Jesus
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
On November
1, 1950, Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We
pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the
immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her
earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” The pope
proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and
laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was
already a common belief in the Catholic Church.
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely
associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that
the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary’s share in his
glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and
soul in heaven.
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testament, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20 Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Holy Love Ministry
Holy
Love
August 7, 2012
Public
DELIVERANCE
St. John Vianney says: "Praise be to Jesus."
"Today I have come to speak to you specifically about deliverance. There is great need for this today, but not all are given this gift or are called to such a ministry. It is attractive to many through spiritual pride. Deliverance seems to carry with it the pride of being 'in the know' and above others in the spiritual realm."
"But, I tell you, just reading a book, hearing a talk or desiring to be in the deliverance ministry does not give you the gift of deliverance. Deliverance ministry is a gift from God. Many are thrown off track by those who claim to be deliverance ministers, but are really looking for self-importance."
"Those who really are called to the deliverance ministry are chosen by God to help others; not to be in the spotlight themselves. They are humble, self-effacing and not looking for identity through titles."
"Most priests have the gift of deliverance if they are living in the Truth of Holy Love. There are few lay people who really have such a gift - but there are many who think they do, and profess that they do."
"Be wary of anyone who proclaims that he has any gift."
"In short a deliverance ministry is more than reciting a formula prayer or placing a label of 'Deliverance Ministry' upon yourself. It is more than intellect. It is spiritual - an interaction between human and Divine. Never presume to be more than God chooses for you. Let God decide what gifts to give you."
-------------------------
August 7, 2012
Public
DELIVERANCE
St. John Vianney says: "Praise be to Jesus."
"Today I have come to speak to you specifically about deliverance. There is great need for this today, but not all are given this gift or are called to such a ministry. It is attractive to many through spiritual pride. Deliverance seems to carry with it the pride of being 'in the know' and above others in the spiritual realm."
"But, I tell you, just reading a book, hearing a talk or desiring to be in the deliverance ministry does not give you the gift of deliverance. Deliverance ministry is a gift from God. Many are thrown off track by those who claim to be deliverance ministers, but are really looking for self-importance."
"Those who really are called to the deliverance ministry are chosen by God to help others; not to be in the spotlight themselves. They are humble, self-effacing and not looking for identity through titles."
"Most priests have the gift of deliverance if they are living in the Truth of Holy Love. There are few lay people who really have such a gift - but there are many who think they do, and profess that they do."
"Be wary of anyone who proclaims that he has any gift."
"In short a deliverance ministry is more than reciting a formula prayer or placing a label of 'Deliverance Ministry' upon yourself. It is more than intellect. It is spiritual - an interaction between human and Divine. Never presume to be more than God chooses for you. Let God decide what gifts to give you."
-------------------------
Monday, August 6, 2012
Book of Daniel 7: 9-10,13-14
As I watched:
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw:
One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw:
One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)