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3 Divine Lights in the Realm of Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare

There is much to be learned in the realm of Catholic spiritual warfare these days. There is simply too much at stake – our souls – not to want to learn as much as we can about the Catholic faith and all the spiritual warfare that goes along with being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Just the other day, I listened to Fr. Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers give an excellent presentation about spiritual warfare. Fr. Alar mentioned that spiritual warfare is simply about fighting ordinary temptations and living out the Gospels.

We are all probably aware of what type of temptations and influences we may have to deal with in our lives, and there are plenty of them to go around for all of us. Ordinary temptation is the devil’s primary weapon to deceive souls into abandoning God.

“There are more victims of Satan’s ordinary action than of his extraordinary action.” – Fr. Gabriele Amorth (2016), Former Chief Exorcist of Rome

In regards to Fr. Alar’s description about spiritual warfare, I think the question we might want to ask ourselves is this:

How well do we really know the Gospels?

Example –

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” John 19: 23:24a

What does the seamless tunic of Jesus symbolize?

  • A) Unity of the Church
  • B) Factions within the Church
  • C) Schisms within the Church
  • D) Divisions of churches in protest of the Church

Answer: The seamless tunic which the soldiers do not tear (v.24) symbolizes the unity of the Church, the unity for which Jesus asked the Father during his priestly prayer (see John 17:20-26) Source: The Navarre Bible – New Testament

There is much to be learned from the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  If you get a good Catholic Study Bible, you will find that there is a tremendous amount of helpful information in them to read, unpack and prayerfully consider, and the Gospel verses should be meditated on and contemplated in mental prayer.

Learning about Jesus helps us to be more like Him in faith, hope and love. Jesus will help us in the ongoing battle of spiritual warfare against the devil and his demons.

Training in Righteousness

Formation in Christ is all-important. Here are my favorite Catholic Study Bibles:

  • Ignatius New Testament Study Bible
  • The Didache Bible
  • The Navarre Bible
  • The Little Rock Study Bible
  • The Douay & Rheims Haydock Bible
  • The Great Adventure Study Bible

Catholic Spiritual Warfare Experts

You can also learn a lot about spiritual warfare by listening to the experts and reading their books. Here are the spiritual warfare experts that have helped me with my own journey of spiritual formation. May God bless them for their ministry.

The first three priests mentioned above are exorcists, but do not let the word exorcist scare you. These ordained priests called by God will teach you how to fight the good fight. They know spiritual warfare because they are on the front lines in their ministry doing their best to deliver afflicted families and people from the evil one.

The seventy[-two] returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Luke 10:17

Those exorcists, their assistants, and spiritual warfare experts, their lives are ones of intense spiritual warfare. I think they would all tell you that each in their own way.

Christ the Divine Warrior +

When one thinks about spiritual warfare, exorcists, etc. one may be inclined to think about the devil and diabolical influences. That is, without question, the enemy. But if you look more closely at the very center of spiritual warfare, I think what you are going to find is the Divine warrior Jesus staring right through you.

…the eyes of the Lord, ten thousand times brighter than the sun, Observe every step taken and peer into hidden corners. Sirach 23:19b

He shall take his zeal for armor and arm creation to requite the enemy, Shall put on righteousness for a breastplate, wear sure judgment for a helmet, Shall take invincible holiness for a shield, and sharpen his sudden anger for a sword. The universe will war with him against the foolhardy Wisdom 5:17-20

God is the God of the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament fulfills the Old Testament. Christ is at the very center of the Gospels of the New Testament, and He longs to be at the very center of our lives. This is the opposite of what the devil wants.

And even though our gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

The best combat strategy in spiritual warfare is to live a Christ centered life and fight the battle for souls along with Him. So let’s gear up for the battle!

  • Combat temptations and fears with full confidence in God.
  • Apply relentless study of the Gospels in your life.
  • Live out the Gospels by living a devout and sacramental life in Christ.

“Christ is the eternal splendor enlightening our minds and hearts.” – St. Ambrose

3 Divine Lights in Spiritual Warfare

Through the many hours of listening about spiritual warfare, related topics, and the books I have read that are written by and about spiritual warfare experts, I noted there are three (3) Divine characteristics that are often discussed again and again, and this is what I would like to call the 3 Divine lights in the realm of Catholic spiritual warfare.

I call them Divine lights because they have been given to us by God for the battle.

All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…James 1:17

Everything about Jesus is Divine and amazing. Let us greet Him everyday.

Immediately on seeing Him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to Him and greeted Him. Mark 9:15

You might keep these 3 Divine lights in mind in your own spiritual warfare. Let them be guiding lights for you and your family to help lead you to heaven.

Divine Light #1: God’s Grace

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Grace might sound like a cliché word when it comes to our faith, but do not be deceived. Grace is like the spiritual life-blood from God we need for union with Him.

CCC 1997 Grace is a participation in the life of God. It introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life: by Baptism the Christian participates in the grace of Christ, the Head of his Body. As an “adopted son” he can henceforth call God “Father,” in union with the only Son. He receives the life of the Spirit who breathes charity into him and who forms the Church.

When we pray the traditional Angelus prayer, we conclude the prayer by making a petition for God’s grace (the Divine life) to be poured in our hearts. The demons will do all they can to keep God’s grace from flowing in your life and in your family.

Divine Light #2: God’s Authority

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7

There is a hierarchy and an order God has established in the universe, and we are in it. I really had not considered this until I started studying Catholic spiritual warfare.

Example – think about the nine choirs of angels. There are nine different ranks of angels, the highest rank being the Seraphim, the ones who minister to God in heaven.

Despite all their glory and strength, there is one thing that a Seraphim does not have the power to do or even St. Michael the Archangel himself cannot do, but a Catholic priest has been given the power and authority by God to do:

The Catholic priest has been given authority by Christ to absolve us from our sins.

Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained. John 20:23

Absolution from sin is crucial in Catholic spiritual warfare. If you want to participate in the Divine life, repentance and absolution from sin, especially mortal sin, is a must.

CCC 1444 In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church…

Without repentance and absolution from our sins, we will never receive the flow of sanctifying grace God wishes to give us, and it may even prevent eternal salvation.

Divine Light #3: God’s Protection

But the righteous live forever, and in the LORD is their recompense, and the thought of them is with the Most High.

Therefore shall they receive the splendid crown, the beautiful diadem, from the hand of the LORD, For he will shelter them with his right hand, and protect them with his arm. Wisdom 5:15-16

Learning how to be better protected and delivered from evil in this life-long battle has been life changing. It’s somewhat like learning how to play a sport. You have to learn how to keep the other team from scoring points on you. The demons will attempt to drag you and your family down as much as God will allow.

Here are some effective ways to spiritually protect yourself and your family in Christ:

Please see a previous post here about spiritual protection from the diabolic.

RECAP

Here are 3 Divine lights given to us by God in the realm of Catholic spiritual warfare:

  • Grace
  • Authority
  • Protection

Learn about how to make the most of these “Divine lights” to help combat the darkness that battles against us. If we stay in the light of Christ, we will hopefully win the righteous crown that awaits us in heaven. Just be advised, the devil is going to do everything he can to keep that from happening for you or anyone else in your family.

“Do not be surprised that, as time goes on, our ancient foe will fight all the harder to wipe out the Christian religion.” – St. Gregory VII

I hope to have posts that further discuss God’s grace and God’s authority. There’s one more thing to consider about spiritual warfare. It’s a full day each and every day. You have to push yourself to new levels. For Jesus, you have to give Him your all.

“Christ must be your breath, heart, love, life, your all.” – St.  John Eudes

May we all fight a good fight in the name of Jesus Christ with love and devotion +

READING

Stern as death is love, relentless as the nether world is devotion;

its flames are a blazing fire.

Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away.

Song of Songs 8:6b-7a

– I love you, Lord; you are my strength.

You keep me safe; your mighty power protects me.

Liturgy of the Hours Volume III p. 1137

Church Sacramentals: The Sign of the Cross

Sacramentals, Spiritual Warfare

Church Sacramentals serve as a powerful spiritual armor in our fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world, the flesh, and the devil are our enemies in spiritual warfare. Perhaps the most effective way to be on the winning side of spiritual warfare is a frequent and faithful participation in the holy sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Although we cannot always receive the sacraments of the Church in the busyness of daily life, we can always have the sacramentals with us on some level. Sacramentals are not limited to crucifixes, bibles, prayer books, rosaries, medals, holy water, icons, candles, relics and scapulars. They can also involve sacred times, places and gestures.

Sacraments and Sacramentals

Sacraments

The Sacraments (Baptism, Confession, Eucharist, etc.) were instituted by Christ.

  • The grace of God flows from the Church sacraments themselves,

Sacramentals

The Sacramentals were instituted by the Church.

  • The sacramentals help us to live more devoutly in Christ and obtain grace.

The Power of Church Sacramentals

An example of a sacred time is found in the Angelus prayer devotion. I heard a spiritual warfare expert, Dr. Dan Schneider, say that if you want to get the most grace out of the Angelus prayer, pray it at the precise liturgical times in union with the Church (6 am, noon, 6 pm). I have been trying my best to do this as a New Year Resolution, and I must say I have clearly noticed results with the Angelus Prayer!

Thus, Church sacramental prayers, times, and gestures have more power in them than we may be inclined to believe. For example, when a priest is ordained, the bishop performs the laying on of hands on the priest’s head. In faith, this is important.

  • Without the rite of ordination to the priesthood, there are no ordained priests.
  • Without ordained priests, there is no administering of Church sacraments.
  • Without the Church sacraments available, there is no salvation in Christ.

The character of the Sacrament of Holy Orders is permanently “marked” on the newly ordained priest’s soul by the invisible flow of God’s grace. If the power of God’s sacraments are completed with liturgical gestures, we can have confidence in God with the sacramentals gestures he has given us in the goodness of His mercy. The sacramentals of the Church will help protect us and bless us in daily life.

…The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Sign of the Cross

One of the most powerful sacramental gestures we can make is the Sign of the Cross. The Sign of the Cross is the chief sacramental of the Catholic Church, and it goes all the way back to the days of the early Church Fathers. The Sign of the Cross evangelizes both the visible and invisible world, and the sacramental gives testimony in what we believe in as Catholics. We believe in God and His Church +

“It will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the apostles and guarded by the Fathers.” – St. Athanasius

Before I begin jogging, I make the Sign of the Cross. Not only do I feel a sense of blessing and protection with it before I start, but the Sign of the Cross also serves as an evangelization tool to let others (traffic, joggers, walkers, etc.) experience the light of Christ through the holy sacramental in their own lives at that moment in time.

Being a good Christian is all about shining God’s light into the world’s darkness with faith, hope and charity. And the darkness has not overcome it, all praise be to God.

All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…James 1:17

I had written a paper while I was in seminary about the Sign of the Cross, and I want to please share with you below. In addition, I have provided some related scripture verses and LOH excerpts from the early Church Fathers for contemplation. May the holy light of God’s protection and blessing be with us now and always. Amen +

Sign of the Cross – Historical Survey

There is no direct evidence that supports it, but it seems probable that the Sign of the Cross originated back to apostolic times (Ghezzi 20). Making the Sign of the Cross can be traced back as early as the third century in Africa and in Rome.

Initially, the Sign of the Cross was made on the forehead. It was a customary way for the person to show they belonged to Christ during the rites of initiation. The gesture served as an invisible seal of Christian identity (Dalmais 185).

…The one who gives us security with you in Christ and who anointed us is God; he has also put his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

One of the earliest accounts of the Sign of the Cross was given by influential third century writer, Tertullian, who wrote in testimony of the Sign of the Cross saying that they made the gesture on their foreheads at every opportunity during the course of their day (Andreopoulo 13). The sign was a customary way for early Christians to show their faith in Christ (Hahn 43).

“Anyone who refuses to admit the testimony of the cross is of the devil.” – St. Polycarp

Renowned saints from the early Church gave similar accounts about the Sign of the Cross. In the third century St. Cyprian of Carthage testified to the great witness of faith in making the Sign of the Cross. St. Cyprian said that in the Sign of the Cross is all virtue and power, and salvation is for all who are marked on their foreheads with the Sign of the Cross (Hahn 43).

And the LORD said to him: Pass through the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and mark an X on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the abominations practiced within it. Ezekiel 9:4

St. Cyril of Jerusalem gave testimony that Christians trace the cross over bread they ate and from the cups they drank (Ghezzi 21).  In the fourth century St. Basil the Great said that the Sign of the Cross was taught to us by the apostles as a gesture or mark that symbolizes hope in the Lord for those presenting themselves for baptism (Ghezzi 20).

“The catechumen believes in the cross of the Lord with which he too is signed, but unless he is baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit he cannot receive the forgiveness of sins or the gift of spiritual grace.” – St. Ambrose

St. Athanasius declared that all witchcraft and black magic is brought to nothing by the Sign of the Cross. Early Church saints St. Jerome and St. Augustine also discussed making the Sign of the Cross in their writings (Hahn 43).

“It was to strengthen your heart that He came to suffer and die, came to be spit upon and crowned with thorns, came to be accustomed to shameful things, yes came to be fastened to the wood of the cross.” – St. Augustine

In the seventh and eighth centuries a group of people called the Monophysites claimed that Christ had only one nature (divine) as opposed to two natures (human and divine). In response to this heresy, Eastern Catholics began to sign themselves with the larger sign over head, breast and shoulders using two fingers to represent both the humanity and divinity of Christ. The logic of using the larger sign was that it would be visible to all in defense of the truth (Ghezzi 21).

…whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:38

During the thirteenth century, Pope Innocent III instructed Christians to sign themselves with two fingers and thumb extended in reference to the Trinity. By the end of the Middle Ages most Western Catholics were making the Sign of the Cross, left shoulder to right shoulder, with an open hand, probably under the sizable influence of the Benedictine monasteries. This method of making the sign continues today for many Roman Catholics (Ghezzi 23).

Then I looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. Revelation 14:1

In the early days of the Roman Church Mass, the Pope would walk from the Lateran Palace to the sanctuary where Mass was to be celebrated that day. This rite existed under St. Celestine V (fifth century) and was later magnified by St. Gregory the Great. This is where the origin of the procession entrance for Mass began. The celebrant goes to the right side of the altar and reads a short prayer from a book. This is known as the Introit, or Entrance Versicle. As the celebrant would say the words of the Introit, the celebrant makes the holy Sign of the Cross which is the mark of the beginning (Daniel-Rops 40). In the current Missal the Sign of the Cross has been recognized as a public gesture that marks the beginning of the liturgy of the Mass (Dalmais 186).

…in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

Andreopoulos, Andreas. The Sign of the Cross – The Gesture, The Mystery, The History.Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2006.

Dalmais, Henri Irenee, Pierre Marie Gy, Pierre Jounel, and Aime George. The Church at Prayer.  Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1914.

Daniel-Rops, This is the Mass. New York: Hawthorn Books INC, 1958.

Ghezzi, Bert. The Sign of the Cross – Recovering the Power of Ancient Prayer. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2004.

Hahn, Scott. The Lamb’s Supper. New York: Doubleday, 1999

3 Reasons Why Praying the Angelus is a Good New Year’s Resolution

Spiritual Warfare

Looking back on 2020, I think we all might agree it was a difficult year! Here is hoping 2021 will be better. One of the ways we can make the year better for us is to pray for God’s grace. God’s grace makes all the difference. When God’s grace pours down upon us, we enjoy the blessings and protection that come along with it. When God’s grace dissipates, things can get rough out there as they did this past year.

4 Ways of Christian Discipleship

Aside from suffering afflictions, some of the best ways to get God’s graces flowing down upon us is to live out these four ways of discipleship in Christ:

  • Live a sacramental life.
  • Live a prayerful life.
  • Live a faithful life.
  • Live a charitable life.

Those four ways might help explain why praying the Angelus is a good idea.

This is because praying will help keep the sacraments available to us, and hopefully for the next generation of the Church. We can pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede to God for us. I heard a Marian expert and an ordained exorcist say the Blessed Virgin Mary is more powerful than all of the other saints, combined!

“Ask the Virgin Mary to give you her Son, who in the blessed sacrament of the altar is truly the food of your soul.” + St. Cajetan

As a best practice, one would pray the Angelus three (3) times per day (traditionally at 6 am, noon, 6 pm). This is a new year’s prayer resolution that can be prayed at any time of the day. However, the Angelus will be most effective if you pray it during the traditional liturgical times. The Angelus only takes about a minute or so to complete.

When you hear Catholic church bells ring at 6:00 am, noon, or 6:00 pm, they are ringing during those specific times because that means it is the traditional liturgical time by the Church for Catholics to unite as one on all levels and pray the Angelus.

You can buy an Angelus prayer card, write the prayer, print it out, or memorize it.

The Angelus Prayer

The Angelus

℣. The Angel of the LORD declared unto Mary,

℟. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

℣. Behold the handmaid of the LORD.

℟. Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

℣. And the Word was made flesh. (genuflect.)

℟. And dwelt among us. (genuflect.)

Hail Mary, full of grace; the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

℣. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

℟. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray,

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O LORD, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

3 Reasons Why Praying the Angelus is a Good Idea

Reason #1 Be a Light for Sacred Scripture

When you pray scripture aloud, you are shining light into the darkness.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

I read where a Catholic spiritual warfare expert and an exorcist assistant said that demons will particularly recoil when they hear the first passage from St. John’s Gospel prayed aloud in the Rite of Exorcism. The Angelus affirms that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14). Thus, it is always a good idea to pray the Angelus in spiritual warfare as we very much are in the battle. Jesus told St. Faustina we are in a great cosmic arena of spiritual combat where God and His angels are watching us.

“As we do battle and fight in the contest of faith, God, his angels and Christ himself watch us.” + St. Cyprian

Reason #2 Honor The Blessed Virgin Mary

The Angelus is a Catholic prayer devotional that pays tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary and her humble cooperation with God to give us the hope of eternal salvation in her Son, Jesus Christ. The prayer also recognizes that an angel of the Lord, the archangel Gabriel, made the Annunciation to Mary about God’s plan for her with the Incarnation of the Word and the redemption of mankind.

And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28

In the Angelus, we confidently pray aloud Mary’s cooperation with God’s will.

Be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Not only is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role crucial for the possibility of eternal salvation (she will be our advocate at the judgement), but she is also the mediatrix of God’s grace. The angel Gabriel (Gabriel means “Power of God”) said that Mary was “favored.” The root Greek word is charis which means “grace.”

God’s grace is essential – in our lives, in our families, in our Church, country and in the whole world. Where there is God’s grace, there is also God’s peace.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:3

Reason #3 Grow in Christian Discipleship

We are created for God, and our hearts are made for God. The end goal of salvation is to spend eternity with God. Praying the Angelus should prove to be beneficial not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others, especially for our ordained bishops and priests called by God who need our prayers. We are all in the battle together.

“Help me both by your prayers and by your obedience, for then it will be a pleasure for me, not to preside over you, but to serve you.” + St. Augustine

When we pray the Angelus, whether it be morning, noon or evening, we stop what we are doing with the countless generations before us (the prayer goes all the way back to the 13th century) to recognize God our Creator, the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even the nine choirs of angels, all of whom play a critical role in the possibility of eternal salvation in Christ.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:30-33

A Starry Night Nativity

Gospels

Let us rejoice, the Christmas holidays are finally here! God the Father shows the world the splendor of His glory in the coming of Christ, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as the ancient prophets foretold. We celebrate this mysterious and joyous wonder in a spirit of faith and love. As we make our journey of faith through Advent this year, I thought I would share some learning points to reflect on this Christmas holiday about the Nativity of Jesus from St. Matthew’s Gospel. 

The birth of Jesus Christ is explained in just 12 verses in Matthew’s Gospel, but there is – as is often the norm with Sacred Scripture – much going on with those 12 verses.

When thinking about the Nativity of Jesus some things may come to mind:

  • Jesus, Mary and Joseph
  • The town of Bethlehem
  • The rising star of Bethlehem
  • Herod the Great
  • The visit of the Magi
  • The gifts of the Magi

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1

Who were the Magi?

Here are some things to ponder about these ancient, mysterious travelers.

  • The Magi were deemed wise men with specialized knowledge (dream interpretation and astrology).
  • The Magi were the first Gentiles to recognize and give reverence to the Kingship of Christ.
  • The Magi traveled long distances (from the east) to see the child Jesus.
  • It is said there were three magi but Matthew’s Gospel does not specify.
  • The Magi prostrated themselves on their faces before Jesus (an act associated with divine worship).
  • The Magi followed a rising star in the sky in search for a king.

A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel, That will crush the brows of Moab, and the skull of all the Sethites, Numbers 24:17

What was the star?

They were overjoyed at seeing the star. Matthew 2:10

There has been some speculation that the star was a comet, planets lining up (planetary conjunction) and giving off brightness or a stellar explosion (a nova), but Matthew’s Gospel indicates otherwise.

…And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

God is quietly and mysteriously providing his own Divine guidance to lead the Magi to Jesus. It is possible the star may have been an angel of the Lord.

In the Jewish tradition stars were associated with angels and the guiding star in Matthew’s Gospel recalls the angel God sent to guide the people in the desert on their way to the promised land. Source: Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture

The angel of God, who had been leading Israel’s army, now moved and went around behind them. And the column of cloud, moving from in front of them, took up its place behind them, Exodus 14:19

According to USCCB, the angel of God in Exodus was actually the work of the Lord:

Angel of God: Hebrew mal’ak ha’elohim (Septuagint ho angelos tou theou) here refers not to an independent spiritual being but to God’s power at work in the world; Source: USCCB

According to the Catholic Dictionary, the star of Bethlehem leading the Magi was most likely an angel.

“…the most likely explanation is that the star was an angel, brilliantly white, leading the Magi to their Savior and King. This would explain why, in the Gospel of Matthew, the star is said to appear and disappear, as well as move forward and stand still.”

Only God knows  what the star of Bethlehem really was, but undoubtedly, this rising star did not happen without God’s consent.

And the Magi, who in a way represent us Gentiles from faraway lands, all concur.

…“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”  Matthew 2:2

That is what the Magi asked the people of Jerusalem, and it seems their inquiry about the baby Messiah shook up Herod and the inhabitants of the city.

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3

Who was Herod the Great?

“King Herod the Great” was a psychotic, tyrannical leader who was often consumed with fears of conspiracies plotted against him. In his paranoid attempts to put an end to these fears Herod ruthlessly had people slaughtered including his own wife, three sons, and the slaughter of the Holy Innocents in Chapter 2 of Matthew’s Gospel.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” Matthew 2:8

Herod was lying to the Magi!

He did not want to pay homage to the child.

He wanted to destroy him.

The hostility to Christ in his infancy also prepares the reader of St. Matthew’s Gospel for the opposition he will face at the culmination of his public ministry in Jerusalem. Source: Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture

Apparently, the Magi were able to ascertain that Herod had bad intentions as they left Herod and the diabolical orders he gave them. They wisely did not go back that way.

Once you have a personal encounter with Christ, your life changes course.

“We are making our way toward the light of our heavenly home with the grace of Christ leading us and showing us the way.”  – St. Bede the Venerable

The Magi followed the star. And the star followed the will of God.

“The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.” – St. Leo the Great

Where is Bethlehem?

  • Hebrew translation for Bethlehem is “house of bread.”
  • Bethlehem is also identified with the village of Ephrath
  • In ancient times, Bethlehem was a village about five miles south of Jerusalem.
  • Bethlehem was the hometown of David.
  • Bethlehem was the hometown of Boaz, great grandfather of David (Ruth).
  • Bethlehem was the birthplace of Benjamin (Genesis).
  • Bethlehem was the burial place of Rachel (Genesis).
  • David was anointed king by the prophet Samuel at Bethlehem.
  • Bethlehem is sometimes called the City of David.
  • It was prophesied that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.

But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha least among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:1

Salvation will come through a “messiah,” an anointed ruler. The Book of Micah shares with Isaiah the expectation that God will deliver Israel through a king in the line of David. Bethlehem-Ephrathah is the home of the Davidic line. Source: USCCB

Recap

I have a couple of closing points I would like to share with you. As mentioned earlier, the Magi prostrated themselves on that starry night before the Christ child. And in that way they serve as a model for adoring Jesus in the Eucharist.

They also provided the baby Jesus gifts fit for a true king.

  • Gold (a precious metal) – because Jesus is a King
  • Frankincense (an expensive perfume for incense) – because Jesus is God
  • Myrrh (a valuable spice) – because Jesus  became one of us,  a mortal man, who would suffer greatly and die on the cross for us as the prophets foretold.

and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

We exchange presents with our loved ones during Christmas. We exchange love with Jesus our Lord when we receive him with faith in the Eucharist. The Christ child was sent by the Father in heaven to save us. May the light of Christ lead and guide our traveling hearts home to heaven to be with Jesus forever. Merry Christmas!

“The mother holds the child for the Magi to adore; the Father reveals that his Son is to be worshiped by all the nations.”  – St. Maximus

An Introduction to the Book of Psalms

Wisdom

I recently read where St. Jerome, a Church Father and renowned scripture scholar of the Church, said someone coming into the Christian faith should start their life long journey of Bible study by learning about the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament.

It is the start of a new year so I thought I would include my first post about the Book of Psalms. I received a book for Christmas from my sister and brother-in-law, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible – The Old Testament by Dr. John Bergsma and Dr. Brant Pitre.

This is a massive book with over 1,000 pages if you include the index in the back of the book.  There is a wealth of information about the Old Testament in this book. I would like to share with you some “nuggets of knowledge” about what I learned the book says about the Psalms just from browsing through the pages on that topic in the book.

An Introduction to the Book of Psalms

Psalms 31:25

Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the LORD.

  • Another name for the book of Psalms is the Psalter.
  • There are approximately 150 chapters in the Book of Psalms.
  • The word psalm means “song” (Greek psalmos).
  • All of the psalms are Hebrew poetry (Hebrew poetry does not rhyme).
  • The psalms are diversified in genre (laments, thanksgivings, hymns, royal, etc.).
  • The date of composition of the Psalms spans over 500 years of Israelite history.
  • Most of the Psalter are lament psalms (cries/petitions in distress to God).
  • The Psalter is divided into 5 sections or “books.”
  • The Psalms have multiple authors, including David, Moses and Solomon.
  • 86 of the 150 psalms are ascribed to David in the Greek Psalter.
  • The Psalms are an ancient torah (instruction) on how to live and walk with God.
  • In the New Testament the Psalms are the most frequently quoted OT book.
  • The Psalms are the most commented OT book in the history of the Church.
  • The Psalms were prayed devoutly by Jesus during his earthly life.
  • Jesus fulfilled the Psalms during his Passion, death and Resurrection.
  • The Psalms remain essential to the prayer of the Church (CCC2586).
  • The Psalms were both inspired by the Holy Spirit, and prayed by Jesus.
  • The Psalms functions as both individual and communal prayers for Christians.
  • Per St. Thomas Aquinas, everything taught in Bible is connected to the Psalter.
  • The Psalms is the most frequently read book in the Liturgy of the Word at Mass.
  • The Psalter is the most frequently read book in the Liturgy of the Hours.
  • The Psalms are prayed without ceasing every single day in the Church.

The Psalms are a Book of Praises

Psalms 99:3

Let them praise your great and awesome name: Holy is He!

I bought a book earlier this year in the gift shop of St. Joseph Abbey, The Psalms Songs of Faith and Praise by Gregory J. Polan, OSB. I would like to share some points of interest about the Psalms from Abbot Primate Polan’s book with you below.

  • The Hebrew name for the Book of Psalms means “A Book of Praises.”
  • Praying the Psalms offers praise to God as the source of all blessing.
  • The Psalms can also be referred to as “the prayer-book of the Bible.”
  • The Psalms are ancient prayers that reflect every situation in human life.
  • The Responsorial Psalm at Mass voices a prayer of response to God from what God has said to us from the First Reading of the Word during of the Mass.
  • The diverse imagery of the Psalms speak to our journey through life.
  • Biblical Hebrew comprises only about 5,000 vocabulary words.
  • Like the Torah (Pentateuch) the Psalter is also an “instruction in prayer.”
  • Each of the five books of the Psalms conclude with a characteristic doxology – an expression of praise and blessing to God.

Literary Forms of the Psalms

Psalms 38:23

Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my salvation!

Abbot Primate Polan provides a listing of the most common literary forms of the psalms in the Psalter.  The most common literary forms of the Psalter are:

  • The Individual Laments – Most numerous of the Psalter’s literary forms.
  • The Communal Laments – Distinguished by the community’s historical experience of exile, including recounting the destruction of the temple.
  • The Thanksgiving Song – An expression of gratitude to God for deliverance from distress by the saving hand of God.
  • Psalms of Confidence – Spiritually significant as they are expressions of faith in God’s goodness and action in human lives.
  • Royal or Messianic Psalms – Prayers that focus on the life of the anointed one, the king, including prayers for his well being, protection and victory in battle.
  • Songs of Zion/Enthronement Psalms – Proclaim God as the sovereign Lord and Jerusalem as God’s dwelling place on earth.
  • Historical Psalms – Tell the stories of Israel (God’s savings actions, regret for Israel’s failures to respond faithfully to God’s love, etc.).
  • Wisdom Psalms – Pithy maxims of instruction and expression that provide spiritual insight in living a righteous life in accord with God’s laws.

Abbot Primate Polan goes on to say that when we pray a Responsorial Psalm during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass we pray in a faith that unites us in time and space through countless generations, including the Church’s earliest days.

The author also reverberates what was mentioned about Jesus earlier in this post:

“When we use the Psalms daily as a source of inspiration and prayer, we are using the very prayers that Jesus learned as a child, and which so influenced his own relationship with the one whom he addressed as Abba.” Source: The Psalms Songs of Faith and Praise by Gregory J. Polan, OSB.

The Psalms Help with Formation

Psalms 139:16

Your eyes saw me unformed; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.

A confession by the author of Catholic Ace: There is a soft spot in my heart for the Psalms because the Psalms changed me. Example – since I started praying the Psalms over ten years ago, I no longer want to say any bad words in conversation, nor do I want to be around anyone who liberally speaks any bad words in conversation.

By praying these beloved ancient prayers daily in the Liturgy of the Hours, they begin to take root in your soul and help form you into the person God intends for you to be.

Here is a listing of what I believe are some of the benefits of praying the Psalms.

  • I believe praying the Psalms helps form you into who God wants you to be.
  • Praying the Psalms has a peaceful and almost tranquilizing effect on the soul.
  • The Psalms help to deliver a soul from evil and cleanse it from impurities.
  • The Psalter and rosary have a deep connection beyond human understanding.
  • Praying the Psalms offers a direct line of upward communication to God.
  • The Psalter, prayed continuously by the Church, is the heartbeat of the Church.
  • Those who devoutly pray the Psalms are climbing a spiritual ladder to heaven.

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:7-8

Amazing sunrise in the mountains

12 Different Ways to Prepare Your Family for the Illumination of Conscience

Faith

I recently read a best seller Catholic spiritual book called The Warning – Testimonies and Prophecies of the Illumination of Conscience by Christine Watkins. The book is an excellent read, a real page turner. I am thankful that I read it. In some ways, the book pretty much confirms my own personal theories about what will transpire from above one day – very possibly before the end of this century.

Here is a quote that is on the back of the book:

“With His divine love, He will open the doors of hearts and illuminate all consciences. Every person will see himself in the burning fire of divine truth. It will be like a judgment in miniature. – Our Lady to Fr. Stefano Gobbi of the Marian Movement of Priests

Here are some related links about the book:

Countdown to the Kingdom

Book Trailer about the Warning

A Movie will be made about the Warning

The “warning” is about a prophesized day when everyone will see their souls in the piercing light of Divine truth. Our souls and our lives will be examined by God.

Fearful shall they come, at the counting up of their sins… Wisdom 4:20

Some saints and mystics such as St. Faustina Kowalsa have given us testimonials that they have already experienced it on a spiritual level. They basically all say or “warn” the same thing about it: Get ready for it. Amend your lives as best as you can.

There are numerous people mentioned in the book that have received private revelations about the Divine Illumination. Matthew Kelly is one of them. Matthew Kelly is a renowned Catholic layman, speaker, the author of many books on Catholic spirituality (often provided to parishes) and the founder of Dynamic Catholic.

Matthew Kelly and many others in the book attest from their own private revelations – in the Divine illumination, will see the damage that sin caused in our lives and in the lives of others. Our sins and conduct have a ripple effect over the entire cosmos.

For your creation, serving you, its maker, grows tense for punishment against the wicked, but is relaxed in benefit for those who trust in you. Wisdom 16:24

The sin of our lives, even the smallest venial sins we have committed, will be contrasted with the holy Divine life and the overwhelming glory and goodness of God.

And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn…Matthew 24:30

There will be much weeping and mourning. They say some people will not be able to recover from the illumination! We all fall short before the glory of God.

All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Flashes of lightning and booming thunder might help to give us some level of perspective of the power of God that may be involved in what has also been referred to as the mini judgment. There is Biblical truth to that comparison.

Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds. Wisdom 5:21

The good news is that we can start preparing today for the Divine illumination.

Spiritual Vigilance – How to Prepare

Instructions on how to prepare for the illumination of conscience have been given to us by various apparitions of the Blessed Mother and her messages from them for over the past two hundred years. In addition, God has also spoken to other saints and mystics about what we should do and not do so that we will be prepared.

…There will come a great wonder that will fill the world with astonishment. – Blessed Pope Pius IX

The Divine message that has been given to us about the illumination of conscience is significant. I recently learned from Fr. Mark Goring that God will not take any such type action before first informing us about it (through His chosen prophets). There is a scripture verse in the Old Testament that supports this Divine principle.

Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

I want to please share with you in this post what I learned about how to be prepared for the impending illumination of conscience. It is interesting to note – the previous book I read was a spiritual warfare book. The author provided recommendations on “things to do and not do” from a spiritual warfare standpoint. A lot of the information I found in both books to be similar in regards to exhortations (do’s and don’ts).

12 Different Ways to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

There are multiple ways families should prepare for this Divine event. The twelve ways of preparation are supported with sacred scripture verses for contemplation.

#1 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Repent

…Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

  • Repent.
  • Turn back to God.
  • Amend our lives.
  • Do acts of penance for our sins.
  • Make reparation to God for our own sins.
  • Make reparation to God for the sins of the world.
  • Turn away from evil with our whole heart.
  • Open our hearts to God’s love and mercy.
  • Do much penance in this life.
  • Renounce ourselves.
  • Live a life of conversion.
  • Live each day as if it was our last day.
  • Let Christ reign in our hearts and lives.

#2 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Pray

Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

  • Pray, pray, pray.
  • Pray, much (helps to calm the indignation of God).
  • Recite the Holy Rosary often (prayer is powerful with God).
  • Pray as a family.
  • Visit the Blessed Sacrament every day when possible.
  • Pray the holy rosary daily.
  • Pray in reparation for our sins and the sins of others.
  • Pray now more than ever.
  • Pray from the heart.
  • Especially pray the rosary.
  • Pray together as a community (parish, small church group, etc.).

#3 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Live a Sacramental Life

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:13

  • Frequent the Sacrament of Confession.
  • Attend Sunday Mass and Daily Mass.
  • Frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

#4 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Consecrate your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph

…Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’”  John 7:37-38

  • Families should consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
  • Families should consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
  • Families should consecrate themselves to St. Joseph and his protection.
  • The consecrations will lead us closer to God.
  • The consecrations will prepare us for the things to come.

#5 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Live Out Vocational Responsibilities

Many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14

  • Take the traditional teachings of the Catholic faith extremely seriously.
  • Less emphasis on entertainments and amusements.
  • Live faithfully the vocations God has called for each of us.
  • Prepare with renewed tenacity.
  • Prepare with firm decision.
  • Do not be lazy.
  • Do not be uninterested in our vocations.
  • Do not be indifferent.
  • Indifferent souls consumed by laziness are in jeopardy.
  • Souls living out a genuine vocation will survive.
  • Remain faithful to all the Holy Spirit directs you to do.
  • Act in everything the Most Holy Mary is calling you to do.
  • Living a life of peace.
  • Live as children of the Lord.
  • Abandon yourself to the Holy Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit will help you to do the Holy Will of God
  • Believe in the Gospel.
  • Live a good, just, simple life.

#6 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Scripture Study

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

  • Get to know God’s love for us with scripture study.
  • Bible study is essential.
  • Read the daily scripture readings for Mass.

#7 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Examination of Conscience

Hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9

  • Do not fear anything or anybody (2 Tim 1:7).
  • Examine yourselves more closely.
  • Discover what your defects are.
  • Ask Jesus to open your eyes so that you can see your wretchedness.
  • Do not judge your actions.
  • Do not judge the actions of others.
  • Simply try to become a better version of yourself for God each day.

#8 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Detachment from the World

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

  • Do not be attached to the ways of the world or the goods of the world.
  • Think very often that we are here to go to heaven and to be saints.
  • Know the difference between detachment and attachment.

#9 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Practice the Virtue of Mortification

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

  • Fast often.
  • Make sacrifices for the reparation of sin.
  • Offer up your personal sacrifices to God.
  • Learn about the virtue (a good habit) of mortification.

#10 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Have Faith in God

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

  • Have faith in God.
  • Trust in God.
  • Have confidence in God (confidence in ourselves is rooted in the sin of pride).
  • Remember God has a plan for you (Jer 29:11) and is with you (Mt. 28:20).

#11 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Strive for Interior Peace of the Soul

…Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

  • Our souls must be at peace in God.
  • We must forgive and be at peace with one another.
  • Strive to become a better person each day.
  • Find solace in God and His Church.

#12 Way to Prepare for the Illumination of Conscience

Love God and Love One Another

The Greatest Commandment Luke 10:25-28

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”

He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

  • Love God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength.
  • Love our neighbor as ourselves.
  • God wants us to love Him.
  • It is vital we must learn how to really love.
  • Love respects the little things as well as the big things.

Be Prepared!

We must always be prepared. We have to get ready for God’s judgment. Remember the world’s standards we live in are a false indication of God’s justice. We should strive to bring as many others as we can to be prepared for the Divine illumination.

As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek Him; For He who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring back enduring joy. Baruch 4:28-29

Consider the words of the great modern mystic, St. Faustina Kowalska:

“…Suddenly, I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it! To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! (Diary, 36)

Recap

Our salvation ultimately depends on the integrity of our lives in obedience to Christ.

There is a homily written about it from the second century in the Liturgy of the Hours Volume IV p.529. The imminent Divine judgement we will all face (God revealed “judgment” is the best word we have to try to describe it) should not be taken lightly. Just as God has said He is preparing a place for us, we should wisely make sure the lamps of our lives are filled with righteousness and be prepared to meet Him.

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. John 14:2-3

  • We can take comfort in the Gospels that the Prodigal Son turned away from a selfish and sinful lifestyle, and God symbolically embraced him for it.
  • We can take heed that the Prodigal Son symbolically came back to be with God and chose to live out his life obediently under God’s Divine Authority.

This is the most important of all My messages: I am the Lord, your God. You are my sons and daughters, whom I love very much, and my greatest delight is in being with you; and I want to be with you for eternity. Anything I do is done out of love for you, My children. Trust in Me, your Heavenly Father. – Private Revelation from God the Father to Matthew Kelly June 5, 1993