Apr 06 2009
Father Stanley Jaki Nears Death.
It is being reported that a leading theologian and scientist, Father Stanley Jaki is entering the final mile of his life’s pilgrimage. This fact reminds me of what he wrote in his book PRAYING THE PSALM:
In writing this psalm the psalmist thought of only one kind of enemy, the enemy from without. Such opponents have not always been around in many areas even during this century that has witnessed more hostilities than many other centuries taken together. But the enemy within is always on the prowl. He is within us because our undisciplined urges give him endless opportunities to take a partial and even, which God forbid, an almost total hold on us. Viewed in the light that spiritual death is far worse than the bodily kind, a line of this psalm which forms its very gist takes on a fearful significance: “Give light to my eyes lest I fall asleep in death, lest my enemy say: ‘I have overcome him.’” The enemy from within produces most effectively through the relentless remorse of one’s conscience, a grief in one’s soul, a “sorrow in one’s heart day and night.”
The Psalm’s words about “falling asleep in death” were quoted in Father Martindale’s insightful book THE MEANING OF FATIMA. Surely, they are very germane to the request which our Lady made that the Rosary be recited with a remembrance of the souls who at the hour of death especially stand in need of God’s mercy. Nothing can save one more effectively from the fires of hell than the grace of being protected from sudden death. It is also the grace that will enable us to sing, throughout all eternity, psalms to the Most High.
Do remeber this devout and learned man in your prayers tonight.
Also, remember Fathe Bendict Groeschel, who continues his recovery from a stroke.
