Ijournal entry 042516 #17. April, month of the Eucharist. Aphorism by Hans Von Balthasar. Quotes by St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Gianna Molla, Julien Chilcott-Monk, and St. Gregory the Great. "On the Lord's Resurrection, by St. Leo the Great. "The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples": by St. Gregory the Great. YouTube video: "7 principles of spiritual warfare"' by Fr. Mark Goring
"The Incarnation of Jesus can help us understand the mystery of the Eucharist. We believe that the eternal Word of the Father took flesh and became truly human. In his divine nature Jesus existed before all time with the Father and the Spirit. In his human nature Jesus of Nazareth was a man of his time: He dressed like other first-century Jews, spoke their language, ate their food and shared their culture.
Similarly, the Eucharist has both divine and human elements. While the Eucharist is, was and always will be the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, this divine mystery is “incarnated” into human culture. The eucharistic celebration employs the language, clothing, postures and rhythms appropriate to the culture in which it is celebrated. And, as cultures differ from place to place and from age to age, we can expect corresponding differences in the celebration of the Eucharist." By Fr. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.
Similarly, the Eucharist has both divine and human elements. While the Eucharist is, was and always will be the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, this divine mystery is “incarnated” into human culture. The eucharistic celebration employs the language, clothing, postures and rhythms appropriate to the culture in which it is celebrated. And, as cultures differ from place to place and from age to age, we can expect corresponding differences in the celebration of the Eucharist." By Fr. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.
"Meaning [Bedeutung] is always richer than interpretation [Deutung]". By Hans Von Balthasar
MTA= We all can get caught up in the "leaning on our own understanding" MO (mode of operation). What should be dominate in our lives is "leaning on the Holy Spirit", on the Magisterium of the church, and on the saints. We'll surely get much further and holier if we were to do so. Our interpretation may be very far from the true meaning intended by Christ. It makes perfect sense why He left a visible head to lead the church, so no excuses for us to err.
⚪️ "Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved". By St. Ignatius of Loyola
🔵 "Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love". By St. Gianna Molla
🔴 We all have our Peter moments and we remember them with shame. We can daily deny Christ in our own personal ways, almost without thinking. Happily our Lord looks beyond what he knows will be a stumbling block for us and says: “When you have turned again, look after your brethren". By Julien Chilcott-Monk
⚫️ “Our hearts are open, Lord, to thee: Thou knowest our infirmity; Pour out on all who seek thy face Abundance of thy pardoning grace". By St. Gregory the Great,
🔵 "Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering and we cannot suffer without love". By St. Gianna Molla
🔴 We all have our Peter moments and we remember them with shame. We can daily deny Christ in our own personal ways, almost without thinking. Happily our Lord looks beyond what he knows will be a stumbling block for us and says: “When you have turned again, look after your brethren". By Julien Chilcott-Monk
⚫️ “Our hearts are open, Lord, to thee: Thou knowest our infirmity; Pour out on all who seek thy face Abundance of thy pardoning grace". By St. Gregory the Great,
Recently Bob invited me to attend his church for a class, it's the Alpha Course that is being presented. St. Pope John XXIII maxim is always a good guide to follow: "See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little."
Upon awaking the next morning after the class, it was plain as to the reason for me accepting the invitation. The chosen date was definitely ordained by God. We may have one thing in mind, but it's amazing what can be on God's mind. He is miles ahead of us as we journey along, and praise God for that. Everything we do, where we go, etc, should have a spirirual meaning and impact, be it little or be it great, otherwise it won't be doing us very much good, as all things are passing away.
Upon awaking the next morning after the class, it was plain as to the reason for me accepting the invitation. The chosen date was definitely ordained by God. We may have one thing in mind, but it's amazing what can be on God's mind. He is miles ahead of us as we journey along, and praise God for that. Everything we do, where we go, etc, should have a spirirual meaning and impact, be it little or be it great, otherwise it won't be doing us very much good, as all things are passing away.
1 John 2:17 "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" |
Also if something is attended, and we label it as "good", then we should have some concrete "takeaway" point that will be helpful in making our spiritual lives better. Even if it's just one word, then, that is good, because whatever comes from God is good and necessary for our eternal salvation, and that of others. He can always write straight with crooked lines. Sometimes it's a confirmation we get, and how exciting is that? At times we may get a word of affirmation, coming at the exact moment of need.
It was discerned that one reason for my attendance was the upcoming help that would revolutionize my morning prayer repertoire. The 23rd Psalm would be added to the memorized prayers below. It seems that psalm is the perfection addition to the ten prayers being said upon awakening, and it may be the only psalm that is already committed to memory. At the class when we were instructed to turn to that passage, after reading it, my spirit quickened and my soul was immediately delighted by the Holy Spirit. There was a new understanding of how this could help me live a more surrendered, accepting, and trusting day. To see each day begin with the Good Shepherd leading me, is to know that all bases will be covered by God's graces. That translates into accepting what can't be changed, to change what can, and accepting God's will as it unfolds through circumstances. Isn't that what holiness is all about? The psalm states all the provisions that are mine, and it clearly demonstrates how Jesus will be Lord in every aspect when and where a need arises. It's up to me to let go and let God.
The day after the class, a poem was composed about the Good Shepherd (sharing that next week), and three days later at the Vigil Mass it was a surprise to hear the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel reading. The response to the Responsorial Psalm was : "We are his people, the sheep of a His flock. The Gospel reading was about the
sheep hearing the voice of the shepherd. No doubt all of this was apropos to my being led to attend that particular class, as they all are different and are ongoing for ten weeks.
Seven points were gleaned from the psalm, which is perfect since seven represents completion. What more is needed than to have the day unfold under the auspices of the Good Shepherd.
It was discerned that one reason for my attendance was the upcoming help that would revolutionize my morning prayer repertoire. The 23rd Psalm would be added to the memorized prayers below. It seems that psalm is the perfection addition to the ten prayers being said upon awakening, and it may be the only psalm that is already committed to memory. At the class when we were instructed to turn to that passage, after reading it, my spirit quickened and my soul was immediately delighted by the Holy Spirit. There was a new understanding of how this could help me live a more surrendered, accepting, and trusting day. To see each day begin with the Good Shepherd leading me, is to know that all bases will be covered by God's graces. That translates into accepting what can't be changed, to change what can, and accepting God's will as it unfolds through circumstances. Isn't that what holiness is all about? The psalm states all the provisions that are mine, and it clearly demonstrates how Jesus will be Lord in every aspect when and where a need arises. It's up to me to let go and let God.
The day after the class, a poem was composed about the Good Shepherd (sharing that next week), and three days later at the Vigil Mass it was a surprise to hear the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel reading. The response to the Responsorial Psalm was : "We are his people, the sheep of a His flock. The Gospel reading was about the
sheep hearing the voice of the shepherd. No doubt all of this was apropos to my being led to attend that particular class, as they all are different and are ongoing for ten weeks.
Seven points were gleaned from the psalm, which is perfect since seven represents completion. What more is needed than to have the day unfold under the auspices of the Good Shepherd.
#1. What is essential for me today, will be mine.
#2. On today's journey there will be green pastures and quiet waters to encounter. We must have eyes open to perceive such, even though turbulence may surround, do not allow that to be a blindspot.
#3. If surrender is the name of the game, then it is to know that whatever is unfolding during the day, the path is set by God, or He is allowing all for His glory
Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" |
#4. When the crosses, troubles, trials, and tribulations come rolling in, the first thing that sometimes crosses a person's mind is "the enemy" is behind this. Well if the Good Shepherd is in charge of the flock, no wolf is going to have it's way with the sheep, and you can believe that! We are allowed to suffer the passion sometimes in small or great ways at times, but take courage, pray, and expect the comfort that will surely be "a given" until the storm passes. For sure we are walking through the dark valley, not encamped there.
Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church" |
#5. Let it be clear that the enemy doesn't, and will never have the upper hand with us. God gives us the victory in the midst of what is meant to bring us down. How and why? The answer is because by of the oil of the Holy Spirit, the graces from the Sacraments of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and from Scripture, we are all nourished and cleansed of soul to stay strong and live virtuous. (Non-Catholics use the Scriptures: "The Word", since you have that available. Praise God forCatholics having not only "The Word", but "The Word made Flesh", in the Holy Eucharist. If you can't take two steps, then take one, praise The Lord.
#6. With the Good Shepherd ever at our side, how can the day not contain goodness and kindness?
John 8:12 "Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. |
#7. Following the Good Shepherd, leads to only one destiny.
1 John 2:25 "And this is what he promised us--eternal" |
Now, we can all say Amen and begin our day with the 23rd Psalm and follow the Chief Shepherd, the guardian of our souls: "1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" My morning prayer routine upon awakening consists of the following prayers. Very seldom miss praying these prayers, but sometimes when in a rush, it's a quick jump out of bed and praying them on the fly or a little latter in the day. A few times have completely forgotten about them😞. |
🏹1st prayer
🙏🏼The Pardon Prayer
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.
(The seers said this prayer was taught to them in the initial Fátima apparition in the spring of 1916, by an angel who called himself "the Guardian Angel of Portugal"
🏹2nd prayer
🙏🏼Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,To light and guard, Rule and guide.
🏹3rd prayer
🙏🏻PRAYER TO St. Michael The Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..
🏹4th & 5th prayer to the Holy Spirit
4. 🙏🏼Prayer to the Holy Spirit by Cardinal Mercier
O, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. MEnlighten me, Guide me, Strengthen me, Console me,Tell me what I should do. MGive me your orders. MI promise to submit myself to all that you desire for me and to accept allMthat you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will.
5. 🙏🏾Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
🏹6th, 7th, & 8th prayer asking intercession from Blessed Mary, the person God choose to be the Blessed Mother of His Beloved Son Jesus
6. 🙏🏼Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
7. 🙏🏻THE MAGNIFICAT
(The Magnificat, taken from Luke’s Gospel (1:46-55), is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s hymn of praise to the Lord. It is also known as the Canticle of Mary. Although the Magnificat has had numerous musical settings from such composers as Palestrina, Bach and Mozart, it can be recited as well as sung. Its name comes from the first line of its text in Latin “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” translated in the first line below. Mary proclaims the Lord’s greatness with characteristic humility and grace here)
My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name;
And His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.
8. 🙏🏾The Angelus
The Hail Mary is taken from this part of scripture: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28) "Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk1:42).
😇The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
😇Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
😇And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.(To be said 3 times)
🏹9th prayer is
9. The Armor of God from Ephesians 6
Dear God I put on the Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sword of God’s Word, Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, and the Shoes to spread the Gospel of Peace.
🏹10th prayer is
10. The Divine Praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.
🙏🏼The Pardon Prayer
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.
(The seers said this prayer was taught to them in the initial Fátima apparition in the spring of 1916, by an angel who called himself "the Guardian Angel of Portugal"
🏹2nd prayer
🙏🏼Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,To light and guard, Rule and guide.
🏹3rd prayer
🙏🏻PRAYER TO St. Michael The Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen..
🏹4th & 5th prayer to the Holy Spirit
4. 🙏🏼Prayer to the Holy Spirit by Cardinal Mercier
O, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. MEnlighten me, Guide me, Strengthen me, Console me,Tell me what I should do. MGive me your orders. MI promise to submit myself to all that you desire for me and to accept allMthat you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will.
5. 🙏🏾Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
🏹6th, 7th, & 8th prayer asking intercession from Blessed Mary, the person God choose to be the Blessed Mother of His Beloved Son Jesus
6. 🙏🏼Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
7. 🙏🏻THE MAGNIFICAT
(The Magnificat, taken from Luke’s Gospel (1:46-55), is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s hymn of praise to the Lord. It is also known as the Canticle of Mary. Although the Magnificat has had numerous musical settings from such composers as Palestrina, Bach and Mozart, it can be recited as well as sung. Its name comes from the first line of its text in Latin “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” translated in the first line below. Mary proclaims the Lord’s greatness with characteristic humility and grace here)
My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name;
And His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.
8. 🙏🏾The Angelus
The Hail Mary is taken from this part of scripture: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28) "Blessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk1:42).
😇The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
😇Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
😇And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.(To be said 3 times)
🏹9th prayer is
9. The Armor of God from Ephesians 6
Dear God I put on the Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sword of God’s Word, Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, and the Shoes to spread the Gospel of Peace.
🏹10th prayer is
10. The Divine Praises
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her Glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints. Amen.
St. Leo the Great - "On the Lord's Resurrection"
Info from this site: http://www.monachos.net/content/patristics/patristictexts/175
"II. God did not leave His soul in Hell, nor suffer His flesh to see corruption. Accordingly, since the Apostle says, 'the first man is of the earth earthy, the second man is from heaven heavenly. As is the earthy, such also are they that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly. As we have borne the image of the earthy, so let us also bear the image of Him Who is from heaven', we must greatly rejoice over this change, whereby we are translated from earthly degradation to heavenly dignity through His unspeakable mercy, Who descended into our estate that He might promote us to His, by assuming not only the substance but also the conditions of sinful nature, and by allowing the impossibility of the Godhead to be affected by all the miseries which are the lot of mortal manhood. And hence that the disturbed minds of the disciples might not be racked by prolonged grief, He with such wondrous speed shortened the three days' delay which He had announced, that by joining the last part of the first and the first part of the third day to the whole of the second, He cut off a considerable portion of the period, and yet did not lessen the number of days. The Saviour's Resurrection therefore did not long keep His soul in Hades, nor His flesh in the tomb; and so speedy was the quickening of His uncorrupted flesh that it bore a closer resemblance to slumber than to death, seeing that the Godhead, which quitted not either part of the human nature which He had assumed, reunited by its power that which its power had separated.
III. Christ's manifestation after the Resurrection showed that His person was essentially the same as before. And then there followed many proofs, whereon the authority of the Faith to be preached through the whole world might be based. And although the rolling away of the stone, the empty tomb, the arrangement of the linen cloths, and the angels who narrated the whole deed by themselves fully built up the truth of the Lord's Resurrection, yet did He often appear plainly to the eyes both of the women and of the Apostles, not only talking with them, but also remaining and eating with them and allowing Himself to be handled by the eager and curious hands of those whom doubt assailed. For to this end He entered when the doors were closed upon the disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit by breathing on them, and after giving them the light of understanding opened the secrets of the Holy Scriptures, and again Himself showed them the wound in the side, the prints of the nails, and all the marks of His most recent Passion, whereby it might be acknowledged that in Him the properties of the divine and human nature remained undivided, and we might in such sort know that the Word was not what the flesh is, as to confess God's only Son to be both Word and flesh".
Info from this site: http://www.monachos.net/content/patristics/patristictexts/175
"II. God did not leave His soul in Hell, nor suffer His flesh to see corruption. Accordingly, since the Apostle says, 'the first man is of the earth earthy, the second man is from heaven heavenly. As is the earthy, such also are they that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly. As we have borne the image of the earthy, so let us also bear the image of Him Who is from heaven', we must greatly rejoice over this change, whereby we are translated from earthly degradation to heavenly dignity through His unspeakable mercy, Who descended into our estate that He might promote us to His, by assuming not only the substance but also the conditions of sinful nature, and by allowing the impossibility of the Godhead to be affected by all the miseries which are the lot of mortal manhood. And hence that the disturbed minds of the disciples might not be racked by prolonged grief, He with such wondrous speed shortened the three days' delay which He had announced, that by joining the last part of the first and the first part of the third day to the whole of the second, He cut off a considerable portion of the period, and yet did not lessen the number of days. The Saviour's Resurrection therefore did not long keep His soul in Hades, nor His flesh in the tomb; and so speedy was the quickening of His uncorrupted flesh that it bore a closer resemblance to slumber than to death, seeing that the Godhead, which quitted not either part of the human nature which He had assumed, reunited by its power that which its power had separated.
III. Christ's manifestation after the Resurrection showed that His person was essentially the same as before. And then there followed many proofs, whereon the authority of the Faith to be preached through the whole world might be based. And although the rolling away of the stone, the empty tomb, the arrangement of the linen cloths, and the angels who narrated the whole deed by themselves fully built up the truth of the Lord's Resurrection, yet did He often appear plainly to the eyes both of the women and of the Apostles, not only talking with them, but also remaining and eating with them and allowing Himself to be handled by the eager and curious hands of those whom doubt assailed. For to this end He entered when the doors were closed upon the disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit by breathing on them, and after giving them the light of understanding opened the secrets of the Holy Scriptures, and again Himself showed them the wound in the side, the prints of the nails, and all the marks of His most recent Passion, whereby it might be acknowledged that in Him the properties of the divine and human nature remained undivided, and we might in such sort know that the Word was not what the flesh is, as to confess God's only Son to be both Word and flesh".
St. Gregory the Great: "The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples"
Info from this site: http://www.orthodoxchurchquotes.com/2014/04/28/st-gregory-the-great-the-disbelief-of-thomas-has-done-more-for-our-faith-than-the-faith-of-the-other-disciples/
"Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. He was the only disciple absent; on his return he heard what had happened but refused to believe it. The Lord came a second time; He offered His side for the disbelieving disciple to touch, held out His hands, and showing the scars of His wounds, healed the wound of his disbelief.
Dearly beloved, what do you see in these events? Do you really believe that it was by chance that this chosen disciple was absent, then came and heard, heard and doubted, doubted and touched, touched and believed? It was not by chance but in God’s providence. In a marvelous way God’s mercy arranged that the disbelieving disciple, in touching the wounds of his Master’s body, should heal our wounds of disbelief.
The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside and our faith is strengthened. So the disciple who doubted, then felt Christ’s wounds, becomes a witness to the reality of the resurrection.
Touching Christ, he cried out: ‘My Lord and my God.’ Jesus said to him: ‘Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed.’
Paul said: ‘Faith is the guarantee of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.’ It is clear, then, that faith is the proof of what can not be seen. What is seen gives knowledge, not faith. When Thomas saw and touched, why was he told: ‘You have believed because you have seen me?’
Because what he saw and what he believed were different things. God cannot be seen by mortal man. Thomas saw a human being, whom he acknowledged to be God, and said: ‘My Lord and my God.’
Seeing, he believed; looking at one who was true man, he cried out that this was God, the God he could not see. What follows is reason for great joy: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’
There is here a particular reference to ourselves; we hold in our hearts One we have not seen in the flesh. We are included in these words, but only if we follow up our faith with good works. The true believer practices what he believes. But of those who pay only lip service to faith, Paul has this to say: ‘They profess to know God, but they deny him in their works.’ Therefore James says: ‘Faith without works is dead."
Info from this site: http://www.orthodoxchurchquotes.com/2014/04/28/st-gregory-the-great-the-disbelief-of-thomas-has-done-more-for-our-faith-than-the-faith-of-the-other-disciples/
"Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. He was the only disciple absent; on his return he heard what had happened but refused to believe it. The Lord came a second time; He offered His side for the disbelieving disciple to touch, held out His hands, and showing the scars of His wounds, healed the wound of his disbelief.
Dearly beloved, what do you see in these events? Do you really believe that it was by chance that this chosen disciple was absent, then came and heard, heard and doubted, doubted and touched, touched and believed? It was not by chance but in God’s providence. In a marvelous way God’s mercy arranged that the disbelieving disciple, in touching the wounds of his Master’s body, should heal our wounds of disbelief.
The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside and our faith is strengthened. So the disciple who doubted, then felt Christ’s wounds, becomes a witness to the reality of the resurrection.
Touching Christ, he cried out: ‘My Lord and my God.’ Jesus said to him: ‘Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed.’
Paul said: ‘Faith is the guarantee of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.’ It is clear, then, that faith is the proof of what can not be seen. What is seen gives knowledge, not faith. When Thomas saw and touched, why was he told: ‘You have believed because you have seen me?’
Because what he saw and what he believed were different things. God cannot be seen by mortal man. Thomas saw a human being, whom he acknowledged to be God, and said: ‘My Lord and my God.’
Seeing, he believed; looking at one who was true man, he cried out that this was God, the God he could not see. What follows is reason for great joy: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’
There is here a particular reference to ourselves; we hold in our hearts One we have not seen in the flesh. We are included in these words, but only if we follow up our faith with good works. The true believer practices what he believes. But of those who pay only lip service to faith, Paul has this to say: ‘They profess to know God, but they deny him in their works.’ Therefore James says: ‘Faith without works is dead."
Fr. Mark Goring: "7 principles of spiritual warfare"
Link to YouTube video:
http://youtu.be/0LaembL-KGg
Link to YouTube video:
http://youtu.be/0LaembL-KGg