Fr. Bernard J. Ezaki’s Class Notes on Atonement Introduction: Definition and Biblical References Our first parents had originally been at one with God. As a result of their sin, however, this union was lost, both for themselves and for the whole human race. The central problem, then, became how
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Bright Gabriel’s voice the Virgin heard And was receptive to God’s word. The sleeping Joseph saw, it seems, Angelic visions in his dreams. Shepherds prompted by Heaven’s choir Sought newborn Christ with hearts afire. And wise men came from country far, Led on by light of natal star. How could
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Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” –Luke 9:23– If I am not mistaken, Philip Yancey declares in his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, that this saying of Our Lord
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Three Different Views Concerning the Eucharist Most Christians would readily agree that the Eucharist is “the central act of Christian worship.” [The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 2nd Edition, p. 475.] Unfortunately, those who profess to follow the teachings of Jesus differ greatly when it comes to
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Nor do I judge according to the look of man: for man seeth those things that appear; but the Lord beholdeth the heart. –1 Samuel 16:7– Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you are like whited sepulchers, which outwardly appear to men beautiful, but within are full of
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Isn’t it amazing how many jokes there are about the hardships of married life? We’ve all heard them. Here, for example, are only four: I never knew what bliss was until I got married, and now it’s too late. My wife and I were perfectly happy for thirty years.
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As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” –Luke 9:33– Years ago, my friend Tim, an extraordinarily gentle soul, shyly told me
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Catholic priest, it has been my privilege to preside at quite a few weddings over the years. Many of the happy couples whom I’ve married insist on having what is commonly known as a “unity candle” as part of their ceremony. Perhaps you yourself have witnessed the ritual of the
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When you have done everything that was commanded you, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what it was our duty to do.” –Luke 17:10– I have long been struck by the apparent harshness of Jesus labeling us “unprofitable servants.” It sounds as if Our Lord considers us
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Although I grew up in the suburbs, I attended elementary school in the heart of the city of Allentown. One day, when I was in the fourth grade, we students were busy drawing and coloring. An eager classmate proudly displayed his artwork for all to see. “What is it?”
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