48. BITESIZE CATECHISM: THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL & THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION

 

APPETIZER: The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us the holiness of God through faith in Jesus Christ and through Baptism. The first action of this grace of the Holy Spirit working in us is conversion in accordance with Jesus' proclamation at the beginning of the Gospel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Moved by this grace, a person turns toward God and away from sin, accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. "Justification means not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inner-person. Justification frees us from spiritual alienation from God and purifies our hearts of sin. Justification comes from God's merciful free initiative (that is, we don't earn it) . (see CCC #1989-1990)

MAIN COURSE: On January 25 we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul which led to his justification (freedom from sin, spiritual renewal) by receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. What an awesome day for all of us because we all owe so much to him who was the greatest of the early Christian missionaries.

Paul first appears in the Acts of the Apostles under the name of Saul. Saul was raised in the Jewish faith as a Pharisee trained in the strict observance of God’s Law. The Pharisees believed that absolute adherence to Jewish religious law was how a person was made pleasing in God’s sight. Saul looked upon Christianity as an unacceptable corruption of Judaism. He actively persecuted the Christians in Jerusalem and approved of the execution of the first Christian martyr, the Deacon St. Stephen.

Paul then traveled to Damascus (Syria) to further persecute early Christians. On the road to Damascus Saul had an encounter with the Risen Jesus Christ who said to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Paul replied, “Who are you, sir?” Jesus responded, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Then Jesus sent Saul, who was shaken and blinded by the experience, into Damascus to await further instructions. When a Christian named Ananias came and baptized Saul, the blindness went away.

As a result of this encounter Saul was now convinced about the truth of Christianity: that trusting in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ, and not in the Law, was all that was needed to receive God’s promise of salvation. Now going by his Roman name of Paul, he spent the rest of his life focusing bringing Christ to the non-Jewish world, establishing local churches, and writing to them when he heard of their accomplishments or failures. Paul’s letters are the earliest records of the life and history of the early Church and have become the largest part of the New Testament. They are an invaluable record of the expansion of the Christianity in the Mediterranean world.

In a nutshell, the Theology of St. Paul (i.e., his religious teachings) that we hear read at Mass can be summarized as this: Jesus Christ has already accomplished salvation for us, destroying sin with its ultimate effect of death and offering us the gift of eternal life. By trusting in him and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, we Christians become temples of the Holy Spirit, who is our bond of communion (i.e., our link) with the Father through the Son. The Holy Spirit helps us to live out this deep mystical personal relationship with God and unites us with all others who have been baptized and who together form the one Mystical Body of Christ (i.e., Christ’s Church) on planet Earth. We are thus equipped and empowered to carry on the message and mission of Jesus to all people until the end of the world.

We all stand in need of the gift of justification simply by virtue of our human nature.  Indeed, it was for this very reason that God the Son became human.  All of us (with the exception of Jesus and Mary) have been conceived and born into this world in a state of spiritual alienation from God and so are in need of spiritual healing and wholeness. Traditionally this has been called "original sin" (since it originated in the human race with Adam and Eve).  The Sacrament of Baptism is the ordinary way which Jesus gave us to bring about this first work of justification within us. 

But as we all know from experience, being baptized in and of itself, without embracing and living what it means, is not sufficient for our spiritual growth. Jesus knew this too, of course, and so he gave us the other Sacraments to help us live out pour Baptism. Confirmation strengthens it within us. Eucharist feeds it spiritually. Confession heals and forgives when we go astray. Along with these Sacraments, we need to develop lives of prayer and strive for virtuous living according to the Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

St. Paul the Apostles is a perfect example of all these things. He shows us how lives can be transformed like his own. He teaches us Christian behavior in his Letters. Get to know St. Paul and his Christian teaching by reading a from his Letters and pondering what he has to say.  Remember that his words are not just his own but are inspired by the Spirit as part of the Word of God to lead us deeper and deeper into a personal and Church-supported relationship with Christ.

DOGGIE-BAG: A little something to take with you for spiritual snacking…

Holy Quotes...the story of Paul's conversion retold by St. Luke...

Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” So, Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (Book of Acts 9:1-9)

Prayer to St. Paul the Apostle

Glorious Saint Paul, Most zealous apostle, Martyr for the love of Christ, Give us a deep faith, A steadfast hope, A burning love for our Lord, So that we can proclaim with you, 'It is no longer I who live, But Christ who lives in me.'  Help us to become apostles, Serving the Church with a pure heart, Witnesses to her truth and beauty Amidst the darkness of our days. With you we praise God our Father: 'To him be the glory, in the Church And in Christ, now and forever.' Amen.

Scripture Verse to Memorize: "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (St. Paul's most famous words from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

47. BITESIZE CATECHISM: THE PEACEBEARERS OF ST. FRANCIS

Considering the present state of our nation the Bitesize Catechism is starting a series to"light a candle rather than curse the darkness".  It is my hope that many who read it will be inspired to make a conscious daily commitment to live as Peacebearers of St. Francis in their everyday lives!

APPETIZER: Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquility of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity. Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic "Prince of Peace." By the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility," he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God. "He is our peace." He has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers." (CCC #2304-2305)

MAIN COURSE: Long before he was born on planet Earth, Jesus Christ was prophesied to be the Prince of Peace. To the shepherds of Bethlehem, the angels proclaimed that his birth brought peace on earth to people of good will. As Teacher and Lord, he grew up to preach the Gospel of Peace, declaring “Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called the children of God.” Peace - along with the fruits of unity, serenity and interior joy that it brings - has long been recognized as an important characteristic of Christianity.

One thousand years after Christ, St. Francis of Assisi was born and has become one of the most well-known and universally popular saints and religious figures. Called “the most Christ-like man who ever lived”, he was also known as a Man of Peace during his lifetime. 

Upon his conversion of heart to Christ as a young man, Francis was inspired to truly live the Gospel in his daily actions. His culture was filled with "Christians" who said they believed in Jesus but acted as if they barely knew him. Francis' sincerity of faith, love of Christ and devotion to the Gospel initiated a movement of reform and renewal that spread like wildfire throughout the known world.

Because of the widespread influence of his Franciscan Movement, Europe experienced a crusade of peacemakers inspired by the Holy Man of Assisi. So, it is no surprise that the most widely circulated prayer which contains his spirit and outlook (but which was not written directly by him) ha been the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.

The religious order started by St. Francis grew by the thousands in his own lifetime. But not everyone who was drawn to him was able to join it in a formal manner as friars or nuns. Many people associated themselves with St. Francis in various other ways. One of these ways was called the Cordbearers of St. Francis. They were so named because they wore a miniature white rope (called a "cord") in imitation of the Franciscans who used a cord a belt.This was their sign of their devotion to St. Francis and reminded them to put his ideals into practice. This simple form of affiliation with the worldwide Franciscan Movement expanded the influence of St. Francis but it has become defunct in recent times. 

However, the Holy Spirit seems to always find new ways to keep the spirit and ideals of St. Francis alive. New forms of being part of the Franciscan Movement are born to meet various needs of various times and places. Based on the simple idea of the Cordbearers, I have been thinking about a new group that I like to call The Peace-Bearers of St. Francis. 

Inspired by the Peace Prayer of St. Francis they would be ordinary everyday people from every walk of life.  Instead of binding their bodies with the Cord of St. Francis as a sign of their spiritual affinity with him, they would bind their minds and their hearts with the Prayer of St. Francis and put it into practice. They are inspired to live as instruments of the Lord’s peace and make a conscious commitment to really live the Peace Prayer in all their relationships and interactions. Theirs is a simple yet concrete way of putting into practice the Beatitudes. It is also a way to contribute to making our world a better place. I think such intentional devotees of St. Francis could be a powerful contribution for peace and reconciliation, for healing and unity in our much-divided nation.

For the next few weeks, our Bitesize Catechism will be taking a a closer look at living the the Peace Prayer (love, pardon, unity, truth, faith, hope, light, joy, to console, to understand, to love, to give, to to forget self, to pardon, and to desire eternal life). It is my hope that this might be of some little help for those who feel called to live their Christianity as Peacebearers of St. Francis.

DOGGIE-BAG: A little something to take with you for spiritual snacking during the day…

THE PEACE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS (A Simple Prayer)

This is the original and longer form of the popular Peace Prayer. It is the version used by St. Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity as well as by the worldwide 12-Step Recovery movement. The lines in italics are those that are usually edited out for the shorter version which is a pity because they very much need to be lived.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, unity.

Where there is error, truth.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love,

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in forgetting self that we find self,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

HOLY QUOTES...

"Peace is always possible but we have to consciously seek it. Let us pray for peace, and let us bring it about, starting in our own homes." (Pope Francis)

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." (Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta)

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today. Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you will find yourself doing the impossible." (St. Francis of Assisi)

46. BITESIZE CATECHISM: EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING

 

EXPLANATION: The custom of blessing the home on the Solemnity of the Epiphany is a beautiful way of asking God's mercy and grace at the beginning of a New Year.  The Epiphany is celebrated in culturally Catholic countries on January 6 (thus giving rise to the phrase, the "12 Days of Christmas") but in the USA it is liturgically observed on the Sunday closest to January 6.

Why a Home Blessing on Epiphany and not some other Christmastime feast?  Because the Gospel of St. Matthew mentions that the three Magi found in the Holy Family in a home (no longer in the stable-cave with its manger) and the initials of the Magi's traditional names "C.M.B." (Caspar, Balthasar, Melchior) conveniently stand for the first letters in the Latin phrase: Christus Mansionem Benedictat ("Christ bless this house.")  So over time it became a favorite Catholic custom to bless one's home on this special day.

How do I bless my home?   What will I need to do it?  It is important to know that in Catholic teaching, the parents of a family have the authority to give genuine blessings upon people and things that are under their domaine as spouses and parents. Thus, one's children and one's home can be powerfully blessed by a parent without the need to ask a priest or deacon to do so. The only item you will need are:

Prayers & Blessing Service (given below).  

Holy Water (which is always available to our parishioners in the vestibule of the church, just bring a small container.)

Optional: Chalk to inscribe the blessing over your main door. This is optional. You can still give the blessing without "chalking the door" although many find this to be a most unique and special part of the ceremony!  As an alternative, some families make a plaque out of various media to hand above the door that has the Epiphany Home Blessing Inscription written upon it.

A HOME EPIPHANY BLESSING PRAYER SERVICE

OPENING PRAYERS

Leader (Parent) : Peace be to this house.

All: And to all who live here.

All: From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial.

BLESSING OF THE CHALK (Optional. If not chalking the door go to Blessing of the Home below)

Leader: Our help is the name of the Lord:

All: The Maker of heaven and earth.

Leader: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:

All: From this time forth for evermore.

Leader: Let us pray. Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created (make the Sign of the Cross over the chalk), that it may be helpful to your people; and grant, through the invocation of your most Holy Name, that we who use it in faith to write upon the door of our home the names of your holy ones Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit our home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Sprinkle the chalk with Holy Water)

Inscribing the Blessing: Using the blessed chalk mark the upper door frame of your main door as shown below. If hanging a plaque you can dos o while saying the prayer verse used with the chalking.

20 + C + M + B + 21 while saying:

Leader:  The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star and discovered God’s Son  May this same Lord Jesus Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

After chalking the door offer this home blessing prayer: 

BLESSING THE HOME

Leader: Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. 

All: Amen.

Go through the house sprinkling each of the rooms with Holy Water. If you're a musical you might want to sing "We Three Kings".

This is the homemade word-burned plaque our family is using this year.