Papal Primacy and the Episcopate

Papal Primacy and the Episcopate

Summary and Reflection

The book Papal Primacy and the Episcopate is a doctrinal and synthetic essay of Michael Buckley, SJ regarding the relationship between primacy and the episcopate, especially are its essential and indispensable and dispensable elements.

The Book of Sirach - Thesis, alms giving, Pentateuch, abiding the commandements

a.    The main thesis of Sirach: Commandments and law

The main thesis of Sirach is its discussion on the commandments or covenant of God to man. In the entire book, the author keeps on repeating the commandments, which entails us that it something important in the life of the Israelites.

Below are the elements of the covenant that the author talks along the way.

“If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD will bestow her upon you;” Sir 1:23

Those who fear the Lord seek to please him, those who love him are filled with his law. (Sir 2:16)

For man then to gain wisdom he must keep the commandments. So what are those commandments/law/covenant that Sirach speaks about?

1. He who fears the Lord honors his father, and serves his parents as rulers. In word and deed honor your father that his blessing gives a family firm roots, but a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant. (Sir 3:7-9)
2. He who fears the Lord will do this; he who is practiced in the law will come to wisdom. (Sir 15:1).
3. Admonish your neighbor before you break with him; thus will you fulfill the law of the Most High (Sir 19:16)
4. All wisdom is fear of the Lord; perfect wisdom is the fulfillment of the law. (Sir 19:17)
5. There are those with little understanding who fear God; and those of great intelligence who violate the law. (Sir 19:20)
6. He who keeps the law controls his impulses; he who is perfect in fear of the Lord has wisdom. (Sir 21:11)
7. First, she has disobeyed the law of the Most High; secondly, she has wronged her husband; thirdly, in her wanton adultery she has borne children by another man. (Sir 23:23)
8. Thus all who dwell on the earth shall know, and all who inhabit the world shall understand, That nothing is better than the fear of the Lord, nothing more salutary than to obey his commandments. (Sir 23:27)
9. All this is true of the book of the Most High’s covenant, the law which Moses commanded us as an inheritance for the community of Jacob. (Sir 24:22)

(In this particular verse, the author begins to speak once more, Wisdom having ended discourse in the preceding verse. Wisdom and the Law of Moses are now identified.)

10. Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; of the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults. ( Sir 28:7)

Terms that pertain to the knowledge of the covenant or commandments or covenant

 Terms that pertain to the knowledge of the covenant or commandments or covenant

Qoheleth maintains a certain tradition that we can use as proof that it is canonical. It is canonical in a sense that its themes are efficient enough that yahwistic and elohistic tradition are maintained.

         When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools; fulfill what you have vowed. You had better not make a vow than make it and not fulfill it. (Ecc 5:3-4)

            This passage can be found in the Book of Numbers, 30:3; and Deuteronomy 23:23; Qoheleth is conscious on the concept of vows in Pentateuch. Moreover the fear of God concept is also present in the Qoheleth.

           

Theology of creation in Job

 Theology of creation in Job

The Book of Job also tells us about the theology of creation. The wisdom in Job follows the tradition of the Old Testament and maintains the relationship of man and God and especially to other created beings. Chapter 38-41 will narrate to us how God revealed his intimate relationship with all of his creation, and, even more, God's joy in everything that he has created, whether it be in the "majestic snorting" of the horse or the soaring hawk or the wild ass that scorns the city (Job 39:7, 20, 26).

In the magnificent love song to the creation in Job 38-41, God reminds Job that only God's wisdom knows the creation in its entirety and in all its parts, and that the knowledge and understanding of human beings is limited.

In this particular essay on creation, I would rather select randomly verses that would somehow give us a general look on how God revealed himself to Job in his creation.

Theory of Retribution in Job:

  Theory of Retribution in Job

In the book of Job, there are numerous themes that we can learn from it. Job is famous in its story on the value of suffering in life. However, one highlighting theology that is popular in Job is the Theology of ‘Retribution’. Retribution is the idea that good deeds are always rewarded and bad deeds are always punished. So what does the book of job say about retribution?

As a gist in the book, Job was inflicted with all kinds of evil in the world. That entire he possesses, wealth, property, and family, were all gone in just a click of a finger. Job became an object of test between God and Satan. Job is God’s faithful servant and God argues Satan that Job will not betray him whatever may happen to him. As he was suffering from all evil, his friends came to him and gave advices. All his friends insisted that Job must have committed sin or offended God that he received all evil. This is the theory of retribution enter.

Concept of Life after death in Qoheleth

a.     Concept of Life after death in Qoheleth

Qoheleth does not express explicitly a belief in a hereafter. However, he hints that he does believe in some form of afterlife without making any comment upon its nature. Generally, it speaks of man’s destiny. These are the following verses that we may considered that Qoheleth is referring to a life after death. However, in the New American Bible version, it must be noted that “under the sun” means on the earth. With this translation, we can presuppose that Qoheleth is referring to another world (if we may call it) that there is a place aside from earth. So, the best hint to accept the concept of life after death is when “under the sun” is quoted.

For the lot of man and of beast is one lot; the one dies as well as the other. Both have the same life-breath, and man has no advantage over the beast; but all is vanity. Both go to the same place; both were made from dust, and to the dust they both return. (Ecc. 3:19-21)

A Movie Review on “Luther”

A Movie Review on “Luther”

            The movie is all about the precursor of Reformation in the Church. Protestant reformation, as we may call it in general, showed how she arduously and chaotically fought for her existence and rise. The movie began by showing how Martin Luther started his vocation as a monk and ended it when was starting his new Christian community outside the Roman Catholic Church.  He and his friends separated from the Church because of the intolerable and rampant corruption and unjust teachings of the Church hierarchy on faith, especially on the belief on indulgences. Moreover, priests and bishops were doing immoral practices, like prostitution, which is in contrast to the teachings of Christ. 

            The movie, “Luther”, in general, is a wonderful and well-financed production. Its cinematography drew me to imagine that I was in their world, the historical ambiance of the 15^th century Europe. With a little background of Church History, general events like that of in Worms, Augsburg and the historical circumstances of the Church hierarchy were faithfully depicted as facts, as well as the corruption and abuses of its members. I think the plot of the movie is well represented not based from biased affiliations but based from the kind of world that existed in Luther’s time. The historical circumstances had greatly influenced the thought of Luther to change the Church. However, as to the particular dialogues, I cannot but to be critical upon it and grant a benefit of the doubt.

            After watching the movie my sentiments and sympathy has been drawn towards Luther particularly his fight for his faith and theology. However, it’s hard to accept that the Catholic Church is depicted all through out the movie as the cruelest antagonist. If only a slight good character of the church might have been shown there might have been a balanced judgment. It is indeed hard to judge and know the reality of their time but one thing is certain the Church needed to renew herself.

            I think if only Luther used his theology by renewing the Church from within and if only the Church listened to him, incorrect teachings might have been changed and abuses have been stopped. There might have been no division among Christians. However, we may categorically guess like this but there was no difference at all. The revolt of Luther against the Church was not actually about doctrinal discrepancies but regarding the unacceptable political and moral life of Church hierarchy. Doctrines are inappropriately taught to ordinary people, especially those who have no accessed to education. They are easily fooled and deceived by the people in the Church. Maybe that’s why Luther translated the bible into German so that they could understand their faith not merely depending on the Church hierarchy.

            I felt sad and at the same time happy upon reflecting and analyzing the movie. I’m sad and disappointed because another division in the Church was created. The birth of Protestantism created another rift between the Catholic Church and other Churches which then is a precursor to a more divided Church that until now more divisions are rising and the distance of rifts are widening and expanding. I also felt happy because the reformation had awakened the mind of the Church to renew herself and it actually did when the Council of Trent was convoked. The renewal continued until the time of the Vatican II.

            With regards to the learning that we might get from Martin Luther, all I can say is that, to ‘change minds and open eyes’ a certain consciousness and concept can indeed create division and the experience would be like someone passing through a tiny hole of a thin needle but at the end of it something good happens. His life is similar to the life of Jesus. His warning that he will be the cause of division among families and nations was fulfilled when people started to follow him.

            I finally say,   it takes a sacrifice of one’s life to change the world. Jesus and Luther wanted change but at the risk of their life. Jesus died on the cross, while Luther gave up his vocation and Catholicism. Luther found it hard to let go but he has to. He gave up his life in the Catholic Church but he did not give up his faith to God. 

Summary of 1 Chronicles

Author:

The Book of 1 Chronicles does not specifically name its author. The tradition is that 1 and 2 Chronicles were written by Ezra.

Date of Writing:

 The Book of 1 Chronicles was likely written between 450 and 425 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:

The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles cover mostly the same information as 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. 1 & 2 Chronicles focus more on the priestly aspect of the time period. The Book of 1 Chronicles was written after the exile to help those returning to Israel understand how to worship God. The history focused on the Southern Kingdom, the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi. These tribes tended to be more faithful to God.

Key Verses:

1 Chronicles 11:1-2 , "All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, 'We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, "You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler."'"

1 Chronicles 21:13 , "David said to Gad, 'I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.'"

1 Chronicles 29:11 , "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."

Brief Summary:

The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles are dedicated to lists and genealogies. Further lists and genealogies are scattered throughout the rest of 1 Chronicles. In between, the Book of 1 Chronicles records David's ascension to the throne and his actions thereafter. The book concludes with David's son Solomon becoming King of Israel. Briefly outlined, the Book of 1 Chronicles is as follows: Chapters 1:1-9:23 - Selective Genealogies; Chapters 9:24-12:40 - David’s ascent; Chapters 13:1-20:30 -David’s reign.

Foreshadowings:

In David’s song of thanksgiving to God in 1 Chronicles 16:33 , he refers to the time when God will come “to judge the earth.” This foreshadows Matthew 25, in which Jesus describes the time when He will come to judge the earth. Through the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, He warns that those who are found without the blood of Christ covering their sins will be cast into “outer darkness.” He encourages His people to be ready because when He comes, He will separate the sheep from the goats in judgment.

Part of the Davidic Covenant which God reiterates in chapter 17 refers to the future Messiah who would be a descendant of David. Verses 13-14 describe the Son who will be established in God’s house and whose throne will be established forever. This can only refer to Jesus Christ.

Practical Application:

 Genealogies such as the ones in 1 Chronicles may seem dry to us, but they remind us that God knows each of His children personally, even down to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30 ). We can take comfort in the fact that who we are and what we do is written forever in God’s mind. If we belong to Christ, our names are written forever in the Lamb’s book of Life (Revelation 13:8 ).

God is faithful to His people and keeps His promises. In the Book of 1 Chronicles, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to David when he is made king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:1-3 ). We can be sure that His promises to us will be fulfilled as well. He has promised blessings to those who follow Him, who come to Christ in repentance, and who obey His Word.

Obedience brings blessing; disobedience brings judgment. The Book of 1 Chronicles, as well as 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, is a chronicle of the pattern of sin, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration of the nation of Israel. In the same way, God is patient with us and forgives our sin when we come to Him in true repentance (1 John 1:9 ). We can take comfort in the fact that He hears our prayer of sorrow, forgives our sin, restores us to fellowship with Him, and sets us on the path to joy.

The Augustinian Mission at the United Nations-Talk

Strong and weak points of Trinitarian Universalism

Strong and weak points of Trinitarian Universalism

With the paradigms of the 21^st century, - i.e., contemporary experience of religious pluralism, relentless logic of global system, the threat to the planet, and the new experiences of diversity in the church, - challenged the ecumenical movement to move and use another framework in order to attain mutual relationship with other religions. The momentous effects of these realities must have brought a wider concern for the ecumenical movement to use another framework in promoting unity. Unlike the preceding goal, which is unity among churches by having a unified faith and doctrines, is likely an ineffective way to foster a communio based from the 21^st century paradigms. It is an obsolete framework. These are the unforeseen phenomena that are shaping humanity and the world of contemporary times that needs a proper framework for it in order to answer this concern.

World Day of Consecrated Life

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

Typography 1