God's Truth Endures Forever

From the Imitation of Christ:

You thunder judgments upon me, O Lord: you shake all my bones with fear and dread, and my soul becomes severely frightened. I am bewildered when I realize that even the heavens are not pure in your sight.

If you discovered iniquity in the angels and did not spare them, what will become of me? The stars fell from heaven, and I, mere dust, what should I expect? Those whose works seemed praiseworthy fell to the depths, and I have seen those who once were fed with the bread of angels delighting in the husks of swine.

There is no holiness where you have withdrawn your hand, O Lord; no profitable wisdom if you cease to rule over it; no helpful strength if you cease to preserve it. For if you forsake us, we sink and perish; but if you visit us, we rise up and live again. We are unstable, but you make us firm; we grow cool, but you inflame us.

All superficial glory has been swallowed up in the depths of your judgment upon me. What is all flesh in your sight? Can the clay be glorified in opposition to its Maker? How can anyone be aroused by empty talk if his heart is subject in the truth to God?

The whole world cannot swell with pride the man who is subject to truth; nor will he be swayed by the flattery of all his admirers, if he has established all his trust in God. For those who do all the talking amount to nothing; they fail with their din of words, but the truth of the Lord endures forever.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Definition of the Priest

A priest is a man called by God and empowered by the Holy Ghost to act in the person of Christ as co-worker of the Episcopal order in serving the needs of God’s people through the ministry of word, sacrament and pastoral leadership. In carrying out this task the priest is to be a living sacrament of Christ the Shepherd, to whom he is configured through the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Priests, as co-workers with their bishops, have as their primary duty the proclamation of the gospel to all. In this way they carry out the Lord’s command, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”…Priests owe it to everybody to share with them the truth of the Gospel. Therefore whether they proclaim the mystery of Christ to unbelievers, or teach the Christian faith, or explain the Church’s teaching, or treat contemporary problems in light of Christ’s teaching—in every case their role is to teach not their own wisdom, but the Word of God, and to summon all people urgently to conversion and to holiness.

Priests partake in the function of Christ the sole Mediator and thus announce the divine word to all. They exercise this sacred function most of all at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where they act in the person of Christ and proclaim His mystery. Priests join the offering of the faithful to the sacrifice of the Head and in a movement of ascending mediation they lead the people in prayer to God. The priest does not exercise a role of mediation different from that of Christ, who is mankind’s one and all sufficient mediator. Rather, he is the instrument through whom Christ continues to exercise His mediation in the world.

Because it is joined with the Episcopal order, the office of priests shares in the authority by which Christ Himself builds up and sanctifies and rules His Body. To the degree of their authority and in the name of their bishop, priests exercise the office of Christ the Head and the Shepherd. Thus they gather God’s family together as a brotherhood of living unity, and lead it through Christ and in the Holy Ghost to God the Father. For the exercise of this ministry, as for other priestly duties, spiritual power is conferred upon them for the up building of the Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Daily Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Holy Mary, my Queen and sovereign Lady, I give you myself, trusting in your fidelity and your protection. I surrender myself entirely to your motherly tenderness, my body, my soul, all that I am, all that I possess, for the whole of this day, for every moment of my life, and especially at the hour of my death. I entrust to you once more all my hopes, all my consolations, all my anxieties, all my troubles, my life, my dying breath, so that by your prayers and merits, I may have, in all I do, one only goal, your good pleasure and the holy will of your Son.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Happiness is Found in God Alone

Man was created to love God; therefore we can only find happiness in God alone. We have only to look at those who choose to live without loving God. Look at the people who neglect prayer and the Sacraments. They’re unhappy. Look at the people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. They’re unhappy. The proud are never at rest. They are always afraid of losing their wealth or status. Look at those who choose to live unchaste lives. They look for happiness in sins of the flesh.

Why can we not find happiness in all these things which appear to satisfy us? It is because we were created only for God. God alone is capable of satisfying us and making us truly happy. We are often so blind. We cling to life, to the world and its goods and pleasures. We cling to the very things which make us unhappy. The Saints despised all these things and clung to God alone!

If we are not in the habit of asking God for Charity we must begin today. If we are not asking God for Charity we shouldn’t be surprised that we are so worldly. We must love our neighbor as ourselves if we want to show our love for God. Who is our neighbor? Absolutely everybody! Those who have wronged us, those who have injured our good name and even those who wish to do harm to us. We must love all of them as ourselves. We must rejoice when our enemies are successful. We must be sad when they suffer loss. If we do not do this and we do not believe it we are bad Christians!

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Temptation is Necessary

Job says: “Man’s life on earth is a temptation.” No one is too perfect and holy as sometimes not to have temptations. Nevertheless, temptations can be very profitable, difficult though they may be. Temptation is necessary. It helps us to persevere in humility and distrust of ourselves. Temptation forces us to take refuge in God alone. In fact, temptation is one of the sure signs that we are on the path to heaven, no matter how humiliating the temptation may be. If you are weighed down with the worst temptations simply turn to Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and He will support you in your time of trial.

One of the most common temptations is to turn away from God when we are persecuted. But we must trust Him and His divine providence. It is one of the most firmly established and most consoling of the truths that have been revealed to us that (apart from sin) nothing happens to us in life unless God wills it so. Wealth and poverty alike come from Him. If we fall ill, God is the cause of our illness; if we get well, our recovery is due to God. We owe our lives entirely to Him, and when death comes to put an end to life, His will be the hand that deals the blow.

But should we attribute it to God when we are unjustly persecuted? Yes, He is the only person you can charge with the wrong you suffer. He is not the cause of the sin the person commits by ill-treating you, but He is the cause of the suffering that person inflicts on you while sinning.

God did not inspire your enemy with the will to harm you, but He gave him the power to do so. If you receive a wound, do not doubt that it is God Himself who has wounded you. If the whole world were to stand against you, unless God wished it and joined with them and gave them the strength and means to carry out their purpose, they would never succeed. You would have no power over me if it had not been given you from above, Jesus Christ said to Pilate. We can say the same to demons and men and whatever exists—you would not be able to disturb me or harm me as you do unless God had ordered it so. You are sent by Him, you are given the power by Him to tempt me and to make me suffer. You would have no power over me if it had not been given you from above.


In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

God's Action in our Lives

Saint Paul tells us, “Looking towards the author and finisher of faith, Jesus (the only begotten and beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased) …Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. For you have not yet resisted unto blood (as He did) in the struggle with sin, and you have forgotten the exhortation that is addressed to you as sons, saying, My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord, neither be thou weary when thou art rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves He chastises, and He scourges every son whom He receives. Continue under discipline, for God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not correct?

In short, the purpose for which God acts is a high and holy one, His own glory and the good of His creatures. Infinitely good—Goodness itself—He seeks to make them all perfect by drawing them towards Him and making them sharers in His divinity as far as they are capable. But because of the close ties He has established with us by the union of our nature with His in the person of Jesus Christ, we in a still more special manner are the object of His benevolence and tender care. What God does and ordains in us and for us is suited to our strength and capabilities, so that everything may serve to our advantage and perfection if we but cooperate with the designs of His providence.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

In Praise of Mary, Mother of God

From a homily by Saint Bernard, abbot:

...The Virgin then, adorned like a queen with the jewels of virtue, shone with the glory of body and soul; and seen on high as radiantly beautiful, she so attracted the inhabitants of heaven that she moved the heart of the King with desire for her and brought down from above the heavenly message. Scripture says: The angel was sent to a virgin. For she was truly virgin in body. This came about by no unforeseen or accidental occurrence; she was chosen from eternity, foreknown and prepared by the Most High for Himself, guarded by the angels, prefigured by the patriarchs, and promised by the prophets.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

The Proper Order of Prayer

When God sends us trials and temptations we must have recourse to prayer. God has solemnly promised to always answer our prayers, even though most of us are constantly complaining that He does not do so. The answer is not because of the kind of things we ask for, since God included everything in His promise—all things whatsoever you shall ask. Nor can we attribute it to the unworthiness of those who ask, for His promise extended to everybody without exception—whoever asks shall receive. Why is it then that so many prayers remain unanswered? The answer is because we ask for way too little and we are not insistent enough.

Christ promised on behalf of His Father that He would give us everything, even the very smallest things. But He also laid down an order to be observed in all that we ask, and if we do not obey this rule we are not likely to obtain anything. Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice and all these things shall be given to you besides. This is the order God observes in the distribution of His benefits. We must not be surprised then if our prayers have so far been unsuccessful. People give alms, make vows to God, fast, or have Masses offered for the success of their temporal affairs. They are of little use because their offerings should be for the intention of amending their lives, for greater patience, contempt of the things of the world and detachment from creatures. Then afterwards they could pray for return of health or success of business. God would answer these prayers.

Constantly Seek Christ in Prayer

If you feel you lack wisdom, ask it of Christ who is Eternal Wisdom. If you are weak or infirm, come unto Him for He is the loving Physician. If you are needy, hold out your hand, for He is Infinite Treasure. If you are laden with guilt, draw near unto Him for He has come to save sinners and to wash away all our sins. Up until now you have obtained little because you have asked for little and without faith.

Christ is your Father and Redeemer. Before you have even begun to pray He has already heard it. Before you have even cried out to Him, He has already answered you. Christ is the All-Powerful. He is the Fullness of all perfection, the Lord and Master, the First and the Last. He is the Abyss of riches and mercy; He seeks an abyss of wretchedness that He may fill it. Acknowledge your nothingness, your utter poverty. Christ's riches will fill you to the brim.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Penance II

The Sacrament of Penance is a Sacrament which our Lord Jesus Christ instituted for the forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism. There is no sin which this sacrament does not remit, no matter how grave or how numerous. Every sinner is sure of forgiveness and being made one again with God provided that he makes the necessary reparation. We must know our sins, the number of them, and the circumstances which cause us to sin. We have to pray to the Holy Ghost in order to attain this knowledge. If we examine our conscience without praying for enlightenment from the Holy Ghost we run the risk of making a sacrilegious confession!

The Council of Trent teaches us that the complete confession of sins was also instituted by the Lord and is by divine law necessary for all who have fallen after Baptism…For it is clear that without knowledge of the case priests could not exercise this judgment, nor could they observe equity in the imposition of penances if the penitents declared their sins only in general not specifically and in particular.

Thus it follows that all mortal sins, of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious, must be recounted by them in confession, though they may be most secret and may have been committed only against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound souls more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly…when Christ’s faithful strive to confess all sins that occur to their memory, they undoubtedly place all of them before the divine mercy for pardon. But those who fail to do so and knowingly withhold some, place nothing before the divine goodness for remission.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

The Need of Repentance

It is good for us to meditate often on the Passion of Christ. Every single time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered Christ invites us to the foot of His Cross. We recall the agonies endured by Christ’s Sacred Heart, the frightful tortures and the infinite humiliations He endured to save us from eternal damnation and impart upon us eternal life.

Why do so many people refuse to repent? Repentance is absolutely necessary and yet seems to be so seldom found. Without repentance there is no pardon of sin and no heaven. Without repentance our penance, charity, almsgiving or anything else we might do to please God is all in vain.

Repentance is an anguish of soul. We must weep over our sins either in this world or in the next. In this world we can wipe out our sins by repentance, but not in the next. We should thank our Lord that the anguish of our soul is enough for Him to let us experience eternal joy. It takes so little to satisfy God!

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Prayer and Contemplation

Do not pour yourself out over many things. Do not permit your soul to be immersed in doubts, scruples and preoccupations concerning the past, the present or the future; do not bind yourself by an inordinate attachment to any occupation or to any person. Your intelligence has been given you to know your God, to propose to your will its Sovereign Good, and to adopt in action the best means to attain it. All that you give to creatures outside of this order you take away from God.

Keep a rein on the liberty of your heart, and you will be happy and you will find Christ at the center of your soul. Do not let your desires be multiplied. Restrain the dreams of pleasure, of prosperity and of honor that keep teasing your imagination. Christ has a divine jealousy. He has reduced Himself to naught to come and seek you in your nothingness and sin. Keep for Him then, untouched, all the affection of your heart.

Your heart should always rest with Christ. Do not permit your heart to open freely and attach itself to everything that attracts it. Without that safeguard, your life will be absorbed in other things. Do not think yourself stronger than others who have allowed themselves to be seduced by trivial things. Avoid the occasion of sin. Be resolute and persevering in stamping out any affections that are dangerous to your virtue or injurious to your reputation.

Give your heart into the keeping of the Virgin of virgins. She will watch over its comings in and its goings out and she will see to it that it loves Christ with a perfect love. Your are in the world but not of the world. When all the duties of your state of life have been fulfilled, bury yourself with Christ in the silence of quiet contemplation. Your place of repose after the burden and the heat of the day should be Christ’s Sacred Heart. There you will find your rest and renew your strength.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Pray for your Priests

Pray that your priests will not endanger their fervor under the pretext of zeal. If they are not watchful, that may be preaching to others and losing their own souls at the same time! Pray that your priests will not expose themselves to dangers without necessity or without proper precautions. Pray that they will always guard their hearts and their eyes. Pray that your priests will learn patience and await the success of their labors. We may cast the seed, but it is Christ Who will give, in His own time, the increase. Priests cannot become discouraged when they meet with lack of success. They must humble themselves before God. This humility will have more value in God’s eyes than any success.

A priest is a soldier of Christ. The good soldier does not allow himself to become absorbed in the things of this world. He seeks to please the leader under whose banner he fights. The weapon which God places in the priest’s hands is prayer. With it he is invincible. Sadly, many priests do not use this weapon. You have seen the results firsthand. Pray for souls consecrated to God’s service, but above all pray for Christ’s priests, that at the last judgment they may not be a reproach before the whole universe.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

The Priest and Prayer

We live in a world where God’s Church and its Commandments are despised. The preaching of His Word and the observance of His precepts are hindered. Religion is driven from the school, justice from the workplace, morality from the home and from society. The banishment of religion means the banishment of both peace and prosperity. In the wake of this disaster come only revolution and war.

It is still not too late to restore the Church to its proper place, and the role of the priest is to prepare for her in the hearts and minds of men the way of return. Your role is to pray for your priests! The salvation of souls is the exclusive work of Christ! He entrusts it to whom He wishes. He calls to His vineyard laborers chosen by the Father. Pray that your priests will learn obedience to the Church and to her laws. Pray that your priests will foster a greater love for the Eucharist! Pray that your priests will learn to offer sacrifice as if it is the last thing they do on this earth!

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

In Praise of Mary, Mother of God

From a homily delivered at the Council of Ephesus by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop:

...Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We salute you, for in your holy womb He, who is beyond all limitation was confined. Because of you the holy Trinity is glorified and adored; the cross is called precious and is venerated throughout the world; the heavens exult; the angels and archangels make merry; demons are put to flight; the devil, that tempter, is thrust down from heaven; the fallen race of man is taken up on high; all creatures possessed by the madness of idolatry have attained knowledge of the truth; believers receive holy baptism; the oil of gladness is poured out; the Church is established throughout the world; pagans are brought to repentance.

What more is there to say? Because of you the light of the only-begotten Son of God has shone upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death; prophets pronounced the Word of God; the apostles preached salvation to the Gentiles; the dead are raised to life; and kings rule by the power of the holy Trinity...

Behold then the joy of the whole universe. Let the union of God and man in the Son of the Virgin Mary fill us with awe and adoration. Let us fear and worship the undivided Trinity as we sing the praise of the ever-virgin Mary, the holy temple of God, and of God Himself, her Son and spotless Bridegroom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Confession of Sins

The Council of Trent teaches us that the complete confession of sins was also instituted by the Lord and is by divine law necessary for all who have fallen after Baptism…For it is clear that without knowledge of the case priests could not exercise this judgment, nor could they observe equity in the imposition of penances if the penitents declared their sins only in general not specifically and in particular.

Thus it follows that all mortal sins, of which penitents after a diligent self-examination are conscious, must be recounted by them in confession, though they may be most secret and may have been committed only against the last two precepts of the Decalogue; for these sins sometimes wound souls more grievously and are more dangerous than those which are committed openly…when Christ’s faithful strive to confess all sins that occur to their memory, they undoubtedly place all of them before the divine mercy for pardon. But those who fail to do so and knowingly withhold some, place nothing before the divine goodness for remission.

One is not obliged to confess doubtful mortal sins. If, in making a confession, one deliberately conceals a mortal sin, one lies to the Holy Ghost and thereby commits a grave sacrilege. The sin of deception is more serious than one which God punishes by death itself because it is perpetrated within the sacrament. No sins are forgiven, not even those which were confessed.

The Council of Trent teaches clearly that venial sins are proper matter for the sacrament of Penance. However, they are optional or free matter. One may confess them, but is not obliged to do so. As regards venial sins, by which we are not excluded from the grace of God and into which we fall more frequently, it is right and profitable, and implies no presumption whatever, to declare them in confession, as can be seen from the practice of devout people; yet, they may be omitted without guilt and can be expiated by many other remedies, for example, through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, or other forms of penance and works of charity.

We must make an integral confession of all mortal sins according to species and approximate number. According to species means that we must confess clearly what particular kind of sin one has committed. It is not enough to say “I have committed sins of impurity and injustice.” We have to be specific. We must say I have lied, stolen, cheated, etc.