Sacrament and Dogma Archives

Faith Check 25 – Purgatory

Purgatory

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Few Catholic doctrines are more disputed than that of purgatory. And yet, if it is properly understood, we see that purgatory is a gift of God’s mercy.

Jesus did not come to merely forgive the penalty for our sins, but to cleanse us and make us His new creations.

Revelation 21:27 says, “nothing impure will enter heaven.” Those of us who die in a state of grace—or are “saved”—and still have selfishness and sin remaining on our souls, must undergo a purification before entrance into heaven is possible.

So purgatory is not a second chance at heaven, but simply a final stage of growing in holiness.

Notice that Jesus in Matthew 12 speaks of sins that will “not be forgiven in this age or in the age to come.”¹ And in 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul writes that on Judgment Day there will be some who “suffer loss… [they will still] be saved, but only as through fire.”²

C.S. Lewis, the famous Anglican Christian writer, believed in purgatory and compared it to the burning sensation of mouthwash after having one’s tooth pulled at the dentist’s office.³

Indeed, while purgatory may involve pain, it will not be without joy, for it is the threshold to the gates of paradise.

1 – 12:32

2 – 3:15

3 – Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, 107-109.

IP#45 – John Salza – The Biblical Basis for Purgatory on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

I love talking with John Salza…tough doctrine and dogma that for most of us is difficult to explain, is just so easy for John. And he shares his knowledge with all of us…what a gift!

John’s website is www.scripturecatholic.com

Check out John’s book here

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From the book description:

In The Biblical Basis for Purgatory, John offers the definitive scriptural explanation of this distinctively Catholic doctrine. Building on the teachings of Christ and St. Paul, he shows how the existence of a place of temporal punishment after death is not only a logical extension of what we know about the reality of sin and God’s justice, but is also a supreme expression of God’s love and mercy. Although Purgatory is a place of mercy, its pains are real, and they are severe. This book does more than defend and explain Purgatory it provides a solid plan, drawn from the Church s perennial wisdom for conquering our sins by God s grace, while still on earth.

Faith Check 15 – Confession to Priests

Confession to Priests

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On this Faith Check let’s take a look at a common question: why confess your sins to a priest instead of straight to God?

First, Catholics are encouraged to privately confess our sins to God all the time and every single Mass begins with a penitential rite in which we do exactly this.

Still we should regularly go to the sacrament of confession or reconciliation. Remember that in the Old Testament a Hebrew was to publicly go to the temple and offer a sacrifice for his sin. In John 20, our Lord gives the apostles authority to forgive sins in his name, when He breathed the Holy Spirit on them and said “whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”¹ In 2 Corinthians Paul also notes that the apostles are Christ’s ambassadors who have been given the ministry of reconciliation.²

Early Christian records show that the early Church always understood this according to the Catholic view³:those who sinned gravely after baptism could be reconciled to the Church through confession to the priests, who do not stand as barriers to Christ, but as his ambassadors, who lovingly take us by the hand and restore us to grace after we have fallen.

1 – Jn. 20:23

2 – 5:18-20

3 – See Catholic Answers website on subject: http://www.catholic.com/library/Confession.asp

IP#179 Vinny Flynn – 21 Ways to Worship on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

It was a delight to once again have a conversation with Vinny Flynn, who has authored “21 Ways to Worship: A Guide to Eucharistic Adoration”. Short and to the point, the meditations brought forward by Vinny are packed with aids to help us deepen our appreciation of this gift of the very presence of God. Possibly undervalued as an important spiritual practice, Eucharistic adoration is an essential spiritual encounter for those who wish to truly enter into this Year of Faith. Vinny’s work helps those who wish to begin this vital devotion, and deepens the experience for those who have been fed by this practice over the years. A don’t miss…buy one for yourself and one to leave in your church’s Eucharist Chapel for others to enjoy.

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To find the book click here

“Vinny Flynn played an important role in my life of worship when I came back to the Catholic church. His new work, 21 Ways To Worship, has something for everyone when it comes to developing a life of intimacy with God. This is what we are going to be doing for eternity, so now is the time to begin.”
~Jeff Cavins

“Vinny Flynn has done it again! With his fun, accessible, and faith-filled style, he gives us yet another key to unlocking the mystery of Christ’s Eucharistic love. This time, he shares the secrets to “keeping it real” before the Lord’s Real Presence. This book is more than just another devotional; it actually teaches us how to pray, and it does so in a way that’s holy, humorous, and human. Enjoy the book. Enjoy the Lord.”
~Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
Author, Consoling the Heart of Jesus and 33 Days to Morning Glory

Faith Check 26 – Sacramentals with Greg Youell

Sacramentals

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In the minds of non-Catholics, Catholicism often conjures images of Catholic stuff: candles, crucifixes, rosaries, statues, holy water, oils,
and the like. These are called sacramentals—not to be confused with the seven sacraments, they are material items that the Lord uses as conduits of his blessing.
Because of our belief in sacramentals, Catholics have sometimes been accused of practicing magic. But magic is the pagan or new age belief that an object has power in and of itself. Sacramentals are the Christian belief that the living and true God uses His creation as instruments of grace and healing.

Sacramentals appear all throughout the Scriptures. James speaks of anointing with oil.¹ Acts of the Apostles tells us that Paul’s handkerchiefs brought healing power to those they touched.²In the Old Testament, Elisha’s bones were used to bring a dead man back to life.³

And of course the Gospels portray Our Lord himself often using water, mud or even his own spit to perform mighty works of healing and cleansing, a power which Jesus passed on to his priests to be continued to this day.⁴ Sacramentals are neither magic nor make believe, but powerful weapons to be utilized in our spiritual journeys.

1 – Js. 5:14

2 – Acts 19:11-12

3 – 2 Kgs. 13:21

4 – cf. Mt. 10:7-8; Lk. 10:18-20; Jn. 20:21-23, etc.

WOM#14 – The Eucharist: What if I can’t receive? – The Way of Mystery w/ Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts

Episode 14-The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living

The Eucharist summons us like a beacon. Even in the face of scandal, the moral authority of the Church shines through the Eucharist and challenges us to follow Christ in moving forward and allowing our hearts to be transformed. Mortal sin, what is it and how does it effect our relationship with the Eucharist…with Christ? Being present at mass even if you shouldn’t receive…not allowing yourself to be separated from worship.

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For more episodes in “The Way of Mystery” Series click here

Deacon James Keating, PhD, the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation, located at Creighton University, in Omaha, is making available to ”Discerning Hearts” and all who listen, his series of programs entitled “The Way of Mystery”.

The Vatican II documents remind us that the spiritual journey is not made in a vacuum, that God has chosen to save us, not individually, but as The People of God. The Eucharist must help Christians to make their choices by discerning out of Christ’s paschal mystery. For this process to take place, however, Christians must first understand how the Eucharist puts them in touch with Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, and what concrete implications being in touch with this mystery has for their daily lives.

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for oth er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

Don’t forget to pickup a copy of “Communion with Christ” , it is on e of the best audio sets on prayer…ever!

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

WOM#11 – The Eucharistic Prayer – The Way of Mystery w/ Deacon James Keating – Discerning Hearts

Episode 11 -The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living

The Liturgy of the Eucharist part 3 : The Eucharistic Prayer…God teaching us to pray. What are we doing in our participation and are we truly ready to receive the Body of Christ? Should we, in integrity, receive the Truth of Christ in Communion…do we really believe?

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For more episodes in “The Way of Mystery” Series click here

For more information on the “Institute of Priestly Formation” and for oth er material available by Deacon Keating, just click here

Don’t forget to pickup a copy of “Communion with Christ” , it is on e of the best audio sets on prayer…ever!

Check out Deacon Keating’s “Discerning Heart” page

IP#250 Dr. Christopher Kaczor – 7 Big Myths about Marriage on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In”The Seven Big Myths about Marriage: What Science, Faith and Philosophy Teach Us about Love and Happiness”, Dr. Christopher Kaczor, along with his wife Jennifer, shines an important light of truth on one of the most important issues of our day. Beginning with basic foundational principals and understandings, Dr. Kaczor rationally examines key issues in the marriage debate and carefully, and quite thoroughly, debunks the leading “myths” about marriage. An excellent resource and HIGHLY recommended for all who care about and engage in the discussions on marriage.

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You can find the book here

If I were a pastor, I would make this book required reading for engaged couples in all my marriage classes. —Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., Author, Jacob s Ladder: Ten Steps to Truth

The media portrayals of the public debates over marriage and its meaning often generate more heat than light. In this carefully crafted and accessible book, Professor Kaczor provides just the sort of illumination that is absent from those portrayals. I cannot think of a better book that offers such a clear and winsome account of marriage and its meaning, and what that tells us about human dignity and happiness. —Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy, Baylor University

‘Don’t miss:

IP#182 Dr. Christopher Kaczor – The Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church on Inside the Pages

RN28 – Regnum Novum – “The Family, the Vital Cell of Society” in the Compendium of Social Doctrine Chap 5

Episode 28- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez – We continue the study of the “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church” Chapter 5

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CHAPTER FIVE
THE FAMILY, THE VITAL CELL OF SOCIETY

I. THE FAMILY, THE FIRST NATURAL SOCIETY
a. Importance of the family for the person
b. Importance of the family for society

II. MARRIAGE, THE FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY
a. The value of marriage
b. The sacrament of marriage

We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. – Omar G.

Also visit Omar’s “Discerning Hearts” page Catholic Social Teaching 101

RN29 – Regnum Novum – “Marriage, the foundation of the family” in the Compendium of Social Doctrine Chap 5

Episode 29- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez – We continue the study of the “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church” Chapter 5 – What is marriage?

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CHAPTER FIVE
THE FAMILY, THE VITAL CELL OF SOCIETY

II. MARRIAGE, THE FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY
a. The value of marriage
b. The sacrament of marriage

III. THE SOCIAL SUBJECTIVITY OF THE FAMILY
a. Love and the formation of a community of persons
b. The family is the sanctuary of life
c. The task of educating
d. The dignity and rights of children

IV. THE FAMILY AS ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN SOCIAL LIFE
a. Solidarity in the family
b. The family, economic life and work

V. SOCIETY AT THE SERVICE OF THE FAMILY

Also visit Omar’s “Discerning Hearts” page Catholic Social Teaching 101

Purgatory

Few Catholic doctrines are more disputed than that of purgatory. And yet, if it is properly understood, we see that purgatory is a gift of God’s mercy.

So purgatory is not a second chance at heaven, but simply a final stage of growing in holiness.

Notice that Jesus in Matthew 12 speaks of sins that will “not be forgiven in this age or in the age to come.” 1 And in 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul writes that on Judgment Day there will be some who “suffer loss… [they will still] be saved, but only as through fire.”2

Confession to Priests

Sacramentals

Sacramentals appear all throughout the Scriptures. James speaks of anointing with oil.1 Acts of the Apostles tells us that Paul’s handkerchiefs brought healing power to those they touched.2In the Old Testament, Elisha’s bones were used to bring a dead man back to life.3

For more episodes in “The Way of Mystery” Series click here

For more episodes in “The Way of Mystery” Series click here

‘Don’t miss:

Notice that Jesus in Matthew 12 speaks of sins that will “not be forgiven in this age or in the age to come.”¹ And in 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul writes that on Judgment Day there will be some who “suffer loss… [they will still] be saved, but only as through fire.”²

Sacramentals appear all throughout the Scriptures. James speaks of anointing with oil.¹ Acts of the Apostles tells us that Paul’s handkerchiefs brought healing power to those they touched.²In the Old Testament, Elisha’s bones were used to bring a dead man back to life.³