Catholicity - Apologetics For Our Time

INTRO     I recently found myself drawn to St. Paul's discourse on, " the law ," while reading from Galatians. Its fair to say that I found it a bit puzzling. However, I wanted to move past modern, conflicting Protestant interpretations to discover what the Apostle truly meant when he wrote the letter.  So how to get there? By going to the source.     Rather than relying on individual, post-Reformation theories that arose many centuries later, I turned to the Catholic Church. She offers an ancient, continuous perspective; after all, she is the authority that originally compiled the Bible in the fourth and fifth centuries. Likewise, the Church has preserved and studied these texts in their true historical context from the very beginning, maintaining a consistent origin understanding without the habit of re-interpretation.      So, what is the Catholic perspective on, " the Law ," as presented in the Book of Galatians?      ...

  Why Do Catholics Call Priests “Father”? One of the most common objections Catholics hear from the opponents of the Church actually sounds pretty straightforward: “ Jesus said, ‘Call no man father.’ So why do Catholics call priests Father!?” Its not an unfair comment, if one only scratches the surface, and it may indeed sound like Catholics are ignoring a direct command from Jesus. But once you read the passage in context, understand its culture and language, and compare it with the rest of Scripture — the Catholic practice makes much more sense. You might still reject it, since most discount what they don't want to hear. But at least you'll know. THE CLAIM JESUS SAID, "CALL NO MAN FATHER." The objection comes from Matthew 23:9: “ Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” But stop and think: If that verse meant Christians could never use the word “father,” for another human being, then we would also have a problem calling our own ...

Part 1: The Scripture Readings ✠  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. ✠ - make the Sign of the Cross A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians .      You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish?      After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of merely human effort? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?      So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? The Word of the Lord. [ALL] Thanks be to God. The Gospel      A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. At that time, Jesus said to his disciples, ...

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist. A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians "Brothers and sisters, I, Paul, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in th...

Saint John Chrysostom  Bishop and Doctor of the Church — Memorial c. 347–407 September 13 Patron Saint of preachers, orators, lecturers, and public speakers Invoked against epilepsy Pre-Congregation canonization Liturgical Color: White Quote:   Are you a sinner? Do not become discouraged, and come to Church to put forward repentance. Have you sinned? Then tell God, “I have sinned.” What manner of toil is this, what prescribed course of life, what affliction? What manner of difficulty is it to make one statement, “I have sinned?” Perhaps if you do not call yourself a sinner, you do not have the devil as an accuser? Anticipate this and snatch the honor away from him, because it is his purpose to accuse. Therefore, why do you not prevent him, and why do you not tell your sin and wipe it out, since you know that you have such an accuser who cannot remain silent? Have you sinned? Come to Church. Tell God, “I have sinned.” I do not demand anything else of you than this. Holy Scriptu...