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Fruits of the Holy Ghost - 11. Contenency and 12. Chastity

5/25/2013

 
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Continency

The Greek word used in Galatians 5:23 is "egkrateia", which means having command or "mastery over" (krat- as in "autocrat"), or possession of, "one's own behavior". Which is accomplished through and by the power of the Lord, "proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself".

Continency regards things which are lawful and unlawful. Thus a married person can resist the desire for lawful giving or receiving of the marriage debt. Thus a couple can agree to be continent as regards a pleasure which is lawful for them to receive, they are thus said to be Continent.

"...make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love".[2 Pet 1:5-7]

Two general objections are frequently urged against the state of continence.

First, it is said that the condition of continence is detrimental to the well-being of the individual. In such a statement, it will be frequently found, continence is understood as an unchaste celibacy, and such surely is not only a moral but a physical evil most pernicious. Certain it is, however, that the self-sacrifice and control involved in true continence finds fruitage in a greater measure of moral power. The words of Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:12) may be here appealed to. Moreover, the abstinence of which we speak is a condition of increased physical vigor and energy. Of this many savages are not unmindful; for among a number of these continence is imposed upon the braves during times of war as a means of fostering and strengthening their daring and courage.

A second objection rests upon considerations of the social good. It is contended that a state of continence means failure to discharge the social obligation of conserving the species. But such an obligation falls, not upon every member of the community, but upon society at large, and is amply discharged though there be individual exceptions. Indeed the non-fulfillment of this duty is never threatened by a too general observance of sexual abstinence. On the contrary it is only the unlawful gratification of carnal passion that can menace the due growth of population. But it may be said that the practice of continence withdraws form the function of reproduction the worthier members of society-those whose possible offspring would be the most desirable citizens of the State. This contention, however, overlooks the social service of the example set by such observance-a service which, in view of the duty incumbent upon every individual of society of observing absolute chastity for periods of greater or less duration, is of highest value.

Chastity -  differs from Continency because chastity withdraws man from unlawful desires,  whereas the continent man is subject to concupiscence, but is not led away; whereas the chaste man is neither subject to, nor led away from them.

Chastity is the virtue which excludes or moderates the indulgence of the sexual appetite. It is a form of the virtue of temperance, which controls according to right reason the desire for and use of those things which afford the greatest sensual pleasures. The sources of such delectation are food and drink, by means of which the life of the individual is conserved, and the union of the sexes, by means of which the permanence of the species is secured. Chastity, therefore, is allied to abstinence and sobriety; for, as by these latter the pleasures of the nutritive functions are rightly regulated, so by chastity the procreative appetite is duly restricted.

Fruit of the Holy Ghost - 7. Mildness and 8. Long-suffering

5/23/2013

 
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Mildness

This gift helps the soul bears suffering with equanimity, that is with an even soul. This gift affects ones initial reaction to evil inflicted on us. When something evil is done to us we can react with anger or bear it with mildness. This fruit of mildness giving us evenness of mind whereby we are neither elated nor depressed. This fruit helps us to curb anger, that knee jerk reaction to annoying things. This fruit is essential for carrying out the virtues of gentleness, temperance, and charity.

Long-suffering

Having borne that initial instance of evil we still may need to wait a while till the evil has passed. This is where the fruit of long-suffering helps us. This gift helps us patiently suffer evil over a long period, most especially from those with whom we dwell. Kindness will help us to cure the these evils and goodness to forgive the evil, but long-suffering is that boost to do the distance so to speak.

So whenever you see some good thing delayed and beyond your reach ask ardently for an increase of this fruit from the Holy Ghost.


The Last Things

5/22/2013

 
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"Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

V
. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.
R
. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth."


After the Octave of Pentecost, we shall begin to cover the Last Things based on the Summa of St. Thomas, but explained and covering the things at the end of the world. These will be listed in the category of 'The Last Things'.

Renovabis faciem terrae

Fruits of Holy Ghost - 5. Kindness and 6th Goodness

5/22/2013

 
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  The fifth fruit is Kindness.

Now for any good to be done or executed there must be some desire in the one carrying out the well-doing. This desire to do good flows from an inner fire or flame to do good to another. The kind have this flame of love which is en-kindled in them flowing outward into the action of showing kindness to their neighbour.

Kindness is goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Ghost removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control.

The word kindness comes from the Greek word chrestotes (khray-stot-ace), which meant to show kindness or to be friendly to others and often depicted rulers, governors, or people who were kind, mild, and benevolent to their subjects. Anyone who demonstrated this quality of chrestotes was considered to be compassionate, considerate, sympathetic, humane, kind, or gentle. The apostle Paul uses this word to depict God's incomprehensible kindness for people who are unsaved.

One scholar has noted that when the word chrestotes is applied to interpersonal relationships, it conveys the idea of being adaptable to others. Rather than harshly require everyone else to adapt to his own needs and desires, when chrestotes is working in a believer, he seeks to become adaptable to the needs of those who are around him.

Kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return. Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back. It implies kindness no matter what. We should live "in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left". 2 Cor 6:6-7

The sixth fruit is Goodness

When we are well disposed to those things closest to us, namely our neighbours, in the first place in a way of doing good to them, in this consists the fruit of Goodness.

If we have goodness as the fruit of the Spirit then we shall never be quick to become hasty, furious, self-centered, egoistic, angry, jealous, prideful, hateful, lying, sadistic, un-forgiving, worrying, short-sighted and immature in our Faith rather the fruit of goodness will motivate us to become considerate, meek, enduring, contended, joyful, temperate, persevering and rich in munificence with an ultimate goal to glorify, magnify and exalt the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So you may sum it up thus:

The state or quality of being good

  1. Moral excellence; virtue;
  2. Kindly feeling, kindness, generosity,joy in being good
  3. The best part of anything; Essence; Strength;
  4. General character recognized in quality or conduct.

Fruits of the Holy Ghost -  3. Peace and 4. Patience

5/21/2013

 
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  The third fruit of the Holy Ghost is Peace - Now the perfection of joy is peace and this occurs in two ways.
  1. First, by freedom from outward disturbance; for it is impossible to rejoice perfectly in the beloved good, if one is disturbed in the enjoyment of it; and again, if a man's heart is perfectly set at peace in one object, he cannot be distracted by any other object, since he accounts all other objects as nothing; as it says in (Psalm 118:165): "Much peace have they that love Thy Law, and to them there is no stumbling-block," because, these external things do not disturb us in our enjoyment of God.
  2. Secondly, because it calms our restless desire: for we do not rejoice perfectly, if we are not satisfied with the object of our joy.

Now peace implies these two things, namely, that we be not (1.) disturbed by external things, and (2.) that our desires rest altogether in one object.

Peace is the result of resting in a relationship with God. Peace is a tranquility, a state of rest, that comes from seeking after God, or, the opposite of chaos. Peace or eirḗnē is God's gift of wholeness and derived from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole", properly, when all essential parts are joined together as one or as a whole.

The word "peace" comes from the Greek word eirene, the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word shalom, which expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures. The word eirene strongly suggests the rule of order in place of chaos. When a person is dominated by peace, he has a calm, inner stability that results in the ability to conduct himself peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would normally be very nerve-wracking, traumatic, or upsetting...Rather than allowing the difficulties and pressures of life to break him, a person who is possessed by peace is whole, complete, orderly, stable, and poised for blessing.

So, after charity and joy, "peace" is given the third place.

The forth fruit is Patience  - In evil things the mind has a good disposition, in respect of two things.

  1. First, by not being disturbed whenever evil threatens: which pertains to "patience";
  2. Secondly, by not being disturbed, whenever good things are delayed; which belongs to "long suffering," since "to lack good is a kind of evil" (Ethic. v, 3).

    The word patience denotes lenience, forbearance, fortitude, patient endurance, long suffering. Also included in patience is the ability to endure persecution and ill-treatment. It describes a person who has the power to exercise revenge but instead exercises restraint.


Fruits of the Holy Ghost - 1. Charity, and 2. Joy

5/20/2013

 
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Charity and Joy

The very first tendency of our minds is towards something in as far as it is good. The adage of the world is, “If it feels good do it”. Now there is a bit of truth in this statement. This tendency to what is good is caused or effected by love. So love is the first of our emotions and the root of them all.

Among the fruit of the Holy Ghost, Charity is listed as first. This Charity is given to us in a special manner, as it is given to us in the likeness of the Holy Ghost, since the Holy Ghost is Love. As St. Paul says, (Romans 5:5): "The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, Who is given to us." The Father begets the Son Who is the Word of God, the living expression of the Father. The Father see the Son and Loves Him as Himself and this Love is something tangible, that is, the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is breathed forth so to speak.

The result of the love of charity is joy: because every lover rejoices at being united to the beloved. "He that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in Him": wherefore the sequel of charity is "joy." Thus to fornication, which is the love of satisfying lust outside lawful wedlock, we may contrast charity, whereby the soul is wedded to God in a 'true love' union, unlike the union of lust.

So flowing from this union we feel joy as a result. True love brings true joy. Opposed to this is uncleanness which put our hearts and mind in a state of disturbance taking away the tranquillity of joy.

The Greek word for 'joy' is Kevo, derived from the word charis, which is the Greek word for 'grace.' This is significant to note, for chara is produced by the charis of God. This means 'joy' is not a human-based happiness that comes and goes but, rather, true 'joy' is divine in its origin. It is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best in hard times. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 1:6,the Thessalonians were under great stress due to persecution; yet in the midst of it all, they continued to experience great joy. The Greek strongly implies that their supernatural joy was due to the Holy Spirit working in them. Paul even called it the "joy of the Holy Ghost".

So we see that these two fruits that flow from the gifts, give us that sensible joy and love to serve God with all our hearts


Pentecost, from Eden to Today

5/19/2013

 

St Peter's Pentecost sermon

5/18/2013

 

St. Ambrose On The Holy Ghost

5/18/2013

 
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    Although we are baptized with water and the Spirit, the latter is much superior to the former, and is not therefore to be separated from the Father and the Son. There are, however, many who, because we are baptized with water and the Spirit, think that there is no difference in the offices of water and the Spirit, and therefore think that they do not differ in nature. Nor do they observe that we are buried in the element of water that we may rise again renewed by the Spirit.

For in the water is the representation of death, in the Spirit is the pledge of life, that the body of sin may die through the water, which encloses the body as it were in a kind of tomb, that we, by the power of the Spirit, may be renewed from the death of sin, being born again in God. And so these three witnesses are one, as John said: "The water, the blood, and the Spirit." 1 John 5:8 One in the mystery, not in nature. The water, then, is a witness of burial, the blood is a witness of death, the Spirit is a witness of life. If, then, there be any grace in the water, it is not from the nature of water, but from the presence of the Holy Spirit. Do we live in the water or in the Spirit? Are we sealed in the water or in the Spirit. For in Him we live and He Himself is the earnest of our inheritance, as the Apostle says, writing to the Ephesians: "In Whom believing you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is an earnest of our inheritance." Ephesians 1:13-14 So we were sealed by the Holy Spirit, not by nature, but by God, for it is written: "He Who anointed us is God, Who also sealed us, and gave the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." We were then sealed with the Spirit by God. For as we die in Christ, in order to be born again, so, too, we are sealed with the Spirit, that we may possess His brightness and image and grace, which is undoubtedly our spiritual seal.

For although we were visibly sealed in our bodies, we are in truth sealed in our hearts, that the Holy Spirit may portray in us the likeness of the heavenly image. Who, then, can dare to say that the Holy Spirit is separated from the Father and the Son, since through Him we attain to the image and likeness of God, and through Him, as the Apostle Peter says, are partakers of the divine nature? In which there is certainly not the inheritance of carnal succession, but the spiritual connection of the grace of adoption. And in order that we may know that this seal is rather on our hearts than on our bodies, the prophet says: "The light of Your countenance has been impressed upon us, O Lord, You have put gladness in my heart."
Book 1 chapter 6

Gift of Holy Ghost - 7th Counsel

5/18/2013

 
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THE GIFT OF COUNSEL

We have seen that what was necessary for the sanctification of a Christian was the: gift of Fortitude; but it is not sufficient; there is need of another gift, which completes it. This other gift is Counsel. Fortitude needs direction. The gift of knowledge is not the guide of fortitude, and for this reason: knowledge teaches the soul her last end, and gives her general rules for her conduct; but it does not bring her light sufficient for the special application of God's law to particular cases, and for the practical doing of her duty. In those varied circumstances in which we are to be placed, and in the decisions we must make, we shall have to hearken to the voice of the Holy Ghost, and this voice speaks to us through the gift of counsel.

It will tell us, if we are attentive to its speaking, what we must do and what we must not do, what we must say and what we must not say, what we may keep and what we must give up. The Holy Ghost acts upon our understanding by the gift of counsel, as it acts upon our will by the gift of fortitude.

This precious gift bears upon our whole life; for we are continually obliged to be deciding on one of two sides or questions. How grateful, then, should we be to the Holy Ghost, who is ever ready to be our counsellor, if we will but permit Him. And if we follow His direction, what snares He will teach us to avoid! How many illusions He will dispel, how grand the truths He will show us. But, in order that His inspirations may not be lost upon us, we must be on our guard against such miseries of our nature as the following:

  • natural impulse, which is but too often the sole motive of our acts;
  • rashness, which makes us follow whatever feeling happens to be uppermost in our mind;
  • precipitation, which urges us to judge or set, before we have seen both sides of the case; and lastly,
  • indifference, which makes us decide at haphazard, out of a repugnance we have to take the trouble of
           examining what is the best course to pursue.

By the gift of counsel, the Holy Ghost saves us from all these evils. He corrects the impetuosity, or, it may be, the apathy, of our temperament. He keeps the soul alive to what is true, and good, and conducive to her real interests. He introduces into the soul that virtue which completes and seasons every other--we mean discretion whereby the other virtues are harmonised and kept from extremes. Under the direction of the gift of counsel, the Christian has nothing to fear; the Holy Ghost takes the whole responsibility. What matters if, therefore, if the world find fault, or criticise, or express surprise, or be scandalised? The world thinks itself wise; but it has not the gift of counsel. Hence it often happens that what is undertaken by its advice, results in the very opposite to what was intended. Was it not of the world that God spoke, when He said: 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways’.

Let us, then, with all the ardent of our hearts, desire this divine gift, that will preserve us from the danger of being our own guides; but let us remember, it will only dwell in us on the condition of our allowing it to be master. If the Holy Ghost sees that we are not led by worldly principles, and that we acknowledge our own weakness, He will be our counsel; if He find that we are wise in our own eyes, He will withdraw His light, and leave us to ourselves.

O Holy Spirit, we would not that Thou should ever abandon us. Sad experience has taught us how fraught with danger is all human prudence. Most cheerfully do we promise Thee to mistrust our own ideas, which are so apt to blind and mislead us. Keep up within us the magnificent gift, Thou gave us at Baptism: be Thou our counsel, yea, unreservedly and for ever. Show me, O Lord, Thy ways, and teach me Thy paths. Direct me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God who yearns to save me; therefore have I waited on Thee, all the day long. We know that we are to be judged for all our works and intentions; but we know, too, that we have nothing to fear so long as we are faithful to Thy guidance. Therefore will we attentively hear what the Lord God will speak in us ;a we will listen to Thee, O holy Spirit of counsel, whether Thou speakest to us directly Thyself, or whether Thou sends us to those whom Thou shalt appoint as our guides. Blessed, then, be Jesus, who has sent us such a Consoler ! And blessed be Thou, O holy Spirit, who deigns to give us Thine aid, in spite of all our past resistance.

We will follow with the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost..........

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