Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

On Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of Deuteronomy (30: 1-20) entitled "The promise of forgiveness after the exile". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by John the Serene, bishop.

Saint John IV called the Peacemaker, or the Serene is known in Italian as Giovanni Scriba. He was the Bishop of Naples from 26 February 842 until his death on December 17, 849. He is one of the patron saints of Naples where his feast day is celebrated on June 22. St. John had the relics of Aspren translated to the church of Santa Restituta in Naples. He also assisted Duke Andrew II in negotiating an economic treaty called the Pactum Sicardi with Sicard, the Lombard Prince of Benevento. He is generally regarded as a Father of the Church, being one of very last so considered.

The book of Deuteronomy ends the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch with a retrospective account of Israel's past—the exodus, the Sinai covenant, and the wilderness wanderings—and a look into Israel's future as they stand poised to enter the land of Canaan and begin their life as a people there.

The book consists of three long addresses by Moses. Each of these contains narrative, law, and exhortation, in varying proportions. In an expansion of the first commandment of the decalogue, Moses tells the Israelites how to make a success of their life as a people once they are settled in the land. The choice presented to Israel is to love the Lord and keep his commandments, or to serve "other gods." That choice will determine what kind of life they will make for themselves in the land. Whichever choice they make as a people carries consequences, which Deuteronomy terms "blessing" and "curse." Thus, the book can be seen as a kind of survival manual for Israel in their life as a people: how to live and what to avoid. This gives the book its hortatory style and tone of life-or-death urgency.

On Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of Deuteronomy (29:1-5, 9-28) entitled "A curse is called down upon the transgressors of the covenant". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon on the Song of Songs by Saint Bernard, abbot.

Saint Bernard was born in 1090 near Dijon in France. After a religious upbringing, he joined the Cistercians in 1111 and later was chosen abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux in southeast France in an area known as Bar-sur-Aube. There he directed his companions in the practice of virtue by his own good example. In the year 1128, Bernard attended the Council of Troyes, at which he traced the outlines of the Rule of the Knights Templar, which soon became an ideal of Christian nobility. Both monastic rule and military manual, the Rule is a unique document and an important historical source.

The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union.

The book of Deuteronomy ends the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch with a retrospective account of Israel's past—the exodus, the Sinai covenant, and the wilderness wanderings—and a look into Israel's future as they stand poised to enter the land of Canaan and begin their life as a people there.

The book consists of three long addresses by Moses. Each of these contains narrative, law, and exhortation, in varying proportions. In an expansion of the first commandment of the decalogue, Moses tells the Israelites how to make a success of their life as a people once they are settled in the land. The choice presented to Israel is to love the Lord and keep his commandments, or to serve "other gods." That choice will determine what kind of life they will make for themselves in the land. Whichever choice they make as a people carries consequences, which Deuteronomy terms "blessing" and "curse." Thus, the book can be seen as a kind of survival manual for Israel in their life as a people: how to live and what to avoid. This gives the book its hortatory style and tone of life-or-death urgency.

Today, January 28th, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Sirach (39: 4-10), entitled "The wisdom of a man who is learned in the Scriptures". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon on the Song of Songs by Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Saint Thomas was born about the year 1225 into the family of the Count of Aquino. He first studied at the Monastery of Monte Casino and later at the University of Naples. Afterwards he joined the Friars Preachers and completed his studies at Paris and Cologne, his instructor being Saint Albert the Great. Becoming himself a teacher, he wrote many learned volumes and was especially renowned for his philosophical and theological studies. Saint Thomas died near Terracina on March 7, 1274, but his memory is honored on January 28, the day his body was transferred to Toulouse in 1369.

He was canonized in 1323 and made a Doctor of the Church in 1567. In 1965, the Second Vatican Council taught that seminarians should learn "under the guidance of Saint Thomas," to "illuminate the mysteries of salvation as completely as possible."

The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union.

Saint Thomas reads the Song of Songs in an ecclesial tradition of interpretation already firmly established in his day. Exegetes (persons skilled in religious texts) will long debate the original meaning of this poem (or collection of poems): was it a "profane" exaltation of human love or, from the beginning, a symbolic celebration of the love of God for his people? In any case, the Synagogue, if only by integrating the Song into the biblical "canon," had already oriented in a decisive way the reading of the Song as a celebration of the love between God and his people Israel—the human love of man...

The wedding of Jesus Christ and the Church is, then, the principal subject of the Song. As is appropriate for an epithalamium (a special poem written in honor of marriage), the Song often takes the form of an alternating praise: the lover contemplated by the loving eyes of the beloved, and the beloved whose perfections are surveyed by the passionate eyes of the lover. Saint Thomas uses the verses of the Song that describe the lover to highlight the physical and spiritual perfections of Jesus Christ. The actions and behaviors of the lover are also a prophecy of the mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ.

The Wisdom of Ben Sira derives its title from the author, "Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira". The title "Sirach" comes from the Greek form of the author's name. The author, a sage who lived in Jerusalem, was thoroughly imbued with love for the wisdom tradition, and for the law, priesthood, Temple, and divine worship. As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition.

The book contains numerous well-crafted maxims, grouped by affinity, and dealing with a variety of subjects such as the individual, the family, and the community in their relations with one another and with God. It treats friendship, education, poverty and wealth, laws, religious worship, and many other matters that reflect the religious and social customs of the time.

Today, January 27th, as our Church celebrates the optional Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin, we are first invited to read and reflect on a passage from the letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (4: 1-24), entitled "Christian Chastity". Our treasure, which follows, is from the Spiritual Testament by Saint Angela Merici, virgin.

Saint Angela Merici has the double distinction of founding the first of what are now called "secular institutes" and the first teaching order of women in the Church. Born in Desenzano, Italy, she was orphaned in her teens. As a young woman, with her heart centered on Christ, Angela joined the Third Order of St. Francis and embraced austerity. In a visionary experience, she felt called to establish a "company" of women.

Angela was invited to become a live-in companion for a widow in the nearby town of Brescia. There she became the spiritual advisor of a group of men and women with ideals of spiritual renewal and service to those in need. While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1524, Angela was struck with blindness. She proceeded to visit the sacred shrines, seeing them with her spirit. On the way back while praying before a crucifix, Angela's sight was restored. At age 60, Angela and 12 other women began the Company of St. Ursula, named for a patroness of medieval universities and venerated as a leader of women. This constituted a new way of life: single women consecrated to Christ and living in the world rather than in a monastery. With Angela as their "mother and mistress," Company members did not live in community, wore no special clothing, and made no formal vows.

To the women of her time Saint Angela offers a new style of life, that of a Consecration to God, freely chosen and lived as a "spouse of the Son of God", open to a spiritual maternity, while remaining in the world living in one`s family or in one`s working environment. To this family Angela gives a proper Rule, Counsel and Testament with a profound ascetic and spiritual value as well as impregnated in a remarkable pedagogical intuition.

Saint Angela's Spiritual Testament is addressed to the matrons, noble women of Brescia who were interested in the Company and who were a guarantee for it in front of civil and religious authority. Through them Angela suggested to be instructed in their mission from which are emphasized dignity and importance. From them emerge the sense of maternity with which the "matrons" must govern the virgins. Beside the Christian anthropology, rich in an extraordinary wisdom, a profound ecclesiological sense in these writings is outlined.

Saint Angela Merici died in Brescia, Italy, in 1540. Clothed in the habit of a Franciscan tertiary, her body was interred in Brescia's Church of Saint' Afra. Four years later the Company's Rule that Angela had composed, prescribing the practices of chastity, poverty and obedience, was approved by the pope.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul warns against divisions within the Church and emphasizes the importance of unity among Church members. He warns members against sexual immorality, teaches that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, and encourages self-discipline.

Today, January 26, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Timothy and Titus, Bishops and Doctors, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to Titus (1:7-11; 2:1-8), entitled "The teaching of the Apostle on the qualities and duties of bishops". Our treasure is from a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop.

Timothy and Titus were key companions and fellow workers of St. Paul, appointed as bishops to lead early Christian communities in Ephesus (Timothy) and Crete (Titus), serving as foundational leaders to whom Paul wrote the New Testament pastoral letters, guiding them in establishing order, teaching sound doctrine, and appointing elders. Both are honored as saints in Christianity, representing the passing of apostolic authority to successors and embodying courageous Christian leadership, with Timothy martyred and Titus dying peacefully.

Timothy

• Role: First Bishop of Ephesus, mentored by Paul from a young age.
• Background: Mixed Jewish (mother Eunice) and Greek (father) heritage.
• Significance: Trusted with difficult missions, he received Paul's first letter, which offers guidance on leadership and doctrine.

Titus

• Role: Bishop and organizer of the Church in Crete.
• Background: A Greek convert, he was a symbol of Christianity's universality.
• Significance: Carried Paul's difficult letter to the Corinthians and was tasked with appointing elders in Crete, as detailed in Paul's letter to Titus.

Shared Legacy

• Pastoral Letters: The Letters to Timothy and Titus (and 2 Timothy) are known as "pastoral epistles," providing instructions for church governance and conduct.
• Apostolic Succession: Their roles highlight the early Church's structure, showing apostles passing their mission to successors.

The ambiguity and intrigue surrounding Saint John Chrysostom, the great preacher (his name means "golden-mouthed") from Antioch, are characteristic of the life of any great man in a capital city. Brought to Constantinople after a dozen years of priestly service in Syria, John found himself the reluctant victim of an imperial ruse to make him bishop in the greatest city of the empire. Ascetic, unimposing but dignified, and troubled by stomach ailments from his desert days as a monk, Saint John Chrysostom became a bishop under the cloud of imperial politics.

If his body was weak, his tongue was powerful. The content of his sermons, his exegesis of Scripture, were never without a point. Sometimes the point stung the high and mighty. Some sermons lasted up to two hours.

His lifestyle at the imperial court was not appreciated by many courtiers. He offered a modest table to episcopal sycophants hanging around for imperial and ecclesiastical favors. John deplored the court protocol that accorded him precedence before the highest state officials. He would not be a kept man.

His zeal led him to decisive action. Bishops who bribed their way into office were deposed. Many of his sermons called for concrete steps to share wealth with the poor. The rich did not appreciate hearing from Saint John Chrysostom that private property existed because of Adam's fall from grace any more than married men liked to hear that they were bound to marital fidelity just as much as their wives were. When it came to justice and charity, John acknowledged no double standards.

The third of the Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament is addressed to a different co-worker of Paul than are First and Second Timothy. The situation is different, too, for Titus is addressed as the person in charge of developing the church on the large Mediterranean island of Crete, a place Paul had never, according to the New Testament, visited.

The Pauline assistant who is addressed, Titus, was a Gentile Christian, but we are nowhere informed of his place of birth or residence. He went from Antioch with Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem. According to 2 Corinthians, he was with Paul on his third missionary journey; his name, however, does not appear in Acts. Besides being the bearer of Paul's severe letter to the Corinthians, he had the responsibility of taking up the collection in Corinth for the Christian community of Jerusalem. In the present letter, he is mentioned as the administrator of the Christian community in Crete, charged with the task of organizing it through the appointment of presbyters and bishops; here the two terms refer to the same personages).

The letter instructs Titus about the character of the assistants he is to choose in view of the pastoral difficulties peculiar to Crete. It suggests the special individual and social virtues that the various age groups and classes in the Christian community should be encouraged to acquire. The motivation for transformation of their lives comes from Christology, especially the redemptive sacrifice of Christ and his future coming, as applied through baptism and justification. The community is to serve as a leaven for Christianizing the social world about it. Good works are to be the evidence of their faith in God; those who engage in religious controversy are, after suitable warning, to be ignored.

On Sunday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of Deuteronomy (18:1-22) entitled "Levitical priests. True and False prophets". Our treasure, which follows, is from the constitution on the sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council.

The "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy" establishes the principle of greater participation by the laity in the celebration of mass and authorizes significant changes in the texts, forms, and language used in the celebration of mass and the administration of the sacraments.

The book of Deuteronomy ends the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch with a retrospective account of Israel's past—the exodus, the Sinai covenant, and the wilderness wanderings—and a look into Israel's future as they stand poised to enter the land of Canaan and begin their life as a people there.

The book consists of three long addresses by Moses. Each of these contains narrative, law, and exhortation, in varying proportions. In an expansion of the first commandment of the decalogue, Moses tells the Israelites how to make a success of their life as a people once they are settled in the land. The choice presented to Israel is to love the Lord and keep his commandments, or to serve "other gods." That choice will determine what kind of life they will make for themselves in the land. Whichever choice they make as a people carries consequences, which Deuteronomy terms "blessing" and "curse." Thus, the book can be seen as a kind of survival manual for Israel in their life as a people: how to live and what to avoid. This gives the book its hortatory style and tone of life-or-death urgency.

Today, January 24th, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Sirach (39: 1-10), entitled "The wisdom of a man who is learned in the Scriptures". Our treasure, which follows, is from The Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales, bishop.

Saint Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually take his elder's place as a senator from the province of Savoy in France. For this reason, Francis was sent to Padua to study law. After receiving his doctorate, he returned home and, in due time, told his parents he wished to enter the priesthood. His father strongly opposed Francis in this, and only after much patient persuasiveness on the part of the gentle Francis did his father finally consent. Francis was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for the Calvinists. Francis set out to convert them, especially in the district of Chablais. By preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine, he had remarkable success.

At 35, he became bishop of Geneva. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, "A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar."

Besides his two well-known books, the Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. For his writings, he has been named patron of the Catholic Press. His writings, filled with his characteristic gentle spirit, are addressed to lay people. He wants to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. As he wrote in The Introduction to the Devout Life: "It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman…. It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world."

Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes used by Saint Francis de Sales in the spiritual direction of his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, who confided to Francis her desire for piety amidst the struggles and distractions associated with life at court. When Madame de Charmoisy returned to Paris, she showed the letters to her confessor, Jesuit Father Jean Fourier, who encouraged De Sales to publish them It was first published in January 1609.

Unlike many other writings in this category, it is distinguished by addressing itself to all Christians in any state of life, rather than to just those who have been called to a religious vocation. Charles Borromeo had a great influence on Francis de Sales because of his pastoral approach to bringing devotion to the Christian in the world.

The Wisdom of Ben Sira derives its title from the author, "Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira". The title "Sirach" comes from the Greek form of the author's name. The author, a sage who lived in Jerusalem, was thoroughly imbued with love for the wisdom tradition, and for the law, priesthood, Temple, and divine worship. As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition.

The book contains numerous well-crafted maxims, grouped by affinity, and dealing with a variety of subjects such as the individual, the family, and the community in their relations with one another and with God. It treats friendship, education, poverty and wealth, laws, religious worship, and many other matters that reflect the religious and social customs of the time.

Today, January 23, as our church celebrates the optional Memorial of Vincent, Deacon and Martyr we are invited to read reflect on a scripture passage from the second letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians (4:7---5:8) entitled "The power of Christ is made manifest in suffering". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saint Vincent was born in today's Spain in the late third century and carries the title of "protomartyr," indicating he was the first, or "proto," man to die for Christ on the Iberian Peninsula. Little is known of his life, but the testimony of Saint Augustine sheds light on his character. As with many early saints, many legends are attributed to him.

According to these legends, the Bishop Valerius of Saragossa, Spain, had a speech impediment, which led him to first ordain and then appoint Deacon Vincent, who was well spoken, as his personal preacher. The local Roman governor at the time, Dacian, ruthlessly carried out the edict of the Emperor Diocletian to force Christians to renounce their faith by burning incense to Roman gods. Both the elderly bishop and his deacon were arrested by Dacian and imprisoned. Both were dragged in chains to Valencia and kept in prison there for a long time.

Vincent endured the rack, where a person's limbs were stretched until their joints broke; he endured the grill, where he was beaten while one side, his face or his back, was cooked by the flames. The chronicle tells that the torturers would go to rest and divide their beatings into shifts because they were too tired from the long hours of punishment and flogging. Vincent Deacon was not discouraged, he always remembered how much Christ had suffered for him, and that it was a duty of gratitude, a grace, this chance to also carry his cross and be worthy of his beloved Messiah. He died around the year 304.

Saint Augustine was a late fourth century, theologian and philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo, Roman North Africa. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period.

On Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the book of Deuteronomy (9:7-21,25-29) entitled "he sins of the people and the mediation of Moses". Our treasure, which follows, is from a letter by Fulgentius of Ruspe, bishop.

Saint Fulgentius was a follower of Saint Augustine's ideal of life and a student of Saint Augustine's theological teachings. Saint Fulgentius was a north African Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Ruspe and was a theological writer in modern-day, Tunisia, during the fifth and sixth century who defended orthodoxy against Arianism. He is known for his "heroic sanctity".

The book of Deuteronomy ends the five books of the Torah or Pentateuch with a retrospective account of Israel's past—the exodus, the Sinai covenant, and the wilderness wanderings—and a look into Israel's future as they stand poised to enter the land of Canaan and begin their life as a people there.

The book consists of three long addresses by Moses. Each of these contains narrative, law, and exhortation, in varying proportions. In an expansion of the first commandment of the decalogue, Moses tells the Israelites how to make a success of their life as a people once they are settled in the land. The choice presented to Israel is to love the Lord and keep his commandments, or to serve "other gods." That choice will determine what kind of life they will make for themselves in the land. Whichever choice they make as a people carries consequences, which Deuteronomy terms "blessing" and "curse." Thus, the book can be seen as a kind of survival manual for Israel in their life as a people: how to live and what to avoid. This gives the book its hortatory style and tone of life-or-death urgency.

Today, January 21, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, we are invited to read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (7: 25-40), entitled "Christian chastity". Our treasure, which follows, is from a treatise On Virgins by Saint Ambrose, bishop.

St. Agnes of Rome was born in 291 AD and raised in a Christian family. Agnes was very beautiful and belonged to a wealthy family. Her hand in marriage was highly sought after, and she had many high-ranking men chasing after her. However, Agnes made a promise to God never to stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was great and she hated sin even more than death! – Whenever a man wished to marry Agnes, she would always say, "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse."

According to legend, the young men she turned away became so angry and insulted by her devotion to God and purity that they began to submit her name to authorities as a Christian follower. In great anger, [suitor] Prokop accused her of being a Christian and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would only deny God, but Agnes refused. He tried to change her mind by putting her in chains, but her lovely face shone with joy.

Next, he sent her to a place of sin, but an Angel protected her. At last, she was condemned to death. Even the pagans cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was as happy as a bride on her wedding day. She did not pay attention to those who begged her to save herself. "I would offend my Spouse," she said, "if I were to try to please you. He chose me first and He shall have me!" Then she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.

Saint Ambrose was born of a Roman family at Trier about the year 340. He studied at Rome and served in the imperial government at Sirmium. In 374, while, living in Milan, he was elected bishop of the city by popular acclaim and ordained on December 7. He devotedly carried out his duties and especially distinguished himself by his service to the poor, and as an effective pastor and teacher of the faithful. He strenuously guarded the laws of the church and defended orthodox teaching by writings and actions against the Arians. He died on Holy Saturday, April 4, 397. Saint Ambrose is a Doctor of the Church.

"Concerning Virgins" by Saint Ambrose is a thought-provoking and insightful read on the virtue of virginity. Saint Ambrose presents a compelling argument for the spiritual benefits of choosing a life of celibacy and purity. Through a combination of biblical teachings and philosophical reflections, the author challenges readers to reconsider their views on sexual ethics and the importance of maintaining moral integrity in a society that often promotes excess and indulgence.

The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian attitudes towards sexuality and the role of celibacy in one's spiritual journey. Saint Ambrose's persuasive arguments are supported by biblical references and theological reasoning that make a strong case for the value of virginity as a path to deeper communion with God.

Overall, "Concerning Virgins" offers valuable insights and reflections on the significance of chastity and the pursuit of holiness in a world that often prioritizes worldly pleasures over spiritual growth. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of faith, ethics, and sexuality.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul warns against divisions within the Church and emphasizes the importance of unity among Church members. He warns members against sexual immorality, teaches that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, and encourages self-discipline.