Bulletin 131

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

December 16th, 2012; Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7; Gospel: Jn. 1:19-28

Mass schedule December 17th through December 21st

Monday: Greater Feria of Advent--No Latin Mass

Tuesday: Greater Feria of Advent

Wednesday: Ember Wednesday of Advent

Thursday: Greater Feria of Advent

Friday: Saint Thomas * Apostle

The most powerful temptations we can possibly experience are those to ambition, pride and arrogance. Ambition is the worst of them because it caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven into hell. Some theologians say it was because of a spiritual self-complacency combined with an awareness of their angelic nature’s grandeur and excellence, which caused such self-pride that he and the fallen angels arrogantly desired to be equal to God.

Contrast this attitude with that of Saint John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. Saint John played a significant role in the mystery of the Visitation. His humility thus appears to be the most excellent and the most perfect that has ever been, after only Our Lord Himself and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was sanctified in the womb of his mother, Saint Anne, when Mary paid her a visit while pregnant with Our Savior. He went on to perform an outstanding, single-minded, public ministry in pointing the way to Christ. Saint John was so effective and well-liked that his followers were ready to name him the Messiah. Saint John was tempted with one of the most violent temptations imaginable to pride and ambition. It was even presented by his own friends, sent to him from Jerusalem by the hypocritical doctors of the Law. They wanted to find out if John was actually the Christ. If so, they wanted to give John his due honor.

The religious leaders were waiting for the Messiah. They knew that all the prophecies had been fulfilled. Jesus Christ came performing miracles and teaching His doctrine. However, instead of acknowledging Him, the religious leaders go looking for someone else. When asked, Saint John said I am not the Christ. He could have easily accepted the praise that his followers wished to bestow upon him, but he did not. John was so humble and truthful that he refused even to accept credit that he actually deserved!

We can learn humility from Saint John the Baptist. We can learn humility from the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should acknowledge the teaching of Christ who said “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

The Integrity of our Lives

From a homily written in the second century:

Let us be sure that when the day of judgment comes, our place will be among those who give thanks to God and have served Him, and not with the ungodly who face condemnation. As for myslef, I am only a sinner, not yet beyond the reach of temptation; but even amidst all the devil's machinations, I still strive to make progress and hope to attain at least some virtue, for I fear the judgment that awaits me.

...The reward I ask is that you repent with your whole heart, to save yourselves and find life. If we do this, we shall set an example for all young people, for whom the glory and goodness of God is a challenge to be generous in His service.

Let me say also that when we are given a warning and corrected for doing something wrong, we should not be so foolish as to take offense and be angry. There are times when we are unconscious of the sins we commit because our hearts are fickle, lacking faith. Futile desires cloud our minds. We need to pull ourselves up, therefore, because our very salvation is at stake.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Eternal Punishment

Jesus Christ spoke often about the reality of hell. He left no room for doubt that Hell exists. "If thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out. It is better for thee with one eye to enter into the kingdom of God, than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire" (Mk 9:46). "After the judgement, the good will go into life everlasting, the wicked into everlasting punishment" (Mt 25:6). "Fear ye Him Who hath power to cast the body and the soul into hell" (Lk 12:5).

We must remember that God does not predestine anyone to damnation. Jesus Christ died for the redemption of all men. Everyone has received the graces necessary for salvation. Damnation is what a man chooses for himself. He refuses to accept God's love and prefers instead to turn away from God for ever. The individual take personal responsibility in the loss of his soul.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Humility

No one makes us angry. Anger is our own emotional response to someone's behavior or to an event. It is easy to react to annoyances and disappointments with anger. It is much more difficult to react with understanding and empathy. It is very difficult not to respond to anger with even more anger. However, when we respond to anger with empathy and even love, we can often diffuse hatred and convert our enemies into friends.

Humility allows us to acknowledge we are God's creatures. We were created for Him and not for our own self-glorification. Humility allows us to acknowledge the dignity of all human beings. Humility is the best way to combat the angry passions of others. Through humility we can turn our enemies into friends. When we meditate upon the first decade of the Holy Rosary we ask God for the grace to be humble.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching