Qui Legit

QUI LEGIT INTELLIGAT

LET HE WHO READETH UNDERSTAND

These words are read in the Catholic Church on the Last Lord's Day (Sunday) after Pentecost, usually the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Jesus advises us in these times of confusion to take and read. That is to learn the truth through reading and study. And yet many have adopted the easy path of taking on a few catch phrases to salve their conscience and justify their actions. For some, it matters not whether it comes from the Satanic Bible or from the Holy Bible, so long as it fits in with their agenda it is acceptable and justifies their actions.

For instance, the main argument for the acceptance of evolution as a valid scientific principle is that it has become a basic scientific principle. The author who wrote this article fully admits that there is no concrete proof of evolution, but that so much science has been build on the assumption evolution is true that we must accept it as a basic principle. Now I will take heat for proclaiming that evolution is wrong from some people, but why should I accept something without any proof? Why should I be condemned for questioning the validity of something that has not been proven? I will be condemned, because I am going against someone's basic principle. Whether these principles are valid are not is not important to these people.

And so where should a Christian get his basic principles from? Here is the first problem; many haven't the foggiest idea what it means to be a Christian. This term has been so watered down, that if a person believes that Jesus Christ lived, this is enough to be a Christian. It is not necessary to believe that He is the Son of God, or to accept all of His teachings and conform our lives to them. To hold that one can be Christian and yet reject what Jesus Christ taught is like a member of the Flat Earth Society, who believes that the world is round. This is like a Protestant, who believes that the Bible is not the sole rule of the Protestant faith.

The first place a Christian goes for their basic principles is the Holy Bible. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice: That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Notice that Saint Paul says all Scripture. We are not allowed to pick and choose. In the sixth chapter of Saint John's Gospel, Jesus gave the people a hard saying. Instead of running after them, when they left, He simply turned to His Apostles and asked them: Will you also leave. If we reject one point, we might as well reject them all. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:18-19)

And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Understanding this first: That no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation. For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:20-21) We need a church to interpret for us and not just any church, but the one founded by Jesus Christ. Look up the word in the Holy Bible and you will soon see that Jesus founded one church not many. And this one church is commanded to teach His doctrine to all peoples for all time. (Matthew 28:19-20)

And yet, the Holy Bible is not the sole rule of our Faith. Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle. (II Thessalonians 2:14) And where are these traditions to be found. The Christian Faith, which is also the Catholic Faith, since these two words mean the same thing, for only the Catholic Church teaches everything Jesus commanded to be taught, and has two sources of truth, Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

Now Tradition is not a vain tradition of men, such as putting up a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve or having turkey on Thanksgiving, but the second source of doctrine, as Saint John concludes his Gospel: But there are also many other things which Jesus did which, if they were written every one, the world itself. I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written. Sacred Scripture, which is the Holy Bible, is not complete, as Saint John aptly demonstrates. If it were the sole rule of faith, wouldn't it clearly say so? Tradition is a constant unchanging doctrine taught by Jesus Christ to the Apostles and by the Apostles through their successors to our own time.

Although Tradition is spoken we must not conclude that today it is not written down. In fact, most of Tradition is written down. The first place it is found is in the writings of the Fathers of the Church. When these men agree on a point, their teaching is infallible. Note well, that on some points they hold differing opinions, and are not infallible. But when they agree on a point, they are considered infallible.

The next and more important place is in the 20 Councils of the Church from that of Nicea to the Vatican Council of the late 1800's. (I omit Vatican II, because it can be easily demonstrated that it contradicts some of the other Councils of the Catholic Church, and it is impossible for truth to contradict itself. Just as it is impossible for a whore to be a virgin, it is impossible for truth to contradict itself.)

Another important source of Tradition are the various Professions of Faith written by the Catholic Church. Most of us are familiar with the two Creeds, the Apostles and Nicean Creeds. However, throughout history, the Church has written Professions of Faith to be made by Catholics to prove that they do not hold some heretical position. (Heresy being a doubt or denial of some doctrine taught by Jesus Christ.) All are considered infallible, that is they are in total conformity with the truth. With the exception of the Athanasian Creed, the Pope has written all the Professions of Faith. It should be remembered that the Pope never writes a new doctrine, but he gives more emphasis to a teaching of Jesus Christ, that has been brought into question by doubters and heretics. Revelation ended shortly before the end of the first century with the death of Saint John the Evangelist.

The last Council of the Catholic Church, that of the Vatican, called by some erroneously the First Vatican Council, infallibly declared that the Pope is infallible, whenever he solemnly defines a doctrine of Faith or Morals to be held by the Universal Church. There has been much controversy over just how far this infallibility goes, and many try to limit it to a rare circumstance that has only happened three times in the last two centuries. (Immaculate Conception, Infallibility and the Assumption)

And so We, adhering faithful to the tradition received from the beginning of the Christian faith, to the glory of God, our Savior, the elevation of the Catholic religion and the salvation of the Christian peoples, with the approbation of the sacred Council, teach and explain that the dogma has been divinely revealed: that the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra, that is, when carrying out the duty of the pastor and teacher of all Christians in accord with his supreme apostolic authority he explains a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the universal Church, through the divine assistance promised him in blessed Peter, operates with that infallibility with which the divine Redeemer wishes that His church be instructed in defining doctrine on faith and morals; and so such definitions of the Roman Pontiff from himself, but not from the consensus of the Church, are unalterable. Vatican Council, (DZ 1839-40): Canon But if anyone presumes to contradict this definition of Ours, which may God forbid, let him be anathema. (Please note the reference to Henry Denzinger's Enchiridion Symbolorum, which is a collection of infallible documents throughout history. DZ indicates the paragraph number the quote comes from and is given for those who wish to verify the accuracy of a quote.)

However, the Pope is infallible in his extraordinary magisterium as well as the ordinary magisterium. To this end Pope Pius XII infallibly declared: It is not to be thought that what is set down in Encyclical letters does not demand assent in itself, because in this the popes do not exercise the supreme power of their magisterium. For these matters are taught by the ordinary magisterium, regarding which the following is pertinent: "He who heareth you, heareth Me." (Luke 10:16); and usually what is set forth and inculcated in Encyclical Letters, already pertains to Catholic doctrine. But if the Supreme Pontiffs in their acts, after due consideration, express an opinion on a hitherto controversial matter, it is clear to all that this matter, according to the mind and will of the same Pontiffs, cannot any longer be considered a question of free discussion among theologians. Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII. (DZ 2313) The Popes have written hundreds of Encyclicals and settled many matters.

We have set down the basic doctrinal authorities of the Christian Church. (Remember that Catholic and Christian are one and the same.) There is also an authority for action. The Church has laid down six Commandments called the Commandments of the Church. These are to be found in the Catechisms, which are simply presentations of Catholic doctrine in a simpler form for children, adults and clergy. In fact the Council of Trent commanded that a Catechism be prepared for pastors, the Catechism of the Council of Trent. In these days, all should spend a notable portion of time studying from this and other Catechisms. Remember Jesus commanded us to read and understand.

These Commandments of the Church all come from another list of commandments of the Church, the Code of Canon Law. In fact, the last Commandment of the Church refers one to a whole section of the Code of Canon Law. And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. (Matthew 16:17-19) The Vatican Council in 1870 desired that Canon Law be collected into a Code for easy reference. Pope Benedict XV completed this task, promulgating the 1917 Code of Canon Law. In promulgating the Code of Canon Law Pope Benedict XV wrote: Therefore, having the aid of Divine grace, and relying upon the authority of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of Our own accord and with certain knowledge, and in the fullness of the Apostolic power with which we are invested, by this Our Constitution, which we wish to be valid for all time, We promulgate, decree, and order that the present Code, just as it is compiled, shall have from this time forth the power of law for the Universal Church, He also called the Canon Law written reason. It must be remembered that Canon Law is not merely a collection of laws, such as we find in secular governments. Some Canons are a restatement of Scripture and/or Tradition. Some are restatement of the infallible teachings of the Church. Some Canons are taken verbatim from the teaching of a Pope or Council. And so the Catholic conscience is bound in obedience to Canon Law in its proper interpretation, as it sets forth.

Summary

So far we have set forth that the only true Christian is a Catholic, who accepts each and every teaching of Jesus Christ without question. The teachings of Christ are found in Sacred Scripture and holy Tradition, that is the teachings of the Popes and Councils and of the Fathers of the Church. Further, he is bound in obedience to the Church Jesus Christ founded. The main obligations of Christians are found in the Commandments of the Church, the main six, which bind under pain of mortal sin, and those, set forth in the Code of Canon Law, which contains not only regulations but also infallible teachings of the Church. The Code of Canon Law contains its own rules of interpretation.

What If There Is No Answer Here?

There are some questions, especially today, which are not easily answered from the sources of Scripture, Tradition and Canon Law. Where should we look for answers? Some look to catch phrases, which were dug from some obscure source and have become a doctrine of some group(s) or sect(s). However, there are priorities to be followed here. We have the Encyclicals of the Popes, we have the teachings of the Saints, which have been thoroughly examined and approved as not being contrary to faith or morals. In legal matters we have the rules of interpretation of the Code of Canon Law. We have the practice of the Church over 2,000 years. We have statements, which although not on Faith or Morals, are directly related. The Popes have condemned many propositions; some as heretical, others are nearly so. A.C. Cotter, S.J. ABC of Scholastic Philosophy: Slogans (or catch-phrases) (are) the handy tools of intellectual laziness.

It is not sufficient to shun heretical error, but one must also diligently shun any errors which more or less approach heresy. Wherefore, all constitutions and decrees by which the Holy See has condemned and prohibited such opinions must be observed. (The Vatican Council DZ 1870 and Canon 1324 of the Code of Canon Law) It is a mortal sin to adhere to a condemned proposition, even though it is not heretical. In fact, in practice, many of these condemned propositions lead eventually to heresy.

In these matters this is where we must read and understand as commanded by Jesus Christ. We must not adopt some maxim, just because we hear it. We must look diligently into the matter and then set a course of practice in conformity with the Divine and Catholic Faith. If we set any other course, then we must know that we are against Jesus Christ, as He allows no middle ground. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11:23)

And so I ask you, will you gather with Jesus are will you scatter by failing to gather with Jesus?

Let He Who Reads

In these times our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to read and study. The Latin word legit, which is translated as readeth also means study. But we are not supposed to read just anything. We must read those things that will lead us to know, love and serve God, as the basic Catechism reminds us.

Know God

Saint John Vianney says: We shall find out at the day of judgment that the greater number of Christians who are lost were damned because they did not know their own religion. This is a command to study the Catechism, and this study is not restricted to when we are school age.

Pope Pius XI: The religious instruction which the children have received is forgotten as they grow older; we know that not only young people and children of age for Confirmation are ignorant of catechism, but even men and old people are sometimes utterly without instruction in Christian doctrine, either because they have never been taught or because they have gradually forgotten what they learned long ago. Decree on Catechetical Instruction, January 12, 1935.

Since the duty to know God does not end with graduation, our duty to study the Catechism also doesn't end at graduation. The duty to study Catechism is a life-long duty. So our first duty is to read and study catechism, and this should take a notable amount of our time. Those inviting distractions, especially television, must be put aside for this duty. If we fail in this duty, then as Saint John Vianney, the holy Cure of Ars reminds us, we will damn ourselves to hell.

Love God

Our duty to love God goes beyond merely believing in Him. Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

And every one that heareth these my words and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall thereof. (Matthew 7:27) So we must hear (in this time read) the Wor of God and then do what it tells us to do. In Saint Luke Jesus asks us: And why call you me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)

Now the love of God is increased by reading what the Saints tells us to do to become like them. This is called spiritual reading and is morally necessary for salvation, especially in these days, when if it be possible, even the elect will be deceived. (Matthew 24:24)

We must dedicate some notable part of our time to His divine service; and, more especially, consecrate to Him those days which are ordered by His Church to be sanctified or kept holy. Page 35, Manual of Prayers for the use of the Catholic Laity, prepared and enjoined by order of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore.

Again we will not find the truths that will lead us to Heaven in newspapers, magazines on television or in movies. There is only one place to go, and that is to books, and not just any books, the writings of the Saints and other holy people, who have learned well the Science of the Saints.

Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

Serve God

Serving God, means doing His will in our lives. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) We must set an example of Christian living, by conforming ourselves to the teachings of Jesus Christ without making an exception. If we reject any of His teachings, then we cease to be Christian. A good place to start is in reading the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) We are finishing a book by Saint Basil, called The Morals, which may still be in reprint. He gives a rule, then quotes from Sacred Scripture to prove that God has taught us this rule of life.

But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it. (Luke 11:28)

Rule of Life

We all have a rule of life, that is, basic rules which determine what we will do in a certain situation. What these rules are determines whether we are Christian or anti-Christian, for there is no middle ground, as Jesus told us. He that is not with me, is against me: and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. (Matthew 12:30) Let us ask ourselves, whether we have adopted the maxims of Christianity or anti-Christianity, which are the maxims of the world, as Saint Paul reminds us: And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and the acceptable and the perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Now there are several things, which tell what we truly hold important:

First and foremost is how we use the 10,080 minutes we have each week. We must dedicate some notable part of our time to His divine service; and, more especially, consecrate to Him those days which are ordered by His Church to be sanctified or kept holy. Page 35, Manual of Prayers for the use of the Catholic Laity, prepared and enjoined by order of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore. How many hours do we idle away in front of the TV? How many minutes do we actually give to God? No time must be lost, but every moment employed in praying, in reading or in performing the duties of your state of life., Saint Alphonsus.

Next comes how we spend our money. Where does all of that money go? Does it go for things that will bring us closer to God? When was the last time we bought a spiritual book to read? Some may say that they have no money after paying for the necessities of life, but often these include luxuries, such as a satellite subscription. So how we define necessity tells us what is truly important to us. And we must ask ourselves what are we writing down in our book for our judgment? Proverbs 30:8-9: Remove far from me vanity, and lying words. Give me neither beggary or riches: give me only the necessaries of life: Lest perhaps being filled, I should tempted to deny, and say: Who is the Lord? or being compelled by poverty, I should steal, and foreswear the name of my God.

What we talk about tells what we hold important. For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two-edged sword and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow: and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is. (Hebrews 4:12-13) When was the last time we talked about God? His holy Name should never be misused, and as a friend recently observed we should not use the Name of God except in prayer. Always rejoice, pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:16-17) We can count as prayer time the time we spend in studying and teaching the Catechism and in encouraging others to know, love and serve God. In this way we truly bear one another's burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

Our major decisions are a good indicator of what we truly hold to be important. Do we follow the advice of Saint Ignatius? The second point: I must have as my aim the end for which I was created, which is the praise of God our Lord and the salvation of my soul. The third point: I must ask God our Lord to deign to move my will and to reveal to my spirit what I should to best promote His praise and glory in the matter of choice. After examining the matter thoroughly and faithfully with my understanding, I should make my choice in conformity with His good pleasure and His most holy will. Are we deciding to do what will bring us closer to God?

Now these four things, those around us see and by them they can get a pretty good idea what we truly hold to be important. This usually reveals what we are thinking, which is the last thing that shows what is important to us. Now we may be able to fool people, as did the Pharisees of old, but God sees into the heart. Whatsoever you do. do it from the heart: as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

And so we must ask ourselves what we are telling God about ourselves. (It doesn't really matter what the world thinks of us, only God.) What are we writing on the book of our life that we will be judged by? And even if we have written some awful things in the past, if we convert and truly become Christian, then all will be forgiven by the merciful God.

Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge for the fatherless, defend the widow. And then come, and accuse me, saith the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow: and if they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool. (Isaias 1:17-18)

He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

Written by Pope Michael, November, 2002

Pope Michael

Box 74

Delia Kansas 66418 USA

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