7th Sunday of the Year (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From:) Liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

February 23, 2014
Liturgical readings
Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
Psalm 103
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Matthew 5:38-48

"His sun rises on the bad and the good."

When Christ spoke of the importance of love of enemies in the gospel of Matthew, He emphasized this counsel with a reference to Jewish Law in Exodus 21:23-25. In that Exodus passage from the Old Testament, the Jewish Law quotes an "eye for eye". The context of this quote is a law that must be obeyed when a man hurts another man's pregnant wife, and causes her to have a miscarriage:

"...you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (Exodus 21:24).

Christ however puts love and forgiveness as a value greater than this Jewish law. By sacrificing His life on the cross to save mankind, He exemplified well this teaching. St. Gregory (ca. 540-604 A.D.) also made a comment on this:

"[Christ's] prayer to God was pure...for in the midst of His suffering...He prayed for His persecutors: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'".

It is natural for man to strike back when it is struck by another. This is instinctive for any man's survival. However, Christ teaches a wisdom that connects us to heaven, more than to this world with its animal instincts. It is a wisdom that helps us to pray and work for the perfection God wants of us. We all know the basic command that men should not kill. Christ's counsel to forgive our enemies elevates our soul from just the instinctual level to hurt whoever offended us. It is not an easy counsel to practice, but through the Spirit of Christ in the Sacraments, and perseverance in doing what is good and right, we can be more merciful and forgiving.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart (Leviticus 19)
The Lord pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills (Psalm 103)
The temple of God is holy, and we are His temple (1 Corinthians 3)
Give to the man who begs from you; do not turn your back on the borrower (Matthew 5)

Celtic Christianity and its Monastic Influence on the Church

Introduction

Before the predominant model of monasticism began by St. Benedict of Nursia at Monte Cassino in 520 A.D., monasticism had another way of life and prayer in the newly converted Celtic lands of the Far West. This was rooted in the faith introduced by St. Patrick (ca. 461 A.D.). The monasteries of Celtic Christianity became centers of ecclesiastical life, as well as great schools of learning. Those in the forefront of the Celtic school were famous abbots like: Sts. Samson, Cadoc, Gildas, and David. They carried their monastic ideals across most of Europe: at Luxeuil in ca. 590 A.D.; at Jumieges in France; at Stavelot and Malmedy in Belgium; at St. Gall in Switzerland; and at Bobbio in Italy. These monasteries were founded by the Irish monks.

Historical notes: St. Patrick Christianizes Ireland

After being carried as a slave to Ireland around ca. 401 A.D., Patrick became acquainted with both the country and the language. When he was able to return to England in 407 A.D., some writings say he became a monk in the monastery of Lerin, then became a cleric in Auxerre, and eventually was sent as a missionary to Ireland where he acted as bishop. St. Patrick not only converted the Celtic tribes very well but organized them ecclesiastically. Because of St. Patrick's monastic formation, a monastic character thus became typical of Irish Christianity. It was the Irish monasteries that became the religious centers for each of the numerous Celtic tribes. Aside from the monastic leaders already mentioned above, there are other great holy founders like: Finnian, Columban the Elder of Hy, Comgall of Bangor, Brendan, Kevin, and Columban the Younger.

Irish Catholicism and private confession

In the sixth century, the monastic ideal that blossomed in Ireland became popular. Monasteries eventually became advanced schools of intellectual life and piety. The island produced countless saints and scholars and was called the "Insula Sanctorum". This golden age of the Irish Church lasted until about 740 A.D. It was from this golden age of Irish monasticism that the entire Catholic Church inherited the practice of private confession. The custom of private confession was first practiced by the Irish monks, who eventually recommended it to the lay faithful since they ask for advice on spiritual matters. Private confession thus became an instrument for spiritual guidance.

A monasticism which has a missionary spirit

In spite of its strong anchoritic (hermit) character, Irish monasticism also had a strong missionary spirit. Holy pilgrimage, the "Perigrinari pro Christo", was their ascetic ideal. This active Irish missionary monks were especially active in northwestern Germany, in Franconia, in Thuringia, Alemannia, Swabia, and Bavaria. Among the better known missionary monks were St. Kilian of Wurzburg (martyred in 689 A.D. with Colonatus and Totnanus), Pirminius (d. 753 A.D.), Corbinianus of Freising (d. 725 A.D.), Fridolin of Sackingen (ca. 600 A.D.), Trudpert of the Untermunster valley (d. ca. 607 A.D.), Rupertus of Worms (d. ca. 718 A.D.), Emmeranus of Regensburg (d. 715 A.D.), Findan of Rheinau (d. 878 A.D.), Furseus (d. ca. 647 A.D.), Eligius (d. ca. 660 A.D.), Amandus, Lambert, and Hubertus.

Conclusion

This summarized history of monasticism in the Celtic Church, makes one see that the monastic charism is like a prism which reflects many colors when the rays of the sun shine upon it. Each color of the monastic charism represents a specific monastic spiritual tradition that has sprung from the following of Christ and His gospel. Of the many monastic ideals (such as that of St. Basil in the East, the monks of the desert in Egypt, and the Benedictine monks of the West), the specific contribution of Irish monasticism to the whole Church is a sophisticated and ascetic striving for perfection through the individual guidance given in private confession. With Vatican II's introduction of communal penitential services, because of the Irish monastic influence, private confession still remains as a cherished tradition of confession in the Church today.

The Church Fathers: Early Pillars of the Church

Fathers of the Church

Church Fathers of the post-canonical period

Introduction

"Father of the Church" is a traditional title given to Christian preachers, writers and theologians of the post-canonical period (after the books of the Old and New Testament were formed). Unlike the title of "doctor of the Church", which denotes an outstanding teacher, "Father of the Church" is a popular title but not given officially by the Church. However, if "Father of the Church" and "doctor of the Church" are not synonymous terms, there are Fathers of the Church who were also declared doctors of the Church as well.

The Fathers of the Church came immediately after the age of the New Testament and contributed much to the doctrine of the Christian faith. They were reputedly known for their sanctity (even if some have never been given the title of sainthood), and their opinions have always mattered greatly in the Catholic Church. The influence of the Fathers of the Church also extend beyond Roman Catholicism. The Orthodox Christians are more devoted to them than the Catholics, while the Anglicans and the Protestants have made extensive use of their teaching.

Popular Church Fathers

Ignatius - a bishop of Antioch in Syria, ca. 110-117 A.D., who wrote a letter to each of the six churches exhorting unity among the believers. The basis of this unity was the threefold ministry of bishop, presbyter (priest), and deacon. The churches Ignatius wrote to were at Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna. Ignatius was led through Asia Minor to his execution as a martyr in Rome.

Justin - he was called the Martyr from his testimony unto death in Rome ca. 165 A.D. Born in Samaria of heathen parents, Justin was a student of philosophy and was gradually converted to Christianity. Justin believed that Christianity was the oldest, the truest, and most divine among all the philosophies. In Christianity's defense, he wrote his "Apology" which defends Christianity against the attacks of Judaism by means of a discussion between himself and a Jew named Trypho.

Tatian - he was from Syria or Assyria and wrote in the middle of the second century. He is known chiefly for his "Diatessaron", which interweaves the four Gospels into one continuous narrative.

Irenaeus - he was born in Asia Minor in the second quarter of the second century. As bishop of Lyons, he was known chiefly for his book refuting various Gnostic schools: "Refutation of Gnosticism" and "Against Heresies". The latter is the oldest surviving work in which the Church repudiated heresy. Irenaeus also wrote several books and letters which are regarded as treatises. (note: St. Irenaeus of Lyons has been declared the 37th Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis last January 21, 2022).

Tertullian - born in Carthage ca. 150-155 A.D., Tertullian studied law and was converted to Christianity ca. 190-195 A.D. He is regarded as the Father of Latin theology. When he died in ca. 223 A.D., he had left the Montanists and founded a sect of his own. His chief polemical work was "Against Marcion" in five books written over a period of about twelve years, ca. 200-212 A.D.

Clement of Alexandria - a successor of Pantaenus as head of the Alexandrian catechetical school from ca. 200 A.D. till his death in ca. 215 A.D. Clement was a presbyter of the Alexandrian Church. Not really a great theologian, Clement was a Greek puritan who understood philosophy as the handmaid of Christianity, and was known to have led the Greeks to Christ. Four of his more important surviving writings are: the "Exhortation to the Heathen", the "Protrepticus", or "Address", the "Instructor", and the "Stromateis", or "Miscellanies".

Origen - Origen was born in ca. 184-185 A.D. and lived mostly in Alexandria where he headed the catechetical school. He died in Caesarea in 254 A.D. during the Decian persecution. Origen is noted to be "the greatest Christian scholar and the most prolific Christian writer of antiquity". He wrote thousands of scrolls similar in length to the Gospel of Matthew. He was also a biblical critic and exegete, interpreting Scripture allegorically. Some of his numerous commentaries and doctrinal works include "On Prayer", "Contra Celsum", and "De Principiis". He was also compiler of the famous Hexapla, which contained the Old Testament in six columns. Also attributed to him were the Greek translations of Aquila, Theodotion, and Symmachus.

Hippolytus - born in ca. 170 A.D., Hippolytus spent most of his life in Rome where he was a priest and then bishop for about seven years (ca. 222-23 A.D. to 230 A.D.). He split with Calixtus when Calixtus was elected as bishop. Sent into exile to the mines of Sardinia in 235 A.D., he died there and was buried on the road to Tivoli. He wrote many books but is known chiefly for his "Refutation of All Heresies" which seeks to show that heresies have their source in Greek philosophy and paganism.

Cyprian - Cyprian was born probably in Carthage ca. 200-210 A.D. and spent all of his life there. He became bishop of Carthage from 248-249 A.D. till his death as a martyr in the year 258 A.D.

Eusebius of Caesarea - Eusebius was born ca. 260 A.D. in Palestine, and became bishop of Caesarea from ca. 315 A.D. till his death in 340 A.D. He played a prominent role in the Council of Nicea, and was known chiefly for his "Church History" in ten books, written between 323-325 A.D. He also wrote "Theophany", a brief exposition of the meaning of Christ.

Didymus - Didymus was a disciple of Origen. Blind early in his youth, he became one of the last presidents of the catechetical school at Alexandria. He died ca. 398 A.D. and was noted chiefly for his exegesis of Biblical books and his three books, "On the Trinity". Also surviving are his treatise on the Holy Spirit in a Latin translation.

Epiphanius of Salamis - Epiphanius was born in Palestine between 310 A.D. and 320 A.D. He was an ascetic who became bishop of Salamis, the capital of Cyprus, in 367 A.D. He spent his life hunting heretics and died at sea on his way from Constantinople to Cyprus in 403 A.D. He wrote the "Ancoratus", which is a defense of Christian doctrine in 373 A.D. He also wrote the more important "Panarion", which is a work against heresies - between 374 A.D. and 377 A.D.

Jerome - St. Jerome was born in Stridon, Dalmatia, between 331 A.D. and 342 A.D. He obtained his education in Rome and was baptized ca. 370 A.D. In 385 A.D., he left Rome for Jerusalem where he presided over a monastery as an ascetic till his death in 420 A.D. His supreme gift to Christendom was the Vulgate - a translation of the whole Bible into Latin. Also of great importance are his many commentaries on biblical books, his dialogue against the Pelagians in three books (415 A.D.), and "On Illustrious Men" written in 392 A.D. and 393 A.D. Many of his letters are also preserved.

Augustine - St. Augustine of Hippo was born in North Africa in 354 A.D. and died in August 430 A.D. Augustine is noted to be the most prominent of the Western Fathers of the Church. He is the most quoted in the present Catechism (together with St. Thomas Aquinas). Of all his works, the popular ones are his "Confessions" and his "City of God".

A list of Latin Fathers of the Church

• St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan (340-97)
• Arnobius, apologist (d. 327)
• St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo (354-430)
• St. Benedict, father of Western monasticism (480-546)
• St. Caesarius, Archbishop of Arles (470-542)
• St. John Cassian, abbot, ascetical writer (360-435)
• St. Celestine I, Pope (d. 432)
• St. Cornelius, Pope (d. 253)
• St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage (d. 258)
• St. Damasus I, Pope (d. 384)
• St. Dionysius, Pope (d. 268)
• St. Ennodius, bishop of Pavia (473-521)
• St. Eucherius, bishop of Lyons (d. 449)
• St. Fulgentius, bishop of Ruspe (468-533)
• St. Gregory of Elvira (died after 392)
• St. Gregory the Great, Pope (540-604)
• St. Hilary, bishop of Poitiers (315-68)
• St. Innocent I, Pope (d. 417)
• St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons (130-200)
• St. Isidore, Archbishop of Seville (560-636)
• St. Jerome, priest, (343-420)
• Lactantius Firmianus, apologist (240-320)
• St. Leo the Great, Pope (390-461)
• Marius Mercator, Latin polemicist (early fifth century)
• Marius Victorinus, Roman rhetorician (fourth century)
• Minucius Felix, apologist (second or third century)
• Novatian, the Schismatic (200-62)
• St. Optatus, bishop of Mileve (fourth century)
• St. Pacian, bishop of Barcelona (fourth century)
• St. Pamphilus, priest (240-309)
• St. Paulinus, bishop of Nola (353-431)
• St. Peter Chrysologus, archbishop of Ravenna (400-50)
• St. Phoebadius, bishop of Agen (d. 395)
• St. Prosper of Aquitaine, theologian (390-463)
• Rufinus, Latin translator of Greek theology (345-410)
• Salvian, priest (400-80)
• St. Siricius, Pope (334-99)
• Tertullian, apologist (160-223)
• St. Vincent of Lerins, priest and monk (d. 450)

A list of Greek Fathers of the Church

• St. Anastasius Sinaita, apologist, monk (d. 700)
• St. Andrew of Crete, archbishop of Gortyna (660-740)
• Aphraates, Syriac monk (early fourth century)
• St. Archelaus, bishop of Cascar (d. 282)
• St. Athanasius, archbishop of Alexandria (c. 297-373)
• Athenagoras, apologist (second century)
• St. Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea (329-79)
• St. Caesarius of Nazianzus (330-69)
• St. Clement of Alexandria, theologian (150-215)
• St. Clement I of Rome, Pope (30-101)
• St. Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem (315-86)
• St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria (376-444)
• Didymus the Blind, theologian (313-98)
• Diodore, bishop of Tarsus (d. 392)
• Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite, mystical theologian (late fifth century)
• St. Dionysius the Great, archbishop of Alexandria (190-264)
• St. Epiphanius, bishop of Salamis (315-403)
• Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea (260-340)
• St. Eustathius, bishop of Antioch (fourth century)
• St. Firmillian, bishop of Caesarea (d. 268)
• Gennadius I, Patriarch of Constantinople (d. 471)
• St. Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (634-733)
• St. Gregory of Nazianzus, bishop of Sasima (329-90)
• St. Gregory of Nyssa (330-95)
• St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, bishop of Neocaesarea (213-70)
• Hermas, author of "The Shepherd" (second century)
• St. Hippolytus, martyr (170-236)
• St. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch (35-107)
• St. Isidore of Pelusium, abbot (360-c. 450)
• St. John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople (347-407)
• St. John Climacus, monk (579-649)
• St. John Damascene, defender of sacred images (675-749)
• St. Julius I, pope (d. 352)
• St. Justin Martyr, apologist (100-65)
• St. Leontius of Byzantium, theologian (sixth century)
• St. Macarius the Great, monk (300-90)
• St. Maximus, abbot and confessor (580-662)
• St. Melito, bishop of Sardis (d. 190)
• St. Methodius, bishop of Olympus (d. 311)
• St. Nilus the Elder, priest and monk (d. 430)
• Origen, head of the catechetical school of Alexandria (184-254)
• St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (69-155)
• St. Proclus, patriarch of Constantinople (d. 446)
• St. Serapion, bishop of Thmuis (died after 362)
• St. Sophronius, patriarch of Jerusalem (560-638)
• Tatian the Assyrian, apologist and theologian (120-80)
• Theodore, bishop of Mopsuestia (350-428)
• Theodoret, bishop of Cyrrhus (393-458)
• St. Theophilus, bishop of Antioch (late second century)

References of this article

• Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by John A. Hardon, S.J.
• Gospel Parallels, by Burton H. Throckmorton, Jr.
• The New Dictionary of Theology, by editors Komonchak, Collins, and Lane