From Beatitudes in the mountains to love for enemies in the plains

Homiletics of the Fathers of The Island of Patmos

From Beatitudes in the mountains to love for enemies in the plains

«Who uses the word of Jesus otherwise by acting, gives wrong to Jesus, denies the sermon on the mountain, does not implement his word. From a human point of view there are infinite possibilities of understanding and interpreting the sermon on the mountain. Jesus knows only one possibility: go and obey "

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After the beatitudes proclaimed in the Gospel last Sunday, The reading of the sermon in the plain of Jesus edited by Luca continues, In the part in which the heart of his speech is accessed where the ethics of love aimed at enemies predominates, expressed in donating for free, exempt from judging, proactive when he invites you to offer another cheek. In the text, al v. 31, The famous "golden rule" is preserved: “How do you want men to do to you, So you do them too ".

The entire speech of Jesus, with his commands, It is held on the verb agapao, amare. And the sayings are expressed according to a sapiential style with verbs above all to the imperative. What emerges in the end is the desire of Jesus to unhinge the logic of reciprocity. We read the evangelical pericope.

"During that time, Jesus told his disciples: “To you who listen, I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who cursed you, Pray for those who treat you badly. To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other too; to those who tear your cloak to you, Do not reject even the tunic. Give it to anyone who asks you, and to those who take your things, Don't ask her back. And how do you want men to do to you, So you do them too. If you love those who love you, what gratitude is due to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what gratitude is due to you? Sinters also do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what gratitude is due to you? Even sinners grant loans to sinners to receive the same. Instead love your enemies, do good and lend without hoping anything, And your reward will be great and you will be children of the very high, because he is benevolent to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, as your Father is merciful. Don't judge and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven. Dates and it will be given to you: a good size, pressing, Full and overflowing will be paid to the womb, because with the measure you measure with, will be measured to you in return”» (LC 6,27-38).

After the "trouble" (LC 6, 26), specular of the last bliss, The words of Jesus continue with a powerful adversive, "But to you who listen to I say" (v. 27), which opens the door to understanding the substantial difference in the Christian vocation in the world. At the heart of it is the love for the enemy who forms the inclusion of the entire passage of Luca 6, 27-35: "Love your enemies". Who is the enemy in the words of Jesus? It is the one who hates, cursed, ill -treatment and expresses its enmity with physical violence, with theft, with the request and the claim. Whatever the way of expressing itself of the inhabitation, the extraordinary proposal of Jesus who defines the main Christian difference rests in the non -violent response. Not any non -violence, but a proactive and active, since it, subtracting from specularity, puts in place a positive action of opposite sign. Not repeating the violent gesture suffered the disciple of Jesus comes out of the mimicry and passiveness. It is a question of doing something active after a time when violence has passed passively; not placing yourself, But, in front of the other how to do in a dispute or in a boxing meeting. I don't do what the violent does, I don't touch him where he touches me and I don't allow him to touch me in the same place. Yet I act starting from his first act, I come to his ground and there I present to him alterity. This text is telling us what to do if the goal is to make a relationship of otherness possible with someone who suffers and that makes it suffer. This is emblematically represented by the words of Jesus on the slap which is perhaps the passage of the best and iconic song: “To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other too ". In the Greek Evangelical text, the word used to say "other cheek" is not what we would expect, If we were faced with simple symmetry: I am hit on a part of the face, I also present the other. The Greek word "is not used hereetheric»Used in the sense of" now one now the other ". Here the Gospel uses the term "garlic" what does it mean: another, different. It is not, so, the second cheek, It is another cheek. There is no sum, first the right and then the left, But a different cheek must be presented. The great novelty of these words of Jesus reveal that, If on the one hand in an adverse form at the same time mild and powerful, they contrast the feeling and the way of acting worldly, on the other hand they say it is possible to do the good of the enemy, making it feel a better person, offering him the opportunity to amend himself from violence. I tell him that he can love himself, because basically both the offender and the offended are recipients of a love whose greatness did not suspect.

And here the Christian theology on love helps us which helps us understand why it can even be commanded, as in the words of Jesus. Because the command also expresses an unsuspected possibility that Christ first has experienced, not in the mere form of feeling a feeling, but in the concreteness of the actions, Showing to love those who are not a lovable, like his enemies, thus revealing the unique source of that love up to the impossible which is God the Father: «In fact, God loved the world as to give His Son Unigenito ... Jesus, knowing that his time had come to pass from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them until the end" (GV 3, 16; 13, 1). Thus they also express themselves several first Christian authors. God showed his love for us why, while we were enemies and sinners, Christ died for us (cfr Rm 5,6-11). Christ on the cross has demolished the logic of the absence (cf.. Ef 2,14), He responded to the so on in over and violence by invoking forgiveness on his torturers (1PT 2,23; LC 23,34). In this sense, love can be commanded, because it must be understood in its height and depth: “Be merciful, like your Father is merciful " (v. 36); even before in its extension, even if we find that we all return to this, We like the next and even the enemy: "You will love your neighbor as yourself" (MC 12,31). It is also significant and innovative that Jesus has reworked, According to Luca, The gold rule in a positive and non -negative form as is found in other ancient texts and authors: “How do you want men to do to you, So you do them too ".

Luca to define strength or ability which allows you to go beyond the human measure of reciprocity uses the term "χάρις", curry (cf.. LC 6,32.33.34; to the bibbia translates: «What gratitude is due to you?»). Really the love that the Christian manages to even have towards his enemy is a grace, that is, it is a gift that comes from God.

To conclude it is necessary to mention how the words of Jesus, so demanding, have been variously interpreted. We narrow the two -point field of view. The Catholic position opts for the two ways, that of the majority that is invited to follow the precepts of Jesus and the other, more radical and demanding, For those few who together with the precepts also pursue the advice that are left to the free option and require a state of perfection. Then there is the position of Lutheran Orthodoxy who considers the speech of the mountain or the plain "impaired", since difficult to put into practice faithfully. In the same way as the impracticability of the mosaic law it highlights the sinful condition and therefore the necessary opening of the faith to the grace that saves. Rightly to this position, But at this point I would also say to Cattolica, Dietrich Bonheffer reacts in his most famous theological book:

«Who uses the word of Jesus otherwise by acting, gives wrong to Jesus, denies the sermon on the mountain, does not implement his word. From a human point of view there are infinite possibilities of understanding and interpreting the sermon on the mountain. Jesus knows only one possibility: go and obey " (Sequence).

The words of the Protestant theologian They still question our consistency today and challenge us. The speech of the plain of Luca can be put into practice, not thanks to our skills, but with the help of God. Christian ethics is practicable, as long as he keeps the grace in the center that comes from God.

From the hermitage, 23 February 2025

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Sant'Angelo Cave in Ripe (Civitella del Tronto)

 

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Rediscover the beauty of the life of grace through the work of Blessed Angelico

RISCOPRIRE LA BELLEZZA DELLA VITA DI GRAZIA ATTRAVERSO L’OPERA DEL BEATO ANGELICO

La festa del Beato Angelico ricorda che ogni uomo, illuminated by grace, Although called to walk on steep paths, continually rediscover one's nature as a divine masterpiece. Creation, sebbene deturpata dal peccato e dalle difficoltà della vita, è sempre il luogo dove il chiaroscuro dell’esistenza umana si intreccia con l’amore vero e profondo.

 

Author:
Gabriele Giordano M. Scardocci, o.p.

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Il Beato Angelico, al secolo Giovanni da Fiesole, fu un frate domenicano che visse la sua vita religiosa fra il tormento e l’estasi. Attraverso questo scritto vorrei condividere qualche pensiero su questo confratello domenicano famoso in tutto il mondo per la sua arte e la sua fede.

Per illustrare la vita, le opere e lo stile pittorico dell’Angelico mi sono avvalso dei preziosi consigli dei confratelli domenicani Suor Paola Gobbo e fra Manuel Russo. Partiamo dunque dalla vita: Giovanni da Fiesole nacque negli ultimi anni del XIV secolo, between 1395 e l’inizio del 1400, a Vicchio, un paese del Mugello, oggi in provincia di Firenze. Fin da giovane, uno dei suoi doni più evidenti fu la pittura. Per seguire questo talento, decise di lasciare la sua casa. Si sa con certezza che si trasferì a Firenze per il suo apprendistato. Gli esperti sostengono che il suo maestro fu Lorenzo Monaco, un camaldolese dell’abbazia fiorentina di Santa Maria degli Angeli. La sua permanenza presso il Monaco durò fino al 1417. Com’era tipico delle botteghe dell’epoca, nei primi anni Giovanni imparò l’arte della miniatura, della tavola e dell’affresco, a seconda delle commissioni del maestro. Il maestro si occupava delle parti più importanti delle opere, lasciando quelle secondarie ai suoi garzoni, che avevano anche il compito di preparare i materiali e macinare i pigmenti. In this way, i discepoli imparavano il mestiere osservando e praticando.

Durante il periodo di apprendistato, la composizione delle opere seguiva norme rigorose stabilite dalla tradizione iconografica di origine bizantina. La gerarchia stabiliva la dimensione dei personaggi in proporzione alla loro dignità, con il posto centrale riservato a Cristo. Anche l’ambiente scenico, il numero e il ruolo dei personaggi, i loro atteggiamenti erano tutti fissati. Gli artisti utilizzavano schemi tradizionali, come se avessero un manuale pronto all’uso che indicava le modalità e i soggetti da dipingere. Anche il colore, fondamentale per il suo valore espressivo e iconografico, era soggetto a notevoli limitazioni. For example, il fondo oro delle tavole impediva un’ambientazione naturalistica e i colori delle vesti erano fissati: il giallo indicava Pietro, il rosso e il blu indicavano Maria, il blu e il rosso indicavano Cristo.

In this context, il genio artistico si esprimeva attraverso una rigida normativa, ma con piena libertà creativa. Il rischio era alto, poiché le opere potevano essere rifiutate dai committenti non pronti a tali innovazioni, oppure potevano procurare fama, proprio perché la novità attraeva e affascinava. Questa fu la lezione più importante che Giovanni imparò nella bottega del Monaco. Quest’ultimo aveva attinto dai maestri del passato, come Duccio da Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, i fratelli Lorenzetti, Cimabue e Giotto. L’arte di Giovanni Monaco si collocava nel passaggio tra il Gotico e l’Umanesimo rinascimentale, imparando dai grandi del passato ad «andare oltre» la tradizione e studiando le innovazioni del suo tempo.

Il primo documento riguardante il Beato Angelico è datato 1417 e riguarda la sua iscrizione alla Compagnia di San Nicolò, presso la chiesa del Carmine a Firenze, segno di un cammino spirituale intrapreso. In questo documento è riconosciuto come «dipintore”. A quella data, grazie a una glossa postuma che riporta la dicitura: «feciesi frate di santo Domenicho», sappiamo che era ancora laico. Entrò nel convento domenicano riformato di Fiesole tra il 1420 and the 1422, aderendo all’Ordine dei Predicatori. Vi ritroveremo, qualche anno dopo, anche il fratello Benedetto, miniaturista.

Due erano i conventi domenicani a Firenze: Santa Maria Novella e San Domenico a Fiesole. Del primo si trova scritto che non veniva concesso il sacerdozio agli artisti perché considerati lavoratori servili. Beato Angelico entrò invece a pieno titolo nel convento fiesolano. La formazione religiosa ebbe un peso determinante nella vita e nell’arte di fra Giovanni. Alla professione religiosa, egli si trovò davanti a un bivio: diventare frate converso, diremmo oggi un fratello laico, la qual cosa gli avrebbe assicurato maggiore libertà nel lavoro, oppure frate chierico. Scelse, con i suoi superiori, la seconda strada, probabilmente perché lo giudicarono in grado di essere autentico frate, sacerdote e predicatore attraverso l’arte. Di questo dobbiamo ringraziare sant’Antonino da Firenze, che intravide il genio dell’Angelico e permise che si sviluppasse e portasse frutto.

Nelle sue opere troviamo predominanti questi temi: la centralità di Cristo, la conoscenza della Sacra Scrittura, il magistero della Chiesa, l’adesione alla teologia tomista, l’esemplarità dei santi e l’attenzione alle richieste e attese del popolo, e infine la semplicità delle sue creazioni. Tra le numerose commissioni che Angelico ricevette, vi fu quella del suo priore Sant’Antonino, che volle realizzare nel convento degli osservanti di San Marco una serie di pitture murali. I lavori cominciarono nel 1437 e, between 1439 and the 1445, Beato Angelico dipinse ad affresco 54 composizioni con oltre 320 figure umane.

All’interno di un convento erano lecite, anzi richieste, le immagini sacre a corredo delle sale comuni, del dormitorio e delle celle. Erano proibite le immagini non sacre ed esclusi i materiali preziosi. Per questo fra Giovanni scelse la tecnica dell’affresco, i cui materiali compositivi sono semplici, lowly, naturali: calce, sabbia, terre. La bellezza di queste pitture murali è che si trovano nei luoghi pensati dall’artista. Questo è un vantaggio per noi perché possiamo cogliere il pensiero dell’Angelico, che li ha realizzati in quei precisi luoghi secondo un progetto e un messaggio ben chiaro nella sua mente. For example, fuori dall’ingresso della foresteria del convento dipinse Cristo pellegrino accolto da due frati. Nel noviziato primeggiano le figure di Cristo crocifisso, sostegno di chi entrava nella vita religiosa e invito a riconoscere e unirsi all’amore. Tutto era pensato per richiamare la mente dei frati al divino, il divino che abita l’umano. Era una sorta di aiuto per mantenere quel clima contemplativo e di profondo ascolto che abitava le case domenicane.

Vediamo brevemente l’opera pittorica dell’Angelico. Ci viene trasmesso dal Vasari che egli:

«Non avrebbe mai messo mano ai pennelli senza prima aver fatto orazione. Non fece mai crocifisso che non si bagnasse le gote di lacrime».

Questo ci dice quanto fosse mistica l’anima del Beato Angelico e quanto la sua arte scaturisse da una profonda contemplazione, da un’esperienza che diventa messaggio. Alcuni autori ci riferiscono che dipingesse in stato di estasi. Non è ovviamente l’estasi che pensiamo noi, ma qualcosa di simile ad un «rapimento»; l’essere cioè totalmente immersi, in ciò che si sta facendo e pensando, con somma dedizione, ponendo tutte le nostre facoltà a quel servizio. L’Angelico era immerso nel Mistero che intendeva celebrare con la sua arte lì dove trovava quel centro vitale dove Dio abita e parla al cuore.

Scrive Paola Mancinelli: «La creazione artistica è sempre evento di verità e di gratuità nonché possibilità di dare forma umilmente al mistero dell’essere dopo averne ricevuta la chiamata come sete di bellezza» (cf.. Lo stupore del bello, Oristampa, Florence, 2008). È un attendere, concepire e partorire un’intuizione, un’immagine che quasi all’improvviso si genera nella nostra mente, davanti ai nostri occhi. Certi che ciò che produrremo sarà solo un riflesso di quella Bellezza che è balenata nel nostro spirito.

Quanto all’altro aspetto delle lacrime che ci indica ricordava il Vasari, esse sono espressione di amore, of pain, di coinvolgimento per cui l’Angelico ne era mosso fin nelle fibre più profonde della sua anima. Se è vero che «la lingua parla dell’abbondanza del cuore», ciò vale anche per l’espressione artistica, per mezzo della quale fra Giovanni mostrava tutto il suo mondo interiore. Non possiamo scindere l’uomo dall’artista, l’uomo dal consacrato, questa unità che non è separabile.

Il Beato Angelico seppe attingere dalla «gratia gratum facens» (la grazia che ci rende graditi), un dono che illumina il cammino dell’umanità, guidandola ci attraverso le sfide e le oscurità della vita. Come insegna il Catechismo della Chiesa Cattolica:

«La nostra giustificazione viene dalla grazia di Dio. La grazia è il favore, il soccorso gratuito che Dio ci dà perché rispondiamo al suo invito: diventare figli di Dio, figli adottivi, partecipi della natura divina, of eternal life. La grazia è una partecipazione alla vita di Dio; ci introduce nell’intimità della vita trinitaria. Mediante il Battesimo il cristiano partecipa alla grazia di Cristo, Capo del suo corpo. Come “figlio adottivo”, egli può ora chiamare Dio “Padre”, in unione con il Figlio unigenito. Riceve la vita dello Spirito che infonde in lui la carità e forma la Chiesa. Questa vocazione alla vita eterna è soprannaturale. Dipende interamente dall’iniziativa gratuita di Dio, poiché egli solo può rivelarsi e donare se stesso. Supera le capacità dell’intelligenza e le forze della volontà dell’uomo, come di ogni creatura» (cf.. CCC 1996, 1997, 1998).

Jesus Christ, con il suo sacrificio, ci ha donato «grazia su grazia» (GV 1,16), un flusso continuo di amore e redenzione che manifesta la gloria divina. Ecco perché il Beato Angelico, con la sua arte, continua a parlare ai nostri cuori, offrendo un cammino di bellezza e luce che risplende nei momenti più bui. La sua festa, today, assume un significato ancora più profondo, specialmente in un’epoca segnata dalla guerra, la divisione e l’isolamento prodotto perfino dai social, quando invece la rinascita spirituale e la bellezza, compresa quella artistica, sono essenziali per l’intera umanità.

La grazia di Dio è concetto e insieme realtà che esprime e rappresenta realmente l’amore incondizionato e il favore divino che ci viene offerto senza merito. Questa grazia rende presente la gloria di Dio, visibile attraverso le opere di Cristo e dei suoi seguaci.

Il Beato Angelico, con la sua arte, ha saputo catturare questa gloria, trasferendo nelle sue opere la grazia divina con rappresentazioni che parlano direttamente all’anima. Le sue opere, come «L’Annunciazione» e «Il Giudizio Universale», sono testimonianze visive di quella grazia, e ci chiamano invitandoci a riflettere sulla nostra relazione con il divino.

In tempi di crisi come i nostri la bellezza assume un ruolo fondamentale per la nostra rinascita spirituale e morale, quella della riscoperta del Bene del Bello. Scriveva Hans Urs Von Balthasar:

«In un mondo senza bellezza, in un mondo che non ne è forse privo, ma che non è più in grado di vederla, di fare i conti con essa, anche il bene ha perduto la sua forza di attrazione, l’evidenza del suo dover-essere-adempiuto; e l’uomo resta perplesso di fronte ad esso e si chiede perché non deve piuttosto preferire il male» (cf.. Gloria 1 – Percezione della Forma, Jaca Book, Milan, 2012, 18).

Il Beato Angelico, col suo essere artista, ha mostrato come la bellezza possa essere un veicolo di grazia e redenzione. Perfino la luce che illumina i suoi dipinti è simbolo della luce divina che guida i nostri passi, anche nei momenti più oscuri.

La festa del Beato Angelico ricorda che ogni uomo, illuminated by grace, Although called to walk on steep paths, continually rediscover one's nature as a divine masterpiece. Creation, sebbene deturpata dal peccato e dalle difficoltà della vita, è sempre il luogo dove il chiaroscuro dell’esistenza umana si intreccia con l’amore vero e profondo. Il Beato Angelico, con la sua arte, ci invita a vedere oltre le apparenze, a scoprire la bellezza nascosta in ogni angolo della nostra vita.

Gli artisti, come il Beato Angelico, hanno il dono di trascinarci oltre l’immanenza, oltre i cammini della razionalità pura e della teoresi. La loro arte ci porta fra il tormento e l’estasi, facendoci vivere esperienze che vanno al di là del semplice vedere. La bellezza, in this sense, diventa una via di conoscenza e di esperienza del divino. È un cammino che ci invita a lasciarci trasformare dalla grazia, a vedere il mondo con occhi nuovi, illuminati dalla luce della fede.

In conclusion, il percorso di luce tramite la grazia è un viaggio che tutti siamo chiamati a fare. Il Beato Angelico, ci offre una guida preziosa in questo cammino, mostrandoci come la bellezza e la luce possano illuminare i nostri sentieri più oscuri. La sua festa, today, ci invita a riscoprire la nostra natura di capolavori divini, a lasciarci trasformare dalla grazia e a camminare con fiducia verso la gloria. Questa celebrazione può essere un momento di rinascita per tutti noi, specialmente per gli artisti che, con la loro opera, continuano a portare luce e speranza nel mondo.

The hope, che è anche il tema guida del presente giubileo, come ci ricorda la e la Sacra Scrittura, quando viene da Dio è sempre fondata e non confonde. La Speranza come l’arte e il bello che ne è il necessario corollario è armonica, integrale e proporzionata. Affinché tutti diventiamo belli e speranzosi, riscopriamo l’arte del Beato Angelico che ci raffigurò la bellezza e l’unicità di Cristo.

 

Santa Maria Novella in Florence, 18 February 2025

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Jesus highlights the faith by proposing trouble and beatitudes

Homiletics of the Fathers of The Island of Patmos

Jesus highlights the faith by proposing trouble and beatitudes

«Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they listen to. Verily I say unto you: Many prophets and many righteous have wanted to see what you look at, but they didn't see it, and listen to what you listen, but they didn't listen to him!»

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On this Sunday we read the text of the Beatitudes According to Luca's version. A song that differs from the best known one, present in the first Gospel, For the number of beatitudes: Four against the eight of Matteo; and for the presence of as many "troubles" that form a precise contrast with them.

Fra Angelico, The beatitudes

If the poor are declared "blessed", the hungry, crying and persecuted, The troubles are directed to the rich, to the sazi, the laughing and to those who are praised. Moreover, If Matteo's beatitudes are included in the so -called Speech of the mountain (cf.. Mt 5,1), Those of Luca are pronounced in a flat place (cf.. LC 6,17). Let's read the text.

"During that time, Jesus, descended with the twelve, He stopped in a flat place. There was great crowd of his disciples and great multitude of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem and from the coast of shooting and Sidòne. And he, Alzàti his eyes to his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you, poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you, that you are now hungry, because you will be satisfied. Blessed are you, what a cry, Because you will laugh. Blessed are you, When men are now there and when they ban it and insult you and despise your name as infamous, Because of the son of man. Rejoice on that day and exult because, there, Your reward is great in the sky. In the same way, in fact they acted their fathers with the prophets. But woe to you, rich, because you have already received your consolation. Woe to you, What are you knowing now, because you will be hungry. Woe to you, that now laughs, Because you will be in pain and cry. Trouble, When all men say good about you. In the same way, in fact they acted their fathers with the false prophets”» (LC 6,17.20-26).

Since there is no other evangelical page who has so interested thought and culture and has been the subject of various interpretations, I will try to highlight the point of view from which Luca intends to present the beatitudes of Jesus, But also the following troubles. They, indeed, they are necessary to explain the first, they assume them and are their counterpart, so that the beatitudes, placed on this negative background, they stand out better.

Immediately after having formed the twelve (LC 6,12-16) Jesus pronounces the beatitudes, which therefore assume a particularly significant value for that group "to which he gave the name of apostles" (LC 6,13). They, United to those who first followed Jesus, are the immediate recipients of these words: “Hyd your eyes to his disciples, he said " (LC 6,20). But there is also a large crowd that listens to the speech this time, made up of Jews and people from non -Jewish areas, Like the Phoenician cities of shooting and Sidone. With this annotation the evangelist does not only intend to show that the fame of Jesus has extended outside the borders of Israel, but wishes to prefigure the post-instance extension, also to the so -called kind, of the message of salvation of Jesus. Moreover, placed immediately after the annotation that the crowd "tried to touch him, Because a force came out of him that healed everyone " (LC 6,19), The words of Jesus who propose beatitudes and troubles intend to highlight the faith in those who follow him and are looking for him, instead of the magical or interested dimension. Report people to earth and therefore in terms of choices and responsibilities. For this reason the way of speaking in the public of Jesus, As already on the occasion of the homily in the Synagogue of Nazareth, It has a "kerygmatic" and pedagogical tone; they encourage to take a position and also predispose to an inevitable division, Since the words of Jesus reveal the thoughts of many hearts (cf.. LC 2,34-35). We can say that the evangelical page that puts direct comparison, in a brutal vis à vis, poor and rich, hungry and satisfied, Afflitti e jungle, persecuted and admired people, implies a necessary choice of field, An option that ultimately is between self -sufficiency and trust in the Lord, or between idolatry and faith.

As a rule, Matteo is thought to be the evangelist of the beatitudes, Instead Luca presents fifteen in his writing, two more than his colleague e, The Other Brother, It is also the only one who transmits the bliss of the listeners of the word: "Blessed are those who listen to the Word of God and keep it" (LC 11,28). This is in fact the key to seeing bliss in the various vital situations: listen and keep the word and the signs of God, as the Virgin Mary first did.

In the Old Testament, In particular in the psalms and in the sapiential literature, The beatitudes constitute those indications given so that the man reaches the finish line of happiness: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the company of the wicked and in the street of sinners" (Shall 1,1). If you follow you will live happily, But if you prefer another road, trouble start, that they are needed on warning: not curses, but notices, like those who gave the ancient prophets (Is 1,4; 5,8-24; 30,1; 33,1). Compared to the Old Testament, The new presents some substantial differences in this regard. For Jesus there are no particular conditions for the beatitudes, because he already declares happy those who are in a certain situation and does not say for example: "Be poor!». It turns, By calling him blessed, To those who are already poor. To bliss, or "macarism" as it is defined in a technical sense in order to recall the Greek expression, It does not establish any behavior prior because it is the announcement of a novelty that comes from God and for this reason it is difficult to grasp at first sight, It is Paradossale, does not worldly and requires faith. In this lies the originality and the difference of meaning that the New Testament brings. The beatitudes, that is, More than an ethics to put into practice, they are the announcement of a novelty, a new way of living life and thinking it, because everything is seen in relation to God, or to its kingdom. Expenses, precisely, could find bliss in the poor, in the indigent, in the suffering, in the persecuted? Or better yet: as we too can, In our personal poverty, in our sufferings or within any other tiring situation, recognize us blessed? What does it allow you to read a situation and judge it as blessed and not a curse or a misfortune? Bliss works only for those who have faith. To use a very important image for the theology of revelation, We could say that the eyes of faith are needed (P. Rousselot, The eyes of faith, 1910; Trad.. en. The eyes of faith, Milan 1974).

In faith there is the possibility of seeing in a different way, since it makes the eyes capable of grasping what otherwise remains under the surface. By virtue of grace the believer recognizes those signs that God places in his life, otherwise, without grace, He only sees failure, the death, hunger, despair. With the faith in them it sees, in spite of everything, God's presence. It is then clear why Jesus does not put conditions to being blessed. Only one is the condition previa: believe his word.

The words of Jesus are understandable In light of the fact that the advent of the kingdom of God really manifests himself in him. Beatitudes and troubles are God's gaze on contradictory human situations and this appears paradoxical, Since he sees what man does not see, upsetting the human evaluation parameters. After all, what the beatitudes put in question is the relationship with the present that for some shows itself full, satisfactory and saturated (cf.. the vulgate that translates the "sazi" of LC 6,25 with: «who are satisfied») And for others it is desire and awaiting a change. These are the poor who for their situation of lack and indigence become the first recipients of the Kingdom. True poverty is not indigence or misery itself, But the state of whom, like the Clouds (anawim The poor and humble in Hebrew) of the Old Testament, they are able to welcome God because they know they have nothing and to expect everything from him. Woe to the rich, says Jesus, When they are slaves of wealth, because they put the safety of life in them and believe that their being depends on having (cf.. LC 12,15: “Be careful and keep away from all covetousness because, even if one is in abundance, his life does not depend on what he possesses"). It is no coincidence that the divine action celebrated in Magnificat The God who "has satisfied sings (filled) of goods hungry ", while "he postponed the rich empty" (LC 1,53). Or as in the metaphorical story of LC 16,19-31 where the rich, Sazio and Gaudent, is opposed to Lazzaro, poor, hungry, naked, homeless, while, in the eschatological perspective of the parable, The destinies of the two are completely overturned. That parable is a nice narrative comment on Jesus' speech that alternates Beatitudes and troubles.

Finally, bliss in poverty and hunger However, it does not leave us quiet or without pain for the situations that chase each other in the world and for the fate of many, Especially when they suffer are unarmed and children. Faith and trust in God, As Manzoni writes, It is not enough to keep the problems away, rather «" radolizes them, and makes them useful for a better life ". A conclusion "found by poor people", comments on the writer (The Betrothed, cap. XXXVIII). But the word blessed, that we read in Greek, Since the Gospel was transmitted to us in that language, Jesus has pronounced it in Aramaic and in his language does not mean just happy, But it also means «directing, orientation, walk »and where if not in the world? We cannot escape from this world, You have to stay there and learn to see things that most do not see, Not so much because a principle of faith is lacking, But because overwhelmed by life he no longer has time to think.

There is a particular bliss remembered by Matteo. These are extraordinarily dense words spoken by Jesus by referring to the ability that we have not so much to separate ourselves from things, from daily work, from the family, but to know how to see in our environment, in daily life, what is superficially not seen, What transcends our immediate vision:

«Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they listen to. Verily I say unto you: Many prophets and many righteous have wanted to see what you look at, but they didn't see it, and listen to what you listen, but they didn't listen to him!» (Mt 13, 16-17).

From the hermitage, 16 February 2025

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Sant'Angelo Cave in Ripe (Civitella del Tronto)

 

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The ancient intelligent animal and the new artificial intelligence

L’ANTICO ANIMALE INTELLIGENTE E LA NUOVA INTELLIGENZA ARTIFICIALE

Sono queste le occasioni in cui l’uomo ha dimostrato la propria intelligenza, certainly not imposing itself as the strongest animal, or fast, or skilled, ma mostrandosi capace a gestire uno strumento superiore con la sua intelligenza adattabile, esercitando quella sua capacità con la quale da sempre ha saputo adattarsi a quei numerosi cambiamenti storici che si chiamano oggi mutamenti tecnologici.

- Actuality -

Author:
Jorge Facio Lynx
President of Editions The island of Patmos

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In these days una delle tematiche più presente nei telegiornali e nei social media si sta centrando sulle IA (Intelligenze Artificiali) e le sue implicazioni positive, ma soprattutto negative, specialmente con il vertice che si sta celebrando a Parigi: AI Action Summit.

È opportuno partire da due premesse importanti: ognuno di questi sistemi è in definitiva uno strumento nelle mani dell’uomo e per questo rispecchia con un potenziamento inimmaginabile al giorno d’oggi le stesse ricerche e forma di pensare e di agire dell’uomo. Dunque è l’uomo stesso che può indirizzare lo strumento per aiutare e migliorare il progresso, la scienza e la stessa vita umana, come può usare questo strumento per i peggiori incubi mai vissuti nella storia.

Il concetto stesso di Intelligenza deve essere chiarito: i sistemi per la loro potenza e velocità posso raggiungere calcoli e operazioni che l’essere umano singolarmente o in gruppo non riuscirebbe a raggiungere facilmente, ma sono finora operazioni settoriali e specifiche; mentre la singolarità dell’Intelligenza umana si contraddistingue per la creatività e simultaneità nell’operare multiple funzioni e tematiche. La paura non è tanto su dove possano arrivare come strumenti i sistemi delle Intelligenze artificiali, ma a che punto sta giungendo la pigrizia, la malavoglia, l’ignoranza e l’inattività a cui le persone stanno arrivando nel quotidiano, privilegiando lo svago in un mondo sempre più vanesio e superficiale, anziché cercare di sviluppare al meglio le proprie qualità, doni e capacità.

Oggi la vita stessa è strutturata per essere vissuta in forma passiva, nella modalità zombi o “amebe”, pur avendo a portata di mano l’accesso a un’informazione illimitata e con una tale vasta gamma di strumenti tecnici e tecnologi con i quali si potrebbero operare delle meraviglie.

L’intelligenza artificiale sta trasformando rapidamente la società e il mondo del lavoro, tanto che il suo sviluppo e la sua diffusione sollevano importanti questioni etiche, sociali ed economiche. Mentre l’Europa porta avanti come strategia un quadro teoretico di approccio regolamentare e incentrato sull’uomo, specialmente alla tutela dei diritti fondamentali, gli Stati Uniti e l’Asia, in modo particolare la Cina, hanno scelto invece un approccio pragmatico ed economico dove hanno lasciato carta bianca per l’innovazione e la concorrenza. C’è stato un investimento massiccio sulla ricerca e lo sviluppo dell’IA da parte dei governi con l’unico obiettivo di raggiungere la leadership mondiale nel settore.

Una delle principali preoccupazioni sulle IA è il suo potenziale impatto nel mondo del lavoro: l’automazione dei processi produttivi porterebbero a un aumento della disoccupazione e della disuguaglianza sociale, soprattutto nei settori manifatturieri, agricoli, di commercio e dei servizi.

L’altra questione importante è l’impatto ecologico, i modelli di IA sono complessi e richiedono enormi quantità di energia, con un conseguente impatto significativo sull’ambiente. L’utilizzo diffuso di dispositivi intelligenti e la produzione di grandi quantità di dati sollevano anche preoccupazioni per il consumo di risorse naturali e la gestione dei rifiuti elettronici. Exists, assieme alle due preoccupazioni appena indicate, anche il pericolo della perdita di controllo sulle IA e la conseguente paura dello sviluppo di capacità che possano superare il controllo umano e generare delle conseguenze imprevedibili per la società. Altrettanta paura genera il pericolo dell’uso improprio delle IA per scopi dannosi, come la creazione di armi autonome o la manipolazione dell’opinione pubblica.

Le IA hanno un impatto immediato e devastante nelle diverse generazioni della società, specialmente i più anziani, che sono molto più vulnerabili, oltre che indifesi e spesso incapaci a cogliere il pericolo quando si trovano coinvolti in truffe , furti e inganni ai quali non sono preparati, non avendo ricevuto da nessuno una adeguata informazione, oggi più che mai impellente, sui pericoli che si possono correre.

Se l’IA come potente tecnologia offre grandi opportunità, al tempo stesso comporta anche dei grandi interrogativi. Per un verso appare indispensabile un dialogo aperto che tenga conto dei benefici potenziali come dei rischi per i lavoratori e per l’ambiente, affinché il suo sviluppo e utilizzo sia etico e sostenibile e mirato al bene dell’umanità. But, as you know, quando di mezzo ci sono i soldi è difficile avere una solida garanzia sulla operatività del progetto, e tutto potrebbe rimanere nell’ideale ambito delle belle parole.

Le IA a livello lavorativo non porteranno all’abolizione del lavoro umano se si accetta la trasformazione profonda del mercato del lavoro che si sta già realizzando, è per ciò fondamentale investire in istruzione e formazione per preparare i lavoratori a coesistere con le IA come in passato fece l’uomo con l’arrivo della macchina a vapore o dell’automobile; perché sono queste le occasioni in cui l’uomo ha dimostrato la propria intelligenza, certainly not imposing itself as the strongest animal, or fast, or skilled, ma mostrandosi capace a gestire uno strumento superiore con la sua intelligenza adattabile, esercitando quella sua capacità con la quale da sempre ha saputo adattarsi a quei numerosi cambiamenti storici che si chiamano oggi mutamenti tecnologici, reinventando nuove attività e sviluppando nuove competenze.

 

the Island of Patmos, 15 February 2025

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The Opossum is to the knowledge of the Vatican as Henger is in chastity and like his deceased husband Riccardo Schicchi is at work “Confessiones” of Sant’Agostino

The Opossum is to the knowledge of the Vatican as Henger is in chastity and like his deceased husband Riccardo Schicchi is at work Confessions OF SAINT AUGUSTINE

While that tarot movie was aired, Mister Noi-in-vatican, Qua-in-vatican, he shed the tarot like a trout in curve

– The briefs of the Fathers of the Isle of Patmos –

(at the bottom of: tutti i precedenti articoli)

Author
Editors of The Island of Patmos

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Acid as a middle ground between a vestal virgin and an indomitable bisbetic, l’Opossum He launched thunder and lightning on the "participation" of the Holy Father Francesco at the Sanremo Festival.

This umpteenth shot is proof that he is up to the knowledge of the internal chores of the Vatican as he is Henger is in chastity and like his deceased husband Riccardo Schicchi is at work Confessiones of Sant’Agostino. Already, Because while that targeted movie was aired, Mister Noi-in-vatican, Qua-in-vatican, he shed the tarot like a trout in curve.

The video broadcast yesterday on the maxi screen of the Ariston Theater He has nothing to do with the singing event because he shot in May 2024 As a thank you of the Supreme Pontiff to the artists participating in the World Children's Day at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

This is Mister's reliability Noi-in-vatican, Qua-in-vatican that in his gossip blog&Poisons ensures:

«In a historical moment in which journalism is a pastime for the elderly, I can not remain silent invests in competent young people who have seriously married a mission: change the communication on the Catholic and Vatican Church " (cf.. WHO)

The whole affirmed without human punishment of ridicule, Why I cannot be silent it is reliable as i Tango Bond Argentini of 2001.

Velletri of Rome, 12 February 2025

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Our previous articles:

– 21 March 2025 — I CAN'T BE SILENT And the story of that convinced seamstress that he can give Giorgio Armani high fashion lessons

– 12 February 2025 — The Opossum is to the knowledge of the Vatican as Henger is in chastity and like his deceased husband Riccardo Schicchi is at work Confessions OF SAINT AUGUSTINE (To open the article click WHO)

– 15 January 2025 — AT THE CLERICAL BORDERS WITH REALITY: THE WOMAN SUFFERS FROM FREUDIAN PENIS ENVY, The Opossum of the envy by Matteo Bruni Director of the Press Room of the Holy See (To open the article click WHO)

– 20 January 2025 — THE OPOSSUM IGNORE THAT A NUN CAN QUIETLY BECOME GOVERNOR OF THE VATICAN CITY STATE, As already was Giulio Sacchetti (To open the article click QUI)

– 22 November 2024 — THE EPISCOPAL APPOINTMENT OF RENATO TARANTELLI BACCARI. WHEN YOU ARE AFFECTED BY LIVER CANCER, THEY CHARGE ON THE ATTACK THOSE WHO CANNOT BE SILENT (To open the article click WHO)

– 31 May 2024 — A NOTE FROM FATHER ARIEL ON THE SITE I CAN'T BE SILENT: «AS ANNOYING AS A SEA URCHIN INSIDE YOUR UNDERPANTS» (To open the article click WHO)

– 8 December 2023 — WHO IS MARCO FELIPE PERFETTI REFERRING TO STATING FROM THE SITE I CAN'T BE SILENT «HERE IN THE VATICAN… WE IN THE VATICAN…», IF YOU CANNOT EVEN SET FOOT IN THE VATICAN? (To open the article click WHO)

– 14 October 2023 — THE ARCHABOT EMERITUS OF MONTECASSINO PIETRO VITTORELLI HAS DEAD: CHRISTIAN PIETY CAN ERASE THE SAD TRUTH? (To open the article click WHO)

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When the devil puts his tail, between exorcisms and narcissisms … – When the Devil puts his tail on us, between exorcisms and narcissisms …

(English text after the Italian)

 

When the devil puts his tail, TRA ESORCISMI E NARCISISMI…

L’esorcismo maggiore è la terapia di elezione per combattere il Maligno? It's still: l’azione del Maligno è sempre e solo quella straordinaria o non è molto più subdola e insidiosa l’azione ordinaria? Per rispondere a queste domande facciamo alcune ulteriori precisazioni

— Pastoral current events —

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Author
Ivano Liguori, Ofm. Cap.

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Forse un chiarimento è dovuto, perché come era prevedibile, il mio articolo del 7 last February (see WHO) ha suscitato in alcuni lettori “storture di naso”, tanto da arrivare a interpretare il mio scritto come un attacco (personal?) a tutte quelle anime belle che quotidianamente combattono contro il Demonio.

In short, ci mancava solo il frate cappuccino guastafeste a ostacolare l’esercito di quei guerrieri della luce che con Capitan Gesù – che non stà lassù ma stà quaggiù con la bandiera in mano – colgono i diavoli in flagrante come cantava il buon Angelo Branduardi (you see WHO).

Reputo il mio scritto estremamente chiaro tanto da far da corollario alla bellissima nota dell’Associazione Internazionale degli Esorcisti (you see WHO) a cui non si può certamente addossare la colpa di essere un gruppo di faziosi e di facinorosi esaltati. E di demonologia e relativo sacramentale dell’esorcismo, due Padri di questa nostra Isola di Patmos qualche cosa forse ne sanno. Sia io che Padre Ariel S. Levi di Gualdo facemmo entrambi la formazione per l’istruzione a questo delicato ministero, nel solito anno 2009 e presso la stessa istituzione accademico-ecclesiastica. Determinati allarmi bisogna pure darli, bisogna mettere in guardia i fedeli cristiani da certe derive così come erano soliti fare i profeti nell’antico Israele con il popolo dalla dura cervice: «Ascoltino o non ascoltino – perché sono una genìa di ribelli – sapranno almeno che un profeta si trova in mezzo a loro» (cf. This 2,2-5). Certe cose bisogna dirle e basta.

Reputo che il sacerdote oggi debba riscoprire il suo ruolo di profeta, di colui che parla a nome di Dio, cosa sempre più rara in una comunità ecclesiale dove il personalismo clerical-religioso è diventato ipertrofico. Fare il profeta comporta delle immancabili fatiche, delle incomprensioni, una scomodità difficile da accettare ma necessaria, fino a proclamare – fin dall’alto dei tetti (cf. LC 12,3) – anche quello che i più non vorrebbero sentirsi dire. E tutto questo senza velature di giudizi temerari ma con quella parresia profetica che troviamo tra le pieghe della responsabilità pastorale che dobbiamo al popolo di Dio a noi affidato con la sacra ordinazione.

Detto questo desidero tornare ulteriormente su alcune questioni note, talmente note, che sono puntualmente ignorate, disattese e a buon bisogno furbescamente manipolate.

1. Che cosa è un esorcismo?

È l’invocazione del nome di Dio fatta al fine di allontanare il demonio da una persona, da un animale, da un luogo o da una cosa. Quando si fa in nome della Chiesa, da parte di un ministro legittimamente incaricato e secondo i riti previsti nei libri liturgici approvati, l’esorcismo si chiama pubblico ed ha il valore proprio dei sacramentali. If not, si tratta di una pratica privata. Gli esorcismi pubblici si dividono in semplici e solenni o maggiori. In questo articolo non mi soffermerò ad analizzare gli esorcismi semplici che hanno fatto parte di alcuni riti di benedizione compresi nel capitolo IX del vecchio Rituale Romanum o quelli inerenti a precisi percorsi e tappe del cammino di catecumenato e del battesimo dei bambini e soprattutto degli adulti.

Clarified this, sono detti solenni o maggiori gli esorcismi pubblici previsti per i casi di ossessione o di possessione diabolica, ovvero nei casi in cui il demonio, operando dall’esterno, impedisce in modo permanente le azioni dell’individuo o nei casi in cui Satana opera attraverso l’organismo dell’individuo agendo dall’interno del corpo della persona posseduta, esercitando un dominio più o meno pieno.

La preghiera di esorcismo più cercata da certuni fedeli demonopatici è, needless to say, l’esorcismo solenne. Il bisogno è talmente forte che anche alcune presunte preghiere di liberazione hanno la struttura di veri e propri esorcismi solenni, con tanto di formula invocativa e imperativa. Come ho più volte avuto modo di dire, si ricerca l’esorcista più forzuto o il carismatico più talentuoso che possieda la formula di comando più efficace contro il demonio per risolvere in maniera definitiva tutti i problemi. C’è da sorridere amaramente perché nel gergo quotidiano spesso sentiamo parlare di bravura o meno di un esorcista o di un carismatico. Tale distinzione lessicale non ha alcuna ragion d’essere da un punto di vista teologico–spirituale, non si tratta di usare le skill proprie di un chierico fantasy di D&D ma tutto parte dall’autorità di Cristo che agisce nella persona dell’esorcista e che Dio Padre accoglie ed esaudisce in vista del bene ultimo dell’anima.

A questo punto del discorso è di rigore un interrogativo: l’esorcismo maggiore è la terapia di elezione per combattere il Maligno? It's still: l’azione del Maligno è sempre e solo quella straordinaria o non è molto più subdola e insidiosa l’azione ordinaria? Per rispondere a queste domande facciamo alcune ulteriori precisazioni, già menzionate nel mio precedente articolo del 7 February.

2. Battesimo e Confessione per combattere il Demonio

Bisognerebbe anzitutto ricordare che la prima forma di lotta al Demonio è la vita battesimale, quella vita nuova nello Spirito che si nutre di un cambiamento radicale di mentalità ovvero la Metanoia (dal greco μετανοεῖνmetanoein), da cui deriva il termine italiano di conversione. The Metanoia sancisce un passaggio dalla mentalità soggetta al peccato e alla concupiscenza – di cui Satana è principe e artefice; origine e causa (cf. GV 12,31; Ef 2,2; 2Color 4,4; 1GV 5,19) – a quella dello Spirito Santo in cui regna il Signore risorto (cf. With the 1,13; RM 6,14; 8,2). Questo cambiamento di registro – di mente e di cuore – è già di per sé un cammino di liberazione potente in quanto Cristo ci ha liberati perché restassimo liberi (cf. Gal 5,1). Nel percorso di catecumenato tale libertà gioiosa che Cristo ha guadagnato per noi è contrapposta alla schiavitù del peccato che il demonio non smette mai di suscitare nell’uomo con le sue trame in dispregio a Dio (cf. Rito per l’Iniziazione Cristiana degli Adulti nn. 78; 113; 156; 164; 171; 178; 255; 339; 372; 377; 379; 381 si tratta delle diverse orazioni che definiamo come esorcismi semplici. Sarebbe utile la loro analisi da un punto di vista sia liturgico che sacramentale per evidenziare la tensione alla metànoia e alla vita nuova che il catecumeno ottiene con l’immersione nella Pasqua di Cristo).

Sempre restando in tema battesimale, come non annoverare la preghiera del Padre Nostro che ci è stata consegnata solennemente nel battesimo e che domanda a Dio la liberazione dal maligno. Il Padre Nostro è la preghiera dei figli ma costituisce anche la prima formula invocativa semplice di liberazione dal potere del maligno. La preghiera del Padre Nostro è liturgicamente posta a coronamento conclusivo del rito del Battesimo (cf. Rito del Battesimo dei bambini n. 76 e Rito per l’Iniziazione Cristiana degli Adulti nn. 188-189), e questo per esprimere la tensione verso una conversione quotidiana in cui tutti i giorni il fedele battezzato chiede a Dio di essere liberato dal maligno per poter partecipare il più degnamente possibile di quella figliolanza di figlio nel Figlio.

Altra doverosa puntualizzazione. La lotta al Demonio si concretizza con una buona pratica sacramentale in cui la confessione costituisce l’arma di elezione più efficace ed eloquente di qualunque altra preghiera di esorcismo. Riconoscere e rinunciare alle opere del demonio nella mia vita personale diventa fondamentale per allontanare Satana. Se riesco a fare questo, riconosco l’azione vitale dello Spirito Santo che agisce e che mi convince quanto al peccato, righteousness and judgment (cf. GV 16,8-9). Nella maggioranza dei casi basta un bravo sacerdote confessore per risolvere quello che per trascuratezza potrebbe richiedere poi molto più tempo, con il rischio non remoto di aprire la porta all’azione straordinaria del demonio, secondo quello che già l’insegnamento del Catechismo della Chiesa Cattolica prevede: «il peccato trascina al peccato; con la ripetizione dei medesimi atti genera il vizio. Ne derivano inclinazioni perverse che ottenebrano la coscienza e alterano la concreta valutazione del bene e del male» (cf. n. 1865 e sulla realtà del peccato cf. i nn. 1846-1876).

Ribadire frequentemente questo insegnamento della Chiesa non significa assolutamente buttare via il bambino con l’acqua sporca, demonizzando l’esorcismo. On the contrary, così facendo si intende dare una giusta collocazione a un sacramentale, contestualizzandolo dentro un cammino di fede matura e realista che tutti siamo chiamati a compiere, anche con fatica. Rinunciare a Satana non è mai stato un compito facile ed immediato.

3. L’esorcista non è una Guest star

Altra puntualizzazione sull’esorcismo maggiore riguarda colui che ne è il ministro per eccellenza. The canon 1172 del Codice di Diritto Canonico dichiara che nessuno può proferire legittimamente esorcismi sugli ossessi se non ha ottenuto dall’Ordinario del luogo una speciale ed espressa licenza (§ 1). Tale licenza deve essere concessa dall’Ordinario del luogo solo al sacerdote distinto per pietà, science, prudenza e integrità di vita (§ 2). Le stesse cose sono ribadite dalla “Lettera agli Ordinari riguardante le norme sugli esorcismi” della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede del 29 September 1985 (you see WHO) e dal rituale del “Rito degli Esorcismi e Preghiere per circostanza particolari”, in vigore dal 31 March 2002.

Quindi in base a quanto stabilito della Chiesa perché un soggetto possa proferire esorcismi solenni in modo legittimo è necessario:

a) che si tratti solo e soltanto di un presbitero.

b) che tale presbitero designato abbia la licenza, conferita in modo personale e diretta ed espressa da parte dell’Ordinario del luogo. Il conferimento di tale facoltà deve quindi apparire chiaramente dal decreto vescovile. La licenza non può essere considerata tacita o presunta. Può essere implicita solo se connessa all’ufficio di esorcista.

(c)) in casi particolari per l’esercizio del ministero dell’esorcismo al di fuori dalla propria diocesi è necessaria la decisione e il giudizio dell’Ordinario del luogo che ne deve essere prontamente informato compiendo un debito discernimento.

L’azione ministeriale del sacerdote esorcista è mite ed umile, egli è il minus-ter è il più piccolo rispetto a Colui che è Signore e Salvatore. Nessun sacerdote può intraprendere il combattimento contro lo spirito demoniaco da solo, nessun laico o presunto carismatico o sensitivo può avere una propria autorità sui demoni. Tale autorità è stata conferita da Cristo agli apostoli (cf. LC 9,1) e ai discepoli che credono in lui (cf. MC 16,17; LC 10,19) e che dalla Chiesa sono stati costituiti e mandati come ministri di liberazione e di consolazione.

4. Incontri e weekend di liberazione e di guarigione, basta un po’ di trasparenza

Ho già spiegato nel mio precedente articolo del pericolo costituito da questi raduni paralleli nella vita della Chiesa, che assomigliano tanto a delle adunate sediziose. Raduni gestiti da laici senza alcuna autorizzazione e competenza che costituiscono un disordine per il cammino di fede dei fedeli. Quello che forse ancora molti non sanno è che in diverse diocesi d’Italia sono state emanate norme stringenti riguardo a questo tipo di manifestazioni et similia. Ne è un esempio la Conferenza Episcopale Siciliana (you see WHO), la Conferenza Episcopale Piemontese (you see WHO); una nota in tal senso del vescovo di Trieste: «Vedevo Satana cadere dal cielo…» (you see WHO); e l’ottimo vademecum della diocesi di Brescia che comprende anche diverse norme inerenti al ministero dell’esorcistato (you see WHO).

Ribadisco che le riunioni di preghiera e di formazione cristiana devono essere svolte in ambienti ecclesiali, fatto salvo per quelle convocazioni nazionali che muovono migliaia di persone e che devono garantire ben precisi criteri di sicurezza e di gestibilità che non è sempre possibile avere nei contesti ecclesiali ufficiali. Sarebbe buona norma, non di galateo ma di obbedienza alla Chiesa, mettere il vescovo diocesano al corrente di questi incontri. Informare per tempo l’Ordinario del luogo con lettera ufficiale sulla tipologia di incontro, sul tema trattato, sui relatori che vi interverranno e sulle attività contestualmente svolte. E solo quando si è ricevuto da lui il placet, insieme alla sua paterna benedizione si può procedere. Mettere i vescovi davanti al fatto compiuto, ricorda tanto il modus operandi della fuitina degli anni passati con cui si costringevano i genitori riottosi ad accondiscendere al matrimonio dei propri figli. Personalmente ritengo che tutto debba essere documentato per risultare trasparente in vista del bene che si vuole arrecare alle anime, sapendo che il diavolo tende a nascondere e a nascondersi il più possibile. Sarebbe opportuno leggere in queste assemblee la lettera di approvazione del vescovo per partecipare più pienamente di quella comunione ecclesiale che ha nel vescovo diocesano il suo centro. Unfortunately, la realtà dei fatti è di ben altro genere e i vescovi si trovano a mettere in guardia da questi incontri il clero e il popolo di Dio riscuotendo il medesimo successo delle grida contro i bravi di manzoniana memoria. Ma c’è di più se il soggetto organizzatore di tali incontri è di un’altra diocesi, basta indagare un po’ per scoprire che tali personaggi – sia chierici che laici – sono considerati ingestibili da tempo immemore e difficilmente recuperabili se non con sanzioni canoniche e il ricorso ai dicasteri competenti.

5. Editoria sul diavolo: esiste ancora l’approvazione ecclesiastica?

Se giriamo tra le più comuni librerie cattoliche, spesso ci dobbiamo rassegnare a non trovare il requisito della cattolicità, alcune volte neanche quello della cristianità. Ma questo aprirebbe un capitolo che è meglio chiudere subito. Trattando del diavolo e degli esorcismi è ormai assodato che questo argomento nell’editoria ha saputo trovare una sua perpetua giovinezza, in altri termini diciamo che c’è un buon mercato. Pur congratulandoci con coloro che riescono a vivere con queste pubblicazioni – bisogna pur mangiare – non posso non muovere una critica costruttiva. Trattando tematiche specificatamente teologiche, gli autori di queste opere di demonologia, di pastorale degli esorcismi o di preghiere di liberazione, dovrebbero munirsi di un nulla osta dalla competente autorità ecclesiastica. Questo cosa significa? Non è certamente del permesso di pubblicare o meno un libro quello di cui stiamo parlando ma della garanzia che quello che si pubblica non entri in contrasto con la fede, the moral, il magistero e la disciplina della Chiesa. Significa avere la tranquillità d’animo di operare in continuità di intenti con quanto la Chiesa crede e vive riguardo al suo insegnamento. Anche in quest’ambito risultano molto rari i lavori editoriali in tema demonologico approvati dalla competente autorità ecclesiastica, anzi spesso basta considerare la sola casa editrice con cui si pubblicano certi volumi per avere già una panoramica più che soddisfacente sulla distanza da qualunque forma di cattolicità e di cristianità quanto invece a una certa assonanza all’esoterismo cristianizzato.

Concludendo mi auguro che questo mio ulteriore articolo sia considerato per quello che realmente è, una riflessione accorata su un fenomeno molto complesso e delicato come la pratica esorcistica e la demonologia. Tanto ancora ci sarebbe da dire e non è escluso che possa tornare sull’argomento. Per il momento nessuno si senta attaccato o compromesso nel suo lavoro ma anzi incoraggiato a vivere sempre di più nella luce della verità che tutto rende nitido, in attesa di quel trionfo definitivo di Cristo sul demonio alla fine dei tempi.

Sanluri, 11 February 2025

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WHEN THE DEVIL PUTS HIS TAIL ON US, BETWEEN EXORCISMS AND NARCISSISMS

Is major exorcism the therapy of choice to fight the Evil One? Is the action of the Evil One always and only the extraordinary one or isn’t the ordinary action much more subtle and insidious? To answer these questions let’s make some further clarifications

— Pastoral actuality —

 

Author
Ivano Liguori, Ofm. Cap.

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Perhaps a clarification is due, because as expected, my article of February 7th (see HERE) has raised doubts in some readers, so much so that they have come to interpret my writing as an attack on those beautiful souls who fight against the Devil on a daily basis.

All we needed was the Capuchin friar to hinder the army of those warriors of light who with Captain Jesus – who is not up there but down here with the flag in his hand – catch the devils red-handed as the Italian sing Angelo Branduardi sang (see HERE).

My writing extremely clear, and conform y to the optimal note from the International Association of Exorcists (see HERE) which certainly cannot be blamed for being a group of exalted partisans. Two Fathers of this island of Patmos know something about demonology and the related sacramental of exorcism. Father Ariel S. Levi of Gualdo and I both underwent training for this delicate ministry in the year 2009 at the same academic-ecclesiastical institution. Certain alarms must also be given, the Christian faithful must be warned against certain deviations as the prophets in ancient Israel: “Whether they listen or not – because they are a rebellious race – they will at least know that a prophet is among them” (cf. Ezekiel 2,2-5). Some things just have to be said.

I believe that the priest today must rediscover his role as a prophet who speaks in the name of God, which is increasingly rare in an ecclesial community where clerical-religious personalism has become hypertrophic. The prophetic mission involves inevitable hardships, misunderstandings, an inconvenience that is difficult to accept but necessary, to the point of proclaiming from the rooftops (cf. Luke 12, 3) even what most people would not like to hear. And all this without veils of rash judgments but with that prophetic parrhesia contained in the pastoral responsibilities that we must exercise towards the people that God has entrusted to us through sacred priestly ordination.

Having said this, I would like to return further to some issues that are so well known that they are regularly ignored or cunningly manipulated.

1. What is an exorcism?

It is the invocation of the name of God made to ward off the Devil from a person, an animal, a place or a thing. When it is carried out in the name of the Church, by an authorized minister according to the rites provided for in the approved liturgical books, the exorcism is called public and has the value of sacramentals. Otherwise is a private practice. Public exorcisms are divided into simple and solemn or major. I will not stop to analyze the simple exorcisms that were part of some blessing rites contained in chapter IX of the old Rituale Romanum or those inherent to specific paths and stages of the catechumenate journey and the baptism of children and especially of adults.

The public exorcisms foreseen for cases of obsession or diabolical possession are called solemn or major, or in cases in which the Devil, operating from the outside, permanently prevents the individual’s actions or in cases in which Satan operates through the individual’s organism, acting from within the body of the possessed person, exercising more or less full dominion.

The exorcism prayer most sought after by demonopathic issolemn exorcism. The need is so strong that even some alleged prayers of liberation have the structure of solemn exorcisms with an invocativ and imperative formula. Thas I have often had the opportunity to say, we are looking for thestrongestexorcist or the charismatic person who possesses the most effective command formula against the Devil to definitively resolve all problems. We have to smile bitterly because in everyday jargon we often hear people talk about the skill or otherwise of an exorcist or a charismatic person. This distinction has no reason to exist from a theological-spiritual point of view, it is not a question of using the skills of a D&D fantasy cleric but everything starts from the authority of Christ who acts in the person of the exorcist and who God the Father welcomes and grants in view of the ultimate good of the soul.

At this point a question is necessary: is major exorcism the therapy of choice to fight the Evil One? Is the action of the Evil One always and only the extraordinary one or isn’t the ordinary action much more subtle and insidious? To answer these questions we make some further clarifications, already mentioned in my previous article of February 7th.

2. Baptism and Confession to fight the Devil

It should be remembered that the first form of fight against the Devil is baptismal life, that new life in the Spirit which is nourished by a radical change of mentality or metanoia (from the Greek μετανοεῖνmetanoein), from which the termconversionderives. The Metanoia marks a transition from a mentality subject to sin and concupiscenceof which Satan is the prince and creator; origin and cause (cf. Jn 12.31; Eph 2.2; 2Color 4.4; 1Jn 5.19) – to that of the Holy Spirit in whom the risen Lord reigns (cf. With the 1.13; RM 6.14; 8.2). This change of register – of mind and heart – is already in itself a powerful path of liberation as Christ has freed us so that we remain free (cf. Gal 5.1). In the catechumenate path, this joyful freedom in Christ contrast with the slavery of sin that the Devil never ceases to arouse in man with his plots in contempt of God (cf. Rite for the Christian Initiation of Adults nos. 78; 113; 156; 164; 171; 178; 255; 339; 372; 377; 379; 381 these are the different prayers that we define as simple exorcisms. Their analysis from both a liturgical and sacramental point of view would be useful to highlight the tension towards boredom and new life that the catechumen obtains with immersion in Christ’s Easter).

Still remaining on the baptismal theme, how can we not include the prayer of theOur Fatherwhich was solemnly given to us in baptism and which asks God for liberation from the Evil one. It is the prayer of the sons which also constitutes the first simple dedicatory formula for liberation from the power of theEvil one. The prayer of the Our Father is liturgically placed as the final culmination of the rite of Baptism (cf. Rite of the Baptism of children n. 76 and Rite for the Christian Initiation of Adults n. 188-189), and this to express the tension towards a daily conversion in which every day the baptized believer asks God to be freed from the Evil One in order to be able to participate as worthily as possible in that sonship in the Divin Son.

Another necessary clarification. The fight against the Devil takes place with good sacramental practice in which confession constitutes the most effective and eloquent weapon of choice than any other exorcism prayer. Recognizing and renouncing the works of the Devil in my personal life becomes fundamental to ward off Satan. If I manage to do this, I recognize the vital action of the Holy Spirit who acts and convinces me regarding sin, justice and judgment (cf. Jh 16.8-9). In the majority of cases, a good priest confessor is enough to resolve what could take much longer due to negligence, with the not remote risk of opening the door to the extraordinary action of the Devil, according to what the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church already foresees: «sin leads to sin; with the repetition of the same acts it generates vice. The result is perverse inclinations that darken the conscience and alter the concrete evaluation of good and evil” (cf. n. 1865 and on the reality of sin cf. n. 1846-1876).

Frequently reiterating this teaching of the Church absolutely does not mean debasing exorcism. On the contrary, we intend to give a right place to a sacramental, contextualising it within a journey of mature and realistic faith that we are all called to undertake, even with difficulty. Giving up Satan has never been an easy and immediate task.

3. The Exorcist is not a Guest Star

Another major clarification on exorcism concerns the one who is its minister par excellence. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one can legitimately perform exorcisms on the possessed if he has not obtained a special and express license from the local Ordinary (§ 1). This license must be granted by the local Ordinary only to a priest distinguished for piety, knowledge, prudence and integrity of life (§ 2). The same things are reiterated by theLetter to the Ordinaries regarding the rules on exorcismsof the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of 29 September 1985 (see HERE) and by the ritual of the Rite of Exorcisms and Prayers for particular circumstances, in force since 31 March 2002.

Therefore, according to what has been established by the Church, for a person to be able to perform solemn exorcisms in a legitimate way it is necessary:

a) only and exclusively a presbyter.

b) that this designated presbyter has the license conferred by the local Ordinary. The conferral of this faculty must therefore appear clearly from the bishop’s decree. The license cannot be considered tacit or presumed. It can only be implied if connected to the office of exorcist.

(c)) in particular cases, for the exercise of the ministry of exorcism outside one’s own diocese, the decision and judgment of the local Ordinary is necessary, who must be promptly informed by carrying out due discernment.

The ministerial action of the exorcist priest is meek and humble, he is the smallest compared to He who is Lord and Savior. No priest can undertake the fight against the demonic spirit alone, no layman or supposedly charismatic or sensitive person can have his own authority over demons. This authority was conferred by Christ on the Apostles (cf. Luke 9.1) and on the disciples who believe in him (cf. Mk 16.17; Page 10.19) and who were established and sent by the Church as ministers of liberation and consolation.

4. Meetings and weekends of liberation and healing, all it takes is a little transparency

I have already explained in my previous article the danger posed by these parallel gatherings in the life of the Church, which look so much like seditious gatherings. Gatherings managed by lay people without any authorization and competence which constitute a disorder for the faith journey of the faithful. What perhaps many still don’t know is that stringent regulations regarding this type of demonstration have been issued in various dioceses of our nation. An example of this is the Sicilian Episcopal Conference (see HERE), the Piedmont Episcopal Conference (see HERE); a note to this effect from the bishop of Trieste: «I saw Satan fall from heaven…» (see HERE); and the excellent handbook of the diocese of Brescia which also includes various regulations on the ministry of the exorcist (see HERE).

5. Publishing about the devil: does ecclesiastical approval still exist?

In Catholic bookstores we often no longer the Catholicity, sometimes not even Christianity. But this would open a chapter that is better closed immediately. When dealing with the Devil and exorcisms this topic in publishing has been able to find its perpetual youth, in other words let’s say that there is a good market. While we congratulate those who manage to survivewith these publications – you have to eat – I cannot help but offer constructive criticism. Dealing with specifically theological themes, the authors of these works of demonology, pastoral care of exorcisms or liberation prayers should obtain authorization from the competent ecclesiastical authority. What does this mean? What we are talking about is certainly not the permission to publish or not a book but the guarantee that what is published does not conflict with the faith, morality, magisterium and discipline of the Church. It means having the tranquility of mind to operate in continuity of intent with what the Church believes and lives regarding its teaching. Even in this area, editorial works on a demonological theme approved by the competent ecclesiastical authority are very rare; indeed, it is often enough to consider the single publishing house with which certain volumes are published to already have a more than satisfactory overview of the distance from any form of Catholicity and Christianity, but rather a certain assonance with Christianized esotericism.

In conclusion, I hope that this second article of mine is considered for what it really is: a serious reflection on a complex and delicate phenomenon such as exorcism and demonology. There is much more to say and it is not excluded that he could return to the topic. For the moment, no one should feel attacked in their work but encouraged to live more and more in the light of the truth that makes everything clear, awaiting that definitive triumph of Christ over the Devil at the end of time.

Sanluri, 11 February 2025

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Pietro, expert fisherman son of fishermen, throws the nets on the word of the son of a carpenter

Homiletics of the Fathers of The Island of Patmos

PIETRO, Expert fisherman son of fishermen, GETTA LE RETI SULLA PAROLA DEL FIGLIO DI UN FALEGNAME

Jesus, who was a carpenter, He was not a fishing expert, Yet Simone the fisherman trust this Rabbi, that does not give him answers but calls him to rely. La sua reazione davanti alla pesca miracolosa è quella dello stupore e della trepidazione: "Man, allontanati da me che sono un peccatore»

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pietro era un ebreo credente e osservante, fiducioso nella presenza operante di Dio nella storia del suo popolo, e addolorato per non vederne l’azione potente nelle vicende di cui egli era, to the present, witness. In tale frangente avviene il suo primo incontro con Gesù.

I Vangeli sinottici ci informano che Pietro è tra i primi quattro discepoli del Nazareno (LC 5,1-11), ai quali se ne aggiunge un quinto, secondo il costume di ogni Rabbi di avere cinque discepoli (LC 5,27: chiamata di Levi). Quando Gesù passerà da cinque a dodici discepoli (LC 9,1-6), sarà infine chiara la novità della sua missione. Egli non è uno dei tanti rabbini, ma è venuto a radunare l’Israele escatologico, simboleggiato dal numero dodici, quante erano le tribù d’Israele. I Vangeli consentono di seguire passo dopo passo l’itinerario spirituale di Pietro. Il punto di partenza è la chiamata da parte di Gesù. Avviene in un giorno qualsiasi, mentre Pietro è impegnato nel suo lavoro di pescatore. Gesù si trova presso il lago di Genesaret e la folla gli fa ressa intorno per ascoltarlo. Il numero degli ascoltatori crea un certo disagio. Il Maestro vede due barche ormeggiate alla sponda; i pescatori sono scesi e lavano le reti. Egli chiede allora di salire sulla barca, quella di Simone, e lo prega di scostarsi da terra. Sedutosi su quella cattedra improvvisata, si mette ad ammaestrare le folle dalla barca. E così la barca di Pietro diventa la cattedra di Gesù. Quando ha finito di parlare, dice a Simone:

«”Prendi il largo e calate le reti per la pesca! Simone risponde: “Maestro, abbiamo faticato tutta la notte e non abbiamo preso nulla; ma sulla tua parola getterò le reti”».

Jesus, who was a carpenter, He was not a fishing expert, Yet Simone the fisherman trust this Rabbi, that does not give him answers but calls him to rely. La sua reazione davanti alla pesca miracolosa è quella dello stupore e della trepidazione: "Man, allontanati da me che sono un peccatore» (LC 5,8). Gesù risponde invitandolo alla fiducia e ad aprirsi ad un progetto che oltrepassa ogni sua prospettiva: "Do not fear; d’ora in poi sarai pescatore di uomini». Rileggiamo questo emozionante racconto:

"During that time, mentre la folla gli faceva ressa attorno per ascoltare la parola di Dio, Jesus, stando presso il lago di Gennèsaret, vide due barche accostate alla sponda. I pescatori erano scesi e lavavano le reti. Salì in una barca, che era di Simone, e lo pregò di scostarsi un poco da terra. Sedette e insegnava alle folle dalla barca. Quando ebbe finito di parlare, disse a Simone: «Prendi il largo e gettate le vostre reti per la pesca». Simone replied: «Maestro, abbiamo faticato tutta la notte e non abbiamo preso nulla; but at your word I will cast the nets ". Fecero così e presero una quantità enorme di pesci e le loro reti quasi si rompevano. Allora fecero cenno ai compagni dell’altra barca, che venissero ad aiutarli. Essi vennero e riempirono tutte e due le barche fino a farle quasi affondare. Al vedere questo, Simon Pietro si gettò alle ginocchia di Gesù, saying: "Man, allontanati da me, perché sono un peccatore». Lo stupore infatti aveva invaso lui e tutti quelli che erano con lui, per la pesca che avevano fatto; così pure Giacomo e Giovanni, figli di Zebedèo, che erano soci di Simone. Gesù disse a Simone: "Do not fear; d’ora in poi sarai pescatore di uomini». E, tirate le barche a terra, lasciarono tutto e lo seguirono» (LC 5,1-11).

Il racconto di Luca segue il canovaccio di MC 1,16-20 a cui si rifà, ma con inserzioni proprie e l’aggiunta di una scena che ricorda molto da vicino quella di GV 21, dove lì è un Gesù ormai risorto a dialogare con Pietro per una definitiva chiamata a seguirlo. Mentre due domeniche fa abbiamo lasciato Gesù a Nazareth non compreso e addirittura rifiutato; qui invece le persone Lo cercano e Pietro, in particular, lascia tutto per seguire il Maestro. Fin da questo iniziale momento cogliamo la particolare attenzione e stima che l’evangelista Luca rivolge a questo discepolo; qualcosa che evidentemente aveva appreso ed ereditato dalla comunità primitiva. Notiamo infatti che, mentre in Matteo e Marco la formula di vocazione è al plurale, «Venite dietro a me, I will make you fishers of men " (MC 1, 17; Mt 4,19), nel racconto lucano è alla seconda persona, that of Peter. E sullo sfondo, nella pesca infruttuosa, già si intravedono metaforicamente le fatiche apostoliche delle prime comunità cristiane.

La narrazione della pesca miracolosa, indeed, presenta i tratti di una catechesi sulla fede per mezzo della quale il Signore ribalta le situazioni umane chiuse e senza speranza. Pietro ne diventa il paradigma. Nelle sue parole, «abbiamo faticato tutta la notte e non abbiamo preso nulla», non vi è solo amarezza e delusione per l’inane pesca, ma traluce anche un significato più forte che designa la spossatezza e la stanchezza fisica (cf.. the verb κοπιάω (kopiao). Un’esperienza che troviamo di frequente nella Bibbia, soprattutto nei Salmi: «Sono stremato dai miei lamenti» (Shall 6, 7; cf.. also Shall 69, 4; Shall 127, 1); e che l’antico Israele più volte aveva sperimentato nel corso delle sue vicende. Vi è dunque uno spazio di delusione e di limite nel quale Dio agisce. Per quella parentela fra il presente testo e il capitolo 21 of the Gospel of John, più sopra ricordata, comprendiamo che senza la presenza del Signore i discepoli si affaticano inutilmente fino alla spossatezza. Ma Lui presente, che invita a gettare le reti nuovamente, tutto cambia. La prima trasformazione avviene nella fiducia del discepolo e qui è Pietro ad esplicitarla: «sulla tua parola calerò le reti» (LC 5,4).

Ma di fronte alla pesca miracolosa sembra non basti lo stupore registrato (v. 9) da Luca, poiché Pietro sente di dover dire: «allontanati da me, perché sono un peccatore». Per alcuni ancora una volta dovrebbe soccorrerci il brano parallelo di Giovanni dove il dialogo fra il Risorto e Pietro, incentrato sull’amore, serve all’apostolo per guarire la ferita del rinnegamento nella notte della passione. But maybe, simply, visto che qui l’Apostolo compare protagonista per la prima volta nel Vangelo, la richiesta di perdono è da intendersi come il riconoscimento della propria fragilità di fronte al manifestarsi della grandezza di Dio e al compimento della «sua parola». Ma ciò che ancor più colpisce è l’atteggiamento di Gesù verso il discepolo dal quale ha udito la confessione di colpevolezza. Non la sottolinea, non vi insiste, poiché essa non dice tutto della vita di Pietro, il quale dovrà passare attraverso molteplici confessioni. Jesus, più che sottolineare la peccaminosità del futuro apostolo, preferisce invitarlo alla fiducia ed alla sequela: "Do not fear; d’ora in poi sarai pescatore di uomini». Qui conviene sottolineare il verbo usato da Luca per designare questa pesca di uomini e non di pesci, poiché in greco «zogreo» contiene in sé sia il vocabolo ζῷον (zoos vivo) che il verbo ἀγορεύω (agreuo, prendere a caccia o a pesca). Si tratta perciò di un prendere vivo, di un catturare lasciando vivi (cf.. vocabolario Rocci). In questo modo l’opera pastorale di Pietro e dei suoi soci (v.10), metaforicamente espressa tramite la pesca che era il loro mestiere originario – e qui torna alla mente l’abbondante pesca di GV 21, 11: 153 grossi pesci tirati in barca, senza che la rete si divida – sarà un servizio alla vita. Those who, attraverso il loro ministero, verranno raggiunti dal Vangelo, saranno attirati al Cristo, il vivente apportatore di vita: «io sono venuto perché abbiano la vita e l’abbiano in abbondanza» (GV 10, 10).

 

From the Hermitage, 8 February 2025

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Sant'Angelo Cave in Ripe (Civitella del Tronto)

 

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The devil is said to be the pots but not the lids: For some it is undoubtedly a guarantee of gain and narcissistic visibility – It is said that the Devil makes the pans but not the lids: for some it is definitely a guarantee of earnings and narcissistic visibility – It is said that the devil makes the pot but not the lid: For some it is economic guarantee and narcissistic visibility

(English text after the Italian / Spanish text after English)

 

The devil is said to be the pots but not the lids: For some it is undoubtedly a guarantee of gain and narcissistic visibility

On the devil it is better and prudent to talk little about it and with precise references to the Word of God, to revelation and the magisterium. And you know why? Because our faith has never been founded - and it will never be - on the devil but on Christ and on his resurrection that wins the works of the devil: sin and death. If you understand at least this would no longer be the anguish of demonopathy with the feeling of being gripped by the devil.

— Pastoral current events —

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Author
Ivano Liguori, Ofm. Capp.

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PDF Article in print format

PDF Article print format

PDF Article

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The 6 January of the year just started, In the solemnity of the Lord's epiphany, The International Association of Exorcists (A.I.E.) He published a note that I invite all our readers to read carefully (WHO), whose title is quite clear: "Note on some aspects of the Ministry of Exorcisms".

The note has no intention of reiterating the obvious on exorcisms and ecclesial discipline in this sense, But its objectives are others and concern only a few particular aspects. We say add:

"With this note we intend to offer the necessary clarifications in order to operate well in the erart of the Divine Mercy through the Ministry of Exarcism. The criteria to establish the conditions of implementation of the greater exorcism nor the guidelines of this delicate ministry will not be re -presented here [6], but they will simply offer observations on some pastoral practices which, Instead of making a service to the planted body of Christ, increase their suffering and cause disorientation, observations that the faithful (clerics, consecrated and lay people) It is desirable they can know in order to avoid attitudes and methods not responding to the authentic operating of the Christ the Lord, model for anyone who exercises the Ministry of Liberation from the extraordinary action of the evil one [7]».

Exorcism is a pastoral ministry of mercy and consolation, This is the basic reference to be able to understand it. Although it is a sacramental and not of a sacrament - given the particular personal subject faced -, it must not be considered lightly but also with great seriousness, human and Christian consciousness and maturity, both by the shepherds and from the lay faithful.

I talked about seriousness, of consciousness and maturity To emphasize that with the devil you don't play and do not joke but you can even exploit it for your ends: For example, to encourage economic performance or to obtain a certain gain and visibility at a social and ecclesial level. Said this, I focus only on some points that I want to reiterate and that the note of the A.I.E. clarifies and expresses in a very punctual way of what I will be able to do in these lines.

1. Obedience to the Church and the diocesan ordinary

The belief of being prey to the devil often pushes people to go to the spasmodic research of those who are in fact exorcists or those who have autonomized such on the field. In his wisdom, the Church first asks for serious discernment and this normally passes through his parish priest, one's confessor or a priest of reference to which he belongs to make a first diagnosis and then collect all the useful elements to be able to, in case, send to the appointed exorcist or suggest a serious conversion path to the person, combined with a serious sacramental practice with concrete and effective works of charity.

I am allowed the health comparison, It is like when the general practitioner sends his client by the specialist for subsequent insights. Only when there is the founded suspicion of a pathology that must be faced differently by a colleague who specializes in that matter, The specialist visit is required, otherwise it is lost time and the solutions must focus on other analyzes and fields. If this is true in the practice of physical care, The more this speech becomes true in the care of the soul and the baptismal path.

In this case It is only the Church that appoints and discerns on priests suitable for operating this great ministry, as well as on the specific case of the person who asks for spiritual help in this sense. You never improvise and never propose exorcists, Healers and liberators. Another fundamental thing is that there are no lay people (Not even the transe and permanent deacons can) authorized by the Church to perform exorcisms. Even the so -called prayers of liberation or healing must be made with wisdom and opportunity under the accompaniment of a prepared priest and following the rules that the Church has already established. EXitting out outside of these criteria means putting himself on the ground of disobedience to the Church to which the devil always pushes man, Just as our progenitors pushed to disobedience towards God (cf.. GN 3).

2. Superstition and reiteration of formulas

Often the desire to drive away the devil makes you fall into the sin of superstition which also insinuates itself into the Catholic world, both on the side of the lay people and consecrated. For example, You put yourself in search of the most "powerful" exorcist (even outside its diocese or region) Just as if it were a virtue of its own and not of the work of the Holy Spirit who acts in the Minister ordered on behalf of the Church. They compulsively collect sacramentals that should more effectively remove the malignant influences as crucifixes, medals, candles, images or salt, water and oil.

The prayers of liberation multiply who have not had any ecclesiastical approval and which are often borrowed from extra Catholic environments or packaged on the moment by the "psychic" or by the alleged secular charismatic on duty. Or compulsively also reiterate the official prayers and formulas approved with the hope that the simple acts continued over time enough to operate the benefit. And we often find ourselves in front of the trend of the stock exchange indices in reference to the novels and the most suitable plea against the devil: the Madonna that melts the knots is fine, San Pio da Pietrelcina is the strongest, Santa Rita is not bad, Sant’Editito sometimes fails while San Vicinio works only if you are Emiliano or Romagna. Even in approaching the holy masses there is the risk of falling into superstition with a succession of desecrating exploitation to ask for liberation. It is thought that it is enough to command only the priest to officiate a mass without the need to participate in the first person and we are linked to the number of commanded celebrations, As if the quantity was the pre -eminent criterion for liberation. A similar mechanism, tied to the masses, It is found in some devotional books with reference to the souls of Purgatory, But this is another matter.

3. "Meeting and consent of Liberation" in the hotel

For some years, the use of the alleged "sensory" and secular charismatic of organizing prayer meetings in secular locations has been invaded, such as star hotels (at least 4 stars). Already this should make the nose tank a lot to the healthy Catholic faithful of mind that are seen diverting out of ecclesial contexts without the slightest motivation. It is one thing to organize an event for millions and millions of people, Just as it happens for jubilation and national events, It is one thing to organize for fifty or one hundred people. Instead of the hotels you could not opt ​​for a large parish hall or a religious house - which today are increasingly empty and deserted - so as to remain inside the enclosure of ecclesial normality? But the alleged "sensory" and charismatic knows very well that in doing so it remains far from the eyes and ears of the shepherds and can say and do with freedom everything he wants. In doing so, the package is advertised all inclusive that with 80 O 100 Euro per day, plus enrollment in the course and pass, By combining the single room, Full board and starred cuisine is a guarantee of being a little freed from the evil one and to be purified in your genealogical tree. In short, before we went to the spa now the weekend exorcistic.

4. Sale of books and manuals of dubious orthodoxy

Today the devil continues to be a product of marketing, from the afar 1973 When the film came out the exorcist by William Friedkin based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, The devil has not known practically moments of crisis. We can say that with the devil he lives ... and he also lives fairly well. And if once the devil was private property of Freemasonry, of the Satanists and the hermetic occult circles, For more than thirty years it has become a pop product that I can all use or abuse according to need. Indeed they are the lay people, not always Christians, To find in the "devil product" a mine from which fame and affirmation draws. The television was the first to know how to make on the topic: Not just movies, but special, documentaries, Investigations that cross with the news and with politics, In short, the devil is like salt and pepper in a recipe, The "enough" is sufficient to make that touch more of pleasantness to the dish to arouse the compliments. But it is perhaps in publishing that the theme of the devil has been able to find a new and perpetual youth. The bibliography in this regard is very boundless and among the authors you can really find everything. It starts from the Medjugorjana converted, to the former adept of a sect, To then move on to the priest Praticone who without ever having been appointed exorcist holds conferences on the devil, Finally with what the demonologist's qualification is attributed without having the minimum academic or practical-pastoral skills of the case. Then the evergreen cannot be missing, The alleged sensory or charismatic that are questioning on the devil and pack recipes to free themselves from the influences of evil, Obviously you have to buy their books. Very dangerous are those who feel invested by the spiritual legacy of some well -known exorcist now deceased - I recommend that it is deceased! - To boast of a whole series of spiritual inheritance and transmigrations of Carismi with annexed the canon of the perfect liberator.

When I was a child, in the 1980s, Of devil in Italy he heard only about Father Gabriele Amorth and Mons. Corrado Balducci, The latter said demonologist but who in his life never saw a true exorcism and that in his book the devil also reported some theological inaccuracies. But at least with them we had to do with honest priests who had their role well in mind and were obedient to the Church. Today everyone is good at writing on the devil, especially those who should do without it.

In conclusion, It is always true that on the devil it is better and prudent to speak little and with precise references to the Word of God, to revelation and the magisterium. And you know why? Because our faith has never been founded - and it will never be - on the devil but on Christ and on his resurrection that wins the works of the devil: sin and death. If you understand at least this would no longer be the anguish of demonopathy with the feeling of being gripped by the devil. Much more important and tiring is to create a profound consciousness that you want to live constantly in the presence of Christ and its Spirit. But this is what already the blessed apostle Giacomo tells us in his letter. He asks us to be submitted to God: This is what allows you to resist the devil and to escape from his works and pitfalls. Surely there are few exorcists in today's church, Certainly many of our bishops are often not inclined to appoint them and prefer instead to appoint presidents of diocesan Caritas and to use resources for social and welfare policies, Except then finding yourself a few kilometers from your diocesan curia the exorcistic weekend at one hundred euros per day of the alleged exorcist, charismatic or sensitive cry and not to make a sigh minimally. And yes, because even in the event that the diocesan bishop was also aware of the thing he would not give him the right weight: eye does not see, pastoral heart does not hurt. Unfortunately, the devil certain things also lets us do and when they ever do everything he comes to the closer, Just as it happens for certain things old as the world that are done but they do not say and how he loved to sing a well -known Italian musical quartet

«It is done, but it is not said, you do, but it is not said and who did it silent, He denies it and makes the mendace and never tells you the truth ".

Sanluri, 07 February 2025

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IT IS SAID THAT THE DEVIL MAKES THE PANS BUT NOT THE LIDS: FOR SOME IT IS DEFINITELY A GUARANTEE OF EARNINGS AND NARCISSISTIC VISIBILITY

— Pastoral actuality —

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Author
Ivano Liguori, Ofm. Capp.

 

On January 6 of the year that has just begun, on the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the International Association of Exorcists (A.I.E.) published a note that I invite all our readers to read carefully (HERE), the title of which is quite clear: «Note on some aspects of the ministry of exorcisms».

The note has no intention of reiterating the obvious regarding exorcisms and ecclesial discipline in this sense, but its objectives are different and concern only some particular aspects. It reads:

«With this note we intend to offer the necessary clarifications in order to operate well in the provision of divine Mercy through the Ministry of Exorcism. The criteria for establishing the conditions of implementation of the Major Exorcism nor the Guidelines of this delicate Ministry [6] will not be presented here again, but observations will simply be offered on some pastoral practices which, instead of rendering a service to the wounded body of Christ, increase its suffering and cause disorientation, observations that the faithful (clerics, consecrated and lay people) should be able to know in order to avoid attitudes and methods that do not correspond to the authentic working of the Lord Christ, model for anyone who exercises the ministry of liberation from the extraordinary action of the Evil One [7]».

Exorcism is a pastoral ministry of mercy and consolation, this is the basic reference for being able to correctly understand it. Although it is a sacramental and not a sacrament – given the particular personal subject addressed –, it must not be considered lightly but also with great seriousness, conscience and human and Christian maturity, both by pastors and lay faithful.

I spoke of seriousness, conscience and maturity to underline that one cannot play or joke with the devil, but neither can one exploit him for one’s own ends: for example to favor an economic return or to obtain a certain gain and visibility on a social and ecclesial level. Having said this, I will only focus on some points that I would like to reiterate and that the A.I.E. note. clarifies and expresses in a very punctual way what I will be able to do in these lines.

1. Obedience to the Church and the Diocesan Ordinary

The belief of being prey to the Devil often pushes people to go in frantic search for those who are in fact exorcists or those who have self-appointed themselves as such in the field. The Church in its wisdom first of all asks for serious discernment and this normally passes through one’s parish priest, one’s confessor or a reference priest who is responsible for making an initial diagnosis and then gathering all the useful elements to be able, if necessary, to send to the appointed exorcist or to suggest to the person a serious path of conversion, combined with a serious sacramental practice with concrete and effective works of charity.

Allow me to make a healthcare comparison, it’s like when a general practitioner sends his patient to a specialist for further in-depth analysis. Only when there is a well-founded suspicion of a pathology that must be addressed differently from a colleague who specializes in that subject is a specialist visit required, otherwise it is a waste of time and the solutions must focus on other analyzes and fields. If this is true in the practice of physical care, how much more true does this discourse become in the care of the soul and the baptismal walking.

2. Superstition and reiteration of formulas

Often the desire to banish the Devil leads one to fall into the sin of superstition which also creeps into the Catholic world, both among lay people and consecrated people. For example, we start looking for the most “powerful” exorcist (even outside our own diocese or region) as if it were a specific virtue and not the work of the Holy Spirit who acts in the ordained minister on behalf of the Church. Sacramentals are compulsively collected which should ward off evil influences such as crucifixes, medals, candles, images or salt, water and oil more effectively than others.

Prayers for liberation are multiplying which have not had any ecclesiastical approval and which are often borrowed from non-Catholic environments or packaged on the spot by the “sensitive” or the presumed charismatic lay person on duty. Or even official prayers and approved formulas are compulsively reiterated with the hope that the simple recitation over time is enough to bring about the benefit. And we often find ourselves faced with the trend of stock market indices in reference to the most suitable novenas and supplications against the Devil: the Madonna who unties knots is good, San Pio da Pietrelcina is the strongest, Santa Rita is not bad, Sant’Espedito sometimes fails while San Vicinio only works if you are from Emilia Romagna Region. Even when approaching Holy Masses there is the risk of falling into superstition with a succession of desecrating exploitations to ask for liberation. It is thought that it is enough to command the priest alone to officiate a mass without the need to participate personally and it is linked to the number of celebrations commanded, as if quantity were the pre-eminent criterion for liberation. A similar mechanism, linked to masses, is found in some devotional books in reference to the souls in Purgatory, but that is another matter.

3. “Liberations Meetings and Conventions” in the hotel

For some years now, the practice of supposedly “sensitive” and charismatic lay people to organize prayer meetings in secular locations, such as starred hotels (at least 4 stars) has become widespread. This alone should make sane Catholic faithful turn up their noses a lot as they see themselves diverted away from ecclesial contexts without the slightest motivation. It’s one thing to organize an event for millions and millions of people, as happens with jubilee and national events, but it’s another thing to organize it for fifty or a hundred people. Instead of hotels, couldn’t we opt for a large parish hall or a religious house – which nowadays are increasingly empty and deserted – so as to remain within the confines of ecclesial normality? But the supposedly “sensitive” and charismatic person knows very well that by doing so he stays away from the eyes and ears of the shepherds and can freely say and do whatever he wants. In doing so, the all-inclusive package is advertised which with 80 or 100 euros per day, plus course registration and the pass, combining the single room, full board and starred cuisine you have the guarantee of being somewhat freed from the Evil one and of being purified in your family tree. In short, before people went to the spa, now exorcism weekends are in fashion.

4. Sale of books and manuals of dubious orthodoxy

Today the Devil continues to be a marketing product, ever since 1973 when the film “The Exorcist” by William Friedkin based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty was released, the Devil has experienced practically no moments of crisis. We can say that you can live with the Devil… and you can even live reasonably well. And if once the Devil was the private property of Freemasonry, Satanists and hermetic occultist circles, for more than thirty years it has become a pop product that everyone can use or abuse as needed. Indeed, it is precisely the lay people, not always Christians, who find in the “devil product” a mine from which to draw notoriety and affirmation. Television was the first to know how to make money on the topic: not only films, but specials, documentaries, investigations that intersect with crime news and politics, in short, the Devil is like salt and pepper in a recipe, “just enough” is enough to give that extra touch of pleasantness to the dish to elicit compliments. But it is perhaps in publishing that the theme of the Devil has found a new and perpetual youth. The bibliography in this regard is extremely boundless and among the authors you can truly find everything. We start from the Medjugorjan convert, to the former follower of a sect, and then move on to the priest who without ever having been appointed an exorcist holds conferences on the devil, ending with the one who attributes himself the qualification of demonologist without having the minimum academic or practical-pastoral skills of the case. Then there are the evergreens, the alleged sensitives or charismatics who question the Devil and prepare recipes to free oneself from the influences of evil, obviously you have to buy their books. Very dangerous are those who feel invested by the spiritual legacy of some well-known exorcist now deceased! – I recommend that he is deceased! – to then boast a whole series of spiritual legacies and transmigrations of charisms with the attached canon of the perfect liberator.

When I was a child, in the 1980s, in Italy we only heard about the Devil from Father Gabriele Amorth and Monsignor Corrado Balducci, the latter known as a demonologist but who in his life never saw a real exorcism and who also reported some theological inaccuracies in his book “The Devil”. But at least with them we were dealing with honest priests who were well aware of their role and were obedient to the Church. Today everyone is good at writing about the Devil, especially those who should do without it.

In conclusion, the fact remains true that it is better and prudent to talk little about the Devil and with precise references to the Word of God, to Revelation and to the Church’s Magisterium. And do you know why? Because our faith has never been founded – and never will be – on the Devil but on Christ and his resurrection which overcomes the works of the Devil: sin and death. If we understood at least this we would no longer have the anguish of demonopathy with the sensation of being gripped by the Devil. Much more important and tiring is creating a deep conscience that desires to live constantly in the presence of Christ and his Spirit. But this is what the blessed apostle James already tells us in his letter. He asks us to be submissive to God: this is what allows us to resist the Devil and escape from his works and snares. Surely there are few exorcists in the Church today, certainly many of our bishops are not often inclined to appoint any and prefer instead to appoint presidents of diocesan Caritas and to use resources for social and welfare policies, only to then find themselves a few kilometers from their diocesan curia on the weekend exorcism at one hundred euros a day of the alleged exorcist, charismatic or the famous sensitive and not even heave a sigh. And yes, because even if the diocesan bishop were aware of the matter, he would not give it the right weight: the eye does not see, the pastoral heart does not grieve.

Unfortunately, the Devil even lets us do certain things and when they are done everything comes out in the open, just as happens with certain things as old as the world that are done but not said and as a well-known Italian musical quartet loved to sing:

«It is done, but it is not said, it is done, but it is not said and whoever did it remains silent, denies it and is a liar and never tells you the truth».

Sanluri, 07 February 2025

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___________________________

It is said that the devil makes the pot but not the lid: For some it is economic guarantee and narcissistic visibility

It is still true that it is better and prudent to speak little of the devil and with precise references to the Word of God, to revelation and teaching. And you know why? Because our faith has never been based - nor will it ever be - in the devil but in Christ and his resurrection that expires the works of the devil: Sin and death. If at least we understood this we would no longer have the anguish of demonopathy with the feeling of being tormented by the devil.

- Pastoral news -

Author
Ivano Liguori, Ofm. Capp.

.

In the solemnity of the Lord's epiphany, The International Exorcist Association (A.I.E.) He published a note that I invite you to read all our readers carefully (here), And whose title is quite clear: «Note on some aspects of the Ministry of Exorcisms».

The note does not intend to reiterate the obvious about exorcisms and ecclesial discipline, Its objectives are different and refer only to some particular aspects. Read:

«With this note we intend to offer the necessary clarifications to operate the donation of divine mercy through the Ministry of Exorcism. The criteria to establish the necessary conditions for the realization of the major exorcism will not be presented again, nor the guidelines for this delicate ministry[6]; but observations will simply be offered on some pastoral practices that, Instead of helping Christ's plague, increase their suffering and cause disorientation. Observations that the faithful (clergy, consecrated and laity) They must know to avoid attitudes and methods that do not correspond to the authentic work of Christ Lord, Model for anyone who exercises the Ministry of Liberation of Extraordinary Action of Malignant [7]”.

Exorcism is a pastoral ministry of mercy and consolation, This is the basilar reference to be able to understand it correctly. Yes ok, It is a sacramental and not a sacrament - given the particular personal subject that is addressed -, It should not be considered lightly but seriously, human and Christian conscience and maturity, both by the shepherds and the lay faithful.

I have talked about seriousness, of conscience and maturity to underline that the devil is not played or joined, nor can it be instrumentalized for their own benefits: favor an economic benefit or to obtain a certain gain and visibility at the social and ecclesial level. That being said, I will only focus on some points that I want to reiterate and that the A.I.E note. Clarify and express more punctually than it could do so in these lines.

1. Obedience to the church and the ordinary diocesan

The conviction of being presided by the demon, It often drives people to frantically seek who are by appointment exorcists or those who have self -proclaimed as such. The Church in his wisdom asks first of all, a serious discernment that normally passes through the pastor himself, of the confessor or a reference priest, who is concerned to make an initial diagnosis and gather all the useful elements to be able to, If this is the case, refer to the designated exorcist or suggest a serious way of conversion attached to the sacramental practice of concrete and effective charity works.

I am allowed to make a comparison with the healthcare system: It is equivalent to when a general practitioner sends the patient to a specialist to perform more specific analyzes. Only when there is a suspicion of a pathology must be faced differently by a specialized colleague, otherwise it is a loss of time and solutions must focus on other analysis and fields. If this is true regarding physical health care, How much more should the speech on the care of the soul and the baptismal path be.

In this case, It is only the church that names and discerns over the suitable priests to perform this great ministry, as well as on the specific case of the person who asks for spiritual help in this regard. It is never improvised or proposed as exorcists, healers and liberators. Another fundamental thing is that there are no laity (Not even temporary or permanent deacons) Authorized by the Church to perform exorcisms. Even the so -called liberation or healing sentences, They must be done with wisdom and opportunity under the accompaniment of a trained priest and following the norms that the Church has already established. Leaving these criteria means being in the field of disobedience to the Church, to which the demon always pushes man as in the past pushed our parents to disobedience to God (See Genesis 3).

2. Superstition and formula reiteration

Often the desire to scare away the demon leads to fall into the sin of superstition and also insinuates in the Catholic world, Between laity as consecrated. For example: The more exorcist search begins “powerful” (even outside the diocese or region) As if it were a personal virtue and not the work of the Holy Spirit that acts in the minister ordered in the name of the Church. They are compulsively sacramental that should more effectively move bad influences, as crucifixes, medallas, candle, images, sal, Water and oil.

Liberation sentences multiply that they have not obtained any ecclesiastical approval and that often, mutades of non -Catholic environments come; or are made during the function by the “sensible” or for the alleged charismatic layman on duty. Or even, Official sentences and approved formulas are reiterated compulsively with the hope that simple recitation over time will be sufficient to achieve benefit. And they are frequently chosen as if they were trends in stock indices the most appropriate novenas and plea against the demon: The Virgin who unleashes the knots is good, San Pio da Pietrelcina is the strongest, Santa Rita is not bad, San Esperito sometimes fails while San Vicinio only works if you are from the Emilia-Romaña region. Even, In relation to the holy masses there is a risk of falling into superstition due to continuous desecrating instrumentalization in asking for liberation. It is thought that it is enough to send the priest to officiate the Mass without the need to participate personally, It is believed to be the number of celebrations in charge, As if the amount were the preeminent criterion for liberation. A similar mechanism on the amount of masses is found in some devotional books in referee to the souls ofthe purgatory, But that's another issue.

3. "Meeting and Liberation Convention" in Hotels

For some years it has been generalized that assumptions “sensitive” and charismatic laity organize prayer encounters in lay locations such as hotels with stars (at least 4). This should generate disapproval in the faithful Catholics of healthy judgment that are deviated from ecclesial contexts without any motivation. It is one thing to organize an event for millions and millions of people as in Jubilees and National Events, Another thing is to organize for fifty or one hundred people. Instead of hotels, Couldn't you opt for a spacious parish hall or a religious house - that every day is more empty and deserted - thus remaining within the limits of ecclesial normality? But the alleged “sensible” or the charismatic know very well that in doing so they remain away from the eyes and ears of the shepherds and can freely say what he wants. In this way, The all inclusive package is announced with 80 O 100 euros a day: Registration to the course, function pass, Individual room, food included with Michelin kitchen, And you have the guarantee of being a little released from the evil one and being purified in the family tree. Ultimately before people went to the spa, Now for weekends with exorcism that are fashionable.

4. Sale of books and manuals of doubtful orthodoxy

Still today, The devil is still a marketing product since in 1973 The film was released by William Friedkin's exorcist based on William Peter Blatty's homonymous novel; The devil has practically not experienced moments of crisis. We can say that you can win using the devil… and you can even win reasonably well.

And if the devil was ever private property of Freemasonry, of the satanists and the occult circles; For more than thirty years it has become a pop product that everyone can use or abuse according to the need itself. Indeed, They are precisely the laity, Not always Christians, to find in the “devil product” a mine from which to get notoriety and affirmation. Television was the first to know how to profit from the subject: Not only with films, but also with specials, Documentaries, investigations that cross the crime and policy news; In short, The devil is like salt and pepper in a recipe, "Just enough" to give that extra touch to the plate and cause praise. Perhaps it is in the editorial where the theme of the devil has found a new and perpetual youth. The bibliography in this regard is extremely unlimited and among the authors you can really find everything: It begins with the convert of medjugorje, to the former follower of a sect, going through the priest who without having been appointed exorcista celebrates conferences about the demon, ending with which the title of demonologist is attributed without having the minimum academic or practical-pastoral competences of the case. You can not miss the psychic or charismatic assumptions that deal with the devil and prepare recipes to release the influences of evil, Obviously it is necessary to buy your books. Very dangerous are those who feel invested by spiritual legacy of a famous defective exorcist - it is recommended if he died in "smell" of holiness! - and then presume spiritual legacies and carism transmigrations attached to the title of perfect liberator.

When I was a child in the years 1980, In Italy we only heard about the devil by Boca del Father Gabriele Amorth and Monsignor Corrado Balducci, The latter known as the demonist but who in his life never saw a real exorcism and that related some theological inaccuracies in his book Il Diavolo. At least they were honest priests, aware of his role and obedient to the Church. Today everyone knows how to write about the devil, especially those who should not write anything.

In conclusion, It is still true that it is better and prudent to speak little of the devil and with precise references to the Word of God, to revelation and teaching. And you know why? Because our faith has never been based - nor will it ever be - In the devil but in Christ and his resurrection that expires the works of the devil: Sin and death. If at least we understood this we would no longer have the anguish of demonopathy with the feeling of being tormented by the devil. Much more important and exhausting is to create a deep conscience that you want to live constantly before the presence of Christ and his spirit. This is what the blessed apostle Santiago tells us in his letter. Asks us to be submissive to God: This is what allows us to resist the devil and escape his works and traps. Surely there are few exorcists in the church today, Surely many of our bishops are not willing to appoint them and prefer to appoint presidents of the Diocesan Caritas, Use resources for social and well -being policies, But then you can find a few kilometers from the diocesan curia with the exorcistical weekend one hundred euros a day of the alleged exorcist, charismatic or seer famous without even releasing a sigh. And although the diocesan bishop was aware of the event, I would not give it the right weight: EYE WHO DOES NOT SEE, Pastoral heart that does not feel. Unfortunately the devil certain things let them do, And when he ever does it, Everything comes to light, As with certain things as ancient as the world that are done but they do not say and how they loved to sing them to a well -known Italian musical quartet:

«It is done, But it is not said, It is done, But it is not said and who made it silent, He denies it and is a liar and never tells you the truth ».

Sanluri, 07 February 2025

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Dirt in public places between sex and theology of the underwear – Dirty in public places between sex and theology of the underpant – Dirt in public places between sex and the theology of Calaconcillo

(English text after the Italian / Spanish text after English)

SPORCIZIA NEI LOCALI PUBBLICI TRA SESSO E TEOLOGIA DELLA MUTANDA

Noi preti dobbiamo essere di necessità tutti puttane che cercano di darsi a tutti, free the amor Dei, without even asking for the Marchetta. Per questo sono solito dire, in modo serio e per nulla scherzoso, anzi con coerente spirito teologico, that, if I hadn't been a priest, sicuramente avrei fatto la puttana. Ho scelto però di fare l’uno e l’altro: il prete e la puttana, for the love of God.

- Church news -

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PDF Article in print format – Article print formatArtículo para imprimír

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La Polizia di Stato preposta al controllo dei laboratori dei locali pubblici in cui si confezionano alimenti, un paio di settimane fa ha posto i sigilli a una nota pasticceria nel cuore del centro storico di Catania.

Il video che documenta lo stato dei locali è solo un archetipo necessario per parlare della disastrosa psicologia dei giustificatori a tutti i costi e costi quel che costi, pronti per questo ad affermare:

"… it's true, questo video è stato girato dalla Polizia di Stato nel pieno centro di Catania, nel salotto buono della città, ma una cosa del genere poteva accadere anche al Nord!».

Apro parentesi con un inciso: la teoria del “poteva essere” mi ricorda certi militanti della Sinistra radical chic italiana che vivono all’insegna del politically correct più onirico. Those, to be understood, con i superattici ai Parioli e le ville a Capalbio, che dinanzi a una ragazza stuprata da una banda di immigrati clandestini nordafricani si affrettano a spiegare, in giro per i vari talk show televisions, che avrebbe potuto essere stuprata anche da un gruppo di italiani. Definitely, alla vittima dello stupro destinato quasi sempre a lasciare segni traumatici indelebili con tutte le implicazioni reattive più complesse a livello psicologico e comportamentale, l’idea che i suoi stupratori avrebbero potuto essere anche italiani, le sarà di grande conforto, ma più che altro di preziosa utilità per superare un evento traumatico difficile da superare. Chiudo l’inciso e torno al tema in questione.

Che questo video ritragga il laboratorio di uno storico bar del centro di Catania e non del centro di Bolzano o Belluno, dove le norme igienico-sanitarie sono ben superiori e molto più rispettate che in certe zone della Sicilia, è un dato incontrovertibile, a prescindere della teoria giustificativasarebbe potuto succedere altrove”.

Passiamo dalla questione igienico-sanitaria a quella dottrinale-morale, perché siamo stati proprio noi preti che per generazioni abbiamo ossessionato gli adolescenti, come se tutto il mistero del male andasse rigorosamente e unicamente dalla vita in giù. Chi si è mai premurato di insegnare che un laboratorio come quello qui rappresentato è un’esaltazione del peccato mortale molto più della masturbazione di un adolescente in preda a tempeste ormonali? E non insorgano, certi bigotti laici, come già più volte accaduto, per insegnare al sottoscritto sacerdote che sono due cose diverse, dimostrando così di non sapere quanto possano essere gravi quei peccati contro la carità, che secondo loro sarebbero però altra cosa, rispetto al peccato mortalissimo di autoerotismo adolescenziale e cadute varie nel sesto comandamento, che ricordiamo è preceduto da altri cinque e poi seguito da altri quattro, sebbene non interessino a queste persone che si palesano rigorose solamente per tutto ciò che riguarda la sfera della sessualità.

Che sulla sessualità umana abbiamo esagerato oltre misura, lo scrivevo già quindici anni fa (see WHO), imperante la rigorosa morale di Giovanni Paolo II, quando il Santo Padre Francesco era ancora lontano da venire. Today, le cose che affermavo quasi vent’anni fa, le dice il Santo Padre, spesso persino in toni ironici, mentre a me, at the time, vigendo la grande moralofobia giovanpaolista, fu cantato a chiare note: «Vacci piano con questi discorsi, o rischi di non diventare prete». I replied: "Sure, perché avanti a tutto e sopra a tutto va sempre la teologia della mutanda, vero?».

A cinque chilometri di distanza dal Palazzo Apostolico, il Santo Padre “santo subito!”, aveva l’immane disastro umano e morale del laboratorio di pasticceria dei Legionari di Cristo, presentati bene all’esterno come le vetrine di questa pasticceria del centro storico di Catania, salvo nascondere all’interno tutte le peggiori schifezze di Marcial Maciel Degollado e dei suoi fedelissimi complici. Essendo però, il Santo Padre e i suoi, troppo impegnati con la teologia della mutanda, certi laboratori non erano ispezionati, anche se tutti ne conoscevano esistenza e sporcizia interna.

Quando in tempi record, con un’imprudenza che pagheremo a breve dinanzi alla storia a prezzo sicuramente molto elevato, Giovanni Paolo II fu beatificato e poi canonizzato, proprio mentre tra beatificazione e canonizzazione era scoperto il laboratorio di pasticceria della Legione di Cristo e del suo fondatore, coloro che avevano deciso di avere a tutti i costi il santo subito dichiararono: «Il Santo Padre non era stato informato, anzi è stato ingannato». A prescindere dal fatto che informato lo fu più volte e pure nei dettagli più pericolosi e scabrosi, come documento in un mio libro (see WHO), pur ammesso non fosse stato informato e anzi ingannato, a maggior ragione resta da chiarire: chi non lo ha informato, ma soprattutto chi lo avrebbe ingannato? Perché l’inganno ― fatti salvi i casi di auto-inganno ―, comporta di necessità la sussistenza di un ingannatore. Dunque chi, ingannò Giovanni Paolo II? Domanda questa alla quale nessuno intende però rispondere.

Questi sono i nostri laboratori di pasticceria ecclesiali ed ecclesiastici, while, senza pudore e ritegno non avevamo di meglio da fare che dissertare sulla teologia della mutanda, inizio e centro dell’interno mistero del male. And today, in giro per i social media, dobbiamo leggere le assurdità di un esercito di laici cattolici, bigotti oltre ogni limite dell’umana decenza, che affermano senza pena di ridicolo che la Vergine Maria, a Fatima, alla piccola Giacinta Marto, rivelò che molte anime erano dannate per i peccati di lussuria, facendole vedere le anime dannate dei lussuriosi nell’inferno.

Dio ci liberi dai bigotti cattolici impegnati e militanti, perché solo la loro perversione e le loro ossessioni sessuali possono giungere a credere e poi diffondere come verità e dato certo la assurda diceria che la Vergine Maria, madre per antonomasia, grande pedagoga e sede dell’umana delicatezza, si sia messa a parlare di lussuria e lussuriosi a una bambina analfabeta di nove anni nata e cresciuta in una delle province più isolate, povere e retrograde del Portogallo d’inizi Novecento.

La teologia della mutanda non è mai piaciuta ai preti vissuti da sempre a contatto col materiale umano, consapevoli di essere peccatori che per ineffabile mistero di grazia hanno ricevuto mandato da Cristo Dio di assolvere dai peccati i peccatori secondo il ministero della Chiesa:

«Ricevete lo Spirito Santo; to whom you forgive sins they will be forgiven and to whom you will not forgive them, they will not be remitted " (GV 20, 22-23)

La teologia della mutanda piace terribilmente a certi laici cattolici da social media, dietro ai quali si celano spesso madri e padri frustrati e falliti che hanno figli e figlie pluri-divorziati e conviventi, o delle nipoti adolescenti che viaggiano con il materasso legato fisso sulla schiena per essere già pronte all’uso. Ma d’altronde è una storia vecchia quanto nota e risaputa: tutte quante puttane, ma solo e di rigore le figlie degli altri, non certo le proprie.

Certe cose le vedo e le vivo in modo diverso: noi preti dobbiamo essere di necessità tutti puttane che cercano di darsi a tutti, gratis et amor Dei, without even asking for the Marchetta. Per questo sono solito dire, in modo serio e per nulla scherzoso, anzi con coerente spirito teologico, that, if I hadn't been a priest, sicuramente avrei fatto la puttana. Ho scelto però di fare l’uno e l’altro: il prete e la puttana.

From the island of Patmos, 4 February 2025

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DIRTY IN PUBLIC PLACES BETWEEN SEX AND THEOLOGY OF THE UNDERPANT

We priests must necessarily all be whores who try to give ourselves to everyone, freely and for the love of God, without even asking for compensation for the service offered. This is why I said, seriously and not at all jokingly, but rather with a coherent theological spirit, that if I hadn’t become a priest, I would have become a whore. But I chose to do both: the priest and the whore, for love of God.

- Church news -

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The Italian State Police in charge of controlling the laboratories of public places where food is packaged, a couple of weeks ago sealed a well-known pastry shop in the heart of Catania’s historic center.

The video documenting the state of the premises is just a necessary archetype to talk about the disastrous psychology of justifiers at all costs, ready to justifier:

«… it’s true, this video was shot by the State Police in the very center of Catania, in the city’s good living room of this sicylian city, but such a thing could have happened also in North Italy

I open with a digression: the “it could have beentheory reminds me of certain militants of the Italian radical chic left who live in the name of the most dreamlike political correctness. Those, to be precise, with super-apartments in the rich residential neighborhoods of Rome and villas in the most exclusive areas of Tuscany, who, faced with a girl raped by a gang of illegal North African immigrants, are quick to explain in various television talk shows that the girl could have ended up raped even by a group of Italians. Surely, for the victim of a rape always destined to leave indelible traumatic marks with complex psychological and behavioral implications, the idea that her rapists could also have been Italians will be of great comfort, but more than anything else of precious usefulness to overcome a traumatic event that is difficult to overcome. I’ll close this parentheses and get back to the topic at hand.

That this video portrays the laboratory of a historic bar in the center of Catania and not in the center of Bolzano or Belluno, where hygiene and health standards are far superior and much more respected than in certain areas of Sicily, is an incontrovertible fact, regardless of the justifying theoryit could have happened elsewhere”.

Let’s move from the hygienic-health issue to the doctrinal-moral one, because it was we priests who for generations have obsessed adolescents, as if the whole mystery of evil went strictly and exclusively from the waist down. Who has ever bothered to teach that a workshop like the one represented in this video is a much more glorification of mortal sin than the masturbation of a teenager in the throes of hormonal storms? And let not these secular bigots rise up, as has already happened several times, to teach the undersigned priest that they are two different things, thus demonstrating that they do not know how serious those sins against charity can be, which to them however would be something different, compared to the the very mortal sin of adolescent autoeroticism and various falls in the sixth commandment, which we remember is preceded by five others and then followed by four others, although they are not of interest to these people rigorous only in everyhing that concerns the sexuality sphere.

That we have exaggerated beyond measure on human sexuality, I already wrote fifteen years ago (see HERE), when John Paul II’s strict morality prevailed, when the Holy Father Francis very far from reaching Rome. Today, the things I was saying almost twenty years ago are said by the Holy Father, often even in ironic tones, while I, at the time, with the great moralphobia in force under the pontificate of John Paul II, was told in clear terms: «Go easy with these speeches, or you risk not becoming a priest». I replied: «Sure, because before everything and above everything goes the theology of the underpant».

In Rome, five kilometers away from the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Fathersaint immediately!”, had the immense human and moral disaster of the Legionaries of Christ’spastry”, which looked as good on the outside as the shop windows of this pastry in the old city centre of Catania, except that it hid inside all the worst rubbish of Marcial Maciel Degollado and his faithful accomplices. Being us, however, too busy with the theology of the underpant, certain workshops were not inspected, even though everyone knew of their existence and their dirty interior.

When in record time, with an imprudence that we will soon pay dearly before history, John Paul II was beatified and then canonized, between his beatification and his canonization the confectionery laboratory of the Legion of Christ and its founder was discovered. Those who had decided to have John Paul II declared a saint at all costs, immediately justified this fact by saying: «The Holy Father had not been informed, is was deceived». In reality, the Holy Father was informed several times and even in the most dangerous and scandalous details, as documented in one of my books (see HERE). However, if he really had not been informed and had been deceived, this would be one more reason to clarify: who did not inform him, but above all who deceived him? Because deception – except in cases of self-deception – necessarily implies the existence of a deceiver. So who deceived John Paul II? This is a question that no one intends to answer.

These are our laboratories of ecclesial and ecclesiastical pastry, while, without shame or restraint, we had nothing better to do than discuss the underpant theology, the principle and center of the entire mystery of evil. And today, in the sea of social media, we must read the absurdities of an army of lay Catholics, bigots beyond all limits of human decency, who affirm without penalty of ridicule that the Virgin Mary, in Fatima, to little Jacinta Marto, baby of only nine-year-old, said that many souls were damned for the sins of lust, making her see damned souls of the lustful in hell.

God deliver us from committed and militant Catholic bigots! Only people obsessed with human sexuality can believe and spread the absurd rumor according to which the Virgin Mary, mother par excellence, great pedagogue and seat of human delicacy, talking about lust and lustfuls to a little girl born and raised in one of the most isolated, poor and retrograde of Portugal by beginning of the 20th century.

The underpant theology has never pleased priests who have always lived in contact with human matter, aware of being sinners who by an ineffable mystery of grace have received from Christ God the mandate to absolve sinners from their sins according to the ministry of Church:

«When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld”» (Jhon 20, 22-23)

The underpant theology is terribly widespreadwith some lay Catholics on social media, behind which often hide frustrated and failed mothers and fathers who have multi-divorced and cohabiting sons and daughters, or teenage grandchildren who travel with the mattress tied firmly to their backs to be ready for use. But then again it’s an old and well-known story: all whores, but only other people’s daughters, not their own.

I see and experience certain things differently: we priests must necessarily all be whores who try to give ourselves to everyone, freely and for the love of God, without even asking for compensation for the service offered. This is why I said, seriously and not at all jokingly, but rather with a coherent theological spirit, that if I hadn’t become a priest, I would have become a whore. But I chose to do both: the priest and the whore, for love of God.

From the Island of Patmos, 4 February 2025

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SUCIEDAD EN LUGARES PÚBLICOS ENTRE SEXO Y LA TEOLOGÍA DE LOS CALZÓNCILLOS

Los sacerdotes debemos necesariamente ser todos putas que tratamos de darnos a todos gratuitamente y por amor de Dios, sin ni siquiera pedir una compensación por el servicio. Por eso suelo decir de manera seria y nada de broma, incluso con un espíritu teológico coherente, que si no hubiera sido sacerdote, hubiera sido una puta. However, elegí ser ambas cosas: el sacerdote y la puta, por amor de Dios.

- Church news -

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La Policía Estatal italiana, encargada de controlar los talleres y las cocinas de los lugares públicos donde se envasan alimentos, cerró hace un par de semanas una reconocida pastelería en pleno centro histórico de la ciudad siciliana de Catania.

El vídeo que documenta el estado del local es sólo un arquetipo necesario para hablar de la desastrosa psicología de los justificadores de a toda costa, a cualquier precio, y dispuestos a decir:

«…si es cierto que este vídeo fue registrado por la Policía Estatal en el centro de Catania, ¡pero algo así también se podría encontrar al Norte de Italia

Abro una paréntesis para hacer una digresión: la teoría delpodría haber sidome recuerda a ciertos militantes de la izquierda radical-chic italiana que viven en nombre de la corrección política más onírica. Aquellos que obviamente son de los penthouse en los barrios residenciales de Roma y de las villas en las zonas más exclusivas de la región Toscana. Y quienes ante una chica violada por una banda de norteafricanos se apresuran a explicar en distintos programas televisivos: que la muchacha también podía haber sido violada por una banda de italianos. Sin duda alguna, la víctima de una violación casi siempre está destinada a conservar marcas traumáticas imborrables con implicaciones reactivas muy complejas a nivel psicológico y conductual. La idea de que sus violadores también podían haber sido italianos sería de gran consuelo para ella, sobre todo de preciosa utilidad para superar el acontecimiento traumático y difícil de superar. Cierro esta paréntesis y vuelvo al tema en cuestión.

Que el vídeo muestre el laboratorio de un bar histórico en el centro de la ciudad de Catania, y no en el centro de ciudades como Bolzano o Belluno donde las normas de higiene y salud son mucho más estrictas y mucho más respetadas que en ciertas zonas de Sicilia, es un hecho incontrovertible, al margen de la teoría justificadora de: “también podría suceder en otros lugares”.

Del tema higiénico-sanitario pasemos al doctrinal-moral, porque nosotros mismos los sacerdotes, quienes por generaciones hemos obsesionado a los adolescentes en sus movimientos íntimos con las manos; como si todo el misterio del mal fuese de rigor y unicamente de la cintura para abajo. ¿Quién se ha prodigado en enseñar que un laboratorio como el registrado por el vídeo, es una exaltación del pecado mortal más que la misma masturbación de un adolescente en medio de sus tormentas hormonales? Y los fanáticos laicos que no se alcen y repliquen como ya ocurrió en pasado, enseñando al sacerdote que escribe, que son dos cosas totalmente distintas; demostrando con esto, de no saber cuán graves pueden llegar a ser los pecados contra la caridad. Según ellos, serían otra cosa comparado con el super pecado mortal del autoerotismo adolescente y de las caídas en el sexto mandamiento, que recordemos es precedido por otros cinco y seguido por otros cuatro mandamientos; aunque esto no interese a estas personas que sólo son rigurosas en todo lo que concierne a la esfera de la sexualidad.

Que sobre la sexualidad hemos exagerado más allá de todo límite, lo escribí hace quince años (watch HERE), cuando prevalecía la moral rigurosa de Juan Pablo II y el Santo Padre Francisco aún estaba lejos por venir. Hoy las cosas que afirmé hace casi veinte años, las dice el Santo Padre y a menudo en tono irónico. Mientras que a mí en ese entonces con la gran moralofobia de Juan Pablo II me dijeron en tonos claros: «Deja de hablar así, o corres el riesgo de no ser ordenado sacerdote». Repliqué entonces diciendo: «Es cierto, porque por encima de todo y ante todo está la teología de los calzoncillos».

A cinco kilómetros del Palacio Apostólico, el Santo Padre¡santo inmediatamente!”, tuvo el enorme desastre humano y moral dellaboratorio de pastelería” de los Legionarios de Cristo, presentados excelentemente en el exterior como los escaparates de la pastelería del centro histórico de Catania, salvo esconder por dentro todas las peores basuras de Marcial Maciel Degollado y de sus leales cómplices. Pero el Santo Padre y sus colaboradores estuvieron demasiados ocupados con la teología de los calzoncillos, mientras que ciertos laboratorios no eran inspeccionados aunque todos conocían su existencia y su suciedad interna.

Cuando en tiempo récord y con una imprudencia que dentro de poco pagaremos ante la historia con un precio muy alto, Juan Pablo II fue beatificado y luego canonizado. Y eso que durante su beatificación y canonización se descubrió el laboratorio de la Legión de Cristo y de su fundador; por ello, los que habían decidido obtener inmediatamente el santo a toda costa declararon: «El Santo Padre no había sido informado, al contrario había sido engañado». Independientemente del hecho de que informado fue en varias ocasiones e incluso con detalles peligrosos y escabrosos como lo he documentado en uno de mis libros (watch HERE) incluso, suponiendo que no hubiera sido informado sino por el contrario engañado, con mayor razón se debe aclarar: ¿quién no lo habría informado pero sobre todo, quién lo habría engañado? Porque el engaño – salvo en los casos de autoengaño – implica necesariamente la existencia de un engañador. Therefore, ¿quién engañó a Juan Pablo II? Ésta es una pregunta a la que nadie pretende responder.

Estos son nuestros talleres de pastelería ecclesial y eclesiástica, mientras que sin pudor ni freno no teníamos nada mejor que hacer que discutir sobre la teología de los calzoncillos, principio y centro de todo el mistero del mal. Y hoy en las redes sociales, tenemos que leer los absurdos de un ejército de católicos laicos, fánaticos más allá de todos los límites de una humana decencia, quienes afirman sin pena de ridículo: que la Virgen María en Fátima reveló a la pequeña partorcita Giacinta Marto que muchas almas fueron condenadas por los pecados de la lujuria, haciéndo ver las almas condenadas de los lujuriosos en el infierno.

Dios nos libre de los fanáticos católicos comprometidos y militantes, porque sólo sus perversiones y obsesiones sexuales pueden llegar a creer y difundir el absurdo rumor de que la Virgen María, madre por excelencia, gran pedagoga y sede de la delicadeza umana, habló de lujuria y de gente lujuriosa a una niña analfabeta de nueve años nacida y criada en una de las provincias más aisladas, pobres y retrógradas del Portugal de principios del siglo XX.

La teología de los calzoncillos nunca ha agradado a los sacerdotes que desde siempre han vivido a estrecho contacto con la materia humana, conscientes de ser pecadores y que por un inefable misterio de gracia, han recibido el mandato de Cristo Dios de absolver a los pecadores de sus pecados según el ministerio de la Iglesia:

Reciban el Espíritu Santo. A quienes ustedes perdonen los pecados, les quedarán perdonados; y a quienes no se los perdonen, les quedarán sin perdonar. (Jn, 20,22-23)

La teología de los calzoncillos gusta terriblemente a ciertos laicos católicos en las redes sociales, detrás de las cuales se esconden a menudo, madres y padres frustrados y fracasados que tienen hijos e hijas multidivorciados y convivientes, o sobrinas adolescentes que viajan con el colchón firmemente atado a la espalda, listo para su uso. Pero por otro lado, es una historia vieja y conocida: todas putas, pero sólo las hijas de los otros y ciertamente no las propias.

Yo veo y experimento algunas cosas de manera diferente: los sacerdotes debemos necesariamente ser todos putas que tratamos de darnos a todos, gratuitamente y por amor de Dios, sin ni siquiera pedir una compensación por el servicio. Por eso suelo decir, de manera seria y nada broma, incluso con un espíritu teológico coherente, que si no hubiera sido sacerdote, hubiera sido una puta. However, elegí ser ambas cosas: el sacerdote y la puta, por amor de Dios.

Desde La Isla de Patmos, 4 February 2025

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