THE action recorded of Mary of Bethany,
which cannot fail to seem strange to
Western minds and to folk of the twen-
tieth century, must have produced a profound
impression on the first disciples of Jesus, see-
ing that we read the story in all four gospels
of the evangelists. It is not that the material
fact of anointing, so frequently practised in
the East, would create any surprise to those
round about the Master. But the enthusiastic
laudation by Jesus Christ of an action ordi-
nary enough in itself, and the excessive praise
which was not self-explanatory, must have
powerfully concentrated their minds on this
religious enigma.
Justin de Jacobis, a 19th century Vincentian missionary to Ethiopia with a great gift of understanding, learned by the example of his founder St. Vincent de Paul to follow God's Providence.
This document provides a summary of the biblical story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who was healed by Jesus. It is told in 4 pictures: 1) Bartimaeus and another blind man sitting by the roadside as Jesus passes by. 2) Bartimaeus cries out when he learns it is Jesus, though the disciples try to silence him. 3) Bartimaeus springs up at Jesus' call, throwing off his cloak and going to him. 4) Jesus heals Bartimaeus, saying his faith has made him well. The story illustrates how faith emerges from knowledge and commitment when one's need meets with the healer's presence.
Francis Clet was a French Vincentian missionary who spent over 25 years ministering in China in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He faced many challenges including language barriers, cultural adjustments, isolation, and periods of anti-Christian persecution where he was forced into hiding with a price on his head. Despite obstacles, Francis dedicated himself to pastoral work like catechizing, baptizing, and hearing confessions. He was eventually captured in 1819 due to betrayal and accepted death rather than renounce his faith, becoming a martyr.
Fr. Robert P. Maloney, C.M. offers a few reflections on Vincent's capacity to unite action and contemplation. From an article that originally appeared in Vincentiana (https://via.library.depaul.edu/vincentiana/vol44/iss2/13)
This document provides biographical details about the life of St. Francis Regis Clet. It describes his childhood in France and vocation to the Congregation of the Mission. He was ordained and first served as a professor of theology before being sent as a missionary to China in 1791. There, he faced many hardships including isolation, poverty, and periods of persecution but continued evangelizing for over 20 years until his martyrdom in 1820. The document outlines the various places he served, difficulties he encountered like the deaths of fellow missionaries, and his dedication to the mission until the end of his life.
St. Justin de Jacobis was a 19th century Vincentian missionary to Ethiopia and Eritrea who is considered a model for inculturation. He fully immersed himself in the local culture and customs, dressing as the Ethiopian clergy, adopting the Ethiopian rite, and learning the local languages. He focused on forming native clergy and ordained over 30 Ethiopian and Eritrean priests. St. Justin was devoted to serving the poor and sick and was known for his warmth, humility, and respect towards the people and Orthodox clergy he served.
Abbott, "This chapter is in the nature of a postcript, and is almost wholly taken up with personal greetings to individuals concerning whom very little is known. *one the less is the chapter significant, since it shows that Paul was one by no means so devoted to the elucidation of great principles, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes a nature purely intellectual, nor even so devoted to the well-being of the race as a race, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes the mere reformer or
philanthropist. Like his Master, he was individual in his ministry, each soul counted for much; and thus those whom he had once known in spiritual companionship he
did not, apparently, easily forget."
Genuine Christian spirituality is the lived Gospel in response to a contemporary cultural situation. The contemporary relevance of any Christian spirituality is illumined by its past heritage (as Ozanam was informed by Vincent).
Justin de Jacobis, a 19th century Vincentian missionary to Ethiopia with a great gift of understanding, learned by the example of his founder St. Vincent de Paul to follow God's Providence.
This document provides a summary of the biblical story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who was healed by Jesus. It is told in 4 pictures: 1) Bartimaeus and another blind man sitting by the roadside as Jesus passes by. 2) Bartimaeus cries out when he learns it is Jesus, though the disciples try to silence him. 3) Bartimaeus springs up at Jesus' call, throwing off his cloak and going to him. 4) Jesus heals Bartimaeus, saying his faith has made him well. The story illustrates how faith emerges from knowledge and commitment when one's need meets with the healer's presence.
Francis Clet was a French Vincentian missionary who spent over 25 years ministering in China in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He faced many challenges including language barriers, cultural adjustments, isolation, and periods of anti-Christian persecution where he was forced into hiding with a price on his head. Despite obstacles, Francis dedicated himself to pastoral work like catechizing, baptizing, and hearing confessions. He was eventually captured in 1819 due to betrayal and accepted death rather than renounce his faith, becoming a martyr.
Fr. Robert P. Maloney, C.M. offers a few reflections on Vincent's capacity to unite action and contemplation. From an article that originally appeared in Vincentiana (https://via.library.depaul.edu/vincentiana/vol44/iss2/13)
This document provides biographical details about the life of St. Francis Regis Clet. It describes his childhood in France and vocation to the Congregation of the Mission. He was ordained and first served as a professor of theology before being sent as a missionary to China in 1791. There, he faced many hardships including isolation, poverty, and periods of persecution but continued evangelizing for over 20 years until his martyrdom in 1820. The document outlines the various places he served, difficulties he encountered like the deaths of fellow missionaries, and his dedication to the mission until the end of his life.
St. Justin de Jacobis was a 19th century Vincentian missionary to Ethiopia and Eritrea who is considered a model for inculturation. He fully immersed himself in the local culture and customs, dressing as the Ethiopian clergy, adopting the Ethiopian rite, and learning the local languages. He focused on forming native clergy and ordained over 30 Ethiopian and Eritrean priests. St. Justin was devoted to serving the poor and sick and was known for his warmth, humility, and respect towards the people and Orthodox clergy he served.
Abbott, "This chapter is in the nature of a postcript, and is almost wholly taken up with personal greetings to individuals concerning whom very little is known. *one the less is the chapter significant, since it shows that Paul was one by no means so devoted to the elucidation of great principles, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes a nature purely intellectual, nor even so devoted to the well-being of the race as a race, as to be indifferent to individuals with that indifference which often characterizes the mere reformer or
philanthropist. Like his Master, he was individual in his ministry, each soul counted for much; and thus those whom he had once known in spiritual companionship he
did not, apparently, easily forget."
Genuine Christian spirituality is the lived Gospel in response to a contemporary cultural situation. The contemporary relevance of any Christian spirituality is illumined by its past heritage (as Ozanam was informed by Vincent).
See how this great priest-missionary lived and worked together with the people of Ethiopia in the 19th century. Based on an article by by Professor Yaqob Beyené.
John Gabriel Perboyre was born in 1802 in France to a devout Catholic family. He felt called to become a priest from a young age and joined the Congregation of the Mission. Perboyre was sent as a missionary to China where he worked diligently despite poor health. When persecution broke out in 1839, he was betrayed, imprisoned and tortured for over a year for his faith but refused to renounce Christianity. On September 11, 1840, Perboyre was executed by strangulation and became the first French saint in China. He was beatified in 1889 and canonized in 1996, with many miracles attributed to his intercession.
Frederic Ozanam lived a life of holiness through his deep faith and service to others. He was raised in a devout Catholic family who taught him to love God and serve the poor. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to his faith through prayer and devotion, even in times of doubt. As a husband and father, he strived to help his family grow in faith and virtue. Ozanam saw serving the poor as serving Christ, and founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to provide direct aid to those in need as a reflection of God's love. He remained a devoted defender of the Catholic Church and placed his talents and intellect at the service of spreading the truth of the faith. O
Frederic Ozanam founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1833 with six other friends in Paris. The Society was directed by laymen rather than priests, which caused some distrust from clergy. However, Bishop Eugene de Mazenod supported the Society, which then spread rapidly. Joseph Emmanuel Bailly, who ran a Catholic newspaper, provided meeting space and guidance for the young founders. He introduced them to Sister Rosalie Rendu, who provided the first list of families in need. The Society formalized their approach in the first Rule, likely drafted with input from Ozanam and others. The spirituality of the Society, as inspired by Ozanam, focused on sanctification through
St. Justin de Jacobis was a Vincentian missionary who arrived in Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1839. At that time, the Orthodox Church was weakened and isolated, and Catholics were banned. St. Justin learned the local language and culture. Through charitable works, prayer, and teaching Catholic doctrine respectfully, he gradually built up a small Catholic community. Though opposed by some Orthodox leaders, others were impressed by his humility, charity and orthodox teachings. St. Justin is still deeply revered today in Eritrea and Ethiopia for his missionary work and miracles associated with his tomb.
Jesus was highly approachable, unlike many kings and philosophers of his time. As mediator between God and man, priest, and savior, Jesus' roles required him to be accessible to all people, especially the outcasts of society. His teachings were meant for common people, not just an elite few. The Bible emphasizes that anyone can freely come to Jesus without hindrance.
Fr. Robert Maloney praises St. Francis Regis Clet as a model of holiness who lived with compassion and trusted in God's providence. Clet was born in France in 1748 and taught theology for 15 years before the French Revolution, after which he volunteered to go to China as a missionary in 1791 at age 44. He worked there for 26 years, ministering secretly as a priest was illegal, until he was arrested and executed by strangulation in 1820 at age 70, becoming the first Vincentian martyr in China. He was beatified in 1900 and canonized in 2000.
Henry james-the-old-and-new-theology... london-1861Francis Batt
The Swedenborg moment and movement in America. Henry James 1811-1882. Religion and Philosophy united. ... ... Contents :
1- The Old and New Theology, Part 1
2- The Old and New Theology, Part 2
3- The Church of Christ not an ecclesiasticism : a letter of remonstrance to a member of the SOI-DISANT New-Church.
(source : google + OCR + optim0.4 )
Jesus found three major institutions firmly established in society - the state, the church, and the family. He taught his disciples to respect these institutions through loyalty to the state, piety toward religious practices, and upholding moral values in the family. However, Jesus also believed his message would transform these institutions by establishing a spiritual kingdom within each person. While respecting laws, he called his followers to stand up for truth even at risk of persecution. Jesus hoped to improve society through moral teachings like forgiveness and charity. He criticized hypocrisy in religious leaders but sought to include all people, not just Jews. The church Jesus envisioned was based on individuals upholding truth, not hierarchical control. He greatly elevated the status of women and
St. Justin de Jacobis was born in Italy in 1800 and entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1818. He was ordained as a priest in 1824. Accepting a call from the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, St. Justin de Jacobis went as the Apostolic Prefect to Abyssinia in 1839 to establish a mission. For twenty years in Abyssinia, he allowed himself to be guided by Providence in evangelizing through learning the local language and culture. St. Justin de Jacobis died of tropical fever in 1860 after suffering many persecutions in his work restoring the Catholic Church in Abyssinia.
The document discusses several women mentioned in the Bible who played important roles in early Christianity:
- Pilate's wife warned her husband about Jesus' innocence in a dream and urged Pilate to have nothing to do with putting Jesus to death.
- The Samaritan woman was the first to publicly proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah after encountering him at a well.
- Lydia was the first European woman to accept the gospel and hosted the first church in her home in Philippi.
- Priscilla, together with her husband Aquila, instructed the preacher Apollos and helped Paul in his ministry.
- Dorcas was beloved for her good deeds and acts of charity in
Words of Hope: Revelations of Our Lord to Saints The Great and Margaret Mary ...JasterRogueII
This document provides an introduction and overview for a book compiling quotes and teachings from four Catholic saints: St. Gertrude the Great, St. Catherine of Genoa, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. It discusses how the saints received messages from Jesus and how the messages often contained similar themes across different time periods. A brief biography of each saint is also provided. The introduction aims to show the continuity of Jesus' messages to saints and their relevance for Christians seeking holiness today.
This chapter reveals just why religious leaders would want to crucify the Son of God. If we put ourselves in their place, I think we would all want to vote as they did, and that was for the death penalty so that Jesus would be out o our hair. He was so brutal in his honesty, and they could not stand it. He exposed all of their weaknesses and sins, and made them out to be the monsters they were. It was intolerable, and it would be for us too, and we would want him to be out of the picture. This is the ultimate and universal exposure of the human condition. Most any group of leaders hearing these words of Christ against them would either repent or be in favor ofcrucifying
The document is a chapter from a book about spiritual warfare and putting on the full armor of God. It describes the invisible antagonisms faced by early Christians in Ephesus, including the overwhelming power of the world, the influence of an alien religion, and pressure from popular customs. It explains that the real enemies are spiritual forces of evil, and discusses how these antagonisms can work directly on the soul or indirectly through other people. The chapter emphasizes that to face these antagonisms, Christians must first receive power from God and put on the full armor He provides.
This weekend’s Gospel is the story of the adulterous woman who is about to be stoned with the scribes and the Pharisees having Jesus caught between a rock and a hard place (bad pun). We all know how the story ends – but what was Jesus really teaching those gathered in the Temple? Take a second look and you will find the deeper lesson of this Gospel – one that is so often missed…because it just may be hitting too close to home. Check it out…
This document provides an introduction and overview of a biography titled "Life of the Reverend Mother Jeanne Chezard de Matel, Foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and the Blessed Sacrament." The biography was written based on original manuscripts by Reverend Mother Saint Pierre of Jesus, the superioress of the monastery in Lyons, France, and translated from French to English. It describes Mother de Matel's life and spiritual lights or insights. The introduction provides background on previous publications of Mother de Matel's life and explains the motivation and spirit behind the creation of this new translation of her biography.
Frederic Ozanam was the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and exemplified servant leadership. Though he never held an official leadership position, Frederic was widely seen as the leader of the Society. He focused his life on serving others, including his family, students, and members of the Society. Frederic worked to better the lives of the most vulnerable Parisians and encouraged the growth of the Society and its service to the poor. He believed in using non-violent persuasion and bringing people together to create social change.
This is a study of Jesus exalting a woman. She anointed His head with perfume and He said this woman's act of loving devotion will be remembered for all time.
An article that is essentially a distillation of four sermons on Missions as it pertains to ancient Samaria--- from the Intertestamental period, to the 1st Century, and to its parallels today.
See how this great priest-missionary lived and worked together with the people of Ethiopia in the 19th century. Based on an article by by Professor Yaqob Beyené.
John Gabriel Perboyre was born in 1802 in France to a devout Catholic family. He felt called to become a priest from a young age and joined the Congregation of the Mission. Perboyre was sent as a missionary to China where he worked diligently despite poor health. When persecution broke out in 1839, he was betrayed, imprisoned and tortured for over a year for his faith but refused to renounce Christianity. On September 11, 1840, Perboyre was executed by strangulation and became the first French saint in China. He was beatified in 1889 and canonized in 1996, with many miracles attributed to his intercession.
Frederic Ozanam lived a life of holiness through his deep faith and service to others. He was raised in a devout Catholic family who taught him to love God and serve the poor. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to his faith through prayer and devotion, even in times of doubt. As a husband and father, he strived to help his family grow in faith and virtue. Ozanam saw serving the poor as serving Christ, and founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to provide direct aid to those in need as a reflection of God's love. He remained a devoted defender of the Catholic Church and placed his talents and intellect at the service of spreading the truth of the faith. O
Frederic Ozanam founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 1833 with six other friends in Paris. The Society was directed by laymen rather than priests, which caused some distrust from clergy. However, Bishop Eugene de Mazenod supported the Society, which then spread rapidly. Joseph Emmanuel Bailly, who ran a Catholic newspaper, provided meeting space and guidance for the young founders. He introduced them to Sister Rosalie Rendu, who provided the first list of families in need. The Society formalized their approach in the first Rule, likely drafted with input from Ozanam and others. The spirituality of the Society, as inspired by Ozanam, focused on sanctification through
St. Justin de Jacobis was a Vincentian missionary who arrived in Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1839. At that time, the Orthodox Church was weakened and isolated, and Catholics were banned. St. Justin learned the local language and culture. Through charitable works, prayer, and teaching Catholic doctrine respectfully, he gradually built up a small Catholic community. Though opposed by some Orthodox leaders, others were impressed by his humility, charity and orthodox teachings. St. Justin is still deeply revered today in Eritrea and Ethiopia for his missionary work and miracles associated with his tomb.
Jesus was highly approachable, unlike many kings and philosophers of his time. As mediator between God and man, priest, and savior, Jesus' roles required him to be accessible to all people, especially the outcasts of society. His teachings were meant for common people, not just an elite few. The Bible emphasizes that anyone can freely come to Jesus without hindrance.
Fr. Robert Maloney praises St. Francis Regis Clet as a model of holiness who lived with compassion and trusted in God's providence. Clet was born in France in 1748 and taught theology for 15 years before the French Revolution, after which he volunteered to go to China as a missionary in 1791 at age 44. He worked there for 26 years, ministering secretly as a priest was illegal, until he was arrested and executed by strangulation in 1820 at age 70, becoming the first Vincentian martyr in China. He was beatified in 1900 and canonized in 2000.
Henry james-the-old-and-new-theology... london-1861Francis Batt
The Swedenborg moment and movement in America. Henry James 1811-1882. Religion and Philosophy united. ... ... Contents :
1- The Old and New Theology, Part 1
2- The Old and New Theology, Part 2
3- The Church of Christ not an ecclesiasticism : a letter of remonstrance to a member of the SOI-DISANT New-Church.
(source : google + OCR + optim0.4 )
Jesus found three major institutions firmly established in society - the state, the church, and the family. He taught his disciples to respect these institutions through loyalty to the state, piety toward religious practices, and upholding moral values in the family. However, Jesus also believed his message would transform these institutions by establishing a spiritual kingdom within each person. While respecting laws, he called his followers to stand up for truth even at risk of persecution. Jesus hoped to improve society through moral teachings like forgiveness and charity. He criticized hypocrisy in religious leaders but sought to include all people, not just Jews. The church Jesus envisioned was based on individuals upholding truth, not hierarchical control. He greatly elevated the status of women and
St. Justin de Jacobis was born in Italy in 1800 and entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1818. He was ordained as a priest in 1824. Accepting a call from the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, St. Justin de Jacobis went as the Apostolic Prefect to Abyssinia in 1839 to establish a mission. For twenty years in Abyssinia, he allowed himself to be guided by Providence in evangelizing through learning the local language and culture. St. Justin de Jacobis died of tropical fever in 1860 after suffering many persecutions in his work restoring the Catholic Church in Abyssinia.
The document discusses several women mentioned in the Bible who played important roles in early Christianity:
- Pilate's wife warned her husband about Jesus' innocence in a dream and urged Pilate to have nothing to do with putting Jesus to death.
- The Samaritan woman was the first to publicly proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah after encountering him at a well.
- Lydia was the first European woman to accept the gospel and hosted the first church in her home in Philippi.
- Priscilla, together with her husband Aquila, instructed the preacher Apollos and helped Paul in his ministry.
- Dorcas was beloved for her good deeds and acts of charity in
Words of Hope: Revelations of Our Lord to Saints The Great and Margaret Mary ...JasterRogueII
This document provides an introduction and overview for a book compiling quotes and teachings from four Catholic saints: St. Gertrude the Great, St. Catherine of Genoa, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. It discusses how the saints received messages from Jesus and how the messages often contained similar themes across different time periods. A brief biography of each saint is also provided. The introduction aims to show the continuity of Jesus' messages to saints and their relevance for Christians seeking holiness today.
This chapter reveals just why religious leaders would want to crucify the Son of God. If we put ourselves in their place, I think we would all want to vote as they did, and that was for the death penalty so that Jesus would be out o our hair. He was so brutal in his honesty, and they could not stand it. He exposed all of their weaknesses and sins, and made them out to be the monsters they were. It was intolerable, and it would be for us too, and we would want him to be out of the picture. This is the ultimate and universal exposure of the human condition. Most any group of leaders hearing these words of Christ against them would either repent or be in favor ofcrucifying
The document is a chapter from a book about spiritual warfare and putting on the full armor of God. It describes the invisible antagonisms faced by early Christians in Ephesus, including the overwhelming power of the world, the influence of an alien religion, and pressure from popular customs. It explains that the real enemies are spiritual forces of evil, and discusses how these antagonisms can work directly on the soul or indirectly through other people. The chapter emphasizes that to face these antagonisms, Christians must first receive power from God and put on the full armor He provides.
This weekend’s Gospel is the story of the adulterous woman who is about to be stoned with the scribes and the Pharisees having Jesus caught between a rock and a hard place (bad pun). We all know how the story ends – but what was Jesus really teaching those gathered in the Temple? Take a second look and you will find the deeper lesson of this Gospel – one that is so often missed…because it just may be hitting too close to home. Check it out…
This document provides an introduction and overview of a biography titled "Life of the Reverend Mother Jeanne Chezard de Matel, Foundress of the Order of the Incarnate Word and the Blessed Sacrament." The biography was written based on original manuscripts by Reverend Mother Saint Pierre of Jesus, the superioress of the monastery in Lyons, France, and translated from French to English. It describes Mother de Matel's life and spiritual lights or insights. The introduction provides background on previous publications of Mother de Matel's life and explains the motivation and spirit behind the creation of this new translation of her biography.
Frederic Ozanam was the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and exemplified servant leadership. Though he never held an official leadership position, Frederic was widely seen as the leader of the Society. He focused his life on serving others, including his family, students, and members of the Society. Frederic worked to better the lives of the most vulnerable Parisians and encouraged the growth of the Society and its service to the poor. He believed in using non-violent persuasion and bringing people together to create social change.
This is a study of Jesus exalting a woman. She anointed His head with perfume and He said this woman's act of loving devotion will be remembered for all time.
An article that is essentially a distillation of four sermons on Missions as it pertains to ancient Samaria--- from the Intertestamental period, to the 1st Century, and to its parallels today.
This document discusses a story from the Bible where a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume. It provides context about the story and analyzes it in three parts:
1. Jesus praises the woman's actions, saying she has done a good thing by anointing him beforehand for burial. This was one of few times Jesus personally praised an individual.
2. The woman's actions showed her deep love and devotion to Jesus. Others criticized her for wasting money that could help the poor, but Jesus defended her actions.
3. The story illustrates how personal love and devotion to Jesus is most important, rather than just understanding religious philosophies. Jesus commends the woman for directly serving him through her actions
This is a study of Jesus allowing pain for a purpose. He allowed His friend Lazarus to be sick and suffer and even die before He attempted to visit him. It sounds cruel, but it was for a purpose, and it all came to a happy ending.
Jesus met two disciples who were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus after the crucifixion, discussing the recent events. Though they did not recognize him at first, Jesus joined their conversation and interpreted passages from the Old Testament scriptures, illuminating their meaning and showing how they pointed to the Messiah. As he spoke, the disciples' hearts "burned within them" and they realized it was Jesus who had been speaking with them. Jesus comforted them by opening their understanding of the scriptures, rather than directly revealing his identity.
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.pptxMartin M Flynn
Saint Matthew was a tax collector who, when called by Jesus to follow him, left his career and became one of Jesus's twelve apostles. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew to prove that Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. Matthew accompanied Jesus, witnessed his miracles and teachings. After Pentecost, Matthew preached the gospel in foreign lands and was martyred for his faith, though accounts differ on the location and manner of his death. Matthew's gospel emphasizes that Jesus fulfilled the Jewish prophecies and law, making it useful for converting Jews to Christianity.
Superstitions In All Ages - Voltaire, Free eBookChuck Thompson
Superstitions In All Ages - Voltaire, Free eBook. From the early part of the so called age of Reason. A nihilistic view of religion by a vulgar secret society satanist, Voltaire. For research purposes.
This is a study of Jesus as a respecter of women. He was accepting them on the same level as his male disciples. They ministered with Him and followed Him everywhere supporting His ministry.
This is a study of Jesus as a man of brotherliness. He had brothers, but he made all believers a part of His family and called them brothers, and love all with brotherly love.
This document provides an overview of the commonplace aspects of Jesus' life in order to portray him as a fully human figure, beginning with his physical traits and mental faculties that conformed to those of average Jews of his time. It notes that while Jesus had an intense compassion, he also displayed very human emotions and limitations in his teachings, knowledge, and references to contemporary beliefs. The goal is to start the portrayal of Jesus from his human side in order to provide a balanced, historically accurate account.
I Eve's Dialogue with the Devil 15
II The First Coward in the World 26
III The Sinner Cross-examined 39
IV Noah, and the Tragic Story of the Men Who Built the Ark 49
V Noah's Drunkenness — The Peril of the Wine Glass. ... 61
VI Camping on the Road to Sodom 75
VII The Ladder of the Angels and the Sinner at the Foot . . S8
This is a study of Jesus being thought to be crazy by His own family. Jesus was so zealous that He was exhausted, but He would not stop and His family thought He was out of His mind.
This document provides a biography of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars. It describes his early life and difficulties discerning his vocation. He was ordained as a priest in 1815 and served as a curate before becoming parish priest of Ars in 1818. As parish priest of Ars, he devoted himself to prayer, preaching, and hearing confessions for long hours each day. Large crowds came to hear his instruction and seek his counsel. He lived a life of poverty, mortification, and prayer. St. John Vianney is renowned for his sanctity and pastoral work at Ars, where he helped transform the faith of the village through his preaching and confessions
1) Saint Justin De Jacobis is held up as an exceptional model of holiness and missionary life for Vincentians.
2) As a deeply human saint, De Jacobis was known for his tenderness and compassion towards others. He experienced loneliness and suffering from some fellow missionaries.
3) Despite obstacles, De Jacobis had a deep sense of belonging to the Congregation of the Mission. He drew strength from fellow Vincentians who supported him.
This document provides prayers and information about praying the Rosary and honoring Mary. It includes descriptions of how to pray the Rosary and meditate on the mysteries, as well as two prayers by Pope Francis and a prayer addressed to Mary. The document aims to instruct Catholics on properly praying the Rosary and developing devotion to Mary.
This document discusses five representations ("faces") of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It begins with Miriam of Nazareth, portraying Mary as a humble woman of faith from a small village, reflecting on the few historical facts known about her from the New Testament. The second face is the Listening Disciple, depicting Mary as the ideal follower who listened to God's word and acted on it. The third face is the Mother of God, reflecting on the theological significance of Mary giving birth to Jesus, who is God incarnate. The fourth face discusses Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, representing Mary's role as the immaculately conceived intercessor who appears to the poor and faithful. Overall, the document
Jesus was urging us to pray and never give upGLENN PEASE
This document discusses the importance of perseverance in prayer based on a parable from Luke 18:1-8. It provides three key points:
1. The parable illustrates that believers should always pray and not lose heart, using the example of a widow who persistently asks an unjust judge for justice until he relents. If an unjust judge will grant a request, how much more will a righteous God answer the prayers of his people.
2. Though God may delay in answering prayers, this is not due to his absence or indifference, but for reasons that will become clear later and that are for the benefit of the believers.
3. Believers should continue praying without ceasing and not lose
This is a study of Jesus being questioned about fasting. His disciples were not doing it like John's disciples and the Pharisees. Jesus gives His answer that gets Him into the time of celebration with new wineskins that do away with the old ones. Jesus says we do not fast at a party and a celebration.
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, scoffed at Jesus when he taught about financial matters. While the Pharisees were outwardly devout and knowledgeable about scripture, their true motivation was greed. Their love of wealth distorted their judgment and led them to actively oppose Christ, culminating in conspiring for his death. True righteousness requires having a humble, trusting heart oriented toward love of God rather than worldly pursuits.
Jesus was clear you cannot serve two mastersGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus being clear on the issue, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and money at the same time because you will love one and hate the other. You have to make a choice and a commitment.
Jesus was saying what the kingdom is likeGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus saying what the kingdom is like. He does so by telling the Parable of the growing seed. It just grows by itself by nature and man just harvests it when ripe. There is mystery here.
Jesus was telling a story of good fish and badGLENN PEASE
The parable of the dragnet, as told by Jesus in Matthew 13:47-50, describes how the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind. When the net is full, it is pulled to shore where the fishermen sort the fish, keeping the good in baskets but throwing away the bad. Jesus explains that this is analogous to how he will separate the wicked from the righteous at the end of the age, throwing the wicked into eternal punishment. The parable illustrates that within the church both true believers and unbelievers will be gathered initially, but they will be separated at the final judgment.
Jesus was comparing the kingdom of god to yeastGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus comparing the kingdom of God to yeast. A little can go a long way, and the yeast fills the whole of the large dough, and so the kingdom of God will fill all nations of the earth.
This is a study of Jesus telling a shocking parable. It has some terrible words at the end, but it is all about being faithful with what our Lord has given us. We need to make whatever has been given us to count for our Lord.
Jesus was telling the parable of the talentsGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus telling the parable of the talents, There are a variety of talents given and whatever the talent we get we are to do our best for the Master, for He requires fruit or judgment.
Jesus was explaining the parable of the sowerGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus explaining the parable of the sower. It is all about the seed and the soil and the fruitfulness of the combination. The Word is the seed and we need it in our lives to bear fruit for God.
This is a study of Jesus warning against covetousness. Greed actually will lead to spiritual poverty, so Jesus says do not live to get, but develop a spirit of giving instead,
Jesus was explaining the parable of the weedsGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus explaining the parable of the weeds. The disciples did not understand the parable and so Jesus gave them a clear commentary to help them grasp what it was saying.
This is a study of Jesus being radical. He was radical in His claims, and in His teaching, and in the language He used, and in His actions. He was clearly radical.
This is a study of Jesus laughing in time and in eternity. He promised we would laugh with Him in heaven, and most agree that Jesus often laughed with His followers in His earthly ministry. Jesus was a laugher by nature being He was God, and God did laugh, and being man, who by nature does laugh. Look at the masses of little babies that laugh on the internet. It is natural to being human.
This is a study of Jesus as our protector. He will strengthen and protect from the evil one. We need His protection for we are not always aware of the snares of the evil one.
This is a study of Jesus not being a self pleaser. He looked to helping and pleasing others and was an example for all believers to look to others need and not focus on self.
This is a study of Jesus being the clothing we are to wear. To be clothed in Jesus is to be like Jesus in the way we look and how our life is to appear before the world.
This is a study of Jesus being our liberator. By His death He set us free from the law of sin and death. We are under no condemnation when we trust Him as our Savior and Liberator.
PHASE-IV
The very deep experience of silence helps to expand from the 3 - dimensional awareness of the body to all pervasive awareness. The bed of silence becomes deeper and more expansive - an ocean of silence with waves on it merge into complete silence called Ajapa state of the mind. This silence is the source of Creativity, Power, Knowledge and Bliss.
PHASE V
From this deep ocean of silence in the heart region, let one OM emerge as an audible sound which diffuses into the entire body and the space all around. Enjoy the beautiful vibrations.
Blink the eyes slowly, gently open the eyes and come out of meditation.
Lucid Dreaming: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The ability to control one's dreams or for the dreamer to be aware that he or she is dreaming. This process, called lucid dreaming, has some potential risks as well as many fascinating benefits. However, many people are hesitant to try it initially for fear of the potential dangers. This article aims to clarify these concerns by exploring both the risks and benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming allows a person to take control of their dream world, helping them overcome their fears and eliminate nightmares. This technique is particularly useful for mental health. By taking control of their dreams, individuals can face challenging scenarios in a controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.
Addressing Common Concerns
Physical Harm in Dreams Lucid dreaming is fundamentally safe. In a lucid dream, everything is a creation of your mind. Therefore, nothing in the dream can physically harm you. Despite the vividness and realness of the dream experience, it remains entirely within your mental landscape, posing no physical danger.
Mental Health Risks Concerns about developing PTSD or other mental illnesses from lucid dreaming are unfounded. As soon as you wake up, it's clear that the events experienced in the dream were not real. On the contrary, lucid dreaming is often seen as a therapeutic tool for conditions like PTSD, as it allows individuals to reframe and manage their thoughts.
Potential Risks of Lucid Dreaming
While generally safe, lucid dreaming does come with a few risks as well:
Mixing Dream Memories with Reality Long-term lucid dreamers might occasionally confuse dream memories with real ones, creating false memories. This issue is rare and preventable by maintaining a dream journal and avoiding lucid dreaming about real-life people or places too frequently.
Escapism Using lucid dreaming to escape reality can be problematic if it interferes with your daily life. While it is sometimes beneficial to escape and relieve the stress of reality, relying on lucid dreaming for happiness can hinder personal growth and productivity.
Feeling Tired After Lucid Dreaming Some people report feeling tired after lucid dreaming. This tiredness is not due to the dreams themselves but often results from not getting enough sleep or using techniques that disrupt sleep patterns. Taking breaks and ensuring adequate sleep can prevent this.
Mental Exhaustion Lucid dreaming can be mentally taxing if practiced excessively without breaks. It’s important to balance lucid dreaming with regular sleep to avoid mental fatigue.
Lucid dreaming is safe and beneficial if done with caution. It has many benefits, such as overcoming fear and improving mental health, and minimal risks. There are many resources and tutorials available for those interested in trying it.
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 12 - The Blessed Hope: The Mark of the Christian
SBS – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
Lição 12: João 15 a 17 – O Espírito Santo e a Oração Sacerdotal | 2° Trimestr...OmarBarrezueta1
Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
Introduction
Mantra Yoga is an exact science. "Mananat trayate iti mantrah- by the Manana (constant thinking or recollection) of which one is protected or is released from the round of births and deaths, is Mantra." That is called Mantra by the meditation (Manana) on which the Jiva or the individual soul attains freedom from sin, enjoyment in heaven and final liberation, and by the aid of which it attains in full the fourfold fruit (Chaturvarga), i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. A Mantra is so called because it is achieved by the mental process.
"Lift off" by Pastor Mark Behr at North Athens Baptist ChurchJurgenFinch
23 June 2024
Morning Service at North Athens Baptist Church Athens, Michigan
“Lift Off” by Pastor Mark Behr
Scriptures: Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11.
We are a small country Church in Athens Michigan who loves to reach out to others with the love of God. We worship an Awesome God who loves the whole world and wants everyone to see and understand what He has done for us. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) We hope you are encouraging by our Sunday Morning sermon videos. If you are ever in the area, please feel free to attend our Sunday Morning Services at North Athens Baptist Church 2020 M Drive South, Athens, Michigan. If you have any question and would like to talk to Pastor Mark, or have prayer request please call the church at (269) 729-553
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Morning Service: 10:45 a.m.
Full Morning Service on Facebook Live at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nabc2020athensmichigan
Sermon Only Live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NABC2020AthensMI
Sermon Only Audio of Morning Sermon at: https://soundcloud.com/user-591083416
God calls us to a journey of worshiping Him. In this journey you will encounter different obstacles and derailments that will want to sway you from worshiping God. You got to be intentional in breaking the barriers staged on your way of worship in order to offer God acceptable worship.
Unleash your spiritual growth journey as a truth-seeker!
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
Tracking "The Blessing" - Christianity · Spiritual Growth · Success
Do you ever feel like your Bible highlighting isn't quite enough to ignite lasting spiritual growth? Have you struggled to retain key takeaways from your Bible study sessions?
Discover how living in 4D can transform your highlighting into a strategic tool for spiritual development.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
Watch More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped to unlock the hidden potential within your highlighted Bible and embark on a transformative spiritual growth journey! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content on deepening your faith.
Note: For Christians seeking to enrich their Bible study and deepen their faith, as well as any other spiritual seeker of truth and growth.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
The Book of Revelation, filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, presents one of its most striking visions in Revelation 9:3-12—the locust army. Understanding the significance of this locust army provides insight into the broader themes of divine judgment, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will as depicted in Revelation.
Tales of This and Another Life - Chapters.pdfMashaL38
This book is one of the best of the translated ones, for it has a warning character for all those who find themselves in the experience of material life. Irmão X provides a shrewd way of describing the subtleties and weaknesses that can jeopardize our intentions, making us more attentive and vigilant by providing us with his wise pages, reminding us between the lines of the Master's words: "Pray and watch."
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2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
1. MARY OF BETHANY
EDOUARD MONTET
NOTE from editor: "All of my recent uploads, and many to come are from the ten volume series titled
MODERN SERMONS BY WORLD SCHOLARS. You can find this online for around 150 dollars, or read
it here for free. They are all in public domain free of any copyright. I share them because they have unique
value to readers,speakers and other scholars."
Dean of the faculty of the University of
Geneva since 1897; vice-rector, since
1908; professor of Old Testament exege-
sis, and lecturer on the Semitic languages :
Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic ; bom at Lyons,
June 12, 1856; secondaiy studies at the
Lycee de Lyon, collegiate studies in the
universities of Geneva, Berlin, Heidelberg,
and Paris; doctor of theology of the fac-
ulty of theology of the University of
Paris, 1883; appointed professor to the
faculty of theology of the University of
Geneva, 1885; has traveled much, es-
pecially in South America; in Morocco
1
2. made an expedition for scientific explora-
tion ; author of " The History of Chris-
tianity," and other works on Semitic lan-
guages, on Islam, and on the Old Testa-
ment.
MARY OF BETHANY
Edouard Montet, D.D.
Edited by Glenn Pease
"Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard,
very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped
his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with
the odor of the ointment.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot,
Simon's son, which should betray him.
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred
pence, and given to the poor?
2
3. This he said, not that he cared for the poor; hut he-
cause he was a thief, and had the bag, and hare what
was put therein.
Then said Jesus, Let her alone : against the day of my
hurying hath she kept this.
For the poor always ye have with you; hut me ye have
not always.'* — John 12 : 3-8.
THE action recorded of Mary of Bethany,
which cannot fail to seem strange to
Western minds and to folk of the twen-
tieth century, must have produced a profound
impression on the first disciples of Jesus, see-
ing that we read the story in all four gospels
of the evangelists. It is not that the material
fact of anointing, so frequently practised in
the East, would create any surprise to those
3
4. round about the Master. But the enthusiastic
laudation by Jesus Christ of an action ordi-
nary enough in itself, and the excessive praise
which was not self-explanatory, must have
powerfully concentrated their minds on this
religious enigma. Hence the divergences in
the records which we possess of the transac-
tion. Hence also the different interpretations
which this incident has received, and the com-
ments which have even modified and changed
the circumstances of the event.
But these variations do not in the slightest
degree diminish the irresistible attraction and
captivating charm of this page of the gospel,
which has so often impressed us by its immor-
tal freshness, its pure and fervent enthusiasm,
constituting a fountain whence our sentiment
of religion has so often drawn that living
water of which the Fourth Gospel speaks,
4
5. and which evermore quenches our spiritual
thirst.
In Bethany, called the place of poverty, was
found the little circle of intimate friends
upon whose fidelity Jesus could always count.
It was at first that Simon who had been a
leper, and at whose tables the Master did not
disdain to sit. It was that Lazarus who later
gave his name to the hamlet, that friend of
Christ of whom amongst the crowd marvelous
things were told. It was the sisters of Laza-
rus, it was Martha, always eager to serve
Jesus, of whom she made herself the humble
servant. It was Mary, that woman of the
simple but fervent heart, who attached herself
passionately to the steps of the Master to
drink in His words and His teaching, and who
lost herself in the contemplation of Christ till
she forgot all the world and especially forgot
5
6. her own self. She so sincerely endeavored to
efface herself that she has been taken for one
unkno^^Ti by some of the evangelists, and the
writer of the Fourth Gospel, who has so ex-
actly seized upon her character, and so highly
respects her modesty, contents himself with
describing her in these words: *' Mary, she
who anointed the Lord." In the midst of
humble people, without pretensions, without
learning, without great education, but also
pure from corruption, free from vice, from
the low and infamous sentiments of the con-
temporary aristocracy, Jesus felt Himself at
home, amongst His own.
A cleansed leper, some peasants, certain of
the common people, the apostles, various rep-
resentatives of the lowest class of the multi-
tudes — such are the guests that press round
the Master at the table of Simon. We are at
6
7. the eve of the crucifixion, only six days before
Passover. It is a Saturday, probably March
28, in the year 33; on April 3, Jesus will
perish on the cross. That is to say, the cir-
cumstances are solemn and saddening.
Jesus is served by Martha herself; Lazarus
and his sisters partake of the feast ; besides it
is not rare in the East that a person who is
attached to you by the bonds of affection (and
this was the case of Martha for Jesus) follows
you to wait upon you in the house to which
you have been invited. While the guests, re-
clining on the divans, eat as they lean on the
left elbow, Mary goes to seek a very precious
ointment which she possesses and returns to
kneel at the Master's feet. There, breaking
the neck of the flask which she holds in her
hand, she pours forth its contents over the
feet of Christ, which she covers with her hair,
7
8. and the whole house is filled with the odor of
the ointment.
The first inclination of the witnesses of
this scene was to reproach Mary for her prodi-
gality ; it was not necessary to employ a pound
of ointment of spikenard for anointing the
feet of Jesus ; the Master would have been as
greatly honored, if Mary had been content to
use only a portion. Judas, who filled the
function of treasurer to the apostles, made
himself the interpreter of this commonplace
judgment. * * Why was not this ointment sold
for three hundred pence, and given to the
poor?" cried he. In truth this plea for the
poor was a mere pretext on his part. Think of
Judas professing solicitude for the poor at the
very time when he was intriguing with the
worst enemies of Jesus! He made a calcula-
tion as to what the ointment was worth. It
8
9. was a large sum, and he bitterly lamented the
loss — he who estimated the value of his Master
at about twice the amount. The poor! But
this was not the moment for him to trouble
about them. And yet in that solemn hour
many were concerned who w^ere indeed in
want ! Had not Jesus come to give help to the
"unfortunate ? How restricted and how closed
against the light of the gospel was the spirit
of the apostles up to that hour !
Jesus must have experienced a feeling of
bitter disillusion concerning His disciples, on
hearing this judgment. But repressing the
legitimate indignation awakened in Him by
such unjust words concerning ^lary, He con-
tented Himself with saying to Judas : ' ' Let
her alone. She hath wrought a good work
upon me. The poor ye have always with you,
and when you wish you will be able to do good
9
10. to them, but me ye have not always." And at
the thought of His death, ever present to His
mind, the anointing of Mary assumed one of
the most elevating of symbolic meanings.
" For in that she hath poured this ointment
on my body, she did it for my burial. ' ' added
He. She, His friend, had embalmed His body
beforehand; she had in advance performed
this supreme duty with regard to which no
one would show meanness. And appreciating
at its true worth this testimony of love regis-
tered some days before His death, this pledge
of profound attachment all the more precious
because the rupture of these bonds of affec-
tion is imminent. He gives it as an example
to His disciples present and to come, exclaim-
ing: '* Verily I say unto you, wherever this
gospel shall be preached in the whole world,,
there shall also this, that this woman hath
done, be told for a memorial of her.*'
10
11. How could the apostles have forgotten these
words and the scene of which they were like
an epilog? How could they have remained
insensible to the contrast which such words
placed in evidence? Here was the trouble of
the apostles, who were by no means ready to
bestow on Him the royal anointing, and whom
this dolorous announcement of death aston-
ished, demoralized and crusht with the most
profound consternation ; it was caused by the
serenity of Jesus, approving the last funerary
preparations which Mary, without doubt or
hesitation, had just devoted to Him in the
shape of this final and solemn anointing as
the crown of His life. Here was Judas, profit-
ing by his title of apostle so as to effect a good
business realization ; there was Mary, all love
for Jesus. Here, finally, the unanimous re-
proaches of the spectators belonging to that
11
12. present generation, deaf and blind ; there, the
exaltation of Jesus and the praises of pos-
terity. It needed a heart very withered, a re-
ligious sentiment very impoverished not to
feel these things.
Features of the record which we have just
analyzed deserve specially to attract our at-
tention: the simplicity, the artlessness of
faith, the vivacity of religious feeling and the
ardent love in the face of Mary for Jesus.
Try, in fact, to unravel the secret move-
ments which agitate her heart, the impressions
by which she is stirred, and which she would
demonstrate to others and above all communi-
cate to Jesus. You will find here at one and
the same time a boundless admiration for the
Savior, an ardent love for Him, an attach-
ment, a devotion to His person that nothing
12
13. could equal, and an eager need to express at a
single stroke, without any hesitation which
might be suspected of lukewarmness, this ad-
miration, this love, this devotion, rendering
them visible and tangible, so that the Master
could see and touch them. The deeper the
religious feeling is in a Christian, the more
he doubts his ability adequately to translate
it into intelligent expression, and the more he
fears to weaken it, to attenuate it, to tarnish
it in his effort to express it. Mary was that
salt of the earth of which Jesus spoke in the
Sermon on the Mount; the savor of Chris-
tianity was in her : for nothing on earth would
she have consented to have subjected it to the
least commingling, much less would she have
allowed it to be supposed by others that she
was capable of using an atom of it.
What then shall she do in order to open to
13
14. Jesus this heart that she gives Him, this con-
science which thrills in unison with the gospel,
which only demands to penetrate always more
effectually and always more progressively into
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, that
conscience which only aspires to advance in
adoration and in faith? Shall she tread in
the footsteps of the prophet, shall she cele-
brate with the psalmist the songs of thanks
and of glorification ? Shall she ask of Job the
aid of his divine lyrism, in order to tell Jesus
how she holds Him for her Master, her sover-
eign guide, her bread of life, her salvation?
No, she knows that the Deborahs and the
prophetesses have only been the exception in
Israel; she wiU not depart from the modest
but sacred role which suits womanhood; she
is not ignorant that the most useful instru-
mentalities are not always the most brilliant,
and that she is none the less appreciated by
14
15. the Lord because she is less conspicuous. So
she will follow her own inspirations. Her in-
tentions are so holy that she does not think
of the objections that she will excite, or of
what will be said of her : to the pure all things
are pure. Impatient to testify to Jesus the
faith that animates her, she ponders upon the
ointment that she possesses ; it is evident that
she has some of the most precious. Judas,
who understands the matter, wiU value it at
three hundred pence, that is all. The more
the value of the gift, the greater will be that
of the homage paid; to give that which is
dearest to one is to render the greatest honor.
Well, without asking what she could do more
or better, she will go and take the vase con-
taining the ointment, and approaching Jesus,
will pour the contents upon that body which
soon will be exposed to cold contact with the
sepulcher.
15
16. Poor woman, what illusions you have pre-
pared ! Poor innocent ! You expected to see
faces showing amazement, you believed even
that perhaps tears would flow, when, before
the guests invited to this funeral feast, you
embalmed beforehand the body of Christ for
the burial. You thought that you would be
altogether understood by these apostles, whom
Jesus had trained and who had lived in inti-
macy with Him, and that if the others re-
mained insensible to the sad witness that you
rendered to Christ, you would at least find
favor in the eyes of the disciples ! Undeceive
yourself, Mary. The apostles themselves are
without intelligence; their meager mind sees
only useless expense, folly, vain prodigality
and aimlessness in the impulse of your heart ;
they traffic against current coin the most deli-
cate sentiments of your soul ! And yet what
16
17. should they not have had to learn of Mary of
Bethany !
And we, we who so often trumpet forth the
expression of our religious convictions ! We
who, in matters of religion, so often consult
the opinion of the world, the dogmatic fashion
of the day, the popular current of the moment !
We so sensitive, when the gospel is concerned,
to human estimates ! What do I say — we who,
like the apostles, appraise at the price of
money moral actions, and weigh the most in-
timate feelings, and the consciences of others
in equivalence of gold or bullion ! We who, I
am ashamed to confess it, have for the most
part lost the frankness, the simplicity, the in-
fantile charm of confidence in God, the spring-
tide impulse of religious feeling ! What have
we not also to learn from Mary of Bethany ?
17
18. From her let us learn above all to surrender
ourselves entirely to God and to Christ. It is
in this voluntary and absolute gift of her
whole being to Christ, and, by His mediation,
to God, that the rare merit and the high value
of the anointing of Jesus by Mary consisted.
It is because this woman witnessed to the es-
sential duty of religion, that which contains
and sums up all the obligations of religious
law, that Jesus declared that wherever the
gospel should be preached, there also should
be celebrated the good deed of the sister of
Lazarus. Such a promise, unique in the gos-
pel, could only be applied to an exceptional
action.
Mary was right : she had grasped the essen-
tially new and fruitful principle of the gospel,
she understood, in listening to the Master, in
penetrating His instructions, in the living of
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19. His life, that Christianity is the religion of
love. She could not be content with what
sufficed for the best children of Israel; the
severe monotheism, strictly moral of her an-
cestors did not satisfy her heart ; the enthusi-
astic worship by the prophets of the Eternal
was no longer adequate ; the Messianic hopes,
the hope of the resurrection, so much spoken
of amongst her contemporaries, could not any
better fill the voids. She was a woman: that
is to say she vindicated, with all the per-
suasive eloquence of the feminine heart, the
rights which the heart possesses in virtue of
the dinne will, those rights which cannot be
alienated from it, those rights which consti-
tute the chief and the best privilege of life.
She knew that nothing here below equals the
affections of the heart ; she could willingly re-
peat with the Song of Songs that love is strong
as death, and she rightly reckoned that the
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20. best part of earthly life is also the best of
celestial life. What happiness for her when
she heard Jesus affirm the same truth, pro-
claiming that God is love, that religion is es-
sentially love for God, and that there should
be between us and God only the most tender
relations and the most intimate affection ! To
give oneself to God without regrets, without
restriction, without reservations of any kind,
to give oneself to Him immediately without
taking counsel of anyone ; to give oneself to
Christ, whom He has sent, His representative
on earth. His well-beloved son; to give one-
self to Christ by a decision of one's o^vn will,
still more by a spontaneous impulse of the
heart; to give oneself to Christ and God, in
order to submit to their holy will, to become
perfect like the Father, to walk no more hence-
forth excepting by the light of the gospel in
the path of salvation — this is how Mary un-
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21. derstood the preaching of the Master, this is
how she lived according to it !
Do we thus feel the preaching of Christ,
and especially do we thus live according to
His word? I am convinced that the compre-
liension of the gospel should be more profound
among us, that we should understand better
its spirit, that we should enter more inti-
mately into the sense of the sacred text. But
I am still less persuaded that we have made
commensurate progress in evangelical life,
that we have realized the imperious necessity,
in order fully to act out the Christian life, of
giving ourselves to God and to Christ. I fear
that we too much resemble Bossuet who,
preaching on the poor, at a time when more
than ten thousand persons in a single province
were dying of hunger, found nothing better
to say with his eloquent voice than to prove
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22. the eminent dignity of the poor in the
Church: and truly, that was not an occasion
for expounding the mere letter of the gospel :
it was to the heart, to the heart only that the
preacher should have spoken.
Let our hearts speak. Ah ! Who will restore
life to our weary and burdened soul, loaded
by the weight of material cares, and by the
burdens not less heavy of moral sufferings?
Who will restore life, that is to say the possi-
bility of loving and of surrendering self, to
our hearts which this earthly life gradually
withers day by day — to these hearts, slow to
feel, slow to weep with those who weep, in-
capable of those spontaneous impulses under
which one pours forth his soul into the soul
of his brother? Who will restore life to our
faith, who will restore its native freshness,
the eternal youth which it would not have
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23. lost, if, as watchful guardians, we had de-
fended it from access to the corruptions of the
age?
That which will restore life to our faith is
the gospel better felt and better lived; it is
the gospel, not only embraced by our mind,
but also by our heart ; it is the gospel passing
in us from the domain of the understanding-
into that of feeling, from the will into action.
That which wiU give life to our faith is imi-
tation of the example of ]Iary. It is not nec-
essary to be amongst simple ones and little
ones in order to be able to assimilate this ex-
quisite delicacy of the sentiment which ^lary
experienced in its simplicity. The kingdom of
heaven has not been promised to the poor
only: none are specially privileged to enter
it. The heart may be as young, as poor, as
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24. loving, as enthusiastically holy in the aged as
in the child ; faith can be as absolute, as living,
as ardent in the soul of the sage as in that of
the unlearned man, because the heart of man
is everyw^here the same, no matter which step
of the social ladder you may consider.
Let us then sacrifice to Christ and to God
the most precious of our benefits; let us not
fear, in order to give ourselves to God and to
testify our love to Jesus, who has revealed
Him to us, to place at the feet of our Creator
and at those of our Savior, the most precious
treasures that we possess. Alas! for the
greater part of us it will not be an ointment
worth three hundred pence: it will be our
passions and our self-esteem !
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