Pope: No Resurrection Without the Cross (Reflects on Gospel Account of Transfiguration)

ZNA ^ | February 17, 2008

[NYer]

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 17, 2008 (Zenit.org).- To enter into life, it is necessary to listen to Jesus and follow him along the way of the cross, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope affirmed this today after praying the midday Angelus in St. Peter's Square. He began his address by thanking those who spiritually accompanied him and the members of the Roman Curia on their spiritual exercises, which ended Saturday.

Then the Holy Father turned his attention to the Gospel from today's liturgy, which presented the story of the Transfiguration.

"The transfiguration is an event of prayer," the Pontiff said. "Praying, Jesus is immersed in God, he is united intimately to him, he adheres with his human will to the Father's will of love, and in this way light invades him and the truth of his being appears visibly: He is God, light from light. Even his robes become white and luminous."

Benedict XVI said this image recalls the sacrament of baptism and "the white robes worn by the neophytes."

"Those who are reborn in baptism are clothed in light, anticipating heavenly existence, which the Book of Revelation represents with the symbol of white robes," he explained.

"This," the Pope said, "is the crucial point: The Transfiguration is an anticipation of the Resurrection, but this presupposes death."

He added: "Jesus manifests his glory to the apostles so that they have the strength to face the scandal of the cross and understand that it is necessary to pass through many tribulations to reach the kingdom of God. The voice of the Father, which resounds from on high, proclaims Jesus as his beloved Son, as in the baptism in the Jordan, adding: 'Listen to him.'"

"To enter into life it is necessary to listen to Jesus," the Holy Father affirmed, "to follow him along the way of the cross, carrying, like him, the hope of the resurrection in our heart. 'Spe salvi,' saved in hope. Today we can say: 'Transfigured in hope.'"

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

Born of water and spirit, ye. Baptism is an act of obedience, not a part of the act of being born again.

The Roman Catholic practice called “the Eucharist” is an abomination that early popes and countless Christians have condemned as heresy. There is no spiritual strength from God in such nonsense.

My cross is, in part, contending for the faith delivered once to the saints in the face of blind adherence to falsehoods by worldlings of all sorts; being called all sorts of names by some of them. For this, I am to rejoice.

[pegleg]

Born of water and spirit, ye. Baptism is an act of obedience, not a part of the act of being born again.

Actually it’s both. Your quarrel isn’t with me, it’s with Christ.

The Roman Catholic practice called “the Eucharist” is an abomination that early popes and countless Christians have condemned as heresy.

This is laughable. Please cite your sources for any Pope condemning the Eucharist as heresy.

There is no spiritual strength from God in such nonsense.

You quarrel isn’t with me, it’s with Christ.

My cross is, in part, contending for the faith delivered once to the saints in the face of blind adherence to falsehoods by worldlings of all sorts; being called all sorts of names by some of them.

My cross in part is defending the faith against bigots like you. But as Christ promised, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light”.

For this, I am to rejoice.

And I also

[narses]

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The Roman Catholic practice called “the Eucharist” is an abomination that early popes ... have condemned as heresy.

What Jack Chick tract did you drag that falsehood out of Dawg?

[narses]

Pearls pegleg, pearls.

[MarkBsnr]

***Born of water and spirit, ye. Baptism is an act of obedience, not a part of the act of being born again.***

That darn Bible, saying that in order for salvation, that one must be baptized of water and the Holy Spirit. Can’t be having that. Quick, let’s get the Martin Luther scissors and get a snippin’.

***The Roman Catholic practice called “the Eucharist” is an abomination that early popes and countless Christians have condemned as heresy.***

Name them.

***My cross is, in part, contending for the faith delivered once to the saints in the face of blind adherence to falsehoods by worldlings of all sorts; being called all sorts of names by some of them. ***

One of the names that we of the Faith will call you is ‘wrong’. It is not too late; you can repent and receive the Holy Spirit. Better not wait too long; it is a time-sensitive offer. It expires at the moment of your death.

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

To be born again one must be born of water (natural birth) and spirit (of Christ, spiritual birth). Man is born spiritually dead. Baptism in water saves no one, merits nothing save in the eyes of sinful men. For more on this topic, refer you http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1978139/posts

[MarkBsnr]

***Baptism in water saves no one, merits nothing save in the eyes of sinful men. ***

If you are not baptized, we are taught that you will not attain everlasting life. If you have a different teaching, then more power to you.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.

[Salvation]

BTTT!

[baa39]

“heartburn”...

That is so true, I’ve come to a decision about some of these arguments. To save your strength, first determine if the person is really interested in learning anything or if they have any solid foundation in knowledge. Often a belligerent or mocking tone in the first post shows that it will just be a waste of energy debating. Obsessive posting of scripture verses (obviously ready to go from their clipboard) is often a sign of theological ignorance. In either case, better to offer a silent prayer and stick to the posts where the discussion is really meaningful.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

I hate to burst your bubble, but Baptism involves more than water. I would point you to the words of St. John the Baptist.

We are also awaiting with baited breath concerning the Church Fathers who denied the Eucharist. While we are waiting, I point you to St. Ignatius of Antioch.

And as for our crosses, you are confusing a cross with a calling. Your calling may indeed be (unlikely) preaching to Catholics about the “Evils” of Our Faith, but your cross is the struggle of faith, be it purity, poverty, a dark night of the soul, etc.

[Manfred the Wonder Dawg]

Why don’t you hold your breath while you wait? :-)

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

You would like that wouldn’t you?

The thing is, if true, that speaks volumes about you.

[narses]

Yes, and especially see http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1977620/posts?page=295#295 where the author of the pack of lies “the wonder dawg” posted is called on the lies. And ignores that calling.

[narses]

See above.

[Salvation]

The Transfiguration of the Lord

The Transfiguration of the Lord
Feast Day
August 6th

Transfiguration
Lorenzo Lotto
1510-12
Pinacoteca Comunale, Recanati

This feast became widespread in the West in the eleventh century and was introduced into the Roman calendar in 1457 to commemorate Christendom's victory over Islam in Belgrade in 1456. Before that, the Transfiguration of the Lord was already celebrated in the Syrian, Byzantine, and Coptic rites. The Transfiguration prefigures the glory of the Lord as God, foretells his ascension into heaven, and anticipates the glory of heaven, where we shall see God face to face. Through grace, we already share in the divine promise of eternal life.

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

Collect:
God our Father,
in the transfigured glory of Christ your Son,
you strengthen our faith
by confirming the witness of your prophets,
and show us the splendor of your beloved sons and daughters.
As we listen to the voice of your Son,
help us to become heirs to the eternal life with him
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading:
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat; his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came forth from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Second Reading:
2 Peter 1:16-19
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

 

Gospel Reading:
Gospel A - Matthew 17:1-9
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."

Gospel B - Mark 9:2-10
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only.

And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

Gospel C - Luke 9:28b-36
Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.