Elija

A way to grow in love

Elija6th March 20205th March 2020

The mount of Beatitudes from which Jesus spoke the words of this Gospel

Mt 5,20-26

„For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven. You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother “Fool” will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him “Traitor” will answer for it in hell fire. Read More

In Reflexion

The Coronavirus and the reception of the Holy Communion, Part 2

Elija5th March 20204th March 2020

Answering questions, Part 5

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I would like to make a supplement or correction to the text from yesterday. It has been brought to my attention from the medical side that the bishops probably fear an increased risk during oral communion because the pathogens of the coronavirus are mainly found in the throat. When the mouth is open, they may be transmitted to other people. But, despite this, I still say that, in my view, the measures are not appropriate! Read More

In Reflexion

The Coronavirus and the reception of the Holy Communion, Part 1

Elija4th March 20203rd March 2020

Answering questions, Part 4

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In these days when the proliferation of the so-called “coronavirus” is disturbing many people, I have been asked very topical questions, which I would like to address. It is a question of receiving Holy Communion… In some places, on the recommendation of the bishops in charge, Communion is being distributed in the hand at Holy Masses. This is what I have heard from Germany, from Mexico, from Jerusalem and, even more, from Italy. Recently the same measure was taken in Ecuador as well. Read More

In Reflexion

Catholic and Orthodox doctrine about Heaven and Hell

Elija3rd March 20202nd March 2020

Answering questions, Part 3

“Those who did good will come forth to life; and those who did evil will come forth to judgement.” (Jn 5,29)

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One of our listeners from China asked what would be the difference between Catholic and Orthodox doctrine with respect to heaven and hell.

First of all, it should be noted that in the Orthodox Church, to my knowledge, there is no binding catechism for all believers. The Orthodox Church consists – as is well known – as different national churches, so that there may be slight differences within Orthodoxy in the answer to this question, but they will hardly be significant. Read More

In Reflexion

Eucharistic adoration, part 2

Elija2nd March 20201st March 2020

Answering questions

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On the subject of yesterday, we like to add that in Eucharistic adoration we should, as far as possible, pay special attention to the silent moments when the Lord wants to touch the soul inwardly. As a rule we are accustomed to oral prayer, and we always fill the time with certain prayers. It would be very fruitful, however, if we could simply say to the Lord that we are here and have time for him, to win an intimate conversation with him.

In Reflexion

Eucharistic adoration, Part 1

Elija1st March 202029th February 2020

Answering questions

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Today I would like to go back to questions or suggestions from the audience, which may be of general interest.

1. I was asked if I could say something about Eucharistic adoration.

2. The other question came from China about the difference between the Catholic and Orthodox doctrine of heaven and hell.

In Biblical Meditations

The way of simplicity

Elija29th February 202026th February 2020

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Isa 58,9b-14

If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist and malicious words, if you deprive yourself for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, your light will rise in the darkness, and your darkest hour will be like noon. Yahweh will always guide you, will satisfy your needs in the scorched land; he will give strength to your bones and you will be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never run dry.

In Biblical Meditations

Fasting as preparation

Elija28th February 202026th February 2020

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Mt 9,14-15

Then John’s disciples came to him and said, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” Jesus replied, “Surely the bridegroom’s attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

In Biblical Meditations

To choose life is to choose God

Elija27th February 202025th February 2020

“If you obey the commandments of Yahweh your God (…), you will live”

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Deut 30,15-20

“Look, today I am offering you life and prosperity, death and disaster. If you obey the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I am laying down for you today, if you love Yahweh your God and follow his ways, if you keep his commandments, his laws and his customs, you will live and grow numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the country which you are about to enter and make your own.

In Biblical Meditations

A Holy Fasting – Ash Wednesday

Elija26th February 202025th February 2020

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Jl 2,12-18

“But now –declares Yahweh– come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning.” Tear your hearts and not your clothes, and come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and he relents about inflicting disaster. Who knows if he will not come back, relent and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a libation to be presented to Yahweh your God?