Our Lady of Perpetual Help, San Fernando.

27/10/2024

Q & A made simple with Fr. David S. Khan. October 27, 2024.

QUESTION:
Is the doctrine of purgatory, supported by Scripture and the teachings of the early Church Fathers, to affirm the practice of praying for the dead, especially during the commemoration of All Souls on November 2 by Roman Catholics?

ANSWER:
On November 2, Roman Catholics commemorate All The Faithful Departed (All Souls), the Church calls us to the important practice of praying for the dead. As Scripture reminds us, "It is a good and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins" (2 Maccabees 12:45). This underscores our belief that our prayers can aid the departed on their journey toward full communion with God.

Christians universally acknowledge the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. While purgatory is not listed among these final realities, it remains a significant part of our faith. Purgatory is understood as a temporary state of purification for souls who, although destined for heaven, are not yet fully purified to enter God's presence (see CCC 1030-1032). As Revelation 21:27 tells us, “… nothing unclean shall enter” heaven.

The early Church Fathers echoed this understanding. St. Augustine wrote, "Temporal punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by others after death, by others both here and hereafter; but all of them before that last and strictest judgment" (City of God, Book 21, Chapter 13). This reflects the belief that souls can undergo purification after death before entering eternal glory.

Some may question the doctrine of purgatory because it is not explicitly named in Scripture. However, this is not unlike the doctrine of the Trinity, which, while not named in the Bible, is universally accepted by Christians. The doctrine of purgatory, like that of the Trinity, is derived through a logical and theological interpretation of Scripture. Consider the following examples:

1. The Parable of the Unfaithful Servant (Luke 12:47-48): Jesus speaks of differing degrees of punishment, suggesting a state in which some souls, while not condemned to hell, are still not immediately ready for heaven. The notion of "a severe beating" versus "a light beating" implies a process of purification, which aligns with the concept of purgatory.

2. Paul’s Teaching on the Testing of Works by Fire (1 Corinthians 3:14-15): Paul describes a process where a person’s works are tested by fire after death. If a person's work survives, they will be rewarded; if it is burned up, they will suffer loss, yet still be saved "but only as through fire." This “fire” is understood by the Church as the purifying process of purgatory.

3. John’s Distinction between Mortal and Venial Sin (1 John 5:16-17): John differentiates between mortal sins, which lead to spiritual death, and venial sins, which do not. Those who die with venial sins are not condemned to hell but are not yet pure enough for heaven. This intermediate state, where souls are purified, is what the Church identifies as purgatory.

Although Protestants may officially reject the doctrine of purgatory, in practice, many Christians, regardless of denomination, pray for their deceased loved ones, asking for their peaceful rest. But why pray for the dead? If a soul is in hell, prayers are of no benefit. If in heaven, prayers are unnecessary. The fact that we pray for the dead suggests an inherent belief in an intermediate state—one where souls are still journeying towards the fullness of peace and union with God. This is purgatory.

On All Souls' Day, we pray for the souls undergoing purification in purgatory. This practice affirms our belief that God's love for these souls endures despite their imperfections. Likewise, our love and concern for them continue. For Catholics, purgatory is indeed Good News: it is the hope that, even if we are not perfect in this life, we can still look forward to the promise of heaven, where "many mansions" await us (John 14:2).

In the words of St. John Chrysostom: "Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them." (Homilies on Philippians, 3:9-10).

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

26/10/2024

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. October 27, 2024.

From Me to You…
In the Gospel Mark 10:46-52, presents the beautiful and inspiring story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who encounters Jesus on His way to Jerusalem. As Jesus passes by, Bartimaeus cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” His plea is a profound act of faith, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the One who can heal and restore.

Despite being rebuked by the crowd, Bartimaeus perseveres, shouting even louder for Jesus’ attention. His determination reminds us that when we are faced with difficulties, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we must not be discouraged by obstacles. Instead, we should follow Bartimaeus' example, turning to the Lord with persistence and faith.

When Jesus calls Bartimaeus, he responds with immediate action. Casting aside his cloak, Bartimaeus runs toward Jesus. This moment is symbolic of a deeper truth: the cloak represents everything that weighs us down—our sins, doubts, and attachments. Like Bartimaeus, we are called to cast these aside to fully embrace Christ’s healing power.

Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” This question is an invitation for us to reflect on our own lives. What do we seek from the Lord? Are we open to receiving His grace and healing, or are we afraid to ask? Bartimaeus responds with trust: “Master, I want to see.” And Jesus heals him, saying, “Your faith has saved you.”

In this miracle, we witness not only physical healing but a transformation of faith. Bartimaeus, once blind and marginalized, becomes a follower of Christ. His story is our story. Jesus invites each of us to call out to Him, to trust in His mercy, and to be transformed by His love.

May we, like Bartimaeus, have the courage to seek the Lord with faith, knowing that His grace will restore us and lead us on the path of discipleship.

Fr. David.

19/10/2024

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. October 20, 2024.

From Me to You…
In the Gospel Mark 10:35-45, we encounter James and John asking Jesus for a privileged place in His glory. Their request reflects a misunderstanding of what it means to follow Christ. Like many of us, they were focused on status and power, yet Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them, and us, a deeper truth about discipleship.

Jesus’ response is not to condemn their desire but to redirect it. He explains that to be great in His Kingdom, one must be a servant, "anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all." (Mark 10:43-44). This teaching challenges the world's notion of power, which often involves dominance and control. In Christ’s Kingdom, greatness is measured by our capacity to serve, to love, and to give of ourselves for others.

Jesus Himself is the perfect model of this kind of service. "For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). This is the heart of Christian discipleship—offering our lives in service, following the example of Christ’s self-giving love on the cross.

As we reflect on our own lives, we may ask ourselves: Do we seek honour and recognition, or do we seek ways to serve? In our families, communities, and workplaces, how can we embody this servant leadership? True greatness comes not from exalting ourselves but from humbling ourselves in service to others, especially the marginalized, the poor, and the vulnerable.
May we embrace this call to servant leadership, knowing that it leads us to true joy and fulfilment in Christ. Let us follow Jesus on the path of love, sacrifice, and service, confident that this is the way to eternal life.

Fr. David.

18/10/2024

60th Anniversary of Canonization of Charles Lwanga and the Martyrs of Uganda.

From Me to You…

Today, we gather in joyful celebration, marking the 60th anniversary canonization of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions, the martyrs of Uganda (18th October 1964). Their witness to Christ, even unto death, stands as a beacon of faith and courage that continues to inspire Christians around the world. These young men, whose faith was tested in the fires of persecution, laid down their lives rather than betray the Gospel. They remind us that the call to discipleship is not without its trials, but God’s grace strengthens us to persevere.

The Courage of the Ugandan Martyrs:
In the late 19th century, when Christianity was still spreading in Uganda, Charles Lwanga and his companions faced the ultimate test of their faith under the cruel persecution of King Mwanga. These young men, many of them converts, were members of the royal court and subjected to the king’s pressures to abandon their Christian beliefs. In the face of torture and ex*****on, they chose Christ.

Pope Francis reminds us that the Church is always renewed through the witness of the martyrs. In his encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”), he writes:
“The martyrs are a sign of the Church’s credibility. Their testimony strengthens us in our resolve to live out our faith with courage and conviction.”
The faith of Charles Lwanga and his companions is a sign of the Church’s credibility. They show us that faith is not just words we say; it is a life we live. Their example calls us to stand firm in the face of opposition, remaining faithful to Christ and the teachings of His Church.

Building a Synodal Church:
As we reflect on the lives of these martyrs, we must also ask what their witness teaches us about the Church today, especially as we strive to build a synodal Church. Pope Francis has often spoken of the need for a Church that walks together, that listens and learns from one another as we journey towards Christ. He said in his address at the opening of the Synodal Path in 2021:
“A synodal Church is a Church that listens, a Church in which everyone has something to learn. The faithful, the bishops, and the pope all listen to each other, and all listen to the Holy Spirit.”

The Ugandan martyrs were united in their faith, despite their differences. Some were Catholics, others Anglicans, yet they stood together as brothers in Christ. This unity in diversity reflects the very essence of a synodal Church—one that listens, that values every voice, and walks together on the journey of faith. Their martyrdom calls us to foster unity in our communities, breaking down the walls of division, and seeking dialogue and mutual understanding.

In a world often marked by individualism and division, the martyrs remind us of the strength that comes from standing together. In their final moments, Charles Lwanga and his companions encouraged one another, even as they faced death. This spirit of communion, of walking together in faith, is what we need in our Church today. Let us embrace the synodal path, learning to listen deeply to one another and to the Holy Spirit, so that we may grow together in unity and mission.

A Call to Courage and Witness:
As we honor St. Charles Lwanga and the Ugandan martyrs, we are challenged to live with the same courage and fidelity to Christ. We may not face the same persecution as they did, but the call to witness is no less urgent. Pope Francis, speaking at the canonization of the martyrs of Otranto, reminds us that martyrdom is not just about death, but about a way of life. He said:
“We are all called to be martyrs, not by shedding blood, but by living a consistent Christian life, by bearing witness to the Gospel, even when it costs.”

We are called to be witnesses of faith in our families, in our workplaces, and in our communities. We are called to stand up for the truth of the Gospel, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Like the Ugandan martyrs, we must place our trust in Christ and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom.

As we celebrate this feast, let us be inspired by the example of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions. Let us ask for their intercession, that we may have the courage to live as faithful witnesses to Christ. Let us also embrace the synodal spirit of journeying together as one Church, listening to the Holy Spirit, and building a community rooted in unity, love, and service.

May the blood of the martyrs continue to be the seed of the Church, strengthening us in our mission to bring Christ to the world. And may we, like St. Charles Lwanga and the Ugandan martyrs, live our faith with boldness, knowing that our souls are in the hands of God.

Fr. David.

13/10/2024

12/10/2024

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. October 13, 2024.

From Me to You…
In the Gospel Mark 10:17-30, we witness a profound encounter between Jesus and a rich man seeking eternal life. This man had lived a moral life, keeping the commandments from his youth, yet he still felt something was missing. He asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus lovingly responds, challenging him to go beyond mere observance of the law.

The man’s attachment to his wealth becomes the stumbling block. Jesus tells him, “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Faced with this radical call, the man walks away sorrowful because of his great possessions. His heart was divided between his desire for eternal life and his attachment to material things.

Jesus then teaches His disciples, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." This vivid image highlights the difficulty of letting go of earthly attachments that cloud our vision of God's kingdom.

We, too, are often weighed down by the things we cling to—wealth, status, comfort, or even past hurts. Jesus calls us to live freely, trusting in God’s providence, and to follow Him wholeheartedly. The key to eternal life is not found in riches or status, but in loving surrender to God.

Yet, when the disciples express their astonishment, asking, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus reminds them, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Our salvation is God’s gift of grace, not something we earn by our merits or possessions.

Let us ask ourselves: What are we holding on to that keeps us from fully following Christ? May we trust in His grace, allowing Him to transform our hearts, so that we may enter the Kingdom of God.

Fr. David.

06/10/2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

As is customary, during the month of October we will be tackling Mariology.

This month Dr Spencer will be hosting 2 Different Marian Courses

1. Introduction to Mariology: The Biblical Proofs of Marian Dogmas

This is the usual 4 session lecture series that Dr Spencer does on showing that the 4 Marian Dogmas are Biblical. He has done these lectures in May/October over the past three years.
This October these 4 lectures will be ONLINE via ZOOM over the following 4 days
Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th, Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th at 7pm each night

To REGISTER for this Course please click this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItc-iqrDooHdw_nknsFJ9vgZCSrlKoUREY

2. ADVANCED MARIOLOGY

For the first time this October 2024, Dr Spencer will be having an advanced talk on Mariology. This year he will be taking a deeper look at 'The Bodily Assumption of Mary' and 'Mary as Co-Repemptrix/Mediatrix'.

These talks will be IN-PESRON as follows:
Holy Rosary RC Church, POS, 16th/23rd Oct 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Our Lady Of Assumption, South Oropouche, 21st/28th @ 7:00 pm
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, S'Do, 22nd/29th @ 6:30 pm

PS: It is STRONGLY advised that Only those who do/did the Introduction course before attend the Advanced course. This is because much of what will be discussed will be building on what was taught in the 'Introduction' course.

To Register for the Advanced Mariology Course please click the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJZF2RVu6MoCujJyRIGv5Z5tC96-ines83aJOOS4TTAMpZGQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

BOTH COURSES ARE FREE

Please send this to a friend.

Any questions or concerns please feel free to reply to this email or to contact us at 681-9080.

Looking forward to our journey together.

Stay Blessed
Regards
The Path Ministry
+1-868-681-9080

Event Timing: October 2024 Event Address: Holy Rosary RC 16th/23rd, OLA South Oropouche 21st/28th, OLPH RC 22nd/29th Contact us at (868) 681-9080 or [email protected]

05/10/2024

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. October 6, 2024.

From Me to You…
The Gospel Mark 10 2-16 brings us into a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees, where the topic of marriage and divorce arises. The Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus, ask Him whether divorce is lawful. Jesus, however, shifts the conversation from legalities to God’s original plan for marriage: “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female...and the two shall become one flesh.”

This passage reminds us that marriage is not merely a human contract, but a divine covenant, instituted by God. It is a lifelong commitment that mirrors God’s unwavering love for us. In marriage, two people are no longer separate individuals but united in one life, reflecting God’s image.

In a society where the sanctity of marriage is often questioned, this teaching can seem challenging. We live in a world where relationships are frequently broken, where many experience pain, betrayal, and division. Yet, Jesus calls us back to the ideal — not to condemn but to remind us of the beauty of God’s design. He teaches that the love between a husband and wife should reflect God’s faithful, self-giving love, even in difficult times.

Jesus also highlights the importance of children, saying, “Let the little children come to me.” This reminds us of the central place children have in the family. A marriage that is open to life and nurtures children reflects the fullness of God’s creative love.

Let us pray for married couples — that they may be strengthened in love and unity. Also, let us pray for those whose marriages are struggling, that they may find healing. May all of us recognize the dignity and sanctity of marriage as a sign of God’s loving presence in the world.

Fr. David.

30/09/2024

Stewardship and St. Francis of Assisi

Friday, October 4 is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Francis was one of God's great stewards.

The story of his life presents many opportunities to teach us about Stewardship.

A. St. Francis was born in 1181 the son of a wealthy merchant. He grew up having and enjoying many fine things. His dream was to one day be a great knight, outfitted with expensive equipment and garments. When he was young he did go to war, was taken prisoner and suffered a grave illness. After he returned home he began to think about his lifestyle and spent more time in prayer to Jesus. It was one day in Holy Mass when he heard the priest read Matthew 10:7-19 that St. Francis knew God was calling him to live a simple life of service to others. This is the Gospel story where Jesus sends the twelve apostles out to preach, telling them to travel simply and take little with them. Jesus told them, "Without cost you have received. Without cost you are to give."

Suggestion: Read and discuss the Gospel of St. Matthew that inspired St. Francis.

B. One day while St. Francis was praying in the chapel of San Damiano, he imagined that he heard Jesus on the cross above him say, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is falling down." The old chapel of San Damiano was in very bad repair and St. Francis immediately began to work on fixing this old church, begging for help and money from the people in the area. This behavior embarrassed Francis' wealthy father, who tried to punish him, lock him away in their house and eventually disowned Francis, leaving him penniless.

Suggestion: Talk about what is needed to care for our Church. Maybe take a tour of your parish and look for areas where care and maintenance are necessary?

C. St. Francis is praised for living a very simple life. He knew the difference between what he needed and what he wanted and he gave everything that he did not need to the poor. He had only one cloak and he ate only very simple food. He knew the difference between needing a good pair of sandals and wanting expensive boots. He knew the difference between needing healthy food and wanting a fancy dessert.

Suggestion: Discuss the difference between what we need and what we want.

D. Because he lived a simple life in the woods, St. Francis is often associated with animals. In religious art he is usually symbolized with a wolf, lamb, fish or birds. In 1980 Pope John Paul II proclaimed St. Francis the patron saint of ecologists. The feast of St. Francis might be a good time to talk about how we can be good stewards by caring for pets or for the environment.

Suggestion: Celebrate a "Caring for Pets and Nature Day."

30/09/2024

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B. September 29, 2024.

From Me to You…
In the Gospel Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48, we hear the disciples express concern that someone outside their group is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. John tells Jesus, “… and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.” Jesus' response is striking: "You must not stop him: … Anyone whoever is not against us is for us."

Jesus challenges the disciples' narrow thinking. He reminds them—and us—that God’s work cannot be confined to our own expectations or limitations. The Holy Spirit moves in ways that are often beyond our control or understanding, working through others who may not be part of our inner circle. We are called to humility, recognizing that the Lord can use anyone to advance His Kingdom.

This passage is a reminder to avoid jealousy or rivalry in the Church and in our lives. Sometimes, we might be tempted to think we are the only ones who can do things properly. But Jesus teaches us that true discipleship is not about guarding our status or exclusive rights; it’s about fostering unity and serving God’s mission together.

Jesus also uses powerful imagery to emphasize the seriousness of sin. He speaks of cutting off anything that causes us to stumble, even parts of our own body. His message here is clear: nothing is worth keeping if it leads us away from the Kingdom of God. Whether it be pride, envy, or selfishness, we must be willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God and others.

Let us examine our own hearts. Are we open to God working through others, even in unexpected ways? Are we willing to let go of those things that hold us back from fully following Christ? May we be instruments of unity and love, always seeking to serve God’s will above all else.

Fr. David.

23/09/2024

Q & A made simple with Fr. David S. Khan. September 23, 2024.

QUESTION:
Why do Roman Catholics bless salt, and what is its significance in the Church's tradition?

ANSWER:
In Roman Catholic tradition, the blessing of salt is rooted in its biblical and sacramental significance. Salt has long been regarded as a symbol of purity, preservation, and protection. The practice dates back to the early Church, where salt was used in various rites, including baptism, as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and the preservation of faith.

One key biblical reference is from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), symbolizing the role of Christians in preserving goodness in the world. Additionally, in the Old Testament, salt was used in covenants as a sign of permanence and loyalty (Leviticus 2:13).

In the ritual of blessing salt, it is often exorcised and blessed, asking God to imbue it with power to ward off evil and bring spiritual protection. Blessed salt is sometimes used in sacramentals, sprinkled in homes or added to holy water as a means of protection against spiritual evil. The prayer for blessing salt emphasizes its use as a source of health, driving away sickness and impurity, and a symbol of divine grace.

Thus, the blessing of salt in the Catholic Church serves as a sacramental, a sign of God's presence and protection in the life of the faithful.

23/09/2024

Q & A made simple with Fr. David S. Khan. September 23, 2024.

QUESTION:
What is "Grace"?

ANSWER:
Grace is understood as the free and undeserved help that God gives to humans to respond to His call to become children of God and share in eternal life.

Grace is central to Catholic theology, shaping how the faithful understand salvation, the sacraments, and their relationship with God.

Types of Grace:
1. Sanctifying Grace:
- This is the habitual, stable, and supernatural disposition that perfects the soul to enable it to live with God and act by His love. Sanctifying grace is first received through the Sacrament of Baptism, and it remains in the soul unless lost through mortal sin.
- It is also restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).

2. Actual Grace:
- These are specific interventions by God that help individuals perform good acts or avoid sin. Unlike sanctifying grace, actual grace is not a permanent state but rather a temporary assistance given at the moment it is needed.

3. Sacramental Grace:
- This refers to the grace conferred by the valid and fruitful reception of the sacraments. Each sacrament imparts grace in a specific way. For example, the Eucharist strengthens sanctifying grace, while the Sacrament of Penance restores it.

4. Charisms:
- Special graces granted by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the good of the Church and the salvation of others. These are often associated with specific callings, such as preaching, healing, or acts of charity.

Grace and Free Will:
Catholic theology teaches that while grace is a gift from God, humans must freely cooperate with it. God’s grace does not force a person to respond but enables them to make free choices in alignment with His will. This balance between grace and free will is seen as a partnership between divine help and human response.

Grace and Salvation:
Catholics believe that salvation is made possible through grace. It is by God’s grace that people are justified, grow in holiness, and ultimately enter eternal life. This understanding stems from the belief that all human beings are weakened by original sin and cannot achieve salvation by their efforts alone. Instead, they rely on God’s grace through Jesus Christ, which is made available especially through the sacraments.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“Grace is a participation in the life of God. It introduces us into the intimacy of Trinitarian life: by Baptism, the Christian participates in the grace of Christ, the Head of His Body. As an adopted son, he can henceforth call God ‘Father,’ in union with the only Son. He receives the life of the Spirit who breathes charity into him and who forms the Church.”

In conclusion, Grace in is the divine assistance that enables a person to respond to God's call, live a life of holiness, and ultimately attain salvation. It is a free gift but requires human cooperation.