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#Post#: 3196--------------------------------------------------
Wisdom 2:23-3:9
By: Piper Date: November 10, 2015, 9:58 am
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This is copied from today's Catholic Readings. I thought it
fascinating, and wondered if anyone would like to comment on it,
or discuss what it says to them. I especially wonder what "In
the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart
about as sparks through stubble," might mean . . . Very
interesting word usage.
[quote]God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made them.
But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
and they who are in his possession experience it.
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.[/quote]
It seems to be "made in His image" is to be immortal, as He is.
Man was made for immortality, but it must be given / taken /
back, because the Devil was jealous of man and tempted us into
sin. Thus, death entered the world.
It also seems that what men may view as punishment by God, may
actually be God "trying" or testing a man to prove a man worthy.
Those abiding in love do not face "destruction", do not die, but
go to be with Him. I don't quite understand the simile, "as
sacrificial offerings he took them to himself," unless it refers
back to being put through a refining fire. What do you think?
#Post#: 3198--------------------------------------------------
Re: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
By: Piper Date: November 10, 2015, 12:21 pm
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[font=trebuchet ms]I apologize for the very small print in the
OP. I was on my Kindle when I wrote it up. I will have to use
my laptop for the forum from now on, if I wish to post. I know
some of us have vision difficulties, and . . . my eyes, as well,
are not quite what they once were.[/font]
#Post#: 3216--------------------------------------------------
Re: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
By: Kerry Date: November 11, 2015, 4:34 pm
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[quote]It also seems that what men may view as punishment by
God, may actually be God "trying" or testing a man to prove a
man worthy.[/quote]I think it would have been a tragic thing if
Adam and Eve had been made immortal in their fallen form. I
think it would have made errors permanent.
I surely wouldn't want all the sinners in this world made
immortal right now if that meant the errors of their hearts,
minds, and souls were also made immortal. I even wouldn't
hope for immortality for myself.
We may fall and wither like leaves when our iniquities carry us
away, but the Tree of Life will grow new leaves.
It is a blessing that the cherubim guard the way lest the
unworthy become immortal and are cheated of the opportunities to
improve and perfect themselves. It seems a Divine Mercy
to me although it can feel like punishment at times.
#Post#: 3221--------------------------------------------------
Re: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
By: Piper Date: November 12, 2015, 12:00 am
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Death is definitely a mercy in this world. No question.
#Post#: 3509--------------------------------------------------
Re: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
By: Twinc Date: December 26, 2015, 2:48 pm
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[quote author=Piper link=topic=380.msg3221#msg3221
date=1447308031]
Death is definitely a mercy in this world. No question.
[/quote]
imho old age and death are life's two greatest disasters for
families - let there be no more death and tears but only glad
tidings of great joy - twinc
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