Mar 29, 2008

The Fire that both burns and saves

Spe Salvi Saved in Hope by Pope Benedict XVI

46...[Saint] Paul begins [1st Corinthans] by saying that Christian life is built upon a common foundation: Jesus Christ. This foundation endures. If we have stood firm on this foundation and built our life upon it, we know that it cannot be taken away from us even in death. Then Paul continues: “Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire” (1 Cor 3:12-15). In this text, it is in any case evident that our salvation can take different forms, that some of what is built may be burned down, that in order to be saved we personally have to pass through “fire” so as to become fully open to receiving God and able to take our place at the table of the eternal marriage-feast.

47. Some recent theologians are of the opinion that the fire which both burns and saves is Christ himself, the Judge and Saviour. The encounter with him is the decisive act of judgement. Before his gaze all falsehood melts away. This encounter with him, as it burns us, transforms and frees us, allowing us to become truly ourselves.

5 comments :

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

Paul uses two biblical quotations in this passage (Job 5:13 and Psalm 94:11; vv. 19-20) to show us that an unspiritual approach is doomed to failure and that, by contrast, the person who has Christ has all things.

Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Anonymous said...

What a marvelous gift the Holy Spirit gives to all of the Church in our Holy Father, Benedict. Such a great teaching Holy Father of the Word of God,

Anonymous said...

If you don't accept the Gospel of Sodomy, the New Age doesn't want you:

http://lasalettejourney
.blogspot.com/2008/04/22-episcopal-ministers-fired-
for-not.html

Anonymous said...

"William said...
If you don't accept the Gospel of Sodomy, the New Age doesn't want you"

That's a pretty hateful thing to say about our generation dude! Why so negative?

Paul Anthony Melanson said...

Jay,

Peace in the Lord Jesus!

I have a favor to ask. I have been asked by the La Salette Parish in Fitchburg to create a parish website and serve as its administrator. The idea is to reach out to Catholics in the area in an effort to bring them back to the sacraments. The website will also serve to inform about upcoming events in the parish and local community.

When the site is up and running would you mind letting all your friends know about it? I believe we have a real opportunity to reach many souls and bring them back - with the help of Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of Sinners - and God's grace (without which nothing is possible) to the sacraments.

The thought of bringing young people back to the Church is an exciting one. I would also greatly value your input.

Thank you Jay,
for all that you ARE and all that you do for Jesus and Mary.
Paul.