Claretian Teaching Ministry

Just as each person favors a certain lifestyle, preferred types of food, or choice of entertainment, so also every praying Christian has his or her own individually “personalized” modality of private prayer. It is morally imperative that we recognize that –every single form of prayer is good in the eyes of God, as long as it doesn’t involve anything heretical.

Yet many of these “prayerful” Christians look with disdain on others whose prayer forms differ from their own—somewhat like the Pharisee  belittling and denigrating the publican, in the parable of Jesus (Luke 18:11). Such arrogance negates the effectiveness of their own prayer when they deride the prayer that others find appropriate for them in their relationship with God.

The scriptural basis for this “open” acceptance of others’ prayer forms is fourfold: First, Paul’s mandate in Ephesians 6: 18. One translation says, “Pray as the Spirit leads you on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests.Secondly, the words of Jesus in John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases…So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Thirdly, St. Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 2: 15 are appropriate: “The spiritual man makes his judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” And fourthly, in Gal .6:4, Paul says, “Each one should test his own actions; then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.”

Peter’s advice is timely: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (I Pet. 4: 10). Such gifts include the gift of prayer. And he may have had in mind those “xenophobic” Christians who isolate themselves from others whose prayer style differs from their own, when he wrote, “Live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble…to this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing”(1 Pet. 3:8-9).

John H. Hampsch, cmf

God, by his providence pre-plans all that happens to us. Recognizing that theological and scriptural truth can help us face the daunting challenge of trusting in his love. “Lord, all your ways are prepared in advance, and your judgments are with foreknowledge.” (Judith 9:5). But knowing that God (by his positive or by his permissive will) is in some way the source of our hurts and our troubles, does not mean that we should succumb to the heresy of quietism, by doing nothing at all to improve a bad situation; Vatican II made that clear in the Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et Spes. Otherwise, we would have to close down all orphanages, schools, hospitals, courts, prisons, voting booths, etc.

Calm and rational concern that seeks ethical solutions to problems is not anxiety, but maturity. Anxiety is a negative emotion, corrosive and stressful. “Have anxiety for nothing,” says Paul in his prescription for inner peace (Phil. 4:6-7). Five times, anxiety (called “worry”) is forbidden by Jesus (Matt. 6:25-34).

In his commentary on that gospel passage, St. John Chrysostom asks, “Of what use would all our cares, anxieties, and troubles be to us if they only served to torment us? Our anxiety about a problem only increases the pain that arises from the problem itself. Anyone invited to a banquet doesn’t worry about going hungry. The providence of God is an inexhaustibly rich banquet, so do not be uneasy; do not cherish any misgivings. Be at peace in knowing your needs will be fulfilled. Place your trust in the Providence of God, aborting any anxiety; such worry only tortures your mind uselessly. Whether or not you are disturbed, God remains ultimately the source of these troubles; he may even increase them until you learn to trust his loving providence without anxiety.”

St. Augustine, commenting on psalms 6 and 38, writes, “If God provides for the wicked—his enemies—“sending his rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45), won’t he take care of you who are not evil-minded? He created you; won’t he take care for you? He took care of you before your problem; will he stop his care for you now, during your hurt—and afterward?

John H. Hampsch, cmf

ROME. Feb 6, 2007 (www.Zenit.org) Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolourm University.

Q: A member of the RCIA program was told by another member of the parish that if they were going to become Catholic they needed to terminate their involvement with the Masonic lodge, before they could join. Is this still the case in the United States? — TN, Howard City, Michigan

A: This question is more canonical than liturgical. The Church’s position with respect to membership of Masonic lodges, even though canon law no longer explicitly mentions the Masons, has not substantially changed.

The new code states in Canon 1374: “A person who joins an association which plots against the Church is to be punished with a just penalty; however, a person who promotes or directs an association of this kind is to be punished with an interdict.”  An interdict is an ecclesiastical penalty that deprives the person of the right to celebrate or receive the sacraments but is less harsh than excommunication.

This text greatly simplified the former code which had specifically mentioned the Masons, This change led some Masons to think that the Church no longer banned Catholics from being Masons, since, among other things, in many countries membership at a lodge was merely social and had nothing to do with plotting against the Church.

In order to clarify the issue the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published a declaration on Nov, 26, 1983, shortly before the present Code of Canon Law came into effect This declaration, signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, states:

“It has been asked whether there has been any Change In the Church’s decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous Code.

“This Sacred Congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance in due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in wider categories.

“Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.

“It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a derogation from what has been decided above, and this in line with the Declaration of this Sacred Congregation issued on 17 February 1981 (d. AAS 731981 pp. 240-241; English language edition of L’Osservatore Romano, 9 March 1981),

“In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this Declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of this Sacred Congregation.”

The congregation’s judgment, therefore, was not so much based on whether the Masons as such or any specific group of Masons effectively plot against the Church today, This does not deny that some Masonic groups have historically combated the Church nor that even today, in some countries or at certain levels, the lodge remains at the forefront of those who oppose the Church’s freedom of action.

Rather, the Vatican above all stressed the incompatibility of some Masonic principles with those of the Catholic Church. This incompatibility resides in some aspects of Masonic ritual, but more importantly in elements regarding the question of truth.

In its effort to bring together people of different provenances, Masonry requires that its members adhere to a minimal belief in a supreme architect of the universe and leave aside all other pretensions of truth, even revealed truth.

it is thus basically a relativistic doctrine, and no Catholic, nor indeed any convinced Christian, may ever adhere to a group that would require him, even as a mere intellectual exercise, to renounce the affirmation of such truths as Christ’s divinity and the Trinitarian nature of God.

Of course, for many people active in Masonic lodges, the conversations and activities are more social in nature and rarely veer toward the realm of philosophical speculation, A Catholic, however, cannot ignore the fundamental principles behind an organization, no matter how innocuous its activities appear to be.

Albert Einstein, the great physicist was once honored by Time magazine as not just the Man of the Year, but also the Man of the Century. In that context, a very human incident in the life of such a luminary can be fascinating and if tinged with humor, the humor is enhanced by the very prestige of the person.

Einstein was once traveling from Princeton by train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. Einstein reached in his vest pocket to present his ticket to the conductor, but he couldn’t find his ticket, so he tried his trouser pockets, then his briefcase, but the ticket was nowhere to be found. He searched his seat and the seat next to him. Still no success. The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are.  I’m sure you didn’t sneak on without purchasing a ticket, so don’t worry about it.”

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. He glanced back and saw the renowned physicist down on his hands and knees searching under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, don’t worry; I’m sure you bought a ticket, since I know who you are.”.”

Einstein, with his face expressing sheer panic, exclaimed, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

Everyone knows that life is a journey, but an alarming number of travelers on this earth don’t know where they’re going, in terms of their eternal destination. Wherever it is, ultimately it will be drastically different from where they’re coming from, here in their earthly point of departure. When their life-journey reaches its end, absolutely everyone will be faced, ultimately, with a truly big surprise—either delightful or terrifying. And their destination will be their residence thereafter—forever, and ever and ever!

Check your ticket now, in all seriousness. Know your destination! Nothing is more critical for you and for each and every human being on this earth!

John H. Hampsch, cmf

(also found under the prayer tab)

PRAYER OF RELEASE FOR FREEMASONS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS

If you were once a Mason or are a descendant of a Mason, we recommend that you pray through the following prayer from your heart. Don’t be like the Masons who are given their obligations and oaths one line at a time and without prior knowledge of the requirements. Please read it through first so you know what is involved. It is best to pray this aloud with a Christian witness or counselor present. We suggest a brief pause following each paragraph to allow the Holy Spirit to show any additional issues which may require attention.

“Father God, creator of heaven and earth, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ your Son. I come as a sinner seeking forgiveness and cleansing from all sins committed against you and others made in your image. I honor my earthly father and mother and all of my ancestors of flesh and blood, and of the spirit by adoption and godparents, but I utterly turn away from and renounce all their sins. I forgive all my ancestors for the effects of their sins on me and my children. I confess and renounce all of my own sins. I renounce and rebuke Satan and every spiritual power of his affecting me and my family.

I renounce and forsake all involvement in Freemasonry or any other lodge or craft by my ancestors and myself. I renounce witchcraft, the principal spirit behind Freemasonry, and I renounce Bxphomer, the Spirit of Antichrist and the curse of the Luciferian doctrine. I renounce the idolatry, blasphemy, secrecy and deception by Masonry at every level. I specifically renounce the insecurity, the love of position and power, the love of money, avarice or greed, and the pride which would have led my ancestors into Masonry. I renounce all the fears which held them in Masonry, especially the fears of death, fears of men, and fears of trusting in the name of Jesus Christ.

I renounce every position held in the lodge by any of my ancestors, including “Tyler”’ “Master”, “Worshipful Master”, or any other. I renounce the calling of any man “Master”, for Jesus Christ is my only master and Lord, and He forbids anyone else having that title.  I renounce the entrapping of others into Masonry and observing the helplessness of others during the rituals. I renounce the effects of Masonry passed on to me through any female ancestor who felt distrusted and rejected by her husband as he entered and attended any lodge and refused to tell her of his secret activities.

1st Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the First or Entered Apprentice degree, especially their effects on the throat and tongue. I renounce the Hoodwink, the blindfold, and its effects on emotions and eyes, including all confusion, fear of the dark, fear of the light, and fear of sudden noises. I renounce the secret word BOAZ, and all it means. I renounce the mixing and mingling of truth and error, and the blasphemy of this degree of Masonry. I renounce the noose around the neck, the fear of choking and also every spirit causing asthma, hay fever, emphysema or any other breathing difficulty: I renounce the compass point, sword or spear held against the breast, the fear of death by stabbing pain, and the fear of heart attack from this degree. In the name of Jesus Christ I now pray for healing of..(throat, vocal cords, nasal passages, sinus, bronchial tubes etc) for healing of the speech area, and the release of the Word of God to me and through me and my family.

2nd Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the second or Fellow Craft degree of Masonry, especially the curses on the heart and chest. I renounce the secret ~words JACHIN AND SHIBBOLETH and all that these mean. I cut off emotional hardness, apathy, indifference, unbelief and deep anger from me and my family.  In the name of Jesus Christ I pray for the healing of … (the chest/lung/heart area) and also for the healing of my emotions and ask to be made sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God.

3rd Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the third or Master Mason degree, especially the curses on the stomach and womb area. I renounce the secret words MAHA BONE, MACHABEN, MACHBINNA and TUBAL CAIN, and all that they mean. I renounce the Spirit of Death from the blows to the head enacted as ritual murder, the fear of deaths, false martyrdom, fear of violent gang attack, assault, or rape, and the helplessness of this degree. I renounce the falling into the coffin or stretcher involved in the ritual of murder. I renounce the false resurrection of this degree, because only Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life! I also renounce the blasphemous kissing of the Bible on a Witchcraft oath. I cut off all spirits of death, witchcraft and deception and in the name of Jesus Christ I pray for the healing of…(the stomach, bladder, womb, liver, and any other organs of my body affected by Masonry), and I ask for a release of compassion and understanding for me and my family.

Holy Royal Arch Degree

I renounce and forsake the oaths taken and the curses involved in the Holy Royal Arch Degree of Masonry, especially the oath regarding the removal of the head from the body arid the exposing of the brains to the hot sun. I renounce the Mark Lodge and the mark in the form of squares and angles which marks the person for life. I also reject the jewel or talisman which may have been made from this mark sign and worn at lodge meetings. I renounce the false secret name of God, JAHBULON, and the password, AMMI RUHAMAH and all they mean. I renounce the false communion or Eucharist taken in this degree and all the mockery, skepticism and unbelief about the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. I cut off all these curses and their effects on me and my family in the name of Jesus Christ, arid I pray for…(healing of the brain, the mind etc.)

18th Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the eighteenth degree of Masonry, the Most Wise Sovereign ‘Knight of the Pelican and the Eagle and Sovereign Prince Rose Croix of Heredom. I renounce and reject the Pelican witchcraft spirit, as well as the occult influence of the Rosicrucians and the Kabbala in this degree. I renounce the claim that the death of Jesus Christ is a “dire calamity”, and also the deliberate mockery and twisting of the Christian doctrine of Atonement. I renounce the blasphemy and rejection of the deity of Jesus Christ, and the secret words IGNE NATURA RENOVATUR INTEGRA and its burning. I renounce the mockery of the communion taken in this degree, including a biscuit, salt and white wine.

30th Degree.

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the thirtieth degree Masonry, the Grand Knight Kadosh and Knight of the Black and White Eagle. I renounce the password, “STIBIUM ALKABAR”, and all it means.

31st Degree

I renounce-the oaths taken and the curses involved in the thirty-first degree of Masonry, the Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander. I renounce all the gods and goddesses of Egypt which are honored in this degree, including Anubis with the ram’s head, Osiris the Sun god, Isis, the sister and wife of Osiris, and also the moon goddess. I renounce the Soul of Cheres, the false symbol of immortality, the Chamber of the dead and the false teaching of reincarnation.

32nd Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the thirty-second degree of Masonry, the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. I renounce Masonry’s false Trinitarian deity AUM, and Its parts; Brabma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. I renounce the deity of AHURA-MAZDA, the claimed spirit or source of all light and the worship with fire, which is an abomination to God, and also the drinking from a human skull in many Rites.

York Rite

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the York Rite of Freemasonry, including Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, Royal Master, Select Master, Super Excellent Master, the Orders of the Red Cross, the Knights of Malta, and the Knights Templar degrees. I renounce the secret words of JOPPA, KEB RAIOTH, AND MAHER-SHALAL-HASH-BAZ. I renounce the vows taken on a human skull, the crossed swords, and the curse and death wish of Judas of having the head cut off and placed on top of a church spire. I renounce the unholy communion and especially of drinking from a human skull in many Rites.

Shriners (America only-doesn’t apply in other countries)

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses and penalties involved in the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. I renounce the ‘piercing of the eyeballs with a three-edged blade, the flaying of the feet, the madness, and the worship of the false god Allah as the god of our fathers. I renounce the hoodwink, the mock hanging, thy mock beheading, the, mock drinking of the blood of the victim, the mock dog urinating on the initiate, and the offering of urine as a commemoration.

33rd Degree

I renounce the oaths taken and the curses involved in the thirty-third degree of Masonry, the Grand Sovereign Inspector General. I renounce and forsake the declaration that Lucifer is God, I renounce the cable-tow around the neck. I renounce the death wish that the wine drunk from a human skull should turn to poison and the skeleton whose cold arms are invited if the oath of this degree is violated. I renounce the three infamous assassins of their grand master – law, property and religion — and the greed and witchcraft involved in the attempt to manipulate and control the rest of mankind.

(All participants should now be invited to sincerely carry out the following:)

1. Symbolically remove the blindfold (hoodwink) and give to the Lord for disposal.

2. In the same way, symbolically remove· the veil of mourning.

3. Symbolically cut and remove the noose from around the neck, gather it up with the cable-tow running down the body, and give it all to the Lord for His disposal.

4. Renounce the false Freemasonry marriage covenant, removing from the 4th finger of the right hand the ring of this false marriage covenant, giving it to the Lord to dispose of.

5. Symbolically remove the chains and bondage of Freemasonry from your body.

6. Symbolically remove all Freemasonry regalia and armor, especially the Apron.

7. Invite participants to repent of and seek forgiveness for having walked on all unholy ground, including Freemasonry lodges and temples, including any Mormon or other occult / Masonic organizations.

8. Symbolically remove the ball and chain from the ankles.

9. Proclaim that Satan and his demons no longer have any legal rights to mislead and manipulate the person(s) seeking help.

Holy Spirit, I ask that you show me anything else which I need to do or to pray so that I and my family may be totally free from the consequences of the sins of Masonry, Witchcraft, Mormonism, and Paganism.

(Pause, while listening to God, and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.)

Now, dear Father God, I ask humbly for the blood of Jesus Christ, your Son, to cleanse me from all these sins I have confessed and renounced, to cleanse my spirit, my soul, my mind, my emotions, and every part of my body which has been affected by these sins, in Jesus’ name!

I renounce every evil spirit associated with Masonry arid Witchcraft and all other sins, and I command in the name of Jesus Christ for Satan and every evil spirit to be bound and to leave me now, touching or harming no one, and go to the place appointed for you by the Lord Jesus, never to return to me or my family. I call on the name of the Lord Jesus to be delivered of these spirits, in accordance with the many promises of the Bible. I ask to be delivered of every spirit of sickness, infirmity, curse, affliction, addiction, disease or allergy associated with these sins I have confessed and renounced. I surrender to God’s Holy Spirit and to no other spirit all the places in my life where these things have been. I ask you, Lord, to baptize me in your Holy Spirit now according to the promises in your Word. I take to my self the whole armor of God in accordance with Ephesians Chapter Six and rejoice in its protection as Jesus surrounds me and fills me with His Holy Spirit. I enthrone you, Lord Jesus, in my heart, for you are my Lord and my Savior, the source of eternal life. Thank you, Father God, for your mercy, your forgiveness, and your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.“

This prayer is taken from Unmasking Freemasonry – Removing the Hoodwink by Selwyn Stevens, published by Jubilee Publishers, PO Box 36-044, Wellington 6330, New Zealand. Copying of this prayer is both permitted and encouraged provided reference is made to where it comes from.

NOTE: The Internet contains this prayer and much more on Freemasonry.  Do a search on “Freemasonry” or “Unmasking Freemasonry”

May God bless you and protect you today and all days…..

Preface: More and more people are calling the office (Claretian Teaching Ministry – CTM) with concerns relating to Freemasons. The following is intended to open people’s eyes to this society and to the position of The Catholic Church against any association with Freemasonry.

The position of the Catholic Church regarding the Freemasons is as follows:  The new code states in Canon 1374: “A person who joins an association which plots against the Church is to be punished with a just penalty; however, a person who promotes or directs an association of this kind is to be punished with an interdict.” An interdict is an ecclesiastical penalty that deprives the person of the right to celebrate or receive the sacraments but is less harsh than excommunication.

SOURCE: Rome, Feb 6, 2007 (www.Zenit.org) – Answered by Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum University.

The following section is one small example —

Educational Principles

“With the greatest unanimity the sect of the Freemasons also endeavors to take to itself the education of youth. They think that they can easily mold to their opinions that soft and pliant age, and bend it whither they will; and that nothing can be more fitted than this to enable them to bring up the youth of the State after their own plan. Therefore in the education and instruction of children they allow no share, either of teaching or of discipline, to the ministers of the Church; and in many places they have procured that the education of youth shall be exclusively in the hands of laymen and that nothing which treats of the most important and most holy duties of men to God shall be introduced into the instructions on morals.”

SOURCE: HUMANUM GENUS – Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII on FREEMASONRY – DATE: April 20, 1884.

The booklet is available at www.tanbooks.com for $3.00

Please click on the “Prayers” tab, at the top of the home page, where I have posted a “Prayer of Release For Freemasons and Their Descendants.”

Mary is called Our Lady of the Eucharist, because

without her, there would be no physical Body of Jesus

 to be present in the Eucharist. (See John 6:51)

Most kind Mother, we consecrate to you our bodies, which have just been honored and sanctified by the presence of your Divine Son, our souls which have conversed with him, and our hearts which have loved him.

O dearest Mother, may the words which we have spoken be made acceptable to him through your intercession. Tell him the things which we should have said but were unable to express. Love him and beseech him for us, your poor children.

Receive and keep us in your heart. Warn us, protect us and guide us during this day, that we may faithfully serve your Divine Son, and please him in all our thoughts, desires, and actions.

Your Cross

The everlasting God has in his wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross he now presents to you as a gift from his inmost heart. This cross he now sends you he has gazed at with his all-knowing eyes, understood with his divine mind, tested with his divine justice, warmed with his loving arms, and weighed with his own hands, to see that it be not one inch too large, not one ounce too heavy for you, He has blessed it with his holy name, anointed it with his grace, perfumed it with his consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven – a special greeting from God to you – an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

 St. Francis de Sales

“Where’s the milk?” asks the time-pressed, breakfast-hustling husband.

“Where it always is—on the shelf in the fridge,” chirps the patient wife.

Life is punctuated with countless seemingly “urgent” questions that have simple and often overlooked or even ignored answers. One such question that bounces around in the mind of almost every human, sometimes almost as a petulant demand, at other times, just a silent, drifting cloud of wonder, is this:

Where is God when I need him?

To that challenging, often angry, question, Jesus, in his serene majesty—like the indulgent wife countering the querulous husband–provides a simple but often overlooked answer, clearly, succinctly and trenchantly: “Ssurely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). The basic truth of our Creator’s unwavering presence is reasserted insistently throughout his word: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Heb. 13:5).

However, Jesus also tells us that someday our very questioning of his presence will become irrelevant to us: “You are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything” (John 16:22-23).

“On that day”—the day of his Second Coming—our present questioning of God’s presence will seem utterly silly. Only those rare individuals with a mature faith who had never questioned God will find a question-free state quite normal. But “on that day” faith-anemic souls—that’s most of us—will be embarrassed by having questioned God’s presence in our suffering, especially as we recall Jesus’ own question in response to our question: “When the Son of Man comes again, will there be any faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8).

Job, though he was the holiest man on earth in his time, felt really silly and stupid when he underwent the stultifying experience of his great theophany (Job 42:3-6). His stupidity in questioning God became patent when God questioned him (40:4). Jesus’ esoteric prophecy about the future time of no questioning had been personally preempted for Job by his insightful ecstasy.

For us, as spiritually anorexic children of God, there is a continuous need to feed on God’s nourishing love, which undergirds his divine and mysterious plan that surcharges life’s hurts with meaning. And we must do this without denying the ineffable, inscrutable and disturbing mystery of suffering itself. Jesus’ prophesied non-questioning period coincides with the non-suffering period—“when your hearts will rejoice.” That rejoicing will start with the Parousia (Jesus’ Second Coming) and will continue through heaven’s eternity.

As we grow in our reliance and trust in God’s loving presence, and in his mysterious providence that fashions crowns from crosses, we’ll find ourselves, like Paul, advancing from complaint to gratitude for life’s lacerating thorns. As we strive to cope with our harrowing trials in this vale of tears, while snuggling into God’s compassionate presence, heaven itself will begin to come into view.

John H. Hampsch, cmf

A teacher sent a note to a pupil’s mother: “Take your son out of school. He is too stupid to learn anything.” The pupil was Thomas Edison.

Rash judgment is unfounded “labeling” of people negatively. It’s the sin most frequently committed and least frequently confessed.

“Prejudice” means simply pre-judgment. Most pre-judgments are “rash” and  found to be false; hence, prejudice has the connotation of being injurious.

Scripture chronicles many examples of God defending and supporting victims of rash Judgment. Tobit (2: 9-14) falsely accused his wife of stealing a goat. Later, he weeps in remorse for his rash judgment. Sarah, daughter of Raguel, was falsely accused of killing her seven successive husbands, each on their wedding night. Raphael Archangel responded to both, Tobit and Sarah, first, by curing the eye disease of Tobit and then leading his son, Tobias, to happily marry the unjustly accused Sarah, the victim of serious rash judgment. Through Archangel Raphael God defeated Asmodeus, the demon whose evil intervention had killed Sarah’s seven husbands. The Lord vindicates those judged rashly (Matt. 5:11-12).

Note St. Thomas’ definition of rash judgment (Summa Theologica, Quest. 60, art 2): “When the human intellect lacks certainty, as when a person, without any solid motive, forms a negative judgment on some doubtful or hidden matter, it is called judgment by suspicion or rash judgment.”

Rom. 14:3-4: Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat, for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their Lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

Rom. 14:13: Let us therefore no longer pass judgment on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another.

1 Cor. 4:5: Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.

Matt. 7:1: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.

For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.

Luke 6:37: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.

Rom. 2:1-4: Therefore, you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. You say, “We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is in accordance with truth.” Do you imagine, whoever you are, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God?  (It’s hypocrisy, if you foster the same faults you condemn in others)…Or, do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Even if you rightly judge the failure of another, all are subject to God’s forgiveness through repentance.

One pastor set up a “book of complaints” for parishioners berating other parishioners, and asked each complainer to sign his or her complaint as testimony to be read publicly when each accused person was to be publicly confronted. Hundreds made complaints, but no one signed their   complaint. For the entire year, no signature was found in the book.

Let us pray that our “book of complaints” at the end of life will be blank.

John H. Hampsch, cmf