Catholics call their priests 'father' to portary the intimacy and love they have for them. Various people call priest in distinct ways; a people in greece call a priest 'papa'; some places in Russia calls a priest 'Batiushka'; all these are to show endearment and intimacy.
the calling of priest 'father' shows the relationship that the church have with their leader.
on the day we were born into our family, we began calling the man/husband of the house 'father'; he, our biological father, instantly begins to care for us by providing food, clothes, shelter and advice. In the same way, the day we receive our baptism, marks our second birth; it is the priest who plays the role of our father at this birth; he, like our biological father, also plays the role of nurturing us in our spiritual life. recall John 3:3-5 were Jesus admonishes Nicodemus of the second birth.
Catholics do not call their priest 'father' because of their higher status in the community of believers but because of the role they play in our spiritual life. Priest in turn emulate the apostles by calling their members 'sons', 'child','children'. Gal. 4:19, portrays this fact. Also, 1Jn. 2:13-14, refers to us as children calls others fathers.
Today, the bone of contestion is that Jesus said in Matthew 23:9-10 that we should call no man father and master. If we read that passage carefully, we see that Jesus was condeming the pharisees and scribes who were proud, hypocrytical, do not practice what they preach, exalt themselves and would put themselves and would put themselves in the place of God. of course, the special honour that should be given to God alone should not be given to man. Catholics do not think or see their priest as God the father and when we use the term 'father', it is never meant to be used in that way. If we read verses 12-29, you see Jesus stating the misfortune the pharisees and scribes. In verses 30-32, Jesus himself uses the word 'father' to refer to our ancestors. Is this a contradiction to the earlier statement? No. The statement was a parable to condemn the pharisees and scribes publicly.
In our various homes, we have the head of the family and we call them father and at school, we call those that teaches us teacher which also means 'rabbi' in jewish religion. Our pentecostal brothers call their Sunday school instructors and their pastors as teachers and daddy respectively. Even the apostles of christ called him 'Rabbi'. Does it contradict Jesus' words?
By the way, what did god say in exodus 20:12? He sais, "honour your father and mother, so that your days will be long on earth". In the new testament, we have six(6) books which shows us that jewish or christian leaders can be addressed by this title. In 1Thesselonia 2:11, Paul places himself and other apostles as our spiritual father. Remember the story of Lazarus and the rich man, were abraham is refered to as our father.
Historically, the word 'father' as used for priests today, can be traced to the father in the family. As a matter of fact, priesthood and fatherhood are related. A close examination of the old and new testament shows that 'father' is a title applied to God, to ancestors of israel, to fathers of families, to jewish leaders, to christian leaders and even to the devil (the father of lies)
During the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, otherwise refered to as the patriach days, the priestly function (such as offering sacrifice) were carried out by the father of the family. In the case of an extended family or a small village, the head of the family or the leader performs such priestly role. At this time, there was no official priesthood. The priesthood was the head of the family. Priesthood was therefore associated with fatherhood. Even after the patriarch period to the levitical priesthood (sons of Levi, Aaron, Moses etc), the association of fatherhood and priesthood is still found, we can see this in judges 17:10 where Micah told a traveller from Bethlehem, Judah to stay with him and become his father and priest. At a time, god asked Moses that all first born should be dedicated to him so that they will be priest.
In the old testament, the first person to be mentioned as a priest is Melchizedek (Gen. 14:17-20). It is the priesthood of Melchizedek that resembles the modern day priesthood, for he offered bread and wine just like Jesus did. Melchizedek is again mentioned in Psalm 110:4 and also in the book of Hebrew.
Dear friends, it is now obvious that Jesus was not condenming the word 'father' but of giving honour, worship and adoration to someone that is not God.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, July 8, 2011
On the journey of inclined spirituality
It's like yesterday that we said happy new year and just now, we are in the month of July. wow! isn't the ways of the Lord marvelous? The year is gradually winding up.
It is obvious that we are in challenging times in our world; we are at the moment experiencing increase in everything that is negative. From global economic crisis, increase poverty level, increased rate of crime,times of allowing indecent dressing and behaviour, series of unrest within and between countries, political wars,disinterested students and workers et cetera.
Are we giving up on the situation and chosing the part of 'if u can beat them join them'?. That is surely a wrong attitude. Do u know why? Because you are a living soul destined to make an impact in this world. You were created for this purpose and it is you that can bring about that change. It is when your impact is felt that the other person can be inspired to continue from where you stopped. The problem is that we all look for someone to begin the lighting up process and we all eventually end up doing nothing. Start today and do something, no matter how little, after all, the saints did small things in extra-ordinary ways.
Your good work of charity is sure to work wonders in our world. The form of charity you can begin today is the charity of giving smiles to anyone you come in contact with.
There was a poor widow who once lived on planet earth. She was so poor that she lived on alms-begging to feed her three sons. She does so by standing at the side of the church so that after mass, she starts approaching the parishioners. Each day, she meets people of all walks of life who gives her money and gives her insults too. On this particular day, she met a parishioner who insulted the living day light out of her but she didnt give up; she afterwards met another parishioner who instead of giving her money, smiled at her. The poor-widow looked at the parishioner and said "GOD BLESS YOU, YOU HAVE MADE MY DAY" and she went home happy.
That parishioner's charity of a smile helped to light up the poor-widow's heart. You too can light up our world with your smile . Firstly, smile to God no matter the situation. Remember the words of the scriptures in Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord,for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" and secondly, smile to people around you because that way, you are sure to leave a lasting memory that is positive in their lives.
Have you smiled at someone today?
Trion:Z Wrist Bracelet
It is obvious that we are in challenging times in our world; we are at the moment experiencing increase in everything that is negative. From global economic crisis, increase poverty level, increased rate of crime,times of allowing indecent dressing and behaviour, series of unrest within and between countries, political wars,disinterested students and workers et cetera.
Are we giving up on the situation and chosing the part of 'if u can beat them join them'?. That is surely a wrong attitude. Do u know why? Because you are a living soul destined to make an impact in this world. You were created for this purpose and it is you that can bring about that change. It is when your impact is felt that the other person can be inspired to continue from where you stopped. The problem is that we all look for someone to begin the lighting up process and we all eventually end up doing nothing. Start today and do something, no matter how little, after all, the saints did small things in extra-ordinary ways.
Your good work of charity is sure to work wonders in our world. The form of charity you can begin today is the charity of giving smiles to anyone you come in contact with.
There was a poor widow who once lived on planet earth. She was so poor that she lived on alms-begging to feed her three sons. She does so by standing at the side of the church so that after mass, she starts approaching the parishioners. Each day, she meets people of all walks of life who gives her money and gives her insults too. On this particular day, she met a parishioner who insulted the living day light out of her but she didnt give up; she afterwards met another parishioner who instead of giving her money, smiled at her. The poor-widow looked at the parishioner and said "GOD BLESS YOU, YOU HAVE MADE MY DAY" and she went home happy.
That parishioner's charity of a smile helped to light up the poor-widow's heart. You too can light up our world with your smile . Firstly, smile to God no matter the situation. Remember the words of the scriptures in Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord,for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" and secondly, smile to people around you because that way, you are sure to leave a lasting memory that is positive in their lives.
Have you smiled at someone today?
Trion:Z Wrist Bracelet
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mary's birthday
Each year, the church celebrates the birthday of Our Mother Mary on the 8th of September. It is to this end that the Legion of Mary organizes the function called "Praesidium function" in which legionaries gather for a social merriment. Like every birthday that we celebrate, gifts are presented to the celebrant. The first set of legionaries gave Mary their time in visiting sick people at the hospital. Today, you can give her the gift of either saying your rosary daily or bringing new persons to the Church. What will be your gift to her this year?
Friday, July 16, 2010
UPCOMING EUENTS
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
This feast takes place today 16th of July, 2010. It is also the day in which we celebrate the brown scapular of our Lady since it was believed that the brown scapular of our Lady was given to St. Simon Stock on Mount Carmel.
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION
The Solemnity of Mary’s assumption body and soul into heaven comes up on the 15th of August. It is a holyday of obligation and all Catholics must attend mass and try as much as possible to receive Holy Communion on that day.
FEAST OF MARY AS QUEEN
This feast comes up on the 22nd of August each year. It is actually seven days after the celebration of the solemnity of the Assumption.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY
This comes up on the 8th of September each year. It is on this feast that the Legion of Mary all over the world celebrates ‘Praesidium Function’ to honour the birth of Mary
*N.B. Legionaries should try as all within their powers to attend mass on this days most especially the Assumption that is a holyday of obligation.
This feast takes place today 16th of July, 2010. It is also the day in which we celebrate the brown scapular of our Lady since it was believed that the brown scapular of our Lady was given to St. Simon Stock on Mount Carmel.
SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION
The Solemnity of Mary’s assumption body and soul into heaven comes up on the 15th of August. It is a holyday of obligation and all Catholics must attend mass and try as much as possible to receive Holy Communion on that day.
FEAST OF MARY AS QUEEN
This feast comes up on the 22nd of August each year. It is actually seven days after the celebration of the solemnity of the Assumption.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF MARY
This comes up on the 8th of September each year. It is on this feast that the Legion of Mary all over the world celebrates ‘Praesidium Function’ to honour the birth of Mary
*N.B. Legionaries should try as all within their powers to attend mass on this days most especially the Assumption that is a holyday of obligation.
Monday, October 26, 2009
15 Promises of praying the Rosary (Part 2)
13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death.
14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
-predestination here, means that, by the sign which is present to a person from the action of devoutly praying the Rosary, God has pre-ordained your salvation.
I assure you, if you say your Rosary today, you shall certainly gain the promises of Our Lady
14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
-predestination here, means that, by the sign which is present to a person from the action of devoutly praying the Rosary, God has pre-ordained your salvation.
I assure you, if you say your Rosary today, you shall certainly gain the promises of Our Lady
Monday, October 19, 2009
15 Promises of praying the Rosary
OCTOBER 7: Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
The Rosary is a prayer if said with full meditation wins us favour from God through Our Mother Mary. Earlier, in one of my write-up entitled "The Rosary our weapon", I said that the Rosary is made up of two types of prayer i.e. mental and vocal prayer.
It was in the 16th century that Pope Pius V proclaimed Mary as Our Lady Rosary and since then this title of Our Lady has been invoked in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Whenever we say the Rosary in the Church,in public, in family group etc., we gain a plenary indulgence and a partial indulgence is granted in other circumstances.
Our Lady revealed to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche additional benefits for those who devoutly pray the Rosary. It is as follows:
1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. 4. It will cause good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to desire for Eternal Things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. The Souls which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.
6. Whosoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of Eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and their death the light of God and the plenitude of His Graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the Merits of the Saints in Paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of Glory in Heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by recitation of the Rosary.
12. All those who propagate the Rosary shal be aided by me in their necesities. ...to be continued
The Rosary is a prayer if said with full meditation wins us favour from God through Our Mother Mary. Earlier, in one of my write-up entitled "The Rosary our weapon", I said that the Rosary is made up of two types of prayer i.e. mental and vocal prayer.
It was in the 16th century that Pope Pius V proclaimed Mary as Our Lady Rosary and since then this title of Our Lady has been invoked in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Whenever we say the Rosary in the Church,in public, in family group etc., we gain a plenary indulgence and a partial indulgence is granted in other circumstances.
Our Lady revealed to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche additional benefits for those who devoutly pray the Rosary. It is as follows:
1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. 4. It will cause good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to desire for Eternal Things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. The Souls which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.
6. Whosoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of Eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and their death the light of God and the plenitude of His Graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the Merits of the Saints in Paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of Glory in Heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by recitation of the Rosary.
12. All those who propagate the Rosary shal be aided by me in their necesities. ...to be continued
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What a Perfectly Chosen Name
Chapter 1, titled "Name and Origin".
The Legion of Mary is a society in the Catholic Church which began eighty eight (88) years ago. It precisely began on the 7th of September, 1921,the eve of our Lady's nativity. This society founded by a man called Frank Duff, had a very humble beginning. It started with about 13 people of which were majorly women who met at Myra house,Francis street,Dublin, Ireland at 8pm. The aim of this meeting was to give Our Lady a befitting birthday present. So, around a beautiful altar of Our Lady, these members said the prayers of the Holy Spirit and the rosary to our Lady. They then assigned the work of visitation of hospital to themselves,a sign of their love and devotion to Mary our Mother. A week later, the members returned to give report on how the work was performed. They continued coming to meeting in this manner and this gave rise to this beautiful society.
What is in a name? Perhaps, this question will help in the reflection of the name of the society. The first work ever undertaken by the Legion was visitation of hospital and this hospital was under the care of a group of nun called 'Daughters of Mercy'. This event led to the society first called THE ASSOCIATION OF MERCY. After a while, the name was changed to LEGION OF MARY with the name of the first praesidium as OUR LADY OF MERCY.
Names have a way of affecting a person's whole personality. History has it how great men were successful because they drew strength from the meaning of their names. The Roman Legion from which the Legion of Mary took her name were known for their courage and fighting spirit which gave them victory in any battle they fought. This has tremendously affected the Legion of Mary positively and gained her plenty members all over the world. Little wonder Pope Pius XI said, "The Legion of Mary! What a perfectly chosen name!".
The Legion of Mary is a society in the Catholic Church which began eighty eight (88) years ago. It precisely began on the 7th of September, 1921,the eve of our Lady's nativity. This society founded by a man called Frank Duff, had a very humble beginning. It started with about 13 people of which were majorly women who met at Myra house,Francis street,Dublin, Ireland at 8pm. The aim of this meeting was to give Our Lady a befitting birthday present. So, around a beautiful altar of Our Lady, these members said the prayers of the Holy Spirit and the rosary to our Lady. They then assigned the work of visitation of hospital to themselves,a sign of their love and devotion to Mary our Mother. A week later, the members returned to give report on how the work was performed. They continued coming to meeting in this manner and this gave rise to this beautiful society.
What is in a name? Perhaps, this question will help in the reflection of the name of the society. The first work ever undertaken by the Legion was visitation of hospital and this hospital was under the care of a group of nun called 'Daughters of Mercy'. This event led to the society first called THE ASSOCIATION OF MERCY. After a while, the name was changed to LEGION OF MARY with the name of the first praesidium as OUR LADY OF MERCY.
Names have a way of affecting a person's whole personality. History has it how great men were successful because they drew strength from the meaning of their names. The Roman Legion from which the Legion of Mary took her name were known for their courage and fighting spirit which gave them victory in any battle they fought. This has tremendously affected the Legion of Mary positively and gained her plenty members all over the world. Little wonder Pope Pius XI said, "The Legion of Mary! What a perfectly chosen name!".
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