Category Archives: theology

Court In Session

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“And if those three should come to court, namely God, man, and the devil, the devil and man would have no objection to make against God. For the devil would be convicted of the injury which he did to God … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, medieval, Peter Lombard, theology | Leave a comment

Ceremonies

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“In the meantime, I have considered your wish, and it seems wise to me that I should shortly publish something setting forth (as I have written) a form of the celebration of the mass.  Meanwhile, abolish all private masses if … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Reformation, theology | Leave a comment

The Insoluble Debt

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Wherefore, just as we have been accustomed to rejoice in the rising and ascending of the Lord, so now, not without merit, we rejoice in the lifting up of the cross.  For this scale held our ransom, by which indeed … Continue reading →

Posted in Cross, medieval, Peter Damian, theology | Leave a comment

Adoration of the Sacrament

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Everything depends on these words.  Every Christian should and must know them and hold them fast. He must never let anyone take away from him by any other kind of teaching, even though it were an angel from heaven [Gal. … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Reformation, sacraments, theology | Leave a comment

The Humanity of Christ

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Therefore, nevertheless, those weak with devotion look at the humanity of Christ, in which they recognize the cause of their own salvation: They stand near the cross of Christ, and with Thomas put their own hand into the place of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bernard of Clairvaux, Christ, Cross, Incarnation, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

The Tempter Appeared

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“One day when he was alone, the tempter appeared.  A little black bird…set about fluttering around him, approaching his face in an annoying manner, so close that the holy man could have caught it in his hand if he had … Continue reading →

Posted in conversion, martyrdom, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

The Ancient Curse Is Removed

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“On today’s feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, my brothers, we must reflect on the simple story of our restoration as a very pleasant plateau. The angel Gabriel is entrusted with a novel task, and the Virgin manifests a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bernard of Clairvaux, Christ, Incarnation, Mary, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

Mercy

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“O man, if you consider carefully the mercy of God, you can possess in yourself the image of mercy.  What made Christ become incarnate, except mercy? What subjected him to our wretchedness, except his clemency? This is man’s only way … Continue reading →

Posted in Alan of Lille, gospel, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

No Word Sounds Sweeter

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Your word pierced me like the sharp arrow of the Mighty. As a result, I began to compare your statements with the passages of Scripture which speak of poenitentia [repentance]. And behold — what a most pleasant scene! Biblical words … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Reformation, theology | Leave a comment

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Posted on December 25, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

“Show us, Lord, your mercy, cloaked in our misery and working the cure of the miserable by a new kind mercy drawn from our very misery. For this, the art of mercy, has blended God’s beatitude and man’s misery in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Christmas, Cistercian, theology | Leave a comment