Increase our Faith

27^th Sunday Ordinary Time (C)

Listening the Night Office the words of Gospel and St. Augustine were scintillating by the Holy Spirit. How does ‘scintillating’ describe the sense? (Synonyms: lively, brilliant, bright, dazzling, glittering, inspiring, moving rousing exciting stimulating stirring, shining, sparkling, stimulating).

Augustine said,

“Where there is no faith, there is no prayer”,

and that sparks off the flame.

On the cuff;

Google ‘Faith and Prayer Augustine’, About 1,320,000 results (0.19 seconds)  

Gospel: Luke 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.  . . .

From a sermon by Saint Augustine (Sermo 115: PL 38, 655)

Prayer and faith are interdependent. Faith enables us to pray, and prayer increases our faith 

Reading the holy gospel nourishes in us the habit of prayer, builds up our faith, and disposes us to trust in the Lord rather than in ourselves. What more powerful incentive to prayer could be proposed to us than the parable of the unjust judge? An unprincipled man, without fear of God or regard for other people, that judge nevertheless ended by granting the widow's petition. No kindly sentiment moved him to do so; he was rather worn down by her pestering. Now if a man can grant a request even when it is odious to him to be asked, how can we be refused by the one who urges us to ask?

Having persuaded us, therefore, by a comparison of opposites that we ought always to pray and never lose heart, the Lord goes on to put the question:

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, do you think he will find faith on earth?

Where there is no faith, there is no prayer. Who would pray for something he did not believe in? So when the blessed Apostle exhorts us to pray he begins by declaring: Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved but to show that faith is the source of prayer and the stream will not flow if It springs are dried up, he continues: But how can people call on him in whom they do not believe?

We must believe, then, in order to pray; and we must ask God that the faith enabling us to pray may not fail. Faith gives rise to prayer, and this prayer obtains an increase of faith. Faith, I say, gives rise to prayer, and is in turn strengthened by prayer. It was to guard against their faith failing in times of temptation that the Lord told his disciples: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.

Watch, he says; and pray that you may not enter into temptation. What does it mean to enter into temptation? It means to turn one's back on faith. Temptation grows stronger in proportion as faith weakens, and becomes weaker in proportion as faith grows strong. To convince you, beloved, that he was speaking of the weakening and loss of faith when he told his disciples to watch and pray that they might not enter into temptation, the Lord said in this same passage of the gospel: This night Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail. Is the protector to pray, while the person in danger has no need to do so?

But in asking whether the Son of Man would find faith on earth at his coming, the Lord was speaking of perfect faith. That kind of faith is indeed hardly to be found on earth. Look at God's Church: it is full of people. Who would come here if faith were non-existent? But who would not move mountains if that faith were present in full measure? Mark the apostles: they would never have left everything they possessed and spurned worldly ambition to follow the Lord unless their faith had been great; and yet that faith of theirs could not have been perfect, otherwise they would not have asked the Lord to increase it.

Pictures Dunbar

Blogger-Com offers multiple selections of pictures.
Unfortunately the Post of "Dunbar Harbour," so far, fails to carry the graphics.
Let us see if perseverance succeeds.

So far, seven downloaded is single Picasa editing. It is not the easy way.

This one is by Easy Share loading.
It looks more helpful.

Good, learning more.
Better still, to visit the Harbours again!

Dunbar Harbour

Subject: [Dom Donald's Blog] Dunbar Harbour
Date: Friday, 1 October, 2010, 6:23

Harbour Home

Dunbar Harbour consists of two Harbours, the Victoria and the Cromwell.

Guest, friends from France , invited us to an autumn afternoon trip. Nivard was interested about the new 30 minute Tennis Court in Dunbar .

The first attraction in a seaside town must be the sea.

All these years, the Church of Our Lady of the Seas has been my stopping spot, and it faces the entrance to the harbour.

On this occasion, our friends from France looked beyond my short sighted idea of the harbour. Charles, driving, continued down through the alley ways into the harbour.

The view unfolded to me two glorious harbours.

The newer, 1882, Victoria Harbour opens on to the old Harbour (Cromwell), accessed through an Open-Up Bridge , as we came to them.

 

Instinctively I went to the edge of the pier. The seagulls gaggled and strutted waiting for food. To someone I pointed beneath at the large seal attending to our voices. He pulled out a camera for a picture. He was a German tourist.

The place was alive with interesting people at this surprising late season, visitors literally lingering and enjoying the atmosphere and scene.

For some reason we gathered along the quayside and clustered around a charming lady. As I joined the company, and caught her conversation I asked, “Are you a Guide or just love the place?” She was doing well but this opened the sluice gates as she warmed to her account of the Harbour and the life of the place. She regaled her with the folklore of the fishing, sailing and tourist fraternity and into the history of the place.

In this meeting, we learned more from her knowledge and her familiarity with the Dunbar Harbour Trust and the Lifeboats Charity than I heard of in the fifty years of ‘knowing’ Dunbar .

We followed her directions and went to explore the Old Harbour and took photographs.

Pat went to bring her camera from the car. The photos she took help to make a souvenir of a memorable Dunbar visit.

We appreciated our friends from France for coming to show the wonders of our own local seaside Dunbar .

(There is no lack of Dunbar Websites)

Angels in their place

29 September [Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, archangels] Jn 1:47-51  And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.(51) “NT tends to put angels in their place?” Quote: Early Christianity inherited Jewish beliefs about angels, but the interest is much diminished.  The angel of the Annunciation has a permanent place in Christian spirituality, but the New Testament tends if anything to put angels in their place.  So in Heb. 1, angels are inferior to the Son; in 1 Cor 13:1 the eloquence of angels takes second place to love; and in 1 Pet 1:12 the angels are seen as envying the Christian.  http://goodnews.ie/news.php?dt=2010-09-29  The Quote tends to demythologizing. The celebration of the Liturgy reads from a very different hymn sheet. The New Testament, on a Google count, has the word “angels” occur more than in Old Testament: ”Angels in Old Testament”, about 1,630,000 results (0.24 seconds) “Angels in New Testament”, 2,020,000 results (0.20 seconds). “Angels” in King James Version: 185 occurrences. In New Testament G32   ́αγγελος    angelos        ag Total KJV Occurrences: 185 angel, 96 Mat_1:20, Mat_1:24, Mat_2:13, Mat_2:19, Mat_28:2, Mat_28:5, Luk_1:11, Luk_1:13, Luk_1:18-19 (2), Luk_1:26, Luk_1:28, Luk_1:30, Luk_1:34-35 (2), Luk_1:38, Luk_2:9-10 (2), Luk_2:13, Luk_2:21, Luk_22:43, Joh_5:4, Joh_12:29, Act_5:19, Act_6:15, Act_7:30, Act_7:35, Act_7:38, Act_8:26, Act_10:3, Act_10:7, Act_10:22, Act_11:13, Act_12:7-11 (5), Act_12:23, Act_23:8-9 (2), Act_27:23, 2Co_11:14, Gal_1:8, Gal_4:14, Rev_2:1 (2), Rev_2:8, Rev_2:12, Rev_2:18, Rev_3:1, Rev_3:7, Rev_3:14, Rev_8:2-3 (3), Rev_8:5, Rev_8:7-8 (2), Rev_8:10, Rev_8:12-13 (2), Rev_9:1, Rev_9:11, Rev_9:13-14 (2), Rev_10:1, Rev_10:5, Rev_10:7-9 (3), Rev_11:1, Rev_11:15, Rev_14:6, Rev_14:8-9 (2), Rev_14:15, Rev_14:17-19 (3), Rev_16:3-5 (3), Rev_16:8, Rev_16:10, Rev_16:12, Rev_16:17, Rev_17:7, Rev_18:1, Rev_18:21, Rev_19:17, Rev_20:1, Rev_21:17, Rev_22:6, Rev_22:8, Rev_22:16 angels, 80 Mat_4:6, Mat_4:11, Mat_13:39, Mat_13:41, Mat_13:49, Mat_16:27, Mat_18:10, Mat_24:30-31 (2), Mat_24:36, Mat_25:31, Mat_25:41, Mat_26:53, Mar_1:13, Mar_8:38, Mar_12:25, Mar_13:27, Mar_13:32, Luk_2:15, Luk_4:10, Luk_9:26, Luk_15:8-10 (3), Luk_24:22-23 (2), Joh_1:51, Joh_20:12, Act_7:53, Rom_8:38, 1Co_4:9, 1Co_6:3, 1Co_11:10, 1Co_13:1, Gal_3:19, Col_2:18, 2Th_1:7, 1Ti_3:16, 1Ti_5:21, Heb_1:4-7 (5), Heb_1:13, Heb_2:2, Heb_2:5, Heb_2:7, Heb_2:9, Heb_2:16, Heb_12:22, Heb_13:2, 1Pe_1:12, 1Pe_3:22, 2Pe_2:4, 2Pe_2:11, Jud_1:6, Rev_1:20, Rev_3:5, Rev_5:11, Rev_7:1-2 (2), Rev_7:11, Rev_8:2, Rev_8:6, Rev_9:13-15 (3), Rev_12:7 (2), Rev_14:9-10 (2), Rev_15:1, Rev_15:6-8 (3), Rev_17:1 (2), Rev_21:9, Rev_21:12 messenger, 4 Mat_11:10, Mar_1:2, Luk_7:27, 2Co_12:7 messengers, 3 Luk_7:24, Luk_9:52, Jam_2:25 angel’s, 2 Rev_8:4, Rev_10:10 A list of passages from the New Testament with the word angel or in Greek, aggelos. 169 Occurrences, http://www.sage.edu/faculty/salomd/ld/angels.html  The Liturgy The Liturgy embodies every Biblical angelic sense. It is extended to the writings of the Fathers. St. Bernard is eloquent on the choirs of angels. With the recent Beatification of John Henry Newman in mind, it is joyful to reproduce this reading. + + + SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS Gospel                  From the gospel according to John (1:47-51) Third Reading       From a sermon by John Henry  (Parochial and Plain Sermons, volume 4, pages 200-204. 207-209) There are two worlds, "the visible and the invisible," as the Creed speaks, - the world we see, and the world we do not see; and the world which we do not see as really exists as the world we do see. It really exists, though we see it not. The world that we see we know to exist, because we see it. All that meets our eyes forms one world. It is an immense world; it reaches to the stars. It is everywhere; and it seems to leave no room for any other world. And yet in spite of this universal world which we see, there is another world, quite as far-spreading, quite as close to us, and more wonderful; another world all around us, though we see it not, and more wonderful than the world we see. For, first of all, he is there who is above all beings, who has created all, before whom they all are as nothing, and with whom nothing can be compared. Almighty God, we know, exists more really and absolutely than any of those fellow-men whose existence is conveyed to us through the senses; yet we see him not, hear him not, we do but "feel after him," yet without finding him. Angels also are inhabitants of the world invisible. They are said to be "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." No Christian is so humble but he has angels to attend on him, if he lives by faith and love. Though they are so great, so glorious, so pure, so wonderful, that the very sight of them (if we were allowed to see them) would strike us to the earth, as it did the prophet Daniel, holy and righteous as he was; yet they are our "fellow-servants" and our fellow-workers, and they carefully watch over and defend even the humblest of us, if we be Christ's. The world of spirits then, though unseen, is present; present, not future, not distant. It is not above the sky, it is not beyond the grave; it is now and here; the kingdom of God is among us. We look, says St. Paul, not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Such is the hidden kingdom of God; and; as it is now hidden, so in due season it shall be revealed. Men think that they are lords of the world, and may do as they will. They think this earth their property, and its movements in their power; whereas it has other lords besides them, and is the scene of a higher conflict than they are capable of conceiving. It contains Christ's little ones whom they despise, and his angels whom they disbelieve; and these at length shall take possession of it and be manifested. At the appointed time there will be a manifestation of the sons of God, and the hidden saints shall shine out as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. When the angels appeared to the shepherds it was a sudden appearance, Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host. How wonderful a sight! The night had before that seemed just like any other night; as the evening on which Jacob saw the vision seemed like any other evening. They were keeping watch over their sheep; they were watching the night as it passed. They had no idea of such a thing when the angel appeared. Such are the power and virtue hidden in things which are seen, and at God's will they are manifested. They were manifested for a moment to Jacob, for a moment to Elisha's servant, for a moment to the shepherds. They will be manifested for ever when Christ comes at the Last Day in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Then this world will fade away and the other world will shine forth.

Michael Gabriel and Raphael

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Nivard - - ->
To: donald - - ->
Sent: Tue, 28 September, 2010 20:10:09
Subject: St Michael

St Michael and All angels

The angels show forth God’s greatness and perfection. Each symbolises some attribute or other of that infinite Being. In some we see his power, in others his love. In others we see his strength and in others his healing power. Each is a reproduction of some beauty of the divine Original. Each adores him and glorifies him in the perfection it portrays. It is God, whom we honour in the angels. They are like mirrors reflecting the perfections of their infinite Creator. They share in the life of God. Victorious in trial, they enjoy the beatific vision. “Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father, who is in heaven.”

.

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Honouring the Archangels

Fatrher Tanquery S.S.

The angels show forth God's greatness and perfection. "Each symbolizes individually some attribute or other of that infinite Being. In some we see his power, in others his love, in others his strength. Each is a reproduction of some beauty of the divine Original; each adores him and glorifies him in the perfection it portrays." It is God, then, whom we honour in the angels. They are like mirrors reflecting the perfections of their infinite Creator. Raised to the supernatural order, they share in the life of God; and victorious in trial, they enjoy the beatific vision: “Their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

If we consider their relations with Jesus Christ, it may not appear absolutely certain that they hold their grace from him; but this much does appear with certainty, that in heaven they unite themselves with him, the Mediator of all religion, in order to adore, praise, and glorify the majesty of the Most High. It is their bliss to add in this wise a greater worth to their worship: “Through whom the angels praise, the dominations adore and the powers hold in awe your majesty." Hence, when we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ to adore God we join at the same time with the angels and saints in a heavenly harmony which renders the praise of the Godhead still more perfect We can well make our own the words of Father Olier: "May all the angelic host, the mighty powers that move the spheres of heaven, forever pour forth in Jesus Christ whatever be wanting to our song of praise. May they forever thank you, Lord, for all those gifts both of nature and of grace which from the goodness of your hand we all receive."

Father Adolphe Tanquerey (+ 1932) was a Sulpician priest and theologian who was born in France. His work The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetic and Mystical Theology is considered a classic.   (1930. Copyright  1995. Trinity Communications, The Catholic Resource).

A classic guide to the spiritual life., 11 Mar 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spiritual Life (Paperback)

Originally published in 1923 as a textbook for use in seminaries this book has been out of print for many years. For the past 20 years I have used a copy I bought second-hand and it is the book I refer to more than any other. It is clearly laid out - every paragraph is numbered for easy reference - and is full of practical, sensible advice. Tanquerey spells out every step of the spiritual path, its defining features, its rewards and pitfalls and what to do when you stumble into the mud or take a wrong turning. If written today it would probably be described as a comprehensive self help manual for anyone serious about the spiritual life.
Cons: the formal, academic style of a master writing for students; it is a big book, if you are looking for a ten minute guide to the spiritual life this isn't it.
Pros: the most comprehensive and logical guide to the spiritual life available anywhere.