Category Archives: Dogmatic Theology

A Mark of Orthodoxy

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Ran across a great description of orthodoxy today, written by Fr. John Hardon. Here is what he says: “As a mark of orthodoxy, the Church’s catholicity is part of a mysterious paradox whereby the same essential faith and worship are … Continue reading →

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Pope St. Clement I on Church Unity

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings includes a selection from Pope Clement I’s letter to the Corinthians, written not long after the original twelve Apostles lived. It is a splendid reflection on unity within the Church. As always, I use an Italian … Continue reading →

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Theology of the Trinity – cont’d

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Here is a description of the Trinity made by the Holy Father in his recent pastoral visit to San Marino, the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, established in the 4th century. “The Father, Son and … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Deacon Bob

“O sublime humility! O humble sublimity! That the Lord of the universe, God and Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under the little form of bread.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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“That Which Saves is Unity”

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Deacon Bob

In today’s Office of Readings we are given a selection on the Canticle of Canticles written by St. Gregory of Nyssa, one of the Fathers of the Eastern Church. It is a wonderful reflection on the gift of unity that … Continue reading →

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From the Ancient Catechism of Jerusalem

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Deacon Bob

There is an ancient Christian text called the Catechism of Jerusalem, a selection of which was given for today’s Office of Readings. It has a teaching about baptism that is worth our attention and thought today. My English translation of … Continue reading →

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The Resurrection — Who Will Rise? How? Why?

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Deacon Bob

As we continue to rejoice in our Lord’s resurrection during this Octave of Easter, a question no doubt surfaces for all of us, “Who will rise?” The answer is, “All the dead will rise.” Yes, all the dead one day … Continue reading →

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Blood and Water

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Deacon Bob

From the side of Jesus on the cross flowed blood and water. St. John Chrysostom admonishes us to not pass over this aspect of Golgotha without stopping and meditating on it. Blood and water…. Chrysostom said in his Catechesis (my … Continue reading →

Posted in Christology, Dogmatic Theology, Prayer and Meditation | 1 Comment

St. Maximus, Confessor on Mercy and Redemption

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Office of Readings today gives us a selection from St. Maximus, confessor, on the mercy of God and reconciliation. I won’t translate it all from the Italian, but do want to offer this paragraph for your reflection today. “All … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Deacon Bob

(From today’s Office of Readings – my translation of the Italian text I used.) “Even more, recall that you have become a son of God, co-heir with Christ and, to use a bold image, you are the same God.” – … Continue reading →

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Hear Ye, Deacons of the World! The Task of Evangelization

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father’s address on February 18 to the Filipino bishops making their ad limina visit contained the following comment: When self-sufficiency and freedom are severed from their dependence upon and completion in God, the human person creates for himself … Continue reading →

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The Wisdom of God

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Deacon Bob

In today’s Office of Readings, St. Anthanasius offers a beautiful reflection on the Wisdom of God. I just love St. Anthansius, and his theology! Always so rich in imagery and deep in his understanding of Christ. Here is a snippet … Continue reading →

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The Immaculate Conception

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Deacon Bob

There is a wonderful reflection on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary today in the Office of Readings. It is written by St. Anselm, and I provide here an English excerpt translated from the Italian text I use. “God … Continue reading →

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Cremation and the Communion of the Saints

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Many more Catholics are choosing cremation over traditional burial. For centuries, the Church forbade cremation for it was, in those times, a sign of denial of the central belief in the resurrection of the body. Nowadays, almost all Catholics who … Continue reading →

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St. John Eudes on the Mysteries of Christ and the Church

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Office of Readings includes a tract from St. John Eudes regarding the mysteries of Christ as lived in our lives and the life of the Church. I am transcribing it here for you to read. It is a wonderful … Continue reading →

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