Meditations-V.m4aMother Love new book released similar to printing of Practical Meditation
Devotions for mothers, not a calendar, how to be a good mother
Universal prayer book vs specific to mothers
- Adaptation for the laity August 13 Multiplication of the Loaves 515 – 517
Even though the author mentions religious, this remark in most suitable for anyone seeking the Lord in sincerity.
Element of hope, Ignatian Silent Retreat, similar format
Modern prayer don’t begin from an appropriate starting part. First place ourselves before the Lord, direct thoughts to the Lord
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Practical-Meditations-IV.m4a7. Author, Audience anonymous Jesuit priest for those in his community the Society of Jesus.
A simple summary of Ignatian Discernment
Ignatius wrote that the Exercises: “have as their purpose the conquest of self and the regulation of one’s life in such a way that no decision is made under the influence of any inordinate attachment.” [1] See prior shows on a fuller discussion of Ignatius of Loyola his life and work.
- Quality of Printing This beautifully bound book has a durable flexible cover with imitation leather grain and gold gilded pages and a black satin ribbon. 826 pp
- Thesis statement
It includes spiritual reading and daily meditations for the liturgical year. Efficient and easy-to-use, Practical Meditations is not encumbered by long-winded or overly sentimental verbiage. Rather, these meditations are refreshing, sincere, powerful, and brief. Written with the betterment of souls in mind, each meditation is comprised of points and considerations on the Life of Christ, with constructive applications to daily life. Learn to live life in closer union with God by taking small but consistent steps each day to deepen your faith.
Each meditation is structured around a specific theme or aspect of the life of Jesus and includes biblical references and reflections on how these teachings can be applied in the modern world. The book is suitable for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and gain a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
This book is a simple, straightforward way to transform your spiritual life through consistent, short, daily readings and meditations.[2]
[1] https://jesuit.ie/who-are-the-jesuits/prayer-and-spirituality/spiritual-exercises/ accessed August 13, 2024
[2] https://angeluspress.org/products/practical-meditations accessed August 13, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ignatius-Rules-of-Spiritual-Discernment-I.m4a1. Goal- For every person created past, present, and in the future, this is reason to know, love, serve God in their life and to be with Him for all eternity in the next. Nothing more, nothing less. In order to know, we must be taught and experience. This is the foundation to love authentically. With love of God, comes with the desire to serve Him, to do what He says, to have a devotion.
This is an orderly approach, so some time is spent in reasoned thought. How do we know truth as opposed to indoctrination? This consideration leaned into philosophy and the 4 Catholic Guideposts.
Helping us to see how this is lived out in practice, we have looked to the Great Spiritual Masters and Doctors of the Church. These men and women have given all of us written work that is trustworthy and spans ages and cultures and a life of heroic virtue.
The analogy chosen to bring these various concepts together is that of a of the seasons of a garden. From conception in hope, at the beginning to completion work of planting, the tending during the heat, finally joy at harvest. Realizing all analogies fail at some point, the garden is a thing that most of us have experience of and it bears the weight of comparison with great tensile strength.
- Overview of Past Show Themes (Limiting to past year or two)
Brother Lawrence Practice Presence of God, looking at the catalogues in winter, hope
Holy Housewives, Application of Brother Lawrence
Abandonment to Divine Providence Jean Pierre de Caussade SJ
Rooting Out Principal Faults/Sins within context of our temperaments. Being good does not fix sin. Sin is a common spot of failure to live in the presence of God.
Abandonment to Divine Providence, God is capable of working in some manner, Gods will hidden mystery, know will of God docility need some knowledge, essential necessity surrender to something above oneself.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Art-of-Dying-Well-II.m4aIII. Prepare for Eternal Life recent series had many elements and great suggestions. Underlying that practical directive, was a book form the Middle Ages The Art of Dying
- The Faithful of the Middle Ages had a robust faith, at least compared to modern society in the West. Some cast aspersions that they focused on death due to plagues and a brutish life. There might be some natural reasons to prompt the faithful to take seriously their death, but on the whole, it really was their love of the Lord and His Church which motivated the original text.
- Historical Context, Author, & Date
Council of Constance (1414 – 1418) emphasized reform, catechesis, and devout Christian living
Jean Gerson wrote a short treatise Scientia bene moriendi The Science of Dying Well, appeared at the Council of Constance and was widely distributed.
The author for the final form which was what was eventually distributed has been suggested to be Dominican but that is open to debate in academia.[1]
- Faithful Annotated Modern Translation Author & Date
TS restated- The purpose of this essay is threefold: (1) to provide a general description of the Ars moriendi in its longer and shorter versions, including overall structure and content; (2) to identify key principles in the Ars moriendi pertaining to preparation for death; (3) to consider how these principles both cast light upon limitations in contemporary approaches and also provide a remedy for them.[2]
Four Last things particular judgment, heaven, hell, final judgment. Familiarity of the truths of our faith. Credo. Death should not be fearful., meditating upon upon the beginning rather that end, mystical entry point into next existence. Helps a fearful generation of dying
[1] Thomas 1
[2] Thomas 3
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Art-of-Dying-Well-I.m4a1. Garden of Graces, analogy of the spiritual life
Winter, planning, hope
Spring Initiation, planting and walk in the Way
Summer DNS, Death, extreme trials
Fall Harvest wheat and grapes, Eucharist banquet, heaven
- Dying is a subject that is taboo even though it comes for every person, and no one is owed a tomorrow. Suffering is also a subject without an anchor in our society. To die well, one should prepare while one is living and in full use of their faculties.
NB To the extent possible, suffering and death should be supported but at the end neither can be avoided.
Art of Dying Well must be preceded by Living Well. Key how does one define living well? Great confusion in modern times. We live with so little inconvenience, compared to a 100 yrs ago. People are annoyed by our awesome life. Inability to detach from life. Expectations almost unachievable, resentment, guilt. Focus on the present, doing the next good thing, Art of Living well.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Micah-Read-Proverbs-22.m4a1. Micah Read ESV
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.[a]
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful[b] eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of forbidden[c] women is a deep pit;
he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Words of the Wise17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Be not one of those who give pledges,
who put up security for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not move the ancient landmark
that your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-XI.m4aXIII. Exhortation-
I remember exactly when I realized the great gift my parents gave me, a stable and loving home. The first semester I was in college. In my school, I had very limited exposure to the turbulence and the strains of divorce. There was none in my family. So, I groused about not having fancy stuff, better house, a boat, fancy cars. Of course, my Catholic education was paid for with the lack of these items, but I didn’t realize that at the time. I was just a bratty self-indulgent teenager.
That first semester September 1980, my eyes were opened to the devastation that Wilcox discusses in his book starting in the 1970’s. I was horrified. I also was greatly chastened. I asked my parents for forgiveness. I also thanked them then, and many times through the years. As I age, I thank them more profoundly.
Tightrope balance marriage proceeds children but the children purpose of the marriage. Couple love one another children require that stability, children knew they came from love. Imperative keep first thing first, the marriage union.
Divorce so easy some honored the commitment despite hardships.
End quote pg 117 The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning, Paul Bloom
Resources https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/elitism-marriage-rates-hypocrisy/677401/ paywall
Their familism finds support from the college-educated elites in California, who endorse family diversity in public but are much more marriage-minded in private, especially when children are in the picture. In their own ways, these three groups—Asians, immigrants, and more educated Californians—probably realize that the pathway to educational attainment, financial success, and the American Dream is much more likely to run through stable, married families than the alternatives.18 And so they live accordingly, even if—in their roles
as movie producers, Silicon Valley executives, educators, and doctors—they often lend public voice to the cause of progressive family values.
https://ifstudies.org/ifs-admin/resources/ifs-stateofcontradiction-final-1.pdf pg 20 accessed Jun 17, 2024
https://youtu.be/26k8MYqvicw?si=f4XX5JdMU_e_K3Gq accessed June 17, 2024
@25:05 Elite phenomenon of promoting family diversity when in private lives do not live this way
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2024/02/sacred-sex Accessed June 17,2024
Encourage suffered under less-than-ideal marriage not doomed. Compassionate it mattered and find ways to heal and not perpetuate it in the next generation.
Goodness and unity in a husband and wife.
Limelight cast onto the other for the goodness of the marriage. Selfless donation. Putting off marriage harder burden on younger woman.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-X.m4aAttend church together, shared prayer predictor of higher-quality marriages
Order matters- high school diploma, work full time, marriage, children
Strives know good marriages don’t just happen, find ways of doing better
Marriage Encounter, TOOL, Communio, Couples night out (easier if there is some organizing body), Schoenstatt
Lead with what you love. Never fail to let the other is the most important person to you. 24 hrs in a day. Once an hour not too much. Not only verbal. Use 5 senses. Give entirely to the other. Tired overlook for the other who isn’t. Will the good for the other.
Love society is the ego. Marriage is not created like this. Self-donated gift to you. Mutual exchange, both know each wills the good for the other. Greeted with happiness.
Moment at the Beautiful Gate Anne & Joachim, first moment coming together the Beautiful Gate.
He sees you like the moment he did when he looked at her on their wedding. Walking down the aisle. That look was his heart. Be her. Be that woman.
XII. Motivation for the Elites to Talk Left and Walk Right
Public show of celebrating gender equality, gender nonconformity, and the abolition of traditional roles and styles of masculinity and femininity. The expressed preferences of our elites often look different from their revealed preferences. They talk left but walk right.[1]
Elites have done nothing culturally to help those marginalized. A dereliction of duty and status. Big reason for high incarceration rate and misery among the lower classes.[2] To those given more, more is expected.
MY OPINION
Misplaced compassion. True compassion, it is more difficult but not a death sentence. Free will. Mindfully compensate for the lack.
Sabotage competition for their own children betterment
Ignorance from not seeing objective truths clearly, no realistic epistemology. Some sort of Kantian thinking.
George Bush Soft bigotry of low expectations. Tolerate in lower classes never tolerate in their own children. Never make these allowances for their children.
Regardless of the WHY, do NOT do as they say but as they do, inverted hypocrisy
[1] Wilcox 152
[2] Wilcox 219
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Proverbs-22-V.m4a4 Senses of Scripture
Literal, moral, eschaton, Christ
VIII. Exhortation, refer back to Wisdom, Wealth and Moral Instruction
If one wants wealth and moral instruction in a compact presentation, this chapter is excellent. There is a definition of riches, good name, morality. Oppression of the poor leads to want.
Wisdom v3 prudence men hide from danger, simple go after it and suffer.
Moral instruction: Loose lips end one in a deep pit v14
V13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be slain in the streets!”
There is an urgent cry from someone in great need. Ignoring it implies cruelty and injustice. The consequence will be when the wicked cries out in their time of need, he will not be answered.[1]
Friends let us be wise, wealthy and moral for our own sakes and those around us.
Consequence of sin is from sin itself.
1 Pet 5: 8-10 lion roaring, sluggard be aware of the enemy wants to devore.
Yelling and surprised about reality of the lion.
Awareness of the evil one to prepare ourselves and be ready against the attacks.
1 Pet 3:15 be ready to give an account
Prudency do not be around scoffers etc…, be aware of the company we keep
Show me your friends show you your future
V24-25 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
Free will who surround self-become, entangle self be company keep, sets a trap. Helpful to have this instruction.
Resources
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/most/getwork.cfm?worknum=149
[1] Waltke, 178
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-IX.m4a1. Practical Applications
My money/ our money Dave Ramsey.
Make sacrifices for marriage, spouse and kids (see closing quote)
Marriage takes precedence over golf (men) kids (women), no helicoptering
Date Nights novelty, no contentious topics, escape from pressures of parenting and work. More prevalent among the Strivers ($$ success) & Faithful (Marriage Encounter, TOOL, Communio, church instruction).
10/10 dialogue time and place for everything
Forging a unified family identity around a common last name
No D word talk, ties that bind, not an option, not a contract but a covenant
We before Me attitude
Marriage before children- God, marriage, children, work, extra curricula
Initial challenges of new parents are transient in nature, this too shall pass
Give what didn’t have. Broken home is not a death sentence. Motivating to keep working on the marriage
Good relationship someone trying to undermine
Cut off relationships that do not model what is right for kids. Advice to a bridal party in Boulder CO
Boundaries (good fences) around the opposite sex, especially in the workplace Billy Graham. Don’t think this foolish. Recognize every castle has a moat around it. Defenses person doesn’t want to fail but spiritual forces want the failure.
Wedding ring important symbol. Get all the battle array possible. Protect the gift you have the union with your spouse. Lead with what you Love
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-VIII.m4aJonathan Livingston Seagull 1970, “A soul mate is someone who has the locks to fit our keys, and the keys to fit our locks. Richard Bach. High school reading.
Me before We. 90% of these types of spouses doubts about their marriage.
Core ambition of soul mate myth is to be happily married not stably married.
Decision to love when the romance honeymoon fades and for the betterment of the family.
Happiness is a byproduct of setting one’s sights to something beyond our limited view, virtue.
Family first model, other centered more stable and satisfying marriages[1] Taking husband’s last name shows it is a team dynamic.[2]
Two-legged chair, possible but not stable. 3 legged stool stable and promotes peace and happiness.
Stability, end goal, living life for the other, every morning willing the good for me. Different ways of defining stability.
Jonathan /seagull model examine you preconceived idea what will make me happy. Do you fit the jig saw puzzle today? Most people don’t.
My soul mate knows what I need. Communication shut down, presumption, mini animosities arise. Not mutual understanding.
Called to be childlike not childish. Counterfeit love husbands & wives to have
[1] Wilcox 87
[2] Wilcox 101
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proverbs-iv-mp4
https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Proverbs-IV-.m4aV7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
Dave Ramsey favorite quotes and it is abundantly true. If you have payments you are not free, you are indebted to someone else. The interest is a clear sign of that. Turned his life and millions of lives around.
Wisdom, wealth, moral instruction. Generosity. More money to be made. Feel trapped to credit cards companies, loans. Trust in the Lord operate from generosity instead scarcity.
Generous spirit, be useful to others, advancing life reaps a reward spiritual and material reward.
V 9 He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
Bountiful eye, generous. Good denotes desirable quality of being useful and advancing life, and eye reveals a person’s character and disposition.[1]
V 11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend
Thinking of our words, intentional speaking with kindness and graciousness. Amazed at relationships by being kind and approachable. Opportunities astound me. Found a job because of a friend, met another man hoping to work with him. Liked my attitude. Truth in this verse.
Humble & fear of the Lord v4
In a very broad sense
V 15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
I have been around children who have not had discipline and they are little tyrants.
Folly incurs the Lord’s curse (v14b deep pit, hell) eternal death. The loving father seeks to mitigate a greater suffering by use of a lighter one. (Eph 2:3)
English proverb Spare the rod and spoil the child derived in part from this verse
Bring hell upon ourselves by our own actions.
V16 16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Jesus ministry among poor and outcast. Free the oppressed. Wealth relational wealth. Relationships deep. Intentionally went to poor and outcast. Tax collectors rich and still outcasts. The beauty and wisdom of Jesus.
[1] Bruce K. Waltke, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT): The Book of Proverbs Chapters 15-31(Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, MI 2005) 209
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-VII.m4a3 Myths
- Flying Solo marriage is a ball and chain, of little benefit to the average guy…. At best unimportant, at worst an obstacle to woman’s progress.[1] Crosses gender and political divide
- Family Diversity all types of families are equally safe and beneficial for children, because family is about affection and attention that adults and children exchange with one another, provided that families have enough money to support themselves. This myth require silence to publicly acknowledging marriage benefits.[2]
Notion in the elite circles that family diversity is a mark of progress in society.
Emotional and Physical risks with family instability are much greater
- Soul Mate Anti Aristotelian. Happiness is pursued for itself, not a byproduct of joint striving towards a virtue or common goal. Love as long as it makes ME feel happy. Not a sincere gift of self to another. JPII
Happiness red herring. Joyfulness interior realities manifest in exterior. Not poured on from outside. No one outside can make me happy. Unattainable goal on other person. Happiness personal responsibility.
Chronic problem, defect of people wanting to take responsibility of their own actions. Blame others for their problems. Untenable for marriage.
JPII definition, human person integrated life truly in communion with himself, God, and neighbors. Living that is capable of making true gift of self. Living outside this, can’t make a gift of self-unawareness of themselves.
Need to be proud of yourself. Everyone got a trophy, worried about self-esteem self-worth. Every kid knew this was lie no work involved. Need to be more courageous to help people integrated life and so be able to make a sincere gift of self.
Codependents versus serving other.
[1] Wilcox 37
[2] Wilcox 59
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Geat-Gift-VIB.m4a Marriages are not in a vacuum. Supported or undermined by a culture.
MTM how ridiculous the good marriages were treated. The educated knew it was a ridiculous institution and time to move forward. As a image, lived a reality for many people. Undermined them.
Same culture 2 people though challenging but truly beautiful. Make sure our own marriages resting on key foundational underpinnings. Demand the culture to tell truth of the marriage.
Hard to do this when in the midst of living it. Working on the particular not the aggregate.
People who undermine marriage do not have the same home life and responsibilities.
Ants versus termites
Doing the work, doing the undermining
Important place for women, who are past the heavy load of child rearing, raised, second stage career. A place in society to be more proactive. Make demands on the society for the people younger than us. They are doing the minutiae of raising the children doing the work in the particular.
Pricilla in the New Testament was able to care of the apostles needs from her bounty, standing and cash. Gravitas & freedom to help.
Need to defend marriages and not have them undermined by people who espouse family varieties.
Only a crazy person says this. Unprovable.
Society imbued with a superstitious scientism. Say something and ipso facto its true. Only God can speak something into existence. For man it takes effort. Simply by proposing a family structure they make it into a reality.
We build through industry, hard work, love, positive attention, acts of forgiveness. Challenging. easier to stonewall, be critical, defensive, etc…
Only thing going for us because elites have been undermining marriage for a long time, they are finding out themselves that built own lives on a house of cards
Ex/ Jeff Bezos & wife built empires 25 yrs married, 20 yrs common goal marriage, should be looking forward to grandchildren, get a divorce, instead a girlfriend and who knows what the ex-wife is doing. The children now have split home for holidays, celebrations, etc…
Bill & Melinda Gates built this empire together 25-30 yrs marriage divorce.
Elites ere living lies of marriage for so many years. Children suffer consequences.
Crash among elites, go back to living normal lives again. At tipping point, God willing.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Proverbs-22-III.m4a1. Personal insights to some verses, invitational
V2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the maker of them all.
Unity in the Lord our creator
V4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.
Riches, honor, life reward
Rupa live streamed into a funeral grandfather, 1999 in Australia supported the newly arrived family. Humility of him. Riches, honor, life, impact on so many people. Beautiful testament and witness of his life. Great humility & greatness. Many people impacted. Timeless wisdom. Humility & fear of the Lord.
Riches broader than money and comfort.
V6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Does this negate the free will of the child. A&E are a stark example of the best training and poor choices of the offspring
Possibility of redemption and return from wandering. Can seem hopeless. Remain hopeful and prayerful temptation to be discouraged.
As with the deposit of faith and reading of Sacred Scripture, one cannot pull out a text and hang all of ones weight on it. Rather it must harmonize with the rest of the Faith.
Word of comfort to those parents who faithfully raised their children in a Christian manner and now see their adult children making foolish choices. Parents prayers are very powerful before the throne of God. Ask others to pray for them, intercession f the saints. Then trust that God will answer your prayers in His good time and according to His good pleasure.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-VIA.m4a4 Groups (culture) Masters Reject anti-marriage messaging from ruling class
- Strivers income, success oriented, hardworking Engaged Encounter great marriages don’t just happen.
Liberals who espouse family diversity for others are themselves a traditional model of family. Jeffersonian Award UVA 150K/4 yrs 80 % of the recipients mother/father live at same address[1]. Ivy schools survey 23/25 intact homes Yale class.
- Faithful church going several times a month, support network and modeling
- Asian Americans China, India, Philippines, South Korea. Striver type values, Eastern style family values. Stable families give their kids big head start in pursuit of American Dream.
- Conservatives classic middle-class values
What do these 4 groups predominantly share. Note all put an end more important than the lived means. Living towards an objective goal, over rides other things. We don’t live on the outlier, does not pertain to goal.
Every one goal delayed gratification. Not looking for titillation. Not marrying fulfils me. Not a romanticism. There is authentic romantic. Many true love stories. Love defined willing the good of the other.
All 4 of the groups strive goal, delayed gratification, seeking the good of spouse and children
Something joins them, commonality.
Not innate to human person. All persons can aspire to these 3 things regardless of where you come from
Directed to a common goal
Delayed gratification
Seek/ will the good of the other
All can aspire to this.
Life rightly ordered
Highschool diploma, finishing what you started as it were
No promiscuous sex
Married
Children after wedding
These things matter, advantage so high. Monumental catastrophe. Live in fallen world. Pious men seduced; literature give us examples.
In general, ordained by God.
[1] Wilcox 63
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-V.m4a1. Outline of Text
Chapter 1 An overview of the current state of our unions, 2023. Reason needs ongoing social scientists looking at the landscape. Changes
Some good news, kids of divorce less likely to divorce, divorce rates have gone down. Divorce rate has gone down from high in 1980’s to about 40%. Not half!
Bad news young adults tend to stay single longer, live together or never (highest number about 1/3) marry. Like Mary Tyler Moore in the 1970’s when the satisfied happy single idea first was proposed. Declining fertility, declining economy, profound loneliness in the elderly. Japan is highlighted.
Psychology (micro) versus social science (macro, culture) And/ Both
Masters & Disasters Gottman’s research Love Lab Jordan Peterson (psychology) 90 % if divorce
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse- Disasters
- Stonewalling; 2. Defensiveness; 3. Criticism; 4. Contempt
Masters
- Deal constructively with conflict
2.Losts of positive attention 5:1 positive: negative remarks kind word, humble request for forgiveness, generally positive orientation
- Masters tend to be found in certain culture settings (groups)
Culture- community join, cash flow, culture of family[1]
Same elites proposing marriage as a non-good were living long term marriages
Rules for thee not for me. Create other reality they can intentionally distain.
Elite themselves live in the house created.
Rise of anti-elite charge so easy to stay home. Not easy, made decisions but jealous of results. We did the good and have results of the good. Not supposed to have it.
The 4 groups will be mocked and the outcast. Self-fulling prophecy. Must have the otherness.
[1] Wilcox 20
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Proverbs-22-II.m4a1. Outline at Proverbs 22 Note the change of chapter groupings at verse 16 2. Instruction of Amenemope (ca 1200 BC) Egyptian Wisdom intended to train young men at court (civli servants)
Similar to Proverbs, but large differences make it unlikely that Solomon had direct literary dependence on it.
Comparisons of Ameneope to Proverbs where it is similar
- Micah Read ESV
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.[a]
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful[b] eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
I shall be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of forbidden[c] women is a deep pit;
he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
Words of the Wise17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the Lord will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.
24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Be not one of those who give pledges,
who put up security for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not move the ancient landmark
that your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-IV.m4aVIII. Divorce popularized in the 1970’s Mary Tyler Moore is exactly the propaganda show Wilcox suggests, my opinion. Ted & I finished watching the entire 7 episodes. Marriage is portrayed poorly, boringly, dead-end. Murray looks he pecked and bedraggled. His one excitement was his emotional affair. Lou gets divorced after 24 years of marriage because his wife wants to experience something which I never quite got the gist of, and she ends up remarried within a short time. Ted Baxter & Georgette don’t inspire anyone to the married life. But Mary, single, thin Mary she makes the day interesting and happy. The Mary Tyler Moore Show is propaganda for easy divorce and single life nicely wrapped up in comedy and big hair.
Few children in the show.
- Thesis Statement
In writing Get Married, my aim is not to argue that everyone should put a ring on it. Not everyone can or should marry. Nor stay married. But for most of us, getting married and forging a strong family is the best way to build a prosperous, meaningful, and happy life- and a way that needs a lot more guidance and support from the culture and law than it is now garnering.[1]
Married people are happier and more prosperous than unmarried people.[2]
Lie any variation of family by calling a family. Have same words but reality not conveyed.
Bench markers
High school degree
Don’t live together before or premarital sex
Those two indicators
Have children after the vows
Statistically impossibility to live in poverty
Covid lifted the curtain of the great Oz. Ridiculous protests of campuses. Parents becoming savvy.
God calls a people a state in life that should be acted upon. Get about it. God gives graces to state in life. Don’t fritter away useless years.
[1] Wilcox xxiv
[2] Wilcox 15
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-III.m4a1. Brad Wilcox a modern social scientist picks up the torch for understanding current demographics perhaps to Rodney Stark. Insights relevant to our generation can be offered by so as to strengthen marriage and family. 2. Brad Wilcox bio
Brad Wilcox is Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, the Future of Freedom Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. The author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization (HarperCollins, 2024), Wilcox studies marital quality, marital stability, and the impact of strong and stable marriages upon men, women, and children. The author and editor of six books, Wilcox has written for scientific journals such as The American Sociological Review and The Journal of Marriage and Family,as well as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and National Review. A Connecticut native, he now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his wife and family.[1]
No death sentence if the proposed constructs are not met. Wilcox, a Catholic, lost his father at the age of 6 yrs and filled with rage and loss. His mother found other male role models to fill the void which allowed him to flourish in his adulthood.[2]
Caveat striking difference father died and father abandoned. Orphan not fatherless due to death. General man died, grieved introduce children to him and virtues of the man. Much harder of abandoned. Separation fundamentally different.
VII. Get Married critique of book publishing quality
Pages are rough and contrast between ink and paper not first rate. Glad to put the book down after reading it.
[1] https://ifstudies.org/brad-wilcox accessed June 4, 2024
[2] Wilcox 75
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Proverbs-22-I.m4a1. Authorship Solomonic tradition
– Recall, the principal author is the Holy Spirit, set within the entirety of the Canon
TS of Proverbs 1:1-7
Prologue2 That men may know wisdom and instruction,
understand words of insight,
3 receive instruction in wise dealing,
righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 that prudence may be given to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 the wise man also may hear and increase in learning,
and the man of understanding acquire skill,
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Date & Historical Context
Royal Kingdom: Purple (royalty) Narrative I & II Samuel, I Kings, I & II Chronicles 970-931 BC
Possibly derived from the school associated with the royal court. Throughout the years, editor or editors formed the collection. Proverbs in this form would have been particularly helpful during the postexilic period.[1]
III. Outline Recall overall structure of the Book
Another possibility from study of structural analysis, with this structure spousal imagery, marital fidelity, and the Nobel Woman.
Prologue: Solomon’s Discourses to His son (Prov 1-9) note strong connection to Epilogue
- Proverbs of Solomon I (Prov 10:1 – 22:16)
- Words of the Wise 1 (Prov 22:17-24:22)
III. Words of the Wise 2 (Prov 24:23- 34)
- Proverbs of Solomon 2 (Prov 25-29)
- Words of Agur (Prov 30:1-14)
- Numerical Proverbs (Prov 30:15-33)
VII. Words of Lemuel (Prov 31:1-9)[2]
Epilogue: The Song of the Noble Woman (Prover 31:10-31) cf Ruth, Bride (Soul) in Song of Solomon
Good to take context into consideration
[1] Roland E. Murphy, O. Carm, Wisdom Literature Vol. XIII (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids MI 1981) 53
[2] John Bergsma & Brant Pitre A Catholic Introduction to the Bible, The Old Testament (Ignatius: San Francisco 2018) 598
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-II.m4aDISCLAIMER, no author, Sara or I propose staying in an abusive relationship. When discussing human affairs, a broad stroke is needed. However, the exception does not prove the rule.
III. Website is both Faith & Reason, let’s look at current and reputable science. For those following us for any length of time, right reason is something we seek to cultivate.
- Venerable Rodney Stark seminal & pivotal work The Rise of Christianity marriage from an early Christian perspective was key to ascendancy of the Faith. It elevated women’s status, prohibited abortion and infanticide, and created a more stable societal structure.[1]
Science gives great insights into our God, the author of science. True science as opposed to scientism, view that science and the (scientific method) are the best or only way to render truth about the world and reality. This belief system pervades the proper pursuit of science according to established norms. Covid is an all to recent example of this belief system.
Disparagement, big lie, Catholicism is misogynist, lies against women and children rights
Who needed the love demonstrated? Not the men but the women and children. Women had no rights of property, personal ownership. Man died, woman bereft. Same is true in China, atheist communist countries. Women cannot chose their number of children, forcibly aborted. Foresee when woman could be forcibly inseminated. Not autonomous individual. Excess of widows Reggie Littlejohn[2] Share a rope for suicide no life for them in Communism.
Only entity for child rearing and widows, is the Christianity. Counter these vicious lies.
[1] Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity (Harper One: Princeton University Press 1996)
[2] https://www.womensrightswithoutfrontiers.org/blog/littlejohn-to-un-it-is-better-to-die-widows-at-risk-in-china/ accessed June 27, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Marriage-A-Great-Gift-I.m4a1. June Traditionally Month to Celebrate marriage, taping at the end of June Happy anniversary to our married friends regardless of the month married 2. July Feast of Ann & Joachim, parents of our Lady their feast day is on July 26 in the West, July 25 in the East
Fides et Ratio, it states:
FR #12” History therefore becomes the arena where we see what God does for humanity. God comes to us in the things we know best and can verify most easily, the things of our everyday life.”
Our Lord works in and through history. Jesus was born into a family (everyday life) and a culture. It is right and proper therefore to consider His origins from a familial perspective. The following reflections have been handed down through (T) tradition. The NO missal states that Mary, the pinnacle of creation, was raised in a manner befitting the Theotokos.
Anne & Joachim, steadily faithful. World judged them as faithless. Temple cult is corrupted, institutional leadership is awful and populace knows it. Various responses to the corruption. Yet this holy couple remained faithful.
While Joachim was alone in the mountains, the archangel Gabriel stood by him. He said,
“Fear not, Joachim, nor be disturbed by my appearance. I am the angel of the Lord and have been sent by Him to tell thee that thy prayers have been heard and that thy charitable deeds have gone up into His presence. God has seen thy shame and has heard the reproach of the unfruitfulness which has been unjustly brought against thee; for God is the avenger of sin, not nature. Therefore, when He shuts up the womb of anyone, he does so the He may in a more wonderful manner open it, so that which is born may be acknowledged to be the gift of God and not the product of lust.
While in the garden, Gabriel appeared to Anna, Saying,’ Anna, Anna, the Lord hath heard thy prayer and thou salt conceive and bring forth; and thy seed shall be spoken of in the entire world.”[1]
Anna said, “As the Lord my God lives, if I beget either a male or female, I will bring it as a gift to the Lord my God; and it shall minister unto Him all the days of its life.”
Gabriel responded, “Arise, therefore, and go up to Jerusalem, and when thou shalt come to the gate which because it is plated with gold, is called the Golden Gate, therefore a sign, thou shalt meet thy husband, for whose safety thou hast been anxious. When therefore, thou shalt find the things accomplished, believe that all the rest which I have told thee shall also undoubtedly be accomplished.”[2]
Both Joachim & Anna set out for the temple as the angel of God had commanded. Anna arrived and waited for Joachim at the Beautiful (Gold) Gate. Anna spotted Joachim approach with his flocks from afar and ran to him. Husband and wife rejoiced together that they would be granted offspring. They gave thanks to the Lord. After making an offering to the Lord, returned home. Anna conceived Mary, the single boast of man.
Orthodox often have Anne & Joachim icons
Difference in receiving the news between Sarah and Zechariah. Sara laughs, the other Zechariah doubts
Anne & Joachim receive news in perfect faith, rejoice in the news before conception of Or Lady. Both knew outcome.
To be honest, Sarah and Zechariah are a more typical responses. Beautiful telling of their romance their marriage, first with God then one another.
[1] The Life of the Virgin Mary, Holy Apostles Convent (Dormition Skete: Buena Vista, CO 1989) Orthodox Church Holy Apostles Convent, The Life of the Virgin Mary, The Theotokos (Holy Apostles Convent & Dormition Skete: Buena Vista, CA, 1989) 7
[2] Ibid 8
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prepare-for-Eternal-Life-VIII.m4aA Deepening Life of Prayer: It is important that we spend time with the Lord in prayer (St Therese of Lisieux “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” St John Damascene “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God…”). Various vocal prayers, reading Sacred Scripture and meditating on it, silent loving adoration of the Lord before his presence in the Blessed Sacrament, and attending the highest form of prayer often, the Holy Mass, helps prepare us for eternal life. We cannot know someone we do not spend time with. When we humble ourselves and spend time with God, we open our hearts to receive His love, mercy, and truth. “…It is He who first seeks us and asks us for a drink. Jesus thirsts; His asking arises from the depths of God’s desire for us. Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for Him (CCC 2560).” Spending time with God in prayer helps us hear His voice in leading us to His perfect will for us and purifying ourselves from the things that keep us from having a deep and loving relationship with Him. A simple book on learning to pray by author, Dan Burke, “Into the Deep”: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/into-the-deep/ITDP.html “If you’re ready for God to transform you heart and mind, you will know the life that Jesus has promised: a life of peace and joy that cannot be taken away by the trials of this world.”
Prayers: Outside of the highest form of prayer, the Holy Mass, there are many beautiful, efficacious prayers that have been prayed through the centuries. +The most powerful one would be the Holy Rosary which has been requested to be prayed by Our Lady at almost every one of her approved appearances. Prayerful meditation on the 4 Mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, & Luminous) of the Rosary reminds us of the life of Christ from His Incarnation to His Ascension, the life of Our Lady and the early saints, and the formation of the early Church – all God has done for love of us. https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary +The Divine Mercy Chaplet is also beautiful prayer to help prepare us for eternal life. https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet +Prayer to St Joseph, patron saint of a holy death: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/prayer-to-st-joseph-334 +Prayer to the Holy Spirit: https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english/p00360.htm +Prayers recommended by Monsignor Rosetti: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/for-the-laity +Fr Chad Ripperger’s book: “Deliverance prayers, for use by the Laity” by Sensus Traditionis Press +Also, prayers to your patron saints, the archangels, your guardian angel, and saints God draws your heart to seek.
Invoking the powerful intercession of the Mother of God: This is the most important point I need to make – where Our Lady is the devil is not. Hence, it is important to pray and ask our Lady to cover you and your loved ones journeying with you with her Blue Mantle of Protection. Our Lady is faithful! Let me say this again, Our Lady is ALWAYS FAITHFUL! She wants to help, but you need to ask her. “O whoever you may be who feel yourself on the tide of this world drifting in storms and tempests rather than treading firm ground, turn not your eyes from the effulgence of this star, unless you wish to be submerged … if she holds you, you do not fall, if she protects you, you have no fear; with her to lead you, you tire not; with her favor, you will reach your goal, conscious thus within yourself how rightly the word was spoken: ‘And the Virgin’s name was Mary.’” Bernard, Homily 2:17, Respice stellam (ante A.D. 1153).” Consider making a Consecration prayer to Our Lady, entrusting your life into her motherly care.
Seeking the intercession of St Joseph, your spiritual father: Because of his obedient, humble, and faithful response to the call to be the spouse of Virgin Mary and the foster father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, St Joseph is the greatest saint who has ever lived. He is patron of the dying, terror of demons, and protector of Holy Church. Seek his help and protection. He will help you.
Sacramentals: If you have not been enrolled in the Brown Scapular (https://www.sistersofcarmel.com/faqs-the-brown-scapular/) during your life, we encourage you to do so. You will need to get a brown scapular then have a priest or authorized deacon say the prayer of enrollment over you. Have blessed and attached to the scapular a Miraculous Medal, a small Crucifix, and a St Benedicts medal. Get a bottle of holy water and bless yourself with the sign of the Cross on rising in the morning and before going to bed. Use it if you start to become fearful, hopeless, or challenged in your faith.
Anointing of the Sick: It is important to call and make an appointment with your pastor or a priest for the Anointing the Sick. “The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life” (CCC 1532). Ask you pastor how often you should receive this blessed sacrament. https://www.catholic.com/tract/anointing-of-the-sick https://www.archspm.org/faith-and-discipleship/catholic-faith/what-is-anointing-of-the-sick-why-is-it-important/
Attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist: As we know, the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is his Sacred Heart. In receiving the Eucharist, Jesus tells us in John 6:54, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” If possible, it would be nourishing for your soul to attend Mass often to receive the Eucharistic Lord. If you are unable to do so due to your health condition, Holy Mass is offered online to watch from parishes locally and around the world. You can call your parish office to ask if someone could come bring you the Eucharist to receive. “By this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood to form a single body.” (CCC 1331).
Offering Holy Masses for yourself before death: Last point, but so very important to know, is the offering of Holy Masses for yourself. Again, Holy Mass is the highest form of prayer. There is no other prayer that gives more graces to a soul than Holy Mass. Hence, if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness consider having Masses offered for yourself to receive the many graces you will need to journey through this trial. This link explains this well. https://catholicbooks.net/99-9-of-catholics-do-not-know-these-facts-about-the-mass/
Frequent Confession: Although the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) is only required by the Catholic Church once a year, it is better to take advantage of this healing sacrament and go more often. There are many examinations of conscience guides to help a person prepare for Confession. Going often helps us to be more conscious of our repeated falls to sin and the power of God’s grace given to help us overcome them in the future. You become more aware of how the Lord is helping you with His grace to become the saint He has called you to be. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience
Offering a Plenary Indulgence for yourself: This is a great gift given by God through his Church for our souls. “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” (CCC 1471) https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/conditions-13362
Ask God to lead you to acts of charity he wants you to fulfill: Jesus said, “… love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) In focusing on giving to others, giving yourself away in loving acts to the needs of others, and in being Christ to the needy, you will find a joy that cannot be explained. Selfless acts of love are following in the footsteps of the Lord who gave his whole life for our salvation. For Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it.” Matthew 16:24
Unite any personal sufferings with Christ crucified: Sufferings that come with aging and illness are opportunities to sanctify your own soul and the souls of others. Offering up our emotional, physical, and other sufferings with Christ crucified that come from losing our independence from growing old or from terminal illness is redemptive. https://dmsbcatholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Redemptive-Suffering.pdf
Help your loved ones by setting your funeral plans: It’s helpful to make all the necessary plans for your vigil rosary service, funeral Mass, and committal service ahead of time. Choosing a funeral home, a cemetery and making all necessary plans (who you want to do the readings, pall bearers, lead the rosary, the priest for the Mass, chosen Scriptures and music, etc) helps your loved ones to maintain as much peace as possible under a very emotional time of losing you. You may consider having them involved in doing the planning with you. https://holyrosarychurchmphs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Holy-Rosary-Funeral-Planning-2021-3.pdf
Questions on this document: call 210-822-8044, leave a message and we will get back to you when we can.
Prayer: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, our Savior and our King, help me to live each day with the fullness of the faith, hope, and charity you gave me at my baptism. Give me all the graces to be a true disciple as you asked: to deny myself, pick up my cross daily, and follow after you. Help me to remember that to accept, carry, and embrace the crosses you have allowed in my life, especially the frailties of growing old, the pains of terminal illness, or accepting the things I cannot change, are part of your permissive plan to purify my soul and bring me to a deeper and more intimate relationship with you. Help me to remember that I am never alone. You promised to always be with me when I seek you. Help me to see your presence in every event of my life. Help me to remember that you have a perfect time for me to run Home into your arms. Grant me final perseverance in the faith, the blessings of the Sacraments, the love of my family around me, the presence of our Lady and St Joseph at my bedside, the powerful prayers of the saints, and total confidence in all you have promised me! Amen. Our Lady, our dear and faithful Mother, be with me, protect me, and intercede for me “now and at the hour of (my) death. Amen“.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prepare-for-Eternal-Life-V-.m4a1. Final Practical Considerations.
Letting our loved one go: Many times, I have had people ask me why their loved one is still alive, why they haven’t died. My question is always, “Has all the family been in to see your loved one?” More times than not, there was one or two family members that had not been in to see the dying loved one due to distance, work, not wanting to let the person die, or at times sadly, due to unforgiveness issues. Not too long after that person would arrive and have time alone with the dying person, the loved one would peacefully pass on to eternal life. It’s important to tell your loved one that you love them, give permission for them to go on to eternal life, and that you will be okay. This will give both of you peace.
Moment of passing, soul must be 100% detached to freely give to eternity. Finally detach know their loved are content to see them go. Be hopeful. Don’t fear death. Angels are profoundly there. Holy life, run to them be with them. St. Therese & Bernadette ardent love moment filled with grace. True love casts out all fear. Sacred heart furnace of charity ardent for soul mystically there. Tangible even though spiritual.
Environment in the room: When a loved one is dying, we should do everything possible to aide them to desire and prepare for Eternal Life with God. It is important that religious Icons of Jesus, Our Lady, favorite saints, relics, Holy Water, and a Crucifix be in the room. A CD player or an ipod can be used to play his/her favorite religious music, soothing sacred music, and Scripture whenever no one is the room or no one is actively praying in the room. It is important for the dying person to hear the Word of God and music that praises the Lord so he/she may sing along silently in their heart and help elevate their soul towards perfect praise of God. Due to the viciousness of the spiritual enemy in the last days of a person’ life, it is very important that holy water be used to bless the room and spiritual warfare prayers be said every morning and night (including the St Michael prayer, Hail Mary and Our Father). Conversations about the dying loved one should be taken outside of the room. The last sense to go before death is hearing. Although unconscious, the dying loved one may still hear.
Final moment say every word of love never said. Tender vulnerable time. Especially dying in state of grace profoundly beautiful.
Hard to live as a Catholic nun, easy to die as one. Final prayers beautiful moving hopeful. Read them. Every resource, angel, grace, Our Lady assisting to final preserve in holiness. Want to hear good and faithful servant. Host of angels communion of saints biggest champions.
After your loved one has passed:
Offer a Plenary Indulgence for your loved one after death: “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasure of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” (CCC 1471) http://www.catholic.org/prayers/indulgw.php
Prayer: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, our Savior and our King, help me to live each day with the fullness of the faith, hope, and charity you gave me at my baptism. Give me all the graces to be a true disciple as you asked: to deny myself, pick up my cross daily, and follow after you. Help me to remember that to accept, carry, and embrace the crosses you have allowed in my life, especially the frailties of growing old, the pains of terminal illness, or accepting the things I cannot change, are part of your permissive plan to purify my soul and bring me to a deeper and more intimate relationship with you. Help me to remember that I am never alone. You promised to always be with me when I seek you. Help me to see your presence in every event of my life. Help me to remember that you have a perfect time for me to run Home into your arms. Grant me final perseverance in the faith, the blessings of the Sacraments, the love of my family around me, the presence of our Lady and St Joseph at my bedside, the powerful prayers of the saints, and total confidence in all you have promised me! Amen. Our Lady, our dear and faithful Mother, be with me, protect me, and intercede for me “now and at the hour of (my) death. Amen“.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prepare-for-Eternal-Life-IV.m4aApostolic Blessing : Apostolic (Blessing) Pardon at the Hour of Death: This is an extraordinary gift, a plenary indulgence, given by the Holy Catholic Church for a person who is dying. It is given by a Catholic priest after the Anointing of the Sick with the closing of these words, “Through the holy mysteries of our redemption may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy” or “By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Yes, FULL remission of all the temporal punishment due to your dying loved one’s sins is given! The only time it wouldn’t apply is if the dying person actually rejected it. Please read the NCR article below. Many priests are not aware of this prayer. You should ask for it. If you didn’t hear these words said, then the Apostolic Pardon was not given. We should all make an effort to do this for everyone. Keep the prayer in your cell phone, in your wallet, or in a place at your home where all the family knows of its location. I have many times texted a copy of this prayer to friends who had loved ones who were dying. We would want someone to do this for us as well. How can this full pardon be possible? Let us remember Luke 23:42-43, the story of Good Thief. “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’. Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” https://www.ncregister.com/features/apostolic-pardon-brings-total-forgiveness-before-death https://www.simplycatholic.com/what-is-the-apostolic-pardon/
WE remember lived in one specific moment, universal law same space & time, these words apply to all. Not all of His words meant for universal, Rich Young Man sell all after keeping 10 commandments. Good thief dying remember me. Enter into as this relationship, Remember me when you come into the kingdom. Enter into His love for each follower. If we seek it.
Acts of charity he wants fulfilled being sick & ill is not an excuse to be nasty and mean.
Uniting suffering to Christ crucified. Image of the Sacred Heart is most helpful
Funeral Plans The Three Rites of a Catholic Funeral: When your loved one has passed this life, we are called by tradition and charity to have a rosary vigil service, funeral Mass, and a graveside committal service. It gathers family, friends, and coworkers together to pray for the soul of your loved one. These links can help you plan well for these rites before or after your loved one has passed. . https://catholic-link.org/catholic-funeral-guide-how-to/ https://holyrosarychurchmphs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Holy-Rosary-Funeral-Planning-2021-3.pdf
Questions on this document: call 210-822-8044, leave a message and we will get back to you when we can.
Closing Prayer
Face of death is St. Joseph; radiant smile of St. Joseph will assist in final struggle. More love and relationship with St. Joseph now seek his friendship, assistance, intercession now. For a number years do not address 4 last things and Catholics fear dying. Not ending our life moving into another stage of life. More capable preparing for this change. read the beautiful rites, more embrace element inevitable less fear will have. Another natural moment with God. Don’t you want to run into His embrace. A sinner no worse moment. Lived life entirely for Christ no happier moment.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prepare-for-EternalLIfe-III-.m4a1. Practical Steps Catholics can take to Prepare for Eternal Life. These steps dispose our hearts to receive the graces promised by the devotion of the Sacred Heart and also invoking the aide of St. Joseph.
Author: Terelyn Santos, graciously given permission to publish these considerations.
After caring for the terminally ill as a registered nurse and a chaplain for many years, I have felt called by God to write this paper.
- Overview of topics covered with links to expand on the topics
Ethical Issues
Discernment of God’s Will
FORGIVENESS
Steps of Forgiveness by exorcist Fr. Jim Blount
Life of Prayer
Prayers to consider are listed
Mary Mother of God and St. Joseph intercession
Sacramentals
Anointing of the Sick-
Priests who have consulted on this paper emphasized the necessity of calling the parish as soon as possible. Do not wait.
Attending Mass & Receiving the Eucharist in a state of grace
Offering Holy Mass for yourself before dying
Frequent confession
Offering a plenary indulgence for yourself. See link for suggestions
Not magical, the Lord loves can’t be outdone in generosity. Small child offering dandelions to his mother.
Interior knowledge smallest offense is worthy of severe punishment. Element demand humility of child. Smallest of offerings to make amends the wilting dandelion, just that furrowed brow of mother little hand with flower moved with pity for the child. These indulgenced prayers nothing more than a dandelion.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Preparing-for-Eternal-Life-II.m4a St. Joseph Feast Day March 19
Father’s Day 3rd Sunday in June 16
Joseph who is the epitome of human fatherhood is considered the patron for departing souls and terror of demons.
He is a spiritual father; a protector and provider; a pattern for a life hidden in Christ and cloaked in docility. His divine call by God the Father was a great and mysterious grace that cannot be easily reduced to a list of specific qualities; there would not be enough space to contain them[1].
St. Joseph died in the company of Jesus, the Lord of Life and the Blessed Mary full of grace.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Attributed to 50 A.D.
Throughout time, Catholics have prayed to St. Joseph for the grace of a good and happy death, one where they too are blessed with the presence of Jesus and Mary and accompanied by the saints and angels.
Death is the final opportunity for the devil to snatch a soul from Christ. At the end of life, souls are susceptible to despair, fear, guilt, and regret. These and other emotions can become a foothold for the Evil One.
St. Joseph’s life stands in complete opposition to these. It is proof of God’s unfathomable goodness, comforting love, and intimate protective presence in our lives. This holy saint represents the hope of heaven and the glory of the Risen Christ.
Joseph actions he took His Mary in security to Bethlehem, safely delivering Our Lord risk of dearth Herod, prudence of when to bring Hi back. Model lively confidence entrust important moment son life.
Particular trials at point of death, fear, despair, regret. Anointing final Extreme Unction, oil is given for purpose for final perseverance doubts invade soul invade at the end of life. Strong life. Heart attached to St. Joseph make plans for final anointing is so important.
Lose Catholicity sacramental touch and grace.
In our final hours, when Satan seeks to rip us from the grasp of God, Joseph, powerful protector of souls, will shepherd us to the safety of His beloved Son and protect us from the enemy of our salvation.[2]
[1] https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/6-reasons-st-joseph-is-the-terror-of-demons/ accessed April 29, 2024
[2] https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/6-reasons-st-joseph-is-the-terror-of-demons/ accessed April 29, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prepare-for-Eternal-Life-I.m4a1. Month of JuneSacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day June 7, 2024 first Friday after Corpus Christi octave, movable feast
Burning furnace of charity
Father’s Day, best of human fathers St. Joseph
- Sacred Heart of Jesus
It is an image that conveys Jesus’ intense burning all-consuming love for each one of us, in the particular as well as collective
Bishop Donald J. Hying is bishop of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin.
Jesus’ heart is moved with pity for the crowds (see Mt 9:36) (mercy)
and He tells us that He is gentle and humble of heart (Mt 11:29).
Jansenism, particularly prevalent in France in the 16th and 17th centuries, overemphasized the wrath of God, the unworthiness of human nature and fear as a fundamental response to the divine.
Viewed in this context, the apparitions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque manifest a need for a theological correction and a spiritual balance regarding popular perceptions of Christ. Jesus revealed to the saint His heart, burning with love for humanity. Pierced and crucified — offering salvation and mercy — Jesus’ heart longs for us to offer our love and devotion in return.[1]
St. Margaret Mary described her experience of the Lord: “My divine Heart is so passionately fond of the human race and of you, in particular, that it cannot keep back the pent-up flames of its burning charity any longer. They must burst out through you and reveal my Heart to the world, so as to enrich mankind with my treasures.”
This devotion unites our minds, hearts and wills in one great act of oblation — a total gift of the self to the One who has first offered himself completely to and for us.
GG has the episodes Fatherhood & the Sacred Heart found in the search bar.
https://karen-early.com/archive/fatherhood-sacred-heart/ episode 7
There is a promise concerning the hour of death
I will be their secure refuge during life, and, above all, in death.
Fear running rampant through Jansenism, Church tic tock back and forth, vacillate mercy & justice. God no divorce between these terms, perfect in their unity. Man responds differently depending on the circumstances of the world.
This devotion beautiful and necessary. Love in the particular, we must hear that same way He introduced BVM to John. To a person in particularity with general application.
Lord is in love with each person, longs to untied and perfected in His Heart. Be who he created us to be.
Experience His divine love.
[1] https://www.simplycatholic.com/why-the-sacred-heart/ accessed April 29, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-IX.m4aTammy Petersen encounter with Our Lady, power of the rosary, was cured of her incurable cancer.
https://youtu.be/e4uWemSfpwk?si=4dzjbgI28htV0Dfs
there are other videos as well
Faith precedes understanding. St. Anselm.
Mary icing on the top of the cake. The cake is good. Not a lack in the cake. Goodness gives us, she is the icing, a little bit more.
XVI. Exhortation Therese of Lisieux & Louis de Montfort
For me, child a better way of approach than slave. Doctor of the Church.
According to the late Prioress of Carmel at Lisieux, what contributed not a little to this was the classic treatise, “On the True Devotion of Blessed Virgin Mary,” by St. Louis de Montfort, which Thérèse frequently read and meditated upon. Following Louis de Montfort’s advice, she did everything with Mary, or rather, in the presence of Mary, under Mary’s influence and according to her example.[1]
We all know Mary is more mother than Queen[2]
St. Therese said to Mary: “I wish to be not so much your servant as your child.” And she is known to have said that “Mary is more Mother than Queen.” In these two quotations, we have the Marian message of St. Therese.[3]
“Everything is mine,” she wrote Oct. 19, 1892, to her sister Céline, “God is mine, and the Mother of God is also my Mother, … something I find myself saying to her, ‘You know, dear Mother, that I am happier than you? I have you for Mother, whereas you do not have the Blessed Virgin to love…I poor creature am not your servant, but your daughter. You are the Mother of Jesus, and my Mother too.’” And in an outburst of love she was prompted to say, “0 Mary, if I were Queen of heaven and you were Thérèse, I would wish to be Thérèse, to see you Queen of Heaven.” These were the last words written by the saint, three weeks before her death, on a picture of Our Lady of Victories.[4]
Very profound and simple.
Satanic deception, jealous, sows jealousy.
What is not to love? Bare minimum, love Our Lord, but for her you would have none.
Christ, way, truth, life and obedient to her. 10 commandments with enticements.
If you could chose your mother, wouldn’t you chose the best? All things were made, including His Mother. Called her into reality.
God could see every moment where He would need His moment, and thus we would never.
Assume all to save all.
If He did not experience, we would not.
Mother wounds, feminism, prevalent, Our Lady is a sure path and will help you to heal.
Let yourself love her and be loved by her. Act of the will. Love you Mary. Very simple. Life revolutionized.
Addendum
An Exorcist’s Advice Consecrate Yourself to Mary
https://youtu.be/s6ByI3D6C1s?si=UbYCIaPcL3jMIOJT
[1] https://hardonsj.org/devotion-st-therese-of-lisieux-blessed-virgin-mary/ accessed April 3, 2024
[2] Therese of Lisieux (2016). “St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Her Last Conversations”, p.160, ICS Publications
[3] https://www.traditionallaycarmelites.com/consecration-to-jesus-through-mary/st-therese-mary-is-more-mother-than-queen accessed April 3, 2024
[4] http://therealpresence.org/archives/Saints/Saints_027.htm accessed April 3, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-VIII.m4a1. Month of May find a way to honor our Mother & Queen. One suggestion is to have a family procession in one’s home, singing of Marian songs, crowning of Mary’s statue, perhaps on Mother’s Day when it is customary for families to gather. As part of the procession, have a (Re) Consecration to Mary.
Pilgrimage to a Marian church, rosary, daily habit. Marian medal, daily consecration to her, whole being without reserve.
Mary is only Love. Abandon yourself to her love. Get a statue, write her letter drop off at Marian church.
She has never sinned, she is more real than all of us. Never suffered loss of herself. From the moment He conceived of her in His mind. We fall short, they suffered intently, so that we can be real again.
Get a rosary, statue, read passages of scripture. Rosary draws us into moments she was present. Sorrows of Rosary.
Look at OT references of her.
Ps 45:10
At your right stands the queen in robes of gold, finely arrayed.
Entrance Antiphon, The Queenship of Mary August 22, Psalm 45:10cf
April 27, 2024 Roses bespeak of Mary, gold of royalty
No one who surrendered their hearts to her, then disillusioned.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-VII.m4a2.
49 It was through Mary that the salvation of the world was begun, and it is through Mary that it must be consummated. Mary hardly appeared at the first coming of Jesus Christ, in order that men, as yet but little instructed and enlightened on the Person of her Son, should not remove themselves from Him in attaching themselves too strongly and grossly to her. (Pagan tendencies, took over 600 years to get the doctrines of a God-Man correct).
Ancient cults mother goddesses, Pachamama
Prayer more beautiful prophetic than the Magnificat
Adele Brise, apparition blonde & blue eyed Mary
50 God then wishes to reveal and make known Mary, the masterpiece of His hands, in these latter times.
27 For Mary is infinitely below her Son, who is God, and therefore does not command Him as a mother here below would command her child who is below her. Mary, being altogether transformed into God by grace and be the glory which transforms all saints into Him, asks nothing, wishes nothing, does nothing contrary to the eternal and immutable will of God. … it seems as if she had the same power as God because she is always humble and conformed to His will.
Her intercession is so helpful, shows the Lord as a puppeteer. Her will is united is untied to His. Heart of the Father, lavish His goodness on us. Cana, Prodigal Son.
Intense jealousy of her & Satan. What would his role been if he had been faithful. He was the highest angelic being. The power of Mary, do those things, but own his own terms, not according to God’s will.
Jealous of relationship with the Trinity. Unique amongst all of creation in all of creation.
Power without the love and obedience.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-V.m4aXIV. Historical Context
Personal struggle with the word slave/ historical context
France (1600’s) post Luther, pre-French Revolution of 1789-1799
Warren Carroll[1] source
Absolutism was in the intellectual air… William of Ockham, 1300’s English nominalist & philosopher and foe of TA, argued the good is good only because of the arbitrary will of God, not because of its inherent nature.
Sun King or as Carrol calls him the Grand Monarch virtually set himself up as a god
Most absolute of monarchs, crafted in large part by Cardinal Richelieu
France dominant power of Europe, replacing Spain, in position to do great damage[2]
72 yr reign
Religious tenor was faithful but rigid from the ever-present Jansenism heresy
The Sun King at the beginning of his reign, his orthodoxy best illustrated by firm attempts to eradicate Jansenism
Orthodoxy did not extend to loyalty to the Pope
As the most powerful king in the world, he considered himself above the law, to say nothing of Catholic respect for the Catholic head of the Church.[3]
Above the law especially in the area of marital fidelity
Post Luther, post Henry VIII known king stood up to pope lightening didn’t fall from the sky.
2024 United States DEI, Color Revolution, Politicized Race Tensions
There was a time jokes about cultures and peoples were enjoyed. Now, a strict custody of language is enforced. i.e. Aggie joke books. Slavery real or imagined is a handy tool to instill totalitarian behaviors.
Madness, intentional exploitation of a concept to drive separation. Very evil. Elon Musk & Don Lemmon and reparations. We are all descended from slaves. How many descend from the monarchy? Small percentage of people. After the fall, all of man is slave to ourselves.
Mary- William Wordsworth nature’s solitary boast
Angel spoke to her. Discernment of spirits, unlike Eve did not discern the evil
Eve not a reliable guide
Mary a reliable guide, shown to us multiple times in SS, discern right course of action at every moment
Place under their assistance
[1] Warren H. Carroll, The Revolution against Christendom: A History of Christendom vol. 5 (Christendom Press: Front Royal, VA 2005) ) 1,
[2] Carroll 5
[3] Carroll 5
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-IV.m4aXII. Outline of Treatise, small work (same as Story of A Soul. Saints often speak clearly and with simplicity about profound topics) According to Montfort, “Mary is the safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way of approaching Jesus”.[16]
Montfort’s process of “total consecration” has seven elements and effects: knowledge of one’s unworthiness, sharing in Mary’s faith, the gift of pure love, unlimited confidence in God and Mary, communication of the Spirit of Mary, transformation into the likeness of Jesus, and bringing more glory to Christ.[17] His practice of consecration to Mary has both internal and external components. The internal components focus on surrendering oneself as a slave to Mary and to Jesus through her, and performing all actions “with Mary, in Mary, through Mary and for Mary”. The suggested exterior practices include enrolment in Marian societies, or joining Marian religious orders, making Marian privileges known and appreciated, and giving alms in honor of Mary.[18]
Thesis Statement: De Montfort proposes a devotion which essentially consists of one single act which, under various forms and conditions, we apply to our whole life, both interior and exterior. This devotion leads to a permanent disposition of living and acting habitually in dependence on Mary; it embraces one’s entire life, not just one’s prayer times or specific religious acts.[1]
Marian POV
Interesting causes so much agony in separated brethren. Unusual set at adversity to concept of mother. AS though having a mother could impinge on relationship with father or siblings.
In general natural order, mother she is unites.
Mary is full of grace, cosmic reality. Man fell is not an excuse then man’s sin.
Fall does not demand for man to sin. Man would then do what he must.
Everyone capable of living righteously, unjust to condemn if
Can sin but does not mean one will sin.
Closer to God minute transgressions bother
Mary full of grace, science shown physiologically connected to Incarnate with Jesus, never away from Him. Proximity no one else compares.
Unusual animosity towards the mother.
Luther lecture began with the Angelus
[1] St. Louise De Montfort, True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration (Tan Classics: India 1941, 2010) xvi-xvii
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-III.m4a1. One classical source is True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort (honor & devotion are synonyms) 2. Biography of Louis de Montfort
Feast Day April 28
Birth: 1673
Death: 1716 (43 yrs)
Confessor, Marian devotee, and founder of the Sisters of Divine Wisdom He was born Louis Marie Grignon in Montfort, France, in 1673. Educated at Rennes, he was ordained there in 1700, becoming a chaplain in a hospital in Poitiers. His congregation, also called the Daughters of Divine Wisdom, started there. As his missions and sermons raised complaints, Louis went to Rome, where Pope Clement XI appointed him as a missionary apostolic. Louis is famous for fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary. In 1715, he also founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary. His True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin remains popular. Louis died at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sevre. He was canonized in 1947.[1]
Some of his proposed devotions included angels
One reason behind Montfort’s showing such devotion to angels is that veneration of the pure spirits was an integral part of his training, and also of his culture. His college teachers, all Jesuits, were known for their zeal in propagating devotion to the angels.[2]
- Imprimatur, nil obstat & Papal endorsements
Imprimatur (official license to print an ecclesiastical book), nil obstat (free of doctrinal error) in front of book
Louis de Montfort influenced a number of popes.[19][20] In the 19th century, Pope Pius IX considered it the best and most acceptable form of Marian devotion, while Pope Leo XIII granted indulgences for practicing Montfort’s method of Marian consecration. Leo beatified Montfort in 1888, selecting for Montfort’s beatification the day of his own Golden Jubilee as a priest. In the 20th century Pope Pius X acknowledged the influence of Montfort’s writings in the composition of his encyclical Ad diem illum.[21] Pope Pius XI stated that he had practiced Montfort’s devotional methods since his early youth. Pope Pius XII declared Montfort a saint and stated that Montfort is the guide “who leads you to Mary and from Mary to Jesus”. Pope John Paul II once recalled how as a young seminarian he “read and reread many times and with great spiritual profit” a work of de Montfort and that: “Then I understood that I could not exclude the Lord’s Mother from my life without neglecting the will of God-Trinity.”[22] According to his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, the pontiff’s personal motto was “Totus Tuus.” The thoughts, writings, and example of Louis de Montfort were also singled out by Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Redemptoris Mater as a distinctive witness of Marian spirituality in the Roman Catholic tradition.[23]
Parallel physiological relation
TA teaching grace perfects nature
Goodness in a family, father & mother in love to give forth children.
HS overshadows BVM she begets life. Pentecost, mary naturally fruitful to all of the Church.
Mary the hinge with OT, new order of creation lead to all truth. Expand her awesome fruitfulness.
Mother in natural order. Extraordinary Mother of God Man
All of family begotten through Him in Baptism
Church image from a reality to see it through. Mary is the lens.
Maximillian Kolbe book on the conception. Mary herself visual embodiment of HS in feminine form.
A pregnant woman always has a physical bond.
Our Lord is always with our Lady. Benefit from current science.
Grow in knowledge. Could have stayed ignorance.
Luke 2: 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor.
Not our right to become smarter, it is a mercy from God
Lynch pin Jesus was obedient to Mary and grew in wisdom. This is what we are to do, be obedient unto her.
[1] https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4306 accessed April 3, 2024
[2] https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4306 accessed April 3, 2024
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-II.m4a1. God the Father through God the Son created all things CCC # 296, 301 God the Father not only free created ex nihilo but sustains His creation as well.
291 God created everything by the Eternal Word, His beloved Son.
In Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth… all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together Col 1:16-17
III. Apex Of Creation is Man whose duty and pleasure is to know and serve His Creator
CCC #1God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.
- The Fall with original sin man’s intellect was darkened, will weakened, emotions disordered and often times man acted evilly contrary to the will of God
- Yahweh, Lord a title appropriated by Jesus, is considered as God, refer back to the Trinity,
God in His mercy revealed to man the decalogue # CCC 446
- The Decalogue (Ten Words) CCC Section Two #2052 and following
[ 4 parts to CCC. I Apostles Creed, II Sacraments, III Morality, IV Prayer]
10 Commandments in Third Part, morality, how to live for eternal life.
Mt 19:16-19 Jesus’ answer to query, ‘Teacher what must I do?’ Lists the commandments
- Exodus 20: 12 “Honor your father and your mother,that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Honor father and mother comes after worship of God and before man’s duties towards others. It is the only commandment with an inducement to keep it- long life and land. These words are compact for expansive Hebraic ideas.
VII. Jesus as the Way, Truth and Life kept all the commandments faithfully. As Christians, it is His example (as both our God and Savior) of honoring (His Mother, Mary) we strive to imitate Him.
VIII. Pivotal question then is: How did Jesus love His Mother? Jesus is our Model in all things.
Blessings honoring mother father, land & long life. Comes with a blessing, articulated, we are not moved by it.
3 & 7 Commandments, holy numbers
Transitional commandment first of another perfect number. Fruit for meditation.
Hebrew and Greek 2 languages of SS. Hebrew words more expansive.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/True-Devotion-to-Mary-I.m4aNeed to define a few terms and concepts before considering Mary’s role as mother and queen
Precise doctrinal language, as opposed to relational language Jesus is my BFF, is most charitable with important ideas
- Christianity is Trinitarian. It is the Central Mystery. #261 CCC
Note two different pillars:
1 Those attributes which are distinct to each Person
2 Those attributes which are similar to each Person
God = whole of divine (CCC #253 and following)
Nature Father, Son, Holy Spirit fully possessed by each Person
Father, Son, Holy Spirit are distinct persons of the one God, functioning as full persons
Each Person is Fully and Equally God
Modalism = heresy Father, Son and Holy Spirit one person expressing Himself in different modalities CCC #254
@6:33 Dr. Bruce Ware an analogy with three circles may prove helpful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D41u5tk8S5k&t=459s
The Preface on the Most Holy Trinity from the EO Form is a beautiful distillation of the doctrine
O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord: not in the oneness of a single Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For what we believe by Thy revelation of Thy glory, the same do we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or separation. So that in confessing the true and everlasting Godhead, distinction in persons, unity in essence, and equality in majesty may be adored.
Human persons myriad in number, intellectually infinite but of the same substance. Infinite in persons, one substance. Ability to have children. Can’t make another person with water, dog, etc..
Human substance Corruptible nature, capable of being transfigured, resurrected, potential for eternal being
Substance of Father Son Holy Spirit is divinity
Number of Persons share divine essence, similar to myriad number of human persons that share of human essence
Analogy breaks down because we are not one, yet. But substance is intended to be one in the divine.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Proverbs-10-V.m4a1. Exhortation, restatement of The folly of wickedness; the wisdom of righteousness
Our culture gives a false definition of wickedness and righteousness. Following Rev Scofield’s point of view, let us become well versed in how God defines wickedness and righteousness. Regular reading of Sacred Scripture and study of the text with commentaries that have stood the test of time is one excellent way.
Easy to forget communal aspect. Many of these ideas, desire to live righteously, good to see and aspire to learn from them. Foolish cannot do it alone.
Friends, Pre Lenten retreat, think about concept of forgiveness. Not going to heaven with unforgiveness.
Define terms, by looking at the opposite. Breaks the bond resentment, sickness on us.
The Chosen season IV episode 1&2 in theatres. Scene Peter & Matthew resentment realizes need to apologize of his behavior as a tax collector against Peter. Peter talks to Jesus about how he was harmed.
Paralytic, friends on the roof, let down, Jesus forgives sins.
Medical doctor physiological. Prolonged life of righteous. Forgives good for health.
I needed a group of friends, lips of the righteous feeds many. I was part of the many being fed.
Be free. Forgive. Just harming yourself.
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Setting of Writing Spain 1500’s Style of Writing Poetry not Expository. There is a caution to both latitude and rigidity. Ex/ Shakespeare is written in
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Examples: Brother Lawrence 10 yrs, Mother Teresa[1] 30 yrs, Therese of Lisieux 1 ½ yrs John of the Cross, perhaps the preeminent thinker on the
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Depression is always a spiritual trial often accompanied by an existential and spiritual crisis as John Paul II notes[1]. As always, it is wise to
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III. DNS Not Depression Aaron Kheriaty is a tremendous voice of faith and reason. I follow him on Telegram. I confidently use his book as
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Some few souls, through the centuries struggled to find language and expression of this ordinary process. Sara & I do not propose to offer an
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We left off with the Prologue of St. John of the Cross. The translators note: we recall before embarking on an explanation of these stanzas,
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Review of Last Show Thesis statement: I have been deceived. What happened to those beautiful garden magazines in January? – gardens are a subplot to
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Application of these concepts, to personal situations. How essential prune early lest become deformed. The value of boundaries.
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XII. Wise Counsel is needed for unexpected problems. Spiritual director, good and holy friends, confessor. Honest assessment. Moderate expectations and abilities. Enlist more help than
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XII Winter Plant Catalogue does not look like Summer Reality. Holy cards of saint with halos and smiles. Mother Angelica threatened her biographer of such
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XI Proper clothing and time of day matter. Habits & modest dress. Put on armor of salvation, St. Paul. Girding for task at hand. Recognizes
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VII. Pruning or training, keeping plants in their boundaries. Hard to cut off some small flowers capable of producing a fruit but it is the
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Now Summer, the hard work is at its peak. Must have Attention to many details or the prior efforts will crumble. Even if I manage
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Gardening also demonstrates the application of the guideposts of catholic philosophy especially realistic epistemology and objective ethics. Recall our past discussions of the 4 guideposts.
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Brief Review Winter Deep Abiding Hope, see that which is not yet. Got to dream and imagine what if. Spring High Expectations, planting is in,
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4 gifts correspond intellect (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge), 3 the will (Fortitude, Piety, Fear of the Lord) Young girls at tender ages, given grace by
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Marthe not present but knew, tells priest, prayers of children will save France. Police, papers, like the fall of Berlin Wall. Affirmation of prior apparitions.
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Praise for God’s Help (RSV) 146 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! 2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Girl-Power-III.m4aJacqueline Aubry, aged 12, her sister Jeanette, aged 7, and their cousin, Nicole Robin, aged 10, stopped at the church of Saint Gilles to pray.
While praying the rosary at the altar, Jacqueline suddenly saw a beautiful Lady before her, all in white, with hands joined in prayer and a rosary over her right arm. To the left was an angel holding a lily, eyes fixed in contemplation of the Lady.
They ran out to tell others, first running into two schoolmates who came back into the Church with them. The youngest, 8 year old Laura Croizon, was able to see the apparition but her older sister, 13-year old Sergine, was not able to see anything.
Laura cried out that she could see a beautiful lady and an angel but Sergine, though, saw nothing, and the others had to describe the scene for her.[1]
Dec 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, The Annunciation is reenacted before young girls between the ages of 7 years and twelve along who the angel was Gabriel.
After the apparitions were over, that night on the evening news peace had unexplainably returned to France. In the words of a policeman from Paris anticipating violence he was powerless to prevent said, “France has no idea that she was saved by the prayers of the these four children.”
The parish priest did not believe the girls and the school principal mocked them. Only after the miraculous healing of one of the visionary’s poor eyesight did they believe. The priest, converted with this miracle, notified the archbishop who sent him to the next apparition.
One of the visionaries learned to pray, not from her own nonpracticing Catholic parents but from an elderly neighbor lady.
Marian apparitions disparate actions of priest, believe o not. Champion priest immediately believed, build chapel. In this case priest and school mistress disbelief.
Waffling in Church. France did have Lourdes, a real presence.
Actions & Messages:
The angel gives Mary a lily, purity
JPII states, “the Virgin Mary holds up the witness of a purity that illumines the conscience and leads to a greater love for creatures and for the Lord.” The less a virtue is valued, the more the Lord calls for it.
1986 TV show no respect for purity. John the Beloved enamored of his purity. Purity merited for John custody of the Lord’s mother. Presence in someone holy.
The first message from L’ile Bouchard is a reference to St. Catherine Laboure 117 years prior in Paris.
The children saw a rectangular block of rock decorated with 5 pink roses with the inscription below, “O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to you.” (1830)
The next day, Tuesday, December 9, at one o’clock, all four girls assembled in the church, and so the general pattern for the week’s events was set. They knelt by the Virgin’s altar and began to pray Hail Marys, when suddenly a shining golden sphere, about three feet across, came out of the wall and unfolded itself as a rectangular curtain of silvery light, on which the rocky grotto stood out in relief. The angel was kneeling on the other side, while the words on the rocks had changed. Now they read: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”[2]
I am your heavenly Mother. Tell the little children to pray for France, for her need is great.
The Lady then bent down and kissed the girls’ hands. The hands felt warm, and a luminous oval light was left on their hands.
On the chest of the beautiful lady the word Magnificat appeared.
Pray for France, which in these days is in great danger.
I have not come to perform miracles, but to tell you to pray for France. However tomorrow, you will see clearly, and you won’t need glasses anymore.
The Mother of God promised something greater than cures and miracles, Happiness in families.
Above all pray much for sinners. Pray and make sacrifices.
Before I go, I will send a bright ray of sunlight. Very bright, parishioners closed their yes, felt very warm
The visionaries had a light shimmer on them in a multitude of colors resembling a diamond.
Reminiscent of Fatima.
[1] https://thecatholictravelguide.com/destinations/france/llle-bouchard-france-apparitions-lady-prayer/ accessed May 15, 2023
[2] https://thewandererpress.com/catholic/news/featured-today/reconnecting-with-mary-the-apparitions-at-lile-bouchard/
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Psalm-146-IV.m4aVIII Exposition of Psalm 146 by Church Father Augustine[1]
Read by Micah
- Put not your trust in princesPsalm 145:3. Brethren, here we receive a mighty task; it is a voice from heaven, from above it sounds to us. For now through some kind of weakness the soul of man, whenever it is in tribulation here, despairs of God, and chooses to rely on man. Let it be said to one when set in some affliction, There is a great man, by whom you may be set free; he smiles, he rejoices, he is lifted up. But if it is said to him, God frees you, he is chilled, so to speak, by despair. The aid of a mortal is promised, and you rejoice, the aid of the Immortal is promised, and are you sad? It is promised you that you shall be freed by one who needs to be freed with you, and you exult, as at some great aid: you are promised that Liberator, who needs none to free Him, and you despair, as though it were but a fable. Woe to such thoughts: they wander far; truly there is sad and great death in them. Approach, begin to long, begin to seek and to know Him by whom you were made. For He will not leave His work, if He be not left by His work.
The Lord only saves us with our cooperation
Free Will never violated, given option to participate
Sometimes wish no free will, then no love
Consequences come in both this life and the next life
IX Practical Application, how’s journaling going. Training the mind to see God at work in both the joys and sorrows of life. A redemptive perspective.
Ex/ bedridden woman rejoicing in the Lord
Proverbs garden section of the Bible, seed catalogue. Micah impact of the ancient book.
Gratitude for family and upbringing.
[1] https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1801146.htm accessed April 12, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Girl-Power-II.m4aII 48 Apparitions spanning Rome 1881 – Trevignano Romano 2014
III. Review of Some Past Apparitions covered
First Marian Apparition to St James the Greater in Spain while Mary living in Jerusalem (Ephesus?) 40 AD[1]
Aokpe 1992- 2004 Mediatrix of All Graces pg 372 Nigerian, 12 yr old girl, gift of tongues, English fluently, bishop received a Marian visitation (rare), visit from the Angel of Peace.
Warraq 2009 Royal Virgin of Giza pg 392
Mary has appeared in Egypt many times. Zeitoun (1968), St. Demiana in Shoubra (1986), Edfu (1992) Shentena, Al- Hagar (1997), Assiut (2001).
National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help Champion WI {Our Lady of Champion}
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mexico
Fatima Portugal
IV L’lle-Bouchard France 1947 pg 150
Ecclesial Approbation: Not officially recognized but the archbishop of tours authorized pilgrimages and public worship and made the Marian shrine a diocesan sanctuary.
Historical Setting:
Dec 8- 14, 1947; 7 series of apparitions, meeting in the church St. Gilles Church
As predicted at Fatima, Russian Communism spread errors throughout the world, including the small town of L’lle-Bouchard near Tours. 2 years after a disastrous war, WWII, the Communists had successfully infiltrated many governments and religious institutions. France’s economy was ruined, and a harsh winter destroyed crops. Inflation was rampant and stores were open have the time.
This is fertile ground for Communists. The Communist leader called for strikes and France was on the verge of a civil war. By October, things looked bleak and on schedule for the atheists.
Communism primary enemies of the church, a mimic it. Takes language of Catholic terms, should lead to supernatural, corrupts to natural help of man.
So often, Communism foothold Catholic cultures. France had a secularized government. Catholicism separate from governance. People have deep Faith and demoralized populace, WWI, WWII. France on its knees.
Morning of Dec 8, a mystic and stigmatist, Marthe Robin declared, “The Virgin Mary is going to save France by the prayers of little children.” (4 girls) Her cause for beatification has been opened.
Marthe Robin had been confined to her bed for almost 30 years due to complete paralysis, and she suffered the stigmata which is Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. She neither ate nor drank anything, her only sustenance consisting of the Holy Eucharist which she received once a week. This amazing woman accepted her suffering with tremendous patience and was in constant prayer and intercession for the world. On December 8th, 1947, feast of the Immaculate Conception, Marthe was visited by her spiritual director, Fr. George Finet, who said Mass for her that day in her bedroom. He later commented on the sad condition of their poor country and lamented that everyone believed that France was on the verge of a collapse and would soon be placed under communism. Marthe, with great confidence, told him that there was no need to worry, France would be saved by the prayers of little children. [2]
Incredible mystic. Now sprinkled lightly through culture. Rhoda Wise stigmatist[3]
Male & female, many female saints endured the pain of the stigmata. Goodness seen in both. St. Rose of Lima crown of thorns, St. Veronica Giuliani mystical suffering of passion imprinted on her heart.
Powerful women bear the burden for Him.
[1] Wincenty Laszewski, World of Marian Apparitions: From Fatima to Today (Sophia Institute Press: Manchester NH 2021) vii
[2] https://www.michaeljournal.org/articles/roman-catholic-church/item/our-lady-of-prayer-l-ile-bouchard-france accessed May 15, 2023
[3] https://rhodawise.com/the-rhoda-wise-story/ accessed May 17, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Psalm-146-III.m4aVI Personal Reflection
v 2 I will praise the Lord while I have being, which is forever
Rs/ Our hope is in the Lord who made heaven and earth
v5 hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
help/ hope reminded me of
Ps 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. common responsorial response for Catholics
VII Rev Scofield vs 3 put not trust in princes
NT trust= faith, believe. Occurs 152 OT rendering of Hebrew words signifying to take refuge (e.g. Ruth 2:12); to lean on (eg Ps 56:3); to roll on (e.g. Ps 22:8); to stay upon (e.g. Job 35:14)
Taking refuge, perseverance, safe place in the Lord to continue despite difficulty
Prosperity Gospel
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Girl-Power-I.m4aI Several sources used but the main is The World of Marian Apparitions
Basic Overview
Author Wincenty Laszewski
Publisher Sophia Press, 2021
Marian apparitions generally contain 4 elements: visionary, experience, message, miracles (healing & faith/conversions)
Private Revelation, not binding on the faithful to believe. Local bishop in cooperation with papal experts that investigates
Why Mary? To make her loved as Jesus loved His Mother. Her messages are always of prayer and conversion to her Son. NB Jesus always directed his followers to the love of the Father. Sermon on the Mount is about restoring our relationship to the Father which sin had severed.
Trinity had concept to grasp for early Church. Not polytheism. Took centuries and language, heresies refined the language.
Goddesses were worshipped. Church needed maturity of language to honor Our Lady without worshipping her.
Not new concept just a greater understanding. Inherent to her person.
Marian apparitions one the most beautiful gifts given to us by grace and least understood.
Hardest to articulate to an unbeliever. Refuse to ascent.
Issue for justice for women in the Church. God chose to create humans in the form male & female. Our Lady perfection of human woman. Christ perfection of man, dual God-Man.
She was capable to live this life through cooperation with Holy Spirit and a perfect act of the Will.
Authentic Maternal love so she could ascent.
The love of the Mother.
Perfect justice in regards to creation, Adam & Eve both personal fault. Masculine feminine, falling of those creations. Fitting both a male and female that perfect life.
Blessed Mother pinnacle beauty of male and female bring us back to perfection within Himself.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Psalm-146-II.m4aII Author supposedly David for Psalm 146 no consensus among biblical scholars
Reference
I Mostly David
II Mainly David & sons of Korah
III Mainly Asaph
IV Mainly anonymous
V Mainly David
III Approx Date 515 BC[1], Historical Context Post Exile, about 600 years after Book I completed
Different voices coming into Psalms compilations
IV Outline/ Major Themes
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, symphonic finale Praise of God for every blessing 146-47, by everyone Ps 148 with everything Ps 150[2]
- Opening[3] cheer [halleluiah, Praise Yahweh}
- Summons to praise
- Admonitions
- Beatitude
- Hymn to Yahweh
- Wish
- Closing cheer
V Micah Reading
Praise for God’s Help (RSV)
146 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have being.
3 Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 When his breath departs he returns to his earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
5 Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the sojourners,
he upholds the widow and the fatherless;
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The Lord will reign for ever,
thy God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/parallel/paral18.cfm accessed April 12, 2023
[2] Bergsma & Pietre 577
[3] Erhard S. Gerstenberger, Psalms Part 2, and Lamentations Volume XV (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, MI 2001) 437
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Holiness-for-Housewives-VI.m4a1. G K. Chesterton argued that repetition is a characteristic of the vitality of children, who like the same stories, with the same words, time and time again, not because they are bored and unimaginative but because they delight in life. Chesterton wrote: Because children have abounding vitality because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead, for grownup people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again!” to the sun; ad every evening “Do it again!” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes each daisy separately but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old and our Father is younger than we. The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore. Heaven may encore the bird who laid an egg.” (Orthodoxy, chapter IV)
Easiest way to learn is in song and thyme. Time used prudently used.
Rosary given in the form, repeat in words of a child.
God relationship as dada, Father, not master servant. father and child. More childlike prayer, more engage in every moment. Intuitive to be present to Him.
As a young mother and wife wanting to teach my family the treasures of the Faith shied away from proscribed prayers and times. For some this provides for a framework. For me I knew it would not be feasible with the obligations we had as a family. So I had to be more diligent, not less, in teaching in the Faith. This gave our family a broader knowledge base as well as a keen awareness of not depending on someone/something else.
Joy, treats, laughter.
Christ loved His mother. Corporal & spiritual work of mercy is a mother’s job.
God’s presence, awareness, cocoon of grace. Everything given to the Lord.
But the day in His hands. At night the exumen. Thanking & apologizing where needed.
Be in a cocoon of grace with Him.
2 Busy working Mom of large family framework/ suggestions
– Morning own devotion, Imitation of Christ, get morning grounded, coffee, after school, only time quiet (10 minutes) HAS TO BE DONE IN THE MORNING OR IT NEVER GETS DONE. Lunch moving target, when kids go to school consistent time.
Night Prayer, tried rosaries, long & short prayers, none stuck, each kid is old enough Dear Jesus thank you for today and come to mind. Free form prayer. Go around room thankful or sorrow for day. Our Father, Hail Mary learn prayers. Kids like it. Everyone 3 – 15 yr have chance to speaks. Parents also have to say something they are sorry for and thankful for.
Brief examination of conscience, clear air before bed, good time end the day. Say sorry.
Mass every Saturday or Sunday. Saturday works for family, important for family.
Past 40 yrs uprooted from faith and traditions. Would have been intuitive. Great paintings shows on going piety, now seems quaint.
Liturgy of the Hours, at any moment, we live by time days, calendars. Rhythms of the Church is where peace to be found. Never to be a rushed.
Addendum
Amazon Reviews
I admit that this book wasn’t what I was expecting when I first came across it. But it has turned out to be the richest and wisest book on the vocation of wife and mother that I have read. A mere 63 pages of text, it is not written in a light, chatty style with “dust jacket sound bites” but rather as an experienced spiritual director speaks to a soul, with directness, depth, and understanding. And it’s not to be read in one sitting, but each section taken a little at a time to meditate upon and internalize.
It is divided into three sections:
1) Your special vocation as a housewife
2) How to pray amidst your daily duties
3) How to grow holier day by day
and each are further divided into subsections such as “Don’t be misled by a false notion of holiness,” “Learn the two ways to pray and work,” and “Beware of the temptation to run away.” Though there are no personal stories such as one might find in a woman’s or parenting magazine to chuckle over and say “Oh, yeah I’ve been in that situation,” each topic goes to the deepest parts of what marriage is – a vocation, one’s personal way to holiness – and how to let this vocation be one’s means of sanctification in a practical way (such as how to respond to the constant interruptions and ruined plans). It helps to give a picture of what holiness truly is instead of some false image of praying in a quiet chapel all day, and practically how to advance in this particular path of sanctification.
I think a some misunderstandings in a previous review do need a response briefly. First, when speaking of religion as consolation, he is warning not to let that be the sole substance of what religion is to a soul. He warns that it not fall into the trap of being either an contrived emotional experience to just along in life, or the other side which is just a dry, routine practice without spiritual depth. Second, a more careful reading would show that after saying one must obey a superior, only two sentences later he states that, “No superior, no husband, can command you to do what is wrong.” He certainly isn’t advocating blind obedience to go along with something immoral (clear if one reads the text), but rather how obedience, even when it seems unreasonable (NOT immoral) to us, to God, His Church, and even our husbands on occasion (!), can be acts of love and even liberty.
I wish every parish had a spiritual director with as much wisdom as van Zeller.
Another
This was an accidental find on Amazon. I was looking at a book I saw recommended on social media and saw this in the “you may like this too” section. Holiness for Housewives was a pretty intriguing title and it was fairly inexpensive, so I figured I would check it out. I probably would not have made the same decision if I had been in a brick and mortar bookstore because I quickly realized that it was written from a very Catholic position. However, I in no way regret the read and pulled many nuggets of practical wisdom for my daily life. The author, Hubert Van Zeller, is quite blunt about writing in response to statement of wives and mothers that they would be much stronger in their spiritual lives if it were not for the responsibility of caring for their families. And he says, “Imagined sanctity is no sanctity. A religion that exists in hypothetical circumstances cannot endure the pressure of actuality.” The book itself is not very long and much of the second half is made up of traditional Catholic prayers for the housewives day, so I didn’t pay much attention to those. But the central theme is that wherever you find yourself, that is where you are meant to worship and serve God. “So if God will that you should be bowed over the sink instead of over the pew in your favorite church, then washing dishes is for you, now, the most perfect thing you can possibly do. … It can only be repeated that your whole business is to look for God in the midst of all this. You will not find Him anywhere else. If you leave your dishes, your housekeeping, your telephone calls, your children’s everlasting questions, your ironing, and your invitations to take care of themselves while you go off and search for our Lord’s presence in prayer, you will discover nothing but self.”
Another
Holiness for Housewives (and other working women) by Dom Hubert Van Zeller was originally published in 1951 under the title “Praying while you Work.” This is an updated, abridged version, but its message is just as relevant and perhaps even more needed today as it was fifty years ago. It can be hard to find the spirituality in daily life, to find God amidst the dirty dishes and the laundry and the meals to be cooked.
It is important to think of being a wife and mother as a vocation. God has called us to this life and God will give us the strength to carry out our duties. The most important thing to do in life is God’s will. “Apart from the accepted will of God, nothing has lasting reality. So if God wills that you should be bowed over the sink instead of over the pew in your favorite church, then washing dishes is for you, now, the most perfect thing you can possibly do.”
Van Zeller acknowledges that there will be times when we will want to escape. “There are times in the life of a wife and mother when almost any other setting is felt to be preferable to hers. . . You may come to feel a loathing for your husband, your children, your home, and your society. You may find that your religion has turned sour on you. You may give up hope of ever finding happiness again . . .you are being given the grace to get the best out of the situation.”
Van Zeller emphasizes that we must strive to make all our time holy by offering it to God and by stopping throughout the day to offer brief prayers. Even our leisure time must be a gift to God. We must strive to use our time as He wills us to do so.
One brief section of the book deals with obedience to one’s husband, an idea no longer enshrined in wedding vows and one which no doubt most modern women would object to vehemently. Van Zeller maintains that a wife must obey her husband in all things unless what he asks contradicts what God asks. That is an important concept even today. Husbands can never make us do what is wrong. We answer first to God.
The conclusion of the book offers “Prayers for Housewives,” a reference of both basic prayers and prayers for special needs. “Holiness for Housewives” is a wonderful little gem of a book, a real reminder that God is in the details of daily living and that if we are living the life God called us to, our sanctity is found there as well.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Holiness-for-Housewives-V.m4aThus, the soul then develops the attraction to God which the resolution of spontaneous prayer set into motion.
“It becomes habitual then for prayer words, rather than swear words, to spring from one’s lips.”[1]
Virtue is the habit of doing good.
VII. Practical Application
It becomes a matter then, of developing a system of prayer within the framework of your God-given duties. It will be your system of prayer- not necessarily anyone else’s. You will have to find a way of communicating with God by means of and not in spite of the calls upon your time and energy and patience.”[2]
Some people benefit from a regime of prayer from religious organizations. Frameworks change evolve over time. Attentiveness how does our prayer look today.
Give oneself grace. Not a test or challenge, rather a relationship. He will give it when asked. Sometime not when we think it should be.
He will grant heart desire.
Fr. Jacques Philippe lay person 5 minutes as many fruits and blessings as a monk who has 5 hours. God put us in our vocations.
Lord given us a different calling. Exponential multiplier.
1 Ted & I considered the routine of our family, when were the times we were mostly together.
– Breakfast
– Dinner
– Night Prayer
– Driving
We used these times for catechesis, prayer in its variety, and memorization.
Dom Zeller includes a prayer list. Memorization of fundamental prayers is part of a Catholic ethos. It allows everyone to participate (can always give a prayer written for those unfamiliar). Of course, personal prayer is also important. And/ both.
Recently, we had a pop quiz on the Act of Contrition on Easter Sunday. Prayers memorized when young stay with a person.
[1] Zeller 30
[2] Zeller 26
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Holiness-for-Housewives-II.m4aIII. Author Dom Hubert Van Zeller bio
Father in military service stationed in Alexandria Egypt while the country was a British protectorate
Born 1905 privately educated until nine
9 – 18 yrs Benedictine Abbey at Downside, England
“The Benedictine order was one of the biggest in Britain before the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII from 1536 onwards. After they returned to England in the 19th century and the English Benedictine Congregation was refounded, the monks’ focus turned to parish work and founding schools. The English Benedictines have had a history since then of educating the children of England’s most influential and wealthiest Catholic families…”[1]
Worked for a year at a Liverpool cotton firm gap year
1924 Entered novitiate of Benedictines
Struggled with his vocation, leaving briefly in the 1930’s for a stricter Carthusian Monastery at Parkminister.
He returned to the Benedictine Monastery[2] devoted his time to retreats and writing on spiritual matters
Talented sculptor (eye for detail)
Friend of Oxford educated Ronald Knox & Evelyn Waugh
Died 1984
TS for his corpus of writing, Zeller described his own writing about the Faith as an effort to use the “idiom of every day to urge people of every day to embark upon the spirituality of every day.”[3]
Education so far removed, an excellent Benedictine order to educate in the faith, is gone.
Order of monks teach the children, lost so much, behooves mothers home life, interior spiritual, reconquer intuitions, eye detail, dearth of authentic catholic presence
Catholic Church has left education, police force, nursing, hospitals. All of these institutions of sound founding of civil society. Church abdicated these places.
Begin again in homes, sound instruction to make homes fortresses of spirituality.
Patrimony spiritual has been so depleted, even if did not have formation.
Don’t necessarily need a majority of the people understanding of truths of things, those who do not reap the benefit the life witness conversation.
So impoverished, the ability for those more susceptible or weaker in some fashion, the guardrail, those people are in a tough.
Another high school girl, Catholic school suicide. Not shocked anymore. Tragic.
Upside BXVI, spoke of true power of creative minority bring about a revival.
Our Lord never works with Goliath, but David, in the home small things. Absolute faith what we do is not trivial.
Motherhood is under constant attack, Satan hates mothers.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/12/benedictine-christopher-jamison-abbot-president-order-faces-sex-abuse-inquiry accessed April 13, 2023
[2] https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/another-monastery-closes-but-it-doesnt-have-to-be-this-way/ accessed April 13, 2023 for current statuss of the Abbey
[3] Zeller 94
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Smoke-of-Satan-III.m4aBishop so many programs failed recent articles in diocesan paper programs failing since Vatican II, introduces another program
Tone deafness, evaluate from a traditional POV
Missionaries did 4 or 5 things
Adoration, Processions, TLM, home visits, preach outdoors parks centers where people walk by
Programs cannot and will not work
Comment on the Anglican Use
Numbers, lost 4 parishes, no numbers last 2 years, better than NO, not in same ballpark as TLM
Demons don’t fear English, not a language from the cross. French, German any vernacular language
Growing exponentially. No new parishes founded in 7-8 yrs. No Vatican restrictions.
TLM have Vatican restrictions, without would have kept growing fast clip.
Poland, Brazil, allowing more Masses TC, bishop mor gumption, still growing.
+
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Holy-Housewives-I.m4a1. Specific Application of Brother Lawrence’s General Practice available to all men and women to Mothers
– Holiness for Housewives and Other Working Women[1]
- Brief Review of Bro. Lawrence[2],
Historical Setting 1614-1691 After Reformation before the French Revolution. This time is considered The Catholic Reformation[3]
Alan Schreck notes, “There had been other ecumenical councils concerned with the reform of the Catholic Church before the Council of Trent. Trent was different because most of the reforms were actually carried out and put into effect.”[4]
Catholic Mysticism flourished as well as. Theresa of Avila (1515-1582) and John of the Cross (1542-1591), Carmelite mystics and doctors of the Church.
Mysticism = direct apprehension of God by the mind.[5]
NB Dom Zeller mentions after Bro Lawrence and these Carmelite giants that mothers should read.[6]
Dom Zeller is talking ‘up to’ mothers with these suggestions, not ‘down to them’
Brother Lawrence’s Thesis Statement from the introduction by Hannah Whitall Smith, “His (Bro. Lawrence) one single aim was to bring about a conscious personal union between himself and God and he took the shortest cut he could find to accomplish it.”[7] (not quietism devoid of personal act)
The result can be described in his own words: “If I dare use the expression, I should choose to call this state the bosom of God, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste and experience there.”[8]
Note the direct correlation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Margaret Mary Alacoque SHJ (1647-1690) mystic
Fr. Sciurba will express Brother Lawrence’s simple life as, “Centered on the Presence of God, infinitely admired, faithfully sought after, and sweetly experienced.”[9]
God write to us in a spiral. He revisits in words and prayers in union holy men & women for His glory and our own sanctification. Bro Lawrence in world external darkness living interior life constant union with God so necessary for peace of mind. Moms and children. Inordinate influence on peace and tranquility of next generation.
We see lack of peaceful mothers in the home add to anxiety and stress of current generation. Dom von Zeller read spiritual works of mysticism Teresa of Avila, etc… not condescending, mother is the heart of the home. Family writ large beat with her heart. When she is gone absent or not formed, spiritual maturity lack and transferred to Church at large.
Mental health past few years, a lot of people wounded.
Books like these are a good antidote, everything is not chemical. Spiritual hunger. Need for something, ‘lie health comes at end of the needle’ get away. Not just a body respond to chemicals. Embodied soul. Take care both of those human condition.
Dearth authentic of teaching how to pray, some though intuited by people, libertarian is great until run out of people’s morality )Margaret Thatcher)
Same about the Church, run out of someone’s else spirituality. Well is dry. Mothers rediscover, plumb wells, resources waiting to be tapped, mother’s heart full, then bring to her family, and then to the world.
[1] Hurbert Van Zeller, Holiness for Housewives and Other Working Women (Sophia Press: Manchester, NH 1951)
[2] Salvatore Sciuraba, OCD trans., The Practice of the Presence of God Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, Critical Edition (ICS: Washington D.C. 2015)
[3] Steve Weidenkopf & Alan Schreck, Epic A Journey Through Church History (Ascension Press: West Chester, PA 2009) 173 -181
[4] Alan Schreck, The Compact History of the Catholic Church (Servant Books: Cincinnati OH 2009) 82
[5] Schreck 83
[6] Zeller 90-91
[7] The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of a Holy Life, Brother Lawrence 1895 (Martino Publishing: Mansfield CT 2010) iii
[8] Martino iii
[9] Sciurba xxiii
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-VII.m4aCelebrate Baptism Day.
Monthly Confession
Vocation? Marriage enrichment. TAHA is a resource both in person and online. Teams of Our Lady, Marriage Encounter, maybe an informal gathering of couples once per month for both study and fellowship.
https://www.srfretreats.org/being-known Our parochial vicar one of the presenters Sanctus Ranch
Fraternal organizations have not been fostered within the Church past years. Real active tangible connection to things. Rediscover importance why God gave us 5 senses. Hunger communities founded on rootedness and depth more than rice cake theology.
Single, young professionals at the parish. Schoenstatt has a young adult group.
Serious Scripture Study. The Great Adventure prior shows, I share some tips and tricks I have used.
Confirmation, grow in the power and authority given. Deliverance prayers. Witness.
Understand the history of the Sacraments, especially Pre Constantine. This rootedness in history, as Newman alluded to makes on Catholic and able to withstand the buffeting of temptations to leave Her.
Enjoy the Excitement and Newness of the season
The bright chartreuse green leaves, delicate purple flowers, singing birds busily building their nests, temperature.
Summer is coming.
Enjoy the refreshment that the Lord sends. Elijah had to be told by the angel to eat and drink all provided or the journey would be too difficult and he would die.
Our Lord in the garden took the comfort of the angels who ministered to Him so as to bear in His humanity the rigors of the Passion.
Let us be humble, realize our littleness, and take the many helps our Dear Lord sends our way.
Human consolations seed bed for spiritual consolations.
Beautiful art, spiritual enriching music. Finding these nourishments is better before the heat of battle comes. It was very nice knowing where to listen to Psalms read/ sung during moments of sorrow. Miracle Micah in Prayer Cenacle Section reads the Psalms we have studied.
Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter Tea Party at parish.
Look for Retreats, I always have my ears perked up. Hard to find for me. Be careful when asking, might be invited to organize, not the same thing.
Most importantly, come to savor the presence of God in all things. Spring is the perfect season to start with!
Baptism is a joyous occasion to constantly be returned to. If possible, find the date of your baptism and celebrate it. If not, ask the Lord what date to chose.
Spring, hope unopened buds. Chartreuse green embodiment of hope.
Read St. Cyprian account (always a good refresher)
The Sacrament (Mystery) of Christian Baptism St Cyprian of Carthage
On 13 September 258, Cyprian was imprisoned on the orders of the new proconsul, Galerius Maximus. The public examination of Cyprian by Galerius Maximus, on 14 September 258, has been preserved:[12]
Galerius Maximus: “Are you Thascius Cyprianus?”
Cyprian: “I am.”
Galerius: “The most sacred Emperors have commanded you to conform to the Roman rites.”
Cyprian: “I refuse.”
Galerius: “Take heed for yourself.”
Cyprian: “Do as you are bid; in so clear a case I may not take heed.”
Galerius, after briefly conferring with his judicial council, with much reluctance pronounced the following sentence: “You have long lived an irreligious life, and have drawn together a number of men bound by an unlawful association, and professed yourself an open enemy to the gods and the religion of Rome; and the pious, most sacred and august Emperors … have endeavoured in vain to bring you back to conformity with their religious observances; whereas therefore you have been apprehended as principal and ringleader in these infamous crimes, you shall be made an example to those whom you have wickedly associated with you; the authority of law shall be ratified in your blood.” He then read the sentence of the court from a written tablet: “It is the sentence of this court that Thascius Cyprianus be executed with the sword.”
Cyprian: “Thanks be to God.”
The execution was carried out at once in an open place near the city. A vast multitude followed Cyprian on his last journey. He removed his garments without assistance, knelt down, and prayed. After he blindfolded himself, he was beheaded by the sword. The body was interred by Christians near the place of execution.[6]
Cyprian’s martyrdom was followed by the martyrdom of eight of his disciples in Carthage.[16][1]
From a Letter written to a new convert, 246 A.D.[2]
I promise to share with you the grace God in His great mercy has shown me, and to tell you as simply as I can what I have experienced since I was baptized.
Until that time, I was still living in the dark, knowing nothing of my true life. I was completely involved in this world’s affairs, influenced by all its changing moods and troubles, and exiled from the light of truth.
I had indeed been told that God offered men and women a second birth, by which we could be saved, but I very much doubted that I could change the kind of life I was then living.
Frankly, I could not see how a person could cast off his fallen nature, and be changed in heart and soul while he still lived in the same body as before. How was it possible, I asked myself, to change the habits of a lifetime instantaneously.
How can one suddenly rid oneself of accumulated guilt and break with sin that has become so deeply rooted in one’s life? Can a man whose life has been characterized by feasting and luxury, learn frugality and simplicity in a single moment? A person who craves public distinction and honor cannot bear to be passed over and unnoticed.
Another who is accustomed to throngs of flattering attendance, takes it a terrible penance to be left alone. Is every species of temptation suddenly to lose its force? Should we no longer feel the enticement of wine and good living, where pride no longer swells our heads or anger blazen our breasts? Shall we no longer be troubled by covetousness or cruelty or ambition or lust?
These were my thoughts. My past life was so burdened with so many sins, that I saw no way ever to be rid of, that I had grown accustomed to giving way to my weakness.
I despaired of ever being any better.Consequently, I simply humored my evil inclinations, and made no attempt to combat them.
But at last, I made up my mind to ask for Baptism. I went down into those life-giving waters, and all the stains of my past were washed away.
I committed my life to the Lord. He cleansed my heart and filled me with His Holy Spirit. I was born again, a new man.
And then in a most marvelous way, all my doubts cleared up, I could now see what had been hidden from me before. I found that I could do things that had previously been impossible.
I saw that as long as I had been living according to my lower nature, I was at the mercy of sin, and my course was set for death. But that by living according to my new birth in the Holy Spirit, I had already begun to share God’s eternal life. You know, as well as I do, what sins I died to at that moment, just as you know the gifts the Holy Spirit gave me with my new life. I have no desire to boast, but it is surely right to thank God for His free gift. It was through faith in Him, that I received the power to break with the sins into which my own folly had led me.
We have received the seal of the Holy Spirit. Our task now is to preserve the integrity of what we have received by living a truly Christian life. We must give time to prayer, and to the study of scripture. Now speaking to God; now listening to His word to us, and letting His teaching mold us. He has enriched us with a treasure no one can take away.
We have eaten and drunk at His heavenly banquet and can never again know the pinch of poverty.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian accessed Nov 3, 2022
[2] https://www.orthodox.net/articles/sacrament-baptism-cyprian-of-carthage.pdf accessed Nov 3, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Smoke-of-Satan-II.m4aSmoke & Incense
Infernal & Heavenly
Gamaliel insightful end up fighting against God
The Latin Mass converted the world, illiterate or sophisticated, going against that historical fact
Friends of TLM sorrowful seeing anguish.
We live in fallen world, sorrow, Good Friday, deliberate sorrow easily avoided, to me I am infuriated
Engenders sympathy and righteous anger at arrogance of those suppressing the TLM
Reporter for Lifesite News astounded by stats in the article
9% NO attends vs 99% TLM
Dismiss the stats out of hand, spiritual laziness
Demonic Manipulation opinions don’t make sense
Before 1965 80% going, 10% now go
When we were kids, society at fault for these low numbers
Now TLM disrupts this argument, same neighborhoods, same schools, same culture, hold to faith 98%
Some NO exceptions, extremely rare
Norm, not extremely rare in TLM is youth
Hard to admit it one is wrong
Springtime of the Church & the ner’ do wells die out. Biological Effect. No die off the regime.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-V.m4aSolid celebrations of the Sacraments. I remember when I first started studying Scripture seriously, I worried about both the translation and the presentation. A very wise older woman said, “The Lord wants you to know the truth more than you do”. Try to look for faithful sources and in time you will know what is good from bad. In the 90’s there were a lot of bad sources from those with many letters after their name. She was right.
Time is a great sifter of time, good and bad.
Cultivate good Catholic and spiritual friends. We need examples and fellowship. No man is an island. Assistance. Find holy and faithful priests. These holy people will mention something, model something that will spur a thought or action. Maybe there is a talk, bible study, retreat, gift shop. These are just a few of the many benefits I have had.
Saints- St. Patrick for Adults, Francis de Sales, St. Valentine, Marian Devotions & Apparitions (Fatima). They are a tremendous resource that come and go through the course of one’s life. Some are permanent in one’s life, others are more transitory. It is my opinion that devout Catholics cultivate a lively interest in hagiography.
Need cross pollination, bee necessary to blooms what they ought, some element. No man island, God is a communion of persons, no one is called to walk this path alone. Grace is sufficient, expansive, blows where it will. Goes out from Him and returns as it should.
Our Lady teaches us discernment, shadow of Annunciation, ponders what kid of greeting, Mary full of grace, does not presume on her self, pause and ask question, to test spirit speaking to her. Make certain messenger from God.
So many false gospels even within own Church, bishops in Germany, in decided error, many people due to these errors will cost their eternal salvation.
Look for sources, discern prudently, our Lady is our model. God made us to know goodness. When things don’t resonate, don’t fear saying no even if from a good hand.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Smoke-of-Satan-I.m4aThu Apr 6, 2023 – 12:23 pm EDT Fr. Donald Kloster
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/the-sinister-smoke-of-satan-wants-to-choke-the-incense-of-the-latin-mass/
The sinister smoke of Satan wants to choke the incense of the Latin Mass
The powers of hell do not rage ferociously against any Rite that is not a clear and present danger thwarting the sinister design of destruction woven by the Evil One Himself.
On June 29, 1972, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, a very famous paragraph was uttered by Pope Paul VI: “…We would say that, through some mysterious crack – no, it’s not mysterious; through some crack, the smoke of Satan has entered the Church of God. There is doubt, uncertainty, problems, unrest, dissatisfaction, confrontation.”
The post Conciliar wounds were already manifesting themselves very early after abandoning the Mass of the Ages. 1972 was just two and one half years into the liturgical experiment which was the introduction of the Novus Ordo. It was rolled out via a mandatory fiat on the First Sunday of Advent for the liturgical year of 1970; Sunday November 30, 1969. The Novus Ordo liturgy in its infancy, had allowed many ruptures to crack the edifice of the Holy Roman Rite as well as the structures surrounding the deposit of the Apostolic Faith. At the time, many were insistent that the New Vernacular Liturgy would bring about a great springtime of renewal in the Church. For anyone who is fair minded and has had their eyes wide open, the Church has been conversely going in a very different direction; into a deep winter that is getting worse and worse with each passing decade.
The point must be driven home that incense had always been a part of the Traditional Latin High Mass (Missa Cantata), the Solemn High Mass (Schola, Deacon, and Subdeacon), and the Requiem Masses. Incense has ever been a symbol of purification and of our prayers ascending to the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity. The wide variance between smoke and incense should not be lost on any Catholic. Smoke is the burning byproduct of fires. Incense burns on charcoals in thuribles. The smoke to which Pope Paul VI referred was a direct reference to the demonic. The incense in our Catholic churches is angelic and celestial. In the unvarnished truth; Hell versus Heaven.
The Old Testament is replete with a similar theme of incense being offered on the high places of localized pagan shrines. This goes a step farther into the abyss by offering what is Holy to pagan gods. The Fathers of the Church were insistent that any pagan religion had demonic origins. Therefore, anyone offering incense on the high places were offering sacrifices, censing pagan altars, and censing pagan idols. King Hezekiah, in 2 Kings 18:4, removed the high places, broke the pillars, cut down the Asherah, and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made. Most importantly, King Hezekiah stopped Israel from burning incense to the bronze serpent. The bronze serpent healed the Israelites of old; they had been bitten by the scorpions in Numbers 21:6-9. The bronze serpent served as a forerunner of the Holy Cross. It had passed into an idol over time. Both the bronze serpent and the Holy Cross heal us of our basest fears as men. Gazing on the bronze serpent heals our fear of snakes and the devil. Gazing on the cross heals our fears of an instrument of capital punishment (eternal death) as well as our First Parents betraying us in the Garden of Eden by eating the fruit of the wood of the forbidden tree.
The Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico is petitioning Rome for a Mayan Rite. Within the Rite is the possibility of women censing the altar with the priest. When I saw Pope Francis censing an altar during a Novus Ordo Mass (incorporating Mayan pagan practices) with two women (not priests) during a video online, I immediately recalled King Uzziah (not a priest) in 2 Chronicles 26:19 who tried to burn incense on the altar of incense. He was withstood by Azariah the priest and 80 of his fellow priests of valor. King Uzziah was therefore afflicted with leprosy to the day of his death. His son Jotham reigned in his stead.
Our Lord is not pleased with the endless innovations in the Holy Liturgy. Even less so, when anyone attempts to merge pagan practices with the Holy Mass. The Holy Trinity alone has the purview to organically grow the mighty tree of the Holy Faith that imparts to us the means of an ever more mature conduit of the Mass of the Ages. We can see the smoke of Satan entering the realm of men many times throughout creation. These are the major crossroads of betrayal on the part of our fathers in the past and on the part of mankind in present within a religious posture. Juxtaposed is the smoke of the powers of death vs. the incense which rises to the light and the life of heaven on our behalf.
Let us make no mistake: the modern Vatican seems interested in promoting any local Rite within the Roman Rite as long as it is not the Traditional Latin Mass. This is quite curious as these innovations always end up in the same obscure liturgical wasteland. The Anglican Use is not really growing at any appreciable pace. The Rite of Zaire is not growing. The Amazonian Rite will not grow, and the Mayan Rite certainly will not grow. The aforementioned Rites are all far less than 200 years old; that used to be the standard. The TLM alone is the only antidote to allay the deadly virus of secularism and the only Liturgy growing exponentially; the only Liturgy that safeguards our present and future Catholics.
The powers of hell do not rage ferociously against any Rite that is not a clear and present danger thwarting the sinister design of destruction woven by the Evil One Himself. Any pope, bishop, or priest who willingly stands in the way of the TLM is aiding and abetting Satan’s minions. Do our prelates not want young Catholics who know their faith and largely bring their parents to the Holy Mass of countless Saints? Do they not want a congregation that dresses nicely in their Sunday best? Do they not want a congregation that attends Sunday Mass at a 99% clip? Do they not want Catholics who go regularly to confession? Do they not want people who give, on average, 5 times more money in the collection than their fellow Novus Ordo attendees? Do they want a growing Church (TLM +15% yearly) or a shrinking Church (Novus Ordo -3% yearly)?
Yesterday was Spy Wednesday. The Smoke of Satan treacherously entered Judas the day before Maundy Thursday. The Smoke of Satan manifested itself during the Great Schism with the Orthodox in 1054. The Smoke of Satan was present at the Papal Schism which ended in 1417. The Smoke of Satan was kindled at the Protestant Schism in 1520 and the Anglican Schism in 1536. We are on the verge of another more devastating schism as a result of rending the Traditional Latin Mass from the fabric of the Holy Mother Church and replacing it with a patch (Novus Ordo) that is easily being torn away by Satan himself. The Smoke of Satan spoken about by Pope Paul VI in 1972 indeed!
I beg any reader of this article to prayerfully consider the one possible spiritual antidote in the face of the secularism and modernism that is currently threatening to wipe out any and all forms of religion. The great Pharisee Gamaliel once told the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 5:38-39) that they should let the then fledgling Christian sect alone, lest they find themselves fighting against God. I submit that the Catholic Church must return to the Once and Future Mass of the Ages. It is actually the one conduit of God’s grace that is fortified against any spiritual attack from Hell. It proved itself before 1965 (80% Sunday attendance) and it is proving itself in 2023 (99% Sunday attendance). Sunday attendance for the Novus Ordo vernacular Mass in the Diocese of Bridgeport was 9% in 2022; it had fallen every year prior. The percentage of Catholics going to the Sunday Novus Ordo Mass has never gone up in the past 53 years. It is absolutely time to let egos and emotions be laid aside. Do we need any further witnesses?
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-IV.m4a1. Build up the soil bed. Composted manure, peat moss, vermiculite. This spring I found bags at Lowes already premade. Different plants need different spacing area needs to thrive.
Basic knowledge of the Faith. Credo. The Catholic Catechism, 2nd edition is an excellent place to start. It presents the 12 planks of the Apostle’s Creed in a narrative form. One year, the family read it in its entirety at the breakfast table. I will put the schedule we used in the addendum and prayer cenacle.
Ascension Press has a nice program. Perfect enemy of the good. Base understanding, get through it, be astounded. Whole family, little kids importance, seeds planted don’t know. Our denses deficient, grace supplies where lack, never know where the little seeds come back. Don’t need the perfect. Read the Creed, words simple, given to Apostles by Our Blessed Lord.
Embrace Latin mother tongue/soil on which the Church is built. Just like law and medicine, biology. Exorcists tell us repeatedly that Satan hates Latin. All of us can learn the most fundamental prayer in Latin, the Sign of the Cross. Under this banner we will triumph. Like Constantine.
Roots matter, from roots nourishment drawn up into the body. Vat II clear maintain priority of Latin, unfortunately not true in practice. Gregorian chant gift from older brothers. Sung Liturgy of hours, internet grace, find these prayers.
Baby understands intent from mother, intuit love, even if incomprehensible, but over time not only meaning of love, but then actual able to converse. Can come to a point spoken Latin, intellect can meditate on English.
Read in French hear in English, interpretation is like a prism, many ways. Spoken succinctly in primary language then meditate on in another is wonderful.
Latin anchor language of prayer. Language changes so rapidly. Latin anchors the prayers.
Our Father Lead us not into temptation, French changed it, enough nuance French people losing connection, in fact HS does lead us into temptation, HS lead Jesus into desert to be tempted, where virtue is developed. Behooves us with fast paced change, dig deep for the roots.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-III.m4aEasiest place, get out of bed, prayer on the knees.
Removal of bad habits, friends, other influences. 3 sec rule for interior temptations to avoid discouragement.
Not chemicals, we are made up of them but are not them. Fear produces raised pulse, we have recollection, 3 sec, go from instinct to awareness. Mindless to presence of God.
A moment of pause in heated argument worth lifetime of regret.
Prayer of Authority, Invocation of Heavenly court as children of the Most High God,
Guardian angels assist us in discerning evil influences. The sad abduction and murder of 4 young people. One survivor said he felt it was a bad idea to go. I have often counseled my children better to look like a fool than dead.
Knowledge in state of grace enhanced not articulable. Cant express know something didn’t know before or inspiration before, only explained of working of grace in baptized.
Anchoring, spring garden first thing dig seed deep enough. Seed anchored solidly in fertile soil. Baptism first period of months don’t appear to feel anthing, little by little aware in state of grace, pious movements of soul. Bud break through the earth. May not know first plant, some point name the plant, better relationship with grace at that movement and look for tell tale signs. Not a miracle to anyone but you. Different types of grace and can recognize the different types of grace.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-II.m4aNovena, 30 days prayer to St. Joseph. Gardens evolve over time, so does prayer. Rediscovered in earnest the 7 Sorrowful Rosary of Mary. Such a nice addition during Lent. It
Determine the location of prayer (Bro Lawrence), home, chapel, outdoors. Location for access to Sacraments in your area.
Can I drive my car & pray the rosary? Yes.
Can I pray the rosary and drive the car? No.
Bro Lawrence prayer in kitchen was anchored by the oratory. Without oratory, eventually no prayer in the kitchen.
Human beings need something feet to concretely on ground.
TX Patriots, Election Integrity, our Father on knees.
Sundays and weekdays, NO kneel more often. Kneeling doing something other. Fr. Jacques Phillipe engage longer mediation, limitations of the body, be somewhat comfortable, not talking about a long stretch on knees. Time to time anchor, first moment putting self in presence of God, nothing like it kneeling. Mocked so viciously in sports. Body informing the mind of other.
In our American culture bodily expression. Ex/ priests bow. K dramas Asian bows. Kneeling unusual posture. Last gasp, romantic, man bending the knee asking in a wedding proposal.
Good anchor, persistence, diligence to extend the prayer. Bending the knee in the morning, bodily awareness giving over to the Lord. Long enough to make reverent sign of the Cross.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spring-Baptism-I.m4a1. Days Getting Longer & Warmer 1. Decision for the Type of Garden Made, i.e., mine is an established raised bed, enriched soil, fitted with irrigation, mixture of flowers and vegetables. Roses. Plumerias in pots.
III. Location, location, location I planted a strawberry garden in San Diego as a novice alongside house. Great soil, water, and weather. Very little sunshine. Hostas would have been a better choice!
- Work begins- Removal of stones, weeds, roots. Hard. Need assistance. Build structures box, trellis, a boundary delineating between garden and yard.
Movement of the Holy Spirit, an act of the Intellect & Will to follow His promptings, this leads to the desire to be Baptized and to unpack this gift over time.
Potency & action, winter and spring. Goodness has to be brought into action. Garden dreams, goodness to dreams, if garden stays in the book, not engaging the hard work of removing rocks. God demands thoughts become actions taking into account our status of human beings.
Type of prayer to embrace, the Church is a banquet table much too chose from. What is your state in life and chose according. Grace builds on nature (TA).
God gives entire supply of grace that is necessary. Backyard also sufficient. Don’t swallow it whole, approach it piecemeal. Our Lord knows it is a process. Grow in humility, wisdom, other virtues. Baptism supplies everything necessary, but we are not complete. God gives us a share in bringing beautiful things from the earth.
First garden had to have a benefit to the table. Thoroughly enjoy watching the plants develop overtime. Cf Brother Lawrence, awe, bounty providence and power instilled by God in something so simple as a Sweet William or broccoli.
Soil complete all requires is the gardener.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-VII-.m4a4th Letter pg 81 Alan Vermilye[1] is completely different to the Carmelite translation of pg 63. For this reason, I suggest staying with a more scholarly and Catholic source.
Friends: pg 75 Augustine As a courtesy, makes anonymous reference the use of N
But a weight on the friend belongs only God. People love to animals belong to people, people love jobs that should go to family.
Put too much weight on the spouse. Monica.
Our spouses not perfect. Some look for perfect spouse.
Jacques Philippe, Prayer, only God can satisfy the longing. Lay the burden of perfection and become idols, innately unsatisfying, some level of sorrow desolation.
Recognize interiorly the person will disappoint, the food or trip will not fully satisfy, surrender sorrow, only God give that type of joy. Thank God for deficiencies allow see the perfection of God.
Bro Lawrence get graces from God, find some sacrifice hard for him to endure, consolation. All want it the Lord, consolations were the by product.
Sorrow, appearance reserving to Himself He alone is the agent of joy. Soul looks only God.
God is a good Father gives consolations, allow disconsolation, lack, trust love and lay all of burdens on God. Learn from lack more than luxury.
Goodness not as potent instructor as pain. God permitted the fall. Exult of Necessary fault gained so great a Redeemer.
Sorrow gain insight of goodness of God. E.g. Job
Seven Sorrow of Mary Rosary, our Lady learned about the Lord through her suffering. Our Lady Kibeho, St. Brigid of Sweden, no wat to heaven but through sorrow. Inevitability of sorrow.
Our Lady suffering, she learned.
- Exhortation Quote pg xi Dr. May Critical edition, Simple but not easy. Not something to achieve. Endeavor sincere desire earnest dedication wholly God’s work.
Insight into American mindset.
Only path open in spiritual life, hell or heaven. With God goes to heaven is a success. You have made it. Always enticed to quit race don’t see victory.
So much women depression from images on internet. Artificial perfection. Live for now, honesty in the moment.
Get Bro Lawrenece Point of view
[1] https://brownchairbooks.com/who-is-this-brother-lawrence/ accessed Feb 24, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-VI.m4aWoman bedridden, husband left her, grown children. I always feel the sweetness of God.
The practice defined (106)
Graced to be so recollected. Caveat to mothers, Bro Lawrence living as a Carmelite, always live in presence of God according to our vocation. Moment of thankfulness, what would be best in upcoming tasks of the day. Reflect on the day and thank Him for his presence.
Felt the presence of God the same, in the kitchen or the oratory. Find the citation.
ToL (107) Same words so many saints, so little effect to those who hear it.
Satan feeds the ego, shouldn’t demean ourselves with small things. See the nobility of a man who embraces this life, similar nobility in our own life if but do it.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-V.m4aVIII. Must place his opinions within context of prior discussion. E.g. pg 9 Martino Publishing. I find this attitude which is so prevalent amongst traditional Catholics looking for the Illumination of Conscience or from Protestants looking for the Rapture. Or even some patriots thinking the military will solve our problems. The common denominator is someone else is going to solve our problems rather than shouldering the tasks given to us.
In the USA, we are tasked as a constitutional republic to know our constitutions state and federal and frequently teach our public servants what WtP desire. from John Locke Two Treatises of Government (1689) written during the same time period as Bro. Lawrence. There is no other way to safeguard our home which for the laity is one of their primary duties.
Recognizing role in humility
Discernment of the Spirits by Ignatius, demons give great insights not on God’s path, and angels prick conscience.
Satan can goad one to do more good, consumed never accomplishing anything, to go beyond his order or rule is to no longer doing the good
Not appeasement actually more active recognize what is and is not mission.
- Quotes
ToA (100 Critical edition)
FdS (97) 1895 pg 8
Mothers (104) Ignatian, spirit of desolation, act of will recollect that all suffering is of short duration and consolation soon. Makes cross bearable. Satan makes us think no end, heavier, never go away.
Mystics endured great affliction and wound in soul for actions in war, spiritual and physical, consolation come a gain so.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-IV.m4aVII. Thesis Statement from the introduction by Hannah Whitall Smith, “His (Bro. Lawrence) one single aim was to bring about a conscious personal union between himself and God and he took the shortest cut he could find to accomplish it.”[1] (not quietism devoid of personal act)
The result can be described in his own words: “If I dare use the expression, I should choose to call this state the bosom of God, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste and experience there.”[2]
Note the direct correlation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Margaret Mary Alacoque SHJ (1647-1690) mystic
Fr. Sciurba will express Brother Lawrence’s simple life as, “Centered on the Presence of God, infinitely admired, faithfully sought after, and sweetly experienced.”[3]
VII. Ecclesiastical Approbation Father Joseph de Beaufort, later vicar general to the Archbishop of Paris, compiled this work after Brother Lawrence died. However, not declared a saint, nor a priest, and I couldn’t find a nihl obstat or imprimatur. I did find however ecclesiastical and royal support.[4]
I think this is large part to the issue of Quietism and the aspersions made that Bro Lawrence’s ideas supported this heresy.
Negation of the will, In a narrower sense Quietism designates the mystical element in the teaching of various sects which have sprung up within the Church, only to be cast out as heretical. In some of these the Quietistic teaching has been the conspicuous error, in others it has been a mere corollary of more fundamental erroneous doctrine. Quietism finally, in the strictest acceptation of the term, is the doctrine put forth and defended in the seventeenth century by Molinos and Petrucci. Out of their teaching developed the less radical form known as Semiquietism, whose principle advocates were Fénelon and Madame Guyon. All these varieties of Quietism insist with more or less emphasis on interior passivity as the essential condition of perfection; and all have been proscribed in very explicit terms by the Church.
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12608c.htm
Some might see signs of New Age or Buddhism within Brother’s ideas. Therefore, it is imperative to have a spiritual sense of the man as well as the person or audience to whom he is addressing to get his true intentions. The Critical edition allows for these considerations.
One never becomes less, always the agent. God gives multiple choices. Quietism become a non-actor in own life.
Suppression in France leads to explosion outwards to Europe.
Desperate need for authentic Catholic teaching outside of France.
Shallow piety without full context of Bro Lawrence’s spirituality. Don’t get to marrow, just shavings of meat.
[1] The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of a Holy Life, Brother Lawrence 1895 (Martino Publishing: Mansfield CT 2010) iii
[2] Martino iii
[3] Sciurba xxiii
[4] Sciuribi 160-161
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-III.m4aHe could read and mentioned some of the books he read in addition to the spiritual reading of the Divine Office, Holy Mass in Latin, and other required texts of the Carmelites at that time (ToA, John of the Cross)
Assigned to the kitchen but due to limpness perhaps from a battle (which would degrade into an ulcer causing him great suffering through his life) would he was assigned to sandal making, 200 sandals of the Discalced Carmelites
Died at the age of 80 yrs as a wholly and consecrated man, without wandering from his initial conversion. Paul did the same after his encounter on the road to Damascus.
Speaks to power of authentic encounter with Christ. Hard pressed to find now in the same vein because of noise of our day.
Lent try and walk into silence, only there is the encounter.
How many times did Bro Lawrence see a tree? But after the impact, authentic moment of grace which gives solace during the hard times.
- Carmelite Practices of Brother Lawrence: this is the bedrock of his advice. Catholic sense is very helpful in this regard. Profound silence in the monastery. Juridically, the lay brothers occupied ls place in the house. Except for rare occasions, they did not attend the choral Office but rather recited certain number of Our Fathers. Most days because of their duties, they could not make common prayer but made their prayers at night.[1]
- Intended Audience assuming never to be published pg 21 Martino nun, spiritual director, woman, soldier
- Spiritual Maxims (which my first two sources did not have), 4 Conversations (1666-1667) & 15 Letters (1682-1691) last one written days before his death
Conversations written by M. Beaufort Grand Vicar to M. de Chalons, formerly Cardinal de Noailles
Tremendous loss because of noise. Surprising Dante astounding how much he knows, carries, his patrimony given to him. We are suffering from lack of depth.
Bro Lawrence Jacques Philippe depth of thought articulation of simple man. Say so much with so little words.
We say nothing with much. Talk at the end, hollow, no profound truth. No moment for silent reflection.
BVM pondered things in her heart. Mary not an intellectual of heart and instructed in wisdom of God. Instruction to the heart. So that they can meditate and apply to personal life.
Both BVM & Bro Lawrence Lived in profundity. Not just words but deeds as well.
[1] Sciurba xxiii
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bro-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-II.m4aIV Biographical: Preface Nicholas Herman, of Lorraine, a lowly and unlearned man, who after having been a footman and soldier (during the destructive 30 Years War which many men engaged in cruel violence), was admitted a Lay brother among the barefooted (discalced, sandals) Carmelites at Paris in 1666, and was afterward known as Brother Lawrence.[1]
[monastery cook and sandal maker to more than 100 priests and brothers[2]
Nicholas learned Christian principles from his parents, Dominic & Louise, who were very fine people. He did not have opportunity to study.[3]
Conversion 18 yrs: the mere sight in midwinter of a dry and leafless tree and the reflections it stirred respecting the change the coming spring would bring. From the time he grew eminently in the knowledge and love of God, endeavoring constantly to walk “as in His presence”.[4]
26 yrs, after attempting a life as a hermit and a valet to another gentleman Nicholas entered the Discalced Carmelites, took the religious name of Lawrence with the TITLE of the Resurrection[5]
Solemn Profession, 28 yrs Aug 14, 164
Going from labor, random lords in the area, injured, no time to study, often someone a clean tableau the Lord likes to paint upon
Knowledge given is a pure knowledge from foot of the Lord. Seers at Fatima, Bernadette, Therese of the Little Flower
Jean Vianney, post revolution could not learn in the schools due to suppression. Lord more than able to cover these minor defects.
As a lay brother, he was tasked with many errands for the community to support the many young friars in formation, including begging. These tasks took him from the cloister and into contact with various types of people and experiences.
After discerning who he was speaking to, he would speak freely and share his method with those seeking his advice.
Love in the particular. Works from some generalities, but application is particular.
[1] Martino 5
[2] Sciurba xiv
[3] Sciurba xviii
[4] Martino 8
[5] Sciurba xix
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Brother-Lawrence-of-the-Resurrection-I.m4a1. Lenten Suggestion, Spiritual Classic with a Companion 40 Day Devotion
Somewhat of a mystery. Well known in England. English speaking countries, less known in French. Reintroduced in France a century ago.
Several Translations available: show the three, discuss different formats. Critical and authorized by Carmelites: 1896 Martino publishing font size 8pt?, photocopied and rebound rather than retyped/rest; Alan Vermilye modern English, study guide that is ecumenical, which means the astute Catholic will need a careful eye, example page 34.
- Critical Edition[1] from the Carmelites preserves his full Carmelite name.
III. Historical Setting 1614-1691 After Reformation before the French Revolution. This time is considered The Catholic Reformation[2]
Alan Schreck notes, “There had been other ecumenical councils concerned with the reform of the Catholic Church before the Council of Trent. Trent was different because most of the reforms were actually carried out and put into effect.”[3]
As a result of this historic council many fruits were evidenced.
Dr. Scheck notes, “Another way to look at the Catholic Church after the reformation, though is to see it as a church that was purified and renewed and that reflected more clearly the life of Christ. There was a flowering, a new springtime, of faith and devotion among many Catholics. Devotion to Mary and the saints was purified and renewed. The Council of Trent encouraged Catholics to receive Holy Communion frequently- at least once a week- and to receive forgiveness of their sins in the sacrament of penance often. Adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was encouraged through benediction and forty hours services. Even though the Mass continued in Latin rather than the language of the people, missals and other devotional aids helped people to pray when they attended Mass.”[4]
Catholic Mysticism flourished as well as. Theresa of Avila (1515-1582) and John of the Cross (1542-1591), Carmelite mystics and doctors of the Church.
Mysticism = direct apprehension of God by the mind.[5]
Activists, missionaries and martyrs orders such as the Jesuits (1491-1556), St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597), Edmund Campion (1540-1581), Isaac Jogues (1607-1647),
Vincent de Paul (1581-1660), poor
Margaret Mary Alacoque SHJ (1647-1690) mystic
Names are so familiar, Bro Lawrence lost for a while, then a new purchase. Essential message live spirituality that disavows it
[1] Salvatore Sciuraba, OCD trans., The Practice of the Presence of God Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, Critical Edition (ICS: Washington D.C. 2015)
[2] Steve Weidenkopf & Alan Schreck, Epic A Journey Through Church History (Ascension Press: West Chester, PA 2009) 173 -181
[3] Alan Schreck, The Compact History of the Catholic Church (Servant Books: Cincinnati OH 2009) 82
[4] Schreck 83
[5] Schreck 83
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-VIII-B.m4aXIV. Civics, Constitutions state & federal, rest on a very specific, Christian, Scriptural point of view. If We the People are to exercise our proper role in instructing our indentured servants on what to do, WTP must be EDUCATED in our(God given, expressed in the state and federal constitutions and what our rights are.
Note the language of the various constitutions, God ordained and WtP have all the political power. All people means all, not just Texans
First that our rights and freedoms come from God and not the government. Can never be taken from man.
California[1]
Preamble:
We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.
Idaho
Preamble:
We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.
Texas State Constitution[2]
Preamble
The preamble to the Texas Constitution states:
| Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God the people of the State of Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution.[2] |
| Text of Section 2:Inherent Political Power; Republican Form of GovernmentAll political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit. The faith of the people of Texas stands pledged to the preservation of a republican form of government, and, subject to this limitation only, they have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient.[1] |
Virginia Constitution
Section 2
| Text of Section 2:People the Source of PowerThat all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people, that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.[1] |
Text of Section 3:
Government Instituted for Common Benefit
That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.[1]
Montana
Preamble:
We the people of Montana grateful to God for the quiet beauty of our state, the grandeur of our mountains, the vastness of our rolling plains, and desiring to improve the quality of life, equality of opportunity and to secure the blessings of liberty for this and future generations do ordain and establish this constitution.
WtP can abolish it any time when found inadequate. Not just every 2 or 4 years.
Scalia reported to have said, “WtP realize our rights it would get interesting.” WtP need to be educated.
Lost connection to first principles. Don’t know where ending. Heart of indoctrination. Only know what you know not why.
Education demands first principles, telos, cannot be truly educated why made and what is final end.
Made for love end with love. Hearty anchors wide latitude. Don’t know these things, fearful cannot learn.
How little love there is in modern society. Sex education has destroyed the natural desire to protect and shield innocence. Little love for teachers. Teacher’s union impenetrable wall between educators and children. Grooming, indoctrinations. Usurped the terms.
Natural slavery Aristotle anyone who can be mastered, Very few free men. Vast majority are lazy and content with status quo. Obligation to help them out of servitude.
Truth is real, objective know and love it. Hope is based. Love is a driving and motivating power.
—–
Addendum For Scott Adams How do you know the good data?
https://headlineusa.com/dilbert-creator-admit-vax-critics-right/ post preceding the good data question
How were people right? They had eyes and ears. Why were so many hospitals shutting down and laying off staff during a “pandemic”? How come we were building emergency triage centers that saw no influx of patients? The admission of the government that all deaths were being recorded as covid deaths even though people had gunshot wounds, were in vehicle accidents, or coincidentally had 4-5 co-morbidities and were often older than than the average life expectancy in the country (i.e. the most affected group was >80 years old when average life expectancy is around 76 years old)?
The premise that COVID is very deadly is easily refuted when young and healthy people are unaffected. If he has any familiarity with clinical studies then he should be familiar with the “nocebo” effect, so propagandizing everyone creates psychosomatic populations that check themselves into hospitals when they are not nearly as ill as they believe themselves to be, because they were told that they would die otherwise.
It takes two seconds to research to discover that all mRNA vaccines have failed up to this point. Further, all coronavirus vaccines have failed up until this point due to survival pressure and ability of the virus to mutate so rapidly, but we are to believe a sudden technological breakthrough occurs on a novel virus within months of it’s outbreak? This company that stands to profit significantly from me taking their product encourages me to take it?
I mean how gullible are people? I mean the evidence in totality is so overwhelming…how anyone could take a covid vaccine and believe that it is necessary and will work beneficially is truly mind blowing. That’s only possible when you are taught what to think and not how to think.
All you had to do was look around and see how many people you knew that were admitted to the hospital or died (for me it was zero) The bonus was watching vaccinated people still get Covid worse than the sniffles they gave me…but yeah, how could I have known the whole thing was a money making scam with Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, Astra Zeneca and others all going to market with a vaccine being pushed by the government?
Exactly this looking at your social environment friends if you’re healthy you didn’t see anybody go to the hospital. Maybe an elderly extended family member. sorry for those who lost others but if you had friends colleagues in the medical industry and you were talking to them by mid 2021 they were not heroes. Health care workers were saying we didn’t know what to do we put them on the ventilator and rotate them, then there’s the part where they injected them with poison and they died in the hospital they don’t talk about that.
I’ll tell him happily. I served in the military where they forced injections on us. Tuskegee airmen. The fact that the government was bribing people with sweets and money and stuff to take these shots.
The very early conflicting info from all government agencies. The obvious fact that it never affected people under 60 seriously was always out there and required no digging at all.
Bottom line Dilbert, common sense was all anyone really needed to avoid the shots yet there was plenty of documentation also if you had just spent ten minutes looking.
The problem, Mr. Adam’s, is not that you don’t know the right strangers, the problem is that you have been conditioned to believe the wrong strangers. You see, you do not “know” Mr. Gates, Mr. Fauci, or any of the “concerned journalists”. You certainly do not know the dancing nurses and anonymous doctors. But you trusted them because you have allowed yourself to be convinced that since they hold certain degrees or certain positions that they are given elevated positions of authority. This is your fault.
I had no data that said the vaccine was untrustworthy. What I did have was published information concerning the mortality rate for my age group. Which was exceedingly low. I also saw the campaign against Ivermectin and wondered why the voraciousness of the campaign. I noted the lack of empirical data supporting the safe and effective mantra. I saw the constant mutation of the virus and realized that there was no effective solution to it. Just like there is no effective solution to the common cold.
That is your second failure. You assumed that the lack of empirical evidence that the vaccine was more dangerous than the virus meant that it was safe and effective.
Your third failure in this matter was your unwillingness to do your own thinking. You engaged in a biological Pascal’s Wager not realizing that you really could lose something: your health, your life.
[1] https://www.usconstitution.net/states_god.html accessed Jan 26, 2023
[2] https://ballotpedia.org/Article_1,_Texas_Constitution accessed Jan 26, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrinaton-Truth-VIII-A.m4aChesterton Academy[1]
The Three PillarsInspired by Saint Pope John Paul II, we take as our motto the culture of life. We make it our mission to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord’s offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty. Through our Three Pillars Model, we form our students in: Intellect, character, spirituality.
Tuition & Fees
We believe every Catholic family should have the choice to send their children to a Catholic school that prepares students for college and for life. Although the Academy is approaching $13,000 per-pupil cost, tuition is among the lowest in the area at $8,500.
Because tuition does not cover the full $13,000 cost of an education at Chesterton, families are expected to aid in fundraising and recruiting efforts throughout the school year.
For large families, prohibitive.
XII. Home Schooling (Sara & I spoke at length in prior shows)
XIII. Public Schools (esp rural) & Charter Schools, Great Hearts (TX experience)
Merry Christmas is staying, not Happy Holidays. Parents, teachers, principal united in common thoughts.
At a crisis point of education. Medical, police force used to be run by Church or faithful men of the Church. Church is the true educator. Surrendered so much territory to a secular atheistic structure. Conventionalism is always hated by left until they establish their establishment.
Indoctrination convention is now guarded. Saw early stages reduce, reuse, recycle mantra. Outing the parents. Education wedge between home & school suspect. Parents of children must educate themselves so they can educate their children. Educate oneself so as to teach the children. No one do it. Education is hard immense effort, indoctrination is easy.
[1] https://chestertonacademy.org/chesterton-admissions/tuition-and-aid/ accessed Jan 24, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-VII.m4aVIII Main objection to having children is the fear of educating them properly or incurring incredible student loan debt. Different strategies to consider.
IX Trade school vs college? Many current parents’ avoiding college in large part to indoctrination.
Parents’ don’t even think they can be educators of their parents. Sophists top down assigned meaning to the term. Product of same sophist education. Einstein outside the box of current education. Similarly to Rush Limbaugh, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Google, Amazon guy. Diminished be the elites and shackled.
Get out of indoctrination box 1930’s lower grades grade school in a box.
Military (Son’s path)
ROTC soldiers during COVID, people taken control authoritarians, want the office and power that it wields. Best of the best booted out not in conscious take a vaccine. WE need to somehow fight against this.
Get education first as an officer, join and receive income, GI Bill accrued when joined. Who will be serving under commander and chief. Community college 2 yrs, the matriculate into state college.
- Alternative forms of education: The Collegium[1] Hagerstown
The Collegium is an independent institution of higher learning that pledges full fidelity to the unchanging Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Faculty and staff are practicing Catholics who are fully supportive of the Collegium’s mission and have signed the Oath Against Modernism.
The Collegium is committed to keeping the cost of attending college as low as possible. The cost for room, board and tuition is approximately $16,800 per year.
Interesting idea, imminently repeatable in a 3rd tier city. To be away from elitist, 100K population services necessary without being overwhelming.
European education, liberal arts scholar. Broad-based learning. Learn how to learn. Work requirement. Institutional colleges, no obligation to show proof of benefit with a large price tag.
Administration supposed to be in loco parentis to advise the students.
[1] https://www.the-collegium.org accessed Jan 24, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-VI.m4aObjective ethics is rooted in creation metaphysics, hylomorphic anthropology, and a realistic epistemology. The object, not the subject, determines the rightness or wrongness of something. Objective ethics is one of accountability and accuracy. A subjective ethics is one where a person is not responsible for their acts. An objective accounting of ethics might have extenuating circumstances for acting but it does not fully dismiss the person from the responsibility of knowing what is true or good. The object, the other person, by the subject, me, sets what I should do. Should I lie? It might be advantageous for me to do so, but other people are owed the truth. It is good for the other person, and ultimately for me as well, to tell the truth. Abortion kills an innocent human person. The object of the act is the unborn person, and thus sheds light on the morality of the choice.
Relativism by contrast is that anything goes because good or bad is set by the subject. It is an interior measure not an exterior one. The subject decides the ethics. Subjectivism goes even further in that all that anyone knows is what is good for them. One cannot get to the other person because of one’s own consciousness. Conventionalism is the philosophy that the culture sets the ethics. It is how we have always done something, and so society should always do it this way.
With our destination to truth before us, four guideposts to illuminate our journey, and in the company of friends of goodwill, let us consider the major philosophies and see what we might glean from them. It is an arduous and perilous task but the reward, making sense of our world in general and our lives in particular, makes the cost worthwhile.
https://karen-early.com/faith-reason/four-catholic-guideposts-of-philosophy-part-ii/
posted Feb 8, 2018
People negate importance of the body or pleasure the body minimize the soul. Want the cake and eat it too. Want to be treated as an object, but when they act want to be the subject.
Ethics, need of the other, a binding element of our own tendency to hedonism. The other restrains ourselves. Take what give them but not ascent what is being proposed.
Practical Applications
VII. Education Setting, curriculum as parents’ review the curriculum of their children, which is their right and duty, it is imperative that the children receive an education. Indoctrination is very hard to remove later in life.
Desire for free, national education department absurdity, succeeded everyone live by most liberal and radical elements.
Parents saw what passed for education of their children.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Micah-Reading-Psalm-51.m4aPrayer for Cleansing and Pardon
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone into Bathsheba.
51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love;
according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done that which is evil in thy sight,
so that thou art justified in thy sentence
and blameless in thy judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Fill[a] me with joy and gladness;
let the bones which thou hast broken rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right[b] spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence,
and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors thy ways,
and sinners will return to thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness,[c] O God,
thou God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of thy deliverance.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips,
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
16 For thou hast no delight in sacrifice;
were I to give a burnt offering, thou wouldst not be pleased.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God[d] is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in thy good pleasure;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,
19 then wilt thou delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on thy altar.
Footnotes
- Psalm 51:8 Syr: Heb Make to hear
- Psalm 51:10 Or steadfast
- Psalm 51:14 Or death
- Psalm 51:17 Or My sacrifice, O God
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-IV.m4a1. So a turn to four essential guideposts for a Catholic philosophy is necessary which enables one to see if the proposed instruction is either an education or an indoctrination.
Stated briefly, the four guideposts are:
- Creation metaphysics;
- Hylomorphic anthropology;
- Realistic epistemology; and
- Objective ethics.
NB sophists can be thought of an indoctrinators for purposes of our discussion.
Stated briefly, the four guideposts are: 1. Creation metaphysics; 2. Hylomorphic anthropology; 3. Realistic epistemology; and 4. Objective ethics. I did not originate these four categories but have found them to be very accurate and insightful. These guideposts help us to understand ‘why things are the way they are’. Equally helpful, these signs help us to identify sophists, those who engage in word-craft for self-profit and exploitation of others. Let us consider the meaning of each of these signs.
Creation metaphysics is concerned with the general causes of being. It answers the question why things are the way they are. It is rooted in or compatible with purpose, intention, the Divine Mind. The alternatives to creation metaphysics are a Cosmic Event or reductive materialism, Pre-Socrates notions. A cosmic event is one of random generation. Chaos produced the universe and whatever order one might find in it.
Reductive Materialism is a view of creation that everything real is material. One reduces what one can know about being to the level of those things that can only be measured. Love, justice, truth, person, freedom cannot be measured, thus not known, and are only at the level of opinion.
Hylomorphic anthropology is the idea that the human being is an embodied soul, soul and body together. Hylomorphic is from the two Greek words hyle which means matter, lumber, or stuff and morphe which means form, soul, essence, or that ‘which it is’. Anthropology comes from the two Greek words anthropos man and logos study. Together the words point to the study of man, and are concerned with the questions what is man, how should I live, what should I do, etc…
One contrasting point of view is that man is only a body, mechanical, robot. This philosophy is materialistic and is concerned with what gives me maximal pleasure now because when I die, I die. Suffering has no meaning and there is no immortality. Live for today for tomorrow we die. Final cause, telos, is discarded and ethics becomes situational.
The other point of view to holomorphic anthropology, one shared by Gnostics, in one form or another, is that man as a subset is only a form, thought or soul. The body is a shell or prison to be discarded; the only thing that matters is our soul. This is a tempting ideology when our bodies or those of our loved ones are suffering. The Incarnation and Ascension of Christ, points to the value of our body, both now and when glorified.
Vast majority of people coming to discussion, neutered level of education. People educated past 20 yeas, educate person with a computer disastrous, effects. Limitation of imagination. 100 % materialistic, only what it knows.
Researching and a paper in high school setting. Recall 40-50 yrs. Card catalogue, read many peoples, serendipitous learning, to get money quote. Research stumble own learning. Read more about it later.
Computer only brings sentence rather than book, tailored to desire.
Taking awesomeness of human intellect opened to, docere lead a person, human mind being shrunk. Ability to imagen being abridged.
Music chord melody patterns harmonic Bach diminished every pop song 3 or 4 chord pattern. Make them pleasing, not happy. Pleasant. Epicures.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-III.m4aThe premise that COVID is very deadly is easily refuted when young and healthy people are unaffected. If he has any familiarity with clinical studies then he should be familiar with the “nocebo” effect, so propagandizing everyone creates psychosomatic populations that check themselves into hospitals when they are not nearly as ill as they believe themselves to be, because they were told that they would die otherwise.
It takes two seconds to research to discover that all mRNA vaccines have failed up to this point. Further, all coronavirus vaccines have failed up until this point due to survival pressure and ability of the virus to mutate so rapidly, but we are to believe a sudden technological breakthrough occurs on a novel virus within months of it’s outbreak? This company that stands to profit significantly from me taking their product encourages me to take it?
I mean how gullible are people? I mean the evidence in totality is so overwhelming…how anyone could take a covid vaccine and believe that it is necessary and will work beneficially is truly mind blowing. That’s only possible when you are taught what to think and not how to think.
Past history 20 yrs the training ground for indoctrination. Flu every year get shot, people accustomed health distributed via a syringe. Guaranteed health.
People get flu shot, in variably get the flu, then told convince themselves did not have it very badly, or much worse without flu vax.
Same numbered died from flu more or less in spite of flu shot. People taught to believe health at tip of needle in their arm.
Overly suspectable novel concept, trained for 20 yrs. What to think not how.
Education vs Indoctrination
See Addendum for other responses to Mr. Adams.
- Education = corresponds to Truth in its fullest dimensions. Pope Pius XI helps us to have a complete understanding of education and avoid occasions of indoctrinations.
- Pope Pius XI with concise clearness expresses these ideas concerning a proper education for man.
DIVINI ILLIUS MAGISTRI ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PIUS XI
Preparing man for what he must be, is of an anthropological question which we shall return to later. For now, I am focusing on establishing definitions.
#7 In fact, since education consists essentially in preparing man for what he must be and for what he must do here below, in order to attain the sublime end for which he was created, it is clear that there can be no true education which is not wholly directed to man’s last end, and that in the present order of Providence, since God has revealed Himself to us in the Person of His Only Begotten Son, who alone is “the way, the truth and the life,” there can be no ideally perfect education which is not Christian education.
Immediately definition on doctrine, telos, truth that God is creator episode 1
11. Education is essentially a social and not a mere individual activity. Now there are three necessary societies, distinct from one another and yet harmoniously combined by God, into which man is born: two, namely the family and civil society, belong to the natural order; the third, the Church, to the supernatural order.
It is possible to have a proper education, not indoctrination, in what one would call a secular setting. In fact, Pius XI addresses this very objection.
20. The Church does not say that morality belongs purely, in the sense of exclusively, to her; but that it belongs wholly to her. She has never maintained that outside her fold and apart from her teaching, man cannot arrive at any moral truth; she has on the contrary more than once condemned this opinion because it has appeared under more forms than one. She does however say, has said, and will ever say, that because of her institution by Jesus Christ, because of the Holy Ghost sent her in His name by the Father, she alone possesses what she has had immediately from God and can never lose, the whole of moral truth, omnem veritatem, in which all individual moral truths are included, as well those which man may learn by the help of reason, as those which form part of revelation or which may be deduced from it.
Pius XI omnem veritatem,. Reason can get one pretty far. Covid how many people reason alone, doctors, scientists, scales fall from their eyes, go along get along.
Reason can get to understand things, but it alone will not make one happy.
Reason alone leads to suffering is reality of life, context of faith, can be infused with supernatural element Church provides.
Mr. Adams, reason won’t be sufficient. Why some people do this with peace.
Clear conscience. Not conscience not bothered by loved one’s jabs. Our heat is piqued not our conscience.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Psalm-51-IV.m4a1. Read Psalms 51
Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone into Bathsheba.
51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love;
according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done that which is evil in thy sight,
so that thou art justified in thy sentence
and blameless in thy judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Fill[a] me with joy and gladness;
let the bones which thou hast broken rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right[b] spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence,
and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors thy ways,
and sinners will return to thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness,[c] O God,
thou God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of thy deliverance.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips,
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
16 For thou hast no delight in sacrifice;
were I to give a burnt offering, thou wouldst not be pleased.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God[d] is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in thy good pleasure;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,
19 then wilt thou delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on thy altar.
Footnotes
- Psalm 51:8 Syr: Heb Make to hear
- Psalm 51:10 Or steadfast
- Psalm 51:14 Or death
- Psalm 51:17 Or My sacrifice, O God
- Hyssop, a little shrub, used in for purification with blood and water Lev 14:1-7.
Moses was instructed to put the blood of lamb on the lintel the night of Passover Ex 12:21-22.
Not all jews left Egypt during Passover. Lambs worshipped, deicide. Blood on lintel public declaration one are Hebrews, following the Lord out. Who had ever seen leaving Worldwide power of Egypt.
Hyssop was used during the crucifixion to give wine-soaked sponge Jn 19:29 29A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. ESV
Ps 51:2>> 2 Sam 11-12 Bathsheba story
- Pathway for Reconciliation[1]
- Sin thoroughly judged before God vs 1-6
- Forgiveness and cleanings through the blood vs 7
- Cleansing Process vs 7-10
- Spirit-filled for joy and power vs 11&12
- Service vs 13
- Worship vs 14-17
7 Restoration
Hebrew wording service & worship Avodah
Tied together, likes breakdown by Dr. Scofield
Vs fill me with joy and gladness. Consequence from sin, rejoicing can still come from it. Endless redemption in spite of sin.
Did God break his bones, did God hardens Pharoah’s heart?
Chaos and order. Human person is made in a certain way for happiness.
Biblical heroes, dirty laundry aired, testimony to mercy of God. Learn from their mistakes culminating in Christ.
Matthew, genealogy of Christ. 5 women listed Rahab the harlot, unsavory sorts listed, the Lord is not surprised about our weaknesses.
Newness, being made new through His mercy and our need to recognize our sins.
XII. Personal Reflection and Exhortation
The one sin the Lord cannot forgive, offense against the Holy Spirit, is purposeful lack of trust and repentance in the goodness of God. He is ever a gentleman, never forcing His will, always gently entreating us to turn to Him to be healed, restored, and filled with joy. Never despair, never doubt His readiness to forgive. The crucifixion is always the testimony of His deep love for each and every one of us.
[1] The Old Scofield Study Bible, Oxford University Press, KJV Classic Edition (1917 Notes) Anniversary Edition
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-II.m4aIII. Indoctrination= in Latin prefix which could mean not against + doctrinaire, doctrina to teach[1]
Doctrine: late 14c., “the body of principles, dogmas, etc., in a religion or field of knowledge,” from Old French doctrine (12c.) “teaching, doctrine” and directly from Latin doctrina “a teaching, body of teachings, learning, from doctor” teacher” (see doctor (n.)) + -ina, fem. of -inus, suffix forming fem. abstract nouns (see -ine (1)).
The notion is “whatever is taught or laid down as true by a master or instructor,” hence “any set of principles held as true.”
So the pivot point is the understanding of Truth, as Pontius Pilate correctly stated, “What is Truth.”
(Scott Adams: Teach Me How To Recognize The Good COVID Data To Avoid The Same Mistake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUNi9ZuCDMM ) article on “unvaxxed win” posted under addendum
Skewed question presumes we had a formulaic path. Follow formulaic path understand what is education and indoctrination. Socrates, “the unexamined life not worth living.” Too many people want to reach easiest outcome with least amount of work.Education is a climb, an effort. No easy route.
Eve wanted to good & evil with out effort. Just eat the fruit.
Key difference, effort required into the subject.
The data came to me for my research, Gov Abbott calling pandemic, Bexar County deaths, all mortality. Flu deaths as well. That data persuaded is personal. Not one data to mind, body of teaching.
Ockham’s Razor fundamental tennet, flavor of coffee, how to get to go to Akron. Simple is right one.
Not suitable for truth, good, sacrifice, sin simplest answer not the correct one.
Ease to grocery store without mask, others games be ended.
Innate need to trust authority. In a fallen world, only authority is Divine Authority, need to have a modicum of skepticism for worldly. Agonizing decision for those during that time.
No easy formulaic approach.
[1] https://www.etymonline.com/word/indoctrinate accessed Jan 24, 2023
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Education-or-Indoctrination-Truth-I.m4a1. Aristotle: All men want to be happy. Happiness as Aristotle will define rests on a virtuous life. 2. Reality is measured by the Creator’s terms, not the creatures. Thomas Aquinas’ seminal 5 Ways On the Existence of God, and consequently source of all things is very useful for this point. In particular, the argument from design corollate to order, not chaos. The basis of scientific inquiry has this fundamental assumption, which is that the universe is ordered at both a macro and micro level. Man too, has a particular order, which is called the natural law.
[The arguments are often named as follows: (1) argument from motion, (2) argument from efficient cause, (3) argument from necessary being, (4) argument from gradations of goodness, and (5) argument from design.]
Closer one sees as God does, the greater one’s vision becomes. Learn to see properly.
Seeing properly, understanding reality corresponds to truth.
Frank Sheed stated, “loving what is good is sanctity, or the health of the will, so seeing what there is (my insertion truth) is sanity, or the health of the intellect.”[1]
Truth (which is one the attributes of God) is the bedrock authentic happiness.
Servais Pinckaers explains it this way, “God always has our (my insertion) happiness and joy in view. He wants us to believe this for His sake, on His own word.”[2]
Truth is a necessary state to happiness. Simply truth not mine or yours. Knowable recognizable, we can understand what is reasonable and unreasonable. In a fallen world, tempted to substitution pleasure. Settle for a counterfeit. A lie does not lead to true happiness just satisfaction. Under sells the human person.
Put them in grave danger of manipulation by others.
[1] Frank J. Sheed, Theology and Sanity (Ignatius: San Francisco 1993) 22
[2] Servais Pinckaers, O.P. The Pursuit of Happiness- God’s Way, Living the Beatitudes (Wipf and Stock: Eugene, OR 1998) 28
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Psalm-51-III.m4aNathan the prophet confronts David by parable. Note when one in a weak position like a prophet, confronts power, king, he uses parable. Jesus does the same thing in Matthew when the religious leaders seek to kill him Mat 12:13-14 Jesus has a tactical change to parables in Mat 13.13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, whole like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. After this incident, parable of the sowers. RSV
VII. DIFFERENCE TO SAUL, David says, “I have sinned.” David pleads for the same mercy that God revealed to Moses Ex 34:5-7[1]
[He allows himself to feel the shame, does not make a quick excuse, made aware through storytelling, first reaction to admit his wrong.]
5 And the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
The child conceived from this union dies, despite David’s prayer and fasting. But another son by Bathsheba will inherit David’s throne and build the Temple. Solomon
Consequence of sin.
VIII. David’s kingdom not stripped from him for his murderous sin, but the sword never departed from it. Wis 11:16 “that they might learn that one is punished by the very things by which he sins.”
Amnon, David’s first-born lusts after his half sister Tamar. Feigning illness, Amnon asks David to send Tamar to care for him. When Tamar arrives, Amnon rapes her at his house.
David takes no action against this outrage, which then triggers Absalom, Tamar’s brother to plot revenge against both Amnon and David. Absalom kills Amon and will mount a rebellion against David.
Absalom will sleep with David’s concubines on the palace rooftop as a public and permanent break with his father David. David meanwhile is cast into exile, traveling east out of the Promised Land.
Joab, the commander who had Uriah killed, will eventually confront Absalom and kill him in cold blood against David’s command.
Truly the sword does not depart from David’s house.
‘Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ (2 Sam 12:10 ESV)
NB few of these details are mentioned in the Psalm 51. Sometimes what the Scriptures don’t say is more telling than what they do.
[Remember reality of consequence, Mercy of the Lord amazing, but not free from what sins produces. Awareness of death that sin brings. Don’t gloss over it. May think not a big deal but death attached.]
[1] Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins, Walking with God a Journey through the Bible (Ascension Press: West Chester PA 2010) 152-155
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-VI.m4aMy Father and I will dwell with that one.
Jn 14:23 23Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.[1]
It is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Garden/spiritual goals change. Before I wanted food production, now I savor the beauty and growth process. Spiritual maybe you want some sort of order, peace, surety. Then later other desires come to your heart by way of the Holy Spirit.
[Self-knowledge most important with any engagement. Content with gifts Lord gives, then use those gifts to bring forth those blooms to the person. Sadness is to not do anything because it is not everything. Know what time & stage of life one is at. Better to engage in the smallest thing rather than lamenting the larger thing.]
- Resolutions
Jacques Phillipe Interior Freedom pages 82 & 83
God = is the eternal present.[1] Faith required to trust in God. Not be burdened by the past or fearful of the future.
“The ladder of perfection has only step, the one we take to today.”[2] We can decide today to have trust (faith), hope, charity. Good resolutions relying on God’s strength to fulfill these good desires.” https://karen-early.com/podcasts/interior-freedom-viii/
[Any engage with God cannot fail to bring beauty in the world. Turn back on God, we see the consequences. Everyone sees it but none engage the unrooted. Become tumble weeds unless rooted in Christ.]
- Saints
Gianna Mollena notes that receiving her First Holy Communion at age 5 and Confirmation at age 7 yrs was fundamental to her spirituality. (TLM, in fact all the preceding modern saints were followers of it.) Historical heritage vs few decades of faith experience.
At her Confirmation she made two resolutions 1. Rather die than commit mortal sin
& 2. Everything for Jesus.
https://karen-early.com/garden-of-graces/saints-blesseds-vocations-that-give-hope-vii/
[God cannot be out done in generosity in suffering. Modernism strictly outcome based. Absolute result. Problem to the human person. Nothing venture nothing gained. The venture is also worthwhile. God does not tell us what the outcome will exactly be, but through Him, will be gain. Multiplication of laves is through Him. World can refuse to engage not knowing the outcome, guaranteed outcome. Goodness to the physical doing. Great gift given in youth to carry through. She had eye on the final prize, not a temporal satisfaction. Looked to eternal paradise commitment at an early age.]
[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/14.htm accessed Dec 6, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-V.m4a1. Part Four Pick the Plants
Plants need different plant dates, which sets the garden preparation needs
Get out the planner, there is a range of time to commence depending on frost, germination, and harvest. Tomatoes vs pumpkins. Clematis versus Turks cap.
So too spiritually, look at the calendar and one’s duties.
Decide if one is to Read in the morning or night, what and how often. Maybe podcasts and music better due to vision or personality.
Ecclesial (Early Church) expression liturgy, i.e. Sacraments not a me & Jesus thing
Acts of charity, volunteering
Tithing
- Part Five Wait, “Be still and know that I am God” Ps 46:10
Let your plans sit for a while. Maybe plants that one thought would be available are not. Maybe different plants come on the market. Gardening can require effort, money, and time. Worth really thinking it through.
Take your plans to the Lord, discern the movements of the heart, a telos could be an active and lively indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There will be a cost (take up your cross is a real thing).
[We are impatient people, want hamburger, fries & coke in 30 seconds. Church gives times liturgically geared towards waiting but not in anxiety. Wait ponder in calmness and goodness. Ohio long winter, consolation of one of the most beautiful colors in fall, sunny days. Early winter all leaves gone by mid-October, fallow landscape until mid-April. Glimpse of sunlight is a glimpse of hope not sorrowing for its loss.
Good gardeners not filled with despair but lovely hope. Interior silence with hopefulness. If God permits gray days, so that sun more brilliant. God wants for us true beauty. Inability to wait, surrenders potential goodness for a temporary satisfaction.]
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Psalm-51-II.m4a2. David, a king after God’s own heart, not like the pagan kings
Though many opportunities to kill Saul, David does not do it. Philistines will slay Saul on Mount Gilboa (1 Sam 31)
Read the cited texts for deeper understanding.
Anointed 3 times- in his family home as a ruddy lad shepherd and youngest son 1 Sam 16:1-13, over Judah (2 Sam 2-4), then over entire kingdom Israel (2 Sam 5-6)
- God Makes a Covenant with David
- Make of David a great name/house/ royal dynasty
- God’s reign through his appointed king (Messianic psalms)
- Everlasting kingdom
- Raise up offspring after you literal and allegorical
David wants to build a Temple for the Lord, but YHWH will build a house/ dynasty for David that will be everlasting (Jesus). Solomon will be given this privilege once peace is on all sides.
[Easy to get lazy, push off what we should do, ripe for mistake.]
- David’s Sin (2 Sam 11)
In the spring when kings go to battle 2 Sam 11:1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go forth to battle, David sent Jo′ab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
David is in Jerusalem gazing around, not having custody of his eyes, sees a beautiful woman bathing
David seduces Bathsheba, she conceives, and he tries to arrange for Uriah to sleep with his wife. But because Uriah is a righteous leader in solidarity with his soldiers, he refrains the marriage privilege.
David sends Uriah (and many of his men to death), which causes another man to be an accomplice, Joab the commander of David’s army
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-IV.m4aIf one comes from a lush spiritual background, frequent recourse to the Sacraments (as discussed by our forefathers) is essential and tracks with reading ancient sources
Below there are show links for sources of early Church Fathers and liturgical practices.
https://karen-early.com/garden-of-graces/eucharist-pre-constantine-era-i/
https://karen-early.com/garden-of-graces/eucharist-pre-constantine-era-v/
[We are part of post protestant movement, we will always be sand bagged, arrogant reaction to a sacramental life. Necessary part of each sacrament. Post baptized, post Christianized nation. Some parts of the sacraments were kept in various Protestant denominations. Many persons do not have any personal connection to the sacraments. Slow destruction of the person along with the reality of the person. Man not grounded in God loses his own grounding of himself in the current society. Man loses his anthropology.]
Confession, regularizing marriage, adoration, reparation for sins of others. [If the sacraments fertile ground that sustain our roots, don’t have, the branch no longer grafted onto the tree. Can’t bring self-back to life, yanked up the tomato plant, never expect to maintain itself to bring forth fruit. Plant, tree in rooted in solid earth, we too are bring forth spiritual fruits, anchor in firm foundation and fertile ground. The Sacraments are paradise.]
The Lord teaches rubrics during 40 days after Resurrection, not me & Jesus, rich sacramental life. From this get acts of charity. Concept of tithing then springs from. Love of neighbor.
Winter planning, what do these various forms of charity look like.
[Many parents rip children from spiritual ground. What loving gardener rip up pear tree, then curse it for not bearing fruit. Gardener expected to give it the proper foundation.
Many parents forbid proper foundation, no baptism, no Church, then they watch the children die in sin. No habituated action of goodness.
Girls in years past, dolls given, ancient Egyptian area, inspired natural inclination to nurturing to another person. Modern dolls, icons of narcissism, nothing of modern dolls no nurturing, navel gazing.
Parents get old, no consolation from the children. No anchor given. Gardens are not strictly linear to the gardener; element of garden bespeaks of community. One seed gives rise to 10x. Engage with the other. Spiritual life relationship not just for self alone as well as for others.]
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-III.m4aDreams are transformed by desire which gives rise to Hope
– Hope for something not yet realized
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Determine the type of garden suitable for the locale. Harsh conditions maybe a cactus garden, lush conditions Plumerias planted in the front yard as trees. Indoors vs outdoors. Watering system if needed, raised beds or inground. Indoors or outdoors. Food or beauty or a bit of both. Winter is the time to really think about these factors.
Taking stock of the conditions of your own life. Do you have a good bishop or bad, under tyranny of freedom, married or single, man or woman, time to devote to the spiritual life?
Jesus said before embarking on a task, sit down and really look at the cost
Luke 14: 27Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ ESV[1]
[clinical self-examination, see outside of self, am I rocky plain, seed pop up then goes fallow. Sometime consult master gardener. Some point to someone else greater wisdom of another, engage with spiritual director. Only possess enough knowledge grow beyond. Plant same plants with no change rid of nutrients. Same for self, person only examining withdraw goodness, good friend, priest, good spiritual director. Draw forth more than ones-self can]
Virtues, Liturgy, The Christian Way
III. Part Three Design the garden space raised beds, in ground beds, patio pots
Given the reality of the soul’s life and the desired spiritual outcome (garden type) determine a spiritual journey.
Spiritual director (authority) can be very helpful.
Reading from the Apostolic & Patristic period gives firm foundation that has stood the test of time
[Look back past, tutelage of the master, {artistic Fathers, own arrogance is diminished. Tempted to think I have conceived of a new problem, never thought of before. Our problem is unique. Nothing new under the sun. Immediate proximately to the Lord. Words & ideas less likely twisted. Get away more likely to lose than gain. Tradition is a fundamental pillar. Gardens, only so many ways to plant a tomato. Tomatoes respond to certain to water, temperature, light. Can try to do different but if contrary leads to failure.]
[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/14.htm accessed Dec 6, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Psalms-51-I.m4a1. Historical Setting
Book II of Psalms (42-72) The triumphs of David
Many psalms of this book end in praise of God as he delivers David from sins, sickness, and enemies, ending with David’s old age and Solomon’s rule. David notes his every triumph by God’s mercy and power.[1]
[Difference in that time most kings in David’s an affair would have been nothing. David’s posture sets him apart and his aware of mercy. Saw his flaws, rather than blinded by his royal power].
- Authorship David approx. 1000 BC
III. Salvation History
David Covenant & Kingdom
Recall the prior covenants
Adam & Eve Couple Gen 1-3
Noah Family Gen 9
Abraham Tribe Gen 15,17, & 22
Moses Nation Ex 24
*David Kingdom 2 Sam 7
[Jesus, Church, Universal Jew & Gentile]
Process, detail God puts into everything. Gradual expansion to include everyone. He knows how to teach us.
- United Royal Kingdom Saul, David, Solomon
- Saul
People tire of YHWH as ruler through the judges and prophets, so they ask for a king like the other nations. Samuel anoints Saul 1 Sam 10. Saul’s weakness, fear of the people, disobeys and offers sacrifice. 1 Sam 13-15
Trades eternal vision for earthy one. Disobeys again spares life of the Amalekite king. Saul’s kingdom stripped from him for his sin and inability to ask for forgiveness. 1 Sam 15:22 To obey is better than sacrifice. Saul’s response 1 Sam 15:30 “Honor me before the … Israel.” He should be focused on being honored before God as we shall see in Psalm 51.
[1] John Bergsma and Brant Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible- Volume I The Old Testament (Ignatius Press: San Francisco 2018) 370
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-II.m4aGarden[1] = 1a
: a plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated
b: a rich well-cultivated region
c
: a container (such as a window box) planted with usually a variety of small plants
Garden catalog = spiritual book, lives of the saints, doctrine (St. Thomas Aquinas), maybe beautiful artwork
Sharing of lauder= friendship, personal touch
[Aristotelian key to happiness enough for self and enough to share. Bounty is generally over abundance, God and what he makes cannot be outdone in generosity. Application of goodness. One seed, bounteous fruit. Mustard seed small large enough for birds. Grace and watered with good effort amplification of the grace God gives.]
- Part Two
Hope needs plans of it will make the heart sick (Hope deferred Prov 13:12) [dark night of the soul briefly mention, God is not a gum ball machine. Often times we do get the fruits of our efforts, but sometimes often inexplicable, we don’t more on that at harvest/ autumn.
[We become outcome based people. So much goodness in the doing. Lose forest for the trees. We think doing MUST bear fruit. So many things don’t have control over. Innate goodness if give our faithful best. Nothing lost in economy of salvation.
MTC Lord calls not to be successful but faithful.
Ratzinger reflection to pay same wage for laboring for the Lord. The laborers had more time in doing the master’s business. Oldwe son worked with the Father.
[How easy to close our eyes to it. WE want our reward. So habituated to d o things with excellence. Conquer nature and thus expect success. Scientism also feeds into this.
Job or middle-aged peasant, effort goes only so far rely on providence. Usurped providential outcome with knowledge gained from nature. Lose integrity of the action.
Automate out of own industry and yet want satisfaction from it.
The prodigal son finds himself, wasted everything, absolute lack driven back to the Father. Sorrow. Conflict outcome based mentally, only something produced causes a crisis for the human person.]
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garden accessed Dec 6, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Winter-Garden-Deep-Hope-I.m4a[SARA]
- Part One See that which is unseen. Does not contradict reason but is not reason. Telos, goal.
Holy Spirit stirs in the soul desiring a relationship
[Natural element to our story, revelation of God given to us. Poignancy, man finds himself in a garden. Natural image, co-creator with God. Bring forth new life into the world
Gardens mental legwork, concrete realities that are known to understand those and enliven with those unseen.
Real movement behind this is the Holy Spirit, inspires us into action.]
First Step In A Spiritual Journey
Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
– Cold barren landscape, perhaps longing for some preserves or pickles set up from season before, see something that is not realized
[barren landscape difference one can’t see anything, at that moment is there is an element to bring forth something from nothing, trying ourselves to something no t yet. Needs an element of inspiration. Apropos one can make recourse to a book. Find yourself fallow, someone gone before avail of help]
– Garden catalogs come in the mail or perhaps a friend or neighbor shares from their lauder
– the dream emerges of a beautiful (however defined) garden
[look at Church calendar saints for each season. In cold of December, John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul. We are living that. Draw goodness out of appearance of death. Our Lord can make all things new.]
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-VIII.m4aThus the instructions over overshadowing, the power of the Most High.
Overshadowing/ episkiazo, harken to the transfiguration Lk 9:34 and tent of meeting Exod 40:35
Mary is a fulcrum is some ways. Given to her. Her reason never clouded from original sin. Zechariah had that burden. Revealing moment of her immaculate conception.
Beauty so many layers, like an onion, greater understanding.
Comparison between Zechariah and also to Elizabeth’s belief.
A sign given, the pregnancy of Elizabeth, Mary’s fiat, and hastening to aid her kinswoman.
Her fiat corresponds to Her Son’s yes to the Father Heb 10:7 “Behold I come to do your will.”
Village of Ain Karim hill country near Jerusalem traditional site for the house of Zechariah & Elizabeth, 90, miles from Nazareth.
On hearing Mary’s voice, John leaps within his mother’s womb, echoing Gen 25:22 the once barren Rachel, pregnant with twins Esau and Jacob, and how the younger Jacob would rule the older Esau. John as precursor, will serve Jesus His Lord (v1:43).
Mary’s exalted status comes from her belief and trust in God v1:45
Luke within a few verses has introduced Jesus’ divinity as Son of God, Jesus as Lord kyrios YHWH in Hebrew, and Mary’s motherhood as Theotokos God bearer (Council Ephesus 431AD)
Mary as the ark of the covenant 2 Sam 6:9 goes to the region of Judah, Luke uses the tribal name instead of Judea 1:65 highlighting the story of the ark’s journey with David. David danced for joy before the ark as does John. Mary remains for 3 months as did the ark.
Mary is a true ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God with men.
Mary then gives the first Lukan canticle, the Magnificat first word of the Latin translation
Mary’s song announces the great reversal that is unfolding, God is raising up the lowly pointing to the beatitudes of Lk 6:20-26 with the woes
Divide the Magnificat into two strophes
Mary’s personal blessings Lk 1:46-50, His handmaid v48
&
Israel’s blessing Lk 1:51-55, His servant v54
Hebrew poetry, Hannah’s canticle of Samuel (1 Sam 2:1-10)
This is just a smattering of the richness found in the Magnificat, dear friends avail yourself of it often!
Practical Application & Exhortation
– Angelus
– Amen app for daily, brief reflections
– Liturgy of the Hours, Canticles of Zechariah & Magnificat
-Pre-read the Scriptures before hearing them during Holy Mass
– Don’t substitute other commentaries, though helpful, for your own personal instruction
Addendum
An excellent study guide for the Gospel of Matthew is Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible by Michael Dauphinais and Matthew Levering (pages 137-165). The entire book is a short overview of Salvation History.
The Saint Andrew Christmas NovenaHail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.
https://www.learnreligions.com/saint-andrew-christmas-novena-542608
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-VII.m4aOutline for Preface & Infancy (1:1-2:52)[1]
Preface (1:1-4)
Announcement to Zechariah of the Birth of John (1:5-25)
Announcement to Mary of the Birth of Jesus (1:26-38)
Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth and Her Magnificat (1:39-56)
Birth of John and Zechariah’s Benedictus (1:57-80)
Birth of Jesus (2:1-20)
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (2:21-40)
Finding of Jesus in the Temple (2:21-40)
Luke firmly situates Jesus’ birth within a historical context, reign of Herod King of Judea
Zechariah & Elizabeth
Model Jews, righteous before God, observing all the commandments and ordinances blamelessly
Zechariah (YHWH has remembered) priestly division of Abijah (1 Chron 24:10)
Elizabeth (my God & oath) of a priestly family
Elizabeth barren both advanced in years> Abraham & Sarah (Gen 11:30; 18:11)
Zechariah duties drawn by lot to burn incense in the Holy Place at the ninth hour (three o’clock) crucifixion allusion
Angel of God appears, Gabriel, announces joyful/good news/euangelizo/evangelize news of the imminent birth of a son and directions on how to name and raise him
Zechariah doubts, he should have trusted knowing the story of Abraham & Sarah (Gen 17:17; 18:12)
He is struck mute/kophos/ which also can mean deaf Lk 7:22
As we know Jesus heals the deaf and mute as well as gives the priestly blessing Lk 24:50
Elizabeth conceives, The Lord has taken away my disgrace echoing Rachel’s exclamation (Gen 30:20)
God remembered Zechariah & Elizabeth!
Did Mary Doubt?
How can this be? is rendered more literally how will this be?
Luke clearly states the reason
Zechariah did not believe v1:20, wants proof
Mary believed v1:45, wants instructions
Mary is betrothed, would it not seem reasonable given the Pharisees insistence on progeny within marriage, for her to expect children UNLESS she had already decided on dedicating herself to God as a virgin. Some Essenes practiced celibacy. This is the view of Church Fathers Gregory of Nyssa & Augustine, Mary’s vow of virginity.
Some scholars posit Mary had an understanding of an imminent fulfillment, but Luke does not hint nor say such a thing
Question out of doubt or wonder. How or How? Simply to ask is not to doubt. Faith seeking understanding, how it is to be done.
Old covenant not sufficient, an element given on high, for people to understand, a new man. Spirit & life. His inability to have faith at the moment. God use lack of faith to demonstrate what is happening.
[1] Gadenz 24
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-VI.m4aMat 2:1-23
Two Response to Jesus
Gentile Magi seek Him
Herod tries to kill Him, massacre, exile, unable to return to Judea
Somber in tone, pointing to His death
Magi in Jewish thought tried to kill Daniel Dan 1:20, 2:2, 4:6-7 and were associated with idol worship. Unlikely group that would seek out Israel’s’ new king for worship. Probably from Persia, astrologers.[1]
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Hebrew House of Bread, known as city of David) of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.”
Matthean theme, those unexpectedly follow Christ while those expected to follow Him actually try to kill Him.
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
Herod was not born King of the Jews, he was appointed by Rome, an Idumean, a worldly king vs JC a Divine King. Greatly paranoid, murdered most of his family, as political rivals. His killing of the newborn males, harkening to the male babies thrown in the Nile Moses salvation, is in keeping with Herod’s murderous tendencies. First Christian martyrs.
ANE Jews truly felt like exiles living in their own land. Both Temple & King corrupt.[2] Matthew declares the end of exile is at hand with a new king.
Contrasting the Gentile Magi actions, gifts indicate nations coming down before the king of Israel. King of both the world and Israel.
Practically, the gifts allow Joseph the means to provide for his family.
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold (King) and frankincense (God) and myrrh (Passion). 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Egypt is outside of Herod’s rule but under Roman law. Jews where there since the days of Jacob (Gen 46-47). A common place of refuge.
When Herod dies, his son Archelaus is appointed ruler over Judea. Joseph prudently avoids the rule of Archelaus and takes his family to Nazareth a small, obscure village with 480 persons approx.
Nazareth, netser similar to Nazareth, branch. Though the Davidic line has been reduced to Jesse’s stump Is 11:1 (from the Babylonian exile 587 BC), a branch has spring which will fulfill the ancient promises. This branch will save his people from their sins (as told to the Annunciation of Joseph) Jer 23:5-6, Jer 33:14-16, Zech 3:8, Zec 6:11-13
The Messianic branch is being raised in a “branch” town.
Endearing charming points, babe in the manger feeding trough. Elegant how our Lord tells his story, tenderness, unwrapping of a present. Flowers strewn before us.
Matthew has 28 chapters
Luke has 24 chapters, read in an Advent, fullness of his life
- Luke
Mea Culpa- giving short work of Luke. Focus on some highlights. Please treat yourself and read the Gospel infancy narrative during Advent or Christmas season!
– companion book, Acts as such these two books round out the historical narrative reading of the Bible
Luke was probably a Gentile by birth, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times from his second missionary journey to his final imprisonment in Rome, and a loyal friend who remained with the apostle after others had deserted him (2Ti 4:11).
Antioch (of Syria) and Philippi are among the places suggested as his hometown.[3]
Genre & Style
Ancient biography, similar Justin Martyr 100’s AD is a memoirs of the apostles, written in excellent Greek reminiscent of classical Greek writing
Audience: To Theophilus, lover of God, Greek Gentile, message for the whole world
Purpose: Jesus as Son of God, Savior, Messiah, and Lord are introduced (1:35, 2:11)[4]
Realize with certainty the teachings, katecheo, catechized received. V4
[1] The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Second Catholic Edition RSV (Ignatius Press: San Francisco 2000) 8
[2] Michael Dauphinais & Matthew Levering, Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible (Brazos Press: Grand Rapids MI 2005) 137
[3] https://www.biblestudytools.com/rsv/luke/ accessed November 4, 2022
[4] Pablo T. Gadenz, The Gospel of Luke (Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, MI 2018) 20
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-V.m4aThe concept of a Messiah and his relationship- was uppermost in the minds of Jesus’ hearers.
NT Wright states:
“One well-worn but unsustainable position is that the “Jewish background is a mass of legalism and formalism, and that Jesus can teach a different religion, namely an interior spiritual sort. This is clearly no good. If it were true, Jesus would have been simply incomprehensible, a teacher of abstract and interior truths to a people hungry for God to act within history. The people were asking for bread and freedom, not thin air.”[1]
The Annunciation to Joseph (1:18-25)
Divorce shows Joseph & Mary legally married, not engaged
Joseph is righteous (Obey Jewish law) and is a dreamer (who will save humanity like the Joseph in Genesis)
My opinion, The Reverence Theory, following TA, Bernard, Basil and Ephraim, Mary told Joseph and out of awe and unworthiness to be Jesus’ father.
Joseph is a just man.
Joseph’s Duties
- Take Mary into your home, do not dismiss her
- Name Jesus, Greek form of Joshua (Joshua, Yahweh saves) David’s lineage, save his people from their sins, an enemy more dangerous than Rome or Egypt
- Protection, Flee from Herod
- Obedient, first person in the Gospel to do as commanded
24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Until neither confirms nor contradicts Catholic doctrine on Mary’s perpetual virginity CCC #499-510 Lateran Synod 649 AD doctrinal confirmed
Wish you peace until I come. Not that one wishes not peace after coming. Limitations of language.
Matthew is concerned with HS generating Christ not from Joseph
All people knew Mary & Joseph knew they had no other children. Never attribute children not her own.
[1] N.T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God (Fortress Press: Minneapolis 1996) 92
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-IV.m4aThe concept of a Messiah and his relationship- was uppermost in the minds of Jesus’ hearers.
NT Wright states:
“One well-worn but unsustainable position is that the “Jewish background is a mass of legalism and formalism, and that Jesus can teach a different religion, namely an interior spiritual sort. This is clearly no good. If it were true, Jesus would have been simply incomprehensible, a teacher of abstract and interior truths to a people hungry for God to act within history. The people were asking for bread and freedom, not thin air.”[1]
And central to God acting in history was the concept of a Messiah and Jesus self-understanding[2]. The genealogy firmly roots us in history, the here and now, not as some sage/philosopher but as king. King from the royal tree of David, legal heir, and entitled to the prerogatives of rule.
Kingdom of Heaven (KOH) mentioned over 30x, central theme. God the Father working through His Messiah to establish His will on earth as it is in heaven. Mat 6:10
v16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
Jesus is not born of Joseph by natural means but legal ones and is thus a true Davidic heir.
ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ, Jesus Christ Jesus is personal name
Christ, anointed, Hebrew Messiah
Messiah king stirs the hopes that is God acting in history to save His people
The son of David, the son of Abraham note the inversion of chronological ordering. Harkening to Augustine’s principle of not altering the revelation given, the listing of David first evokes the great promises given to David and his descendants.
2 Sam 7:12-17 firm kingdom lasting forever ruling over other nations, with all nations being blessed through him (harkening to Abraham’s covenantal promises).
Son of David was popular phrase in ANE as a synonym of Messiah.
Son of Abraham roots Jesus squarely with the chosen people with promises of blessing and multiply with worldwide blessings Gen 12:2, Gen 17:2-9
The Magi prostrating before the Child & His Mother, offering gifts, coming from the east ties into this concept of world-wide blessing.
Another highlight of Matthew’s linage is the inclusion of non-Israelite women in the royal line. (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, wife of Uriah) This underscores God’s concern for the Gentiles and the universal mission of Jesus. We note the difference in conception between Bathsheba and Mary.
Composing an artificial hagiography both the good and bad are listed. Noting is whitewashed. God works through the weakness of men. Peter’s flaws are not hid, part and parcel of the story.
[1] N.T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God (Fortress Press: Minneapolis 1996) 92
[2] Wright 94
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-III.m4aScripture writers are Not mediums or channels of the Holy Spirit, in tuned to the Holy Spirit
Thomas Jefferson
Text of Section 15:
Qualities Necessary to Preservation of Free Government
That no free government, nor the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles; and by the recognition by all citizens that they have duties as well as rights, and that such rights cannot be enjoyed save in a society where law is respected and due process is observed.
That free government rests, as does all progress, upon the broadest possible diffusion of knowledge, and that the Commonwealth should avail itself of those talents which nature has sown so liberally among its people by assuring the opportunity for their fullest development by an effective system of education throughout the Commonwealth.[1]
https://ballotpedia.org/Article_I,_Virginia_Constitution
Natural reasonableness to this, intuitive, any man of goodwill can enter into dialogue. As opposed to skepticism. Question in good faith one is able to come to reasonable and intuitive.
The Lord will not force belief.
- Matthew General Outline a Royal Son[1]
Prologue: Birth & Infancy of the Messiah
Genealogy and Birth of Jesus (1:1-25)
Visit of the Magi (2:1-12)
Flight to Egypt, Return to Nazareth (2:13-23)
*βίβλος γενέσεως ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ υἱοῦ δαυὶδ υἱοῦ ἀβραάμ.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. KJV
Matthew’s first two words, in Greek, allude to the “Genesis of Jesus Christ”, which harkens to Gen 1:1 [Genealogy], 2:4 [This is the book of the genesis of heaven and earth.], 5:1 [This is the book of the genesis of human beings]. Genesis means both beginning and birth.[2]
Advent of Jesus marked a new creation
*Book/record/account of the genesis a connection to primeval history
2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV
Mat 1:1-17 list of over 40 names, with each name connected to connected to the entire history of Israel. For the ANE Jew, these names recall events, triumphs, tragedies all giving rise to a mission and responsibility. Most of all, the genealogy established Jesus’ Messianic credentials.[3]
Matthew, Mark, Luke speaking to different audiences. Matthew understood by Jewish people. Luke amplify glorious message to gentiles and everyone.
Names somewhat lost, not an immediate harkening, but the people of the age would have been intimate. We can know them through Jewish scriptures. Bible is self-referential, can find these people, re-found through study.
[1] Curtis Mitch & Edward Sri, The Gospel of Matthew (Baker academic: Grand Rapids, MI 2010) 29, 33
[2] Dale C. Allison, JR, Studies in Matthew: Interpretation Past and Present (Baker Academic: Grand Rapids MI 2005) 157-162
[3] Mitch & Sri 33
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-II.m4a1. Augustine exhaustive explanation of all the differences and discrepancies in the Gospels, On the Harmony of the Evangelists. His cogent justifications for the differences among the Gospels remained the last word for 1,000 years (Thomas Aquinas)[1]
Faith seeks understanding. Skepticism is an understanding seeking faith.
His antagonists, Manichaeans (especially vis a vis Resurrection appearances & infancy narratives) who constantly pointed out the muddled headed inconsistencies of the Gospel. In response to this critique, he wrote the most sophisticated and comprehensive explanation of the Gospels in all of early Christianity.[2]
Some Guidelines of Augustine are represented in DV. HS, as author, is Truth itself, different genres within SS, law of contradiction regards to the deposit (rule) of Faith, Canon set by the Church, the HS prompted each Gospel writer to create a unique portrait of Jesus. Matthew focused on royal lineage while Luke brought out the Lord’s priestly lineage and character.[3]
Dungan provides an excellent summary of Augustine’s arguments and his view of how the Gospels.[4] After this, no more was heard from the Manicheans until the Reformation Project.
e.g. The authors recorded events as the HS prompted them, not necessarily in chronological order. Another insight, when the author was finished with the work, they did not rewrite or correct anything has it had been under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Recollect
[1] David Laird Dungan, A History of the Synoptic Problem (Doubleday: NY 1999) 12
[2] Dungan 112
[3] Dungan 118 and following
[4] Dungan 135 & 136
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Infancy-Narratives-I.m4a1. Theologians vs Religious Studies- active living faith #5 DV 2. Author is the HS who can never lie (#16 DV)
III. Men genuinely cooperate with the Holy Spirit, they are not robots i.e. automatic writing which is like the Ouija board experience, go into a trance and do not know what is being written. The experiences might be almost beyond their ability to describe but their freewill is not compromised. (DV #11)
- Truth, where there is a seeming problem with SS, a speed bump as I call them, an excellent time to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord. If it causes on to go wobbly on doctrine, a temptation, then back away. Over time, I have found I really enjoy these moments. I have an opportunity to learn more about the Lord and it snaps me out of complacency.
Humble admit, this difficulty has been encountered it past 2000 yrs. Somebody already walked through these problems. Church divinely inspired, can’t teach error.
Resources available.
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Dante, language and how we engage with it. Priest come into through the Ordinariate, Episcopalian in America, God’s mercy Rome, Pope is pivotal to maintaining
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2 Common Attacks Purity & Doctrine if will says no, no sin, not feel detestation, even if totally disturbed Martin Luther always sinning because feeling
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HS guides people through stuff, sacramental Church read this book to be devout this book insists get a SD not one among many books Humility
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Private & Community Prayer[1] Community Prayer, Mass, better public offices to private acts always to be preferred common better than private good edified part of
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born 1567 church declared TA for everyone, doctor, born into age of teaching using TA as a tool 19 yrs full liberal education, dress finely,
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– dedicates himself to theological study then takes the learning to poorest of the poor and those disposed to hate the catholic faith. Worked carefully
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Historical Context Protestant Iconoclasm – Luther’s contemporary Andreas Karlstadt 1522 stained glass windows, tearing out altars 150 yrs later another part of Europe Iconoclasm is
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Tithing was another pivotal idea we heard early in our marriage. It is a topic that needs further clarification but simply put it necessitated budgeting
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God’s Faithfulness to Israel (Exodus, Joshua, Judges) 105 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to
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[After every baby, Ted & I took a refresher NFP course. This turned out to be incredibly helpful in our marriage journey as well as
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First Impressions Thanks Call, voice, deeds not just philosophical musings Wonderful works, action Remembrance, zakar in Hebrew an ancient idiom for being faithful to one’s
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Sara Somehow a Catholic Marriage did not percolate down to our contemporaries. 30 years married 1987, dated in senior year of high school married after
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Today and for next few episodes talk about how we have implemented various techniques with a special guest Julie Alexander. Review of past two shows-
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III. Narratio of Salvation History[1] Psalm 104 God’s mighty work of creation Psalm 105 Abraham to Exodus, God’s faithfulness Psalm 106 Exodus through the Exile,
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The Ceremony On Mother’s Day in 1994, the Year of the Family, Pope John Paul II beatified Gianna Beretta Molla in the presence of her
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When our Lord gives a command, its totally 100% for our own good and best interest. Open to children, be fruitful and multiply never abrogated.
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VII. Jesus, Mary, & Joseph[1] St Joseph Matthew genealogy Yes to angel in a dream. Freewill to Lords invitation. His Fiat, let it be done
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Anne & Joachim[1] Orthodox Virgin Mary Sts Anne & Joachim, our Lady’s parents are an example of transcending the ancient near east contemporaries, their feast
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Sin vs Sanctity (contra the sin of the age/heresy of their time to the heroic saint/couple) Ideas Shape History 4-18-2019 episodes to further explore Taken
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Helps Understand God’s Authority Logically too, for anybody who believes in a personal God, there has to be a strong recognition of and example of
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Two Co-pilots Not Logical A family with no true authority vested in one person will be rudderless in the stormy sea of life as it
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III. Love= sincerely seeking the good of the other. Sincere gift of self. EV #80-81[1] Couples stayed together 5 yrs later after turmoil are happier.
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CCC IV. THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY[1] #1638 “From a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and
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Chief Ends BC #1010 The chief ends of the Sacrament of matrimony are: 1. To enable the husband and wife to aid each other in
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Not primarily a discussion of birth control. Some Scholars suggest Eve’s sin was birth control, hence the punishment fitting the crime. Certainly, both the prevention
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XIV. Practical Application Archconfraternity of open without initiation, slowly piously Don’t swallow camel whole. How can maintain motherhood and these other things, slowly meditate mysteries,
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XIII. The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood in Catholic Families Ohio USA 1987 Marian Year https://www.amazon.com/The-Apostolate-of-Holy-Motherhood/dp/B01FGKSVZO In February 1987 a mother of three young children began
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XII. Warraq 2009 Royal Virgin of Giza pg 392 Mary has appeared in Egypt many times. Zeitoun (1968), St. Demiana in Shoubra (1986), Edfu (1992)
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THE LETTER OF ATHANASIUS, OUR HOLY FATHER, ARCHBISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, TO MARCELLINUS ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PSALMS Athanasius[1] “SON, all the books of Scripture,
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Aokpe 1992- 2004 Mediatrix of All Graces pg 372 Nigerian, 12 yr old girl, gift of tongues, English fluently, bishop received a Marian visitation (rare),
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First apparition of Mary Our Lady of Pilar= while Mary living in Jerusalem, supernaturally appears (bilocated) to the Apostle James in 40 AD while preaching
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Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Chapters Considered Begins with a Precursor of a Concise Biography of the Author pg 33-36 Passing Sinless Through the Red Sea[1]
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4 Long before the birth of Jesus, the psalms were read by the people of Israel as messianic: prophecies about the Messiah and first-person speech
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“Before all the ages the Father is “all powerful”, because he is the source of the gift and its acceptance. That is why the one,
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The time right after initiation, the Honeymoon by way of analogy, is a time where falling away can occur. Learning and receiving the initiating Sacraments
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TS: People convert because of the goodness (kindness) of God, not fear. Fear is the beginning, but it is not lasting, ex. 9/11, Covid more
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One of the things the Pentateuch teaches, and Leviticus in particular, is the central role public worship plays in the life of the follower. Engaging
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Recall CCC#1 and Economy of Salvation (which is the how God accomplished His plan through salvation history) CCC 1 1 God, infinitely perfect and blessed in
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I will return to this point of ongoing Catechesis for the Catholic. Liturgy is essential. Mystical body of Jesus is not a machine nor is
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Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, & Eucharist From these pivotal moments of grace, the soul was saved from meaninglessness, sin, skepticism, and the deepest of
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Practical Application: Pilgrimages In the USA & International Univ Dayton houses the records of John Stokes articles on Mary Gardens (wrote the forward, pg ix,
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Purity Madonna (White) Lily p 346 The more pure a heart is and the more empty of self, the more it is filled with love
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Nothing was pleasing to me but God! I always wished in my heart to live until the time of his birth, and perhaps, deserve to
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God Is Our Fortress To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.[a] A Song. 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very
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Therese’ self-identified as a small flower, a constant and major theme, from her earliest memories Inspiration for GG, Pivotal Quote “I wondered for a long
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The disconnect of vast swatches of population vs religious fervor of Mother Earth, Green philosophy. Individual tree sign of Gods goodness rather it is nameless
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Scofield[1] Bible refers to Is 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into
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A Partial List of Flower and Marian Connection Legend = lesson or reading, medieval usage[1] Legend for a modern is untruthful, deceit, a negative, make
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Eucharist-IV.m4a V Didache (100) “The teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles (or Nations) by the twelve apostles”.
, esp Chap 9, 10, 14 and 1 Cor connection, these 3 chapters may be older than document itself
- sacred ritual and meal
- benediction before bread and wine
- self-examination (confession of sins)
- need for baptism[1]
- while it may be coupled to a meal, it is NOT open to all
- ecclesial unity
- thanksgiving to God through Jesus Christ, eucharist
- Sacrificial character Chap 14[2]
-
Special day, every Sunday of the Lord (Chapter 14)
-
Clement of Rome (97)
First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians 40:1[3] show a well-regulated order for the worship of God, “We must do all things that the Lord told us to do at stated times, in proper order. For he commanded that the offerings and services should be performed, not rashly nor in disorder, but a fixed times and hours. Ah himself by his most high will arranged where and by whom they should be celebrated so that everything should be done piously according to his command and should be agreeable to his will. Therefore, those who make their offerings at the appointed times are well pleasing and blessed, they follow the command of the Lord and do not err. To the high priest his own services are appointed; a special place is given to priests, and Levites have their offices. The layman is commanded by lay laws, each of us, brothers, should please God honourably in his own place with a good conscience, not transgressing the appointed order of the service.”[4]
Many important features are clearly stated, but for our purposes note the fixed order in its main outline of Christian services attributed to direct instruction from the Lord
VII Justin Martyr c. 100- 168 Chief of Early Apologist, writes FROM Rome
- offers developed view of rites and understanding with Eucharist, precious document
- First Apology[5] written to Antonius Pius & Dialogue with Trypho written in Greek.
- Shape of Sunday Eucharist. Note Sunday was the special day set aside, not the Sabbath of Saturday. (1 Apology 67: 3, 7)
- special place “to where those from town and country come”. This does not fit the common notion of a domestic setting in the Mediterranean world. This is a shift in research from modern times, Deo graits.
St. Peter knew Greek, some scholars dominant Latin & Hebrew. Phillipe Andrew Greek. Possible Peter can say the Mass in Greek though don’t know it well. Most people in this area Hebrew, Greek, Latin. Capacity to say Mass in all three languages. And/both can both be right.
(1 Apology 67)
- Remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sufferings, incarnation, thanksgiving
- offered at length depending on the presider (1 Apology 67)
- OT types fulfilled in Eucharist: fine flour Lev 14:10-20 & Trypho 41,1; supply of bread promise Is 33:16 & Trypho 70,4; pure sacrifice rising of sun to its setting Mal 1:10-12 & Trypho 41,2
- eucharist praise to Trinity in everyplace
- when offered by those worthy (Trypho 117,3)
- incarnation Christ “took flesh and blood for our salvation,” so too “the food over which thanks have been given through [a] word of prayer which is from him, from which our blood and flesh are fed by transformation, is both the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus.” In parallel with the incarnation, the act of thanksgiving, through words that come from the Logos, transforms the bread and wine into Jesus’ flesh and blood: the bread and wine are “eucharistized.” (1 Apology 65)
- Not common food and have conditions for participation: faith & baptism.
Defined ritual (1 Apology 67)
Reading from apostles & prophets
Homily by bishop (67.4)
Intercession
Kiss of peace
Offertory, bread & wine with water are bought up and received by bishop (65.3, 67.5)
Thanksgiving (Eucharistic prayer, anaphora which are prayers)
Consecratory prayers
With Amen. Eucharist is the technical name for the consecrated bread & wine
Communion under both kinds, taken to those absent
Collection
On a special day Sunday & special place
One can also surmise there would have been candles, linens, flowers, a bishop, and priests in attendance.[6]
Peter, bishop of Antioch, can see him saying Mass in there in Greek, Council of Jerusalem Peter say Mass in Hebrew or Aramaic, sent to Rome say Mass in Latin. Peter probably fluent in Latin. Choose our bishops to go to a place, some exceptions, i.e. Vigano very good in English sent to US nuncio, where they are adept at the language into Sees not necessarily their home or up bringing.
Didache, Ignatius, and Justin together show that not all Christian meals were proper Eucharists.
[1] See Huub van de Sandt, “Why Does the Didache Conceive of the Eucharist as a Holy Meal?,” in Vigiliae Christianae 65 (2011), 1-20.
[2] See Valeriy Alikin, The Earliest History of the Christian Gathering: Origin, Development and Content of the Christian Gathering in the First to Third Centuries (Leiden: Brill, 2010), 109-111.
[3] http://www.ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/First%20Epistle%20of%20Clement%20to%20the%20Corinthians.pdf accessed jan 7, 2022
[4] Fortescue, 11-12
[5] https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htm Chapters 65-67 Liturgical Norms 1 Apology Justin Martyr
[6] Meagher, 282
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Confirmation-II.m4a Acts 10:38 St. Peter speaks of “Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Ghost“.
Baltimore Catechism defines Confirmation as a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
Baltimore Catechism distinguishes between Baptism and Confirmation eloquently, “In Baptism we are made Christians, but we are not very strong in our faith till the Holy Ghost comes in Confirmation. You remember how timid the Apostles were before the coming of the Holy Ghost, and how firm and determined in their faith afterwards; and how fearlessly they preached even to those who crucified Our Lord. “Soldiers” because we must fight for our salvation against our three enemies, the devil, the world, and the flesh. Our Lord is our great leader in this warfare, and we must follow Him and fights as He directs. A soldier that fights as he pleases and not as his general commands, will surely be beaten.[1]
Unfortunate disconnect modern sense of Confirmation lost sense of milites Christi soldier of Christ substituted with weak adult Christian. Not 100% in error. Adult makes autonomous decision. Soldier does not make autonomous decisions, follows a superior.
Some refer to Confirmation as graduation. Old Model bishop strike Confirmandi on cheek, 2 levels of goodness. Bishop as a father disciplines his children. Also, concept of soldier receiving first strike from someone who loves them as opposed to one who does not. Submission is a goodness, lost. Strengthened for what as an adult? Strengthened as a soldier knows it si for combat.
Many can feel an oppressive spiritual warfare but have lost this, the language how to express this warfare.
Disarmament not taking hold of the spiritual weapons, Rosary, Ephesians 6.
III. HS/laying on of hands in OT
The laying on of hands was a familiar religious action to the Jew of the first century. In the Old Testament it signified the bestowal of a spiritual gift, a blessing, healing or appointment to a particular function. Our Lord is recorded to have laid his hands in blessing on the children brought to Him.[2]
IV HS goal of JC, expedient that I leave Jn 16:7
7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. KJV
Lk 24:49 And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high
Just as a body needs fortification after birth, so too does the spiritual body. TA
Our Lord would never provide only sufficient. Baptism is sufficient necessary grace for heaven, not sufficient for the combat. Completion, what is it for? Our own catechesis so much stone for bread. Language peace nicks had trouble with militaristic language within the Church. Great disservice, we do not live in Eden. Past 25 years horror show of slaughter of Christian doctrine. Forced to kneel and yield of secular doctrine. Appearance of bowing before more powerful force. Tonic appeasement was peace. Need a firm understanding, strengthening given Sacrament of Completion speak to truth to a more powerful force.
Must use the gift given, talents given must be used or they are surrendered.
[1] Rev. Thomas Kinkead, An Explanation of the Baltimore Catechism of Christian Doctrine for the use of Sunday-School Teachers and Advanced Classes, (TAN: Rockford, IL 1891, 1988 reprint) 150-152
[2] https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/059-02_068.pdf Rev. F. J. Taylor, 68
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Eucharist-III.m4a III New Testament, pride of place, direct command by Our Lord in remembrance of Him, inspired by Holy Spirit, inerrant, and chronological Jn 6 & Paul in 1 Cor essential texts
Protestant realizing importance of Communion, sometimes daily, with special rules, blessing altar, ritual and sacramentality, pointing to what did our Lord do, and apostles do
New Testament at least his essential rite:
- Bread & wine are brought to the altar
- The celebrant gives thanks
3 He takes the bread, blesses it and says the words of Institution.
- He does the same over the wine
5 The bread is broken, it and the consecrated wine are given to the people (aposltes) in Communion[1]
Near Eastern tradition putting first morsel on tongues, kneeling as bishops, first morsel on tongues
Jn 6 Much to highlight, however limit ourselves to a few considerations with a view to the liturgy
- JC compares himself to manna NOT the lamb. Bread of Life discourse.
- Jews scandalized by carnal words of body, eat, flesh, chew
- John aware of paschal interpretation of JC death (Jn 1:29, 19:14, 19:36)
1 Cor Paul handed on what he received
Gal 2:1-10; 1 Cor 9:1-6 Paul cooperates with other communities
1 Cor 11:23-27
- Lord’s supper is a sacrificial meal
- Lord supper connected to Passover but not identical
- Lord supper rooted in night He was betrayed
Communal bread breaking Acts 2:42, 20:7 and Luke 24
Distinct from the Sabbath, The Lord’s Day Act 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2
Hebrews 13;10 altar (note the retention of phrase ‘altar call’)
Rev 4:6-11 Resemblance to Eucharistic prayers
Summary of NT sources for synagogue services, assemblies of Christians, in the morning distinct from the Eucharist
- Special Day, Sunday (Acts 7:1, 1 Cor 16:2)
- Readings from holy books (Act 13:5, 1 Tim 4:13, 1 Thess 5:27, Col 4:16)
- Sermons (1 Cor 14:26; Acts 20:7)
- Sang Psalms (1 Cor 14:26) and hymns (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)
- Intercessory Types Prayers for the People (1 Tim 2:1-2, Acts 2:42)
- Profession of Faith (1 Tim 6:12)
- Kiss of Peace (rom 16:16, 1 Cor 16:20, 1 Thess 5:26, 1 Pet 5:14)
- Collections of alms for the poor (Rom 15:26, 1 Cor 16:1-2, 2 Cor 14:10-13)[2]
The Eucharist Proper
- Prayer of Thanksgiving (Lk 22:19, 1 Cor 16:23, 14:16, 1 Tim 2:1)
- Blessing of Bread & Wine by words of Institution (1 Cor 10:16, Mt 26:26-28, Mk 14:22-24, Lk 22:19-20, 1 Cor 11:23)
- Prayers remembering Christ’s death (Acts 2:42, Lk 22:19, 1 Cor 11: 23, 25, 26)
- The people eat and drink the consecrated bread & wine (Mt 26:26, 27; Mk 14:23,23; 1 Cor 14:26-29)[3]
Ignatius of Antioch, first century, lions grinding hie flesh, Greek word the same
“I am writing to all the Churches and I enjoin all, that I am dying willingly for God’s sake, if only you do not prevent it. I beg you, do not do me an untimely kindness. Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God. I am God’s wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ.”
Not a Eucharist at every celebration, but when it was it was joined to the Christianized Synagogue service, coming at the end[4]
This basic outline is the shape of all liturgies formed from the Scriptures not the laws of medieval Popes.
IV Ignatius of Antioch c. 35-107
Wrote 7 letters en route to martyrdom in ROME during reign of Trajan
Rome is undisputed center of Christianity, martyrdom of Peter & Paul. Alexandria, Antioch, and Constantinople were the other prominent communities.
Desire “bread of God, flesh of JC, seed of David and for drink His blood which is imperishable love”
- One Eucharist, one cup, one altar. Altar had a sacrificial meaning. (Philadelphians 4.1; also Ephesians 20.2).35 The repeated mention of an altar (θυσιαστήριον; Ephesians 5.2; Trallians 7.2; Magnesians 7.2) indicates a sacrificial understanding
- An event to be offered only in communion with the bishop and not a common meal. Note hierarchy already in place.
“Let that eucharist be considered valid that occurs under the bishop or the one to whom he entrusts it” (Smyrneans 8.1; also Ephesians 5.2-3; Trallians 7.2).”
Uncommon sacred meal, medicine brings immortality
Ignatius describes the Eucharist as “a medicine that brings immortality, an antidote that allows us not to die but to live at all times in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 20); being “the flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, which suffered on behalf of our sins” (Smyrneans 7.1; cf. John 6:53-69).
Unites believers by their partaking (Smyrneans 8.1; Ephesians 20.2)
[1] Adrian Fortescue, The Mass: A Study in the Roman Liturgy, pg 1 Kindle edition
[2] Fortescue, 3
[3] Fortescue, 6-7
[4] Fortescue, 4
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Confirmation-I.m4a 1. Confirmation= Latin con (with) + firmare (to firm or strengthen). It is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches and is equivalent to chrismation in the Eastern Orthodox.[1] It is given to those already baptized in order to make them strong (strengthen) by perfecting or completing the gifts given at Baptism.
During the Pre Constantine period, the word Confirmation was not used. Rather terms manuum impostio (imposition of hands), unction, chrism, or sealing.
- CCC, 2nd ed guide. Nice summary of sources. Narratio different than encyclopedia. And/both
1285 “It must explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
Baptism Moved from Natural life to supernatural grace, Confirmation caps mirror image, strong now for natural life. Completion of Baptism. Strengthening in firmness in soul, specifically purpose Confirmation can become soldier of Christ, interior strength.
NB similar language to Baltimore Catechism. Our Lord wants a relationship with us as mature sons and daughters. #1 CCC “ God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life.”
- Confirmation defined, different from Baptism though often given simultaneously with it.
[the Church Fathers and early Christian writers also recognized confirmation as a sacrament distinct from baptism, even though it was usually given simultaneously with baptism. Their words speak powerfully about this anointing and imposition of hands for reception of the Holy Spirit and the role it has in Christian initiation.[2]
1289 Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God “anointed with the Holy Spirit.” This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means “chrism.” In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms baptism and strengthens baptismal grace.
Separation in time of two sacraments, child is older, better physical sense extra grace supplied, interesting efficaciousness available coincidentally. Frequently do adults are older children brought into faith. See Sacraments of initiation impacts the individuals.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/confirmation accessed March 15, 2022
[2] Read more: https://www.catholicfidelity.com/confirmation-and-the-early-church-fathers-by-catholic-answers/
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Baptism-Pre-Constantine-VI.m4a VII Conclusion- Practical Advise Read Bish Schneider’s 3-fold baptism
Who baptized you? (in conversation with Diane Montagna)
Bsp Schneider[1], “Now this is a very nice story. I was already baptized and was one year old when BlessedFr. Oleksiy can to celebrate Mass at our home. He celebrated the Mass secretly, and my mother put me in the cradle to the side of where Father was celebrating. I became an altar boy at one year old! There were no priests in Kyrgyzstan, and only very rarely would a priest come secretly. My mother could not leave me without baptism- it was impossible for her. So, one week after my birth, she baptized me herself because she knew her catechism well, and she knew it was possible.
Your family was very well formed in the faith (goal of my website in general and Garden of Graces in particular
Bsp Schneider continues, “As I said earlier, they read the catechism even during forced labor. They were always repeating basic contents of their good German catechism and they had written down the most important Catholic truths.
To baptize me, my mother took a prayer book, in which the baptismal formula was present. She spoke the words as she poured that water over me, and when she finished, she looked up at my father and asked, “Did I do this correctly?” And my father said, “I don’t know.” And then she said, “Well, I have to repeat it.” And she repeated the entire ceremony. Again, she poured the water over me, pronouncing the words, and then she felt reassured that it had been properly. I was baptized Antonius after St. Anthony of Padua. Six months later, a Jesuit priest, Fr. Antonius Seskevicius, came from Lithuania and told all the German mothers to bring the babies who had not been baptized by a priest because he wanted to make sure we were baptized. My mother brought me to him and I was “baptized” for the third time. So, I have no doubt about the validity of my baptism!
Much to comment on: solid faith of the parents in spite of persecution, the ardent desire to share the very best to their son, the compassion of Holy Mother Church, the thoroughness of the priest “re-baptizing”, the handing on of their personal narratio within the larger narratio of the economy of salvation, cf Catechism. Note the adjective “good” catechism. Underling my emphasis.
Sad no intention of baptizing grandchildren. Doesn’t take long sin makes one stupid.
Not that people love evil, rather bored with goodness. Overwhelming amount of pleasure available to us. Removes the fast, feast is meh. Children stuffed. Weep when they are not hungry for good things.
Presumption on what the Lord wants us to. Cyprian Carthage 250 not their idea. More in align under persecution.
Want creates demand. Begin in ones wealth to lack His grace, those things will be removed.
Baptism Date connection made by loving families. Older children have concrete memories of younger siblings. Prepare for baptism anniversary with fasting.
Birthday important entered into humanity. Similarly, with the anniversary of baptism. Look and research what are the dates. Pass this onto children. 2 days before offer up fasting to celebrate it.
St. Martin of Tours Nov 11
VIII Addendum Printed in entirety for Reflection
The Sacrament (Mystery) of Christian Baptism St Cyprian of Carthage[2]
From a Letter written to a new convert, 246 A.D.
I promise to share with you the grace God in His great mercy has shown me, and to tell you as simply as I can what I have experienced since I was baptized.
Until that time, I was still living in the dark, knowing nothing of my true life. I was completely involved in this world’s affairs, influenced by all its changing moods and troubles, and exiled from the light of truth.
I had indeed been told that God offered men and women a second birth, by which we could be saved, but I very much doubted that I could change the kind of life I was then living.
Frankly, I could not see how a person could cast off his fallen nature, and be changed in heart and soul while he still lived in the same body as before. How was it possible, I asked myself, to change the habits of a lifetime instantaneously.
How can one suddenly rid oneself of accumulated guilt and break with sin that has become so deeply rooted in one’s life? Can a man whose life has been characterized by feasting and luxury, learn frugality and simplicity in a single moment? A person who craves public distinction and honor cannot bear to be passed over and unnoticed.
Another who is accustomed to throngs of flattering attendance, takes it a terrible penance to be left alone. Is every species of temptation suddenly to lose its force? Should we no longer feel the enticement of wine and good living, where pride no longer swells our heads or anger blazen our breasts? Shall we no longer be troubled by covetousness or cruelty or ambition or lust?
These were my thoughts. My past life was so burdened with so many sins, that I saw no way ever to be rid of, that I had grown accustomed to giving way to my weakness.
I despaired of ever being any better.
Consequently, I simply humored my evil inclinations, and made no attempt to combat them.
But at last I made up my mind to ask for Baptism. I went down into those life-giving waters, and all the stains of my past were washed away.
I committed my life to the Lord. He cleansed my heart and filled me with His Holy Spirit. I was born again, a new man.
And then in a most marvelous way, all my doubts cleared up, I could now see what had been hidden from me before. I found that I could do things that had previously been impossible.
I saw that as long as I had been living according to my lower nature, I was at the mercy of sin, and my course was set for death. But that by living according to my new birth in the Holy Spirit, I had already begun to share God’s eternal life. You know, as well as I do, what sins I died to at that moment, just as you know the gifts the Holy Spirit gave me with my new life. I have no desire to boast, but it is surely Page 1 of 2 sacrament-baptism-cyprian-of-carthage.doc
right to thank God for His free gift. It was through faith in Him, that I received the power to break with the sins into which my own folly had led me.
We have received the seal of the Holy Spirit. Our task now is to preserve the integrity of what we have received by living a truly Christian life. We must give time to prayer, and to the study of scripture. Now speaking to God; now listening to His word to us, and letting His teaching mold us. He has enriched us with a treasure no one can take away.
We have eaten and drunk at His heavenly banquet, and can never again know the pinch of poverty.
[1] Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Christus Vincit, Christ’s Triumph Over the Darkness of the Age (Angelico Press: Brooklyn, NY 2019) 11-12
[2] https://www.orthodox.net/articles/sacrament-baptism-cyprian-of-carthage.pdf accessed Jan 27, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Baptism-Pre-Constantine-IV.m4a Didache[1] (100) Syria
Chapter VII, 1-4
- *Concerning baptism, baptise thus: Having first rehearsed all these things, “baptise, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost,” in running water;
2.But if thou hast no running water, baptise in other water, and if thou canst not in cold, then in warm.
3. But if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head “in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
4. And before the baptism let the baptiser and him who is to be baptised fast, and any others who are able. And thou shalt bid him who is to be baptised to fast one or two days before.*
Note the need for those attending to prepare themselves spiritually as well, i.e. fasting.
Baptism is the necessary gateway to and for receiving the Eucharist.
Chap IX, #5
- But let none eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptised in the Lord’s Name. For concerning this also did the Lord say, “Give not that which is holy to the dogs.”
Perfectly articulated rite of baptism, how is it possible lost connection of fasting to baptism?
Where did it go?
Fast don’t forget the feast.
Given so little authentic patrimony. For fathers made us ignorant.
As parents, to young parents, great gift to fast for them before they receive the Sacrament. A great gift.
Ignatius of Antioch (100)
The Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans Chapter VIII[2] See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out [through their office] the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as where Christ is, there does all the heavenly host stand by, waiting upon Him as the Chief Captain of the Lord’s might, and the Governor of every intelligent nature. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize, or to offer, or to present sacrifice, or to celebrate a love-feast. But that which seems good to him, is also well-pleasing to God, that everything ye do may be secure and valid.
Note the preeminent place of the ecclesial Church along with the direct tie to the Eucharist. We note that the Church in times emergency, recognizes baptism by believers, but that is not the preferred path.
Connection to tradition is fundamentally important as we hear of horror stories of old Baptism, including priests, used a formula not from the apostles. Outside the norm, we worship a personal God, their essences not just their jobs.
Justin Martyr (150) I Apology #61 Christian Baptism[3]
I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water.
Irenaeus of Lyons (175)
Irenaeus “’And dipped himself,’ says [the Scripture], ‘seven times in Jordan.’ It was not for nothing that Naaman of old, when suffering from leprosy, was purified upon his being baptized, but it served as an indication to us. For as we are lepers in sin, we are made clean, by means of the sacred water and the invocation of the Lord, from our old transgressions; being spiritually regenerated as new-born babes, even as the Lord has declared: ‘Except a man be born again through water and the Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’” (Fragment, 34, A.D. 190).
On the cusp of Lent as we are recording, Maronite liturgy more profound fast. Laxity with fasting, laxity with reception of the sacraments.
Fasting as a Virtue, article title. Virtue as a good habit. Outside of diet, naturalistic humanistic element. Intermittent fasting good habit. Never have mind, soul connection.
Fasting anchors. Body is hungry, mind is focused even is next meal. Fasting laser focuses baptism.
1 hr of fasting before the Eucharist for the majority of people is not a fast. Longer Hangry. Grace perfects nature. Depravations make us in tune with needs instead with wants.
[1] http://www.thedidache.com accessed Jan 27, 2022
[2] http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html accessed Jan 27, 2022
[3] https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htm accessed Jan 27, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Psalm-56-VI.m4a 12 My vows to thee I must perform, O God;
I will render thank offerings to thee.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
yea, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
I must perform because it is right and true. When my husband does a loving deed, I ‘must’ thank him because it is right to do so.
We perform vows to things every day. Fear of God, set heart in right place, my true vow is to God. Immediate, first dedication to the Lord
See a clear Christological reference and our own hope for the life to come. Death where is your sting? 1 Cor 15:55
Light of life, Revelations, God himself will be their lamps/ light.
Exhortation
Do not fear/ Perfect love casts out fear 1 Jn 4:18
365 verses do not fear
V8 God thinks of us
V3 trust in God/ V12 must give thank offerings cf (Ps 22)
Over flows remember how good God has been to us. Prayer journal, personal prayer requests fulfilled.
We forget our own tossing and struggles and forget how Gd took care of us. Practical way to create memory book.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Eucharist-I.m4a Part I Old Testament, Jewish Liturgy
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Beginning of Lent
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Suggested one, be available to the graces offered in the Sacraments esp Baptism & Eucharist
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An excellent way to heighten understanding and appreciation is to consider the Old Testament, New Testament, Apostolic & Patristic Period sources
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Old Testament Sourcing
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Inspired, inerrant
- New Testament hidden in the Old Testament
- Customs and theology OT bedrock of Jesus and the Apostles
- Some practices archaic to us, helpful to use non-Scriptural sources
III. Fr. James L Meagher, D.D.
- Doctorate given by Leo XIII
- President of the Christian Press Association Publishing Company in New York
- 1906, 440 pages with references and detailed index, How Christ Said the First Mass, Tan publishing
- A time very similar to ours: Modernism, Atheism, Moral Relativism is on the march.
- Pius X Pascendi Dominici Gregis (On the Doctrines of Modernism) 1907
- Fr. Meagher takes objections that modern man would propose
https://karen-early.com/archive/modernism-episode-1/
- Fr. Meagher’s thesis “Little addition was made to the Ordinary of the Mass handed down from the days of St. Peter, Founder of our Liturgy.[1]
With exquisite detail Fr. Meagher will demonstrate how Jews of Jesus’ generation would have expected a highly ritualized sacrificial liturgy. Though it is outside the purview of his text, I note that it would have been the mindset of pagans/Gentile converts in the ANE to expect a ritualized service. In addition to understanding the Mass of Peter, understanding the Jewish roots of the liturgy is a solid refutation against the heresy of Marcion, which is always present.
- Father will use the Old Testament as his primary source. “Ceremonies seen today in the Mass came down from the Hebrew Rites God established through Moses and the great men of the Old Testament.”[2]
- “Last Supper combined in one ceremonial the patriarchal worship, tabernacle, Temple, the synagogue, all united in one feast the Hebrews call Passover, which Christ fulfilled and changed into the Mass.”[3] This conclusion is similar when NT and Apostolic/ Patristic sources considered.
- The Tabernacle and its ceremonial came from God himself.
- OT pattern: Shekina = Holy Spirit= Divine Presence (limiting to liturgy)
Directs Moses to deliver the Jews
Covered Sinai, gave the Law, Priesthood, ceremonies, tabernacle all given in minute detail Ex 12[4]
- Messiah appear, Shekina would speak, i.e. John the Baptist, Ascension, Pentecost[5]
- God established daily sacrifice with the Tabernacle & Temple for perpetual oblation Ex 29.43[6]
[1] James. L. Meagher, How Christ Said the First Mass (New York, Tan Publishing 1906) 11
[2] Meagher, 92
[3] Meagher, 15
[4] Meagher, 126
[5] Meagher, 43
[6] Meagher, 46
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Baptism-Pre-Constantine-III.m4a III. Acts Baptism
Pentecost Peter Acts 2:38
1226 Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The apostles and their collaborators offer Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus: Jews, the God-fearing, pagans. Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family.”
Phillip baptizing of Ethiopian Eunuch Act 8:38
Peter baptizing the household of Cornelius after his vision of clean & unclean animals Acts 10:44-48
Households, confession of faith. Baptism & Confession both sacraments meant to keep us in state of grace.
Martin Luther or early Protestants did not get rid immediately infant baptism. Later derivations somehow move away from practice.
Baptism less associated with Christ and more like John the Baptist view. Outside purview of our timeline.
Mainline Protestantism maintain infant baptism.
- Paul’s theological perspective
1227 According to the Apostle Paul, the believer enters through Baptism into communion with Christ’s death, is buried with him, and rises with him:
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
The baptized have “put on Christ.” Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies.
New-man
Death and resurrection with Christ.
Baptism of the apostles, is there a recounting? Assumption baptized by Christ. Refer to apocryphal texts. Silence presumes ascent.
- A quote that I heartily agree with, “The early church was unanimous that we are saved by grace, through, faith, not by works. They were also unanimous in their belief that baptism was a work of God and that salvation occurs upon baptism–it is the point in time that a person is forgiven of their sins. Like I said in my response to your first question, this is the unanimous testimony of all early church fathers.
John Oakes[1]
Ancient understanding.
VI Following the viewpoint where applicable of Patristic Fathers listed from our Eucharistic Studies
- Clement of Rome (97)
Some use this text, take out of context, which is pretext. Clement does not mention baptism. He is rightly talking about Faith and the action of God, nothing about whether baptism is necessary or a ‘work’.
Clement of Rome (?-110), “And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, Chapter 32).
Necessary requirements, no man save oneself. Baptism highlights, no man baptizes himself. Needs cooperation. God assure man in his humility lest he boast. No man can pardon own sins, go to another. Need male and female to bring forth new life, co-creator with God needs to be a he/she. Humility & certainty.
[1] https://evidenceforchristianity.org/12773-2/ accessed Jan 27, 2022
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Psalm-56-V.m4a As they have waited for my life,
7 so recompense[a] them for their crime;
in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!
8 Thou hast kept count of my tossings;
put thou my tears in thy bottle!
Are they not in thy book?
The wages of sin are death, fear. There is a boomerang effect with evil. The destruction that is set for the other, is the pit the evil doer falls into. Hangman noose of Haman is an excellent illustration. Esther 7:10
Sometimes, silence can overwhelm our faith. David reminds us that God always hears our cries, He saves our tears, we are written in His book (which is one of life and prosperity)
God keeping our tears, power. Sorrow in escapable. God is aware of our struggle.
9 Then my enemies will be turned back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that[b] God is for me.
Prayer journal is an excellent help at this point. By reading and recalling how God worked personally in my life during the last problem/ crisis/ challenge will have confidence that my enemies will be turned back. Remember the works of the Lord.
This I know. Trust switch call to God, in his remembering, leads to fact God is for me.
Fear of the Lord, awe, not angry, respect, free from other fear. Position of humility. Key to hear of the Father is trust.
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust without a fear.
What can man do to me?
My excellent advice from David giving us a remedy. Praise God, praise His word, Praise Him with our own words, with trust. Fear casts out faith. Trust/ faith is the key to the heart of the Father.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eucharist-IV-Pre-Constantine.m4a V Justin Martyr c. 100- 168 Early Apologist, writes FROM Rome
- Offers developed view of rites and understanding Eucharist
- First Apology & Dialogue with Trypho written in Greek
- Shape of Sunday Eucharist. Note Sunday was the special day set aside, not the Sabbath of Saturday.
- Special place “”to where those from town and country come”. This does not fit the common notion of a domestic setting in the Mediterranean world. This is a shift in research from modern times, Deo graits.
(1 Apology 67)
- Remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sufferings, incarnation, thanksgiving
- Offered at length depending on the presider (1 Apology 67)
-OT types fulfilled in Eucharist: fine flour Lev 14:10-20 & Trypho 41,1; supply of bread promise Is 33:16 & Trypho 70,4; pure sacrifice rising of sun to its setting Mal 1:10-12 & Trypho 41,2
- Eucharist praise to Trinity in everyplace
- When offered by those worthy (Trypho 117,3)
- Incarnation Christ “took flesh and blood for our salvation,” so too “the food over which thanks have been given through [a] word of prayer which is from him, from which our blood and flesh are fed by transformation, is both the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus.”
In parallel with the Incarnation, the act of thanksgiving, through words that come from the Logos, transforms the bread and wine into Jesus’ flesh and blood: the bread and wine are “eucharistized.” (1 Apology 65)
- Not common food and have conditions for participation: faith & baptism.
Defined ritual (1 Apology 67)
Reading from apostles & prophets
Homily
Intercession
Kiss of peace
Offertory
Consecratory prayers with Amen
Communion
Collection
On a special day Sunday & special place
Didache, Ignatius, and Justin together show that not all Christian meals were proper Eucharists.
Didache now first movement, growing beyond physical requirements. Need other means to instruct, format, codify structure. What is normative cant be visibly shown by the apostles. Hand on to generations. Early Church thought Jesus coming soon. Realize ‘soon’ has another time frame. Teachings of apostles set on paper lest it be lost.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Psalm-56-I.m4a Trust in God under Persecution
To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths.
A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.
56 Be gracious to me, O God,
for men trample upon me;
all day long foemen oppress me;
2 my enemies trample upon me all day long,
for many fight against me proudly.
3 When I am afraid,
I put my trust in thee.
4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust without a fear.
What can flesh do to me?
5 All day long they seek to injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
6 They band themselves together, they lurk,
they watch my steps.As they have waited for my life,
7 so recompense[a] them for their crime;
in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!
8 Thou hast kept count of my tossings;
put thou my tears in thy bottle!
Are they not in thy book?9 Then my enemies will be turned back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that[b] God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust without a fear.
What can man do to me?
12 My vows to thee I must perform, O God;
I will render thank offerings to thee.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
yea, my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Footnotes
- Psalm 56:7Cn: Heb deliver
- Psalm 56:9Or because
- Structure of Psalm 56
5 Books of Psalms 1-41; 42-72; 73-89; 90-106; 107- 150
We are in Book II of Psalms
Book II: The Triumphs of David
Book II vs Book I has greater optimism and emphasis on praise[1]
- Authorship: David tenth century BC
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Superscription[2] [Meaning of Scriptures, layers literal first place]
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Initial plea and complaint
III. Affirmation of Confidence
- Complaint
- Imprecation and petition
- Affirmation of confidence
VII. Vow
- Promise of thanksgiving
- Affirmation of confidence
- Promise of sacrifice
- Motif of thanksgiving
Faith/trust/confidence synonyms
David can be locked into David & Goliath, forget adultery Bathsheba, still a man
Terrified and confident at the same time
Best way to combat terror is confidence in the Lord
Subject meaning of faith vs objective faith
Mk 9:24 help my unbelief boy’s father not centurion
[1] John Bergsma & Brant Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible, Old Testament Volume I (Ignatius: San Francisco 2018) 569
[2] Erhard S. Gerstenberger Psalms Part 1, With and introduction to Cultic Poetry, Forms of the Old Testament Literature vol XIV (Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, MI 1988) 226
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eucharist-III-Pre-Constantine.m4a IV Ignatius of Antioch c. 35-107
Wrote 7 letters en route to martyrdom in ROME during reign of Trajan
Rome is undisputed center of Christianity, martyrdom of Peter & Paul. Alexandria, Antioch, and Constantinople were the other prominent communities.
Desire “bread of God, flesh of JC, seed of David and for drink His blood which is imperishable love”
- One Eucharist, one cup, one altar. Altar had a sacrificial meaning. (Philadelphians 4.1; also Ephesians 20.2).35 The repeated mention of an altar (θυσιαστήριον; Ephesians 5.2; Trallians 7.2; Magnesians 7.2) indicates a sacrificial understanding
- An event to be offered only in communion with the bishop and not a common meal. Note hierarchy already in place.
“Let that eucharist be considered valid that occurs under the bishop or the one to whom he entrusts it” (Smyrneans 8.1; also Ephesians 5.2-3; Trallians 7.2).”
Uncommon sacred meal, medicine brings immortality
Ignatius describes the Eucharist as “a medicine that brings immortality, an antidote that allows us not to die but to live at all times in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 20); being “the flesh of our savior Jesus Christ, which suffered on behalf of our sins” (Smyrneans 7.1; cf. John 6:53-69).
Unites believers by their partaking (Smyrneans 8.1; Ephesians 20.2)
Earthy language of altar, moderns unbloody sacrifice, places of great beauty, profound beauty
Ignatius’ time understood bloody sacrifice. Understood cost. Different view of altar stone. Brethren turned to food in coliseum.
Far removed from act, and less thankful.
IV Didache (100) “The teaching of the Lord to the Gentiles (or Nations) by the twelve apostles”.
, esp Chap 9, 10, 14 and 1 Cor connection, these 3 chapters may be older than document itself
- sacred ritual and meal
- benediction before bread and wine
- self-examination (confession of sins)
- need for baptism[1]
- while it may be coupled to a meal, it is NOT open to all
- ecclesial unity
- thanksgiving to God through Jesus Christ
- Sacrificial character Chap 14[2]
Naive concept not have formalized structure. Pagan world had rituals, Jewish religion highly ritualistic. Jesus & apostles had this education under Jewish patrimony. Foreign to Jewish or pagan mind to not have ritual.
[1] See Huub van de Sandt, “Why Does the Didache Conceive of the Eucharist as a Holy Meal?,” in Vigiliae Christianae 65 (2011), 1-20.
[2] See Valeriy Alikin, The Earliest History of the Christian Gathering: Origin, Development and Content of the Christian Gathering in the First to Third Centuries (Leiden: Brill, 2010), 109-111.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Eucharist-II-Pre-Constantine.m4a III. Sources Considered
New Testament (33-99)
Didache (100) Syria
Ignatius of Antioch (100)
Justin Martyr (150)
Irenaeus of Lyons (175)
Tertullian (200’s)
Origen (200)
Cyprian of Carthage (250)
Basil (350) opening quote
III New Testament, pride of place, both in chronological order in time and more importantly inspired by Holy Spirit with inerrancy Jn 6 & Paul in 1 Cor essential
Jn 6 Much to highlight, however limit ourselves to a few considerations with a view to the liturgy
- JC compares himself to manna NOT the lamb. Bread of Life discourse.
- Jews scandalized by carnal words of body, eat, flesh, chew
- John aware of paschal interpretation of JC death (Jn 1:29, 19:14, 19:36)
Synoptic Gospels rich comparison to paschal unblemished lamb.
Jn 3:16 great passage of hope
John 6 more profoundly touching. Lord willing at cost of enormous loss of followers. His flesh life for the world.
Manna, palatable for all humans to commune with Him.
1 Cor Paul handed on what he received
Gal 2:1-10; 1 Cor 9:1-6 Paul cooperated with other communities
Church of Rome, new Christian communities, imitate, apostles, Paul, Rome do
1 Cor 11:23-27
1 Lord’s supper is a sacrificial meal
2 Lord supper connected to Passover
- Lord supper rooted in night He was betrayed
Communal bread breaking Acts 2:42, 20:7 and Luke 24
Hebrews 13:10 altar (note the retention of phrase ‘altar call’)
Rev 4:6-11 Resemblance to Eucharistic prayers
Seeds are there. Ex/ sees in may, recognize tomato will grow from it.
All necessary in Sacred scripture. Written to addressed problems in community so as not spread. Instructions given orally and personally. reason for missionary travels. Ritual in action seen. Corrections given after personal instruction.
Judaism ritual rich soil bed for liturgy.
Oral tradition hear party game. Not same in an oral tradition community depended on transmission.
Dependent on Written, recorded, videos, hold information rather than brain.
Platonic Dialogues Socrates, Plato not inspired, ability to recount with almost perfect recall. Not unique to him. Brain must hold information and an occasional letter.
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https://karen-early.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Psalm-40-Read-by-Micah-Leaverton.m4a
My Help and My Deliverer To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
40 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes
the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear.[a]
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance[b]
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.
11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
ever preserve me!
12 For evils have encompassed me
beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
my heart fails me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
17 As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!
Footnotes 1. Psalm 40:6 Hebrew ears you have dug for me 2. Psalm 40:9 Hebrew righteousness; also verse 10
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