[Greek] ἀπέχω (apechō), [Latin] abstinere, [Latin] sufficere, [Latin] recipere, [Latin] acceptare, [French] maintenir, [French] recevoir: to refrain, to abstain, to hold off, to be away from; Acts 15:20,29, 1Thess.4:3, 1Thess.5:22, 1Tim.4:3, 1Pet.2:11
Pope Pius XII was very prophetic about the future in how sin is disregarded, ignored, or redefined. Jesus’ command to sin more (Jn.8:11) is often excluded or diminished.
Background information:
New Testament: This term means to avoid, to forbid, to refrain, and to keep away.
Acts 15:20: But tell them to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, meat of strangled animals, and blood.
- James tells the Christians to avoid partaking food (from animal sacrifices) to avoid the appearance of scandal and offense.
- Fornication (porneia) refers to illicit sexual intercourse, adultery, incest and licentiousness.
- Harlots and temple prostitutes would offer their sexual services in honor of the goddess.
- Sexual vice was practiced without shame or remorse among the Gentiles.
- Great efforts were made to instill Christian moral principles for those who would be converts from paganism.
- Sin, immorality, and idolatry are all related in those actions against God.
1Thess.4:3: This is the will of God, your holiness: that you refrain from immorality
- The Gentiles already recognized the wickedness of adultery and incest.
- For the Gentiles (Greeks), it was a new idea (novelty) that fornication was considered as a deadly sin.***
- Immorality was considered unlawful marriage
- [Paul]: The first part of sanctification is in overcoming the desires to do evil in our nature
- [Paul]: The second part of sanctification in cultivating Christian principles of holiness in the soul.
- [Paul]: The body is a vessel because it contains a soul.
***Gentiles (Greeks): “So now in Christianity, are you saying that fornication is sinful? This is a new one on me!”
- Gentiles and Greeks were already accustomed to engaging in fornication in their culture.
- Paul tells them that fornication is now a sinful act in Christianity.
- Paul tells them that they will have to abstain from fornication.
- The idea that fornication is sinful in Christianity was almost like a foreign concept to them.
1Thess.5:22: Refrain from every kind of evil
1Pet.2:11: I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desire that wage war against your soul.
- Aliens and sojourner: strangers in a foreign land (country).
- These strangers do not belong of this world. The home of the believer is heaven.
- Fleshy lusts are engaged against the immortal part of man.
- Abstaining means being on guard and observing moral conduct.
Etymology: The Greek verb apecho means to hold (-echo) back (apo-). The Latin verb abstinare means to withhold and to avoid. The Latin verb sufficere means to be sufficent, to be capable, to suffice, and to choose a substitute. The Latin verb recipere means to keep back and to receive. The Latin verb acceptare means to receive, to take, and to submit to.
Conclusion:
Abstain, abstinence, maintain, maintenance, suffice, sufficient, receive, recipient, accept, acceptance
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season, a time of reflection, penance, and abstinence.
Update: Pope Francis’ Fiducia Supplicans opens the door to blessing same-sex unions but has no mention for the need of forgiveness/repentance of the sinful nature of this behavior.
Many will not abstain from homosexuality either because they choose not to do so or they are unaware that this lifestyle is sinful*** (because they are not being told by clergy).
Some same-sex couples will not be holding back in seeking blessings from the Vatican. Same-sex couples are already asking the Vatican for such blessings! Many will perceive these blessings as the Church’s affirmation of this union.
Fiducia Supplicans is already creating a scandal for faithful clergy and laity. Some priests are being forced by their bishops to give these blessings. Some bishops think this is infallible teaching!
Pope Francis continues to hide Fr Rupnik, who is accused of sexually molesting nuns. Yet he continues to remain in ministry.
Pope Francis continues not to hold back in cancelling or deposing his opponents (like Bishop Strickland): faithful clergy who uphold traditional Catholic teachings.
Cardinal Marx (of the German Church) states that homosexuality is not a sin!
How does Pope Francis react to the German Bishops? Pope Francis, in his attempt “to hold back” the German bishops, criticize them for being too parliamentarian. Pope Francis criticizes their processes rather than their beliefs and ideas! Pope Francis is more upset that the German bishops are going too fast in their reforms! Are you surprised that Fiducia Supplicans is, in large part, a response to the German bishops? While the German bishops want the Church to change its teachings on homosexuality, Fiducia Supplicans introduces non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples. (Pope Francis responds to this in a piecemeal fashion!)
Pope Francis modus operandi (means of working): Pope Francis holds back and seemingly takes on a more moderate position (in comparison to others). By doing so, Pope Francis does not appear to be so extreme. He will then take small incremental steps to get to that extreme position. Pope Francis “slow-walks” this process. Human novelties or inventions may be implemented. Pope Francis is essentially saying the the German Bishops: “Don’t do this without the rest of the Church!”
What does the German Synodal way seek? Homosexuality to be accepted, laity choosing bishops, women priests, married priests, etc.
What pattern do we see with the German Church and Pope Francis? The German bishops take these positions, then Pope Francis follows.
Now do you see the pattern? Pope Francis “slow-walks” it to where he wants to take the Church!
- Fuducia Supplicans: blessings of same-sex couples==> (leads to a new “Catholic” understanding on families ==> (leads to possible accepting same-sex unions as an accepted family structure ==>[where homosexuality would be acceptable])
- Amoris Laetitia: expand the opportunity for marginalized people to receive the sacraments==> (leads to possible sacraments for divorced people and homosexuals)
- Traditiones Custodis: require permission to offer Traditional Latin Mass==> (leads to more restrictions of Traditional Latin Mass==> possible complete restriction of Traditional Latin Mass )
- Synod of Synodalities: increased laity decision making authority in the Church==> (leads to worldly values /sin in the Church, possible changed Church teachings by laity)
- Pope Francis recently meeting with Anglican women priests: the Vatican getting advice on how to allow women deacons==> (leads to possible women deaconesses and women priests)
I have put together an in-depth catechetical analysis of Pope Pius X’s encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis: The Doctrine of the Modernists. I have presented this information in a small “bite-size” question/answer format (using the original words in the encyclical).Then I add my comments, observations, opinions, etc.
Pope Pius X does not hold back in exploring the psychology and motivations of the Modernist. This encyclical can help to provide great insight in understanding about what is happening in the Church today. https://resoundingthefaith.com/2024/01/29/17119/
“Modernism is the synthesis of all heresies” Pope Pius X