Q. What exactly is penance? Why should we do it? Actually I was never aware of the requirement of doing penance. When I was small (8-9 standard in school) I used to do small penances like sacrificing some food, subjecting myself to small physical pains. etc..
But when I grew up and came to JY some how I got an idea it is not correct and we should not do it. Because christ has died for all my sins - for all that I have done and those I am yet to do. He has paid the price for me.
But these days when I am reading about many saints I see that all of them has done a lot of penances. Also the church asks us to do some penance on fridays. Also during the sacrement of confession the priest asks us to do some penance. But why should we pay the price of our sins if christ has already paid it in full. Is it our participation in the salvation process?
Can someone throw some light to this? Can you tell me what the church teaches about it?
A.
A very good teaching on penance by His Holiness Pope John XXIII is found here.
1. What is penance?
Penance is the practical expression of our repentance and the will to confirm to the Holy will of God.
Penance is generally expressed in the following ways.
______________________________________________________
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (1424 - '39)
V. THE MANY FORMS OF PENANCE IN CHRISTIAN LIFE
1434 The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: effort at reconciliation with one's neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one's neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity "which covers a multitude of sins."
1435 Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right, by the admission of faults to one's brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance.
1436 Eucharist and Penance. Daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment in the Eucharist, for in it is made present the sacrifice of Christ which has reconciled us with God. Through the Eucharist those who live from the life of Christ are fed and strengthened. "It is a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sins."
1437 Reading Sacred Scripture, praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the Our Father - every sincere act of worship or devotion revives the spirit of conversion and repentance within us and contributes to the forgiveness of our sins.
1438 The seasons and days of penance in the course of the liturgical year (Lent, and each Friday in memory of the death of the Lord) are intense moments of the Church's penitential practice. These times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works).
1439 The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the father's joy - all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart Of Christ Who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way.
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2. Why should we do it?
We frail human beings cannot do atonement for our sins ourselves. We have no other option but to believe in the One Sacrifice that Jesus Christ did for us. So our penance cannot save us. But doing penance, we can repair the damages caused by our sin (of owr on soul, of a neighbour who is affected) and Jesus expects us to do it. Remember what happenned when Zacchaeus decides to do penance.
(Luke 19:5-9)
5 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house."
6 And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
7 When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner."
8 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."
9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
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CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (1459 - '60)
Satisfaction
1459 Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice requires as much. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well as his relationships with God and neighbor. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused. Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his full spiritual health by doing something more to make amends for the sin: he must "make satisfaction for" or "expiate" his sins. This satisfaction is also called "penance."
1460 The penance the confessor imposes must take into account the penitent's personal situation and must seek his spiritual good. It must correspond as far as possible with the gravity and nature of the sins committed. It can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of neighbor, voluntary self-denial, sacrifices, and above all the patient acceptance of the cross we must bear. Such penances help configure us to Christ, who alone expiated our sins once for all. They allow us to become co-heirs with the risen Christ, "provided we suffer with him."
The satisfaction that we make for our sins, however, is not so much ours as though it were not done through Jesus Christ. We who can do nothing ourselves, as if just by ourselves, can do all things with the cooperation of "him who strengthens" us. Thus man has nothing of which to boast, but all our boasting is in Christ... in whom we make satisfaction by bringing forth "fruits that befit repentance." These fruits have their efficacy from him, by him they are offered to the Father, and through him they are accepted by the Father.
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Many non-Catholic brethren have objection with this doctrine. But see, this is quite Scriptural. We see Jesus doing penance in the wilderness. It was not for His own sake, but for our sins and also to show us an example.
By following the desires of the flesh, we forget the well-being of our spirit. It is quite justified that we control the passions of the body and keep the body subject to the spirit, which is in turn subject to the Spirit of God. See Galationa 5
16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.
18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
...... fruits of body and spirit explained .......
24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Rom 8:4)
Well I once again request you to read His Holiness Pope John XXIII's Encyclical. It contains so many Scriptural references.
Showing posts with label JOYnet Postings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JOYnet Postings. Show all posts
Thursday, 30 November 2006
Friday, 3 November 2006
On the Feast of St. Martin de Porres
Again a JOYnet posting dated 03-Nov-2004
Today is the feast of St. Martin de Porres, the Negro Saint. He is someone who has deeply inspired me, so much... may be more than any other saint. I was always fond of, or rather, hungry of reading the life of saints. There are many such biographies that laid a solid foundation of faith for building up core convictions regarding faith and morals. To cite a few, St. Francis of Assissi, St. Therese of Lisiex, St. Antony of Padua, St. Antony Mary Clarette, St. Padre Pio, St. Dominic Savio, St. John Maria Vianni, St Catherine of Sienna and so on. Some of these biographies give a very detailed description of various phases and situations they went through, which has really helped me a lot. But I don't know how a 100-odd paged simple biography of St. Martin could make such a difference in my life much more than all the others!!!! to the point that when I received Holy Baptism in 2002 September, I could not think of any other name for me than MARTIN... Yes my dear brothers and sisters, today is the feast not only of St Martin de Porres, but mine also!!! Also is today the 2nd anniversary of my First Holy Communion... Praise the Lord.. Before my Baptism, someone in our prayer group, who was unaware that St Martin is my favourite saint, suggested this name for me. Well that was no less than a confirmation for me.
Martin was the son of a poor negro woman and a rich & noble father. Right from His childhood, he grew in conviction that he was "a child of God, and thus hier to God, and joint hier with Christ". Thus rather than getting angry towards the elite people who would unjustly discriminate people racially, he always looked at and rejoiced at the Master who knows no prejudice. Right from childhood he practised charity. On the way to market, he was not reluctant to give away the "hard-earned money" of his mother to the beggars and those less fortunate than him. He could see the Divine Mendicant in them and served his best. He used to pray for hours in his small room. When his family went through troubled times he was forced to discontinue stuies and joined a surgeon as an assistant where he quickly learnt his job and found joy in serving the sick. The town soon realized the potential of the young chap when they saw Martin him the wound with quickness and precision and easing the pain of a person carried (in great agony) to the dispensary when the doctor was away. His loved ones saw a great career ahead for him as a medical assistant; but Martin had chosen a better career for him - the lowliest in the sight of man, but the greatest before God. "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." (Mt 20:26-27) He wished to be servant in the nearby poor Dominican Monastery "to serve the servants of God". The friends and relatives tried to dissuade him, and even to threaten him. "But," - the author puts, I really like this sentence - "his decision was firm, and simple. And such decisions taken in simplicity could rarely be disuaded from."
Simplicity was the hallmark of our Saint. The monastery authorities could not understand why such a committed and potential person chose to be a servant. They offered him to prepare for Holy Orders, "but our saint considered himself too unworthy of such a great previlege". In the monastery he did all the mean duties with so much of joy. Everytime anyone finds himself in some problem or need, it was referred to Martin when everything else fails; for he had solution for all. When the monks started witnessing the miracles that the Lord kept on performing through him, they realized that there is a little saint living in their midst. He was very compassionate. Healings used to happen when our saint serves the sick a glass of water or a vegetable salad. He used to distribute food among the poor who would gather in front of the monastery. Without looking at the number of loaves left in the basket, he used to distribute. The loaves would finish only after the last hand stretched towards him was full. It was a usual sight of Martin feeding stray animals. Sometimes it is seen a dog, cat and a rat eating from the same vessel. When the House faced the problem of "rat population explosion" and brothers complained, Martin confessed - "It was my mistake. I didn't take enough care to feed the poor rats". He then had an "agreement" with the rats that all the rats would be fed by Martin in a "rat-shed" and the rats in turn would not trouble the brothers any more. "The rats gracefully agreed and kept their promise".
Martin was blessed with so many spiritual gifts, such as BILOCATION. People from various parts of the world experienced the love and affection and care of Martin, though he never left his hometown Lima of Peru. Once as he returned from some place, he saw the brothers mourning the death of a close friend of Martin. He had wished Martin to be there before he died. Martin said - "How can he die. I am going to wake him up." He entered the room and said. "Brother, I have come as you wished. Now in the name of Jesus, you stand up." He came back to life to the surprise of the Brothers. Immediately, displaying an act of utter simplicity, he remembered the promise to the rats, and went to do it, leaving all the onlookers marvelled by the miracle, and even more by this simplicity.
Martin prophesied his death about 4 days before he died. The whole of Peru as well as from outside flocked to get a glimpse of the Living Saint. He had "Heavenly Visitors" (Blessed Virgin and St Dominic) when the earthly elite had to wait to get an appointment with him. He died the beautiful death promised to the Chosen Ones.
For those who want to know more about Martin, pls go through...
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm02.htm
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=306
http://magnificat.ca/cal/engl/11-03.htm
Today is the feast of St. Martin de Porres, the Negro Saint. He is someone who has deeply inspired me, so much... may be more than any other saint. I was always fond of, or rather, hungry of reading the life of saints. There are many such biographies that laid a solid foundation of faith for building up core convictions regarding faith and morals. To cite a few, St. Francis of Assissi, St. Therese of Lisiex, St. Antony of Padua, St. Antony Mary Clarette, St. Padre Pio, St. Dominic Savio, St. John Maria Vianni, St Catherine of Sienna and so on. Some of these biographies give a very detailed description of various phases and situations they went through, which has really helped me a lot. But I don't know how a 100-odd paged simple biography of St. Martin could make such a difference in my life much more than all the others!!!! to the point that when I received Holy Baptism in 2002 September, I could not think of any other name for me than MARTIN... Yes my dear brothers and sisters, today is the feast not only of St Martin de Porres, but mine also!!! Also is today the 2nd anniversary of my First Holy Communion... Praise the Lord.. Before my Baptism, someone in our prayer group, who was unaware that St Martin is my favourite saint, suggested this name for me. Well that was no less than a confirmation for me.
Martin was the son of a poor negro woman and a rich & noble father. Right from His childhood, he grew in conviction that he was "a child of God, and thus hier to God, and joint hier with Christ". Thus rather than getting angry towards the elite people who would unjustly discriminate people racially, he always looked at and rejoiced at the Master who knows no prejudice. Right from childhood he practised charity. On the way to market, he was not reluctant to give away the "hard-earned money" of his mother to the beggars and those less fortunate than him. He could see the Divine Mendicant in them and served his best. He used to pray for hours in his small room. When his family went through troubled times he was forced to discontinue stuies and joined a surgeon as an assistant where he quickly learnt his job and found joy in serving the sick. The town soon realized the potential of the young chap when they saw Martin him the wound with quickness and precision and easing the pain of a person carried (in great agony) to the dispensary when the doctor was away. His loved ones saw a great career ahead for him as a medical assistant; but Martin had chosen a better career for him - the lowliest in the sight of man, but the greatest before God. "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." (Mt 20:26-27) He wished to be servant in the nearby poor Dominican Monastery "to serve the servants of God". The friends and relatives tried to dissuade him, and even to threaten him. "But," - the author puts, I really like this sentence - "his decision was firm, and simple. And such decisions taken in simplicity could rarely be disuaded from."
Simplicity was the hallmark of our Saint. The monastery authorities could not understand why such a committed and potential person chose to be a servant. They offered him to prepare for Holy Orders, "but our saint considered himself too unworthy of such a great previlege". In the monastery he did all the mean duties with so much of joy. Everytime anyone finds himself in some problem or need, it was referred to Martin when everything else fails; for he had solution for all. When the monks started witnessing the miracles that the Lord kept on performing through him, they realized that there is a little saint living in their midst. He was very compassionate. Healings used to happen when our saint serves the sick a glass of water or a vegetable salad. He used to distribute food among the poor who would gather in front of the monastery. Without looking at the number of loaves left in the basket, he used to distribute. The loaves would finish only after the last hand stretched towards him was full. It was a usual sight of Martin feeding stray animals. Sometimes it is seen a dog, cat and a rat eating from the same vessel. When the House faced the problem of "rat population explosion" and brothers complained, Martin confessed - "It was my mistake. I didn't take enough care to feed the poor rats". He then had an "agreement" with the rats that all the rats would be fed by Martin in a "rat-shed" and the rats in turn would not trouble the brothers any more. "The rats gracefully agreed and kept their promise".
Martin was blessed with so many spiritual gifts, such as BILOCATION. People from various parts of the world experienced the love and affection and care of Martin, though he never left his hometown Lima of Peru. Once as he returned from some place, he saw the brothers mourning the death of a close friend of Martin. He had wished Martin to be there before he died. Martin said - "How can he die. I am going to wake him up." He entered the room and said. "Brother, I have come as you wished. Now in the name of Jesus, you stand up." He came back to life to the surprise of the Brothers. Immediately, displaying an act of utter simplicity, he remembered the promise to the rats, and went to do it, leaving all the onlookers marvelled by the miracle, and even more by this simplicity.
Martin prophesied his death about 4 days before he died. The whole of Peru as well as from outside flocked to get a glimpse of the Living Saint. He had "Heavenly Visitors" (Blessed Virgin and St Dominic) when the earthly elite had to wait to get an appointment with him. He died the beautiful death promised to the Chosen Ones.
For those who want to know more about Martin, pls go through...
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm02.htm
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=306
http://magnificat.ca/cal/engl/11-03.htm
Thursday, 19 October 2006
On the Feast of St. Luke
Here is again a JOYnet posting dated 19-Oct-2004
A striking feature of Luke's gospel is the open invitation to all to receive mighty healings not only in body, but also in spirit and broken hearts. As I understand, no other evangelist has unveiled this face of Jesus as the Total Healer in every realm of human life as much as Luke did. When I started experiencing the irresistable love of Jesus in my life, I was a little hesitant, because neither I nor the people who knew me had a good impression about me. I, out of my ignorance thought that God is unaware of my past (looks silly right???). How can someone so good love someone else so bad!!! But slowly through His humble servants as God encouraged me to read the Gospel.... I was so amazed by the FORGIVING and HEALING LOVE of Jesus.
Here are a very few examples I can remember.
A striking feature of Luke's gospel is the open invitation to all to receive mighty healings not only in body, but also in spirit and broken hearts. As I understand, no other evangelist has unveiled this face of Jesus as the Total Healer in every realm of human life as much as Luke did. When I started experiencing the irresistable love of Jesus in my life, I was a little hesitant, because neither I nor the people who knew me had a good impression about me. I, out of my ignorance thought that God is unaware of my past (looks silly right???). How can someone so good love someone else so bad!!! But slowly through His humble servants as God encouraged me to read the Gospel.... I was so amazed by the FORGIVING and HEALING LOVE of Jesus.
Here are a very few examples I can remember.
- Healing the servant of the centurion (Lk 7:1-10). (Very special to me as I am from a Hindu family)
- The parable of the lost lamb (Lk 15:1-7)
- The parable of the lost coin (Lk 15:8-10)
- The parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32)
- Healing and forgiving words to the sinner woman who washed His feet (Lk 7:36-50)
- Jesus calling Sacceus (Lk 19:1-10)
Monday, 5 June 2006
Some ROSARY Tips
(This posting is more relevant for those who are familiar with this beautiful form of prayer. For more details about rosary, visit http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm)
I want to share some tips while praying rosary, or rather, it applies to any prayer we make. It need not be taken as authentic, coz it is a result of my reflection during my prayer time. The "some people" I refer below very much include me too, as I look back at 9 years of my walk with the Lord.
1. What should be the speed of saying a prayer?
a. Some people say vocal prayers as if in tongues. It is so fast that Mother Mary and God the Father (I assume) find it very difficult to follow it, and fall in utter confusion. ;)
b. Some are better. They say the prayer fairly fast, but as they say it their mind try to follow the words. It helps, but still it is very likely that we miss the meaning.
c. Some people are very slow; probably because of the bad experiences (a) and (b) they go to the other extreme. They think that praying slowly pleases God. In this attempt they even distract the others who are praying with them. The mind has to wait for some time before the words follow it. Mind finds it difficult to connect the beginnning to end of a sentence.
d. To my understanding and experience, words should go hand in hand with the mind. Words are to help our mind, and not to distract it. Words cannot gauarantee to express the true state of the mind. If mind wanders in between, words must wait. By practising this, "words get aware of its importance and will wait for its dear friend mind, and vice versa." The Lord who looks at the heart takes delight in such a prayer, and in the one who prays. This benefits us and we grow in His relationship and in love towards God and Mother Mary.
It is true that when we pray as a group, words cannot wait for the mind. But the sincere prayer of type (d) by others will help our minds not to wander. Also, the above said kind of prayer must be practised during personal prayer time.
2. What about intentions, mysteries during rosary?
a. When we meditate about a mystery, we must truly spend some time in meditation. All the mysteries are Word of God Himself (I like to say Himself rather than itelf). They do have relevance in our personal and community life. I experience His healing, consolation and power during this excercise.
b. It is a good practice to offer our prayer intentions during each mystery. Our Mother too prays with us for all these intentions. But be careful... out of zeal many a time our mind is so engrossed in "pushing" those intentions to Heaven even when we say "Our Father" and "Hail Mary".
c. When we say "Our Father", we are speaking to Our Father, and nothing else. It is not a time of meditating the mysteries or raising our intentions. Let the mysteries (though they are Word of God) not distract us from our personal, intimate talk with the Father. Mean it every word, for it is the prayer taught by God.... it is the greatest prayer we can ever make to God. We don't know better words to express our love for Him, seek His kingdom and righteousness, raise our petitions, receive deliverance, healing and protection, and to declare that all kingdom, authority, praise and glory belongs to Him. Let the intentions "offered" in the beginning, stay as "offering" and not as endless cycle of "offering at His feet, taking back in hand and again offering."
Same is the case with "Hail Mary". It is your time and prayer with our Beloved Mother. She knows how to add to our intentions her Powerful Intercession. Take that time to grow in her love and care rather than worry about our needs.
I thank God for rosary and other prayers recommended by the Church. Even those who do not know how to use beautiful and eloquent words to pray can get benefited. When we do it contemplatively and meaningfully, it is new every time, we find the fresh streams of Living Waters flowing to us.
+ Hail Jesus + ... + Ave Maria +
Prayerfully yours......
Binu Asokan.
I want to share some tips while praying rosary, or rather, it applies to any prayer we make. It need not be taken as authentic, coz it is a result of my reflection during my prayer time. The "some people" I refer below very much include me too, as I look back at 9 years of my walk with the Lord.
1. What should be the speed of saying a prayer?
a. Some people say vocal prayers as if in tongues. It is so fast that Mother Mary and God the Father (I assume) find it very difficult to follow it, and fall in utter confusion. ;)
b. Some are better. They say the prayer fairly fast, but as they say it their mind try to follow the words. It helps, but still it is very likely that we miss the meaning.
c. Some people are very slow; probably because of the bad experiences (a) and (b) they go to the other extreme. They think that praying slowly pleases God. In this attempt they even distract the others who are praying with them. The mind has to wait for some time before the words follow it. Mind finds it difficult to connect the beginnning to end of a sentence.
d. To my understanding and experience, words should go hand in hand with the mind. Words are to help our mind, and not to distract it. Words cannot gauarantee to express the true state of the mind. If mind wanders in between, words must wait. By practising this, "words get aware of its importance and will wait for its dear friend mind, and vice versa." The Lord who looks at the heart takes delight in such a prayer, and in the one who prays. This benefits us and we grow in His relationship and in love towards God and Mother Mary.
It is true that when we pray as a group, words cannot wait for the mind. But the sincere prayer of type (d) by others will help our minds not to wander. Also, the above said kind of prayer must be practised during personal prayer time.
2. What about intentions, mysteries during rosary?
a. When we meditate about a mystery, we must truly spend some time in meditation. All the mysteries are Word of God Himself (I like to say Himself rather than itelf). They do have relevance in our personal and community life. I experience His healing, consolation and power during this excercise.
b. It is a good practice to offer our prayer intentions during each mystery. Our Mother too prays with us for all these intentions. But be careful... out of zeal many a time our mind is so engrossed in "pushing" those intentions to Heaven even when we say "Our Father" and "Hail Mary".
c. When we say "Our Father", we are speaking to Our Father, and nothing else. It is not a time of meditating the mysteries or raising our intentions. Let the mysteries (though they are Word of God) not distract us from our personal, intimate talk with the Father. Mean it every word, for it is the prayer taught by God.... it is the greatest prayer we can ever make to God. We don't know better words to express our love for Him, seek His kingdom and righteousness, raise our petitions, receive deliverance, healing and protection, and to declare that all kingdom, authority, praise and glory belongs to Him. Let the intentions "offered" in the beginning, stay as "offering" and not as endless cycle of "offering at His feet, taking back in hand and again offering."
Same is the case with "Hail Mary". It is your time and prayer with our Beloved Mother. She knows how to add to our intentions her Powerful Intercession. Take that time to grow in her love and care rather than worry about our needs.
I thank God for rosary and other prayers recommended by the Church. Even those who do not know how to use beautiful and eloquent words to pray can get benefited. When we do it contemplatively and meaningfully, it is new every time, we find the fresh streams of Living Waters flowing to us.
+ Hail Jesus + ... + Ave Maria +
Prayerfully yours......
Binu Asokan.
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