Washington's
birthday-Be Humble-Billy Graham
Sirach,
Chapter 23, Verse 27
Thus, all who dwell
on the earth shall know, all who remain in the world shall understand, that
nothing is better than the fear of
the Lord, nothing sweeter than obeying the commandments of the Lord.
What happens
when those who dwell on the earth no longer know God and what should we do when
it becomes abundantly clear to us that our duty to God is threatened by the
governments of men?
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church[1]
addresses the issue of when and how St. Peter's teaching that obedience to
God comes before obedience to men as it applies in the modern Christian's life.
Presciently, or perhaps better, prophetically, Pope
Benedict XVI foresaw and foresees increasing conflict between American
Catholics and a public authority increasingly secularized and increasingly
hostile to the moral values of its Catholic citizens. The conflict is caused by
the increasing demands of the State to "to deny the right of conscientious
objection on the part of Catholic individuals and institutions with regard to
cooperation in intrinsically evil practices." The aggressive secularist
State wants freedom of religion to be limited to "mere freedom of
worship," and not to "freedom of conscience" which extends beyond
the realm of the four walls of a Church into the "public square" of
social, civil, political, and economic life." Christians may
conscientiously object to civil laws if they infringe upon one or more of three
things:
(1) the law violates the moral order, that is, the natural
moral law; (2) the law violates fundamental human rights; or
(3) the law violates the teachings of the Gospel,
which is to say the teachings of the Church.
Laws that trespass against one or more of these three
things may not be obeyed, and obedience to them must be refused. In fact, the
Christian has both a duty and a right to refuse such a law. And though it may
be unrecognized, it is a right that he must exercise regardless of the
consequences to him.
The full text of the Compendium on this issue merits
quotation: "Citizens are not obligated in conscience to follow the
prescriptions of civil authorities if their precepts are contrary to the
demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or to the
teachings of the Gospel. Unjust laws pose dramatic problems of conscience
for morally upright people: when they are called to cooperate in morally evil
acts they must refuse. Besides being a moral duty, such a refusal is
also a basic human right which, precisely as such, civil law itself is obliged
to recognize and protect. 'Those who have recourse to conscientious
objection must be protected not only from legal penalties but also from
any negative effects on the legal, disciplinary, financial and professional
plane.'" "It is a grave duty of conscience not to cooperate, not
even formally, in practices which, although permitted by civil legislation, are
contrary to the Law of God. Such cooperation in fact can never be justified,
not by invoking respect for the freedom of others nor by appealing to the fact
that it is foreseen and required by civil law. No one can escape the moral
responsibility for actions taken, and all will be judged by God himself based
on this responsibility (cf. Rom 2:6; 14:12)." (Compendium, No.
399)
The right of conscientious objection is not the right
of resistance,
and the two should be carefully distinguished. Moreover, resistance which can
be expressed in "many different concrete ways" should be
distinguished from the last and desperate recourse of "armed resistance."
The right to resist an oppressive law or an oppressive government is one that
is found in the natural law. It is a right which precedes a government, and so
is one that is inalienable. Resistance generally is something to be avoided,
and it is justified only if there is a "serious" infringement or
"repeated" and chronic infringements of the natural moral law, a
fundamental human right, or a Gospel precept. "Recognizing that natural
law is the basis for and places limits on positive law means admitting that it
is legitimate to resist authority should it violate in a serious or repeated
manner the essential principles of natural law. Saint Thomas Aquinas writes
that 'one is obliged to obey . . . insofar as it is required by the order of justice.'
Natural law is therefore the basis of the right to resistance." The right
of resistance is not one that necessarily has the overthrow of government in
mind. There may be many ways in which resistance may be expressed, and there
may be many ends which resistance may have in mind: "There can be many
different concrete ways this right may be exercised; there are also many
different ends that may be pursued. Resistance to authority is meant to attest
to the validity of a different way of looking at things, whether the intent is
to achieve partial change, for example, modifying certain laws, or to fight for
a radical change in the situation." (Compendium, No. 400)
Resistance in the sense of armed resistance is something
which is a last resort. The Church has identified five conditions all of which
must be met before armed resistance is morally justified:
"1) there is certain, grave and prolonged
violation of fundamental rights,
2) all other means of redress have been exhausted,
3) such resistance will not provoke worse disorders,
4) there is well-founded hope of success; and
5) it is impossible reasonably to foresee any better
solution."
As the Church observes, armed resistance, even if
morally justified, is generally to be avoided, and passive resistance is to be
preferred. Armed resistance is often a Pandora's Box which unleashes as much or
more evil as it intended to avoid. "Recourse to arms is seen as an extreme
remedy for putting an end to a 'manifest, long-standing tyranny which would do
great damage to fundamental personal rights and dangerous harm to the common
good of the country.' The gravity of the danger that recourse to violence
entails today makes it preferable in any case that passive resistance be
practiced, which is 'a way more conformable to moral principles and having no
less prospects for success.'" (Compendium, No. 401)
For God did not give
us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do
not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his
sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that
comes from God. (2
Tm. 1:7-8)
NOVENA TO THE HOLY
FACE
We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Seventh
Day
Psalm 51, 14-15.
Give me again the joy of your help, with a spirit of fervor sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you.
Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition, Pardon and Mercy.
Prayer in Honor of Mary
Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father! Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son! Hail Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit! Hail Mary, Temple of the Most Holy Trinity! Hail Mary, our mistress, our wealth, our mystic rose, Queen of our hearts, our Mother, our life, our sweetness and our dearest hope! We are all Thine, and all we have is Thine. O Virgin blessed above all things; may Thy soul be in us to magnify the Lord; may Thy spirit be in us to rejoice in God. Place Thyself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon our hearts, that in Thee and through Thee we may be found faithful to God. Grant, most gracious Virgin, that we may be numbered among those whom Thou art pleased to love, to teach and to guide, to favor and to protect as Thy children. Grant that with the help of Thy love, we may despise all earthly consolation and cling to heavenly things, until through the Holy Spirit, Thy faithful spouse, and through Thee, His faithful spouse, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us for the glory of the Father. Amen. (St. Grignon de Montfort)
Pray one (1) Our Father, (3) Hail Mary’s, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)
In John
McCain’s book Character is Destiny the 1st President of the United States is
McCain’s example of a man who demonstrates for us the characteristic of SELF
CONTROL. Self-control is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and desires in the face of external demands in order
to function in society. (Matt DeLisi)
George
Washington was a warrior and a mensch. Washington was a
self-made man who learned to govern himself before he governed our great
country. Washington was a passionate man by nature, yet he was famous for his
reserve and graciousness to others. Washington worked on himself very hard to
control his temper and to not be sensitive to criticism. It was a lifelong
struggle and at times he was given to fits of anger. His passion was a
two-edged sword that either cut for him or against him. His passion was also
the source of his great courage. History records his fury in battle where he
wore out two horses and stood in defiance of withering fire and having his coat
tore by four musket balls. Washington did not just tell his men to stand fast
and face the enemy but set the example; leaping headlong into battle and the
men followed. Washington disciplined his passionate nature with iron will and self-control.
Washington wrote, “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign
of respect, to those that are present” and, “Labor to keep alive
in your breast the little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
He
strove to be a man of unquestionable dignity and manners. He was modest and
wore clothes that were fine and neat but never showy. He was consciously
groomed and was seldom discourteous to anyone, of higher or lower station in
life. He knew his strengths as well as his weaknesses; there was no hubris in
him.
“He
understood the nature of his countrymen as well as he understood his own. He
knew we are all flawed, that we must always be alert to the danger of
ungoverned appetites and must strive to control and improve our nature. He understood
his country at its birth needed a leader of towering honor, wisdom, and
selflessness, whose appearance must fit the role as well as his character, did.
And through the constant application of his self-control, he inhabited that
role as no one has again, and became, in fact, the father of our country. He
imprinted his character on this nation, and in that sense, we are all his
descendants, a people famous for our constant struggle to improve. We are never
so removed from the failings of our nature that we cannot stand more
improvement, but neither are we so removed from Washington’s magnificent example
that we dare not dream we can achieve it.”
In America, we have until now had no fear in
worshiping Him in holiness and righteousness. In fact, the model in America
since its founding has been one of “Many religions, but one covenant”.
We are certainly a blessed people because we as a
whole have not abandoned the covenant, nor shall we if the vision of George
Washington at Valley Forge is true. In it he saw that Americans would remain
true to our creator.
"Son of the Republic…Three great perils will
come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third, but in this greatest
conflict the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child
of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land and the Union." With
these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had
seen a vision wherein had been shown to me the birth, progress, and destiny of
the United States.
Humility
may be the most difficult of all the virtues to truly attain. There seems to be
a paradox in that claiming to have humility may be an act of pride. Some people
might be prideful in their humility… or something like that. Either way, Be
Humble Day focuses on humbling yourself. There is no boasting allowed on Be
Humble Day. Choosing not to brag about your successes and abilities can prove
to be much more difficult than one might anticipate, as the culture surrounding
us is often centered on self and the successes achieved by an individual.
Throughout the age’s philosophers and the average Joe alike have pondered
humility and what it means to be truly humble. It is a difficult question to
answer and the final answer may never fully present itself. But perhaps the
seeking of humility is more important than the achieving. In a fascinating
twist of irony, the person responsible for the founding of Be Humble Day is
unknown. Whoever it was clearly took humility seriously and didn’t bother to
brag about starting a recognized day of celebration. Perhaps the person was so
humble that they didn’t even stop to think they might have instigated something
that would reach so far.
Observing Be Humble Day
The
observance of Be Humble Day can be gone about in many ways, but all the avenues
of observance should maintain the quietness associated with humility. There
should be no loud proclamations of the fact that you’re celebrating Be Humble
Day, as that would ruin the point. The first step is simply to bear in mind to
be humble. If you keep that focus, then the rest may follow along after quite
simply. Remember: don’t focus on your own greatness and the achievements you’ve
made. Be Humble Day is also about encouraging others and focusing on their
achievements and giving a friend or co-worker the props, they deserve is an
excellent way to keep in the spirit of Be Humble Day. If you’re looking for
further inspiration and more ways to dig deeper into humility on Be Humble Day
then perhaps considering these quotes from some great minds (a title foisted
upon them by others, not one they themselves took in keeping with humility)
will assist you in your journey.
The
Christian thinker C.S. Lewis, best known for his beloved Chronicles of Narnia
book series, said that “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is
thinking of yourself less.” A perfect quote for Be Humble Day. Criss Jami, an
American poet and philosopher observed that “The biggest challenge after
success is shutting up about it.” And if you think you know something then stop
for a minute and consider the words of Albert Einstein: “A true genius admits
that he/she knows nothing.” If Albert Einstein can admit that he knows nothing,
then perhaps there is hope for all of us to be humbler in our everyday lives.
Opportunities to humble ourselves pass us by every day, and Be Humble Day is
the perfect inspiration to sit up and notice these chances to better ourselves
and to make the world a more pleasant place for the people around us.
·
The
devil certainly wants you to give in to temptation and do what is wrong,
because his main goal is to turn us away from God. When we yield to temptation,
you can be sure we make the devil happy.
·
But
the devil isn’t directly responsible for every temptation we face, nor can we
blame him when we give in and do wrong. Temptations come to us in many ways—but
when we give in to them, we alone are responsible for what we’ve done. The
Bible says, “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged
away and enticed” (James 1:14).
·
Remember,
it isn’t a sin to be tempted; even Jesus was tempted by the devil to turn away
from God’s plan (see Matthew 4:1-11). But it is sin to give in to temptation
and go our own way instead of God’s way. Every sin is an act of rebellion on
our part, telling God we think our way is better than His way. But that is a lie, for God’s way
is always best.
·
Don’t
fight your temptations alone; if you do, you will fail. Instead, ask God to help you by giving you the
courage and inner strength to turn away. Begin by asking Christ to come into your life, forgiving
and cleansing your sins and coming to live within you by His Spirit.
·
Then
learn to walk with God every day, through prayer and fellowship with other
believers and reading the Bible. The Bible says, “God is faithful. … When you
are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”
(1 Corinthians 10:13). `
Hypnotism
·
Although
hypnotism is now used sometimes by respectable doctors, dentists and
therapists, it was linked in the past with the occult and with superstition.
·
Even
when it is legitimate, there are certain real dangers that must be very
carefully considered. In hypnotism, one surrenders for a time his own capacity
to reason; there is a dependence of the one hypnotized on the will of the
hypnotist; also, there can be unfortunate aftereffects that result from this
technique.
·
Except
for a very serious reason, avoid submitting to a hypnotist; never do it for the
purpose of entertainment.
Music
In our day, hard rock
music played by "satanic" musical groups presents additional
problems. This music often glorifies Satan and also, at times, awakens desires
to commit suicide, to use drugs, and to misuse sex. The music is also known to
encourage physical violence. Even hell is proposed as a desired end of life.
The evil is found in the musical combination of words, rhythm and noise.
Records or tapes of this kind should not be kept in the home but should be
destroyed, even if they have cost a considerable amount of money. Choose the
Kingdom of God!
Devil
Worship
·
It
goes without saying that praying to the devil, worshipping Satan, reading the
Satanic bible, or taking part in a Black Mass which mocks the crucifixion of
Jesus and the Eucharist are among the most serious sins that one can commit.
·
In
some Satanic worship, there is at times sacrifice to Satan by a horrible
killing of animals, and even the murder of human infants. The secrecy
surrounding this activity enables the "Church of Satan" to obtain a
certain respectability in our society. It has the same legal standing as any
other church.
·
Do
not be deceived; being involved in this false church is a very serious matter.
Catholics who wish to repent must resign from the false religion at whatever
cost, renounce Satan and their sin in all their heart, and confess this sin in
the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Daily
Devotions
[1]
http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=45255
[2] McCain, John; Salter, Mark. Character Is
Destiny.
[4]https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/be-humble-day/
[5]https://billygraham.org/answer/does-the-devil-cause-every-temptation-we-face/
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