Bible Study Recap: Apostolic Pardon and "Professional Catholics"

+JMJ+
Saint Benedict

Howdy!

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus commissions His Apostles to go off and spread the Gospel. One of the Sacraments mentioned is the Anointing of the Sick, also called Extrreme Unction, especially when administered to the dying.

Father Michael Warren explained a part of this in a homily awhile back, and it seems to me extremely important to share it with you:

Apostolic Pardon

I can't quote Father Michael exactly, but I will tell you it made such an impression on me that I've been telling everybody I know about it — whether they want to hear it or not.  From EWTN:
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The Apostolic Pardon (or blessing) is an indulgence given in situations of danger of death, usually after the absolution of the sacrament of penance. The focus is on the remission of temporal punishment due to sin. The words of the prayer explain the meaning of the act: "Through the holy mysteries of our redemption may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come. May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy." Or "By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
The Handbook of Indulgences #28 states: "Priests who minister the sacraments to the Christian faithful who are in a life-and-death situation should not neglect to impart to them the apostolic blessing, with its attached indulgence. But if a priest cannot be present, holy mother Church lovingly grants such persons who are rightly disposed a plenary indulgence to be obtained in articulo mortis, at the approach of death, provided they regularly prayed in some way during their lifetime. The use of a crucifix or a cross is recommended in obtaining this plenary indulgence. In such a situation the three usual conditions required in order to gain a plenary indulgence are substituted for by the condition 'provided they regularly prayed in some way.'" ~~ Reverend Mark J. Gantley, JCL.

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Here's what Father Gantley didn't mention. Some priests are unaware of this indulgence. If you're ever in a situation where you or another is near death — ask for the Apostolic Pardon. I mean, don't do it if you're suffering from a cold or a hangnail or something like that, but in the case of imminent death? Don't hesitate. If the priest looks at you with those deer-in the-headlights look, call another priest. Any Roman Catholic priest can administer this pardon, but --- incredibly enough — some priests don't know it. Remember it!

Do you have to be a "pro" to be "called?"

There's no such thing as a "professional Catholic evangelist." Now, yes, while there are evangelists who are paid for what they do — diocesan priests come to mind — it's not necessary to be an expert to be called by God. This sorta seems to be the theme of this Sunday's Readings. Amos wasn't a "prophet," nor even a son of one. But God called this guy who was probably really good at tending sheep and trees…and he said "yes." And look at the Apostles! Let's see, we have our fishermen, we have our tax guy, we have our kid — yet all of them said "yes." The word "yes" is key!

Lori asked an interesting question:

I'm paraphrasing her, but I think the gist is this: "Did those called in the Bible (and therefore, I'm adding parenthetically, do we) actually hear the voice of God when called?" She was referring to, I believe, the folks in the Old Testament…like Amos and Abraham and Noah and all our good friends. And the answer is:

:::::::::drumroll:::::::::::::

I don't know. I thought of Elijah, who heard the voice of God in a whisper.  Moses and the burning bush. Catherine remembered an Oblate Brother who actually heard God calling him to the priesthood. Me? Sometimes — well, for example, I got the urge yesterday to tell a lady who looked like she was about to give birth at any moment, struggling with a couple of kids, that she was beautiful and that her beautiful family had made my day. And she was! And she did!

Nobody was much impressed by my "Dick and Jane" primer books approach to reading the Bible, but hey, that's my theory and I'm sticking with it (until somebody tells me I'm nuts AND DON'T YOU DARE!!!) :-)

Anyway, it was a blessed session, and I thank God for sending His Spirit to be with us tonight.

And I thank you for your prayers…please keep them up! We pray for you all the time.

Your humble scribe,

Kelly <---stand br="" by="" extras="" for="" some="">
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The Council of Trent on the Anointing of the Sick:

“This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark [cf. Mk 6:13], but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord: “Is any among you sick?” he says, “let him call for the elders [presbyteros] of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” [James 5:14-15] (Council of Trent, 1551 A.D.; cf. CCC 1511)

Points to Ponder, by Doctor Scott Hahn

The Church’s Mission

In commissioning the apostles in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives them, and us, a preview of His Church’s mission after the resurrection.

His instructions to the Twelve echo those of God to the twelve tribes of Israel on the eve of their exodus from Egypt. The Israelites likewise were sent out with no bread and only one set of clothes, wearing sandals and carrying a staff (see Exodus 12:11; Deuteronomy 8:2-4). Like the Israelites, the apostles are to rely solely on the providence of God and His grace.

Perhaps, also, Mark wants us to see the apostles’ mission, the mission of the Church, as that of leading a new exodus - delivering peoples from their exile from God and bringing them to the promised land, the kingdom of heaven.

Like Amos in today’s First Reading, the apostles are not “professionals,” who earn their bread by prophesying. Like Amos, they are simply men (see Acts 14:15) summoned from their ordinary jobs and sent by God to be shepherds of their brothers and sisters.

Again this week, we hear the theme of rejection: Amos experiences it, and Jesus warns the apostles that some will not welcome or listen to them. The Church is called, not necessarily to be successful, but only to be faithful to God’s command.

With authority and power given to it by Jesus, the Church proclaims God’s peace and salvation to those who believe in Him, as we sing in today’s Psalm.

This word of truth, this gospel of salvation, is addressed to each of us, personally, as Paul proclaims in today’s Epistle. In the mystery of God’s will, we have been chosen from before the foundation of the world - to be His sons and daughters, to live for the praise of His glory.

Let us, then, give thanks for the Church today, and for the spiritual blessings He has bestowed upon us. Let us resolve to further the Church’s mission - to help others hear the call to repentance and welcome Christ into their lives.