Lionandox has been relatively dead for about seven months now. What with work and family! What with life and its accompanying travails and disillusionments! What with all the vain worry about the world, the government, the economy, war, and death! I do not even pause to mention the chipping paint in my house or on the deck! I make no reference to the ceaseless concerns about my home appliances. Why did my refrigerator die on Holy Saturday of all days?! And let’s not even dwell for a single moment on the steady deterioration of the tires of my automobiles! Forget about the multiple cracked wind ..read more

In this episode we finish our study of the sacrament of Penance. The Catechism, following St. Thomas Aquinas, sets forth three reasons why the works of satisfaction are suitably enumerated (i.e. almsdeeds, prayer and fasting) Additionally, the catechism discusses the duties of the minister of Penance. (ST IIIa Supplement, Q 15 a.1-a.3 ..read more

In this episode we begin reading the Catechism with regard to the third integral part of the sacrament of Penance, namely Satisfaction. The Catechism distinguishes three kinds (or degrees) of satisfaction, the necessity of satisfaction, and six advantages of performing works of satisfaction ..read more

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In this episode we read the Catechism’s treatment concerning why Penance is a sacrament and we also begin to discuss its matter and form. Additionally we read from the Summa Theologica concerning these subjects and especially why the acts of the penitent may be considered the matter of Penance. (ST. IIIa. Q. 84 a.1 and a.2 ..read more

In this episode we commence our study of the sacrament of penance. The Catechism first explains the various meanings of the word penance, and then explains that penance is, first of all, a virtue. IN addition we read an article from the Summa Theologica in which St Thomas Aquinas justifies the saying of St Jerome that “penance is a second plank.” (ST. IIIa. Q. 84, a. 6 ..read more

In this episode we conclude the Catechism’s treatment concerning the Eucharist. Having set forth the doctrine concerning the Eucharist as a sacrament, the section concludes with a discussion concerning the Eucharist as a sacrifice. In addition to reading the catechism, we also read from three articles from the Summa Theologica concerning these same matters as well as St Thomas’ explanation and division of the words in the rite of the Mass. (ST IIIa. Q. 79 a. 7, Q. and Q. 83 a.1 and a.4 ..read more

In this episode we read the Catechism regarding the reception of the Eucharist under the species of bread and wine. Why do many Catholics receive the Eucharist under only the species of Bread? Does the reception of the Eucharist under both species add anything? We also discuss the role of the Priest as an instrumental agent in the consecration of the Eucharist. In addition we read two relevant articles from the Summa Theologica. (ST IIIa. Q 80 a. 12 and Q. 82 a. 5 ..read more

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the reception of the Eucharist. Although canon law has changed the requirements concerning fast and abstinence before receiving the Eucharist it is instructive to read the stricter laws that were in place in the sixteenth century as they reflect the sort of disposition that Catholics should have in receiving the Eucharist. We also take a look at three articles from the Summa Theologica concerning the reception of this sacrament. (ST. IIIa. Q. 80 a. 1, a. 2, a. 10 ..read more

In this episode we read about the manifold effects of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Many of the effects of the sacrament may be adduced by a comaprison with the effects that physical food has on the living body. We also read about the effects of the Eucharist from the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa. Q.79 ..read more