Apostle Thomas 3 July Feast

Saint Thomas: "My Lord and my God"

From a sermon by Ronald A. Knox
(Pastoral Sermons, pages 402-403)

Thomas, as we know from his record, was loyal to a fault; had been the first to suggest that they should all go and die with their Master. But he was one of those people who will always ask the inconvenient question. He has been chosen to be an eyewitness, vouching personally for every event in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. And he was not an eyewitness of this appearance in the upper room; it will not do. How can they be certain it was really their Master they saw? What tests did they make? Until I have seen the mark of the nails on his hands, until I have put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, you will never make me believe.

That it was all providentially ordained, one apostle being absent, and that one Thomas, with his bulldog way of looking at things, is beyond question. "Our faith," says Saint Gregory, "owes more to the faithlessness of Thomas than to the faith-fullness of all the other apostles put together." Because Thomas doubted, our Lord appeared a second time in the upper room; because Thomas doubted, they were privileged to see, and to touch if they would, the indelible scars of Calvary. What our own eyes have seen of him, what it was that met our gaze, and the touch of our hands - so John wrote, long afterwards, with that unforgettable scene for his inspiration. In a moment, the verdict of the jury became unanimous; Thomas could cry out: My Lord and my God! with the rest. Only, there is a postscript. You have learned to believe, Thomas, because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen, and believe all the same.

For our sakes, it was a good thing that Thomas doubted. But for himself, he had come short of the ideal, he had missed an opportunity; surely we are meant to see that. In however insignificant a degree, he was at fault. He had all the record of our Lord's life and teaching in front of him; he had the unanimous testimony of those others, his tried companions in arms, and yet ... some pride, some wilful obstinacy, some chagrin, perhaps, at having been left out when this experience was granted to the rest, made him withhold his assent. "I will not believe"; mysteriously, it is possible to withhold your assent by an act of the will. He ought to have capitulated.

Our Lord doesn't complain. Our Lord wasn't like us; he didn't go about after his resurrection finding fault and saying "I told you so"; he looked forward to the future. He looked down the centuries at people like you and me, who had no chance of seeing him in his incarnate state, and yet do manage to cry out, My Lord and my God; and he said, "What lucky people you are!" When he started out on his ministry, you remember, he gave us the eight beatitudes, Blessed are the patient, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the peacemakers, and so on. And now, when he is just going to leave us for heaven, he pronounces a last beatitude, Blessed are those who haven't seen, and believe all the same.

Our Lord, as we know, was fond of paradox; and this congratulation of his does seem rather unexpected. Earlier on, he said to his apostles, There have been many prophets and just men who have longed to see what you see, and never saw it; we un­derstand well enough what he means by saying, Blessed are your eyes in that connection. To see our Lord in the flesh, to hear his gracious accents, to feel the touch of his hand - what an opportunity it was that they had, and we have missed! But that is not his last word on the subject. He singles out people like you and me for a special congratulation; because we have not seen? No, because, not having seen, we believe.

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Press opinions of

THE PASTORAL SERMONS OF RONALD A. KNOX

"Of the quality of the sermons it is unnecessary -as it would, indeed, be impertinent-to speak. We can only express our great satisfaction that although the living voice which gave such added meaning to this material is now silent, the abiding message has become so easily accessible. Even to read them is to savour a rich delight."

-Thomas Corbishley, S.]., in the Catholic Herald

"A faithful impression of the range of his preaching, so biblically rooted, so free from the temptation of mere moralising ... this collection does justice to the distinguished mind and generous heart of a priest who offered all his gifts to God."

-Illtud Evans, O.P., in The Tablet

Mark Hartley Cistercian

Memorial

• Fr Mark Hartley (1935-23/06/2010)
• Cistercian, Mt. St. Bernard.

By Fr. Nivard (Bamenda)

These are just a few memories of Fr Mark. He entered the noviciate just as I was leaving it. Then after two year he joined me in the Scholasticate. We worked together in the pottery for several years. Here he was very much at home as his mother was a member of a large pottery firm. I don't ever remember us having had at least a hot argument. He was peaceable by nature and very easy to live with. Like a true friend he never hesitated to correct my erring ways when necessary.

Mark was always most helpful to me especially in the liturgy and music, right up until my recent visit. His was a very positive and encouraging character. In the early days at Bamenda he sent me sermons to help me out when I was extra busy. He did a great job in helping Fr Alban in packing and sending of the crates for the foundation in Bamenda.

As Guest Master, he was very welcoming and always gave me VIP treatment on my rare visits from Bamenda. Again as manager of the Gift Shop he showed his kindness and generosity. Indeed when there was question of a new Bursar, there was fear that he might be too generous!

He did a great job in extending and stream-lining the Gift Shop. He got the design from an architect. The result is very beautiful, with plenty of light and open space. The extension is at a higher level and the central stairway is a show piece. You can see through the steps to a lower level, devoted to its own type of items. Mark had Peter , Guest helper, install the bar code system to facilitate ordering, storage and sales of items, etc.

During the Seminar on St Aelred, we happened to be side by side on the front row. He made notes and enjoyed Fr Michael Casey’s PowerPoint Presentation. But towards the end he tended to doze.

We were both members of the coach load that went to Rivaulx and onto Ampleforth for lunch and tea with the Sisters of New Stanbrook a little further on. In both places he met many friends as he was well known because of his activities as a member and one time president of the Panel of Monastic Musicians. This was his last outing before he died.

Mark had a talent for the piano. He once played the ‘Kangaroo’ song so much that his mother had to hide the piano. He began playing the organ after his simple profession and continued to improve and practice all through his life until the very end, even in his room. His mother presented the Abbey with a very fine Allen Organ on his Silver Jubilee. His Sunday Voluntaries were very well done. Br William of Bamenda once sang ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ at an Ordination Mass in Mount St Bernard and Mark played the organ. William said that Mark was the best accompanist he ever had. Mark had a good voice and was one of the cantors. He conducted the weekly singing practice for quite a while.

Fr Mark has fought the good fight and run the course. I am sure he will receive the warmest of welcomes from our Heavenly Father and brethren and relatives who have gone before him. May he rest in Peace.

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After Funeral (Fri. 2nd July)

Peter, (well known to Fr. Mark), writes:

“Today we buried our good friend Mark at Mt St Bernard Abbey. The Abbot asked me to be an Usher at the funeral – which neatly kept me busy. There were in excess of 320 people there. At the end a bus load of Nigerians turned up and turned the period after the Service and burial into a great party. For the monastery this was utterly unusual, but Mark had been good to them too, and they showed their appreciation. They also sang the Offertory hymn: I am the bread of life. this was quite rousing, given that it was played with drums and other African instruments and great voice from their number. The Abbot invited everyone present for lunch. ...

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Office of the Dead

Community Monthly Memorial of the Dead

We remember Fr. Mark Hartley ocso Mount Saint Bernard whose Funeral this morning.

… and anniversary of an neighbour associate, (his Cross).

Collect: For Brethren, Relatives and Benefactors

Lord God,

as you are the fount of mercy and wish all men to be saved:

have mercy then on our deceased brethren, relatives, associates and benefactors.

Through the intercession of Blessed Mary ever-virgin, and of all your saints, bring them to the fellowship of' eternal joy.

A READING ABOUT THE DEATH OF
A 12th.CENTURY MONK OF CLAIRVAUX.

There lived in the monastery of Clairvaux a monk called Alquirin who was skilled in the art of medicine, and so nobles and great men of that region were always asking his help and drawing him, unwilling and resisting, to many places. Yet he was always solicitous about the poor and needy and would go to any lengths to cure them. Not only did he treat their sicknesses and wounds, but he tended with his own hands their putrid flesh and ulcered limbs with such care that it was as if he were caring for the wounds of Christ. And this really was so, he did everything for Christ, and Christ received eve­rything he did as being done for him, so that at the end he could say to him what was said of those who do works of mercy, 'I was sick and you visited me'.

Having lived, this life in this praiseworthy manner, the time came when he would receive in eternity the reward of his labours and his works of mercy, and he fell ill and neared his end. His Abbot came to visit him, and asked him what he was doing and how he was. He replied, 'My Father all is very well with me, because I am going to my Lord.' The Abbot asked him: 'But are you not suffering in body and do you not fear the agony of death?’ The monk replied, ‘I look upon it all with tranquillity and joy, because I have received beforehand from the Lord the blessings of sweetness, and that has taken all sorrow from my heart and nearly all pain from my body.'

Then the Abbot asked him, 'I beg you, my dear brother, for the love of God and for our edification , tell us anything that God has revealed to you.'

To which he replied, 'Before you came in, I saw, miserable and unworthy though I am, the Lord Jesus who looked at me with a kind and serene expression and showed me the marks of his Passion’, saying "Lo your sins are taken away from before my face, Come and kiss my wounds which you have tended so often."

I was so strengthened by this promise that I do not now fear to die.'

(from an article in the Fairacres Chronicle Spring 1984. The Death of the Saints in some 12th (Century Sources by Sister Benedicta Ward. )

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Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance

(Trappists)

Obituary

Father Mark Hartley ocso

23 June 2010 : Father Mark Hartley. Born in 1935 in Staffordshire (Great Britain), he entered Mount St Bernard in 1954 and made his solemn profession in 1960. He was ordained priest in 1964. Father was 74 years old, had been in monastic vows for 53 years and 45 years a priest when the Lord called him.

Mount St Bernard Abbey

Seven times a day I praise you

COMMENT
From: John ......
To: Donald
Sent: Thu, 1 July, 2010 18:56:35
Subject: St Clement

Dear Donald, thanks very much for your email and the impressive commentary. We are so blessed to have such a rich heritage. It gives us hope and encouragement in the times we are living in ...
Yours ...

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13^th Week Ordinary Time THURSDAY Year II

Night Office Reading

From the writings of Saint Clement of Alexandria (Ex lib. Stromatum 7, 7: PG 9, 450-451. 458-459)

All our life we must honour God

The Night Office Reading this morning was beautifully resounding through the monastic life.

It seemed so very up to date.

And, in fact, goes back to Alexandria about 200 A.D., Saint Clement, (see below).

The words breath through the Presence of God and being happy:
"Thus he who possesses true knowledge draws closer to God, and is always serious and always happy". This kind of quotation is asking for assistance from friend artists with Power

... ...

Night Office Reading

All our life we must honour God

We are commanded to worship and honour this same person, whom we believe to be the Word, our Saviour and ruler, and through him the Father.

Nor must we confine our worship to special days, but offer it perpetually throughout our lives and in every way.

The chosen race, justified by the commandment, declared:

Seven times a day I praise you. Ps. 118(119):164.

So he who possesses true knowledge honours God, that is, thanks him for his gifts of spiritual knowledge and right conduct, in no specific place or appropriate sanctuary, still less at certain feasts or on definite days, but everywhere and all his life, whether in solitude or with others of his own faith.

Now the presence of some good man, because it inspires respect and reverence, is always an influence for the better on those who chance to meet him.

Then surely one who is always in the presence of God, through spiritual knowledge and a life of cease less thanksgiving, cannot help but become a better person in every way, in deed, word, and thought.

Such is the man who is convinced of God's presence everywhere, refusing to believe that he is enclosed in any specific place.

Then because of this conviction of ours that God is present everywhere, our whole life becomes a celebration.

We praise God as we till the fields or sail the seas, and in all the other ways of life in which we employ our skills.

Thus he who possesses true knowledge draws closer to God, and is always serious and always happy.

He is serious because his attention is concentrated on the divine being, and happy because of his continuous awareness of the blessings which God has given to mankind.

Yet petitionary prayer is not superfluous, even though we receive blessings without asking for them. Both thanksgiving and prayer for the conversion of his fellowmen are required of the true Christian. That is the very way in which our Lord prayed. First he gave thanks because he had fulfilled his earthly ministry. Then he prayed that as many as possible might receive true knowledge so that thanks to that knowledge they might set out on the road to salvation, and by their salvation glorify God, and so that he who alone is good, and alone is the Saviour, might be recognized through his Son for all eternity. And yet, the faith of one who believes that he will receive what he has need of is in itself a kind of prayer, stored up within the spirit.

But if prayer is an opportunity for communion with God, like any other opportunity of approach to God we must not neglect it. The sanctity of the man who possesses true knowledge is combined with God's blessed providence, and in the voluntary profes sion of Christian faith shows forth the perfection of God's kindness to men. For that sanctity in a way corresponds to providence and is a return of affection on the part of God's friend.

God is not compelled to do good, but chooses to reward those who of their own free will turn to him. For the care that God takes of us is not at all like the menial service that an inferior being bestows on a superior; on the contrary, it is out of pity for our weakness that the dispensations of providence are active in our concerns. There is the same relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, a king and his subjects, as well as between ourselves and the rulers to whom we owe obedience, those who hold their appointed offices as a duty which God has entrusted to them. So the true worshipers and servants of the divine being are those who offer him the most free and the most royal service, arising both from a devout mind and from spiritual knowledge.

Responsory Zep 2:3; Ps 22:26

Seek the Lord, all you in the land who live humbly, obeying his commands. + Seek integrity, seek humility.

V. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord shall praise him. + Seek integrity ...

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St. Clement of Alexandria

St. Clement of Alexandria studied under Pantaenus. He later succeeded him as the director of the school of catechumens in Alexandria , Egypt around the year 200 A.D. Clement may be considered the founder of speculativetheology. He strove to protect and deepen faith by the use of Greek philosophy. Central in his teaching is his doctrine of the Logos, who as divine reason is the teacher of the world and its lawgiver. Clement's chief work is the trilogy,Exhortation to the Greeks, The Teacher, and Miscellaneous Studies.http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/clement-instructor-book1.html

"The Blood of the Lord, indeed, is twofold. There is His corporeal Blood, by which we are redeemed from corruption; and His spiritual Blood, that with which we are anointed. That is to say, to drink the Blood of Jesus is to share in His immortality. The strength of the Word is the Spirit just as the blood is the strength of the body. Similarly, as wine is blended with water, so is the Spirit with man. The one, the Watered Wine, nourishes in faith, while the other, the Spirit, leads us on to immortality. The union of both, however, - of the drink and of the Word, - is called the Eucharist, a praiseworthy and excellent gift. Those who partake of it in faith are sanctified in body and in soul. By the will of the Father, the divine mixture, man, is mystically united to the Spirit and to the Word.",

-"The Instructor of the Children". [2,2,19,4] ante 202 A.D.,

"The Word is everything to a child: both Father and Mother, both Instructor and Nurse. 'Eat My Flesh,' He says, 'and drink My Blood.' The Lord supplies us with these intimate nutrients. He delivers over His Flesh, and pours out His Blood; and nothing is lacking for the growth of His children. O incredible mystery!",

-"The Instructor of the Children" [1,6,41,3] ante 202 A.D.. ,

www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/father/a5.html

Peter & Paul

29th June SAINTS PETER AND PAUL Gospel Mt. 16: 13-19 Introduction to the Mass: The Gospel (Mt. 16-19) makes the Primacy of Peter is prominent but, in fact, Jesus makes the small word (Kago) ‘ALSO’ focal. Mat 16:18 - And I also say unto thee (k'agō de soi legō). “The emphasis is not on ‘Thou art Peter’ over against ‘Thou art the Christ,’ but on Kagō: ‘The Father hath revealed to thee one truth, and I also tell you another” (McNeile). Jesus, But who do you say that I am? Then Peter uttered that theological pronouncement: The Night Reading was put it very elegantly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. What was the Saviour's reply? Blessed are you, Simon bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you. In other words, "It was not by remaining in your body of flesh and blood that you received this revelation about me; you had to be entirely outside the world of the senses to be initiated into the divine mysteries." Bishop Theophane twins Peter here with in these words: “In the same way, when Paul said that he had been raised to the third heaven and had heard words too sacred to tell, he had no need of bodily awareness when contemplating spiritual truths. As he himself declared: Whether in the body or out of the body I do not know.” It is a fine lesson to us to keep on the same spiritual focus, as we begin the Mass. … + + + + + + + + + + Night Reading: From a homily by Theophanes Cerameus (Horn. LV: PG 132,960-965) Theophane Cerameus (12thcent), comes from the ancient colonies Greek colonies of Sicily and Southern Italy. He was Archbishop of Rossano Southern Italy from 1129-1152. His sermons written in Greek were outstanding for the time, being remarkable especially for their simplicity and oratorical skill. (A Word in Season, Monastic Lectionary, 3 contributionsin this ‘anthology’, §65, §100 §150,). But who do you say that I am? It is as though the Lord said: "The general opinion is clearly much divided and uncertain, but since you have known me for such a long time, what is your judgment in the matter?" The rest of the disciples were lost for an answer; some perhaps were undecided, while others feared to seem rash. It was Peter, their leader, who became the spokesman for his companions. Transcending in thought the world of perception, he flew through the air to the heavens above, leaving the stars behind him and reaching further than the highest sphere. So he arrived in the spirit world, crossed the fiery rivers of the seraphim, and was taught by the Father about the nobility of his only-begotten Son. Then he uttered that theological pronouncement: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. What was the Saviour's reply? Blessed are you, Simon bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you. In other words, "It was not by remaining in your body of flesh and blood that you received this revelation about me; you had to be entirely outside the world of the senses to be initiated into the divine mysteries." In the same way, when Paul said that he had been raised to the third heaven and had heard words too sacred to tell, he had no need of bodily awareness when contemplating spiritual truths. As he himself declared: Whether in the body or out of the body I do not know. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. "Because you are Peter," our Lord said, "you will be­come the rock of faith, the foundation stone of the Church, and the principal means for its spiritual construction. On this confession of yours that I am both Son of God and Son of Man the Church's foundation stone will be laid; for such a foundation provides a secure basis on which to build the remaining doctrines." And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The gates of hell which will not prevail against the Church are no doubt the tyrants who persecute it, and the founders of heresies. They are called the gates of hell figuratively because they drag their followers toward the snares of hell. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The Lord did not say "I give you now," but "I will give you," foretelling what would happen after the resurrection. It was then that he granted Peter the grace of the Holy Spirit and the power of binding and loosing, and appointed him to be shepherd of his human flock. But what are the keys, and of what kind of door is Peter appointed the guardian? Christ is the door, as he himself declared; and the key to that door is faith, the faith which he entrusted to his chief disciple. The Lord has given the keys to Peter and his successors, then, to keep the door to the kingdom of heaven inaccessible to heretics and impenetrable by them, but easy for the faithful to enter, thus confirming his declaration: Without being born of water and the Spirit no one can enter the kingdom of heaven. The opponents and enemies of the faith are called the gates of hell, but the Lord Emmanuel is called the door and gateway to the kingdom of heaven, and he eagerly calls out to everyone: Whoever enters through me will be saved and Enter through the narrow gate and shun the wide streets that lead to hell.