How Does the Catholic Church Explain Ezekiel’s Wheel?

When Did Mother Teresa Feel the Absence of God?

When Did Mother Teresa Feel the Absence of God?Mother Teresa, renowned for her selfless service to the poor, experienced a prolonged sense of spiritual darkness and felt the absence of God for much of her ministry. Her private letters, published posthumously, revealed this struggle, which she described as a "dark night of the soul."The Timeline of Her StruggleMother Teresa began experiencing spiritual dryness shortly after founding the Missionaries of Charity in 1948. In her letters, she expressed feeling abandoned by God, writing in one instance, "I feel that God does not want me, that God is not God, and that He does not really exist."Biblical and Theological ContextThe "dark night of the soul" is a concept explored by Christian mystics like St. John of the Cross, referring to a period of spiritual dryness and perceived separation from God. The Bible also reflects such struggles, as seen in Psalm 22:1: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"—words echoed by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46).Why This MattersMother Teresa’s experience highlights the reality that even the most faithful believers can go through seasons of spiritual struggle. Her unwavering commitment to her mission, despite her inner turmoil, serves as a powerful testament to faith and perseverance in serving God’s purposes.

How Many Lashes Did Jesus Get?

How Many Lashes Did Jesus Get?According to the Gospels, Jesus endured severe physical punishment leading up to His crucifixion, including the scourging, or flogging, which was a Roman method of corporal punishment. However, the exact number of lashes Jesus received is not explicitly stated in the Bible. While Roman law often prescribed 39 lashes, the number specifically given to Jesus is not mentioned in the biblical text, leaving it uncertain whether He received this standard number or more.Roman ScourgingScourging was a brutal punishment that involved being whipped with a leather lash that had embedded pieces of metal or bone. The scourging would often leave the victim’s back severely lacerated and bloody. It was a form of torture designed to weaken the condemned person before the crucifixion. The Gospels describe this event in various ways, but they do not provide an exact count of the lashes Jesus received (Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1).The 39 Lashes TraditionTraditionally, it is believed that the Roman soldiers inflicted 39 lashes on Jesus, as Roman law typically limited scourging to 40 lashes minus one. This was done in part to ensure that the punishment did not exceed the legal limit. However, the Bible does not confirm that Jesus received exactly 39 lashes, and it is uncertain whether this tradition applies to His specific flogging (Deuteronomy 25:3).ConclusionWhile the Bible does not specify the number of lashes Jesus received, it is commonly believed that He endured 39 lashes, based on Roman practices. What is clear is that the scourging was an extremely painful and degrading punishment, one that Jesus bore as part of His suffering for humanity’s sins (Isaiah 53:5). The focus of the Gospel accounts is not the exact number of lashes but the immense suffering and sacrifice that Jesus made for the salvation of the world.

Does God Test Us?

Does God Test Us?Yes, the Bible teaches that God tests believers, but His tests are meant to strengthen faith, reveal character, and draw people closer to Him. Unlike temptation, which seeks to lead individuals into sin, God’s testing is designed for growth and refinement.Examples of God Testing PeopleAbraham: God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham’s obedience demonstrated his trust in God’s promises (Genesis 22:1-19).The Israelites: In the wilderness, God tested the Israelites to see if they would trust Him for provision and obey His commandments (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).Job: Job’s trials tested his faith and integrity, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty and blessings (Job 1-42).Purpose of TestingGod’s tests refine and strengthen believers’ faith, producing endurance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Testing is not meant to harm but to help believers grow closer to God and rely on Him more fully.ConclusionGod tests believers to strengthen their faith, develop their character, and deepen their relationship with Him. His tests are always motivated by love and His desire for spiritual growth.

What Is Hyssop in the Bible?

What Is Hyssop in the Bible?Hyssop is a plant mentioned in the Bible, often associated with purification and cleansing rituals. It symbolizes spiritual cleansing and the removal of sin, serving as an important element in Old Testament ceremonies and references in the New Testament.Hyssop in the Old TestamentIn Exodus 12:22, during the first Passover, hyssop was used to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts, symbolizing protection from God’s judgment. Similarly, in Leviticus 14:4-6, hyssop was used in the cleansing rituals for lepers, highlighting its symbolic role in purification.Hyssop in the New TestamentIn John 19:29, hyssop appears at the crucifixion of Jesus when it is used to offer Him a drink of vinegar. This reference ties the symbolism of hyssop to Jesus' sacrifice, emphasizing His role as the ultimate means of spiritual cleansing and redemption.Why This MattersHyssop in the Bible represents spiritual cleansing and the redemptive work of Christ. Its use in Scripture points to the importance of purification and the removal of sin through God’s grace and sacrifice.