"Using Vain Reptitions" is a question that was asked to Fathers Rumble and Carty, who were expert apologists, from their book "Radio Replies" available from TAN books and publishing. Here is the answer they gave:
"Vain reptition in the manner of heathens is forbidden, but not useful repitition which is not in the manner of heathens. Vain reptition relies mechanically upon the mere number of prayers or formulas uttered. But Catholics do not rely on the mere repitition, nor upon their multiplication, but on the intrinsic worth of each prayer and upon the fervor and earnestness with which it is said. Two prayers said well, one immediately after the other, are as good as the same two prayers said well with twenty-four hours between them. Time is nothing to God, in whose sight 1,000 years are but as a day. He does not mind whether there be two seconds between our prayers or two years; the prayers themselves are just as pleasing to Him. If you take the principle behind their objection, and push it to its full consclusion, you could say the Our Father but once in their lives. If you said it once each year, it would become a repitition. How often may you say it? Once a month? Once a week? Once a day? If daily, what would be wrong with saying it hourly? If you have just concluded one Our Father, why may not you begin it again at once? Does it suddenly become an evil prayer?
Their Bible has a faulty translation of the words, "Use not vain repititions as the heathens do." The Greek verb "battologein" of the origional does not mean such a thing at all. The Douay translates it correctly when it says, "speak not much." St.Matthew wanted action and less talk."
Thes two priests were of the most excellent Catholic apologists I have ever read! One of them was also a protestant convert.
J.M.J.
Mark
"Vain reptition in the manner of heathens is forbidden, but not useful repitition which is not in the manner of heathens. Vain reptition relies mechanically upon the mere number of prayers or formulas uttered. But Catholics do not rely on the mere repitition, nor upon their multiplication, but on the intrinsic worth of each prayer and upon the fervor and earnestness with which it is said. Two prayers said well, one immediately after the other, are as good as the same two prayers said well with twenty-four hours between them. Time is nothing to God, in whose sight 1,000 years are but as a day. He does not mind whether there be two seconds between our prayers or two years; the prayers themselves are just as pleasing to Him. If you take the principle behind their objection, and push it to its full consclusion, you could say the Our Father but once in their lives. If you said it once each year, it would become a repitition. How often may you say it? Once a month? Once a week? Once a day? If daily, what would be wrong with saying it hourly? If you have just concluded one Our Father, why may not you begin it again at once? Does it suddenly become an evil prayer?
Their Bible has a faulty translation of the words, "Use not vain repititions as the heathens do." The Greek verb "battologein" of the origional does not mean such a thing at all. The Douay translates it correctly when it says, "speak not much." St.Matthew wanted action and less talk."
Thes two priests were of the most excellent Catholic apologists I have ever read! One of them was also a protestant convert.
J.M.J.
Mark
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