God's Repentance-Enabling Forgiveness
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Venerating the Image of Divine Mercy on the Feast of Mercy
Venerating the Image of Divine Mercy on the Feast of Mercy A look at the writings of Pope Benedict XVI Time has proven the correctness of the prophetic writings that Our Lord asked St. Faustina to record for humanity. The Church has recognized that the readings of Second Sunday of Easter were already perfect for a Feast of Mercy and responded by instituting Divine Mercy Sunday, fulfilling His request. With this in mind, let us look at these requests and promises of the Lord as regards to the Divine Mercy image and compare them to the writings of Pope Benedict XVI. In his book, “The Spirit of the Liturgy”, the Pope dedicated a complete chapter on the Question of Images. This work that was written at the turn of the millennium, is quite prophetic also. In it he takes us through the history of images from the Old Testament to the New and presents to us the reasons why we must use sacred images in our sacred spaces and also for our liturgies. He said that the purpose of the book was to assist the renewal of understanding the liturgy. After reading this monumental work, one is left with the impression of what the most perfect image would be to assist us in the celebration of Mass. If you have previously read about the image of Divine Mercy in the diary of St. Faustina, and the requests of Our Lord to have the image venerated, especially on the Feast of Mercy, you will see the prophetic nature of the Pope’s writing because they perfectly apply to this image and to the request of the Lord. -
Repentance, Penance, & the Forgiveness of Sins
REPENTANCE, PENANCE, & THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Catholic translations of the Bible have often used the words “repentance” and “penance” interchangeably. Compare the Douay- Rheims Version with the New American Catholic Bible at Acts 2:38 and Acts 26:20 and you will see that these words (repentance & penance) are synonymous, words carrying the same meaning as the another. The Catholic Dictionary published by “Our Sunday Visitor”, a Catholic publication defines these words in the following ways: Repentance = Contrition for sins and the resulting embrace of Christ in conformity to Him. Penance or Penitence = Spiritual change that enables a sinner to turn away from sin. The virtue that enables human beings to acknowledge their sins with true contrition and a firm purpose of amendment. If there is any difference of meaning, I would suggest from pondering Greek definitions, that repentance (from the New Testament) 1 focuses on a change of heart, a change of mind and penance centers on the works of faith that this change of heart has produced. But both the change of heart and the works of faith go together; they are part of the same package. The Church has always taught that Christ’s death and resurrection brought reconciliation between God and humanity and that “the Lord entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church.”1 The catechism teaches that because sin often wrongs the neighbor, while absolution forgives sin, “it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused,”2 therefore the sinner must still recover his full spiritual health by doing works meet for repentance, that is, prove your repentance by what you do. -
Hebrew Roots Perversion of Repentance
Hebrew Roots Heresy (Part 1) The Perversion of ‘Repentance’ By Tim Warner © www.4windsfellowships.net It is remarkable that one of the most serious errors that infected early Christianity, that was officially renounced by the Jerusalem council,1 and was so soundly refuted by the Apostle Paul in Galatians, could make the kind of come-back that we see today. Yet is spreads like cancer among God’s people. Paul’s leaving Timothy behind at Ephesus was to counter the ‘Hebrew Roots’ heresy that was continually undermining his efforts to spread the Gospel among the nations. 1 Timothy 1:1-11 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia – remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. -
Israel's Repentance and the Kingdom of God * * *
MSJ 27/1 (Spring 2016) 161–86 ISRAEL’S REPENTANCE AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD Michael J. Vlach Professor of Theology The Master’s Seminary The exact timing of Jesus’ return and the kingdom of God is known only to God. Yet in His sovereignty God has determined that the return of Jesus the Mes- siah is closely linked with the repentance of national Israel. This article examines both Old and New Testament texts that reveal a close connection between Israel’s repentance and the coming kingdom of God. * * * * * Introduction This article examines the connection between national Israel’s repentance and the kingdom of God. The argument promoted here is that the kingdom’s coming to earth is connected with and contingent upon Israel’s repentance.1 God is sovereign over all matters, and His universal kingdom extends over all, yet He has determined that the arrival of the mediatorial kingdom2 on earth is connected with Israel’s turning from sin and unbelief. This position, that the kingdom’s timing is related to national Israel’s repentance, is not popular and is often rejected. For example, the amillennial theologian, Kim Riddlebarger states, “But the New Testament knows nothing of a kingdom offered and kingdom withdrawn according to the whims of unbelieving Is- rael.”3 Yet the biblical evidence for the kingdom’s arrival being related to Israel’s repentance is strong, with multiple passages in both testaments supporting it. This is an oft-neglected truth, even among those who affirm a future for national Israel. Yet it is an important part of the Bible’s storyline. -
Repent! Isaiah 11:1-10 Matthew 3:1-12 “In Those Days John The
Repent! Isaiah 11:1-10 Matthew 3:1-12 “In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Leave it to the church to ruin the Christmas season. Just when we are getting in the spirit by putting up a wreath, picking out a tree, addressing cards, and playing our Philadelphia Orchestra Glorious Sounds of Christmas CD, the lectionary gives us this: a crazy man in the wilderness calling people a name whose actual translation I can only repeat among my friends in Wednesday morning Bible study with whom I feel safe (what’s said in Bible Study stays in Bible Study!); the lectionary gives us this: a wild man threatening eternal judgment unless we begin to bear fruit. What is Advent about anyway? In a word, John’s word, Advent is about repentance. It is a word that long ago dropped out of the vocabulary of even the most religious, so we need to begin this morning with a bit of homework. Look up repentance in the dictionary and you read that it is the act of expressing regret or remorse for wrongdoing or sin. In addition, Webster says darkly, see penitence, penitentiary. Early on, the church bought into this definition. Of the two words in Scripture that are rendered repentance in English, the Old Latin and Latin Vulgate favored one of those words. Paenitentia, see penitence, penance: prescribed prayers or acts designed to rid the soul and body of self-love. The problem with this first definition of repentance, from the perspective of our own theological tradition, is its secularity: repentance is something we can do to improve ourselves, albeit with the church’s imprimatur, but with no need of a redeemer. -
Virtues and Vices to Luke E
CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY THE LUKE E. HART SERIES How Catholics Live Section 4: Virtues and Vices To Luke E. Hart, exemplary evangelizer and Supreme Knight from 1953-64, the Knights of Columbus dedicates this Series with affection and gratitude. The Knights of Columbus presents The Luke E. Hart Series Basic Elements of the Catholic Faith VIRTUES AND VICES PART THREE• SECTION FOUR OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY What does a Catholic believe? How does a Catholic worship? How does a Catholic live? Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church by Peter Kreeft General Editor Father John A. Farren, O.P. Catholic Information Service Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Nihil obstat: Reverend Alfred McBride, O.Praem. Imprimatur: Bernard Cardinal Law December 19, 2000 The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed. Copyright © 2001-2021 by Knights of Columbus Supreme Council All rights reserved. English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America copyright ©1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc. – Libreria Editrice Vaticana. English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Modifications from the Editio Typica copyright © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc. – Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Scripture quotations contained herein are adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971, and the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, and are used by permission. -
“Repentance” Matthew 3:1-17 October 29, 2017 INTRODUCTION: Today Is Reformation Sunday, a Day on Which We Remember Marti
“Repentance” Matthew 3:1-17 October 29, 2017 INTRODUCTION: Today is Reformation Sunday, a day on which we remember Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. Today is a special Reformation Sunday because it marks the 500 th anniversary of that defining act. It was on October 31, 1517 that Luther posted his theses. So it is fitting this day that our passage should be on the topic of repentance, because Luther’s purpose with his 95 theses was to write a commentary on true repentance and to contrast that with false repentance. In his first thesis he announces his theme: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he wanted the whole life of believers to be a life of repentance.” Repentance was the theme of the preaching of both John the Baptist and of Jesus (Matt. 4:17). It is just as widely misunderstood in our day as in Luther’s. One of the most common of these misunderstandings is to regard repentance as something like a spiritual root canal: sometimes necessary, but in itself miserable. The best thing, then, is to do all you can to avoid it. While it is true that there is often an element of sorrow associated with repentance, the dominant emotion associated with it in the Bible is joy. The repentance of the prodigal son led to a joyful feast. Paul said that godly grief produces a repentance that “leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor. 7:10). The reason repentance leads to joy is that it leads us to Jesus. -
The Cardinal Virtues Prudence: Prudence Disposes the Practical Reason to Discern, in Every Circumstance, Our True Good and to Choose the Right Means to Achieve It
A N E X P L O R E 4 F A I T H P R A C T I C E VIRTUES, WORKS OF MERCY, & MORALITY What is a Virtue? Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1833). What does that mean? It means that the virtuous person consistently chooses the good, despite emotions or desires. The Cardinal Virtues Prudence: Prudence disposes the practical reason to discern, in every circumstance, our true good and to choose the right means to achieve it. CCC 1835 What does that mean? Prudence is the virtue that helps us think rationally through a situations best end, and then choose the right way to get there. It directs all the other virtues. Justice: The firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due. CCC 1836 What does that mean? The YouCat says: "Justice is concerned with equity and longs to see people get that to which they are entitled. We must allow justice to govern our relationships with God also and give him what is his: our love and worship." Fortitude: Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. CCC 1837 What does that mean? Someone who practices fortitude perseveres in their commitment to what is good, even when it is most difficult, and in the most extreme circumstances, even unto death. The martyrs are a great example! Temperance: Temperance moderates the attraction of the pleasures of the senses and provides balance in the use of created goods. -
Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements Don Fanning Liberty University, [email protected]
CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Liberty University Digital Commons Liberty University DigitalCommons@Liberty University Trends and Issues in Missions Center for Global Ministries 2009 Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements Don Fanning Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgm_missions Recommended Citation Fanning, Don, "Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements" (2009). Trends and Issues in Missions. Paper 7. http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgm_missions/7 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Center for Global Ministries at DigitalCommons@Liberty University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Trends and Issues in Missions by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Liberty University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements Page 1 Pentecostal Movement The first two hundred years (100-300 AD) The emphasis on the spiritual gifts was evident in the false movements of Gnosticism and in Montanism. The result of this false emphasis caused the Church to react critically against any who would seek to use the gifts. These groups emphasized the gift of prophecy, however, there is no documentation of any speaking in tongues. Montanus said that “after me there would be no more prophecy, but rather the end of the world” (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol II, p. 418). Since his prophecy was not fulfilled, it is obvious that he was a false prophet (Deut . 18:20-22). Because of his stress on new revelations delivered through the medium of unknown utterances or tongues, he said that he was the Comforter, the title of the Holy Spirit (Eusebius, V, XIV). -
Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Entry #949 Litany of Divine Mercy + JMJ February 12, 1937 +God’S Love Is the Flower – Mercy the Fruit
Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Entry #949 Litany of Divine Mercy + JMJ February 12, 1937 +God’s love is the flower – Mercy the fruit. Let the doubting soul read these considerations on Divine Mercy and become trusting. Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, fount gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I trust in You Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, in the founding of Holy Church, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I trust in You. Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I trust in You. -
Maimonides the Laws of Repentance with Commentary
MAIMONIDES THE LAWS OF REPENTANCE WITH COMMENTARY הועתק והוכנס לאינטרנט www.hebre wb ooks. org ע״י חיים תשס״ט by Rabbi David Shure Director of The Institute of Research for Biblical Talmudic Law Author of thefollowing books AyeletHashachar on Times, Dates, Measures Nidrai Torah on Tractate Nedarim Topics on Contemporary Medical Halacha A Rabbinical Divorce Ordered by the Civil Court Electricity and the Sabbath The Creation 0 IN EVERLASTING MEMORY Chaim Shlomoh Klein the son of Simcha Klein and his beloved wife Rivkah Ratzah Klein the daughter of Avraham and their beloved grandson Altar Chaim Shlomoh Klein the son of Simcha Zaev Klein may their memory be blessed (c) 2004 Institute of Researchfor Biblical Talmudic Law 914 45th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219 USA 1 Chapter Table of Contents Page Introduction 02 I The Commandment To Repent II What is Repentance III Mitzvos and Sins IV Deeds That Impede Repentance V Freedom of Will VI Divine Retribution for Unforgivable Sins VII Greatness of Repentance and Character Traits VIII Reward and Punishment in the World To Come IX Reward and Punishment in this World X Serving God Out of Love 2 Introduction The rules for repentance and forgiveness have many variables. Some of these variables are, whether there is a Holy Temple to bring sacrifices, the severity of the sin, one's intention when doing the sin, if he knows that he sinned, and if he forgot the sin. When GOD accepted our sacrifices instead of human suffering, we were closer to being forgiven for sin. The basic laws of repentance are not many nor are they complicated, however repentance is not a simple matter. -
Understanding Divine Mercy Sunday John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy
Understanding Divine Mercy Sunday John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy Nihil Obstat Imprimi Potest © Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, 2003 All Rights Reserved This booklet has been prepared by the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy, an apostolate of the Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, based at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01262 Telephone: 413-298-1184 E-mail: [email protected] My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.