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PART 3
Make
ALL THINGS RIGHT
with GOD
Jesus Abused and Crucified, a Picture to Behold;
Our Lord and Master Doing as He was Told.
Copyright © November, 1998 by Fr. David C. Trosch
All Rights Reserved Last Revised: 26 February 1999
I tell you there will be (great joy) before the angels of God
over one repentant sinner.
[Lk. 15:10]
Table of Contents:
Back to Full Book Make All Things Right With God Back to Part 2
When read in Web Page format the various links, above and
throughout this document, can be clicked to go to particular
locations in this document, or to sub-documents. Referenced
documents are also listed in the appendix section with links.
To return to your original location use the browser BACK button
while in this book or in any linked document or other document.
The following sins are associated with and grouped
according to the Ten Commandments listed above.
Some listed sins are venial in nature, but many would be mortal.
1st Commandment: I am the Lord your God.
You shall not have strange gods before me.
- Have I ignored or postponed building a relationship with the Lord, gaining in knowledge of Him, growing in love of Him?
- Did I fail to love God. . .to pray?
- Have I doubted or denied my Faith in God or His Church?
- Do I wholeheartedly accept the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church concerning doctrine and discipline?
- Have I been careful to grow in my understanding of the faith, to hear God's word, to listen to instructions concerning the faith, to avoid dangers to faith?
- Have I always been strong and fearless in professing my faith in God and His Church?
- Have I attended a wedding ceremony for someone who has been divorced and is remarrying before the death of the first spouse?
- Have I attended a wedding between a Catholic and a non-Catholic in a setting not approved by the Catholic Church?
- Have I rejected any formal teaching of the Church and become a heretic?
NOTE: There is a difference between a de facto and a de jure reality. (fact / legality)
- Have I continued an association with a known unrepentant heretic?
"After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic," [Titus 3:10]
- Have I become a member of, been sympathetic with, or contributed to an organization forbidden by the Church that is opposed to Catholic teachings The Freemasons (Masons), Planned Parenthood, American Civil Liberties Union, Gay Rights Groups, Pro-choice or pro-abortion organizations, Communist Party, a secret society, or other such organizations. By extension of concept this also includes political candidates or parties that support the above organizations or their deviant activities.
Points of fact:
- To belong to, be sympathetic with, or to contribute to such organizations (or persons) is a mortal sin.
- Without sincere contrition, confession, absolution, penance, and restitution, the reception of Holy Communion is a sin of sacrilege.
- To knowingly give Holy Communion to someone publicly known to be committing a sin of sacrilege is to participate in the sin of sacrilege and is additionally committing a sin of giving grave scandal.
- For bishop(s) in a hierarchical sequence to knowingly allow this evil to continue is for him (them) to be a participant(s) in the sins committed.
- Have I ever defended the position or activities of abortionists or others listed above in any manner or form?
- Have I presumed on God's mercy, expecting forgiveness without conversion of mind and heart or without practicing true Christian virtue?
- In regard to the Great Commandment, "Love of God, self, and neighbor," have I forgiven those who have offended me? (from the Lord's prayer, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.")
- Have I prayed for those who have done me wrong?
"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you," Mt. 5:44
"bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Lk. 6:28
- Have I prayed mornings, evenings, and before and after meals? (Forgetting to say meal prayers or morning or night prayers would be venial sin. But to habitually ignore praying to God, a demonstration of indifference to God, should be considered a grave evil.)
- Have I been willing to be known as a Christian in private and in public life?
- Am I fearful of making the Sign of the Cross and saying before and after meal prayers in public places (in a free nation) the same as I do at home?
- Do I bow before an altar of God?
- Do I genuflect (to kneel on one knee) when passing in proximity to Jesus in the tabernacle?
- Do I bend my knees at the name of Jesus?
"at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those
in heaven and on earth and under the earth," [Phil. 2:10]
- Do I genuflect upon arrival and before departure from Church (before and after getting in and out of my pew)?
- When passing in front of a Catholic Church do I make a sign of reverence such as the sign of the cross, a man uncovering his head, bowing my head, or making another spiritual sign of respect?
- Are these signs made out of respect for God, or are they made with the desire to bring attention to yourself?
While lack of signs of respect are not always venial sins, such lack is shown to be
sinful when the question is asked, "Do I love God enough to show Him respect?"
- Have I failed to seek truth?
- Have I strongly desired to seek oneness or unity with the will of God?
- Is my faith real or mostly imaginary?
- When I have learned a truth do I immediately put it into practice, or am I more concerned with what others are doing or not doing?
- Do I accept that many people travel the road to Hell because they wait for others to walk in the path of truth before they become willing to do so?
- Do I realize that due to my failure to put truth immediately into practice, others that might have been saved will lose their souls for lack of good example to follow?
- Is my faith given witness to by following the belief and practices of others, or is it evidenced by quick acceptance and practice of truth when acquired?
- Do I abstain from meat and meat products each Friday of the year as required by Church teachings (in remembrance of Jesus' suffering and death on Good Friday), or at least make a substitutionary special sacrificial act each Friday as required by Canon Law? (See: Appendix P)
- Do I recognize that peace with God is more important than worldly peace?
- Small and great alike, all are greedy for gain; prophet and priest, all practice fraud. They would repair, as though it were nought, the injury to my people: "Peace, peace!" they say, though there is no peace. They are odious; they have done abominable things, yet they are not at all ashamed, they know not how to blush. Hence they shall be among those who fall; in their time of punishment they shall go down, says the LORD. [Jer. 6:13-15]
- I hate, I spurn your feasts, I take no pleasure in your solemnities; Your cereal offerings I will not accept, nor consider your stall-fed peace offerings. Away with your noisy songs! I will not listen to the melodies of your harps. But if you would offer me holocausts, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream. [Amos 5:21-24]
- "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man 'against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household.' "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [Mt. 10:34-39]
- Do I believe that Jesus suffered and died a horrible death on the cross so that sin can be treated either carelessly or without reflection and as though obedience to His Father was unnecessary?
- Do I turn to God in time of temptation?
- Do I give preference to the buying of designer labeled clothes?
- Am I unnecessarily fashion conscious?
- Do I accept that everything that I am and have is a gift from God that can be taken away at any time?
- Do I accept that my failure to acknowledge personal guilt for my own wrong doing can be the cause for the loss of my salvation?
- Have I been charitable to others in thought, word, and deed?
- Have I been careless in saying my prayers?
- Have I read books against the Catholic Faith without permission and preparation?
- Have I had hero worship for sports figures, movie stars, singers, political or religious figures, . . . that has matched or exceeded the time, attention, and love I have given to God?
- Do I recognize and accept that a person holding an office may be evil even though the office itself may be good?
- Do I hold in high esteem the offices of bishop and pope?
- Do I accept that sins of bishops and popes are personal sins and not sins committed by the Church?
- Do I accept that bishops and popes can be wolves in sheep's clothing and can lead many into grave sin by action or omission?
- Many deceitful men have gone out into the world. Men who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ
as coming in the flesh, such is the deceitful one, this is the antichrist. [2 Jn. 7]
- Anyone so progressive that he does not remain routed in the teaching
of Christ does not possess God. [2 Jn. 9]
- As a priest have I ever destroyed sacred objects or symbols, or failed to use them as a method of inspiring faith?
- As a priest have I failed to explain the proper use of religious objects, symbols, art, and sacramentals when asked, or have I ever opposed their use?
- As a priest have I been prejudiced against the legitimate use of religious art, symbols, objects, or sacramentals?
- As a priest have I ever feared reprisals in regard to teaching religious truths and subsequently failed to teach the faith as it should be taught?
- Do I prefer a tax free status for the Church to doing what pleases God?
- Do I believe that it is more important to be popular, or to be truthful, honest, and just?
- Have I accepted a priest's, bishop's, pope's, or civil government's authority that is opposed to the known authority of God. (NOTE: One must be knowledgeable as to what are the authentic teachings of God in order to oppose, or go against an instruction by a priest, bishop, or pope. Or, one must at least be acting with an informed good conscience to present opposition to someone in higher authority.)
- Have I tested the spirits?
"Beloved, do not trust every spirit {prophet or instructor of the Word of God} but test the spirits (testing the spirits examining the teachers and the references sources of learning apart from their supposed quality) to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets {people who falsely speak for God; impostors who act as teachers of the Word of God} have gone out into the world. This is how you can know the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ come in the flesh belongs to God, and every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They belong to the world; accordingly, their teaching belongs to the world, and the world listens to them." [1 Jn. 4:1-5]
- Have I contributed more to secular causes than to authentic religious causes?
- Have I preferred secular enjoyments to sound worship of God?
- Do I expect to be entertained at Mass?
- Do I go to Mass for the purpose of feeling good?
- Do I believe that Mass is a social event or that the Holy Eucharist is symbolism and can be received other than in faith while free from mortal sin? (There must always be present the understood intention that one will always make an effort to avoid all sin in the future, particularly all serious sin. The reception of Holy Communion involves not only one's belief in the real presence, but also involvement with the true faith established by Jesus the Christ. The faith that properly exists only in the Catholic Church. For anyone to even remotely suggest that someone could receive Holy Communion who is not a Catholic or is not in the state of grace would be a mortal sin. The pretext that no one will know is false, since God always knows. And, it is God who condemns.)
- Do I believe that one can knowingly enter a church of a religion not his own and abuse the rules of that church without being a condemnable hypocrite? (The reception of Holy Communion in a Catholic Church in South Africa by President William Jefferson Clinton must be considered a grave sacrilege and highly condemnable.) Or abuse the rules of a church not your own, in order to save face, without being guilty of humanism a condemnable sin? (See: Appendix Q)
- As a priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of the Eucharistic have I knowingly given Holy Communion to a public sinner as did Cardinal Bernard Law when he gave Holy Communion to excommunicated pro-abortion (divorced and married outside of the Church) Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy?
NOTE: Ministers of the Most Holy Eucharist fall into two categories - ordinary and extraordinary. Only priests and deacons are classed as ordinary ministers of the Holy Eucharist. When present, they are required to be the primary distributors of Holy Communion. Only when necessary are extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist to be used. Of this group, one who has received the formal ministry of acolyte (one who has received this ministry in the process of becoming a deacon) has priority over all other extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.
COMMENT: It is an infallible teaching of the Church that Jesus is fully present in the form of either the consecrated Bread or the consecrated Wine (the true Body and Blood of Jesus). Therefore there is no authentic reason for extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist to be used to distribute the Precious Blood of Jesus as His Blood is already fully contained in His living Body under the species of unleavened bread. A witness to faith is more fully expressed by receiving under one species only.
The humanistic symbolism of receiving under both species should be subordinated to the witness of faith given by receiving under one species only. The priest celebrant following the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) reunites the Body and Blood of Jesus (places a small piece of the consecrated Host into the chalice containing the Blood of Jesus) and says quietly, "May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive It." (This statement applies only to those Catholics who receive Holy Communion with the right intention while free from mortal sin. All others who receive commit a mortal sin of sacrilege.)
"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself." [1 Cor. 11:27-29]
- Have I participated in non-Catholic religious services or worship? (In some parishes ecumenical services now totally replace the celebration of Mass on Thanksgiving day.)
- Do I reject modernism (Modernism is the concept that people of this age are more spiritually enlightened or more morally advanced than those living in previous ages this would include the belief that some moral rules should be understood to have applied only to previous ages and no longer apply to this "enlightened" age.)?
- Am I more concerned about the things of this world than the spiritual values of the next?
The successes of the servants of Satan occur according to the following statement,
"The worldly take more initiative than the other worldly
when it comes to dealing with their own kind." [Lk. 16:8]
The worldly unite in supporting evil while the other worldly do not unite to support good.
Church leaders have a grave obligation to clearly specify what is good and what is evil.
- Have I worshiped these false gods by giving them greater attention and deeper trust than I give to God: money, power, human recognition, perversions, lower animals, plants. . . ?
- Do I have greater love for animals than I do for human beings?
- Do I give more attention to plants than I do human beings other than by reason of employment?
- Do I believe that there can only be one true religion, and that the Catholic Church encompasses that religion, and that all others are impostors no matter how well intentioned?
- Have I acted to maintain the integrity and unity of the one true Church?
- Do I believe that through inculpable (blameless) ignorance people of another religious belief may receive, through the mercy of God, salvation so long as they are following the dictates of natural law and the requirements of truth and justice?
NOTE: One is not subject to truths that are not reasonably obtainable according to their ability. However, everyone is accountable for acts relating to natural law.
Question: The Catholic Church teaches that there is "no salvation outside of the Church." How is this teaching to be understood?
Response: The statement that there is no salvation outside of the Church can be either true or false depending upon how it is defined and understood. It is false when it is narrowly defined or understood to mean that only those who have received baptism of water and are certified members of the Catholic Church can receive salvation.
The statement is true when it is defined and understood to mean that anyone who is sincerely open to truth, learns and accepts truth when made available, and puts the acquired truth into practice according to one's ability is considered to be under the umbrella of the Catholic Church (has informal membership in the Church through Baptism of the spirit such a person cannot be classified as being outside of the Church - reference the good thief on the cross). Such person has salvation available to him providing he has a sense of:
- the existence of and love for a Supreme Being
- a higher order of existence in a life after this
- regret/sorrow for any wrong that has been committed.
One must always be sincerely seeking truth, be making an effort to lead a good life, and not be in rejection of any available truth (God is truth). At such point, even though he may not officially be Catholic, he has full access to salvation. As long as one is sincerely seeking truth one must be open to hearing truth to be considered as sincerely seeking truth and has truth presented to them in a reasonable manner (the giving of proper witness by those proclaiming the truth can be a critical factor), then one is obligated to the truth made available and must practice the truth acquired. The denial of any reasonably presented truth leaves one outside of the Catholic Church and without salvation (Legal members of the Church are also subject to all presented truths in order to have salvation).
"Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other (commonly referred to as the good thief on the cross), however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." " [Lk. 23:39-43]
- Do I trust in God's forgiveness?
- With God's forgiveness am I able to go on with my life trusting in Him to handle those things that I am not capable of handling, or that are beyond my capacity?
- Have I kept an open mind in regard to God's will?
"That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." [Lk. 12:47-48]
- Because of my failure to trust in God am I consumed with guilt?
- Have I consulted horoscopes, palm readers, fortune tellers, clairvoyants or mediums?
- Am I involved with any form of superstition, spiritism, or other occult practices such as seances, using a Ouija board, or Satan worship?
- Have I phoned, even in fun, a psychic reader or participated in psychic games or events?
"A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortune-teller
shall be put to death by stoning;
they have no one but themselves to blame for their death." [Lv. 20:27]
Return to 1st Commandment
2nd Commandment: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Did I use God's Name in vain lightly. . .carelessly. . . without meaning?
- Have I avoided occasions of hearing the Lord's name being taken in vain under the concept that what is not familiar to the mind will not be used by the mind in thought or speech?
- Did I make an oath to God I did not keep?
"Jephthah made a vow to the LORD. "If you deliver the Ammonites into my power," he said, "whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites shall belong to the LORD. I shall offer him up as a holocaust." [Judges 11:30-31 ]
"When Jephthah returned to his house in Mizpah, it was his daughter who came forth, playing the tambourines and dancing. She was an only child: he had neither son nor daughter besides her." [Judges 11:34]
- Have I carelessly made a request of God I now regret?
Regardless of circumstances one should never request, much less demand, anything from God that is evil?
- Have I blasphemed, cursed or swore?
"Tell the Israelites: Anyone who curses his God shall bear the penalty of his sin; whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall be put to death. The whole community shall stone him; alien and native alike must be put to death for blaspheming the LORD'S name." [Lv. 24:15-16]
- Have I failed to keep any vows or promises made to the Lord?
- Have I behaved disrespectfully in Church?
- Do I use profane (irreverent) language?
- Have I profaned (treated disrespectfully or with contempt) a sacred person or object?
- Have I watched television programs or movies, subscribed to magazines, or listened to music that treated God, the Church, the saints, or sacred things disrespectfully?
- Have I asked for a refund, complained, or discontinued subscriptions when appropriate?
- Do I have love and reverence for God's name?
- By failure to prudently instruct or admonish have I encouraged others to continue to use the Lord's name or any reference to God without due respect?
- Have I ever shown another how to sin?
"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven." [Mt. 5:19] NOTE: If one commits the smallest possible venial sin and knowingly teachers, by word or action, another how to commit the small sin, he will only barely make it into Heaven. Keep in mind that in Heaven there is nothing less than the least.
- Have I provided information to another that promoted sin?
- Have I ever knowingly encouraged another to sin?
- Having heard the Lord's name taken in vain in a theater have I immediately left the theater and asked for a refund?
- Do I make a sincere attempt to keep my values system high (in accordance with the will of God)?
At Mass a priest should always allow a worthy period of time before the Confiteor (I confess to almighty God . . .) for an examination of conscience. Sins that one believes that he has confessed, but there is some doubt about, should be reflected upon at this time with contriteness of heart.
Venial sins should also be reflected upon along with mortal sins that have been confessed but are understood to have been particularly offensive to God. One may impose penance or additional penance upon oneself or consider some other form of making amendment to God. (Unforgiven mortal sin must always be foremost in ones thoughts and should be the cause of severe regret as it should be understood that until they are confessed and absolution received they leave one open to condemnation as acts of contrition are apt to be imperfect.)
NOTE: The Penitential Rite, including the confiteor, serves to help each one recognize his lowliness, his worthlessness before God and the need to be humble before God. The Rite prepares us to open up our minds and hearts in order that we may give Him the glory that is His due and be open to learning through the readings from Sacred Scripture and benefit from their development in the priest's homily (sermon). In no sense of the word does the Rite forgive any sin. It does not in any way impart absolution.
Return to 2nd Commandment
3rd Commandment: Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.
- Have I missed Mass through my own fault on Sundays or other Holy Days of Obligation?
(When visiting or traveling, one is still obligated to attend Mass and should plan accordingly.) Code of Canon Law Can. 1247 "On Sundays or other Holy Days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to assist at Mass. They are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship to be given to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the due relaxation of mind and body."
- "We should not absent ourselves from the assembly as some do, but encourage one another." [Heb. 10:24]
"Catholic" feminist Rosemary Ruether makes no secret of using the tactic of promoting progressive ideas and practices at the parish level so that in time they become established as a new norm for Catholicism. Ms. Ruether consistently lectures that religious revolutionaries should "stay in the Church and use whatever parts of it they can get their hands on." (CFN 1/99)
This process has long been successfully used by Freemasonry and their offshoots Communism and Socialism. When people of faith absent themselves from Church services and participation in Church activities they leave the door wide open for evil to fester and grow. People who fail to promote good are contributing to evil through acts of omission.
- Do I take full part, with attention and devotion, in the liturgy?
- Am I more concerned with my physical well being than I am with my spiritual relationship with God?
Jesus said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd. By now
they have been with me three days and have had nothing to eat." [Mk. 8:2]
- Do I attend Church in order to be entertained, to see a spectacle, to make myself feel good, or, do I attend Mass out of love of God with the desire to draw closer to Him in holy worship, to acquire greater knowledge of the word of God, and, if in the state of grace, to be specially joined with Jesus in the most sacred manner possible, receiving Him in the Most Holy Eucharist?
- Do I dress modestly in church, at work, in public, and at home? (while the character of clothing may vary for different situations, a reasonable standard of modesty must always be maintained while in the presence of others, including one's own children spouse excepted. A hypocrite acts and dresses respectfully on a Sunday and immodestly during the week. Modesty, moral actions, and good deeds are required all week-long, not just on Sunday or at special events.)
In public clothing should be: (See next section "On Modesty in Dress".)
- loose (non-form fitting).
- non-transparent/translucent (not sensually revealing).
- not less than two inches (5 cm) below the base of the neck.
- shirts, blouses and dresses should be to the elbow or longer.
- trousers and skirts should be at least to mid-calf but preferably to the bottom of the calf..
At home a reasonable degree of modesty must always be maintained.
Head covering in Church: (See: Appendix R)
- Men except for priests during some parts of a Mass may not cover their heads.
- Women should wear a plain non-distracting head covering which fully conceals their hair.
Perspective of a Woman Convert
When I first started thinking about being Catholic, (about 15 years ago)
I went to Mass a few times, and talked to a priest, and I remember asking him
"How can people come to church dressed like that, and why do you let them in?"
I explained that I was Baptist and we really go in for dressing up at church.
He told me he does not approve either, he said almost nobody does, but at least
they are showing up.
I still don't think it's a good idea. I think they ought
to do what they do at the monastery (Our Lady of the Angels, Irondale, Alabama) and have a bunch of clothes by the door so people who are half naked could put them on. Maybe a sign that says something
about a dress code in the house of the Lord. No shorts, miniskirts, blue
jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, or short tops. Also shoes must be worn.
For goodness sakes when you go to Shoney's (restaurant) they have a sign that says "No shirt, no shoes, no service" I think God ranks higher than Shoney's, don't you?
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that if people were handed something like a choir robe, or something to put on over what they were wearing, they would probably try to dress better next time. They might actually see respect being displayed for church and some of it might rub off on them. I also think that more women would wear the Mantillas, even if they do it because it's a nice custom, if they had a stack of them in the lobby that could be used.
COMMENT: The concept that everyone must have special clothes to attend Mass is not the Catholic tradition. However, one should always be reasonably clean, modestly dressed, and preferably be wearing what could be called his Sunday or special occasion attire. In the Catholic Church no one is to be looked down upon or made to feel uncomfortable because of the poor quality of their clothing. (If one only has two pair of blue jeans and one is ragged and the other is in fairly good condition, he should wear the pair that is in fairly good condition. If he has only one ragged pair he should try to launder them if necessary and come to church to be with God and the rest of His people.) No one who wears expensive clothing is to be given special treatment. Everyone should improve their status in life to the extent they are capable. Otherwise, they should be, and accept, who and what God made them to be (they should not try to be pretentious).
- Was I late for Mass or did I leave early without a good reason?
- Do I see to it that my children attend Mass?
- Do I pray at regular times each day?
- Have I received Holy Communion or another sacrament while in the state of mortal sin?
- Have I fulfilled my minimal yearly obligation of Confession preferably during the Easter Season? Council of Trent, 14th Session, Sacrament of Penance, Canon 8. (See: Appendix A) NOTE: A doctrinal Church Council is of higher ranking than the "Code of Canon Law" and therefore is the binding law of the Church. Also note that Canon 989 does not say that those not in the state of mortal sin are not required to confess at least once a year. (See: Appendix S)
Annual recognition of sins, whether major or minor, was required under Mosaic Law. The annual requirement for confession can be linked to the Mosaic tradition. (NOTE: No matter how good a person may consider himself, he is not free from at least minor offenses on a daily basis.)
"Then he shall slaughter the people's sin-offering goat, and bringing its blood inside the veil, he shall do with it as he did with the bullock's blood, sprinkling it on the propitiatory and before it. Thus he shall make atonement for the sanctuary because of all the sinful defilements and faults of the Israelites. He shall do the same for the meeting tent, which is set up among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
This, then, shall be an everlasting ordinance for you: once a year atonement shall be made for all the sins of the Israelites." [Lv. 16:15-16, 34 see also: Lv. 23:23-32]
- Did I remain in mortal sin longer than reasonably necessary?
- Did I omit my Easter Duty (Worthy reception (in the state of grace) of the Holy Eucharist during the Easter season Ash Wednesday to Trinity Sunday)? Council of Trent, 13th Session, Sacrament of the Eucharist, Canon 9. (See: Appendix A)
- Have I been easily distracted at Mass?
- Did I work or shop unnecessarily on Sundays or other Holy Days? (The below penalty has not been a Christian practice and may not have been enforced much beyond the time of Moses (the Jews often failed in their commitment to their covenant with God). The message is however clear that the Lord's day must be kept holy within the realm of right reason.)
"While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was discovered gathering wood on the sabbath day. Those who caught him at it brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly. But they kept him in custody, for there was no clear decision as to what should be done with him. Then the LORD said to Moses, "This man shall be put to death; let the whole community stone him outside the camp." So the whole community led him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses." [Nm. 15:32-36]
Return to 3rd Commandment
I give you a new commandment: love one another.
As I have loved you,
so you also should love one another. [Jn. 13:34]
4th Commandment: Honor your father and your mother.
- Do I honor my parents because they gave me life?
- Have I dishonored my parents by physically or mentally committing acts contrary to natural procreation?
Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. [Rm. 1:26-27]
- As a child have I obeyed my parents in temporal matters?
- As a child have I been open to the advice of my parents in spiritual matters?
- Do I follow the instructions of teachers and others with lawful authority acting for the good of God's Kingdom?
- In my parents old age did I unnecessarily shuttle them off to a home for the aged or neglect their needs?
- Have I talked back to my parents?
- Have I failed to help at home?
- Have I been sad or sour?
- Have I separated or divorced civilly without consultation according to the mind of the Church?
COMMENT: It is believed that fewer divorces would be wanted if there was a restoration of the law wherein children are automatically awarded to the father. If an abusive situation were present civil courts would have the responsibility of providing justice to the children and in these cases would either award custody to the mother or to some other suitable parties. The practical consequence of this would be that few worthwhile mothers would want a divorce because they would not want to be separated from their children. Few fathers would want a divorce because they would not want to have the responsibility for the daily care of their children. Both parents would be forced to seriously consider their reasons for wanting a divorce and more would be willing to undergo spiritual and family counseling. By law, in the present social environment, children of unwed mothers should be given up for adoption.
- Have I neglected my children's religious education?
- Have I coerced my children into receiving any of the sacraments?
It is obligatory upon a Catholic parent of faith to have his/her infant children baptized. The reception of all other sacraments must be a personal decision of each child who freely acts in faith.
- As a husband, a father do I lead my family in prayer and reflection on the Word of God?
- As a father have I failed in my duty to personally instruct and personally discipline?
- Have I provided my children with holy, prudent, and individualized instructions concerning Catholic teachings on human sexuality?
- Have I ever treated a son like a daughter?
- Have I ever treated a daughter like a son?
- Have I ever expected from a daughter what I would expect from a son?
- Have I ever expected from a son what I would expect from a daughter?
- Do I regularly pray for my spouse, children, and parents?
- Have I prayed for the poor souls in Purgatory, especially for deceased loved ones, family members, friends, and associates? (Everyone likes to believe that their loved ones, and others considered close, are in Heaven. But, the reality is that most deceased persons are in a place other than Heaven.)
- Have I failed to discipline my children and others over whom I have authority, in love, when in justice I should have done so for their own good and the long term good of society?
- Have I ever physically or mentally abused my spouse or children?
- Have I ever nagged or threatened my spouse?
- Have I pampered (spoiled / ruined / warped) my children with gifts rather than giving them needed personal attention and affection?
- Have I been compassionate and merciful to my children and others when it was warranted?
- Have I misled by giving tacit approval to the sin(s) of a relative, friend, or neighbor through false compassion regarding their involvement in sin when I should have admonished or otherwise shown and/or expressed disapproval of their immoral activities or lifestyle even to the point of disassociation with them until such time as they should reform their lives?
- Have I aided or promoted sin through neglect (omission of doing what was right to do)?
- Have I failed to lead my children to Mass. . .to frequent confession?
- As a parent have I been open to a religious vocation for my children?
- Have I ever discouraged my children from having a vocation?
- Neglected my children's temporal education, health or welfare?
- As a father do I keep myself aware of the temporal and spiritual welfare of my children and am I observant for possible abuse?
- As a mother am I sensitive to any possible form of abuse concerning my children regardless of source?
- As a parent am I observant of any changes in my children that might reveal problems at home, school, or elsewhere?
- Am I willing to protect or see to the protection of my children from any offending party?
- Do I hold religious and political leaders to a higher moral standard, or to a lower moral standard than the rest of society?
- Have I ever shown favoritism, or granted special favors to close friends, family, or members of my race or ethnic group when others were more qualified or deserving?
- As a pastor have I gone against justice by giving special attention or position to friends and others that I personally favor?
- Do I vote and act according to what is popular, or to what is moral and right? (See: Appendix AE)
- Moral right and wrong is not determinable by voting.
- Popular opinion does not make right.
- God does not pay attention to opinion polls.
- Do I vote for corrupt, immoral, or weak political candidates? (See: Appendix AE)
In elections the morality of candidates must always be the prime issue. Never may concerns regarding personal or social welfare, possessions, or questions of economics take precedence over the quality of the morality of a candidate.
- Have I ever voted for a political candidate without reasonably first investigating his moral stature, according to the best of my ability?
- Do I listen only to what candidates say, or do I also check their political and personal history for righteousness?
- As a publisher or editor have I accepted or permitted ads for political candidates who are pro-sodomy or pro-abortion, regardless of level of office being run for?
- As a bishop, an overseer, do I spend my time teaching the Word of God and seeing to the discipline of clergy, religious, and flock, or do I spend it writing eulogies, traveling, writing travelogues, and generally being a people pleaser?
- As a priest do I devote my energies to preaching that which pleases the congregation, or do I teach the fullness of the Word of God with the desire to help them grow in love of God and understand what pleases and displeases Him?
"If I were trying to win man's approval I would surely not be serving Christ."
Saint Paul [Gal. 1:10]
- Do I accept that much of what is said concerning one sex also applies to the other, even if viewing must be from a different perspective?
- As a man do I allow a woman's emotions or feelings to be the determining factor as to what is right or wrong, or do I use sound judgement?
- A daughter is a treasure that keeps her father wakeful, and worry over her drives away rest:
- Lest she pass her prime unmarried, or when she is married, lest she be disliked;
- While unmarried, lest she be seduced, or, as a wife, lest she prove unfaithful;
- Lest she conceive in her father's home, or be sterile in that of her husband.
- Keep a close watch on your daughter, lest she make you the sport of your enemies,
- A byword in the city, a reproach among the people, an object of derision in public gatherings.
- See that there is no lattice in her room, no place that overlooks the approaches to the house.
- Let her not parade her charms before men, or spend her time with married women;
- For just as moths come from garments, so harm to women comes from women:
- Better a man's harshness than a woman's indulgence,
and a frightened daughter than any disgrace. [Sirach 42:9-14]
- As a woman do I accept that feelings and emotions can be misleading guides to truth, to discerning the will of God?
- As a female do I submit to a man's hasty judgements or intimidating tactics and make moral decisions accordingly? (No one should make moral decisions based upon haste or intimidation.)
- As a man do I understand that anger and bravado are destructive to family life?
- As a woman do I deal with frustration effectively, if not do I seek spiritual counseling and / or the help of a doctor?
- As a mother have I sought employment without real necessity?
- Have I left the care of my children in the hands of others without good cause?
- As a husband and father have I failed to spend quality time with my family?
- As a man do I judge by my own standards, or fail to accept the natural differences in life between men and women which serve, when in harmony, the needs of the world and the Kingdom?
- As a woman do I complain about the natural or ordinary tasks that are a part of my service to God and family in this life? Do I accept my daily tasks joyfully as is befitting to my relationship with God?
- As a woman do I love God enough to bear, nurture and raise children as He freely gives them to me?
- As a woman if God does not give me my own children am I willing to act in the service of others the handicapped, sick, elderly, and needy?
- As a husband have I been supportive of my wife?
- As a wife have I been supportive of my husband?
- As a parent have I been careful to set good example for my children?
- Do I always observe the ranking established by God according to the order of creation:
First man, then woman, and then children?
- Do I believe that both sexes are of equal value in the sight of God regardless of their natural differences physical, mental, psychological, emotional, and conversational due to the inherent purposes God has designed into each sex? ("At the resurrection . . . {men and women}are like the angels in heaven." - Mt. 22:30)
God chose to design into the male and the female basic natures that serve His purposes. No one has a right to complain about what God has designed. God, as creator, has the right of the potter to form from clay whatever he desires.
"So too, all men are of clay, for from earth man was formed;
Yet with his great knowledge the LORD makes men unlike; in different paths he has them walk.
Some he blesses and makes great, some he sanctifies and draws to himself.
Others he curses and brings low, and expels them from their place.
Like clay in the hands of a potter, to be molded according to his pleasure,
So are men in the hands of their Creator, to be assigned by him their function.
As evil contrasts with good, and death with life, so are sinners in contrast with the just;
See now all the works of the Most High: they come in pairs, the one the opposite of the other." [Sirach 33:10-15]
- Do I accept the natural duties and obligations of my sex according to the secular or religious state of life to which I have been called?
- As a woman have I unnecessarily taken employment away from home, from family and children?
- As a woman have I ever let the needs of my family take second place to home based income producing activities?
- Do I have misplaced priority as to what is truly important to God?
- Do I have genuine love for my neighbors?
- When confronted with a difficult truth do I reject truth as fiction, remain silent like the hypocrites of Jesus' time, or repent and develop spiritually?
- Have I morally been neutral when I should have opposed evil or promoted good. NOTE: To be morally neutral or to reject truth is the same as rejecting God. God is the source of all truth.
- Have I maintained association with those opposed to truth.
We command you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to avoid any brother who wanders
from the straight path and does not follow the tradition you received from us. [2 Thes. 3:6]
- Have I voted for or supported any politician whose positions or practices are in opposition to Christian moral principles? (See: Appendix AE)
- Have I, or my organization, promoted abortion or active homosexuality in any way?
- To be pro-sodomy, pro-gay/lesbian, pro-pedophile, pro-choice, pro-abortion, pro-killing of any innocent person, pro-adultery, or supportive of promiscuous activity should be seen as cause for expulsion from priesthood, religious life, and from any liturgical function or official position in the Church.
- Anyone in agreement with these positions should know that he is living in mortal sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
- To vote for a person who practices or approves of one of these positions would be the commission of mortal sin.
To vote for someone holding any one of the above positions would, under certain
conditions, be cause for automatic excommunication. (See: Appendix E)
- As a politician have I voted according to polls, or have I voted according to what is right and just?
- Have I failed to check out an organization I intend to contribute to, to see if they act in opposition to any Catholic teaching?
- Have I contributed to any organization opposed to any Catholic teaching?
"For whoever keeps the whole law, but falls short in one particular,
has become guilty in respect to all of it." [James 2:10]
- Have I avoided resentment, thoughts of revenge, and been willing to forgive injuries done to myself or someone close to me?
- Do I believe that both sexes, and all races and nationalities are of equal value to God?
- Do I believe that the unborn, from the instant of conception onward, are just as valuable to God as the born.
- Am I obsessed with guilt concerning personal responsibility for another's sins or condition of life?
- Have I given bad example to others?
- Do I accept that each person is individually responsible for his own sins?
- Have I listened to teachers without having an open mind to possible error?
- Have I accepted false teachings because of the favorable appearance of the person presenting them?
- Do I take advantage of other people by using them for my own selfish purposes?
- By my actions or words have I given scandal?
- Do I always try to set good example to everyone?
- Have I immediately left the theater and asked for a refund when I found that the movie or play supported sodomy or abortion or was opposed to a teaching of the Catholic Church (statements or actions offensive to God's will)?
- Do I look down upon the crippled, disfigured, elderly, poor, mentally or physically impaired, those of another faith, a different background, or disadvantaged in some way?
- Have I obeyed just laws and authorities according to the will of God?
One is to be submissive to all legitimate authority whether civil or religious but only to just laws and commands. NOTE: God's law is always to be given preference over civil law. Civil law cannot override moral imperatives.
- serving God's will, but giving to Caesar the things that are Caesar's. [Mt. 22:21]
- But Peter and the apostles said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men." [Acts 5:29] (See: Appendix T)
- If you died with Christ to the elemental powers of the world, why do you submit to regulations as if you were still living in the world? [Col. 2:20]
One must be in good conscience free from mortal sin to make honest judgement regarding unjust authority.
"Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye." [Mt. 7:3-5]
NOTE: One may oppose grave injustice and tyranny by acts that may precipitate counter acts, or even war. America was founded on acts in opposition to tyranny and fought the Revolutionary War. The U.S. Civil War was fought because of grave injustice to an oppressed class of people. Other wars have justly been fought by one side worldwide because of various forms of injustice and tyranny. True believers actively oppose grave public evils, but are not destructive in regard to common sinners.
COMMENT: Where there is greater justice in regard to a particular war on the part of one side, there still may be great destruction on both sides due to general guilt in relation to God on the part of those being persecuted and/or attacked. Evil and wars continue in the world because the world does not have peace with God.
"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." (The point is that believers are intended to confront those acting in opposition to the will of God. This opposition should begin with one's own family, community, and nation.) [Lk. 12:49-53]
Return to 4th Commandment
5th Commandment: You shall not murder. (See: Appendix I)
- Was I angry. . .resentful. . .kept hatred in my heart?
God alone has the right to be angry. Until and unless we have sincere repentance and have made restitution, we are not in a moral position to be even seriously annoyed with anyone. We can seek justice, but have no right, because of our current state of imperfection, to be upset with other sinners for their misdeeds.
- Have I held a grudge against someone without trying to resolve the problem?
- Have I failed to correct someone according to the teachings of Jesus?
"If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector." [Mt. 18:15-17]
- Do I quarrel, cast insults, verbally or emotionally abuse, or create disturbances among family members or others?
- Did I fight. . .give bad example or scandal?
- Did I fail to correct in charity (out of love, not mean spirited, with benevolent goodwill toward)?
- Have I been passive or indifferent to crimes occurring around me, or failed to oppose evil.
- Have I unjustly acted against someone's freedom?
"A kidnaper, whether he sells his victim or still has him when caught, shall be put to death." [Ex. 21:16]
- Have I unnecessarily risked my own life or the life of another?
- Have I acted injuriously to myself or to others directly, as an accomplice, or by omission?
- Have I defaced my body, a temple of the Holy Spirit, by use of tattoos or body piercing?
- "Do not lacerate your bodies for the dead, and do not tattoo yourselves. I am the LORD." [Lv. 19:28]
- "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" [1 Cor. 6:19]
- Have I unreasonably reduced my own or another's life expectancy through use of tobacco, other drug, or activity?
Each living human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. An indulgence that injures a body or shortens its life span is an offense against God that requires repentance.
- Have I contemplated or attempted suicide?
While it is natural not to want to condemn anyone, it must be understood that suicide is self-murder. Many use the argument that between the time one pulls the trigger, takes an overdose of pills with the intention of producing death, and so forth, and the time death actually occurs the suicide committor may have repented. This argument may gain validity over a period of days but has little degree of persuasiveness when death quickly follows. In any case such arguments are of little value when no external evidence is available. Moreover it is probable that extensive harm is done to the spiritually weak who have been giving consideration to committing suicide when a funeral or other Mass is openly said, or Christian burial is given to one who is understood to have committed suicide.
Arguments which focus upon the mental state of the person at the time he or she commits suicide are very weak since they exclude the consideration that the person who commits suicide has responsibility for his or her spiritual condition which prefaced, and may well have caused the mental state and the suicide. It also precludes reference to the progressive spiritual state of the soul leading up to the condition and subsequent act. There is no evidence to show that a group of people who have a particular mental or physical condition will always or even often commit suicide. It must be considered probable that the spiritual condition of a person determines subsequent moral and immoral acts, including suicide.
In the past the Church has excluded Church services and burial in sacred grounds for those who have committed suicide. God's justice will set aside Church censures which he knows to be invalid. A Church censure which is in error does not prevent anyone from getting into Heaven. Censures are meant to be both corrective and instructive in regard to the living. A censure is a statement that in the sight of the issuer a condition exists which will keep the person it is issued against from entering Heaven if the person remains unrepentant. Such censure is meant to both call a person to repentance and to instruct others that such action or activity is morally incorrect. The last is doubly true in regard to suicide. In the past this practice sent a clear message to everyone about the seriousness of suicide.
By comparing the percentage of suicides under the old practice and under today's leniency, including the increasing acceptance of legal or assisted suicide, it is shown that the new practice, focused on humanism, has been, and continues to be, seriously counterproductive.
- Have I personally been responsible for the keeping alive of a comatose person who is reasonably considered to be in an unrecoverable condition?
- In my heart, in my mind do I approve of keeping a persistently comatose person alive by tube feeding, on a heart lung machine, or by some other device or means?
- Do I recognize that the killing of a spirit is a greater crime than the killing of a body?
- Have I performed or approved of an act of euthanasia? (Euthanasia is Greek for easy death. In the sense used by the Church, euthanasia is the act or practice of killing an innocent person to alleviate suffering or to terminate one understood to be of no further value to self or society due to age or mental or bodily condition. Euthanasia has also been practiced to eliminate those seen as grotesque in appearance or with non-human characteristics when born. To kill under one or more of these conditions is to assume on the providence of God. Only God has the right to make life and death decisions. NOTE: An act of mercy killing usurps God's right to perform a miracle if He should choose to do so.
In the moral sense, death is the separation of a mortal body and an immortal spirit. One may not equate the euthanizing of a dog or other lower animal with that of a human being as only humans have immortal spirits. The existence of and condition of the immortal spirit must be given primary importance. Conditions of life, including even severe suffering, are used by God to help individuals and/or those associated with them to draw closer to God. At times such conditions are used as tests of faith. COMMENT: While the body may have great suffering, the spirit only undergoes that suffering which is permitted by God. [A month of extreme suffering in this life should be understood to be less than one minute of suffering in Purgatory.]
There is no line to be drawn that would reasonably allow the direct killing of an innocent person under certain conditions and not under others. One may freely choose to sacrifice his own life to save one or more other innocent lives in immediate danger of death, but, one may not give preference to another's life over one's own by unnatural means such as by organ transplant.
Any person who has, no matter how well intentioned, practiced, participated in, or approved of euthanasia must seek God's mercy through sacramental confession in order to be eligible to benefit from Jesus' act of great suffering on the cross. Often a high degree of denial must be overcome by persons involved in this offense against God. Denial is seen as an attempt to bury guilt and avoid personal responsibility. Denial [mental attempt to make right that which is wrong] by an otherwise spiritual person can cause destructive internal conflicts that are damaging to both mental and physical health. Substituting for the reality of truth and the consequent rejection of personal guilt through diversionary reasoning is not an acceptable method of having a good relationship with God.)
- Have I assisted in or approved of an act of suicide?
- Do I trust in the judgement of God as to when death is to occur?
- Have I omitted reasonable natural care of myself or of one for whom I have responsibility?
- Have I unjustly threatened bodily harm to another person?
- Have I failed to eat properly, become anorexic, through vanity? (The concern of others is perhaps the best indicator of this condition. If others are concerned for my health I should freely seek medical advice and counseling.)
- Have I rejected readily available reasonable ordinary treatment that would have saved my life?
- Have I grown, manufactured, or participated in the growth, manufacture, or development of addictive illicit drugs?
- Have I transported, distributed, or sold hallucinogenic drugs or drugs which are destructive to body or spirit?
- Have I encouraged others to use immoral drugs?
- Have I misused or abused alcohol or drugs, driven under their influence, or acted in a potentially harmful way while under their influence?
- Have I nagged or inappropriately teased another in a manner to provoke anger or resentment?
- By word, example, or threat have I caused scandal, or encouraged another to sin or participate in sin?
- Did I knowingly have, permit, encourage or participate in an abortion; use any sort of birth control pills or other chemicals which can cause an abortion; use an IUD or other device which causes abortions; or otherwise murder someone (intentionally kill without moral cause justifiable defense of self or another innocent person [just governments neither oppose nor disallow provisions for justifiable defense], lawful execution, just military action...)? NOTE: The trauma, hidden or known, of abortion is a major cause of divorce, and for dysfunctional and unruly children. Suicide and suicidal thoughts often follow an abortion. It can be worse than combat stress disorder for those who fail to turn to God and accept His forgiveness.
The following was received by e-mail on 11 September 1998. The person is unknown to me except for this communication. Her identity is being withheld. Her testimony, as the content reveals, was unsolicited. The content is unaltered.
From: j______@_____.com
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998
Subject: your page!
To: fr.david@trosch.org
hello. my name is J_______ _______.
i visited you page that i found in a yahoo search while looing for NFP
info. I wanted to thank you so much for putting up that page. It is
pretty graphic but if it can stop just one woman from going through what
i have been going through it is a job well done.
I had an abortion was i was 15 years old. My parents were going
to send me away to some home and i didn't want to go. Mu mom has had 2
abortions to appease my father's urgings and they were both prochoice.
I didn't know anything about abortion and was never told. I didn't
understand what i was doing. i know this is not an excuse as i should
have found out more about anything before i went through with it, but
even the counselors at the clinic didn't tell me much about it and i
learned later they are supposed to give some info.
I have been to confession but still feel awful. I now have 2
little girls A______ is 21 months and O_______ is 8 months and everytime
i hold them I hurt. I've been going through a post abortion support
group but it's not really doing any good.
I hope that you can help others to avoid this misery.
thanks,
j______
- Have I desired to end a pregnancy or possible pregnancy of myself or another?
- Have I assisted or acted in any way to end a pregnancy or possible pregnancy?
- Have I acted as the "best friend" who drove another to an abortion facility, waited for, and then drove her home?
A true "Best Friend" will do everything in his or her power to discourage someone from having an abortion, even if it means breaking a confidence and calling a parent or pastor who is better able to dissuade a girl or woman from having an abortion.
Those who are involved with the wrongful death of a child have already in some manner or form rejected God in some way during their lives. The more deeply one becomes enmeshed in sin the more difficult it can be to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy.
- As a priest have I clearly taught against all forms of sterilization and abortion?
- As a priest have I taught that in vitro (test tube) fertilization, artificial insemination, chemical and any unnatural means of bringing about pregnancy are immoral and highly offensive to God?
- As a bishop have I openly and clearly taught the above from the pulpit and in diocesan publications to set public example for my priests to follow?
- Due to the sin of omission is my congregation unaware of the authentic teachings of the Church?
- Have I made a real effort to help the cause of the unborn, and other victims of misfortune, oppression, and poverty?
Unnatural Sex:
- Did I subject myself to mutilation (tubal ligation, vasectomy, . . .) or to avoid children did I have myself castrated, have a hysterectomy, . . . ? NOTE: Any act or activity which has the intended effect of sterilization is mortally sinful. To encourage anyone to be sterilized, to promote sterilization, or to pay for a sterilization is also mortally sinful.
- Did I make an attempt at restitution for an act of mutilation?
Vasectomies can often be reversed, but the sooner a reversal is attempted the greater the chances for success. Tubal ligations also can often be reversed. The need for penance for such acts should not be taken lightly. Reparation for sterilization processes which at the outset where irreversible must be made in some other fashion. One possibility is the adoption of unwanted children.* Such children are often those above two years of age.
So long as financial inability exists, one is excused from the above, but other forms of restitution must be considered and, to the extent possible, undertaken.
* COMMENT: While many in the past have had great problems in the raising of older children, such problems can be greatly minimized with the use of proper training techniques. A book written by an Amish couple with 13 children is an excellent guide that can be used to effectively train children in proper conduct. Ordering information for "To Train Up A Child" can be found under Novels and Literature. (See: Appendix U)
- Did I make reparation for acts against the command to be fertile and multiply?
- Did I practice any form of artificial birth control, that is, use condoms, spermicide, caps,... (all forms of unnatural birth control are always forbidden.)?
- Did I use natural family planning with the contraceptive mentality (The Contraceptive Mentality applies equally to either artificial or "Natural Birth Regulation.")? NOTE: Only with a valid moral reason may any form of natural abstinence be used to avoid pregnancy; and then only for the duration that the valid condition continues (Humanae Vitae §10.4; §16.2). If selfishness is involved with the decision to use natural rhythms to avoid fertilization then a condemnatory sin will normally have been committed.
The four sins crying to heaven for vengeance are:
- Wilful murder includes killing from the zygote stage onward by any means including the use of abortifacient drugs or devices. Willful abortion The most condemnatory form of abortion normally carries the penalty of automatic excommunication. Sanctions Can. 1398 (See: Appendix E)
- The sin of Sodom includes any sexual act which deliberately intends to exclude or limit the probability of natural pregnancy.
- Oppression of the poor.
- Defrauding laborers of their wages.
Return to 5th Commandment
6th Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.
"Again I passed by you and saw that you were now old enough for love. So I spread the corner of my cloak over you to cover your nakedness; I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you; you became mine, says the Lord GOD. Then I bathed you with water, washed away your blood, and anointed you with oil. I clothed you with an embroidered gown, put sandals of fine leather on your feet; I gave you a fine linen sash and silk robes to wear. I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms, a necklace about your neck, a ring in your nose, pendants in your ears, and a glorious diadem upon your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver; your garments were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. Fine flour, honey, and oil were your food. You were exceedingly beautiful, with the dignity of a queen. You were renowned among the nations for your beauty, perfect as it was, because of my splendor which I had bestowed on you, says the Lord GOD.
But you were captivated by your own beauty, you used your renown to make yourself a harlot, and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by, whose own you became." [Eze. 16:8-15]
- Have I loved my wife as Jesus loves His Church?
- Have I been properly submissive to my husband in matters not contrary to faith?
- Did I consent to, cause, or encourage impure glances? Passionate kisses? Sinful touches?
- Was I immodest in dress or behavior?
- Do I wear clothing that is not representative of my sex?
- Am I a transvestite (a person who adopts the dress and often the behavior typical of the opposite sex, especially for the purposes of emotional or sexual gratification)?
"A woman shall not wear an article proper to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's dress;
for anyone who does such things is an abomination to the LORD, your God. [Deut. 22:5]
- Have I engaged in impure or violent sexual thoughts, awake or asleep?
- After recognizing thoughts to be evil did I pray to avoid them in the future?
- As soon as I sensed an evil feeling or thought did I say a short prayer for intervention?
- Am I prepared to confess unrestrained impure thoughts and desires as sins?
- Have I given in to sensuality?
- Have I encouraged others to sin by my own failure to maintain moral standards?
- Do I avoid laziness, gluttony, idleness, and the occasions of impurity?
- Did I read impure books, magazines, . . . watch impure movies, videos, games, . . . ?
- Have I engaged in impure conversations?
- Am I guilty of (been involved with):
- masturbation (sexual impurity with self this is often referred to as self-abuse)?
For non-copulatory genital stimulation of another refer below to sodomy.
A confessor should ask what factor or condition motivated acts of masturbation and does the penitent intend to try and avoid such situations in the future.
- fornication (primarily used to refer to copulation between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman)?
- rape (forced or coerced sex with a member of the opposite sex)?
- adultery (heterosexual sex wherein at least one of the parties is a married person)?
- incest (sex with a family member or near relative of the opposite sex this admonition includes in-laws and adopted family members)?
- sodomy (sexual activity with a person of the same sex [between homosexuals], an animal [bestiality], or an act of unnatural sex with a person of the opposite sex [between heterosexuals] )?
- pedophilia (sexual touching or relationship, by thought or action, with a minor. Jesus taught that sin is in the desire as well as in the act.)?
- kinky sex (unnatural or abnormal sexual behavior participated in sexual intercourse after the manner of lower forms of animal life)
- Am I active in any sexual fetishes? (fetish an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that it is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression.)
- Have I had carnal sex? "If a man lies carnally (beyond natural foreplay and intercourse; giving into crude bodily pleasures and appetites with absence of intellectual control or spirituality) with a woman, they shall both bathe in water and be unclean until evening." [Lv. 15:18]
Carnal sex would include oral sex and any other sort of sexual activity which is intent upon sensual gratification and excludes the vision of Heaven. Normal sexual gratification which is open to procreation would not be carnal sex. NOTE: There was no sexual gratification involved in the pure act of God with Mary that resulted in the incarnation of Jesus.
Sex Menstruation God's Birth Control
The natural human sexual act has as its normal end the growth of the human race which provides for the increase in the numbers who enter Heaven as brothers and sisters of Jesus the Lord. If one has the belief that there is over population, then one must abstain from marriage and from all sexual activity. If one marries then sexual activity must except for a very limited number of reasons and then only by approved natural means be open to procreation.
COMMENT: A great mockery within the Church of today is the advertisement of Natural Family Planning (NFP) classes in parish bulletins and in diocesan newspapers that does not include the qualifier,
"NFP may never be used with the contraceptive mentality (Contraceptive mentality the desire and willingness to avoid pregnancy regardless of method to be used, natural, mechanical, or chemical.) per the teachings of the Church in Humanae Vitae §10.4; §16.2."
The notion that NFP is only 99% effective and is therefore open to procreation is the equivalent of President William Clinton stating that oral sexual intercourse is not the having of sexual relations on his part. Since sin originates in the intent, the degree of effectiveness surrounding the act is irrelevant. The following is the most blatant abuse of the teachings of the Church regarding the use of natural birth regulation that I have yet seen:
Natural Family Planning
Workshop to be offered
Natural Family Planning (NFP) will be the subject of a four part series taught by Family Life Co-Directors Tom and Caroline ________, a certified teaching couple of the Couple-to-Couple League (CCL). The series will take place at St. Ignatius beginning on Oct. 12 (1998). To pre-register call the ________s at 434-____ or 473-____.
NFP is used to avoid or achieve pregnancy by observing the wife's fertile and infertile times. The ________s will be teaching the Sympto-Thermal Method, which
they claim is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.
Three fertility signs are observed in the Sympto-Thermal method:
basal body temperature, cervical mucus and cervix patterns. It is an improvement over the single-
symptom method and can be used by women with irregular cycles.
The Couple-to-Couple League is the largest Natural Family
Planning teaching organization in North America. The League was started in 1971 by John and Sheila
Kippley with the help of Konald Prem, M.D., head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at
the University of Minnesota School of Medicine.
The Catholic Week, 4 Sept. 1998, Page 2
Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, USA
NOTE: St. Ignatius is perhaps the most affluent parish in the Archdiocese.
Even a simple minded person should be able to understand
that the very wealthy can afford to raise numerous children.
These are the very ones most able to educate their children
to enable them to solve critical problems in the spiritual and
material worlds.
While marriage is not the highest calling in life it is of major importance and is critical to the continuation of the human race. In order of value to God, the following are choices that can be made in life:
- Religious life as a single person. This is the highest calling when it better serves the needs of families and helps them in their efforts to provide children for the kingdom.
- Marriage in association with religious commitment.
- Married life in willing partnership with God.
- Procreative married life with spiritual values.
- Unselfish single life with the goal of serving the good of mankind according to a calling from God.
All other life styles are understood to be selfish in nature and not according to the will of God.
(In the purest spiritual sense, sexual activity between husband and wife would be limited to that which is necessary for procreation with the desire of giving the gift of a child to God, the true Father, the Father-Creator of the eternal spirit of the child. Of major importance in this life is the achieving of total self-control.
"For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." [Rm. 8:5-8]
Activities of natural touching and kissing between husband and wife, are not sinful. But, giving into baser instincts of fleshly lust or indulgence, that can be described as carnal, would be sinful. Some activities, even between husband and wife, can only be classified as sodomy, regardless of reason or excuse proffered.)
Personal desires, such as lust, underlie the breakdown of the right reason that is God's will.
St. Paul Now in regard to the matters about which you wrote: "It is a good thing for a man not to touch a woman," but because of cases of immorality every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his duty toward his wife, and likewise the wife toward her husband. A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control. [1 Cor. 7:1-5]
- Have I used sex stimulants chemical or mechanical to arouse or heighten my own or another's base fleshly instincts?
- Have I used or approved of using unnatural means for achieving pregnancy such as in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, or fertility drugs? (A couple who, through naturally achieved intercourse, does not produce children should strongly consider adoption of older children (ages two and older) who strongly need parental love and guidance. This would be a special calling that would be considered an admirable good work in the sight of God.) Guide for properly raising children: "To Train Up A Child" can be found under Novels and Literature. (See: Appendix U)
- Did I have sex during a period of uncleanness such as during menstruation or the restricted periods following menstruation and birth [Lv. 18:19; 20:18; 15:1-33]?
The learning of self-control is importantly associated with the admonition against sexual activity during a woman's menstrual period and for a period of seven days. Seven days is the often used period of time for preparation, purification, and celebration. The following three quotations are associated with menstrual impurity:
- "When a woman has her menstrual flow, she shall be in a state of impurity for seven days. Anyone who touches her shall be unclean until evening." [Lv. 15:19]
- "If a man dares to lie with her {during the period of menstrual uncleanness}, he contracts her impurity and shall be unclean for seven days; every bed on which he then lies also becomes unclean." [Lv. 15:24]
- "If she becomes freed from her affliction, she shall wait seven days, and only then is she to be purified." [Lv. 15:28]
"Thus the word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their conduct and deeds. In my sight their conduct was like the defilement of a menstruous woman. Therefore I poured out my fury upon them (because of the blood which they poured out on the ground, and because they defiled it with idols). I scattered them among the nations, dispersing them over foreign lands; according to their conduct and deeds I judged them." [Eze. 36:16-19]
"If a man lies in sexual intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period, both of them shall be cut off from their people, because they have laid bare the flowing fountain of her blood." [Lv. 20:18]
Notes:
- Sexual abstinence, as prescribed above, is God's method of birth control. God's interests are often opposite those of man. Sexual inactivity increases the sperm count in males, and, the period of required abstinence normally places the female into her period of fertility. Evidence now indicates that at this time women give off a pheromone (an imperceptible sexual scent which attracts males) and many women also enjoy a period of moderate elation which makes them more open to or desirous of sexual activity. ("According to one study, women increase their sexual desire and activity by 25% during a three-day period around ovulation. Not only is a woman more likely to want sex at ovulation, but she is also likely to enjoy it more as well.")
"Then David sent messengers and took her. When she came to him, he had relations with her, at a time when she was just purified after her monthly period. She then returned to her house. But the woman had conceived, and sent the information to David, "I am with child." [2 Sam. 11:4-5 ]
When a male and a female are directly associated in a work environment, over a period of time, bodily rhythms governed by hormonal activity will open them up to promiscuity. During a woman's period of monthly fertility her hormones activate and make her more vulnerable to sexual advances. Men, lacking in sufficient self-control, are open to sexual inclinations and advances particularly if circumstances allow for intimacy.
(Ref.: The secrets our body clocks reveal (Chap. 5), by Susan Perry ISBN: 0-89256-315-X)
- Old Testament penalties for sin are revised to New Testament standards of private personal confession of sins and the giving of appropriate penances and penalties.
Adulterers! Do you not know that to be a lover of the world means enmity with God? Therefore,
whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God. [James 4:4]
Return to 6th Commandment
7th Commandment: You shall not steal.
- Have I shared my possessions with those in true (honest) need, most particularly when they have been humble enough to ask for help?
- Did I steal (stealing includes the taking of anything which would not have been freely given to you had the owner been present. The taking of a facial tissue including two or three extras for immediate needs in someone's office is not stealing)?
"When you go through your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat as many of his grapes as you wish, but do not put them in your basket. When you go through your neighbor's grainfield, you may pluck some of the ears with your hand, but do not put a sickle to your neighbor's grain." [Dt. 23:24-25]
An act of willful stealing of and by itself constitutes mortal sin. Through an act of stealing, regardless of value, one's possessions and therefore, at least analogously, one's person has been violated. Being stolen from can be the cause of great internal turmoil and for a variety of subsequent problems, possibly even premature death from heart attack.
- What or how much did I steal?
- Did I return it or make equal restitution?
- Did I also pay or take care of the prescribed penalties?
"Tell the Israelites (People of Faith): If a man (or a woman) commits a fault against his fellow man and wrongs him, thus breaking faith with the LORD, he shall confess the wrong he has done, restore his ill-gotten goods in full, and in addition give one-fifth of their value to the one he has wronged." [Nm. 5:6-7]
(Prudence is required. If a problem is foreseen in the making of restitution, one should consult his confessor before acting. Dependant upon length of time either inflationary or deflationary adjustments may be necessary. There are also other Biblical prescriptions regarding restitution.)
- Do I police my own profession or trade before being concerned with problems in another group?
- Am I a politician making laws about others while acting for my own personal benefit, or know of others doing so whether they are breaking a particular law or not?
- Am I a lawyer telling others what is right and wrong when practicing injustice myself, or know of lawyers who are clearly doing wrong but I am not making an effort at having them expelled from the profession?
- Am I a doctor or businessman taking unfair advantage of professional knowledge to the detriment of clients, or know of others in the profession who are doing so and have not made a sustained effort at stopping their injustice?
- Am I a clergyman instructing others in regard to right and wrong when practicing evil myself, or am not opposing the evil of a fellow clergyman?
- Have I caused another person, an organization or government to expend funds due to one of my sins?
- Do I waste time at work, in school, at home? (Ordinary normal rest or relaxation is not wasted time.)
- Have I cheated on tests, at work, at home, games of chance, or in recreational activities?
- Have I filed a false insurance claim or sought benefits for which I am not morally entitled?
- For goods or services have I ever offered or received a kickback?
- Have I ever offered or received a bribe?
- Have I ever blackmailed anyone or have I given into a threat of blackmail?
- Am I stingy?
- Have I placed selfish self-interests over moral interests?
- Did I take advantage of another's ignorance, hardship, or good nature for personal gain?
- In my profession or work do I put in an honest days effort?
- Do I borrow without asking, or do I not return items to their proper place (put them back where I took them from) or to their owner when finished with them?
- Have I damaged something that was borrowed without seeing to its proper repair or replacement?
- For goods or services have I taken advantage of the ignorant or needy and overcharged?
- Have I stolen another man's ideas?
- Have I unjustly profited from another man's work?
- Have I personally lent money and charged interest?
"lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent." [Psalm 15:5 ]
The lending money in the Old Testament was often seen as assistance to the poor in their distress, not as an investment; making money off the poor by charging interest was thus forbidden (Ex. 22:24; 23:8; Lv. 25:36-37; Dt. 23:20).
NOTE: Either personally or in business to charge anyone or any organization exorbitant interest rates (more than 10% plus adjustments for inflation or deflation if money to lend is financed such cost may not be added) should always be considered as usury and a criminal offense.
- Have I paid a fair wage to my employees and treated them with justice as is due brothers and sisters of Jesus?
- Have I been faithful in regard to promises and contracts?
- Have I complied with lawful authorities who act in justice and give them due respect?
- Have I abused the environment?
- Do I gamble excessively? Gambling within one's means is lawful so long as self, family, and reasonable needs of charity are not neglected. Compulsive/addictive gambling requires both confession and treatment. This is also true regarding any compulsive/addictive behavior which is, or is becoming harmful to oneself or to another.
COMMENT: Gambling in relation to casino's, lotteries, Internet gambling, numbers, races, slot machines, and sporting events are known to be addictive and corrupting. They are also noted for fostering criminal activity and associated immorality. Further, God fearing people should not waste funds that could be better utilized in helping those desperately in need of faith development and productive provisioning.
In simple moderation gambling and games of chance are no different than other forms of recreation. However, if indulged in for profit and/or possible loss it can result in much harm. It is God's plan that everyone should labor to provide for his family and not hope to win it big on a lottery, horse race, or any similar means. God expects us to be good stewards of what He blesses us with and we should not risk losing it on games of chance no matter how expert we may consider ourselves.
- Do I neglect to pay my debts promptly (moral debt remains following civil bankruptcy to the extent one is able to make even limited payments)?
- Do I live in poverty of spirit and detachment?
- Have I failed to reasonably protect the property or honor of another?
- Have I prudently admonished those I know who have violated justice in regard to this commandment?
- Have I caused another to suffer loss through some scheme of my invention?
- Have I tithed to my church (if it is actively promoting the true teachings of the Church and observing correct liturgical practices)? 10% of one's net income (all income less the actual cost of acquiring income, that is, seed, tools, . . .) must be given in the following order:
a.) given to the Church of the parish in which one resides (boundaries defined by diocese).
b.) given to the Church where one attends Sunday Mass only if one's own parish is not acting in accord with the teachings of the Church and the pastor has been properly notified of existing concerns.
c.) given to promote the restoration of the Church to its own formal teachings and practices.
d.) given to the cause of promoting justice within the Church.
e.) given to serve the justice that should have been overseen by the Church.
f.) set aside for future giving to worthy advocates for truth and justice within the Church.
"In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means." [Sir. 35:10-12]
Charity is apart from and in addition to what is given by tithing. The giving to any diocesan sponsored collection is part of charity, not of tithing. Those who can afford it should minimally give an additional 10% of their income to a charity serving Christian goals of one's own choosing, that is, not in conflict with the interests of God. Direct acts of charity are to be preferred to institutional giving.
NOTE: Personal involvement in charity is greatly more meritorious than a hands off / indirect method of giving. Those who have substantial wealth should give 20% or more to charity in addition to tithing. Those who give large sums and others, through the actions of committees, should have access to record keeping and be able to reasonably investigate the use of charitable donations.
Additional offerings in the form of Mass stipends, prayer requests, and other offerings are given to priests or religious? This living custom in today's Church was foreshadowed in the Old Testament.
The Church, priests, religious, and the poor are consumers of offerings made to God (God has no practical use for temporal offerings but values them as a witness to faith in Him). These offerings are given either as a corporal work of mercy or in the making of a special request to God. Offerings given to the poor, whether priests, religious, or laymen, are covered under the concept of charity as stated above. The worthiness of an offering to God is largely in the degree of sacrifice being made. NOTE: A dozen Masses said with minimal offering of stipends (non-sacrificial) is of less value than one Mass said as a result of real sacrifice made in faith.
Which is the more worthy offering, a dollar from a hungry person or a hundred thousand dollars from a millionaire? Which is more apt to gain the greater attention from God?
"A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood." " [Mk. 12:42-44 also Lk. 21:1-4]
"But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." [Lk. 19:8]
Since such offerings are in effect being made to God, a priest or religious may not discourage or reject them without giving offense to God. (Priests and religious that do not need or want them for themselves may always give them to a worthy person in need or to a just cause.)
The following are all factors in regard to the acceptability of an offering:
- The offerers faithfulness to Jesus and to the teachings of His Church
- The quality of the intention
- The quality of the offering
- The quality and true need of the receiver of the offering. Such person at some level must be open to the word of God and must be willing to improve his own condition according to the degree available.
NOTE: An offering knowingly given to a priest or to a religious group who is opposed to even one formal teaching of the Church is wasted.
In regard to a priest (or religious community) who receives an offering: Which would be considered as the more worthy offerings in the sight of God:
- An offering made to a priest who is humanistic?
- An offering to a priest who places spiritual values above human values?
- An offering made to a priest who will use it selfishly?
- An offering to a priest who uses the money not only for his own support, but also for the good of the Kingdom?
"If you can trust a man in little things, you can also trust him in greater; while anyone unjust in a slight matter is also unjust in greater. If you cannot be trusted with elusive wealth, who will trust you with lasting?" [Lk. 16:10-12]
Then he told them a parable. "There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?' And he said, 'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!" But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God." [Lk. 12:16-21]
Return to 7th Commandment
8th Commandment: You shall not bear false testimony against your neighbor.
- Have I testified falsely?
According to the Word of God, those who testify falsely are to be subjected to the penalty that the accused would have received or did receive. This includes the death penalty. [Dt. 19:18-21]
- Have I, by omission, failed to defend or testify in regard to an innocent person?
- Have I talked about another behind his back?
- Do I always tell the truth unless there is valid moral reason not to?
- Have I been deceitful?
- Have I judged or acted rashly?
- Have I betrayed a confidence?
- Have I participated in destroying anyone's reputation by telling about his faults without good reason? (detraction) (See: Appendix N)
- Have I lied about another person for the purpose of destroying his reputation? (libel)
- Have I assumed the worst about someone based upon circumstantial evidence? (rash judgement)
"For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you." [Lk. 6:38]
Truth, justice, and mercy in proper order, in proper perspective are the proper measures to use. They must be guided by faith and real love, in correct priority, with God understood to be first.
- Have I made reparation for a lie told, or damage done to a person's reputation?
- Am I sincere in giving witness to others?
- Have I defended the Catholic faith?
- Did I reveal secrets that should have been kept confidential?
- Am I negative, uncharitable, or unjustly critical in my communications?
- Have I ever lied as to the true value of an item or service by not deducting a kickback received, or to be received?
- Have I in effect lied by omission by failing to expose known currently existing evils, particularly those of a continuing nature?
- Have I always kept my word or promises?
- Have I always kept the agreements that I have made?
When one makes a commitment, an agreement, whether part of a legal contract or not, one is always morally bound to keep that commitment.
- Have I ever given preference to civil law or sought civil protection from broken personal commitments without taking care of my moral obligations at the earliest possible opportunity?
Civil law has no control over defined moral law. When there is a conflict between civil and moral law one has the moral obligation to observe moral law. One's word is morally binding totally apart from civil law. NOTE: When it is an agreement with God that is broken one may be subjected to immediate consequences, even doom.
- Have I made good on my broken word or promises?
- As a police official or government agent have I ever enforced a clearly unjust law?
- As a justice or judge have I ever knowingly perpetrated, supported, or participated in evil?
- Have I ever asked for or received a bribe, kickback, or contribution in any form or under any guise?
- "You shall not distort justice; you must be impartial. You shall not take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes even of the wise and twists the words even of the just." [Dt. 16:19]
- "Your princes are rebels and comrades of thieves; Each one of them loves a bribe and looks for gifts. . ." [Isa. 1:23]
- "Her leaders render judgment for a bribe, her priests give decisions for a salary, her prophets divine for money, While they rely on the LORD, saying, "Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No evil can come upon us!" " [Micah 3:11]
- "When Samuel approached the end of his life, he testified before the LORD and his anointed prince, "No bribe or secret gift have I taken from any man!" and no one dared gainsay him." [Sir. 46:19]
- Have I valued profit or personal interest more than truth or justice?
"What man thinks important, God holds in contempt." [Lk. 16:15]
"No servant can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one and love the other,
or be attentive to one and despise the other." [Lk. 16:13]
Return to 8th Commandment
9th Commandment: You shall not desire your neighbor's wife.
- Have I harbored uncontrolled desires for another's spouse or for a different spouse?
- When such desires occur do I quickly reject them from my mind and heart?
- Have I consented to impure thoughts?
- Have I encouraged impure thoughts by reading morally objectionable materials, or by looking at nude pictures or objects, or by taking pleasure in pornography? NOTE: Nudity as found in Playboy magazine, porn magazines and shops, the Sistine Chapel, the papal corridor leading to Saint Peter's Basilica, and in the Vatican Museum are all products of the corrupt nature of man. None are an acceptable form of art for general viewing or public display.
- "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked;
so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves." [Gn. 3:7]
- "For the man and his wife the LORD God made leather garments,
with which he clothed them." [Gn. 3:21]
NOTE: It is unreasonable to believe that God would approve of nude portraits, statutes, or photographs of that which He personally had fully clothed and that were obviously supposed to normally remain clothed. (Adam and Eve were husband and wife and there were no others, yet God saw to it that they were properly clothed.)
- Do I watch television or movies, read magazines or books which portray illicit or immoral love affairs?
- Do I buy or read magazines or other materials which describe how to make love, to please, or to get the interest of a member of the opposite sex?
- Have I given bad witness to minors or others by having sinful books, pictures, or objects in my possession?
- Have I caused impure feelings by stares, bad reading, uncontrolled curiosity or impure conversations?
- Do I have even simple desires concerning another's spouse?
- Do I have enough respect for myself and others enough to dress appropriately and modestly when in public?
- Do I expose myself or dress improperly around my children or others, other than privately with my spouse?
- Do I allow my marital activities to be seen by my children or others?
- Do I avoid conditions and environments wherein natural human attractions can become sinful?
- Do I vote against and protest conditions and environments that are existing causes for sin?
- Do I neglect to control my imagination?
- Do I work in an environment which is permissive or sexually charged and open to temptation?
- Do I pray at once to banish bad thoughts and temptations?
Return to 9th Commandment
10th Commandment: You shall not desire your neighbor's possessions.
- Do I strongly desire or remain focused upon another's goods, or goods which are beyond my means, or products or services which are in opposition to a spiritual life?
- Do I quickly reject such desires from my mind and heart?
- Is my heart greedy?
- Am I jealous of what another has?
- Am I envious of another because I don't have what he or she has?
- Do I desire to have some attribute of a neighbor's appearance?
- Am I dissatisfied with some God given quality or attribute of my own?
- Am I moody or gloomy because of possessions I do not have?
- Do I have resentment for my state of life or do I accept that in God's eyes all are spiritually equal and that His judgement of me is based upon how I use the gifts I have been given?
- Do I pray, read the Bible and religious works, and keep busy to counter sinful thoughts?
- Do I make an effort at over coming my passions, vices, and inclinations to sin that are enumerated in the Seven Capital Sins? (They are called capital sins also known as the Seven Deadly Sins because they are the source or basis for all other sins. While it is true that pride is the basis of all sin, the seven Capital sins are placed here in the collective sense as being a catchall for everything that has not been covered more directly. In a sense the Seven Capital sins could be considered as the 11th Commandment: "You shall not offend God by committing any offense covered by one of the Seven Capital Sins." The primary sin is that of pride. Pride leads one to ignore the creative activity and power of God and that He is the source of all that is good.)
The Seven Capital Sins or vices are:
- Pride Thinking of oneself as being equal to God or better than another. This sin is basic to all other sins. It is the sin of Lucifer said to be the most powerful and intelligent of all angels who is said to have challenged God believing that he would win.
- Covetousness Inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions.
- Lust A strong or intense desire for pleasure (humanistic happiness), particularly of a sexual nature.
- Anger A strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.
- Gluttony Beyond over eating, it is unreasonably excessive eating or drinking. (Eating because of pure love of food.)
- Envy Painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.
- Vanity an idle, empty, or valueless desire to inflate pride in one's
achievements or one's appearance.
A very beautiful woman did not want to be a distraction or temptation to men or be responsible for causing any man to sin because of lust for her. She sought help from God. She prayed to be made repulsive to men. God granted her prayer. At death He restored her beauty, and much more.
- Sloth 1.) lazy, avoidance of reasonable mental or physical work;
2.) spiritual apathy or inactivity.
The Seven Virtues opposing the seven capital sins are: (The development of these virtues is of major importance in obtaining the perfection necessary for entry into Heaven.)
- Humility not thinking of yourself as better than another and always recognizing your subservience to God while giving Him the glory for your accomplishments. It requires a significant degree of humility to tell one's sins to a priest. To succeed in the making of a sincere confession is to accomplish a major step in the spiritual growth necessary to obtain salvation. It is almost certainly among the reasons for the institution of the sacrament of Penance. Keep in mind that as Creator, God has among His unique abilities the quality of being the master psychologist.
"when you have done all you have been commanded to do (by God) say
we are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty." [Lk. 17:10]
- Liberality The free giving (not under coercion) of one's possessions, especially to those in true need.
- Chastity The maintaining of purity in conduct and intention, and abstaining from unlawful sexual intercourse.
- Meekness The enduring of injury with patience and without resentment.
- Temperance Restraint; the moderation of actions, thoughts, and feelings; the development of habitual moderation / control in the indulgence of appetites or pleasures of life. Complete abstinence when possible from something that has or is about to take control of your life, such as alcohol. NOTE: One requires food but does not require harmful drugs.
- Brotherly Love Desire for the well being of others. Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another; special love for someone of faith seen as a brother or sister or mother of Jesus. And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother." [Mt. 12:49-50]
- Diligence Dedication to and perseverance in work and other activities without avoidance of other responsibilities and duties.
- Is my heart set on earthly possessions or on the true treasures in Heaven?
- Do I accept my own limitations and not envy the abilities or gifts God has given to others?
- Am I aware of my obligation to set good example to others and have I done so?
- Have I gone against my conscience out of fear or hypocrisy?
We are answerable for the sins of others whenever we either cause them, or share in them, through our own fault.
We may either cause or share the guilt of another's sin in nine ways:
- By counsel bad advice.
- By command ordering or coercing.
- By consent agreeing that something is okay when it is not.
- By provocation urge or dare someone to commit sin.
- By praise or flattery giving insincere praise or by encouraging self-deception.
- By concealment hiding the evil done.
- By being a partner in the sin direct or indirect participation.
- By silence not admonishing when information is obtained regarding the evil, and / or, failure to report a serious offense to proper authorities.
- By defending the ill done being supportive of evil.
As the above is only a partial list of offenses that can be committed against God, self, and neighbor, one should reflect to see whether one's conscience / guardian angel is prompting one to recognize other sins. Keep in mind that denial plays a large part in keeping one separated from God. Procured abortion and other forms of murder, as well as addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex and so forth can be the cause of much trauma and the source for much denial. Know that these and other dysfunctional conditions not only affect oneself but also one's relationship with direct associates and others down to the second and third generations.
"Though I say to the virtuous man that he shall surely live, if he then presumes on his virtue and does wrong, none of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered; because of the wrong he has done, he shall die." [Eze. 33:13]
As soon as one recognizes that a serious sin has been committed, he should immediately say as sincere of an Act of Contrition as he possibly can. Any sincere heartfelt expression of sorrow and repentance will be sufficient when necessary. There are a variety of Act's of Contrition that can be said. Reference: Some Catholic Basics. (See: Appendix V)
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world,
but people preferred darkness to light,
because their works were evil. [Jn. 3:19]
Return to 10th Commandment
There are those who, even when told they have done wrong, will fail to repent.
The LORD said to Samuel: "I am about to do something in Israel that will cause the ears of everyone who hears it to ring. On that day I will carry out in full against Eli everything I threatened against his family. I announce to him that I am condemning his family once and for all, because of this crime: though he knew his sons were blaspheming God, he did not reprove them. Therefore, I swear to the family of Eli that no sacrifice or offering will ever expiate its crime." [1 Sam. 3:11-14]
And the messenger answered: "Israel fled from the Philistines; in fact, the troops suffered heavy losses. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are among the dead, and the ark of God has been captured." At this mention of the ark of God, Eli fell backward from his chair into the gateway; since he was an old man and heavy, he died of a broken neck. He had judged Israel for forty years. [1 Sam. 4:17-18]
Through an understanding of the Prophetic Books and the Gospels, it seems probable that two out of three people will never make it into Heaven. This occurs because most people will not make a sustained effort in faith, or, will make no effort at all to get there. There may well be periods of time when nine out of ten people do not make it into Heaven (examples: period prior to the great flood, and the period prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah).
"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?" [Lk. 18:8]
The following refers to the final two prophets who visit the earth,
"Those from every people, tribe, tongue, and nation will gaze on their corpses for three and a half days, and they will not allow their corpses to be buried. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and be glad and exchange gifts because these two prophets tormented the inhabitants of the earth. But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them. When they stood on their feet, great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here." So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on." [Rev. 11:9-12]
Life is filled with frustration and uncertainty for atheists and agnostics. Their many efforts to obtain worldly goals will leave them unsatisfied and in the end when they see death coming they will have no hope. When their end is near and they recognize the coming of the Son of Justice, they will begin to know true fear.
"Put to death whatever in your nature is routed in earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desires, and that lust which is idolatry. These are the sins which provoke God's wrath. You must put aside now: all the anger and quick temper, the malice, the insults, the foul language. Stop lying to one another." [Col. 3:5-6, 8-9]
A sincere Catholic is likened to a servant who questions his employer, his master, and asks:
- What is it you desire for me to do?
- How can I serve you?
- Am I acting according to your will?
- Am I offending you in any way?
- How can I correct the offenses I have committed against you?
- What penance should I do?
- Please help me to compensate for the offenses I have committed.
- "he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way
will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." [James 5:20]
- "Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins." [1 Pet. 4:8]
NOTE: The unborn have great need for unselfish love.
PADRE PIO Annoyed Padre Pio was greatly annoyed when women in indecent clothes got in his way. If that happened in church, he ordered them out of the holy place at once. Women and men were allowed to enter the church only with three-quarter length sleeves. Boys and men had to wear long trousers in church. (During Padre Pio's lifetime it was unheard of that Catholic women would enter church without being in a skirt sufficiently below the knees.)
POPE PIUS XII "How many young girls there are who see nothing wrong in following certain shameless styles like so many sheep. They would certainly blush with shame if they could know the impression they make, and the feeling they evoke in those who see them." July 17, 1954.
WARNING FROM FATIMA When little Jacinta (10 years old) was in the hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, she told Mother Godinho: "Fashions will much offend Our Lord. People who serve God should not follow the fashions. Our Lord is always the same. The sins which cause most souls to go to hell are the sins of the flesh. If men (and women) knew what eternity is, they would do everything to change their lives.
THE RULE OF THE SAINTS "Endeavor so to act as you would wish to have acted when you stand before your Judge. This is the rule of the Saints, and the only safe rule for all."
The mother of Louis, who became King of France at the age of twelve, told him she would rather see him die than commit a mortal sin. He never forgot her words and became a saint. (How many mortal sins our teen-age girls and women commit by their immodest dress without a
reproof?)
"You have heard that it was said to the ancients, "thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say to you that anyone who so much as looks with lust at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart." [Mt. 5:27-28]
At Fatima, Portugal in 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary condemned in advance the pagan
fashions of our day, warning us: "Certain fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much." At a later date, Our Blessed Mother made known what standards of modesty in dress she requires of women and girls, through the Holy Father, Pope Pius XI, her Divine Son's Vicar, who set this norm:
"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers' breath under the pit of the throat, which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows, and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent materials are improper. . ." By Donato, Cardinal Sbaretti, Pref. of Congregation of the Council; Feast of Holy Family, Jan. 12, 1930.
Until the above mandate by the Holy See, as to what constitutes modesty in dress, is revised, modified or rescinded by the Holy See itself, these minimum standards are binding on everyone, regardless of any opinions to the contrary held by so many people these days - even within the Church.
To further confirm this, Pope Pius XII stated: "Our Divine Savior entrusted the Deposit of Faith NOT to theologians, but to the magisterium of the Church for its authentic interpretation. Hence, the 'Sensus Ecclesiae' (the mind of the Church) is decisive for the knowledge of truth; not the 'opinio theologorium' (the personal views of individual theologians). Otherwise, theologians would be the magisterii, which is evidently erroneous." (Sept , 1956)
Codex Iuris Canonici, 1917 (now abrogated) CANON 1262: "While assisting at sacred rites, whether in church or outside, women should have their heads covered and should be dressed modestly, especially when they approach the Holy Table." NOTE: Long before this canon was dropped but in no way opposed the below Biblical teaching which remains forever valid by the 1983 Code of Canon Law, women had almost unilaterally decided to no longer have their heads covered. The bishops of the Church seem bent upon giving into the desires of women.
"Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil." [1 Cor. 11:4-6]
Until the 1960's the above passage was observed by both men and women. Since then only women have chosen to disobey this tradition that dates to the early Church. All Glory and Honor (See: Appendix R)
Codex Iuris Canonici, 1917 (now abrogated) CANON 340 requires all Bishops to make a report to the Holy See once every five years concerning the state of his diocese in four areas Area No. 4 is: ON MODESTY IN DRESS.
The 1917 Code requirement is conspicuously absent in the 1983 Code of Canon Law!
Most of the above has been extracted from
a document on "Fashions" Published by,
Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima
Washington, N.J. 07882.
Return to "Confessing My Sins" Clothing
General Comments
Ones first priority of faith should be trust in God. Never is primary allegiance to be given to human beings.
Priests, bishops, and popes can all be in personal error, even in matters of faith. While they are initially due a degree of trust, they must show themselves to be men of God to maintain the initial degree of trust that has been given to them. Of major importance in the retention of trust is their faithfulness to the authentic teachings of the Church.
"You Pharisees! You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but within you are filled with
rapaciousness (false desires, ideas, pursuits, legalisms) and evil." [Lk. 11:39]
Most people have great difficulty making the fine distinctions necessary to separate the teachings of God and those of His Church from the opinions of authorized leaders in the Church that are presented as Church teachings. God's Word is infallible. Human beings, except for Jesus, are not infallible while in their human condition.
The existence of low level controversy in the Church does not legitimize rejection of any higher level teaching. Controversy, even among cardinals of the Church acting on a personal level, is low level controversy. Only formally written teachings set down in a formal manner by an authoritative body of the Church, not in opposition to a formal papal, or papally approved teaching can be considered to be at a higher level. A high level controversy could exist between opposing formal declared positions of different ordinaries (bishops who govern dioceses) in the Church, or, opposition between two regional or national conferences within the Church. At a personal level any controversy is to be considered low level no matter the rank of the individuals involved (most particularly if they are classified as highly educated theologians). Controversies proposed by those at lower levels are never to be considered as having any degree of authority. Such controversies do not excuse anyone from any higher level teachings.
A priest's primary duty is to give instructions in the faith and to prudently correct sinners. He must instruct and admonish in a manner which leaves no doubt as to the position that he is taking and should be able to confirm his position by reference to authentic teachings of the Church. Many priests are either highly lacking in regard to the correct purpose of priesthood, are ignorant of their obligations as priests, or are enmeshed in sin.
" . . . proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths." [2 Tim. 4:2-4]
A priest must be able to reference an official teaching of the Church when asked to authenticate a questionable statement. A priest should also be able to reference an available source for obtaining the Church document being referred to. NOTE: All sources must be given a correct hierarchical ranking. (See: Appendix B) COMMENT: Most official teachings of the Church can be found on the Internet.
Christ did not spend His public life hanging on the cross. While His obedience, regarding His suffering and death, was important and necessary, His primary purpose and effort in His public life was to give instructions in regard to the fullness of truth according to the will of God the Father.
Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" [Jn. 18:37-38]
Jesus said: "I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth." [Jn. 17:19]
Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. [Jn. 8:31-37]
SACRILEGIOUS COMMUNION
Because of human weaknesses it is probable that the majority of Catholics should make at least monthly confessions. While the reception of Holy Communion is not required but once a year it would be good practice to be in the state of grace at least monthly in order to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. NOTE: No one should stay in the state of mortal sin any longer than reasonably necessary. Being in the state of mortal sin leaves one vulnerable access by and temptations of devils. At the very least a sincere Act of Contrition should be said as soon as one can acknowledge that he has committed a dire offense against God. All sins containing grievous matter should be considered as dire offenses against God.
Many people are deceived in their belief that someone in old age, or one who is disabled or enfeebled cannot sin. All sin is a product of the mind. Sins of desire can be just as sinful as an act carried out. No one should ever discourage or be discouraged from the reception of the Sacrament of Penance.
For Catholics to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, while in the state of mortal sin (having committed a mortal sin by act, thought, or omission which has not been confessed and forgiven in Sacramental Confession) is itself a mortal sin a mortal sin of sacrilege (a grave violation of that which is sacred abuse directed at God Himself). NOTE: An absolution received is invalid if there is no intention to make an effort to avoid committing the confessed sins in the future. Also, if one knowingly fails to confess a serious sin the absolution is invalid. The concept that some people seem to have that they can confess their sins on Saturday, receive Holy Communion on Sunday, and then repeat their sins during the week is self-deception.
Any priest or other person teaching with the authority of the Church, who professes that one may receive Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin, or teaches that the reception of Holy Communion itself forgives mortal sin(s) has committed a mortal sin and has been automatically excommunicated for teaching heresy. No one who has failed to confess his mortal sins or does not have the intention of doing his prescribed penance and making restitution for sins committed may receive Holy Communion without committing a grave sin of sacrilege against the Body and Blood of Christ.
A divorced person who remarries outside of the Church may under no circumstance receive either the Body or the Blood of our Lord and Master Jesus of Nazareth. By doing so he denies Christ and is committing sacrilege.
St. Paul in First Corinthians expressly warns against sins of desecration of Holy Communion when he said:
"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are ill and infirm, and a considerable number are dying. If we discerned ourselves, we would not be under judgment; but since we are judged by (the) Lord, we are being disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." [1 Cor. 11:27-32]
The reception of Holy Communion is not the same as receiving a magic cookie. Nor is the reception of Holy Communion to be considered as a social event. When a Catholic receives Holy Communion he is stating that he not only believes in the teachings of Jesus but also accepts that Jesus is fully present in the Holy Eucharist body, blood, soul, and divinity. It is hypocrisy to receive Holy Communion without this belief and a condemnatory sin will have been committed. One's personal belief to the contrary will not be relevant on judgement day. When a Catholic a person living under the jurisdiction of just papal decrees and authority receives Holy Communion in faith while in the state of grace, he is in union with the one true believing community of God's people. Therefore neither the Body or the Blood of Jesus may be received by those who are not in faith, do not understand faith, or do not have an awareness of who it is that they are receiving. Holy Communion may only be received by those Catholics who are in moral good standing with God according to the standards established by His Church.
Prior to approximately 1960, it was the norm for practicing Catholics those in good standing and making a sincere effort to exercise self-control to make a Sacramental Confession at least monthly, whether or not they had mortal sin to confess, and to regularly receive Holy Communion. About half of a parish would normally receive Holy Communion each Sunday.
Presently, however, there are hardly any confessions, and the reception of Communion is almost universal. Granted, many of those frequent confessions in previous years were probably confessions of venial sins (not deadly sins), and thus were not necessary before receiving Holy Communion, yet we must admit that mortal sin has become far more commonplace today, and so it would only be a person living in dream land one who wants to, or already has on their own authority, redefined the whole concept of sin who would say that mortal sin has become so rare that each week only a handful of parishioners have need of Confession before receiving Holy Communion. (That handful who do go to Confession are likely to be the most devout and least sinful members of the whole parish. Most of the rest are either living in denial or are lacking in faith.)
Today, when most Catholics do not go to confession from one end of the year to the next, and when in a sizeable parish it is not unusual for there to be under ten confessions per week, and yet when it comes time for Communion at Sunday Mass virtually everyone in attendance receives Communion, it can be accepted that many people human nature being what it is are receiving Holy Communion unworthily, that is, while in the state of mortal sin.
When more than two-thirds of a congregation approach to receive Holy Communion it is almost certain that the parish priest(s) is not teaching the authentic Word of God. When less than one-third receive, it is probable that the parish priest(s) is over emphasizing the sinfulness of man and not properly teaching the mercy of God. NOTE: Weekly attendance at Mass is always obligatory whether one is in mortal sin or not. The reception of Holy Communion is obligatory only once a year. Holy Eucharist, 13th Session, Can. 9. (See: Appendix A)
Opinions:
- Authorization to receive Holy Communion more than once a day is counter-productive in that it helps to encourage those in sin to also receive. If the Church were to teach that great graces are received by each reception of Holy Communion, in the same day, and that these graces contribute toward salvation, then it could easily be understood that those who only receive weekly or monthly have little chance for salvation.
- If it is believed that by one's not receiving Holy Communion it would discourage another from committing a sin of sacrilege, by receiving Holy Communion, it would be better not to receive.
- Each person bringing non-Catholic relatives or friends to Mass with them has a personal responsibility to make it clear to them that they may not receive Holy Communion.
- While the removal of the strict requirement for fasting from midnight is readily understandable, the reduction from a three-hour fast (from food and alcoholic beverages) to a one-hour fast has proven disastrous. A one-hour fast, as currently practiced, translates into about fifteen minutes of fast before many leave home. It has become no more than a meaningless and nonsensical rule of discipline which serves no good purpose. A three-hour fast before the beginning of Mass would be both worthy and meaningful without being overwhelming. A reduction of one-hour could be made for Masses expected to last longer than two hours. The time for the fast should begin in relation to the scheduled beginning of Mass, and not in relation to the projected reception of Holy Communion.
Separate norms for medical reasons and for Communion calls in homes and in hospitals are already fairly well established and can be amended as deemed appropriate.
Recommendations:
- Pious Catholics who attend Mass more than once a day, regardless of reason, should give example that one need not always receive Holy Communion when attending Mass. NOTE: For a sinner to see someone not receive who frequently receives Holy Communion would lessen his feeling of compulsion to receive. Not receiving in such a case could be considered as a meritorious work of charity.
- Make reasonable fasting, as suggested above, the norm for receiving the Holy Eucharist. As with other sincere offerings to God, one should not advertise the fact of fasting. It should be a personal offering which could be seen as additional penance for any remnant of sin remaining after confession and absolution.
It should be understood that confession and subsequent absolution only remove the external evidence of sin. For entry into Heaven the internal tendency or desire to do wrong must also be negated. Prayer, penance, almsdeeds and good works are all offerings that can be joined at Mass, for the good of the Kingdom, with Jesus' salvific offering made at the Last Supper.
A person who commits one of the following sins incurs a
latae sententiae (automatic)
excommunication.
Those marked "Reserved," are reserved to the Apostolic See.
The confessor of a repentant excommunicated person, whose sin is "Reserved,"
must obtain permission from the Vatican to absolve and restore one's
membership in the Church. A person's identity is not generally required.
The Code of Canon Law 1983 A.D.
- Apostasy - renunciation of one's faith.
Heresy - rejection of a formal Church teaching.
Schism - separation from the true body of Christ (the Catholic Church). Can. 1367
- Throws away the consecrated species, or for sacrilegious use takes them away or keeps them. Can. 1367 Reserved
- Physical force against the Roman Pontiff. Can. 1370 §1 Reserved
- Priest who absolves a partner in a sin against the sixth commandment. (Except in danger of death the absolution is invalid.) Can. 1378 §1 Reserved
- Both parties to an episcopal consecration without a pontifical mandate.
Can. 1382 Reserved
- Confessor who directly violates the sacramental seal. Can. 1388 §1 Reserved
- Abuse of ecclesiastical power or office - to be punished according to the gravity of the act or the omission. Can. 1389 §1 Unspecified penalty
- Through culpable negligence, unlawfully and with harm to another, performs or omits an act of ecclesiastical power or ministry or office. Can. 1389 §2 Unspecified penalty
- One who actually procures an abortion Can. 1398; and all accomplices Can. 1329 §2 (See: Appendix W)
EXCEPTIONS:
- habitual lack of use of reason, Can. 1322
- not completed the sixteenth year of age, and more exceptions, Cann. 1323 - 1325
- incomplete offense, Can. 1328
Canon Law on Church Sanctions: Canons 1311 - 1399 (See: Appendix E)
The Sacrament of Penance has always been understood in the context of reconciliation with God and neighbor. But modern man has found the term penance objectionable and is now referring to the Sacrament of Penance as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our culture has been doing away with the concept that sin is both serious and destructive to relationships with both God and man. It is perhaps for this reason that penances currently being given by many priests are at best minimalistic, insufficient, and ineffective, even to the point to being contra-productive as seen by the sacrament's general disuse. This sacrament is not currently being taken seriously or importantly by many, and for this reason many souls are being lost.
Carefully reflect upon the following Biblical passages and consider in their light the degree of penance one should be given for different offenses that have been committed.
- Dt. 25:3 Forty stripes may be given him, but no more; lest, if he were beaten with more stripes than these, your kinsman should be looked upon as disgraced because of the severity of the beating.
- "You shall consume all the nations which the LORD, your God, will deliver up to you. You are not to look on them with pity, lest you be ensnared into serving their gods. [Dt. 7:16]
- Do not look on him with pity, but purge from Israel {the land of the people of faith}the stain of shedding innocent blood, that you may prosper. [Dt. 19:13]
- you shall chop off her hand without pity. [Dt. 25:12]
- For this reason, the Lord does not spare their young men, and their orphans and widows he does not pity;
They are wholly profaned and sinful, and every mouth gives vent to folly.
For all this, his wrath is not turned back, his hand is still outstretched! [Is. 9:17 /16]
- The fruit of the womb they shall not spare, nor shall they have eyes of pity for children. [Is. 13:18]
- I will dash them against each other, fathers and sons together, says the LORD; I will show no compassion, I will not spare or pity, but will destroy them. [Jer. 13:14]
- After that, says the LORD, I will hand over Zedekiah, king of Judah, and his ministers and the people in this city who survive pestilence, sword, and famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, into the hands of their enemies and those who seek their lives. He shall strike them with the edge of the sword, without quarter, without pity or mercy. [Jer. 21:7]
- I will not look upon you with pity nor have mercy; I will deal with you according to your conduct, and the consequences of your abominations shall be in your midst; then shall you know that it is I, the LORD, who strike. [Eze. 7:9]
- I, however, will not look upon them with pity, nor show any mercy. I will bring down their conduct upon their heads. [Eze. 9:10]
- I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming, for I will bring it about without fail. I will not have pity nor repent. By your conduct and your deeds you shall be judged, says the Lord GOD. [Eze. 24:14]
- In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: "Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age. [2 Macc. 7:27]
- Jesus said, "And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." [Mt. 10:28]
- "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [Lk. 21:25-26]
- "Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned." [John 15:6]
- "His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." [Lk. 3:17]
- "Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. [Mt. 13:40-42]
- ". . . where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' [Mk. 9:48] (their worm see Isa. 66:24 even the worm that eats the body shall not be allowed to die. One shall forever be burned from the outside, and, from the inside they shall eternally be eaten alive.)
"Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? Look to it yourself." Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself." [Mt. 27:3-5]
"He {Judas}bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out." [Acts 1:18]
Many who do not want to believe in eternal damnation have said that even Judas Iscariot may have repented at the last moment. They also state that no one has the right to condemn. They forget that Jesus has that right to condemn and did so with the following words:
"For the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." [Mk. 14:21] (Jesus would not have said this about someone who still had a chance of getting into Heaven.)
In one's relationship with God there is a point of no-return, a place in time when one will no longer have the opportunity to repent, a condition of sin which no longer permits a death-bed repentance. Below are Biblical examples concerning Judas Iscariot, Ananias, and Sapphira. Many who are victims of fire, floods, hurricanes, tornados, auto and airplane accidents and sabotage, sudden heart attacks, and so forth, realistically speaking, never have the opportunity to repent. At the time of catastrophe one is either in the state of grace or is not.
Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it." So he dipped the morsel and (took it and) handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him {Satan, who was now in full control of the soul of Judas}, "What you are going to do, do quickly." [Jn. 13:26-27]
"A man named Ananias, however, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. He retained for himself, with his wife's knowledge, some of the purchase price, took the remainder, and put it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the Holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain yours? And when it was sold, was it not still under your control? Why did you contrive this deed? You have lied not to human beings, but to God." When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last, and great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men came and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him."
NOTE: Ananias had no opportunity to repent. This is true of people throughout time who die without warning. It may well be better to suffer a long and painful death, than to die suddenly without the opportunity to repent and have the opportunity to offer one's sufferings as penance.
"After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, unaware of what had happened. Peter said to her, "Tell me, did you sell the land for this amount?" She answered, "Yes, for that amount." Then Peter said to her, "Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen, the footsteps of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." At once, she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men entered they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things." [Acts 5:1-11]
To my knowledge there are only basic undeveloped recommendations for giving a penance to an acknowledged sinner. From Old Testament times, to the early centuries of the Church, through to our present day, there have been a wide variety of penances prescribed for varying offenses.
Reconciliatio et Paenitentia 3, 2, III, §7 (See: Appendix X)
While there is a sense in which the penance itself is not necessarily important, it should be understood that the severity of the penance reinforces the reality and seriousness of various offenses. This alone is sufficient reason not to give minimalistic or meaningless penalties. One's relationship with God is broken by serious sin. Those who have venial sin on their soul at the time of death must have all traces of indifference to God erased before they will be allowed to enter into Heaven. Hell and Purgatory are real. Their reality can be reinforced through the giving of penances which give substance to their existence.
This document, though not authoritative, should be useful in helping both the penitent and priest confessor to have an improved understanding of this salvific sacrament. Practically speaking there have been only three people who have had no need for this sacrament:
- Jesus
- His mother
- John the Baptist.
All others, including the very small number
who may never have committed a mortal sin, have needed, or at least would have greatly benefitted from, a devout confession of sins to an authorized priest.
These are suggestions for the giving of penances. They are not obligatory in any sense. Each priest confessor should have a degree of latitude to meet particular circumstances. Modernists will largely find these recommendations excessive. The realistic may well find them insufficient. These suggestions are an attempt for balance until an official proclamation is forthcoming.
The practice, at least in some cases, of seeing multiple offenses as one offense the missing of Mass for a period of six months is believed to be counterproductive. One should not stay in mortal sin longer than necessary. At the very least the willingness to be separated from the Lord, for an extended period of time, adds to the seriousness of the offenses committed.
For the sincere and reflective or contemplative repentant sinner, consideration can be given to possible worthy penances and suggested to the confessor. Such penance may then, at the option of the confessor, replace the penance he would otherwise have given.
Acts of mortification, obeisance, humility, and piety can be used to give witness to others regarding the seriousness of sin. Almsdeeds and other acts of charity may also be given as penances. Meditative reading of Sacred Scripture, formal Church teachings, and the lives of the saints would lead to Spiritual growth and be productive penances.
Reparation and restitution should be understood to be mandatory where feasible, or equivalent substitutionary restitution or reparation should be made in addition to any penance given.
Penances do not immediately need to be said or accomplished, nor do they have to be completed before receiving Holy Eucharist. But, they must be completed before making one's next sacramental confession. It is highly recommended that one completes the penance given at the earliest reasonable opportunity immediately if practical. (NOTE: Penances should not be said during Mass. While at Mass one should be paying attention to and participating in the liturgy. Also, the Mass is not the proper place for praying the rosary or saying novena prayers.)
Penances need not and at times should not be crime specific. But, it has been found useful to group them categorically.
This is a starter list of possible minimum penances which may be given:
(The penalties for sins grouped by Commandment apply primarily to those directly against
the written Commandment and to those with a comparable nature of sin.)
- Penance for devotional confession - 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's, and 3 Glory Be's. (See: Appendix V)
- Penance for venial sins - 10 Our Father's, 10 Hail Mary's, 10 Glory Be's.
- Penance for mortal sins in the realm of the 9th and 10th Commandments - one (1) five decade rosary or a corporal or spiritual work of mercy. (Works / Deeds) (See: Appendix Y) The Rosary and Inspirational Praying (See: Appendix Z)
- Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. [Jn. 5:28-29]
- Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" [Jn. 10:32]
- Penance for mortal sins concerning the 7th and 8th Commandments - two (2) five decade rosaries or a suitable corporal or spiritual work of mercy; plus the Stations of the Cross.
Stations of the Cross:
A short period of reflection on each Station of the Cross,
followed by
1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory Be or by following the procedure in a Station's Booklet, would fulfill the requirement. One, who is in good health, should genuflect when arriving at and when leaving each station.
- Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die (Mk. 15:14-15)
- Jesus Accepts His Cross (Jn. 19:16-17)
- Jesus Falls the First Time
- Jesus Meets His Mother
- Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry the Cross (Mt. 27:32; Mk. 15:21)
- Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
- Jesus Falls the Second Time
- Jesus Speaks to the Women (Lk. 23:27-31)
- Jesus Falls the Third Time
- Jesus is Stripped of His Garments (Mt. 27:34-35; Jn. 19:23-25)
- Jesus is Nailed to the Cross (Lk. 23:33; Jn. 20:25)
- Jesus Dies on the Cross (Lk. 23:44-46)
- Jesus is Taken from the Cross (Lk. 23:52-54)
- Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
(Mt. 27:59-60; Jn. 19:41-42)
- Penance for mortal sins concerning the 5th and 6th Commandments - three (3) five decade rosaries or a suitable corporal or spiritual work of mercy. (Plus the Stations of the Cross.)
- Penance for mortal sins concerning the 3rd and 4th Commandments - four (4) five decade rosaries or a suitable corporal or spiritual work of mercy. (Plus the Stations of the Cross.)
- Penance for mortal sins concerning the 1st and 2nd Commandments five (5) five decade rosaries or a suitable corporal or spiritual work of mercy. (Plus the Stations of the Cross.)
- Failure to meet the annual minimum requirement in faith of sacramental confession and reception of the Holy Eucharist One 15 decade rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and 3 months in a parish instruction class or a parish Bible study before returning to full communion with the Church.
- Apostasy/heresy/schism - as above except one year in class or Bible study.
- Sacrilegious reception of the most Holy Eucharist Three (3) 15 decade rosaries, one Stations of the Cross, one Corporal work of Mercy, one Spiritual Work of Mercy, and restriction from receiving the Holy Eucharist for one month (the requirement for Mass attendance remains).
- Sins of omission / failure to oppose known evil penances should correspond to the type of omission and to the rank of the injuries which followed the omissions, or could have followed the omission.
- Multiple offenses maximum of 10 each 15 decade (whole) rosaries, the Stations of the Cross, and suitable corporal or spiritual work of mercy in addition to basic penance.
Grave sins, by omission or commission, of a public nature and most particularly those committed by public figures, who by their sins have led others into sin, should be given penances of a public nature. This is demanded under the concept of restitution. Bad witness, which has encouraged others to sin, demands public penance as a witness to the grievousness of the wrong committed.
"Some people's sins are public, preceding them to judgment;
but other people are followed by their sins." [1 Tim. 5:24]
Penance boxes, platforms, or areas could be established near the main, or another appropriate entrance of each church, either inside or outside, dependant upon particular circumstances. These would enhance the reality of sin by giving witness to others of the seriousness of sin and the importance of reconciliation with God and neighbor. It is understood that in the mind set of most in our present age this would be considered oppressive and untenable. However, it is believed that there is historical precedence. While suggested primarily for public sinners, others might also be penalized in a public manner, under certain conditions, following guidelines that should be established.
Due to lack of direct involvement in opposition to the grave crimes being promoted publicly regarding sodomy, pedophilia, abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, illicit drugs, and general acceptance of immorality in the media, from the pope on down, a lesson could be learned from the Ninevites:
"Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day's walk announcing, "Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed," when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: "Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish." When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out." [Jonah 3:4-10]
Self-aggrandizing or self-serving egocentric prayer as used by the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Scribes of Jesus' time and by Catholic humanists, Catholic liberals, and by Protestants in our present age are not in any sense of the word to be considered penitential. True Catholic prayer brings one into harmony with God through its openness to reflection and meditation.
"When you spread out your hands, I close my eyes to you; Though you pray the more, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." [Isa. 1:15-17] See: About Praying
If it is believed that the confessor is a liberal or modernist of little faith, it may be in your best interest to consider self-imposed, but reasonable, acts of penance in addition to those given by the priest. Keep in mind that all acts of penance done in faith are meritorious in the sight of God. Do not however act injuriously to your health or impose on yourself acts that restrict your normal obligations and duties of life.
If a priest is lax in the hearing of confessions, remind him that it is an essential part of his ministry. If he is not reasonably available to hear your confession, call and make an appointment to meet with him in the church confessional.
If a priest tells you that a sin being confessed is not serious, and you know that it is, tell him that your informed conscience tells you that the matter you confessed is sin. Tell him that according to 1 Corinthians 8:7-13 that which is believed to be sin is sin. NOTE: When one could not reasonably know that something is a sin, no sin is committed. Personal feelings or desires in regard what one wants to accept or reject has no bearing on a sin of fact.
The priest is obligated to hear your sins and then to give you absolution. Do not let him deter you. Report him to the bishop if necessary and if the bishop does not admonish him report both of them to the Vatican. All parishes and bishops' offices have names and addresses easily at hand to give you. If all else fails, withdraw all support from the parish and from the diocese and let it be publicly known why you have withdrawn support. Above all, do not give up your faith because of the existence of bad priests and bad bishops.
"Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.
If we sin deliberately after receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains sacrifice for sins but a fearful prospect of judgment and a flaming fire that is going to consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejects the law of Moses is put to death without pity on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said:
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay," and again: "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." [Heb. 10:23-31]
PRIEST: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God grant you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
PENITENT: Amen.
The necessary words the priest must say are underlined above.
In many dioceses since the Second Vatican Council the destructive practice of granting general absolution without sufficient reason and without appropriate instruction has become prevalent. This practice is particularly popular in Canada. Pope John Paul II again is failing in his duty as Overseer by failing to discipline recalcitrant (rebellious) bishops. (See: Appendix AA) The following is from the current Code of Canon Law which is always obligatory: (See: Appendix S)
Part I The Sacraments
TITLE IV: THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Can. 959 In the sacrament of penance the faithful who confess their sins
to a lawful minister, are sorry for those sins and have a purpose of
amendment, receive from God, through the absolution given by that
minister, forgiveness of sins they have committed after baptism, and at the
same time they are reconciled with the Church, which by sinning they
wounded.
Chapter I
THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT
Can. 960 Individual and integral confession and absolution constitute
the sole ordinary means by which a member of the faithful who is
conscious of grave sin is reconciled with God and with the Church.
Physical or moral impossibility alone excuses from such confession, in
which case reconciliation may be attained by other means also.
Can. 961 §1 General absolution, without prior individual confession,
cannot be given to a number of penitents together, unless:
10 danger of death threatens and there is not time for the priest or
priests to hear the confessions of the individual penitents;
20 there exists a grave necessity, that is, given the number of penitents, there are not enough confessors available properly to hear the individual confessions within an appropriate time, so that without fault of their own the penitents are deprived of the sacramental grace or of holy communion for a lengthy period of time. A sufficient necessity is not, however, considered to exist when confessors cannot be available merely because of a great gathering of penitents, such as can occur on some major feastday or pilgrimage.
COMMENT: When a repetition of general absolution without individual confession is expected to occur and the anticipation is that one will not be required to personally confess, (this consideration is totally aside from the obligation to always have made an individual confession before again receiving general absolution) then the absolution received should be considered invalid.
§2 It is for the diocesan Bishop to judge whether the conditions
required in §1, n. 2 are present; mindful of the criteria agreed with the
other members of the Episcopal Conference, he can determine the cases of
such necessity.
Can. 962 §1 For a member of Christ's faithful to benefit validly from a
sacramental absolution given to a number of people simultaneously, it is
required not only that he or she be properly disposed, but be also at the
same time personally resolved to confess in due time each of the grave sins
which cannot for the moment be thus confessed.
§2 Christ's faithful are to be instructed about the requirements set out
in §1, as far as possible even on the occasion of general absolution being
received. An exhortation that each person should make an act of contrition is to precede a general absolution, even in the case of danger of death if there is time.
Can. 963 Without prejudice to the obligation mentioned in can. 989, a
person whose grave sins are forgiven by a general absolution, is as soon as
possible, when the opportunity occurs, to make an individual confession
before receiving another general absolution, unless a just reason intervenes.
Can. 964 §1 The proper place for hearing sacramental confessions is a
church or oratory.
§2 As far as the confessional is concerned, norms are to be issued by the
Episcopal Conference, with the provision however that confessionals, which
the faithful who so wish may freely use, are located in an open place, and
fitted with a fixed grille between the penitent and the confessor.
§3 Except for a just reason, confessions are not to be heard elsewhere
than in a confessional.
Stories of Persecution for Faith
How does your faith compare?
1. (2.) Now I beg those who read this book not to be disheartened by these misfortunes, but to consider that these chastisements were meant not for the ruin but for the correction of our nation. It is, in fact, a sign of great kindness to punish sinners promptly instead of letting them go for long. Thus, in dealing with other nations, the Lord patiently waits until they reach the full measure of their sins before he punishes them; but with us he has decided to deal differently, in order that he may not have to punish us more severely later, when our sins have reached their fullness. He never withdraws his mercy from us. Although he disciplines us with misfortunes, he does not abandon his own people. Let these words suffice for recalling this truth. Without further ado we must go on with our story.
2. (1.) At the suggestion of the citizens of Ptolemais, a decree was issued ordering the neighboring Greek cities to act in the same way against the Jews: oblige them to partake of the sacrifices, and put to death those who would not consent to adopt the customs of the Greeks. It was obvious, therefore, that disaster impended. Thus, two women who were arrested for having circumcised their children were publicly paraded about the city with their babies hanging at their breasts and then thrown down from the top of the city wall. Others, who had assembled in nearby caves to observe the sabbath in secret, were betrayed to Philip and all burned to death. In their respect for the holiness of that day, they had scruples about defending themselves.
3. Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork. But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture, as men ought to do who have the courage to reject the food which it is unlawful to taste even for love of life. Those in charge of that unlawful ritual meal took the man aside privately, because of their long acquaintance with him, and urged him to bring meat of his own providing, such as he could legitimately eat, and to pretend to be eating some of the meat of the sacrifice prescribed by the king; in this way he would escape the death penalty, and be treated kindly because of their old friendship with him. But he made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God.
He told them to send him at once to the abode of the dead, explaining: "At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young men would think the ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. Should I thus dissimulate for the sake of a brief moment of life, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws."
He spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture. Those who shortly before had been kindly disposed, now became hostile toward him because what he had said seemed to them utter madness. When he was about to die under the blows, he groaned and said: "The Lord in his holy knowledge knows full well that, although I could have escaped death, I am not only enduring terrible pain in my body from this scourging, but also suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him." This is how he died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation.
It also happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said: "What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors." At that the king, in a fury, gave orders to have pans and caldrons heated. While they were being quickly heated, he commanded his executioners to cut out the tongue of the one who had spoken for the others, to scalp him and cut off his hands and feet, while the rest of his brothers and his mother looked on. When he was completely maimed but still breathing, the king ordered them to carry him to the fire and fry him. As a cloud of smoke spread from the pan, the brothers and their mother encouraged one another to die bravely, saying such words as these: "The Lord God is looking on, and he truly has compassion on us, as Moses declared in his canticle, when he protested openly with the words, 'And he will have pity on his servants.' "
When the first brother had died in this manner, they brought the second to be made sport of. After tearing off the skin and hair of his head, they asked him, "Will you eat the pork rather than have your body tortured limb by limb?" Answering in the language of his forefathers, he said, "Never!" So he too in turn suffered the same tortures as the first. At the point of death he said: "You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying."
After him the third suffered their cruel sport. He put out his tongue at once when told to do so, and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words: "It was from Heaven that I received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him I hope to receive them again." Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he regarded his sufferings as nothing.
After he had died, they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. When he was near death, he said, "It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the God-given hope of being restored to life by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life."
They next brought forward the fifth brother and maltreated him. Looking at the king, he said: "Since you have power among men, mortal though you are, do what you please. But do not think that our nation is forsaken by God. Only wait, and you will see how his great power will torment you and your descendants."
After him they brought the sixth brother. When he was about to die, he said: "Have no vain illusions. We suffer these things on our own account, because we have sinned against our God; that is why such astonishing things have happened to us. Do not think, then, that you will go unpunished for having dared to fight against God."
Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother, who saw her seven sons perish in a single day, yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord. Filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage, she exhorted each of them in the language of their forefathers with these words: "I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man's beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law." Martyrdom of Mother and Sons
Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath, to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral customs: he would make him his Friend and entrust him with high office. When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son. In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: "Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated and supported you to your present age. I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them."
She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: "What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king's command. I obey the command of the law given to our forefathers through Moses. But you, who have contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God. We, indeed, are suffering because of our sins. Though our living Lord treats us harshly for a little while to correct us with chastisements, he will again be reconciled with his servants. But you, wretch, vilest of all men! do not, in your insolence, concern yourself with unfounded hopes, as you raise your hand against the children of Heaven. You have not yet escaped the judgment of the almighty and all-seeing God. My brothers, after enduring brief pain, have drunk of never-failing life, under God's covenant, but you, by the judgment of God, shall receive just punishments for your arrogance. Like my brothers, I offer up my body and my life for our ancestral laws, imploring God to show mercy soon to our nation, and by afflictions and blows to make you confess that he alone is God. Through me and my brothers, may there be an end to the wrath of the Almighty that has justly fallen on our whole nation." At that, the king became enraged and treated him even worse than the others, since he bitterly resented the boy's contempt. Thus he too died undefiled, putting all his trust in the Lord. The mother was last to die, after her sons. [2 Macc. 6:8-7:41]
Fr. David C. Trosch
First Sunday of Advent, 29 November 1998.
In memory of my father,
Charles Peter Trosch, 30 July 1987
Suggestions for improvements, modifications, additions, corrections, and concerning unclear statements or better wording are desired. Endorsements and constructive comments would be appreciated. Editor
E-mail to Fr. David
"It is much more pleasant to be a willing puppet operated by the wise hand of God
than to be servant of evil whose strings are made to dance at the whims of Satan."
Ordering Information for printed version
of this book and for other books
Recommended Reading List:
- The Holy Bible - (Catholic Versions: New America Bible - New Jerusalem Bible - New English Bible)
- The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent - (Tan Books and Publishers)
- Of Human Life AKA: Humanae Vitae - by Pope Paul VI, 25 July 1968 (Daughters of St. Paul and elsewhere)
- The Code of Canon Law AKA: Codex Iuris Canonici, 1983 - (Most Catholic Religious Goods Stores)
- On Reconciliation and Penance AKA: Reconciliatio et Paenitentia - by Pope John Paul II,
2 December 1984 (Daughters of St. Paul and some Catholic Book Stores)
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church - © 1994 (Many Religious Goods stores and Bookstores)
- Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics - Sacred Congregation of the Faith, 29 December 1975 (Daughters of St. Paul and elsewhere)
- Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Dr. Ludwig Ott - (Tan Books and Publ. See Links)
INTERNET LINKS:
Appendix:
A Council of Trent on Penance and Eucharist http://www.trosch.org/chu/trent-1.htm
B Levels of Authority and Beliefs http://www.trosch.org/chu/authorit.htm
C Pope, The Office of Peter http://www.trosch.org/for/the/peters.htm
D Chronological list of popes http://www.trosch.org/for/popes-ca.htm
E Canon Law on Church Sanctions http://www.trosch.org/law/cl-sanct.htm
F Omissions of Pope John Paul II http://www.trosch.org/jpi/jpii.html
G Defining the Catholic Church http://www.trosch.org/for/cathchur.htm
H Canon Law on Indulgences http://www.trosch.org/law/cl-indul.htm
I Thou Shall Not Kill http://www.trosch.org/not/not-kill.htm + Page 2 and Addendum
J Question of Circumcision http://www.trosch.org/the/circumci.html
K Date Rape http://www.trosch.org/the/daterape.htm
L Is it Swearing http://www.trosch.org/phi/swearing.htm
M Second Generation Post Abortion http://www.trosch.org/pas/melodie.htm
N Detraction, Calumny, Scandal http://www.trosch.org/for/scan/he-reply.htm
O Justifiable Lying http://www.trosch.org/gra/justlie.htm
P Meatless Fridays http://www.trosch.org/for/the/abs-main.htm
Q Clinton Receives Catholic Communion http://www.trosch.org//for/jp2-hell.htm
R On Headdress - All Glory and Honor http://www.trosch.org/chu/headdres.htm
S Canon Law on Penance http://www.trosch.org/law/cl-penan.htm
T Obligatory Disobedience http://www.trosch.org/chu/oppose.htm
U Books and Information Sources http://www.trosch.org/bks/books.html
V Some Catholic Basics http://www.trosch.org/chu/cathbasi.htm
W Excommunicating Catholic Bishops http://www.trosch.org/exc/excomm.html + P. 2 & 3
X Reconciliation and Penance, 3,2,3 http://www.trosch.org/chu/rec_pen.htm
Y How to Pray the Rosary http://www.trosch.org/ant/rosaries.htm
Z Inspirational Praying - The Most Holy Rosary http://www.trosch.org/ant/rosary.htm
AA Pope John Paul a poor overseer http://www.trosch.org/fatherly.htm
AB Understanding Faith through Learning About God http://www.trosch.org/the/faith.htm
AC Does God Hate ? http://www.trosch.org/the/god-hates.htm
AD Nietzche Question http://www.trosch.org/rel/nietzche.htm
AE Voting Moral Principles
http://www.trosch.org/law/voting.htm
AF God is Love http://www.trosch.org/the/love.html
"they who said among themselves, thinking not aright: 'Brief and troublous is our lifetime; neither is there any remedy for man's dying, nor is anyone known to have come back from the nether world.' " [Wisdom 2:1]
At the command of God Jeremiah prophesied against the people in the house of the Lord.
He admonished them for not keeping the commandments. Jeremiah predicted that evil would be brought upon them if they did not reform. The priests and prophets
responded by laying hold of him and crying, "You must be put to death! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD: 'This house shall be like Shiloh,' and
'This city shall be desolate and deserted'?" [Jer. 26:8-9]
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