Peter and the Papacy - Why do Catholics believe that Pope is the successor of Peter?

Well, my friends first of all thank you for visiting my blog, it looks like your curisoity has led to explore why Catholics believe that Pope like our present Holy Father Benedict XVI - Joseph Ratzinger is the successor of Peter. As most will argue that Church has no earthly head and was never meant to have one. Than, by sure Papacy has to be an invention of the Catholic Church, because Christ did not established the Magisterium .

“Papacy is a reuse; at worst, a work of the devil”

Furthermore, why would the papacy be formed in Rome when Peter was never in Rome and so could not have been the first Pope.

Well, if this still sounds interesting, than please read further. I will explain all these arguments and give you concrete answers as to why do Catholics believe that Pope is the successor of Peter.

The question if Peter was ever in Rome or even if he crucified is inconsequential. His being in Rome does not prove that the existence of the Papacy. Because the Papacy was instituted by Christ in the first place and after Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven, the Apostles started their missionary work and travel to the end to proclaim the word. So, in other words Apostles did not get together one evening and said hey lets all go to Rome and we’ll build St. Peter’s Basilica and start the Papacy and Church.

The argument that you hear against the Catholic faith is mainly to find even the smallest claim that could proof to be correct would help undermine psychologically if not logically that Catholic Church/faith is wrong on this and many other historical points, which would conclude it is wrong on the Papacy and other doctrines.

Now, I would say that the New Testament does not say “Peter did went to Rome” or “Peter did not go to Rome”, in fact very little is said about where he , any of the Apostles other than Paul, did go in the years after the Ascension.

However, At the end of Peter’s Epistle there is a greeting.

“The Church here in BABYLON, united with you by GOD’s election, sends you here greeting, and so does my son Mark” (1 Peter 5:13).

BABYLON is a code word for ROME.

Let me quote Karl Keating books Catholicism and Fundamentalism

“Consider the other New Testament citations: “A second angel followed, who cried out, BABYLON, great BABYLON is fallen; she who made all nations drunk with the maddening wine of her fornication” (REV 14:8)

“The great city broke n three pieces, while the cities of the heathens came down in ruins. And GOD did not forget to minister a draught of his wine, his avenging anger, to BABYLON, the great city” (REV 16:19)

“There was title written over his forehead, The mystic BABYLON, great mother-city of all harlots, and all that is abominable on earth” (REV 17:5)

“And he cried aloud, BABYLON, great BABYLON is fallen” (REV 18:2)

“Standing at a distance, for fear of sharing her punishment, they will cry out, Alas, BABYLON the great, alas, BABYLON the strong, in one brief hour judgment has come upon you” (REV 18:10)

“So, with one crash of ruin, will BABYLON fall, the great city” (REV 18:21)

Well, my friends the above reference to BABYLON is NOT to the BABYLONIAN EMPIRE. Because Babylon was already reduced by status, military defeat, and political subjugation; it was no longer a “great city”. It played no important part in the recent history of the ancient world. The only true “great city” in New Testament times was ROME. (Karl Keating)

Also, we see the mention of Peter traveling to Rome, establishing a Church in Rome in the writing of the early Christian writers. Where I am going to given you a quick snapshot of what their writing pertained. “They mention that Peter came to Rome during the reign of Nero who reigned from 54 to 68 AD. Peter the first apostle chosen by Christ came to Rome, preached, converted many to righteousness, did miracles, established a steadfast temple of GOD, was apprehended often and thrown into prison and treated with ignominy, and at last was crucified in Rome.

Furthermore, Eusebius Pamphilius gives precise account stating that in 42 AD “(he actually said that “second year of the two hundredth and fifth olympaid” “The Apostle Peter after he has established the Church in Antioch, is sent to Rome, where he remained as bishop of that city, preaching the Gospel for twenty five years (25 YEARS)” He further talks about Nero persecution against the Christians, in which Peter and Paul died gloriously at ROME.


Now, let’s look at the New Testament scriptures that gives us evidence that Peter was first in authority among the Apostles.

Peter almost always headed the list in Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13)

Sometimes it was only Peter and his companions written clearly in Luke 9:32.

Peter was the onw who generally spoke for the Apostles (Matthew 18:21; Mark 8:29; Luke 12:41l Jn 6:69)

On Pentecost he was the very first to speak (Acts 2:14-40)

He was the first to work the healing (Acts 3:6-7).

I think I have given enough versus that support that Peter was the first Apostle chosen by Jesus Christ to lead his Church on earth.

Jesus on his first meeting with Peter gave Simon a new name “PETER”; which translated as ROCK (Jn 1:42)

The most imazing thing is that in the Old Testament GOD was called a ROCK. The word was never used as a proper name for a man. Jesus Christ never gave meaningless gestures and neither did the Jews as a whole, when it came to names. Giving of the a new names meant that status of an individual was changed for example Abram to Abraham (Gen 17:5), Jacob to Israel (Gen 32:28); Elacism to Joakim (2 King 23:34); and Daniel , Ananias, Misael and Azarias to Baltassar, Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago (Dan I:6-8)

When Jesus first saw Simon, “Jesus looked at him closely and said. “Thou art Simon the son of Jonah; thou shalt be called Cephas’ (Jn 1:42) (which merely the transliteration of the Aramaic Kepha into Greek, Kepha means rock. (Karl Keating)

And only Peter was the one who professed his faith to Jesus: “Thou are the Christ, the son of the Living God” (Mt 16:17) And what did Jesus say to Peter that the Holy Spirit has revealed that to him the Jesus Christ was the one and only son of the living GOD.

And then came the clincher and Jesus told his Apostles “Whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19)

Here Peter was singled out for the authority that provides for the forgiveness of sins and the making of disciplinary rules.

Peter was also the only one who was promised by Jesus Christ “I will given to thee [singular ] the keys to the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19) In ancient times keys were the hallmark of authority.

Finally, my friends when Jesus appeared to his Apostles after his resurrection and what did he ask Peter. “Dost thou love me” (Jn 21:15-17) and Jesus asked him three times similary as Peter denied him three times. Jesus asked him threefold affirmation of his love to Christ. Then, Jesus gave Peter the authority and told Peter to “Feed my Sheep” (Jn 21:17)

Lastly, I would like to close with this verse which will tie all the loose ends in explaining why Peter was chosen as the first Apostle, and given the status of the Rock, given the key to the Heaven and told to lead his flock on earth and feed his sheep.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has claimed power over you all, so that he can sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for thee [singular], that they faith may not fail; when, after a while, thou hast come back to me [after the denials], it is for thee to be the support of thy brethren” (Luke 22:31:32).

Christ prayed for Peter that his faith will never fail, that he would become the guide of this people on earth, and Christ’s prayer, being perfectly efficacious, was sure to be fulfilled. Here we see the roots of papal infallibility ans the primacy that is the Bishop of Rome’s (Karl Keating)

Furthermore, Jesus told Peter "Thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church" (Matthew 16:18). Peter was aware of his name that he is Peter, why did Jesus put his emphases? Because my dear friends, Simon given the name "Peter" means itself "ROCK".

In fact elsewhere in the Bible a different methaphor called the "Cornerstone" (Eph 2:20; I Peter 2:3-8) was used which does not disapprove that here Peter is the FOUNDATION. Christ is naturally the principal but after Christ's ressurection Peter had to be the secondary because he and his successors had to remain on earth as a visible foundation.

"Peter can be a foundation oly because first Christ is one" (Karl Keating)

The New Testament contains five different metaphors for the foundation of the Church (Matt. 16:18, 1 Cor. 3:11, Eph. 2:20, 1 Pet. 2:5–6, Rev. 21:14). One metaphor that has been disputed is Jesus Christ’s calling the apostle Peter "rock": "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). (Patrick Madrid)

Some have tried to argue that Jesus did not mean that his Church would be built on Peter but on something else. (Patrick Madrid)

Some argue that in this passage there is a minor difference between the Greek term for Peter (Petros) and the term for rock (petra), yet they ignore the obvious explanation: petra, a feminine noun, has simply been modifed to have a masculine ending, since one would not refer to a man (Peter) as feminine. The change in the gender is purely for stylistic reasons. (Patrick Madrid)

These critics also neglect the fact that Jesus spoke Aramaic, and, as John 1:42 tells us, in everyday life he actually referred to Peter as Kepha or Cephas (depending on how it is transliterated). It is that term which is then translated into Greek as petros. Thus, what Jesus actually said to Peter in Aramaic was: "You are Kepha and on this very kepha I will build my Church." The Church Fathers, those Christians closest to the apostles in time, culture, and theological background, clearly understood that Jesus promised to build the Church on Peter. (Patrick Madrid)

Sorry friends, this is the longest blog I have written beside my MBA thesis and papers. It was important to get into the details of this subject and provide adequate and concise supporting scriptural references which proves that Peter and Papacy was established by Christ on earth.

GOD BLESS, hope this strenghthens your faith in Christ.


References:

Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating.

TEN COMMANDMENTS

"Differences between Christians over the enumeration of the Ten Commandments shouldn't surprise us. The Bible itself gives slightly different versions of the Decalogue in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. In Exodus, a man's wife is ranked with his possessions as part of his household. In Deuteronomy, the wife is distinguished from a man's possessions.

If you follow Exodus, the prohibitions against coveting a neighbor's wife and his property could be counted as one commandment. If you follow Deuteronomy, they could be counted as two separate commandments. This is mainly a difference in emphasis.

If the biblical number ten is to be maintained (Deut. 4:13; 10:4; Ex. 34:28), then what is given as a single commandment in one book must be divided into two in the other. Catholics and Lutherans generally follow Deuteronomy in counting prohibitions against coveting another's wife and property as two separate commandments.

Most Protestants count these together and regard the prohibitions against idols and the worship of false gods as two distinct commandments, which Catholics and Lutherans regard as one.

Interestingly enough, modern Jews take a third route. They separate the introductory phrase "I am the Lord your God" (Ex. 20:2; Deut. 5:6) from the prohibition against false gods and idols, which they count as one commandment. The commandments against coveting a neighbor's wife and his property are listed as one prohibiting covetousness.

Catholics, Protestants, and Jews accept the entire Decalogue. What they differ on is how its components should be numbered, something which, in view of what is held in common by these three groups, is unimportant" (Catholic.com)

Reference:

Entire article taken from Catholic.com (Q & A). Why is there a difference between the Catholic version of the Ten Commandments and the Protestant one? Interpretation of text in the above listed section or manipulation of the verbiage would have alluded to a different meaning.

Theology of the Body

Happy Monday friends, hope you had a wonderful weekend and a blessed Lords Day. Today, I wanted to talk about theology of our bodies and sex respect. What is the purpose of these bodies that are given to us on birth? Are these mere containers of our souls as most people suggest? What is the responsibility tied to these bodies?

Well, my friends these bodies are a gift from GOD. A temple of GOD and Holy Spirit. We must take care of them while on earth. Let's give respect to our bodies, as well as the bodies of others. Keep in mind, that after our death these bodies will be preserved by your loved one's according to the Christian practice (burial) for Christ's coming. Upon that day as we rise from our sleep we will be united again with our souls in our glorified bodies.

So, my friends when you look at yourself in the mirror keep this in mind that the only difference upon our union with Jesus is that your bodies will change in all its glory, but the reminisces of your existing body will remain.

My brothers and sisters in Christ. Take care of your bodies, do not augment them, do not plaster them with Tattoos, piercing. These bodies were created for you to keep, given to you by GOD. As stated before these are no merely containers of soul for this world, but for a place for the Holy Spirit to reside. We must not use our bodies as objects as our society views them, as these bodies are used for commercial purposes of selling underwear's, beer, designer jeans and body deodorants etc.

It is sad that from an early age such as two years of age; our media starts to program and manipulate our children's conscience, mind with colorful images. Media creating cartoons that might look harmless at a glance, but pertain philosophy of this world. Our teenagers are bombarded with on how they must look, react, dress, to be accepted amongst their peers. And what must teenage girls do to attract boys, truly is that what our bodies were made for? Or were these made to glorify GOD? As our teenagers are influenced by their modern day role models such as Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Brittany spears and icons of this world. There souls are losing true essence and main purpose of their existence.

Our young men being captured by pornography, there brain waves literally being altered by images that influence their views as to how they perceive women. They are being taught to use women as object of self enjoyment. These images do detrimental damages in the long run. They become addicted on viewing the act of sex and may get carried away in viewing disturbing sexual acts and get into vulgar fetishes. Even to the point that most of them might require psychological help in the future to be freed from the addiction and captivity of pornography. I am also including a few resources that parents of children and adults who are addicted to pornography can use - check out Fr. John Molvie's site www.FreedomSA.us and also check out www.familylifecenter.net for further assistance. Hope this helps.

Freedom of expression has lead us to the degradation of our society. With liberal views of the marital act before marriage, the astounding increase in teen pregnancy, increase in sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual union by our youngster is viewed very ordinary and is not given any special regards as an act that should be practiced within the marital bond.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers in Christ it's up to us to become role models in our kids lives, it's not to late we can still protect our children from these worldly liberal views and teach them to respect their bodies and the bodies of others. Be aware of what they watch on television, who they associate with and by whom are they being influenced. Talk to them much earlier and often about how should they view their bodies.

My friends we live in the Jerry Springer world. Let's get hold of our families, teach ourselves and our children to respect the temple of GOD.

MARY - Mother of GOD

Most Christians are horrified when the Virgin Mary is referred to as the Mother of God. However, their reaction often rests upon a misapprehension of not only what this particular title of Mary signifies but also who Jesus was, and what their own theological forebears, the Protestant Reformers, had to say regarding this doctrine.



A woman is a man’s mother either if she carried him in her womb or if she was the woman contributing half of his genetic matter or both. Mary was the mother of Jesus in both of these senses; because she not only carried Jesus in her womb but also supplied all of the genetic matter for his human body, since it was through her—not Joseph—that Jesus "was descended from David according to the flesh" (Rom. 1:3).

Since Mary is Jesus’ mother, it must be concluded that she is also the Mother of God: If Mary is the mother of Jesus, and if Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. There is no way out of this logical syllogism, the valid form of which has been recognized by classical logicians since before the time of Christ.

Although Mary is the Mother of God, she is not his mother in the sense that she is older than God or the source of her Son’s divinity, for she is neither. Rather, we say that she is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb a divine person—Jesus Christ, God "in the flesh" (2 John 7, cf. John 1:14)—and in the sense that she contributed the genetic matter to the human form God took in Jesus Christ.

"To avoid this conclusion, Non Catholics often assert that Mary did not carry God in her womb, but only carried Christ’s human nature. Are you nuts? Seriously, are you listen to yourselves. This assertion reinvents a heresy from the fifth century known as Nestorianism, which runs aground on the fact that a mother does not merely carry the human nature of her child in her womb. Rather, she carries the person of her child. Women do not give birth to human natures; they give birth to persons. Mary thus carried and gave birth to the person of Jesus Christ, and the person she gave birth to was God."(Catholic.com)

"The Nestorian claim that Mary did not give birth to the unified person of Jesus Christ attempts to separate Christ’s human nature from his divine nature, creating two separate and distinct persons—one divine and one human—united in a loose affiliation. It is therefore a Christological heresy, which even the Protestant Reformers recognized. Both Martin Luther and John Calvin insisted on Mary’s divine maternity. In fact, it even appears that Nestorius himself may not have believed the heresy named after him. Further, the "Nestorian" church has now signed a joint declaration on Christology with the Catholic Church and recognizes Mary’s divine maternity, just as other Christians do." (Catholic.com)

Our God gave (divine providence) Mary the grace, she was born without sins (original sin). She was created to carry this task by GOD. She was the chosen vessel that would carry our Lord into the World. She is the new ark of covenant. Now, some of you might question me and say so if she was without sin (original and actual sin) and was immaculately conceived, based on Catholic doctrine. Did her parents have original sin. Yes; both her parents had the original, but as it is written in the scriptures, when the Angel appeared to her and said. Hail Mary, full of Grace. Father gave her the grace to be born without sin, she was created and brought into this world to do GODS will. Yes, of course she had free will. She could have said "NO" to the Angel. But, she accepted GODS offer to carry his son. Her womb, her soul had to be free of sin. In order for our Lord to grow in her body. Jesus, was,is and always be pure and how can he be born through a vessel that had any trace of sin. Think about it?

My brothers and sisters in Christ, just for a second put aside what you have been taught in terms of faith and think about the logic and reasoning why Mary is the Mother of our GOD and how can we discard her from our faith and belief. Jesus even at the cross did not forget about his Mother. So, how can we forget about her? Beside the WORLDS SINS; the cross, suffering, pain, anguish. He was also concerned about his Mother, that he was leaving her behind and that who would take care of her in his physical absence. So, he chose John to take care of his Mother. Which does raise the question? As most born again and Bible Christians say that Jesus had brothers. If our Lady did have children, then why would Jesus ask John and not his brothers to take care of her? Interesting.....

Let's see what the Bible alludes too, let me begin by saying. If you understand the infancy narrative from the Gospel. Mother Mary was actually the first Apostle to receive the GOOD NEWS. She was with Grace (Luke Chpt 1 verse 28 - "Congratulations, FAVORED LADY! The LORD is with you") from the beginning and received additional grace from GOD the FATHER to bring his only begotten son to this world. She was called the "Mother of my Lord" by her cousin Elizabeth who herself was with child (John the baptist) - "She gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "You are favored by GOD above all other WOMEN, and your child is destined for GODS mightiest praise. What an honor this is, that the MOTHER of my LORD should visit me!" So, my friends what does that make Virgin Mary - The MOTHER OF GOD, not the FATHER but the Son who is GOD as well.

Furthermore, let not forget that John the Baptist leaped in his mother womb when he heard the greeting of our Lady (MOTHER OF GOD). Same as it is written in the old TESTAMENT Samuel 2 - Chapter 6, when David brought the ARK home to Obed-edome and he danced and leaped in front of the ARK. That's the reason we also call Mary the NEW ARK OF THE COVENANT as she carried the LORD within her. And what DAVID did in the old Testament, John the Baptist did in his mothers womb - they both leaped with Joy and Happiness.

Okay, now let see why do Catholics given Mother Mary so much preferrence. Well, even though there isn't much written about her except for in the Gospel of Luke the Angel visitation, Book of Revelation and Genesis. One must understand her role, she was the first to receive the GOOD NEWS, her presence was record at the beginning of Jesus' ministry at the Wedding at CANA and again her presence was recorded as she stood at the foot of the cross which ended Jesus' ministry here on earth. So, that tells you that she held an important role even though much isn't written about her.

Now, why do we call her QUEEN MOTHER, let's explore that as well. Jesus is the King so, what does that make his Mother; Queen. Supporting reference can be taken from the old Testament, mother of King Solomon was called mother queen. Also, we see in Book of Revelation, John sees a women crowned with stars - WITH STARS my friends. Not a mere crown made of GOLD or SILVER. A crown of stars how much reverence does she holds in our LORD's eyes. So, for that reason in short we call her QUEEN MOTHER.

I will pray for you, I would like for you to pray for me as well. GOD BLESS.

Would you like to see, feel, smell and taste CHRIST today?

Then read further; I will tell you where you can find Jesus today in our present world.

"‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.’

I understand, what you might be thinking. How can we eat his flesh, don't worry even his own people, his chosen Apostles walked away when they heard Jesus. ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’" (John 6:51–52).

In John 6:60 we read: "Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’" These were his disciples, people used to his remarkable ways. He warned them not to think carnally, but spiritually: "It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63; cf. 1 Cor. 2:12–14).

But he knew some did not believe. (It is here, in the rejection of the Eucharist, that Judas fell away; look at John 6:64.) "After this, many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him" (John 6:66).

Non Catholics attack on the Catholic Church often focuses on the Eucharist. This demonstrates that opponents of the Church—mainly Evangelicals and Fundamentalists—recognize one of Catholicism’s core doctrines. What’s more, the attacks show that Fundamentalists are not always literalists. This is seen in their interpretation of the key biblical passage, chapter six of John’s Gospel, in which Christ speaks about the sacrament that will be instituted at the Last Supper. John 6:30 begins a colloquy that took place in the synagogue at Capernaum. The Jews asked Jesus what sign he could perform so that they might believe in him. As a challenge, they noted that "our ancestors ate manna in the desert." Could Jesus top that? He told them the real bread from heaven comes from the Father. "Give us this bread always," they said. Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

At this point the Jews understood him to be speaking metaphorically. But he was speaking literally:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him" (John 6:53–56).

Notice that Jesus made no attempt to soften what he said, no attempt to correct "misunderstandings," for there were none. Our Lord’s listeners understood him perfectly well.

They no longer thought he was speaking metaphorically. If they had, if they mistook what he said, why no correction? This is the only record we have of any of Christ’s followers forsaking him for purely doctrinal reasons. If it had all been a misunderstanding, if they erred in taking a metaphor in a literal sense, why didn’t he call them back and straighten things out? Both the Jews, who were suspicious of him, and his disciples, who had accepted everything up to this point, would have remained with him had he said he was speaking only symbolically. "But he did not correct these protesters. Twelve times he said he was the bread that came down from heaven; four times he said they would have "to eat my flesh and drink my blood." John 6 was an extended promise of what would be instituted at the Last Supper—and it was a promise that could not be more explicit. Or so it would seem to a Catholic. But what do Fundamentalists say?" (Catholic.com)

"They say that in John 6 Jesus was not talking about physical food and drink, but about spiritual food and drink. They quote John 6:35: "Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.’" They claim that coming to him is bread, having faith in him is drink. Thus, eating his flesh and blood merely means believing in Christ." (Catholic.com)

"But there is a problem with that interpretation. As Fr. John A. O’Brien explains, "The phrase ‘to eat the flesh and drink the blood,’ when used figuratively among the Jews, as among the Arabs of today, meant to inflict upon a person some serious injury, especially by calumny or by false accusation. To interpret the phrase figuratively then would be to make our Lord promise life everlasting to the culprit for slandering and hating him, which would reduce the whole passage to utter nonsense" (O’Brien, The Faith of Millions, 215). For an example of this use, see Micah 3:3." (Catholic.com)

"Fundamentalist writers who comment on John 6 also assert that one can show Christ was speaking only metaphorically by comparing verses like John 10:9 ("I am the door") and John 15:1 ("I am the true vine"). The problem is that there is not a connection to John 6:35, "I am the bread of life." "I am the door" and "I am the vine" make sense as metaphors because Christ is like a door—we go to heaven through him—and he is also like a vine—we get our spiritual sap through him. But Christ takes John 6:35 far beyond symbolism by saying, "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed" (John 6:55)." (Catholic.com)

"He continues: "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me" (John 6:57). The Greek word used for "eats" (trogon) is very blunt and has the sense of "chewing" or "gnawing." This is not the language of metaphor." (Catholic.com)

"For Fundamentalist writers, the scriptural argument is capped by an appeal to John 6:63: "It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." They say this means that eating real flesh is a waste. But does this make sense?" (Catholic.com)

"Are we to understand that Christ had just commanded his disciples to eat his flesh, then said their doing so would be pointless? Is that what "the flesh is of no avail" means? "Eat my flesh, but you’ll find it’s a waste of time"—is that what he was saying? Hardly." (Catholic.com)

"The fact is that Christ’s flesh avails much! If it were of no avail, then the Son of God incarnated for no reason, he died for no reason, and he rose from the dead for no reason. Christ’s flesh profits us more than anyone else’s in the world. If it profits us nothing, so that the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ are of no avail, then "your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished" (1 Cor. 15:17b–18). (Catholic.com)

"In John 6:63 "flesh profits nothing" refers to mankind’s inclination to think using only what their natural human reason would tell them rather than what God would tell them. Thus in John 8:15–16 Jesus tells his opponents: "You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone that judge, but I and he who sent me." So natural human judgment, unaided by God’s grace, is unreliable; but God’s judgment is always true." (Catholic.com)

"And were the disciples to understand the line "The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life" as nothing but a circumlocution (and a very clumsy one at that) for "symbolic"? No one can come up with such interpretations unless he first holds to the Fundamentalist position and thinks it necessary to find a rationale, no matter how forced, for evading the Catholic interpretation. In John 6:63 "flesh" does not refer to Christ’s own flesh—the context makes this clear—but to mankind’s inclination to think on a natural, human level. "The words I have spoken to you are spirit" does not mean "What I have just said is symbolic." The word "spirit" is never used that way in the Bible. The line means that what Christ has said will be understood only through faith; only by the power of the Spirit and the drawing of the Father (cf. John 6:37, 44–45, 65)." (Catholic.com)

"Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" (1 Cor. 10:16). So when we receive Communion, we actually participate in the body and blood of Christ, not just eat symbols of them. Paul also said, "Therefore whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. . . . For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Cor. 11:27, 29).

"To answer for the body and blood" of someone meant to be guilty of a crime as serious as homicide. How could eating mere bread and wine "unworthily" be so serious? Paul’s comment makes sense only if the bread and wine became the real body and blood of Christ." (Catholic.com)

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Jesus is present in the Eucharist. He is in the tabernacle in the Catholic Church. The one true Church founded by Jesus Christ. Come into the fullness of faith. Join me and 1 billion Catholics around the world and let's believe and part take in the transformation of bread and wine in Jesus' flesh and Blood.

Find out more about the Catholic faith at http://www.catholic.com/

Reference:
Presence of Christ in Eucharist at www.Catholic.com

FORMULA TO HOLINESS

Formula to Holiness comes from constant evaluation of conscience, our soul and keeping the Lords commandments in their fullness. Each day as I evaluate my conscience and prepare my soul for heaven or if I fall short because of my sinful nature and end up in purgatory. I am constantly reminding myself and asking GOD for his grace that he would clear my thoughts of sin, that I don't hate, lie, that I don't covet my neighbors goods, I ask for clean thoughts that I don't have anger, malice against others. That GOD gives me the grace to become a good husband, father and son. That I may reflect Christ through my actions, my works, deeds and that I don't condemn others for the short comings in my life.

Each of us has our faults, our dark secrets, and our falls. But, always remember my brothers and sisters in Christ; we have the mercy of our LORD, who is a forgiving Father. He is waiting for our souls to turn to him, ask for forgiveness, turning our heart to him completely. Let's not give into Satan's lies (He is a liar and murderer from the beginning) and give him victory over our conscience; as we sin against GOD and bring shame to GOD.

This morning as I was commuting to work, I was listening to Catholic Radio (1230 AM and 1260 AM), I was thinking during the morning mass. That Jesus took all our sins on himself, (ALL OUR SINS). Have we ever stopped to think what these sins were; rape, murder, adultery, lies, stealing, lust of human eyes, sins of flesh etc. Can you imagine his pure spirit and heart taking all the sins of the world, past, present and future? His, anguish in the Garden before he was put to death. His sweat turned into drops of blood. My friends sweat doesn't literally changes into blood, there has to be deep and unimaginable pain. That hurt and pain came from our sins. His love is great for his children, he has never forsaken us, but we with our sinful souls, our attractiveness to sin places him back into pain, suffering and anguish.

Repent, clear your conscience, go for confession, evaluate yourself each minute and each hour and just pray every chance you get and ask for his grace. Before beginning and ending your day, remember CHRIST and pray to him for his grace and ask for protection from sin and that you do not fall prey to temptation. I pray this special pray for all husbands, sons and fathers that God gives us special grace that we can become true Holy Man as we raise our families in CHRIST.

Formula to Holiness:

(Examination of Conscience) + (Keeping of Commandment) + (Act of Confession) = Holiness

I will pray for you and your soul that GOD prepares your soul for heaven. Always remember we are not of this WORLD, our main responsibility is to praise our LORD and give him glory. Please pray for me. Let's forgive each other, let's follow the commandments. Let’s not steal, lie, covet our neighbor’s wife and goods, honor our parents, remember the Lords day and Love our GOD with all our might and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Our Salvation in not locked in by "Acceptance of Christ" as a one time deal. We have to constantly work toward our salvation, by our works and not merely by faith alone. Amen

Reference:

Personal thoughts and testimony – Ocran Akran April 14, 2010

Purgatory: A place between HELL and HEAVEN

Defination for some of my Non-Catholic Christians brothers and sisters and a refresher for Catholics. What does PURGATORY refer to; Purgatory is a state of purfication where souls are expiated, they attain full repentences from sins and any remaining remanence of sins or uncleanliness, prior to entering Heaven.

"Nothing unclean shall enter Heaven" (Rev 21:27)

Purgatory assists all by transitioning self love into love of GOD.

"At death one's soul goes to heaven, if it is completely fit for heaven; to purgatory, if it is not quite fit for heaven, but not worthy of condemnation; on to HELL, if it is completely unfit for heaven" (Karl Keating - Catholicism & Fundamentalism).

Every soul will go to Heaven, this may come as a shock for some to believe. But, after all souls are expiated from their sins and are worthy for heaven; and go through the purification process and leave purgatory. Purgatory will cease to exist.

"There will remain only Heaven and Hell" (Karl Keating).

Before, I go any further; I want to take this opportunity to discuss judgements. Yes, there are two types of judgments. First, there is the immediate judgement after death, one undergoes what is called the particular or individual, judgement.

"We are judged instantly and receive our reward, for good or ill" (Karl Keating)

"Second judgement in other words when the last people have died there will come the general judgement to which the BIBLE refers. In it all our sins will be revealed" (Karl Keating).

"I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the very last penny" (Luke 12:59)

Catholic Church is generally accused of inventing "Purgatory"; but they don't have any supporting date to back up their argument as to when did the invention took place of the doctrine of Purgatory.

Christians in the first century were extremely conservative people. Belief in Purgatory would be considered a great change, if it had not been believed from the beginning.

"They must have understood that the oral teaching of the Apostles, what Catholic call Tradition, and the Bible not only did not contradict the doctrine but endorsed it" (Karl Keating)

Now lets focus as to what does the Bible say about "Purgatory". Born again/Bible Christians claim Bible only talks about HEAVEN and HELL - "WRONG AGAIN".

BIBLE speaks clearly and plainly about the THIRD PLACE commonly referred as LIMBO OF THE FATHERS, where the just who died after Redemption were waiting for heaven to be opened to them (I Peter 3:19). This place was neither Heaven or Hell.

Non Catholics say that the word "Purgatory" cannot be found in the Scripture. True, but that's hardly the point. There is no mention of Trinity, yet this doctrine is taught.

"Likewise, Scriptures teaches that Purgatory exists, even if it does not use that word it (I Peter 3:19) refers to a place other than Purgatory" (Karl Keating)

Yet, there is another verse that supports that existence of "Purgatory"

"He will be the loser; and yet he himself will be saved, though only as men are saved by passing through fire" (I Cor 3:15)

Simply purification from sins is not through Hell (Fire) and Heaven has no suffering fire. So, the scripture is referring to the THIRD PLACE of purfication "Purgatory".

Here's another verse, but unfortunately some of you might have difficulty finding this verse, as it does not exist in the NEW KINGS JAMES VERSION Bible. As for Martin Luther who removed seven books of the Bible (see my article "WHY CATHOLIC BIBLES ARE BIGGER". This verse is found in Maccabees - (2 Macc 12:46). This verse talks about praying for the dead.

"It is holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they might be loosed from their sins" (2 Macc 12:46).

Interesting; prayers are not needed for souls in Heaven, and there is no escape from Hell. That means some people must be in a third place, at least temporarily.

Hope my friends this helps. Pray for me and I'll pray for you and let's pray a special pray for all our loved ones who have gone before us. That GOD may purify them of their sins and call them into his grace in Heaven. - GOD BLESS

Reference:

Catholicism and Fundamentalism - Author Karl Keating.

Forgiveness of Sins: Act of Confession or Exhomologesis.

Basic understanding of salvation and forgiveness of sins: If God has already forgiven man's sins that are past, present and future on a single act of repentance. Then it makes no sense at all what the Catholic faith teaches about confessing sin to a priest.

Well, here the clincher; my friends. Let's look what the Holy Scriptures say about confession.

"He breathed on them, and said, receive the Holy Spirit; when you forgive men sins, they are forgiven, when you hold them bound, they are held bound" (Jn 20:22-23)

He spoke these words to the Apostles and the same word was past on through Holy Scriptures and tradition to our modern day Apostles the successor of the twelve; chosen by Jesus and present day Catholic Clergy, Priests, Bishops, Cardinals and Pope. Since we know from scriptures that Jesus after his resurrection returned to GOD our FATHER and would not be with the Church visibly. Christ gave this power to other men. Church that was left in continuation of his presences throughout time. Would be able to administer the act of confession, forgiveness of sins for future generations.

So, logically thinking after the last Apostle died, the power automatically was past-on to their successors. After Pentecost, when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as the guide for his Apostles, if these Apostles would have ceased, then the Church would have ceased and all of Jesus teaching, his sacrifice on the Cross would have been in vain. However, here is the BIG NEWS my brothers and sisters in Christ. It was the beginning of the Church and the blessing bestowed upon his people. His death and resurrection marked the beginning – AMEN.

Now most Christians refute this privilege of confession; allotted to us by Christ and view confession of sin to priests as an invention by the Catholic Church. Opponents of the Catholic Church even go to the extent by saying; "Auricular Confession" was instituted by Catholics in 1215 at the Lateran Council.

One cannot invent something that was prescribed by Jesus Christ to his Apostles this was before any council ever existed and before the reformation of scripture. His word is eternal "If you forgive sins they are forgiven in heaven and if you hold them they are held".

Now let's talk about the logic behind confessing to a priest. First, Apostles cannot forgive sins that they don't know of an individual. Hence, the individual must confess his/her sins in order to be forgiven, which implies to confession or "EXHOMOLOGESIS"

Non Catholic interpretation of (Jn 20: 22-23) is that Jesus does not talk about forgiveness of sin, but he is telling his Apostles about preaching the good news. Now, I am not a Bible Scholar but, even I can see what the verse states and it implies to forgiveness of sins. Jesus tells that Apostles that "when you forgive men's sin, they are forgiven". Nothing here about preaching - that is handled elsewhere, such as in Matthew 28:19 and related verses. Instead, Jesus is telling the Apostles that they have been empowered to do something. He does say, "When God forgives men's sins, they are forgiven,"it is hardly necessary to say that. He uses second plural: "YOU". He talks about the Apostles forgiving, not preaching. When he refers to retaining sins he uses the same form: "When you hold them bound, they are held bound." There it is again "YOU". (Karl Keating Catholicism and Fundamentalism).

Another position that most fundamentalist insist on is that there is ONLY ONE MEDIATOR between God and man and that is JESUS CHRIST. They generally quote (Tim 2:5).

YES, Christ our Lord is the only one who can forgive sins; no man has the authority or power to forgive. However, if the authority came from Christ to the Church elders and the power received from the Holy Spirit to forgive sins; then one must follow Christ’s teaching. Asking for forgiveness in the solicitude of his/her house, a secret room seems easy and you don’t get absolution nor do you get any sort of spiritual directions. But, it is very difficult to confess your sins to a person especially a priest who is in persona Christi (Person of Christ) and the plus point is that you not only receive absolution from sins; but you get direction on how to avoid sins.

Hope this helps, my brothers and sisters in Christ about the act of confession and why it is important to confess your sins to a priest who is empowered by Jesus Christ, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL - AMEN.

PASSION OF CHRIST

Our Lord died on the cross for all of us; the whole world. I wish and pray that the whole world turns to Christ and adores him for what he did as he came to this world, becoming man in flesh.

As we recall our Christ's passion on this Good Friday, think of his love for the world. He took the sins of the world upon his pure conscience, where each sin was like a dagger that pierced his pure and forgiving heart. His frail body; torn-up by the utter brutality of mankind. He fell several times on his way to Calvary. He was bleeding profusely, flesh that was barely hanging on his body. If he wanted to he could have saved himself. But, he was doing his Father’s will, think of his loyalty to his Father. If mankind was to die a thousand deaths, still they cannot redeem themselves of their sins. Only Jesus with his sacrifice was able to give us redemption.

Upon his arrival at the place of his crucifixion, Romanian soldiers striped him in a barbaric fashion, where flesh pealed from his body as they de-robed him. Then they nailed him to the cross piercing his palms. These are the same palms that during his ministry were used to heal others; today they had nails in them.

May God have mercy upon mankind, for what are sins did to him? Never forget his sacrifice and his dying ever minute as he was upon this earth, preaching and delivering his Fathers wills.

I pray each day for his grace that one day I can lay my life as my Lord did for his people. Amen.

He was crucified because of the cowardliness of his followers. Where did the crowds go that he feed fish and bread to; would you deny him, as Peter? Would you ran away or stand next to him and become his true followers.

Pray for me and I will pray for you. That GOD gives us the graces to become his true followers.

ON THIS HOLY THURSDAY - REPENT

Repent and do not crucify our Lord over and over again with your sins. I plead to you as a sinner myself, turn away from sin, do not be lukewarm Catholic Christians. Every time you sin and defy him, you place him to die back on the cross.

On this darkest day in history (Holy Thursday), which is today. After his last supper with his disciples.

When Jesus our Lord was given up to the gentiles to be mocked, kicked, he was hit in this face. His flesh was torn off during scourging. He wasn't merely whipped, lead tongs with broken glass, sharp metal bits were used to rip his flesh off and his organs were exposed. His body was induced with unimaginable pain.

Roman soldiers sat around after his capture and come up with devices to affiliate as much pain as possible to our King. They pushed a crown of thorns on his head, it wasn't merely sitting on his head, it was pounded into his skull.

He came to us, his children and we did not accept him, we rejected him and give him up to die and we place him back on the cross each time with our sin. Our disobedience of this commandments. Ask for repentance each minute, each hour and ask that his grace comes upon you, so you may not sin no more.