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FRI-SAT-SUN March 17-19, 2000 vol. 11, no. 55 SECTION TWOSee why so many consider the Daily CATHOLIC as the "USA Today for CATHOLICS!"
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So, how is it that in Ireland, where they never had any knowledge of God but, always, until now, cherished idols and unclean things, they are lately become a people of the Lord, and are called children of God; the sons of. the Irish [Scotti] and the daughters of the chieftains are to be seen as monks and virgins of Christ.
And there was, besides, a most beautiful, blessed, native-born noble Irish [Scotta] woman of adult age whom I baptized; and a few days later she had reason to come to us to intimate that she had received a prophecy from a divine messenger [who] advised her that she should become a virgin of Christ and she would draw nearer to God. Thanks be to God, six days from then, opportunely and most eagerly, she took the course that all virgins of God take, not with their fathers' consent but enduring the persecutions and deceitful hindrances of their parents. Notwithstanding that, their number increases, (we do not know the number of them that are so reborn) besides the widows, and those who practise self-denial. Those who are kept in slavery suffer the most. They endure terrors and constant threats, but the Lord has given grace to many of his handmaidens, for even though they are forbidden to do so, still they resolutely follow his example.
So it is that even if I should wish to separate from them in order to go to Britain, and most willingly was I prepared to go to my homeland and kinsfolk-- and not only there, but as far as Gaul to visit the brethren there, so that I might see the faces of the holy ones of my Lord, God knows how strongly I desired this-- I am bound by the Spirit, who witnessed to me that if I did so he would mark me out as guilty, and I fear to waste the labour that I began, and not I, but Christ the Lord, who commanded me to come to be with them for the rest of my life, if the Lord shall will it and shield me from every evil, so that I may not sin before him.
So I hope that I did as I ought, but I do not trust myself as long as I am in this mortal body, for he is strong who strives daily to turn me away from the faith and true holiness to which I aspire until the end of my life for Christ my Lord, but the hostile flesh is always dragging one down to death, that is, to unlawful attractions. And I know in part why I did not lead a perfect life like other believers, but I confess to my Lord and do not blush in his sight, because I am not lying; from the time when I came to know him in my youth, the love of God and fear of him increased in me, and right up until now, by God's favour, I have kept the faith.
What is more, let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding the signs and wonders that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, [he] who knew everything, even before the beginning of time.
Thus, I should give thanks unceasingly to God, who frequently forgave my folly and my negligence, in more than one instance so as not to be violently angry with me, who am placed as his helper, and I did not easily assent to what had been revealed to me, as the Spirit was urging; and the Lord took pity on me thousands upon thousands of times, because he saw within me that I was prepared, but that I was ignorant of what to do in view of my situation; because many were trying to prevent this mission. They were talking among themselves behind my back, and saying: 'Why is this fellow throwing himself into danger among enemies who know not God?' Not from malice, but having no liking for it; likewise, as I myself can testify, they perceived my rusticity. And I was not quick to recognize the grace that was then in me; I now know that I should have done so earlier.
Now I have put it frankly to my brethren and co-workers, who have believed me because of what I have foretold and still foretell to strengthen and reinforce your faith. I wish only that you, too, would make greater and better efforts. This will be my pride, for 'a wise son makes a proud father'.
You know, as God does, how I went about among you from my youth in the faith of truth and in sincerity of heart. As well as to the heathen among whom I live, I have shown them trust and always show them trust. God knows I did not cheat any one of them, nor consider it, for the sake of God and his Church, lest I arouse them and [bring about] persecution for them and for all of us, and lest the Lord's name be blasphemed because of me, for it is written: 'Woe to the men through whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed.'
For even though I am ignorant in all things, nevertheless I attempted to safeguard some and myself also. And I gave back again to my Christian brethren and the virgins of Christ and the holy women the small unasked for gifts that they used to give me or some of their ornaments which they used to throw on the altar. And they would be offended with me because I did this. But in the hope of eternity, I safeguarded myself carefully in all things, so that they might not cheat me of my office of service on any pretext of dishonesty, and so that I should not in the smallest way provide any occasion for defamation or disparagement on the part of unbelievers.
What is more, when I baptized so many thousands of people, did I hope for even half a jot from any of them? [If so] Tell me, and I will give it back to you. And when the Lord ordained clergy everywhere by my humble means, and I freely conferred office on them, if I asked any of them anywhere even for the price of one shoe, say so to my face and I will give it back.
More, I spent for you so that they would receive me. And I went about among you, and everywhere for your sake, in danger, and as far as the outermost regions beyond which no one lived, and where no one had ever penetrated before, to baptize or to ordain clergy or to confirm people. Conscientiously and gladly I did all this work by God's gift for your salvation.
From time to time I gave rewards to the kings, as well as making payments to their sons who travel with me; notwithstanding which, they seized me with my companions, and that day most avidly desired to kill me. But my time had not yet come. They plundered everything they found on us anyway, and fettered me in irons; and on the fourteenth day the Lord freed me from their power, and whatever they had of ours was given back to us for the sake of God on account of the indispensable friends whom we had made before.
Also you know from experience how much I was paying to those who were administering justice in all the regions, which I visited often. I estimate truly that I distributed to them not less than the price of fifteen men, in order that you should enjoy my company and I enjoy yours, always, in God. I do not regret this nor do I regard it as enough. I am paying out still and I shall pay out more. The Lord has the power to grant me that I may soon spend my own self, for your souls.
Behold, I call on God as my witness upon my soul that I am not lying; nor would I write to you for it to be an occasion for flattery or selfishness, nor hoping for honour from any one of you. Sufficient is the honour which is not yet seen, but in which the heart has confidence. He who made the promise is faithful; he never lies.
But I see that even here and now, I have been exalted beyond measure by the Lord, and I was not worthy that he should grant me this, while I know most certainly that poverty and failure suit me better than wealth and delight (but Christ the Lord was poor for our sakes; I certainly am wretched and unfortunate; even if I wanted wealth I have no resources, nor is it my own estimation of myself, for daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of Heaven; for I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere. As the prophet says: 'Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.'
Behold now I commend my soul to God who is most faithful and for whom I perform my mission in obscurity, but he is no respecter of persons and he chose me for this service that I might be one of the least of his ministers.
For which reason I should make return for all that he returns me. But what should I say, or what should I promise to my Lord, for I, alone, can do nothing unless he himself vouchsafe it to me. But let him search my heart and [my] nature, for I crave enough for it, even too much, and I am ready for him to grant me that I drink of his chalice, as he has granted to others who love him.
Therefore may it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing.
And if at any time I managed anything of good for the sake of my God whom I love, I beg of him that he grant it to me to shed my blood for his name with proselytes and captives, even should I be left unburied, or even were my wretched body to be torn limb from limb by dogs or savage beasts, or were it to be devoured by the birds of the air, I think, most surely, were this to have happened to me, I had saved both my soul and my body. For beyond any doubt on that day we shall rise again in the brightness of the sun, that is, in the glory of Christ Jesus our Redeemer, as children of the living God and co-heirs of Christ, made in his image; for we shall reign through him and for him and in him.
For the sun we see rises each day for us at [his] command, but it will never reign, neither will its splendour last, but all who worship it will come wretchedly to punishment. We, on the other hand, shall not die, who believe in and worship the true sun, Christ, who will never die, no more shall he die who has done Christ's will, but will abide for ever just as Christ abides for ever, who reigns with God the Father Almighty and with the Holy Spirit before the beginning of time and now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Behold over and over again I would briefly set out the words of my confession. I testify in truthfulness and gladness of heart before God and his holy angels that I never had any reason, except the Gospel and his promises, ever to have returned to that nation from which I had previously escaped with difficulty.
But I entreat those who believe in and fear God, whoever deigns to examine or receive this document composed by the obviously unlearned sinner Patrick in Ireland, that nobody shall ever ascribe to my ignorance any trivial thing that I achieved or may have expounded that was pleasing to God, but accept and truly believe that it would have been the gift of God. And this is my confession before I die.
In his column today, Pat Ludwa commemorates the Feast of Saint Patrick by revealing the real side of this "Apostle of Ireland." While overall favorable to Fox's "St. Patrick the Irish Legend" aired Sunday and Thursday, there were some inaccuracies that he points out such as how distorted this saint's life has been picked apart, twisted to
make neo-Druidism palatable and how many aspects of our lives today mirror what St.
Patrick faced in his life. More importantly he points out a prayer many haven't heard; one that encompasses everything this 5th century saint stood for. It expands on that famous Irish toast:
May the road rise to meet you,
In honor of his patron saint, Pat defends this great bishop and missionary in his column today, The Real Saint Patrick . See VIEW FROM THE PEW
May the wind be always at your back,
May the rain fall softly upon your fields,
And til we meet, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
However, because of his experience with the Irish, Patrick knew that his ministry would be futile and short lived if he didn't gain at least the benign support of the High King of Ireland. This oversight by his predecessors probably contributed greatly to their martyrdom.
It can be excused that the movie had Patrick asking his father for a Bible, considering the Bible (as we know it) wasn't even put together until 397 to 400 AD. And the movie used many of the legends attributed to him. Driving the snakes out of Ireland. (Probably a metaphor for the faith driving the Druids from Ireland), he and his companions being turned into deer to escape an Irish ambush, the 'duel of magic v. faith' between the Druids and Patrick, etc. But then again, we know miracles do happen. Who's to say that they didn't occur? Was it by chance, or Divine Providence that Patrick's 'fire' was lit during the Easter vigil in opposition to the Druidic lighting of the High King's first fire? The Druid's hold over the populace wasn't one of benevolent care, but one based on fear. (Being Irish and weaned on the legends of "The Hound of Cullen", the curse of Ulster [the Pangs], Deirdre, etc.)
Today, what with the resurrection of neo-paganism, neo-heresies, and political animosity; what with the rise of Wicca, goddess worship, and New Age distortions; what with those in the Church and outside of it, working diligently to undermine the Church and God, maybe we need to also resurrect St. Patrick's prayer, his 'Breastplate':
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preachings of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of Heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me.
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.
A beer in his honor is not inappropriate, but maybe we should consider the Irish tradition for this day, and attend Mass in honor of this saint.
Happy St. Patrick's day. May you be a half an hour in Heaven, before the devil, knows you're dead.
Pax Christi, Pat
Vice is easily formed, but requires great struggle to overcome it. The longer a man indulges in vice, the harder is the struggle. He becomes its slave. He is completely carried away by his passions. Only the great grace of God, coupled with a resolute will, can eradicate vice, once it is strongly rooted in a man's nature. This is one reason why we must be most careful to avoid sin, in order not to become victims of vice.
If we are so unfortunate as to fall into sin, we must at once repent and resolve to avoid it in the future.
The near occasions of sin are all persons, places, or things that may easily lead us into sin.
Most common occasions of sin are: Bad companions. One who provokes or leads us into sin is not our friend. We must stop going with that companion.
One rotten apple in a basket of good apples quickly rots the rest. The same is true of human beings. Sin is a contagious disease. If we do not wish to be infected, we must go far away from it
Another common occasion is MTV, rock bands, parties and dances. Not every dance or song is sinful. But many dances are occasions of sin; and public dances without the presence of respectable adults as chaperones are extremely dangerous. A safe rule to follow is never to go to any place where you would be ashamed to take your virtuous mother or sister. Never go anywhere you wouldn't want Jesus or His Blessed Mother Mary accompanying you.
In many dances, the women tend to dress with extravagance and immodesty, just to "follow the fashion". Sometimes, too, dances are an occasion for the taking of liberties, due to late hours, and the spirit of unrestrained pleasure.
Bars, nightclubs, parties where alcohol is served. These are very proximate occasions of sin, leading to intemperance, and worse evils. Those who frequent saloons and "booze parties" are likely to be not only habitual drunkards, but become involved in disputes, and finally end badly even in the temporal sense such as alienation or divorce.
Lotteries, card games, betting can be a serious occasion of sin because money meant for something else can often be wasted on gambling, causing neglect of family, home and duties.
Bad newspapers, magazines, questionable internet sites. These are no less dangerous because their wickedness is often not apparent, many hiding their evil under the guise of cleverness, information, science, art, etc.
But periodicals gradually undermine faith and make one insensitive to evil. It is the duty of every Catholic to subscribe to a Catholic periodical, and never to favor a wicked press such as Playboy magazine or that ilk and to be very careful in what daily newspapers one reads for there can be subliminal editorial content throughout that promote the culture of death and immorality.
5. Bad books. Many novels are harmless; some are very helpful, but many are positively wicked. We must be very careful in the selection of the books we read.
There are many books of merit according to literary standards, and not offensive to Catholic morals. Many Catholic internet sites publish religious book sources There are Catholic and Christian sites that publish reviews of current fiction most useful for the general reader. We must remember that poisonous food will only kill the body, but poisonous reading kills the soul.
Indecent films and videos. Today most of the motion pictures and video releases are not decent. All, it seems, are rated R or PG-13 and very few PG's with the number of G rated films that could be counted on your hands. We must be careful to choose only the good and, unfortunately the strong presence and influence of the Catholic National Legion of Decency is no longer thanks to greedy Hollywood moguls who have forced their own value system on audiences. In the past, the Legion of Decency, working under the hierarchy, each week issued a list giving the moral evaluation of current films; it reviewed and classified. It asked every Catholic to take a pledge not to patronize lewd pictures. Today we unfortunately don't have those safety measures thought the United States Bishops Conference does publish movie reviews on their site it is a far cry from the clout the Legion of Decency used to enjoy with everyone. Thus today, responsible Catholics have to be on their guard and on their own in monitoring not only what they watch but what their children - from toddler to teen. It is for this reason the DailyCATHOLIC added Michael Vincent Boyer's twice-weekly column HOW HOLY WOULD HELP HOLLYWOOD. He is presently preparing a feature on the history of the Legion of Decency which was formed in order to unite the laity with the hierarchy in a persistent drive to prevent the showing of lewd pictures. If every decent person kept away from such obscene and violent shows, the producers would surely make better pictures. Supply is according to the demand; we get what we ask for.
Finally, a new occasion of sin in this generation is Video games. Quite often they are very violent and devoid of merit or any semblance of values. While the games themselves are very realistic, they tend to blind one to reality and too many youth today have difficulty deciphering the difference between violence in real life and in the virtual world. Games such as Dungeons and Dragons from the sixties gave way to the computer generation and today such violent and obscene games have given rise to violence in schools with Columbine serving as a stark reminder of this malady.
Even games such as "Mario" or "Sonic" or "Crash Bandicoot" which are totally toon or sports games can be occasions of sin for the competitive nature of the games can prompt the players to be uncharitable or spend too much time away, thus alienating them from family and their chores and studies.
Monday: Occasions and Sources of Sin part two
