Do Not Be Deceived: Hell Is Real

Msgr. Charles Pope • February 27, 2019 • 

Last Judgment – Michelangelo Buonarroti (1541)

There is a verse from the Letter to the Hebrews that deserves attention because it is a more common problem than many imagine:

See to it, brothers, that none of you has an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb 3:12-13).

When most of us read a text like this, we think only of obvious and dark cases. For example, someone’s tendency to lash out at others leads him to increasing violence and cruelty, or someone’s desire for possessions leads him to increasing stinginess and unkindness, or someone’s lust leads him to sexually promiscuity that is more and more debased and perverse. However, there are less egregious versions of what this text describes that can lead even religiously observant Catholics to become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

An example of this is the outright, almost categorical denial of the doctrine of Hell by a large number of Catholics, even ones who attend Mass faithfully each week. Although Jesus taught it consistently, many today firmly resist the biblical teaching that many people are in significant danger of going to Hell.

It can be argued that 21 of the 38 parables have as their theme the warning of impending judgment in which some are judged unable or unwilling to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, there are sheep and goats; wheat and tares; those on the right and those on the left; wise virgins and foolish ones; those who accept the invitation to the wedding and those who refuse; those properly dressed and those who are not; those who are told, “Come, blessed of my Father” and those who are told, “Depart from me.” This is not the place for me to give a full teaching on these doctrines. (I have posted in more depth on these topics previously: here and here and here.)

Many today, even among the religiously observant, do not take these consistent teachings seriously. “God wouldn’t do that because He is love and compassion,” they say. “There aren’t many people in Hell, except maybe Hitler.” Most people are quite “hardened” in this “deceitful” view, to use the language from Hebrews. Even when presented with verse after verse from Scripture—most directly from Jesus’ mouth—many still stubbornly persist in rejecting what is clearly taught, saying: “Yeah, I know, but He didn’t really mean it. He won’t really do that.”

To illustrate, some years ago a woman confronted me after Mass objecting to my sermon, which included a warning about Hell for those who refuse to repent. (The Gospel for that Sunday included Jesus’ sad warning that the road to Hell was wide with many on it, while the road to salvation was narrow and only a few were walking its way and would find salvation). She said to me, “I didn’t hear the Jesus I know in your sermon about Hell today.” I replied, “But ma’am, I was quoting Jesus!” She did not miss a beat, saying, “Oh, please! We know He never really said that.” This reply indicates a hardening by the deceit of sin on several levels: she rejects the revealed Word of God in favor of her own views, she rejects the doctrine and warnings of Hell itself, and she remakes the Lord so that He conforms to her notions and can be worthy of her credence and worship. (We used to call this last thing “idolatry.”)

Listen again to the words from Hebrews: See to it, brothers, that none of you has an unbelieving heart … so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. This refers to more than just wicked behaviors. Sometimes the hardness is a refusal to believe revealed doctrines or to accept the Lord’s serious warnings. A world hardened by the deceit of sin will not accept that there are lasting consequences for the refusal to repent. Many have allowed themselves to be influenced by it, setting aside God’s Word in favor of human ideas and preferences.

Beware of this tendency, which is so common today. Study the doctrines. Read the warnings of the Lord in Scripture. Ask questions about things that puzzle or trouble you; pray for insight—but do not be misled into sinfully and stubbornly rejecting what is revealed.

The reading for Wednesday’s Mass contains a salutary warning:

Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart. Say not, “Who can prevail against me?” for the LORD will exact the punishment. Say not, “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?” for the LORD bides his time. Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin. Say not, “Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive.” For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath. Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed. Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath (Sirach 5:1-10).

The Lord says these things because He loves us. He does not want us to be lost. In the end, though, God respects our freedom to say no to what He is offering. He knows how we are made and how stubborn we can be. He knows that the values of Heaven (particularly love of our enemies, forgiveness of those who have wronged us, and chastity) are not pleasing to many people. The Lord will not force us to live values like these, but they are what Heaven is about. Thus, He warns us to let Him instill a desire in us for what He offers so that we will desire the Heaven He describes. Listen to Him; He warns us in love so that He can take our heart of stone and give us a true heart to desire the Heaven He is offering.

Do not be hardened by deceitful teachings rooted in this world of sin!

Do Not Be Deceived: Hell Is Real

Msgr. Charles Pope • February 27, 2019 • 

Last Judgment – Michelangelo Buonarroti (1541)

There is a verse from the Letter to the Hebrews that deserves attention because it is a more common problem than many imagine:

See to it, brothers, that none of you has an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Heb 3:12-13).

When most of us read a text like this, we think only of obvious and dark cases. For example, someone’s tendency to lash out at others leads him to increasing violence and cruelty, or someone’s desire for possessions leads him to increasing stinginess and unkindness, or someone’s lust leads him to sexually promiscuity that is more and more debased and perverse. However, there are less egregious versions of what this text describes that can lead even religiously observant Catholics to become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

An example of this is the outright, almost categorical denial of the doctrine of Hell by a large number of Catholics, even ones who attend Mass faithfully each week. Although Jesus taught it consistently, many today firmly resist the biblical teaching that many people are in significant danger of going to Hell.

It can be argued that 21 of the 38 parables have as their theme the warning of impending judgment in which some are judged unable or unwilling to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. For example, there are sheep and goats; wheat and tares; those on the right and those on the left; wise virgins and foolish ones; those who accept the invitation to the wedding and those who refuse; those properly dressed and those who are not; those who are told, “Come, blessed of my Father” and those who are told, “Depart from me.” This is not the place for me to give a full teaching on these doctrines. (I have posted in more depth on these topics previously: here and here and here.)

Many today, even among the religiously observant, do not take these consistent teachings seriously. “God wouldn’t do that because He is love and compassion,” they say. “There aren’t many people in Hell, except maybe Hitler.” Most people are quite “hardened” in this “deceitful” view, to use the language from Hebrews. Even when presented with verse after verse from Scripture—most directly from Jesus’ mouth—many still stubbornly persist in rejecting what is clearly taught, saying: “Yeah, I know, but He didn’t really mean it. He won’t really do that.”

To illustrate, some years ago a woman confronted me after Mass objecting to my sermon, which included a warning about Hell for those who refuse to repent. (The Gospel for that Sunday included Jesus’ sad warning that the road to Hell was wide with many on it, while the road to salvation was narrow and only a few were walking its way and would find salvation). She said to me, “I didn’t hear the Jesus I know in your sermon about Hell today.” I replied, “But ma’am, I was quoting Jesus!” She did not miss a beat, saying, “Oh, please! We know He never really said that.” This reply indicates a hardening by the deceit of sin on several levels: she rejects the revealed Word of God in favor of her own views, she rejects the doctrine and warnings of Hell itself, and she remakes the Lord so that He conforms to her notions and can be worthy of her credence and worship. (We used to call this last thing “idolatry.”)

Listen again to the words from Hebrews: See to it, brothers, that none of you has an unbelieving heart … so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. This refers to more than just wicked behaviors. Sometimes the hardness is a refusal to believe revealed doctrines or to accept the Lord’s serious warnings. A world hardened by the deceit of sin will not accept that there are lasting consequences for the refusal to repent. Many have allowed themselves to be influenced by it, setting aside God’s Word in favor of human ideas and preferences.

Beware of this tendency, which is so common today. Study the doctrines. Read the warnings of the Lord in Scripture. Ask questions about things that puzzle or trouble you; pray for insight—but do not be misled into sinfully and stubbornly rejecting what is revealed.

The reading for Wednesday’s Mass contains a salutary warning:

Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart. Say not, “Who can prevail against me?” for the LORD will exact the punishment. Say not, “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?” for the LORD bides his time. Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin. Say not, “Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive.” For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath. Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed. Rely not upon deceitful wealth, for it will be no help on the day of wrath (Sirach 5:1-10).

The Lord says these things because He loves us. He does not want us to be lost. In the end, though, God respects our freedom to say no to what He is offering. He knows how we are made and how stubborn we can be. He knows that the values of Heaven (particularly love of our enemies, forgiveness of those who have wronged us, and chastity) are not pleasing to many people. The Lord will not force us to live values like these, but they are what Heaven is about. Thus, He warns us to let Him instill a desire in us for what He offers so that we will desire the Heaven He describes. Listen to Him; He warns us in love so that He can take our heart of stone and give us a true heart to desire the Heaven He is offering.

Do not be hardened by deceitful teachings rooted in this world of sin!

My Lord, who came into this world to do your Father’s will, not your own, give me a most absolute and simple submission to the will of Father and Son, I believe, O my Savior, that you know just what is best for me. I believe that you love me better than I love myself, that you are all-wise in your providence, and all-powerful in your protection.

I resign myself entirely to you, and thank you with all my heart that you have taken me out of my own keeping, and, instead of putting such a serious charge upon me, have bidden me put myself into your hands. I can ask nothing better than this, to be your care, not my own.

O Jesus, my bridegroom, you great king who are God, you who are the lamb! Put such a mark upon the face of my soul that I may choose nothing under the sun, desire nothing, love nothing other than yourself And do you yourself, who are dearest of all things dear, deign so to take me unto yourself in the bonds of mystical marriage, that I may be made your true bride and your true betrothed, by an indissoluble love stronger than death.

My Lord, who came into this world to do your Father’s will, not your own, give me a most absolute and simple submission to the will of Father and Son, I believe, O my Savior, that you know just what is best for me. I believe that you love me better than I love myself, that you are all-wise in your providence, and all-powerful in your protection.

I resign myself entirely to you, and thank you with all my heart that you have taken me out of my own keeping, and, instead of putting such a serious charge upon me, have bidden me put myself into your hands. I can ask nothing better than this, to be your care, not my own.

O Jesus, my bridegroom, you great king who are God, you who are the lamb! Put such a mark upon the face of my soul that I may choose nothing under the sun, desire nothing, love nothing other than yourself And do you yourself, who are dearest of all things dear, deign so to take me unto yourself in the bonds of mystical marriage, that I may be made your true bride and your true betrothed, by an indissoluble love stronger than death.

Distinguish doctrine from opinion based on what the Church calls the hierarchy of truths. This means that some teachings are more important than others. Think of it this way. The owner’s manual of your car will show you clearly how to turn on the engine, shift gears, and use the brake. Later, perhaps in a bad snowstorm, you’ll learn how to use your defroster and rear window de-icer. Someday when you have nothing to do, you may even read about oil changes, tire pressure, and maintenance. All these instructions are true and helpful, but each one is not equally important. You need to know where to put the key before you worry about tire pressure. Think of Church teaching as a spiritual owner’s manual.

The Four Markers

The Church has at least four markers for permanent teachings: Sacred Scripture, ancient creeds, council statements, and ex cathedra papal statements.

•  First, Sacred Scripture expresses key beliefs, such as the oneness of God, the Trinity, the Incarnation, and
• the Resurrection of Christ.
• Second, ancient creeds, such as the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, contain settled doctrines.
• Third, core doctrines of faith proposed by ecumenical councils are also permanent, although open to refinement, new formulations, and development.
• Fourth, teachings declared ex cathedra (from the chair) by the pope are unchangeable. So far, only two
• popes — Pius IX and Pius XII — have used this form of teaching.

The Hierarchy of Truths 

God’s revelation enlightens us only about matters essential for our salvation. Hence, God tells us how to live a good and moral life, confident that we come from Him, have been redeemed by Christ, and have the hope of eternal life. This information is like knowing how to switch on the engine and use the brake. But God doesn’t explain every detail of how His saving love works in the world. Such details are akin to a car’s clock and DVD player. We can drive the car perfectly well without the correct time and music. Similarly, we can live the Christian life fully and joyfully without clear answers to every possible theological

question.

Distinguish doctrine from opinion based on what the Church calls the hierarchy of truths. This means that some teachings are more important than others. Think of it this way. The owner’s manual of your car will show you clearly how to turn on the engine, shift gears, and use the brake. Later, perhaps in a bad snowstorm, you’ll learn how to use your defroster and rear window de-icer. Someday when you have nothing to do, you may even read about oil changes, tire pressure, and maintenance. All these instructions are true and helpful, but each one is not equally important. You need to know where to put the key before you worry about tire pressure. Think of Church teaching as a spiritual owner’s manual.

The Four Markers

The Church has at least four markers for permanent teachings: Sacred Scripture, ancient creeds, council statements, and ex cathedra papal statements.

•  First, Sacred Scripture expresses key beliefs, such as the oneness of God, the Trinity, the Incarnation, and
• the Resurrection of Christ.
• Second, ancient creeds, such as the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds, contain settled doctrines.
• Third, core doctrines of faith proposed by ecumenical councils are also permanent, although open to refinement, new formulations, and development.
• Fourth, teachings declared ex cathedra (from the chair) by the pope are unchangeable. So far, only two
• popes — Pius IX and Pius XII — have used this form of teaching.

The Hierarchy of Truths 

God’s revelation enlightens us only about matters essential for our salvation. Hence, God tells us how to live a good and moral life, confident that we come from Him, have been redeemed by Christ, and have the hope of eternal life. This information is like knowing how to switch on the engine and use the brake. But God doesn’t explain every detail of how His saving love works in the world. Such details are akin to a car’s clock and DVD player. We can drive the car perfectly well without the correct time and music. Similarly, we can live the Christian life fully and joyfully without clear answers to every possible theological

question.

Advice in Times of Trial and Discouragement

Msgr. Charles Pope • February 26, 2019 • 0 Comments

At daily Mass this week (7th week of the year) we are reading from the Book of Sirach. God inspired Jesus ben Sirach to pen advice so beautiful and wise that the early Church used it to instruct catechumens in their first year. Consider the following passage:

My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way; keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. You who fear the LORD, love him, and your hearts will be enlightened. Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed? Compassionate and merciful is the LORD; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth (Sirach 2:1-11).

We can see in this text a prudent description of reality along with some remedies and rewards. Let’s ponder them.

The Reality

The text speaks plainly of the things that befall God’s people: trials, adversity, sorry, crushing misfortune, and humiliation. Therefore, we are not exempt from the cross but deeply associated with it. We have been crucified with Christ and to the world. There will be times of joy and victory to be sure, but this world is not our ultimate home. Satan is the prince of this world and God mysteriously allows him significant influence and power—for a time.

This world, then, is a place of trial and testing for us. It is a crucible, an exile, a valley of tears. Worldly victories are not promised, but heavenly ones are, provided we persevere to the end. Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage! I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33). To the Church at Smyrna He said, Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev 2:10).

This is our reality. The world has joys and God grants many blessings and consolation, but on the whole, this life is a time of testing and significant pain.

The Remedies

The text goes on to set forth certain requirements, admonitions, and remedies. Let’s look at some of them.

• Stand in justice and fear. We must do what is right out of a holy reverence for and obedience to God; this will secure our inheritance in the heavenly kingdom. Without the holy fear of God, we will fear the world and its punishments. If you’re going to fear something, it might as well be the God who loves you! The world’s blows are only temporary; God’s promises are eternal. We must be actively engaged in doing and trumpeting what is right rather than passively sitting in resignation. Stand! Do your work, revere God, and prefer His favor to the trinkets this world offers.
• Be steadfast. The world constantly bombards us with what is new, trendy, and flashy. Do not be mesmerized. Stand firm, stably rooted in the time-tested wisdom of God; it has lasted millennia for a reason. When difficulties come, remember that “troubles don’t last always.” You may weep for a night, but joy will come with the morning light. Stand firm; do not be easily moved.
• Incline your ear to the Word. Be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Let it dwell within you richly. The Word of God is a prophetic declaration of reality. It tells us what is really going on and what shall ultimately be. Savor God’s word; let it become the very substance of your thoughts. Our minds are going to be polluted if we immerse ourselves in so much filth and error. The mind is like a sponge. If you put a sponge in dirty water, it is going to come out dirty. How do you clean a dirty sponge? By plunging it into clean water, wringing it out, putting it back into the clean water, and then wringing it out again. The Word of God is that clean water for us, for our mind. If we are going to make it through this world of error, confusion, and misplaced priorities, we need the steady, cleansing influence of God’s Word. Put on your gospel glasses and see the world through them!
• Be undisturbed. Do not be drawn in to the turmoil of the world. If we are rooted in God’s Word and have our heart fixed on Him, then even if there are storms on the surface of our life, deep within is a serenity that the world did not give and thus cannot take away.
• Be Patient. The word patience is rooted in the Latin word patior (I suffer). Thus, patience is the capacity or willingness to suffer in the moment for the sake of some greater good. Patience is rooted in the perspective that comes from faith. We may have to suffer for a time, but those sufferings will produce a harvest of virtue and many other good fruits.
• Cling to the Lord. Run to the Lord. Hold to His unchanging hand. Pray every day and always keep Him on your mind. This is essential lest we lose our perspective.
• Accept what befalls you. The word accept is rooted in the Latin word coeptare (to carry). To accept something is thus to pick it up and carry it for a time. Acceptance does not mean approval; neither does it mean resignation. It simply means being willing to carry what the Lord asks. We might rather that things be different. We might pray that the burden lessens or goes away, but for now, we must be willing to take up this or that cross and carry it for a while. Acceptance is a virtuous middle ground between delight and despair. To accept is to trust God and the truth that He asks this of me for now.
• Turn not away. When the road gets difficult it is easy to become angry at God or to look for an easy way out. Doing what is easy today, however, often serves merely to postpone troubles to tomorrow. Do not turn aside from the Lord. He knows what is best; we do not. Trust Him. Keep following Him, and do not turn away.
• Hope.  Hope is more than a vague wish that things get better; it is the confident expectation that God will provide me with the blessings necessary to get me home, that He will help me to attain eternal life. Therefore, hope points to and empowers fortitude and courage.
• Love the Lord. Pray earnestly for the gift of a tender and deep love for God. Love lightens every load and disposes us to want what our beloved wants. A deep, tender, and grateful love for God helps us to endure and to run joyfully toward our goal of being happy with Him forever.

The Rewards

If we do these things, the Lord promises rewards, both here in this world and most perfectly in Heaven, where joys unspeakable and glories untold await us. The text from Sirach speaks of present and future rewards: thus will you be wise in all your ways. A worthy people are helped and directed by God through their trust in Him. Lasting joy and the fruits of mercy will be ours. Our hearts and minds will be enlightened. We will not be disappointed, but will be saved, protected, and always with the Lord.

Advice in Times of Trial and Discouragement

Msgr. Charles Pope • February 26, 2019 • 0 Comments

At daily Mass this week (7th week of the year) we are reading from the Book of Sirach. God inspired Jesus ben Sirach to pen advice so beautiful and wise that the early Church used it to instruct catechumens in their first year. Consider the following passage:

My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you; trust in him, and he will direct your way; keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. You who fear the LORD, love him, and your hearts will be enlightened. Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed? Compassionate and merciful is the LORD; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth (Sirach 2:1-11).

We can see in this text a prudent description of reality along with some remedies and rewards. Let’s ponder them.

The Reality

The text speaks plainly of the things that befall God’s people: trials, adversity, sorry, crushing misfortune, and humiliation. Therefore, we are not exempt from the cross but deeply associated with it. We have been crucified with Christ and to the world. There will be times of joy and victory to be sure, but this world is not our ultimate home. Satan is the prince of this world and God mysteriously allows him significant influence and power—for a time.

This world, then, is a place of trial and testing for us. It is a crucible, an exile, a valley of tears. Worldly victories are not promised, but heavenly ones are, provided we persevere to the end. Jesus said, In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage! I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33). To the Church at Smyrna He said, Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev 2:10).

This is our reality. The world has joys and God grants many blessings and consolation, but on the whole, this life is a time of testing and significant pain.

The Remedies

The text goes on to set forth certain requirements, admonitions, and remedies. Let’s look at some of them.

• Stand in justice and fear. We must do what is right out of a holy reverence for and obedience to God; this will secure our inheritance in the heavenly kingdom. Without the holy fear of God, we will fear the world and its punishments. If you’re going to fear something, it might as well be the God who loves you! The world’s blows are only temporary; God’s promises are eternal. We must be actively engaged in doing and trumpeting what is right rather than passively sitting in resignation. Stand! Do your work, revere God, and prefer His favor to the trinkets this world offers.
• Be steadfast. The world constantly bombards us with what is new, trendy, and flashy. Do not be mesmerized. Stand firm, stably rooted in the time-tested wisdom of God; it has lasted millennia for a reason. When difficulties come, remember that “troubles don’t last always.” You may weep for a night, but joy will come with the morning light. Stand firm; do not be easily moved.
• Incline your ear to the Word. Be deeply rooted in the Word of God. Let it dwell within you richly. The Word of God is a prophetic declaration of reality. It tells us what is really going on and what shall ultimately be. Savor God’s word; let it become the very substance of your thoughts. Our minds are going to be polluted if we immerse ourselves in so much filth and error. The mind is like a sponge. If you put a sponge in dirty water, it is going to come out dirty. How do you clean a dirty sponge? By plunging it into clean water, wringing it out, putting it back into the clean water, and then wringing it out again. The Word of God is that clean water for us, for our mind. If we are going to make it through this world of error, confusion, and misplaced priorities, we need the steady, cleansing influence of God’s Word. Put on your gospel glasses and see the world through them!
• Be undisturbed. Do not be drawn in to the turmoil of the world. If we are rooted in God’s Word and have our heart fixed on Him, then even if there are storms on the surface of our life, deep within is a serenity that the world did not give and thus cannot take away.
• Be Patient. The word patience is rooted in the Latin word patior (I suffer). Thus, patience is the capacity or willingness to suffer in the moment for the sake of some greater good. Patience is rooted in the perspective that comes from faith. We may have to suffer for a time, but those sufferings will produce a harvest of virtue and many other good fruits.
• Cling to the Lord. Run to the Lord. Hold to His unchanging hand. Pray every day and always keep Him on your mind. This is essential lest we lose our perspective.
• Accept what befalls you. The word accept is rooted in the Latin word coeptare (to carry). To accept something is thus to pick it up and carry it for a time. Acceptance does not mean approval; neither does it mean resignation. It simply means being willing to carry what the Lord asks. We might rather that things be different. We might pray that the burden lessens or goes away, but for now, we must be willing to take up this or that cross and carry it for a while. Acceptance is a virtuous middle ground between delight and despair. To accept is to trust God and the truth that He asks this of me for now.
• Turn not away. When the road gets difficult it is easy to become angry at God or to look for an easy way out. Doing what is easy today, however, often serves merely to postpone troubles to tomorrow. Do not turn aside from the Lord. He knows what is best; we do not. Trust Him. Keep following Him, and do not turn away.
• Hope.  Hope is more than a vague wish that things get better; it is the confident expectation that God will provide me with the blessings necessary to get me home, that He will help me to attain eternal life. Therefore, hope points to and empowers fortitude and courage.
• Love the Lord. Pray earnestly for the gift of a tender and deep love for God. Love lightens every load and disposes us to want what our beloved wants. A deep, tender, and grateful love for God helps us to endure and to run joyfully toward our goal of being happy with Him forever.

The Rewards

If we do these things, the Lord promises rewards, both here in this world and most perfectly in Heaven, where joys unspeakable and glories untold await us. The text from Sirach speaks of present and future rewards: thus will you be wise in all your ways. A worthy people are helped and directed by God through their trust in Him. Lasting joy and the fruits of mercy will be ours. Our hearts and minds will be enlightened. We will not be disappointed, but will be saved, protected, and always with the Lord.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a decision NOT a feeling.

IT MEANS:

I do not hold this offense against you In my thoughts

I do not hold this offense against you in my words, and

I do not hold this offense against you in my actions.

 

Forgiveness DOES NOT MEAN:

Forgiveness does not mean you don’t still feel hurt

It does not mean you have forgotten

It does not mean your relationship is suddenly healed and everything is well now

It does not mean you stay in a toxic relationship

It does not mean you can forgive in one fell swoop,

it can take a lifetime of choosing forgiveness everyday. 

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a decision NOT a feeling.

IT MEANS:

I do not hold this offense against you In my thoughts

I do not hold this offense against you in my words, and

I do not hold this offense against you in my actions.

 

Forgiveness DOES NOT MEAN:

Forgiveness does not mean you don’t still feel hurt

It does not mean you have forgotten

It does not mean your relationship is suddenly healed and everything is well now

It does not mean you stay in a toxic relationship

It does not mean you can forgive in one fell swoop,

it can take a lifetime of choosing forgiveness everyday. 

Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples, "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit (is) that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."
 
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I wish to open my heart and let your Gospel message penetrate me and change my life. I believe that you love me and that you died for me; yet when tested by the demands of the Gospel, my faith and generosity waiver. Nevertheless, once more I confess my faith in you and my determination to work to please you alone.
 
Petition: Dear Jesus, give me meekness and gentleness of heart like you.
 
1. Love Your Enemies: Not all of us encounter people who hate, curse and strike us. Do I have enemies? How can this part of the Gospel apply to me? Who are my enemies? We need to treat everyone in our lives with the same exquisite charity. If we were suffering under great persecution, we might say that we were ready to lay down our lives for Christ. But the “enemies” that are hardest to love are often not what we could really call enemies. They are bothersome coworkers, siblings, parents or children. Sometimes the heroic virtue is in treating such persons with exquisite charity and kindness.
 
2. Love Those Who Love You: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” Christ is addressing our purity of intention. What is my motivation in the things that I do every day? Is it all for Christ? If I could divide my day into minutes and chart the time I spend thinking about what I want compared to the time I spend thinking about what Christ wants, what would that chart look like? What drives me? How often do I even think about my intentions?
 
3. Be Merciful: Anger and impatience are often the resultsof a frustrated sense of injustice. This situation needs a remedy, and I am the one who will apply it! Do I struggle with anger and impatience? Do I lose my cool several times a day? Perhaps I need a little more mercy in my heart. God is so good and merciful to us. How is my heart? Do I demand justice of everyone else while ignoring the “plank” in my own eye? Mercy could be the secret way to more peace and serenity in my life.
 
Conversation with Christ: Lord, you have been so good to me, even at the many times in my life when I have been intolerably demanding on others. Rid my heart of hatred and grudges. Let me forgive past offenses—even when the offender has never asked for pardon, even when the offender rejoices in the offense committed against me. You forgave your torturers from the cross. Help me do the same with mine.
 
Resolution: I will spend five minutes today looking inside my heart to see if there is somebody against whom I hold a grudge or hatred, and I will forgive them.

Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples, "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit (is) that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you."
 
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I wish to open my heart and let your Gospel message penetrate me and change my life. I believe that you love me and that you died for me; yet when tested by the demands of the Gospel, my faith and generosity waiver. Nevertheless, once more I confess my faith in you and my determination to work to please you alone.
 
Petition: Dear Jesus, give me meekness and gentleness of heart like you.
 
1. Love Your Enemies: Not all of us encounter people who hate, curse and strike us. Do I have enemies? How can this part of the Gospel apply to me? Who are my enemies? We need to treat everyone in our lives with the same exquisite charity. If we were suffering under great persecution, we might say that we were ready to lay down our lives for Christ. But the “enemies” that are hardest to love are often not what we could really call enemies. They are bothersome coworkers, siblings, parents or children. Sometimes the heroic virtue is in treating such persons with exquisite charity and kindness.
 
2. Love Those Who Love You: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” Christ is addressing our purity of intention. What is my motivation in the things that I do every day? Is it all for Christ? If I could divide my day into minutes and chart the time I spend thinking about what I want compared to the time I spend thinking about what Christ wants, what would that chart look like? What drives me? How often do I even think about my intentions?
 
3. Be Merciful: Anger and impatience are often the resultsof a frustrated sense of injustice. This situation needs a remedy, and I am the one who will apply it! Do I struggle with anger and impatience? Do I lose my cool several times a day? Perhaps I need a little more mercy in my heart. God is so good and merciful to us. How is my heart? Do I demand justice of everyone else while ignoring the “plank” in my own eye? Mercy could be the secret way to more peace and serenity in my life.
 
Conversation with Christ: Lord, you have been so good to me, even at the many times in my life when I have been intolerably demanding on others. Rid my heart of hatred and grudges. Let me forgive past offenses—even when the offender has never asked for pardon, even when the offender rejoices in the offense committed against me. You forgave your torturers from the cross. Help me do the same with mine.
 
Resolution: I will spend five minutes today looking inside my heart to see if there is somebody against whom I hold a grudge or hatred, and I will forgive them.

Mark 8:31-33

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. 

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 

But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Take away:

Peter was rebuked as Satan for not wanting Jesus to get killed, even  though motivated by love and admiration. Peter was not considering God’s purposes but only his own natural human desires and feelings. Nevertheless, the disciples’ job was not to guide and protect Jesus but to follow him.

How much more should we be rebuked for not agreeing with ALL His commands!

Mark 8:31-33

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. 

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 

But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Take away:

Peter was rebuked as Satan for not wanting Jesus to get killed, even  though motivated by love and admiration. Peter was not considering God’s purposes but only his own natural human desires and feelings. Nevertheless, the disciples’ job was not to guide and protect Jesus but to follow him.

How much more should we be rebuked for not agreeing with ALL His commands!

The joy of following Christ necessarily involves the pain of self-denial and self-sacrifice. It is not easy to be faithful to one’s conscience, to the teachings of the Church, to the Ten Commandments, to the will of God; it involves self-mastery and, sometimes, humiliation and persecution. 

Jesus never sugarcoats his call to discipleship; to be his faithful friend will involve sharing in his cross, no way around it. But crosses, when borne together with Christ, always lead to the resurrection; if we follow him on the path of self-denial, losing our self-centered lives – our instinctual tendencies to self-indulgence – in order to be faithful to him and his Kingdom, we will find true life, life in communion with God.

Some people reject God because he hasn’t eliminated human suffering (though the same critics rarely consider how much suffering God does indeed prevent – we don’t know about it, because it never happens). But if God, through the incarnation, passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, has chosen to give meaning to suffering instead of doing away with it, do we really have a right to complain? 

So much of human suffering springs from our own, free (and selfish) choices. To eliminate it God would have to eliminate our freedom. But if we were not free to reject him, we would not be free to accept him, and he values our friendship too much to turn us into mere, robots.

The joy of following Christ necessarily involves the pain of self-denial and self-sacrifice. It is not easy to be faithful to one’s conscience, to the teachings of the Church, to the Ten Commandments, to the will of God; it involves self-mastery and, sometimes, humiliation and persecution. 

Jesus never sugarcoats his call to discipleship; to be his faithful friend will involve sharing in his cross, no way around it. But crosses, when borne together with Christ, always lead to the resurrection; if we follow him on the path of self-denial, losing our self-centered lives – our instinctual tendencies to self-indulgence – in order to be faithful to him and his Kingdom, we will find true life, life in communion with God.

Some people reject God because he hasn’t eliminated human suffering (though the same critics rarely consider how much suffering God does indeed prevent – we don’t know about it, because it never happens). But if God, through the incarnation, passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, has chosen to give meaning to suffering instead of doing away with it, do we really have a right to complain? 

So much of human suffering springs from our own, free (and selfish) choices. To eliminate it God would have to eliminate our freedom. But if we were not free to reject him, we would not be free to accept him, and he values our friendship too much to turn us into mere, robots.