Have Faith, Ye Who Are Falsely Accused!

 Scripture of the Week

From today's readings, the Epistle according to the Extraordinary Form, Wisdom 10:10-14

¹⁰ She (Wisdom) conducted the just, when he fled from his brother's wrath, through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours.

¹¹ In the deceit of them that overreached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable.

¹² She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all.

¹³ She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit.

¹⁴ And in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

For those falsely accused and imprisoned, take heart! As is stated in Deut. 32:35 "Revenge is mine, and I will repay them in due time." The same thought is echoed (and references this verse) in Romans 12:19 "Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord."

 So, vengeance is not up to those falsely accused, leave that to the Lord! His vengeance will be far much just than you could ever hope yours to be!

 Anything BUT "Ordinary!"

August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary! It is a solemnity, a holy day of obligation, and a dogma of the Catholic Faith!

In the modern lectionary this season is called "Ordinary Time." It is actually the SECOND period of Ordinary Time in the liturgical year, the first being what is traditionally referred to as the Season After Ephiphany, which is also part of Christmastide - and also not a very "ordinary" season!

Earlier we posted "Not-So-Ordinary-Time" listing all the extraordinary solemnities and many other special celebrations which take place during this so-called "Ordinary Time." So, why is it called "Ordinary Time?" While one could get into conspiracy theories of modernists attempting to downplay traditional Catholic values, this writer would rather not. The fact is, "ordinary" comes from the same root word as "ordinal" - which means "counting." Thus, literally speaking "ordinary" is not inaccurate, it is, however, in common use rather misleading. The modern usage of "ordinary" equates to something not special or not unique, or not worthy of taking note of. This is why this writer believes we should go back to calling this "Ordinal Time" and not JUST "Ordinal Time," but the "Ordinal Time After Pentecost" (and the earlier season the "Ordinal Time After Epiphany") for this not only removes the "ordinary" connotation but reminds us throughout the season of one of the biggest celebrations of the liturgical year - the birthday of the Church, Pentecost!

This Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is yet another reminder of how extraordinary this season is and should be observed as such.