Volume VII/Issue 1/April 2022

Tithing

In the Old Testament, there were various offerings to be made.

"The first of the fruits of thy ground thou shalt offer in the house of the Lord thy God." [Exodus 34:26] We can offer our first fruits, by offering the first part of our day to Almighty God. We should arise to silence, because noise keeps us away from God. Our first thought should be a prayer. Let us remember this simple maxim, God first. We should have a morning prayer routine, which gets us started off on the right foot. The devil said to one of the saints, that if he could have the beginning of the day, he would have the person.

Of course, we should end the day well, so we can end our lives right. Saint John Vianney tells us that not all of the saints began well, but they all ended well. To end our life well, we need to begin and end each day with the Lord.

What we need is a rule of life. And actually we already have one, which we are living by. We need to take some time this week and see what it is by writing down what we are doing each hour of the day. Romans 7:19: "For the good which I will, I do not: but the evil which I will not, that I do." How many of us will find the same thing in our own lives. We will most likely find out that we are not doing the good we should, but doing evil in its place. We need to replace evil with good in our lives.

Saint Paul tells us (Philippians 4:6-7): "Be nothing solicitous; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

"And all Juda brought the tithe of the corn, and the wine, and the oil into the storehouses." [2 Esdras 13:12] A tithe is ten percent. However, let us consider how we can give ten percent of ourselves to Almighty God. A book I have suggests tithing our time. Ten percent of our time is two hours and 24 minutes a day. It may sound like a lot, but consider how we spend our time. We should have already taken a week and seen where our many hours go and are wasted, which could be spent with God. We have 168 hours a week. Can't we give God some of this time? And there are many ways. There is prayer, both vocal and mental, that is in the heart. We can read our Bible and study it. There are other good books we can read. We can study our catechism, because Saint John Vianney also says that the majority of Catholics who are lost are lost, because they do not know their own faith.

A reporter asked a Nun about prayer:

"What do you say to God when you pray," he inquired.

"Nothing," replied the Nun. "I just listen."

"What does God say to you?" he responded.

"Nothing," replied The Nun. "He just listens."

This reminds me of a story about a workman, who would stop in the church every evening for quite a while. Finally the pastor stopped him and asked him what he did with all of that time in church. The workman responded, "I look at Him and He looks at me."

Prayer is not always about saying something or receiving great inspirations, but being with God. "Now it came to pass as they went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things: But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42) Are we choosing the best part?

Crack Pipes for Free?

The Biden administration will soon fund the distribution of crack pipes to drug addicts in underserved communities for the purpose of “advancing racial equity,” the Washington Free Beacon reported.

The baffling measure is included in the Department of Health and Human Services’ fiscal year 2022 Harm Reduction Program Grant program. In the document, the crack pipe plan is described as the dispersion of federal government funds for the slightly more anodyne “smoking kits/supplies.”

...A spokesman for the department recently told the Washington Free Beacon that the grant money will do exactly what the headline says it will do. —Phil Shiver, theblaze.com

Nurse Punished for Wearing Cross Necklace to Work Wins Religious Discrimination Case

A British tribunal has ruled that a Christian nurse who was forced to resign from a hospital over her refusal to stop wearing a cross was wrongfully discriminated against.

The Employment Tribunal ruled [January 5] that Mary Onuoha had been mistreated by the Croydon Health Services NHS Trust when they demanded that she stop wearing a cross to work.

The tribunal rejected the hospital’s claim that the cross necklace presented a high infection risk, noting that other items like rings and hijabs were permitted at the facility.
—Michael Gryboski, christianpost.com

Judge Denies Porn Giant’s Motion to Dismiss Child Sex Abuse Survivors’ Lawsuit

A federal judge in Alabama has allowed a class-action lawsuit by survivors of child sexual abuse against the parent company of popular pornography website ___ and other porn websites to move forward.

U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler...rejected the argument that [defendant] is protected through Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which grants a level of immunity for video hosting websites and social media platforms with third-party content.

“[T]he Court finds that Plaintiffs have plausibly alleged that Defendants indeed materially contribute to the provision of child pornography on their platforms,” wrote Coogler.—Michael Gryboski, christianpost.com

Other News Briefs

• Parent activists are expected to stage a protest outside a Virginia public library in response to sexually explicit books and troll dolls dressed in LGBT colors being displayed next to the Holy Bible as part of its Christmas display, which many Christians saw as an attack on their faith....The protest comes in response to outrage over a Christmas display where...books...which promote pedophilia [were] displayed next to the Holy Bible (Ryan Foley, christianpost.com).

• North Dakota has banned the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, becoming the latest state to try to keep the controversial framework from entering the public school curriculum....The new law defines CRT as “the theory that racism is not merely the product of learned individual bias or prejudice, but that racism is systemically embedded in American society and the American legal system to facilitate racial inequality” (Michael Gryboski, christianpost.com).

• Islamic extremists beat a Christian apologist and evangelist unconscious as he was traveling to participate in a debate about Christianity and Islam in Kampala, Uganda....Two men stopped the car of 43-year-old apologist Charles Kamya when he was about 300 meters from the open-air debate site...and then a mob attacked him, Morning Star News reported....“I stopped my car only to be ambushed by six other Muslims in Islamic attire who resurfaced from the bush at around midday,” Kamya was quoted as saying from his hospital bed (Anugrah Kumar, christianpost.com).

• The leadership of a Connecticut school district has issued an apology after parents expressed outrage over an assignment that asked students about their likes and dislikes when it comes to sexual activity (Ryan Foley, christianpost.com).

• Facebook has now restored the pages of Christian ministries it says were “incorrectly removed” from its platform amid a purge of content that offers “services that aim to change people’s sexual orientation or gender identity” (Brandon Showalter, christianpost.com).

Malta Rejects Europe’s Demand to Legalize Abortion

For standing up for unborn babies’ right to life, Malta is being accused of cruelty toward women.

In a report...Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic demanded that Malta legalize abortion on demand and curtail conscience rights for pro-life medical workers, according to the Malta Independent....

[Mijatovic] likened Malta’s protections for unborn babies to torture and claimed its pro-life laws deny women basic human rights.

Mijatovic also advocated for restricting the conscience rights of medical workers who refuse to abort unborn babies....

The Maltese government quickly rejected Mijatovic’s recommen dations. Responding to her report, the nation’s leaders affirmed their support for sexual and reproductive health services but rejected the notion that these services include an “intrinsic right” to abort an unborn baby....

They pointed out that their pro-life issues do not put women’s lives in jeopardy.
—Micaiah Bilger, lifenews.com

Doctor Banned From Saving Babies Gets His Day in Court

A High Court in the U.K. is scheduled to hear the case of a Christian doctor who has been banned from providing life-saving treatment for unborn babies....

...The Royal Courts of Justice will hear the case of Dr. Demot Kearney...who works for Britain’s National Health Service....

...An interim Orders Tribunal blocked Kearney from providing emergency abortion pill reversal treatment for up to 18 months after the abortion provider...filed a complaint to the General Medical Council, the Daily Mail reported.

Abortion pill reversal involves administering the natural hormone progesterone to a pregnant woman who wants to urgently reverse the effects of the first abortion pill, mifepristone.

The abortion provider claimed in the complaint that Dr. Kearney prescribed a treatment that has “no evidence base” behind it, imposing his anti-abortion beliefs on patients.

...Sue Turner, director of Principles for Life, told the Christian Post...that if a pregnant woman who has taken the first of two abortion pills decides she’s made a mistake and wants to keep her baby, she would have a relatively high chance of delivering a healthy baby if she was to undergo the reversal.—Anugrah Kumar, christianpost.com

Feminist Claims Pregnancy Is a Disease, So Killing Babies in Abortions Is Necessary

A recent article in Ms. magazine [Ed.: a decidedly liberal, feminist publication] describes pregnancy as more like a disease than a natural part of a woman’s life.

The headline states: “Pregnancy and Childbirth Endanger Women’s Lives and Health: 'Pregnancy Is Not a Benign Condition.’ ”

[In the] reading [of] the piece, the message becomes clear—the abortion industry will say whatever it has to say to convince women that abortion is a necessary. It will use fearmongering and scare tactics to persuade society of the need for abortion on demand.

The article...dehumanizes pregnancy by labeling it a “health risk.”...

Women likewise should know all the information about the risks that abortion poses. We can and should protect both the life of the mother and that of her unborn child, because both lives are sacred.—Virginia Allen, lifenews.com

Economic Update
Weapons of Mass Destruction 

Last December in the Olive Tree we discussed that the dollar is not money. https://www.vaticaninexile.com/december_2021_the_dollar_is_not_money.php The US dollar is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

It is also backed by the faith of the world. In 1944 at Breton Woods the US dollar became the world's reserve currency. What this means is that international trade is conducted in dollars rather than Euros, Yen or some other currency. At the time foreigners could redeem $35 for an ounce of gold. In 1971 President Nixon ended all of that. The dollar is basically worthless objectively speaking. It like all other world currencies depend upon people's faith that the currency they get today they can exchange for something of value tomorrow. Currency is merely a convenience.

As the reserve currency it is easier for the government to borrow dollars on the international market. The world considers that the dollar has some sort of value. This puts the US in a powerful position.

What happens, when the dollar ceases to be the reserve currency? When this happens the dollar will lose value in the eyes of other, because of the US's massive debt, which cannot be repaid. Much more is owed than exists to repay it. In the discussion on living wages https://www.vaticaninexile.com/july_2021_living_wages.php we considered how the fraud of central banking works. " The central bank creates currency out of nothing, which is fraud. Then they loan it into existence to buy government bonds or to the banks and charge for the use of it, which is usury. There is a fraud that is not considered. Let us say the central bank creates a million rasbutniks for use in their country. This is the only currency permitted to be used as money. They charge the modest sum of one percent a year, compounded yearly, for the use of these rasbutniks. Let us say they take no other action for ten years. There are a million rasbutniks in circulation, but there are 1,104,622 rasbutniks owed back to the central bank. In other words there are over 100,000 more rasbutniks owed than are in existence to repay them. The central bank basically now controls this country, since more is owed than can ever be repaid. Put that into the real world where countries have had central banks for decades, some for over a century, and one can easily see a large problem."

The second gulf war was started, because Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. However, none were found, or so we thought. When we think of weapons, we think of everything from a sling shot to an A-bomb. However, there are other far more powerful weapons. One is economic, as is being tried with Russia at the current time. Saddam Hussein was negotiating with Europe to sell oil directly in exchange for Euros instead of dollars. This was his economic weapon of mass destruction. The United States started a war to stop this. This shows you how important it is to remain the world's reserve currency.

With the reaction to COVID by creating trillions of dollars and giving them away, the dollar is going to become worthless. Much of this currency has yet to be spent by the various entities, so has not caused inflation yet, because inflation is merely an increase in the amount of currency in existence. The symptom of this disease is rising prices.

Two pieces of news came to light at the end of March. Saudi Arabia is now considering accepting yuan instead of dollars in oil sales with China. And the second piece of news. Russia is considering selling its oil and gas for bitcoin as sanctions intensify from the West. These two moves will undermine the position of the dollar. This will make it more difficult to borrow money in the world market. The Federal Reserve will simply go on a printing spree, which will eventually lead to hyperinflation. The world is changing, and as we see signs of the times, we will tell you more about the condition of the fig tree. "And from the fig tree learn a parable: When the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves come forth, you know that summer is nigh." (Matthew 24:32) The economic fig tree is dying and losing its leaves.

A third piece of news has come to light. Russia is selling natural gas for gold to get around sanctions. Gold is used as money still by some people, and it is recommended by some to have a supply on hand personally to prepare for the coming economic collapse. "Neither shall their silver and their gold be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: all the land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy, for he shall make even a speedy destruction of all them that dwell in the land." (Sophonias 1:18) And this from Ezechiel (7:19): "Their silver shall be cast forth, and their gold shall become a dunghill. Their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord. They shall not satisfy their soul, and their bellies shall not be filled: because it hath been the stumblingblock of their iniquity."

"Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you." (1 Peter 5:7) Let us consider the lilies of the field. (See Luke 12:25-31 and Matthew 6:25-34) In both cases the solution is simple: "Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you." Let us never lose sight of this important point of seeking God first and seriously. Let us put our lives right with God, and He will lead us through the coming storm. 

The Funny Pharmacy

The Pope Speaks: April 2022

Fatima And the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

With the recent actions in Rome by George Bergoglio aka Antipope Francis, We have decided to weigh in on this matter. Twice We have said that Fatima is a distraction, because much effort has been wasted on Fatima. Much more is being wasted right now debating whether or not Bergoglio's consecration was done properly. This can be set aside with one simple statement, an Antipope cannot perform a consecration properly.

A decade ago We were sent a book, False Friends of Fatima. After reading it We realized that the author is also a false friend of Fatima, although he provided one very useful piece of information.

"In the end my immaculate heart will triumph." Has anyone ever stopped to consider what Mary will triumph over? Before the seventh Psalm on some Marian feasts, including the Annunciation (March 25) we pray: "Joy to thee, * O Virgin Mary, thou hast trampled down all the heresies in the whole world." The real enemy of souls is heresy, and heresy is one of the errors of Russia no one talks about. In fact, Communism has been condemned by Pope Pius XI as apostasy. Does anyone ever talk about that?

First of all We will most likely never see the Third Secret of Fatima, so let's stop looking for it. There are only a few things we actually can know about it. We should also set aside the Secret of La Sallette, because it is easy to prove every one of them false, and it has been placed on the Index of Prohibited Books. So let us stop looking for secrets.

Let us consider what Mary actually said: "You have seen hell where the souls of sinners go. To save them, the Lord wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If you do what I shall tell you, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war is about to end, but if men do not cease to offend God there will begin a worse one in the Pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign that God gives you that the punishment of the world is at hand for its so great sins by means of war, famine and persecution directed against the Church and the Holy Father. To prevent this I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of reparation on the first Saturdays of the month. If my demands are listened to Russia will be converted and there will be peace. Otherwise Russia will spread her errors throughout the world arousing wars and persecutions of the Church. Many good men will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me; Russia will be converted and there will be some peace.

"But, finally, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. Consecration to my Immaculate Heart will take place, Russia will be converted and a time of peace will be given to the world. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me; Russia will be converted and there will be some peace."

Let us take this point at a time. "If my demands are listened to Russia will be converted and there will be peace" Mary's demands were not met, so we get option B: "Otherwise Russia will spread her errors throughout the world arousing wars and persecutions of the Church. Many good men will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph." Russia has spread her errors and all of this is being fulfilled.

"The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me; Russia will be converted and there will be some peace." On June 13, 1929 Lucia received the following, which is paraphrased: "Now is the time for the Pope in union with all the bishops of the world." As requested on the afternoon of July 16, 1990, We consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart. We repeated this again on August 22, 1992 and again on the day after Our coronation in 2011.

What people are hoping for is that the consecration will be made and by some miracle the world will convert. Saint John Eudes, commenting on the Magnificat, says: "All the holy Fathers ¹ agree that after the death of antichrist the whole world will be converted, and although some of them assert that the world will last but a few days after his death, while others say a few months, some authorities insist that it will continue to exist many years after. St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis of Paula and a number of other saints have predicted this ultimate universal conversion." And so after Antichrist there will be a conversion of the world, and therefore also Russia.

Reading what Mary said, we had two options, stop sinning or we get another World War. We already know we did not stop sinning and the air is literally filled with sin today. We got World War II. The period of peace appears to come instead of World War II between 1930 and 1960, when the Third Secret will become clearer. Lucia told Cardinal Ottaviani in 1955 this is why the Secret should be revealed.

Let us return to the book, False Friends of Fatima. It reports that in early 1959 Lucia asked her superiors for permission to talk to the world about Fatima. Allow Us some speculation. Had the Third Secret become clearer at this time? Did it warn about Vatican II? The Papacy was usurped by Antipope John XXIII on October 28, 1958 after something happened two days before, which caused confusion in the world. White smoke rose, but no one appeared to give a papal blessing. United Press International reported that Cardinal Ottaviani had been elected as Pope.

What we have is a timeline. Fatima May to October 1917. The October Revolution in November of that year, because Russia was still on the Julian calendar. So Communism was planted in Russia after Fatima. We have the request for the consecration in 1929. We did not stop sinning, so we got World War II. The consecration was not made as requested, so we never got the period of peace. By 1960 things were getting far worse, Vatican II had been summoned. By 1963, the Bishops in attendance at Vatican II signed the heretical decree on the liturgy. (This will be discussed in next month's Pope Speaks) As a result under the principles of the Ordinary Magisterium as presented in Canon 188, paragraph 4, all of the Bishops whpo signed tenderd their resignation from Office, including Archbishop Lefebvre, Bishop de Castro Meyer, Bishop Ngo-Dihn Thuc and Father (consecrated in 1960) Mendez.

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that cleaveth to me, saith the Lord of hosts: strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn my hand to the little ones." (Zacharias (Zechariah) 13:7) The Pope is the shepherd of the Church and the Bishops are the sheep. The faithful are lambs.

The prophet Isaias warns us: ""And they that remain of the trees of his forest shall be so few, that they shall easily be numbered, and a child shall write them down." (Isaias 10:19) This is where we are, the Bishops scattered almost six decades ago and the Spirit of Vatican II created a new church under Paul VI and his successors.

And so what should we do now? "No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3) A footnote in the Douay-Rheims defines penance: "Which word, according to the use of the scriptures and the holy fathers, does not only signify repentance and amendment of life, but also punishing past sins by fasting, and such like penitential exercises." In the Vulgate the word for penance is also translated in some places as repent. What do we need to know about Fatima? "Go, and now sin no more." (John 8:11) And We do not have to read the Secret of Fatima to know this. This is from Jesus Himself, and the message remains the same today almost two thousand years later.

St. Francis de Sales' Introduction to the Devout Life

Those who sought to discourage the Israelites from going up to the Promised Land, told them that it was “a land which eateth up the inhabitants thereof;” that is, that the climate was so unhealthy that the inhabitants could not live long, and that the people thereof were “men of a great stature,” who looked upon the new-comers as mere locusts to be devoured. It is just so, my daughter, that the world runs down true devotion, painting devout people with gloomy, melancholy aspect, and affirming that religion makes them dismal and unpleasant. But even as Joshua and Caleb protested that not only was the Promised Land a fair and pleasant country, but that the Israelites would take an easy and peaceful possession thereof, so the Holy Spirit tells us through His Saints, and our Lord has told us with His Own Lips, that a devout life is very sweet, very happy and very loveable.

The world, looking on, sees that devout persons fast, watch and pray, endure injury patiently, minister to the sick and poor, restrain their temper, check and subdue their passions, deny themselves in all sensual indulgence, and do many other things which in themselves are hard and difficult. But the world sees nothing of that inward, heartfelt devotion which makes all these actions pleasant and easy. Watch a bee hovering over the mountain thyme;—the juices it gathers are bitter, but the bee turns them all to honey,—and so tells the worldling, that though the devout soul finds bitter herbs along its path of devotion, they are all turned to sweetness and pleasantness as it treads;—and the martyrs have counted fire, sword, and rack but as perfumed flowers by reason of their devotion. And if devotion can sweeten such cruel torments, and even death itself, how much more will it give a charm to ordinary good deeds? We sweeten unripe fruit with sugar, and it is useful in correcting the crudity even of that which is good. So devotion is the real spiritual sweetness which takes away all bitterness from mortifications; and prevents consolations from disagreeing with the soul: it cures the poor of sadness, and the rich of presumption; it keeps the oppressed from feeling desolate, and the prosperous from insolence; it averts sadness from the lonely, and dissipation from social life; it is as warmth in winter and refreshing dew in summer; it knows how to abound and how to suffer want; how to profit alike by honour and contempt; it accepts gladness and sadness with an even mind, and fills men’s hearts with a wondrous sweetness.

Ponder Jacob’s ladder:—it is a true picture of the devout life; the two poles which support the steps are types of prayer which seeks the love of God, and the Sacraments which confer that love; while the steps themselves are simply the degrees of love by which we go on from virtue to virtue, either descending by good deeds on behalf of our neighbour or ascending by contemplation to a loving union with God. Consider, too, who they are who trod this ladder; men with angels’ hearts, or angels with human forms. They are not youthful, but they seem to be so by reason of their vigour and spiritual activity. They have wings wherewith to fly, and attain to God in holy prayer, but they have likewise feet wherewith to tread in human paths by a holy gracious intercourse with men; their faces are bright and beautiful, inasmuch as they accept all things gently and sweetly; their heads and limbs are uncovered, because their thoughts, affections and actions have no motive or object save that of pleasing God; the rest of their bodies is covered with a light shining garment, because while they use the world and the things of this life, they use all such purely and honestly, and no further than is needful for their condition—such are the truly devout. Believe me, dear child, devotion is the sweetest of sweets, the queen of virtues, the perfection of love. If love is the milk of life, devotion is the cream thereof; if it is a fruitful plant, devotion is the blossom; if it is a precious stone, devotion is its brightness; if it is a precious balm, devotion is its perfume, even that sweet odour which delights men and causes the angels to rejoice. 

Saints from East and West

9 April - Saint Waldetrudis.

Saint Waldetrudis (c. A.D. 688), called in French Waltrude or Waudru, who is venerated in Belgium, especially at Mons of which she is patron, belonged to a family of remarkable holiness. Her parents were Saint Walbert and Saint Bertilia, her sister Saint Aldegundis of Maubeuge, her husband Saint Vincent Madelgar, and their four children Saint Landericus, Saint Dentelinus, Saint Aldetrudis and Saint Madelberta, the last two named both being abbesses of Maubeuge. She married a young nobleman called Madelgar, with whom she led a happy life of devotion and good works. Some time after the birth of the last of their children, Madelgar withdrew into the abbey of Haumont which he had founded, taking the name of Vincent.

Waldetrudis remained in the world two years longer than her husband and then she also withdrew, retiring into a very humble little house, built in accordance with her instructions, where she lived in poverty and simplicity. Her sister repeatedly invited her to join her at Maubeuge, but she wished for greater austerity than she could have at the abbey. Her solitude was so often broken in upon by those who sought her advice and direction that she eventually founded a convent. This place, which afterwards became known as Chateaulieu (Castri locus in Monte), was in the centre of what is now the town of Mons. Throughout her life Saint Waldetrudis was greatly given to works of mercy, and she became celebrated for the miracles of healing which were wrought through her both before and after her death.

24 April - Saint Sabbas the General.

The Martyr Sabbas came from a Gothic tribe. For his bravery he attained the high rank of military commander or "stratelates," and he served under the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275).

From the time of his youth Sabbas was a Christian and he fervently followed the commands of Christ - he helped the needy and visited Christians locked up in prison. For his pure and virtuous life the saint received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking and in the Name of Christ he healed the sick and cast out demons.

When the emperor learned that Saint Sabbas was a Christian, he demanded that he apostasize. The martyr threw down his military sash and declared that he would not forsake his faith. They beat him, burnt at him with torches, threw him in a cauldron with tar, but the martyr remained unharmed.

Looking on at his torments, seventy soldiers came to believe in Christ, who then were beheaded by the sword. Saint Sabbas they threw in prison. At midnight during the time of prayer, Christ appeared to the martyr and shone on him the Light of His Glory. The Saviour bid him not to fear, but rather stand firm. Encouraged, the Martyr Sabbas underwent new torture in the morning and was drowned in a river (+272).

Advice You Can Bank On

A Catholic Perspective On Finances 

Frugal Living Ideas & Exploring Creativity

With everything skyrocketing in price, from vegetables, to beef, to gas, the timing of this article couldn’t be any better. We hope to explore frugal living and creative ideas on how to save money in this month’s ‘Advice You Can Bank On’ article.

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)

The first step in accomplishing anything is to have a plan. Planning trips to the grocery store can cut down on the cost of impulse buying and can make your trip more worthwhile. Whether you attend in-person or shop online, write out a list out and stick to it. We like to plan for at least one week of meal planning and write our list accordingly.

As mentioned in our previous month’s article, our family prefers the online shopping experience. We also tend to buy generic over name brand. The generic brands are cheaper, and in most cases are just as good as the name brand versions.

Avoiding the grocery store is a good way to save money as well. If your family is like ours, your pantry probably has plenty of food in it, you “just need one more item” that sends you back to the store, and before you know it, you’re $50 in. I have termed this “middle grocery shopping” (shopping in the middle of regular trips), and it really tends to send our grocery budget over the top.

We live in a city that has some world-renowned restaurants and top-notch dishes. When we decided to take the ‘dining out’ portion of out of our budget, it wasn’t because the food wasn’t delicious. Considering the standard markup of restaurant dishes is 300%, it seemed more like a necessity. When you take a family of four out to dinner at a ‘nice’ restaurant, and the bill is $150, it’s not even a question any longer.

Most restaurants will provide an ingredient listing of the dishes they offer. We’ve taken this to the next level and have made our favorite dishes at home, at a third of the cost. A quick internet search will usually provide you with a recipe as well. This has been a wonderful way to experience the high-quality foods we love without breaking the bank.

Other ideas that can go a long way are making your own cleaning products and detergents. We’ve already experimented with making soap, and we plan on making our own laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. The ingredients are easy to source, relatively cheap, and a decent sized batch will last at least six months. We end up sharing with our family and friends who love the hand made soaps with all the moisturizing qualities an expensive bar contains, at a fraction of the price. There are recipes galore for soaps, cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, and dishwashing detergents available online.

Another DIY approach our family has taken to save money is at-home grooming. We no longer use the salon, or the barber for our haircuts. The cost of a pair of sheers is about $15, as compared to the cost of a trip to the salon is about $300, and the cost to the barber is about $45. The sheers pay for themselves immediately. This has been a huge money saver (and time saver) for our family.

Lastly, our family loves to thrift shop. There is something about it that just feels good. We can find name brand items for a fraction of the original cost, and when your family is constantly growing up, like ours, thrifting will save you tons of money. Depending on where you shop, your dollars spent will go towards a charitable cause, making this option a double bonus; keeping your costs down while charitably giving.

To recap the ideas mentioned here, they are listed for you for easy reference:

1. Meal plan and prep for the week

2. Write a grocery list and stick to it

3. Buy generic if possible

4. Don’t “middle” grocery shop (shop between regular trips)

5. Remake your favorite restaurant dishes at home

6. Make your own cleaning supplies and detergents

7. DIY haircuts

8. Thrift shop

These are just a few ideas to help you to live frugally and an excuse to be creative while doing so. There are many more ideas available to you at the tips of your fingers, some more extreme than what we have mentioned here. We hope that you can try some of these ideas and that they benefit you in keeping your costs down.

Video sermons and instructions: Timeless timely truths for living the Faith

Confirmation-The Seven Fold Grace of God pt 1: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding

In the Catechism of the Council of Trent we read:

Quote “In Confirmation is contained the true and proper nature of a Sacrament has always been acknowledged by the Catholic Church.” the Catechism goes on to say, “The truth of this doctrine St. Clement could not confirm in stronger terms than when he says, 'All should hasten without delay to be born again (baptized) unto God, and afterwards to be signed (confirmed) by the Bishop.” that is to receive the seven fold grace of the Holy Ghost; for, as has been handed down to us from St. Peter, and as the other Apostles taught in obedience to the command of Our Lord, he who culpably and voluntarily, and not from necessity, neglects to receive this Sacrament, cannot possibly be a perfect Christian.' To be a perfect and complete Christian one needs to be sealed at the day of their confirmation with the seven fold grace of the Holy Ghost.”

What is the seven fold grace of the Holy Ghost? And what are they used for in our Christian life?

The seven fold grace of the Holy Spirit that, initially, are magnified in us at our confirmation and are unique skills and abilities given by the Holy Spirit to faithful followers of Christ to serve God for the common benefit of his people, the Church. And for reaching others, out side of the Church, for Christ. The seven fold grace, referred to by the Catechism, is described in Isaiah 11:1-3, where it mentions wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, and Piety and the fear of the Lord. The seven fold grace of the Spirit, mentioned in Isaiah, are simply God empowering faithful Christians to do what He has called us to do. The Catholic Church list them as:

• Wisdom

• Understanding

• Counsel

• Fortitude

• Knowledge

• Piety -Godliness

• Fear of the Lord

Now Concerning Wisdom, knowledge and Understanding? And what is the differences between the three?

Wisdom and knowledge and understanding, are recurring themes in the Bible, and are related but not synonymous. As far as Widsom and Knowlege is concerned, the dictionary defines wisdom as “The right use or exercise of knowledge; the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting” Knowledge, on the other hand, is “information gained through experience, reasoning, or acquaintance.” Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but wisdom can not exist without knowledge. One can be knowledgeable without being wise. Knowledge is knowing how to use a gun; wisdom is knowing when to use it and when to keep it holstered.

God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what He expects of us. In order to obey Him, we have to have knowledge of His commandments. But as equally important as having knowledge is having wisdom. Knowing facts about God and the Bible is not all there is to wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from God. James 1:5 states, “But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him.

The book of Proverbs is perhaps the best place in the Bible to learn of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 speaks of both biblical knowledge and wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. ” To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself: “But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption: ” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Knowledge is what is gathered over time through study of the Scriptures. It can be said that wisdom, in turn, acts properly upon that knowledge. Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge understands the light has turned red; wisdom applies the brakes. Knowledge sees the quicksand; wisdom walks around it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him.

At first glance, it seems that the authors of the Bible use the words “wisdom,” “knowledge,” and a third term, “understanding,” almost interchangeably. A closer examination shows a difference in the way the three terms are used. This difference is very important for our understanding of this third mental model of “wisdom and knowledge.”

Simply put, these gifts as they are called in the Bible are defined as:

• Knowledge – the facts.

• Understanding – ability to translate meaning from the facts .

• Wisdom – knowing what to do next, given an understanding of the facts and circumstances.

Those with knowledge are able to collect, remember, and access information. But, it is possible to have knowledge and lack understanding and wisdom. Someone might have the facts, but not know what they mean or what to do next.

Those with understanding are able to extract the meaning out of information. They “see through” the facts to the dynamics of what, how, and why. Understanding is a lens which brings the facts into crisp focus and produces principles.

Those with wisdom know which principle to apply in a given context. Understanding without wisdom can appear contradictory. For example, the statement, “He who hesitates is lost,” is true, but so is the idea that “haste makes waste.” Which principle to use depends on the context. Those with wisdom know what actions to take next. They do the right thing in the given situation. In contrast, there are many who have great knowledge and understanding but who consistently do the wrong thing.

It has been said,

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

In any given situation, God rarely gives all three gifts to any one person. We need to cooperate and assist each other with our particular gift in order to accomplish what God has called us to do, especially in our vocational work.

This is what economists call the “knowledge problem.” No one person or group can have absolute knowledge or know all the facts, though we are all supposed to work towards developing and acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in our lives. God is the only one who does not have a knowledge problem.

Let’s look closer at this idea of knowledge.

The New Testament word “disciple” literally means “a learner.” Christians are called to a careful study of the Bible. This will help us acquire the knowledge that we need in order to do what God has called us to do. Jesus said,

If you continue in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31–32).

One author wrote in his daily devotional that,

Our Lord calls for a continued application of the mind to His Word. A disciple does not dabble in learning. He makes the pursuit of an understanding of God’s Word a chief business of his life.

You Might Have Left Your First Love If.....

 

Every Christian should be aware of the danger of leaving his first love for the Lord. Long ago, the church in Ephesus was busy doing many things for God, yet Jesus said, “But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity.” (Revelation 2:4).

The Lord commanded them, “Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance, and do the first works. Or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance.” (Revelation 2:5).

Several things can indicate that you are wandering from your first love:

1. You delight in someone else more than you delight in the Lord.

Your love for God should be foremost in your heart, exceeding the bond of any other relationship. Jesus identified the greatest of all commandments: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30).

2. Your soul does not long for times of rich fellowship in God’s Word or prayer.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . soul . . .” (Mark 12:30). When your mind, will, and emotions wander from devotion to God, watch out.

Your relationship with God deepens as you spend time in His Word and commune with Him in prayer. If you forsake this fellowship, your understanding of your true condition before God will grow dull. As God’s children, His friends, and His bride (see Matthew 5:44–45, James 2:23, John 15:15, and Revelation 21:9), it is critical that we draw near to Him to engage in our relationship with Him. (See James 4:7–8.)

3. Your thoughts in leisure moments do not honor the Lord.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . mind . . .” (Mark 12:30). The things that captivate your thoughts in leisure moments reveal much about the priorities of your heart. The Apostle Paul instructed us, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).

4. You make excuses for doing things that displease the Lord, claiming to be “only human.”

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . strength” (Mark 12:30). God wants you to dedicate your life to Him as a “living sacrifice” (see Romans 12:1–2), discerning His will in all things and walking in obedience to Him. As your Good Shepherd, He will lead you “in the paths of justice for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

There is no excuse for disobeying the Lord. His grace is sufficient to rescue you from every temptation. (See I Corinthians 10:13.) The truth is, “But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured. Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death. Do not err, therefore, my dearest brethren.” (James 1:14–16).

Your obedience to God demonstrates your love for Him. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10).

5. You do not willingly and cheerfully give to God’s work or to the needs of others.

Generosity is part of God’s holy character: “For God so loved the world, that he gave . . .” (John 3:16), and He “loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7). Therefore, “He that hath the substance of this world, and shall see his brother in need, and shall shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in him?” (I John 3:17).

As believers, we are to love and give—even to our enemies. (See Luke 6:27–36, Romans 12:20, and Matthew 5:42.) We can do this only by the grace of God, as He renews our minds and teaches us to walk in obedience to His voice.

6. You cease to treat others as you would treat the Lord.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34). “Love one another” is not a suggestion; it is a command that we are enabled to fulfill by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Do you find that you are quick to judge and condemn others? Consider God’s love for you and His command that you love others with His love. “In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. My dearest, if God hath so loved us; we also ought to love one another.” (I John 4:10–11).

7. You view Christ's commands as restrictions to your happiness rather than expressions of His love.

God’s commandments, the words of your wise and caring Father, lead you toward what is good and away from what is evil. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). Obedience to His commandments brings true freedom and joy. (See John 8:31–32, 36.)

8. You strive for affirmation from the world rather than approval from the Lord.

Jesus faced misunderstandings and rejection because of His obedience to God, and you will face similar situations. “If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the concupiscence thereof: but he that doth the will of God, abideth for ever.” (I John 2:15–17).

9. You fail to make Christ or His words known because you fear rejection.

If your faithfulness to God depends on the reaction of those around you, you are serving men instead of serving God. (See Galatians 1:10.) Jesus’ obedience to God aggravated many people, including the religious leaders of his community. “Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also. ” (John 15:20).

Be faithful to proclaim the truth in love, because God “I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee. So that we may confidently say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me.” (Hebrews 13:5–6).

10. You refuse to give up an activity that you know is offending a weaker brother.

In every generation, Christians seek God’s will concerning discretionary activities. “Therefore every one of us shall render account to God for himself. Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that you put not a stumblingblock or a scandal in your brother's way. I know, and am confident in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if, because of thy meat, thy brother be grieved, thou walkest not now according to charity. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.” (Romans 14:12–15). (See also Romans 12:10 and Philippians 2:3–8.)

11. You become complacent toward sinful conditions around you.

Jesus warned that “And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12). Witnessing the sinfulness of the world around you should motivate you to follow after God with even greater determination. “Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist ye, strong in faith:” (I Peter 5:8–9).

12. You are unwilling to forgive your offenders

“If any man say, I love God, and hateth his brother; he is a liar....” (I John 4:20). Holding a grudge against another person indicates that you have lost sight of the greatness of God’s forgiveness of your sin and your need for His grace. (See Matthew 18:21–35.)

Bitterness is the natural fruit of unforgiveness. As believers, we are to “Follow peace with all men, and holiness: without which no man shall see God. Looking diligently, lest any man be wanting to the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up do hinder, and by it many be defiled.” (Hebrews 12:14–15). A spirit of forgiveness is essential to the Christian. Jesus said, “But if you will not forgive, neither will your Father that is in heaven, forgive you your sins. ” (Mark 11:26).

Return to Your First Love for the Lord

A prayer of ancient Israel’s leader, Moses, gives us insight into the goal of keeping our first love: “If therefore I have found favour in thy sight, shew me thy face, that I may know thee, and may find grace before thy eyes: look upon thy people this nation. ” (Exodus 33:13). The longing of our hearts should be to know God, to know Him intimately. That is the reason for knowing His ways and His will: to know Him. And this is God’s promise to His children: “You shall seek me, and shall find me: when you shall seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).

If your love for God has grown cold, take steps to renew your relationship with Him. Return to your first love. He waits for you with open arms.