Benedict and Bartholomew.
Some photos are simply prophetic!
Oy! What a day I've had today!
From a Roman priest's webpage...
"Today I started early, as most days,
"Today I started early, as most days,
it was rather long.
I was at it by 06:30.
After Mass, office, scanning news,
I was at it by 06:30.
After Mass, office, scanning news,
catching up on the Pope in Turkey;
lunch with a friend - a fellow staff member.
I have been on the fly
lunch with a friend - a fellow staff member.
I have been on the fly
until meeting some folks for supper...
mercifully at a place near where I live.
It is nearly 1AM now."
He continues with a mention of what he ate and the wonderful restaurant - with a recommendation to drop his name if you ever visit there. Then there are pictures of his lunch, and of his work, and several other posts for today's news. That is a busy day!
mercifully at a place near where I live.
It is nearly 1AM now."
He continues with a mention of what he ate and the wonderful restaurant - with a recommendation to drop his name if you ever visit there. Then there are pictures of his lunch, and of his work, and several other posts for today's news. That is a busy day!
Sweet life! :)
It's Not Gap -
But they are getting better!
(Pictured, The very classic little black velvet dress from Upstream Girl.)
Remember a few months back I did a sort of review on a modest fashion company called "Upstream Girl". I didn't like what they had to offer, I thought it too old for young girls or teens, and rather dated. They were just starting out as a company and I didn't give them a chance by comparing them to established retailers. They have a needed concept and niche market out there; and they are responding by attempting to offer modest clothing for young women and girls.
On my way home tonight, I listened to their ad on Relevant Radio - it actually sounded rather hip - more so than I expected. So I took a look at their website to see what I'd find. I expected "Anne of Green Gables" and was surprised to find a collection of rather 'with-it' looks.
What they offer today is a huge improvement, sophisticated style, remaining modest, with good price points. I'm pretty sure, if they can get this product moving, they will continue to improve their selection and content, as well as style choices. If you're shopping for a Christmas present for a young woman, maybe consider Upstream Girl.
The fledgling company may yet need better presentation and photography - that comes in time, nevertheless, the clothes are no longer dowdy - they are young and decidedly more hip. (I'd still encourage them to stay away from cutsie stuff though. Continue with the simple and classic!
On my way home tonight, I listened to their ad on Relevant Radio - it actually sounded rather hip - more so than I expected. So I took a look at their website to see what I'd find. I expected "Anne of Green Gables" and was surprised to find a collection of rather 'with-it' looks.
What they offer today is a huge improvement, sophisticated style, remaining modest, with good price points. I'm pretty sure, if they can get this product moving, they will continue to improve their selection and content, as well as style choices. If you're shopping for a Christmas present for a young woman, maybe consider Upstream Girl.
The fledgling company may yet need better presentation and photography - that comes in time, nevertheless, the clothes are no longer dowdy - they are young and decidedly more hip. (I'd still encourage them to stay away from cutsie stuff though. Continue with the simple and classic!
I wish them continued success! They are on a mission from God!
Stephen Colbert
A very funny guy.
He got his start on John Stewart's show - and was the Goodyear nerd in television ads for Mr. Goodwrench. Dry, witty, humor - and very smart. (I got a few emails asking who he is.)
He's like me - not that I'm as funny - but people are never sure when he's serious or not - that's about it as far as likeness goes.
Last night he did a segment on Benedict XVI - which I am convinced was more or less serious. Gerald has the best post with a YouTube segment on the bit - click: Cafeteria Is Closed.
Here is Colbert's text:
“My man of the year every year is the pope - no matter who he is….Turkey is getting a healthy dose of vitamin B16…upon arrival the Pope spoke today about reaching out to Muslims (Pope’s quote)… Sorry Holiness that is too ecumenical, I liked you better when you were John Paul’s rottweiler… the ecumenical movement seeks to bring people together… the Pope’s visit is designed to bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims…the Muslims are a tad miffed, alright homicidally outraged, over a speech the Pope gave criticizing Mohamed as evil and inhuman…the Pope is trying to make amends and that is a big mistake.. Mohamed happens to be wrong (crowd is a bit shocked Colbert points at audience members and tells them sit back down)….hear me out, I am a Roman Catholic, the one true faith, (the Microsoft of religions) I know Roman Catholicism is the one true faith because Roman Catholicism tells me it’s the one true faith… I am sorry Islam, inherent in my belief is your wrongness… Muslims believe Mohamed ascended to Heaven on a horse, horses can’t fly, Jesus can!… the 72 virgin huggers are going to say Muslims do believe in Jesus, yah they believe that Jesus was just God’s friend, I hate to break it to you but anybody can be God’s friend, even Ted Haggard, God is a people person… the truth is Jesus is the only son of God (recites The Creed to applause) that’s the hometown crowd! Now what I just said is the complete truth or the Muslims are right and I am an infidel. I’ll tell you, the one thing I respect about Muslims is that at least they have the balls to say I am wrong… now when Christians try to be ecumenical we just look weak in our faith… if religions have to agree lets just agree on the one thing we both believe, the other guy is going to Hell!”
He's got ecumenism wrong of course, as most people do - some claim that it has no meaning - I think he was trying to stir things up, be funny, but expressed a core belief in Catholicism. (Like I said Keevin, his humor is smart and very dry, and you don't think we are funny.:)
The Pope in Turkey
Benedict is fairing very well in Turkey, praise God. Aside from the prayer of the faithful, I wonder if his friend Bl. John XXIII is not offering special protection, since the Holy Father entrusted this trip to his intercession. Perhaps to reward John XXIII, the Holy Father will canonize him soon.
The media hypes this trip as something done to make peace with Islam after the uproar over the Holy Father's remarks at an address at Regensburg in Germany awhile back.
The point of the pilgrimage, or Apostolic Visit is to meet with the Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the "First Among Equals" of the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church. It is an effort to restore union to the Church. His courage in going to a land where his life has been threatened, must demonstrate dramatically to the Orthodox the Pope's sincerity and love for The Eastern Churches, as well as his hope for unity. I think the entire world must also be impressed by his courageous actions.
May St. Andrew, the Apostle of the Eastern Churches, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow, hasten this union and continue to protect our Holy Father, Benedict XVI.
So, Fr. Altier and CPO were right all along?
While the Bishops have been way off the mark?
It would appear so. Doctors of the Catholic Medical Association have requested the Bishops halt the use of their controversial sexual abuse protection program, echoing almost verbatim, Fr. Altier's impassioned criticism of the program, which many believe was the cause of his being silenced and exiled in the past year.
Catholic Parents Online and Desert Voice have been vocal supporters of Fr. Altier, while CPO has been militant in decrying the "abuse of the abuse" in the Bishop's Abuse Prevention program - both organizations have been virtually blacklisted by the chancery in the process.
Doctors Oppose Bishops‘ “Talking About Touching” Abuse Prevention Program
During the association’s annual conference in Boston last month, the CMA released a 55-page study that condemned programs such as “Talking About Touching” as ineffective, out-of-step with child development, and not in keeping with the Church’s teaching on the appropriate sex education of children, the National Catholic Register reported last week.
The report, entitled To Prevent and to Protect: Report of the Catholic Medical Association Task Force on the Sexual Abuse of Children and Its Prevention, echoes complaints from parents and pro-family groups against the safety programs implemented at the bishops’ 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Opponents criticized the programs for exposing young children to sexual concepts inappropriate to their age, and for burdening children with the responsibility of protecting themselves against sexual abuse. -continue, LifeSite News
What does Our Lord say in the Gospel? "Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed." Will the Bishops now ignore the Doctors of the Catholic Medical Association as well?
Ablutions
Kulture Klash - not Klub...
Muslim men go through a purification process before prayer, ritual ablutions. It's a pretty elaborate ritual. KQ was talking about it today on their "Morning Show" - I listen while I'm doing sales figures for the Store.
Today they were complaining about Muslim cab drivers who refuse to pick up blind people with seeing eye dogs - because the dogs are impure. Neither will the Muslim cab drivers pick up people carrying alcohol - Islam forbids alcohol, but I think it's okay when they are out night clubbing - oh, wait, they can wash.
The conversation steered toward the accommodations employers make for Muslim workers, providing time for prayer as well as private spaces for the practice. The morning crew proceeded to discuss ritual ablutions. In many instances, the Muslim washes his genitals in a public washroom. In one instance an entire line of sinks was in use in one facility with Muslim men, fully exposed, washing their junk. Now employers are providing small bowls for the men to perform their ritual in the restroom stalls - I suppose for the sake of modesty. It sounds odd doesn't it?
Why do they do this? It's purification before prayer, much the same as suicide bombers and other 'martyrs' shave their bodily hair before their sacrifice, they must be ritually pure before going to prayer. Sounds pretty Old Testament doesn't it. The washing of the genitals must be done if there has been any bodily emission, urine, seminal fluid, etc. My understanding is that even toilet paper is not enough after a bowel movement, although I haven't heard of washing there. Here is a piece I found on the 'normal' ablutions:
or "The partial ablution
Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog.
Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of Worship and purity.
Wash the hands up to the wrists three times.
Rinse out the mouth with water three times preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.
Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water in to them three times.
Wash the whole face three times with both hands if possible from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.
Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow and then do the same with the left arm.
Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand once.
Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.
Wipe around the neck with wet hands.
Wash the two feet up to the ankles three times beginning with the right foot.
At this stage the ablution is completed and the person who has performed it is ready to start his prayer. When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can and may use for as many prayers as he wishes." - Muslim Prayer (So why can't they do it at home?)
Can you imagine the water all over the floor after they are finished?
Today they were complaining about Muslim cab drivers who refuse to pick up blind people with seeing eye dogs - because the dogs are impure. Neither will the Muslim cab drivers pick up people carrying alcohol - Islam forbids alcohol, but I think it's okay when they are out night clubbing - oh, wait, they can wash.
The conversation steered toward the accommodations employers make for Muslim workers, providing time for prayer as well as private spaces for the practice. The morning crew proceeded to discuss ritual ablutions. In many instances, the Muslim washes his genitals in a public washroom. In one instance an entire line of sinks was in use in one facility with Muslim men, fully exposed, washing their junk. Now employers are providing small bowls for the men to perform their ritual in the restroom stalls - I suppose for the sake of modesty. It sounds odd doesn't it?
Why do they do this? It's purification before prayer, much the same as suicide bombers and other 'martyrs' shave their bodily hair before their sacrifice, they must be ritually pure before going to prayer. Sounds pretty Old Testament doesn't it. The washing of the genitals must be done if there has been any bodily emission, urine, seminal fluid, etc. My understanding is that even toilet paper is not enough after a bowel movement, although I haven't heard of washing there. Here is a piece I found on the 'normal' ablutions:
or "The partial ablution
Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog.
Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of Worship and purity.
Wash the hands up to the wrists three times.
Rinse out the mouth with water three times preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.
Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water in to them three times.
Wash the whole face three times with both hands if possible from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.
Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow and then do the same with the left arm.
Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand once.
Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.
Wipe around the neck with wet hands.
Wash the two feet up to the ankles three times beginning with the right foot.
At this stage the ablution is completed and the person who has performed it is ready to start his prayer. When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can and may use for as many prayers as he wishes." - Muslim Prayer (So why can't they do it at home?)
Can you imagine the water all over the floor after they are finished?
Now if they would only convert to Catholicism, all they would have to do is go to confession, then they would be really purified. (Of course, Baptism would take care of it in the beginning. Confession is only necessary for sins committed after Baptism.)
A hidden life.
Virgil Burns+
He had been a Dominican third order member, yet transferred to the Carmelites, while his wife Joel remained a Dominican. His son is a hermit priest, founder of a religious community of Carmelite hermits in Lake Elmo. He is building a wonderful monastery with individual hermitages. His community came under the auspices of the Carmelites of the Primitive Observance a few years ago.
Mr. Burns was very proud of his son. He also began a hermitage for lay retreats, which worked well with his counseling services. He helped many people through his Catholic counseling and spiritual direction. He was a very kind and compassionate man, deeply prayerful and devout, may he rest in peace. For those of you who may have missed his obituary, it is reprinted below.
Burns, Virgil A. Age 81 Of Saint Paul died at Veterans Admin. Hospital on Sat. Nov. 18th. A loving husband, father, grand & great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Veteran of the WWII Merchant Marine & US Army Korean War. Graduate of De LaSalle H.S., St. Thomas College and the U. of M. Masters in Social Work. With his wife Joel Ann, founded the ENTHEO Retreat Center at Waconia, MN. A Secular Discalced Carmelite and a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 397. Survived by: his wife Joel Ann (Ullrich); daughters Maria Ann McCoy (Larry), Theresa Burns, Madeleine Haselman (Dan), Catherine O'Sullivan (Michael), & Cmdr. Patricia Burns (John Stephen) US Navy; sons The Rev. John Mary Burns O.Carm. , & Michael (Eileen); grandchildren Joshua, Anton, Matthew, Nicholas, Benjamin, Milissa, & Jillian; great grandchildren Deja, Matai, & Briahna; and brothers Jerome & Ralph Burns. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Friday November 24th, 2006 at THE CHURCH of ST. MARK, Dayton & Moore Aves. St. Paul. Visitation Friday at church beginning at 8:30AM prior to Mass. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Carmelite Monastery. Arr. O'HALLORAN & MURPHY 651-698-0796
Burns, Virgil A. Age 81 Of Saint Paul died at Veterans Admin. Hospital on Sat. Nov. 18th. A loving husband, father, grand & great-grandfather, and a friend to many. Veteran of the WWII Merchant Marine & US Army Korean War. Graduate of De LaSalle H.S., St. Thomas College and the U. of M. Masters in Social Work. With his wife Joel Ann, founded the ENTHEO Retreat Center at Waconia, MN. A Secular Discalced Carmelite and a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 397. Survived by: his wife Joel Ann (Ullrich); daughters Maria Ann McCoy (Larry), Theresa Burns, Madeleine Haselman (Dan), Catherine O'Sullivan (Michael), & Cmdr. Patricia Burns (John Stephen) US Navy; sons The Rev. John Mary Burns O.Carm. , & Michael (Eileen); grandchildren Joshua, Anton, Matthew, Nicholas, Benjamin, Milissa, & Jillian; great grandchildren Deja, Matai, & Briahna; and brothers Jerome & Ralph Burns. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Friday November 24th, 2006 at THE CHURCH of ST. MARK, Dayton & Moore Aves. St. Paul. Visitation Friday at church beginning at 8:30AM prior to Mass. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Carmelite Monastery. Arr. O'HALLORAN & MURPHY 651-698-0796
Feast of the Miraculous Medal
Today is the commemoration of the apparition of the Immaculate Conception to St. Catherine Laboure at Rue d' Bac, Paris in 1830.
Pictured is the image of the Blessed Virgin as she appeared to Alphonse Ratisbonne, an agnostic Jew, effecting in him an instantaneous conversion to the Roman Catholic Church. (The Church is in Rome and is called S. Andrea della Fratte.) Ratisbonne had been persuaded by a friend to wear the Miraculous Medal, or as it was first known, the medal of the Immaculate Conception.
As a result of his conversion, the devotion of the medal swept Europe, thus gaining recognition as the Miraculous Medal, due to countless graces generated through the devotion.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourseto thee.
Gay Stereotypes
And Their Masculine Counter-parts.
"What a wicked game to play,
to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do,
to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say,
you never felt this way.
What a wicked thing to do,
to make me dream of you..."
-Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game"
(It must be 'sweeps week' on Abbey-Roads. Anyway - I haven't posted on gay themes for awhile. I know how popular this subject is...:)
I was discussing the subject with a co-worker, well kind of. Someone we both knew died recently, while there had been no obituary in the newspaper. I innocently remarked it was probably due to the scandal. I assumed everyone had known about it since it had been in the newspapers about a decade ago. My poor friend was shocked - normally - he shocks me with stuff.
Anyway - the conversation moved to another related subject, a priest who had died recently and the friends he left behind. Some gay priests. (Now I had never known about that! See what one slip of the tongue ellicits?)
It is interesting that many of the gay priests we have either known personally, or have heard of, tend to be into the leather scene, as well as sadomasochism - I suppose it's the same thing.
These otherwise compassionate, gentle men, and sometimes very spiritual, when tempted towards homosexual activity, become rough, punishment-for-sexual-pleasure degenerates. The parody of exaggerated masculine stereotypes seems to be their big turn on. What is that all about?
When I was in monastic life, I found out, only after I had left, that my novice-master, now deceased, was into it. At another point, when on retreat at the abbey, a fellow monk told me himself that he was also an aficionado. (Why do people tell me these things?!) Later, I eventually found out about a local priest to whom I once confessed was into it big time, as was as a local religious who finally left his community. I ran into the Brother - leather costume and all - downtown on the street one night after I was leaving a restaurant where I had dinner with friends - he was heading towards a gay bar. Obviously embarrassed, he tried to ignore my hello and rushed by my group. (Not understanding what had just happened, I was offended that he brushed me off, since a week before, he had been asking for donations.)
How curious. My friend and I discussed it a bit more, wondering what it was all about - not this particular topic, but the inconsistency of behaviors - the religious man as sexual pervert. Upon reflection, in the case of those with homosexual inclination, it seems to me it must be an attempt at 'obtaining' or 'feeding' off an idealized masculine archetype in order to bolster one's emotional need to 'feel' masculine, or as a sort of affirmation of one's maleness. Still, at the same time, it could represent some type of search for masculine authority, dominance, and approval - I can't be sure however, it's not my experience, and I may be stretching here to find some understanding. (I'm always just trying to understand - to say to these people, "You're going to hell." doesn't cut it for me. It's easy to condemn, it's not so easy to understand people.)
Decidedly, the degrading aspect of discipline and bondage suggests to me a perverted taste for punishment experienced as sexual pleasure. The painful effects heightening the sexual excitement. It seems to me to be particularly diabolic - hence the exaggerated attraction for consecrated persons. (Spiritual persons experience temptation in a manner more spiritual, albeit, fallen spirits. Whereas, carnal persons are more often tempted by their own concupiscence - hence, the devil doesn't have to work so hard - although, both work hand in hand.) Naturally, the sexual degradation of a priest would also be the manner in which the devil could mock the Passion of Christ as well.
Wouldn't the devil love to tarnish the priest or religious, nay, destroy him with these perverted attractions and practices? The devil, in his machinations and temptations could easily play upon the consecrated person's weaknesses, the psychological need for male relationship, such as with a father or one in authority, or the man's own sense of male inferiority, by alluring the person towards exaggerated macho stereotypes. While at the same time causing shame and degradation in the person, compelling him to accept abuse as a means to sexual gratification. Remember the film "The Exorcist"? The exorcist told the younger priest the devil would use his weaknesses to his advantage. I suspect he does this with the sexually tormented priest or religious.
I obviously do not know the psychology of it all, yet it would seem to me to be a foretaste of hell in some respects, albeit obscured by carnal pleasure. It also suggests to me that at the very least, certain homosexualities are most definitely a mental disorder, although even more deeply, a spiritual disorder, something which the gay community virulently denies. I can't believe someone was born with these inclinations. It has to be nurture - more accurately, the lack, or abuse of it - not nature. At the same time, I can't help but wonder if there is complete freedom of the will involved - I prefer to think not.
We must pray fervently for our priests and religious.
The man with the Blackamoor on his coat.
Coat of arms that is.
That would be Pope Benedict XVI of course and he is getting ready to visit Turkey.
A fine priest said I shouldn't even discuss such things as the possibility of as@%*^nation. Yet there is that novel written about it, and lots of protest in Turkey over his impending visit, as well as 'unprecedented security' - as they always say - covering the visit. In the land of intrigue known for cloak and dagger politics, populated by radical Islamics, I'm not comfortable with this visit. Today the Holy Father asked for our prayers to accompany him on his pilgrimage of reconciliation. He has mine.
I like his coat of arms. (I like bears.) Who is the Moor however?
He is the Moor of Freising:
"The Moor's head is an heraldic charge associated with Freising, Germany. The origins of the Moor's head or caput ethiopicum in Freising is not entirely known. Typically facing left it appeared on the coat of arms of the old principality of Freising as early as 1316. Some theories of its reference include:
Balthasar, one of the Magi, by some legends a Moor
Saint Maurice, a Roman-Egyptian martyr
Saint Zeno, frequently shown as a Moor
Saint Sigismund, often confused historically with Saint Maurice
Saint Corbinian, founder of the Diocese of Freising, mistakenly thought to have been a Moor" - Wikipedia - I like that place.
A recent book has been published about the third secret of Fatima, (and Rocky says, "Again"?) claiming the entire secret has not been revealed, just the visuals - sans text. Fatima conspiracy theorists love this stuff. Here is a snip from Catholic World News:
"A new book entitled The Fourth Secret of Fatima, by Italian writer Antonio Socci, questions whether a part of the message delivered by the Virgin Mary to the children at Fatima have been hidden by Church leaders for diplomatic reasons.
Socci claims that the famous "third secret," which was revealed in 1995 to describe an attack on a “bishop dressed in white,” is only a fragment of the full message. Socci bases his claim primarily on an analysis of the books Faith Report by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and Crossing the Threshold of Hope, by Pope John Paul II. To a lesser extent he analyzes homilies, discourses, and public documents by the two Pontiffs.
Rumors and theories about the "third secret" had circulated for years, until in May 2000 the content of the secret was disclosed by Pope John Paul II. The secret detailed a vision of the "bishop dressed in white" who was caught up in a battle against an atheistic system that oppresses the Church. That bishop "falls to the ground, as if dead, after a volley of gunfire." The vision apparently predicted the assassination attempt against John Paul II. Sister Lucia, who at the time was the sole surviving Fatima seer, confirmed in 2000 that the "bishop dressed in white" was the Pope. (Sister Lucia died in February 2005.)" - Catholic World News
I personally believe we have gotten enough of the third secret, and it was interpreted quite well by Cardinal Ratzinger, who admittedly said, "It seems as if these events may have been in the past" - which leaves open the question, was JPII really "the bishop in white who collapsed as if dead amidst a hail of bullets"? Or could it be another future pope? See, visions and prophecies are hard to figure out, and if there is a missing text of Our Lady's words, we probably just don't fit the description of those having "a need to know".
But what if the blackamoor is a prophetic symbol and there really is a missing text to the third secret? Now that's the stuff I shouldn't even mention.
Regardless, the Holy Father is snugly in the hand of God, albeit he is embarking on a very dangerous journey. He asked for our prayers, and like I said, he has mine.
Viva il papa!
The Knights of Columbus are urging Catholics to accompany the Holy Father with prayer as a spiritual pilgrimage as he visits Turkey. Here is the prayer:
Prayer for the Pope
"Heavenly Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, we humbly ask that you sustain, inspire, and protect your servant, Pope Benedict XVI, as he goes on pilgrimage to Turkey – a land to which St. Paul brought the Gospel of your Son; a land where once the Mother of your Son, the Seat of Wisdom, dwelt; a land where faith in your Son’s true divinity was definitively professed. Bless our Holy Father, who comes as a messenger of truth and love to all people of faith and good will dwelling in this land so rich in history. In the power of the Holy Spirit, may this visit of the Holy Father bring about deeper ties of understanding, cooperation, and peace among Roman Catholics, the Orthodox, and those who profess Islam. May the prayers and events of these historic days greatly contribute both to greater accord among those who worship you, the living and true God, and also to peace in our world so often torn apart by war and sectarian violence.
We also ask, O Heavenly Father, that you watch over and protect Pope Benedict and entrust him to the loving care of Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Fatima, a title cherished both by Catholics and Muslims. Through her prayers and maternal love, may Pope Benedict be kept safe from all harm as he prays, bears witness to the Gospel, and invites all peoples to a dialogue of faith, reason, and love. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen." - Knights of Columbus
Politics and the feast of Christ the King
Monarchists should love this feast day, while they most likely would have celebrated it according to the old calendar. The modern Church, yes even the encyclical of Pius XI, stresses the spiritual significance of the Kingship of Christ. Americans do not understand monarchy, therefore the Lordship/Kingship of Christ is more palatable to our revolutionary understanding when it is understood spiritually, not so much terrestially - we are much like our revolutionary cousins in France in this respect.
The purpose of the feast:
"Pope Pius XI instituted the Solemnity of Christ the King on 11 December 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. At that time he saw the rise of atheistic communism and secularism as a direct result of man's turning away from Christ's sovereignty, and man's denying of the authority of Christ's Church. This result was "disorder" or a move away from the Divine Order. The Feast of Christ the King was set on the last Sunday in October." - Wikipedia
The hoped for effects:
"25. Moreover, the annual and universal celebration of the feast of the Kingship of Christ will draw attention to the evils which anticlericalism has brought upon society in drawing men away from Christ, and will also do much to remedy them. While nations insult the beloved name of our Redeemer by suppressing all mention of it in their conferences and parliaments, we must all the more loudly proclaim his kingly dignity and power, all the more universally affirm his rights." - Pius XI, Quas primas
A few weeks ago when all the debate concerning the liberal use of the pre-Vatican II ordo of Pius V was circulating around the news and blogworld, a few people discussed the political ramifications affecting resistance towards this 'indult' apparently centered within the French hierarchy. In France, as well as Austria, Spain and other nations, there is a contingent of royalists, or monarchists supporting the liberalization of the Tridentine rite. Monarchists tend to be traditionalists, while not all traditionalists tend to be monarchists.
Considering this, it seems to me on some level, the Mass has sometimes become a political statement. I wondered if perhaps that is why it changed so dramatically the years following Vatican II, which occasioned such license in liturgical innovation. The priest facing the people, being on a horizontal plane with the congregation, the exclusion of pageantry and ritual, the inclusion of laity and ideology into the celebration? People who claim communists infiltrated the Church at the time of the Council, also claim they got their way by desacralizing the liturgy. Perhaps it wasn't as sinister as all of that however, perhaps it was simply a misguided attempt just to be more relevant to the modern world that has rejected every form of monarchy?
At any rate, it seems to me that the Mass has sometimes been used as a political tool in the hand of propagandists. I think it is a good idea to restore the Mass, both rites, to a place of dignity - without regard to politics, offering fitting praise and worship to Christ the King. Growing up, the homilies for this feast always were interjected with socio-political ideals, once again placing the emphasis upon man as opposed upon God - most of the homilies continue to be this way - I don't know what else a priest could say about the feast however.
When I think of the end of time, because this feast also focuses our attention upon that reality, I'm reminded that there will be "new heavens, and a new earth". Which means there are two things I don't get; one, I'm rather apolitical and so not a monarchist, hence the feast of Christ the King isn't a big one for me; two, I want to go to heaven while there is a natural part of me that rebels against the idea of having to land back on a "new earth" - since the old one sucks.
I need to pray for an increase of hope it seems. Pray for me if you are one of the two or three people who read this blog.
The purpose of the feast:
"Pope Pius XI instituted the Solemnity of Christ the King on 11 December 1925 in his encyclical Quas Primas. At that time he saw the rise of atheistic communism and secularism as a direct result of man's turning away from Christ's sovereignty, and man's denying of the authority of Christ's Church. This result was "disorder" or a move away from the Divine Order. The Feast of Christ the King was set on the last Sunday in October." - Wikipedia
The hoped for effects:
"25. Moreover, the annual and universal celebration of the feast of the Kingship of Christ will draw attention to the evils which anticlericalism has brought upon society in drawing men away from Christ, and will also do much to remedy them. While nations insult the beloved name of our Redeemer by suppressing all mention of it in their conferences and parliaments, we must all the more loudly proclaim his kingly dignity and power, all the more universally affirm his rights." - Pius XI, Quas primas
A few weeks ago when all the debate concerning the liberal use of the pre-Vatican II ordo of Pius V was circulating around the news and blogworld, a few people discussed the political ramifications affecting resistance towards this 'indult' apparently centered within the French hierarchy. In France, as well as Austria, Spain and other nations, there is a contingent of royalists, or monarchists supporting the liberalization of the Tridentine rite. Monarchists tend to be traditionalists, while not all traditionalists tend to be monarchists.
Considering this, it seems to me on some level, the Mass has sometimes become a political statement. I wondered if perhaps that is why it changed so dramatically the years following Vatican II, which occasioned such license in liturgical innovation. The priest facing the people, being on a horizontal plane with the congregation, the exclusion of pageantry and ritual, the inclusion of laity and ideology into the celebration? People who claim communists infiltrated the Church at the time of the Council, also claim they got their way by desacralizing the liturgy. Perhaps it wasn't as sinister as all of that however, perhaps it was simply a misguided attempt just to be more relevant to the modern world that has rejected every form of monarchy?
At any rate, it seems to me that the Mass has sometimes been used as a political tool in the hand of propagandists. I think it is a good idea to restore the Mass, both rites, to a place of dignity - without regard to politics, offering fitting praise and worship to Christ the King. Growing up, the homilies for this feast always were interjected with socio-political ideals, once again placing the emphasis upon man as opposed upon God - most of the homilies continue to be this way - I don't know what else a priest could say about the feast however.
When I think of the end of time, because this feast also focuses our attention upon that reality, I'm reminded that there will be "new heavens, and a new earth". Which means there are two things I don't get; one, I'm rather apolitical and so not a monarchist, hence the feast of Christ the King isn't a big one for me; two, I want to go to heaven while there is a natural part of me that rebels against the idea of having to land back on a "new earth" - since the old one sucks.
I need to pray for an increase of hope it seems. Pray for me if you are one of the two or three people who read this blog.
Home For Purim
Christopher Guest's "For Your Consideration"
The film is a take off about a movie within a movie generating Oscar buzz, starring Catherine O'Hara, who looks insane as usual. The movie generating all of the buzz in the film is titled "Home For Purim" - which is just funny by itself. I can't wait to see it.
Pictured, the cast all dressed up for Purim.
What is "Purim" for the Jews I wondered? Turns out, it's kind of like secular Christmas; festivities, gifts, drinking, fun, etc. Here is a description:
Purim, A Festival of Gladness
Purim is celebrated in Jewish communities around the world each year on the 14th day of Adar, which will fall on March 21, 1997. The festival is based upon the story told in the Book of Esther, a tale of humorous and melodrama parody of palace intrigue, in which the brave Queen Esther and her uncle, Mordecai, save their people from the twisted genocidal plot of the wicked vizar of Persia, Haman. The name "Purim" means "lots" and refers to the mechanism by which Haman chosen a date for the annhilation of the Jewish people, a decision made out of rage because Mordecai refused to bow down to him in public. The festival of Purim is celebrated primarily by reading the Book of Esther from a hand-written scroll called the Megillah, and blotting out the sound of Haman's name with noise-makers called groggers. People attend the Megillah reading dressed in costume, most often characters from the story. Purim is not considered a holy day, and carries none of the prohibitions associated with the pilgrimage festivals, and it is certainly not celebrated as a holy day. The order of the day is costumes, gift-giving, and historically, a good amount of drinking. The Talmud instructs that one should consume enough alcohol to render one unable to distinguish between "Bless Mordecai" and "Curse Haman," a tradition that probably derives from two reasons. First, much of the plot of the story revolves around the drinking of alcohol. Second, while the tale told in the Book of Esther is not considered historical, and is certainly irreverent, it rings true because of the Jewish people's long history which has included oppression, expulsions, pogroms, and genocide.
Purim is traditionally celebrated in the way that Mordecai instruction the Jews (Esther 9:19) to commemorate their deliverance by:
feasting
merrymaking
giving portions (food gifts) to one another
giving gifts to the poor -Rabbi Scheineman's Home Page
There is a long history of the Persians wanting to annihilate the Jews isn't there?
"Jump down, turn around, pick a..."
'ad orietem' et 'pro multis'
Did you watch the NCCB conference discussing liturgical norms? (Facing east for the celebrant and reverting to 'for many' in the words of consecration at Mass, is being debated in Rome - 'For many' has now become the norm - I think.) But the NCCB were discussing other issues - like music, nevertheless I kept thinking - "If you wouldn't have screwed up the Mass in the first place you wouldn't have to waste so much time and hot air on the subject today, with all the committees and 'drama' consultants. In case you haven't been following this nonsense, drama consultants have indeed been called in to advise upon the liturgy. (I wonder if Pius V did that?)
Anyway, changes are coming once again for the liturgy. So that means new books, missals, lectionaries, sacramentaries. If the priest is supposed to have his back to the people again, then that means Church renovation in many cases - again. The Catholic faithful have shelled out a heck of a lot of money in the past decades to wreck-o-vate their Churches - or worship spaces.
A man was in the Store today asking about what missal to buy. I told him not buy any - use "Magnificat" until they figure out what they are doing with the liturgy. How many new translations have we been through now? Not to mention the bibles.
I remember when the late Fr.Pingatore hired Kazmarcek to 'renew' the sanctuary at the old St. Ambrose in St. Paul. (Horrible job. Horrible.) They took out the Communion rail of course, and other things - such as the high altar, much to the chagrin of the Italian families who had donated great sums of money for the finest Italian marble as a memorial to the deceased members of their families. Eventually, the Church was sold and it's current namesake is now in Woodbury, Minnesota. Many left the parish, and some left the Church after the destruction. (Pingatore was a little pope in those days and did what he wanted.)
The 'reform of the reform' is going to be expensive - get your check books out. Good luck with all of that when millions have been spent on lawsuits and settlements after the sexual abuse debacle. And of course, we may have to cough up money to make our Churches and facilities more eco-friendly in the battle against Global Warming - we have got to be pro-active on this.
Don't buy any missals for Christmas presents - unless they are Tridentine - that hasn't changed with the trends and fashions of the late 20th century - don't try to use it at a Novus Ordo Mass however.
Did you watch the NCCB conference discussing liturgical norms? (Facing east for the celebrant and reverting to 'for many' in the words of consecration at Mass, is being debated in Rome - 'For many' has now become the norm - I think.) But the NCCB were discussing other issues - like music, nevertheless I kept thinking - "If you wouldn't have screwed up the Mass in the first place you wouldn't have to waste so much time and hot air on the subject today, with all the committees and 'drama' consultants. In case you haven't been following this nonsense, drama consultants have indeed been called in to advise upon the liturgy. (I wonder if Pius V did that?)
Anyway, changes are coming once again for the liturgy. So that means new books, missals, lectionaries, sacramentaries. If the priest is supposed to have his back to the people again, then that means Church renovation in many cases - again. The Catholic faithful have shelled out a heck of a lot of money in the past decades to wreck-o-vate their Churches - or worship spaces.
A man was in the Store today asking about what missal to buy. I told him not buy any - use "Magnificat" until they figure out what they are doing with the liturgy. How many new translations have we been through now? Not to mention the bibles.
I remember when the late Fr.Pingatore hired Kazmarcek to 'renew' the sanctuary at the old St. Ambrose in St. Paul. (Horrible job. Horrible.) They took out the Communion rail of course, and other things - such as the high altar, much to the chagrin of the Italian families who had donated great sums of money for the finest Italian marble as a memorial to the deceased members of their families. Eventually, the Church was sold and it's current namesake is now in Woodbury, Minnesota. Many left the parish, and some left the Church after the destruction. (Pingatore was a little pope in those days and did what he wanted.)
The 'reform of the reform' is going to be expensive - get your check books out. Good luck with all of that when millions have been spent on lawsuits and settlements after the sexual abuse debacle. And of course, we may have to cough up money to make our Churches and facilities more eco-friendly in the battle against Global Warming - we have got to be pro-active on this.
Don't buy any missals for Christmas presents - unless they are Tridentine - that hasn't changed with the trends and fashions of the late 20th century - don't try to use it at a Novus Ordo Mass however.
(What is this going to do to all the young people who have been raised with 'artistic' innovations in the liturgy? One young lady asked this today, wondering very sincerely, "I wonder how our liturgical dance will work into all of this?" Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. No wonder the Bishops have such a hard time with liturgical questions.)
My fondest Thankgiving memories...
Thanksgiving with my closest friends.Remember when Ross says that he is having one of his worst Thanksgivings ever because of his divorce from Emily and eviction?
Chandler jumps in to remind everyone that he is "the king of bad Thanksgivings" and proceeds to tell the first of a series of Thanksgiving flashbacks.
Thanksgiving 1978: A young Chandler is told that his parents still love him, but his father would rather sleep with the house-boy than with his mother.
Phoebe claims she has an even worse Thanksgiving story.
Thanksgiving 1862: Phoebe is a medic for the Union Army during the American Civil War. She is tending to a wounded soldier when her arm gets blown off, prompting her to say, "Oh no."
Ross says that the Thanksgivings have to be limited to this life (as Phoebe was referring to a Thanksgiving that occurred in a 'past life'). Rachel says she knows Monica's worst Thanksgiving, but Phoebe interrupts with a story about the Thanksgiving when Joey got a turkey stuck on his head.
Thanksgiving 1992: Phoebe (who was living with Monica at the time) walks in to their apartment and is shocked to see Joey with a turkey on his head; Joey put it on to scare Chandler. Monica enters and freaks out, but she and Phoebe can't get the turkey off his head. Chandler enters and screams, and Joey tries to point and laugh at him, but keeps pointing in the wrong direction because he can't see.
From the out-takes:
In the tenth season episode entitled "The One Where Chandler Gets Caught", the same 1992 Thanksgiving flashback of this episode is used, yet Phoebe replies to Joey's complaining about the turkey smelling really bad with "Yeah, of course it smells bad. You've got your head inside a turkey's ass." instead of the "Well, of course it smells really bad. You have your head up a dead animal." As written for this episode. - Wikipedia
My friends were so fun! Miss you much - at least I have the DVDs. When co-workers ask who I'm spending Thanksgiving with, I always tell them "I'm having a few friends over" - that's not a lie, is it? Anyway, they are always so consoled I won't be spending it alone.
I am so going to sing "Memories" now - followed by "The Way We Were" and I may as well sing, "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" while I'm at it! (Thank God for my home-karoke machine.:) The holidays can be so nostalgic can't they?
Maybe I'll go to Walgreen's and stop by Kmart - I think they're open today. (Just kidding, Ross and Rachel are coming over with Phoebe and Regina Falangi.)
EAT FRESH! :) :) :) :) :) :)
The Jump to Conclusions Mat
Tom from "Office Space" had such a good idea with this thing! I think the press use it when it comes to what's going on 'inside the Vatican'. (And I don't mean the magazine by that name.)
Last week it was the special meeting with Pope Benedict to discuss the Milingo problem, and the press along with Vatican pundits were saying they may change the discipline of a celibate priesthood. Not.
Today on Drudge, the report that the commission studying condom use will recommend the limited use of barrier contraceptives in extreme cases, so as not to 'transmit death' in married couples where one is infected with HIV. Complex moral issue, this one is. (Who can trust leaks like this? No pun intended.) Any way, that is not going to happen either.
After decades of opposition, Vatican view on condoms begins to shift:
[snip]The Roman Catholic church has taken the first step towards what could be a historic shift away from its total ban on the use of condoms.
Pope Benedict XVI's "health minister" is understood to be urging him to accept that in restricted circumstances - specifically the prevention of Aids - barrier contraception is the lesser of two evils.
The recommendations, which have not been made public, still have to be reviewed by the traditionally conservative Vatican department responsible for safeguarding theological orthodoxy, and then by the Pope himself, before any decision is made.[snip] - The Guardian
Further:
[snip]The Italian newspaper La Repubblica, which broke the news of the policy review earlier this year, reported yesterday that the Vatican would "go from prohibition to the definition of exceptional cases in which it would be possible for the faithful to use prophylactics to avert fatal risks".
Cardinal Barragán noted a passage from a 1981 document issued by the late Pope John Paul II. This said that "every conjugal act must be open to life".
Until now, this has been interpreted as an injunction against contraception. But it could also be used to support an argument in favour of the preservation of life by the use of barrier methods. [snip] - Full text on The Guardian.
The 'rules' are not going to change. Thank God on this Thanksgiving we have a holy theologian for a Pope. And read the news with great reservation - watch out for gossip and rumors as well - even when it comes from cozy Roman sources.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hetero-phobic Rosie O'Donnell
A Case Study In Heterosexual Phobia In Rosie O'Donnell. (joke)
Pictured, Rosie O'Donnell in her famous, "Pull my finger" pose. (Or is she nailing someone to the wall here?)
I don't know if you watch ABC news, or 'The View', or 'Regis and Kelly', but there was an incident. (I'm ver klempft!)
Kelly Ripa, (who is gorgeous) was co-hosting with Clay Aiken on the Regis and Kelly Show. Clay put his hand over Kelly's mouth - bad manners - to shut her up. She scolded him nicely and made a joke that she didn't know where his hands have been. It's common schtick in entertainment to say something clever like that in a joking manner.
Bull-dyke O'Donnell latched onto it proclaiming Kelly's remark as "homo-phobic". (Aiken hasn't even come out yet, although Ms. O'Donnell felt it her place to out him on 'The View'.) Anyway, proud Kelly calls into 'The View', confronts Rosie on the air, and caught O'Donnell like a deer in the headlights. She was so busted. It's silly show-biz gossip. So who cares?
Nevertheless, I think it is very revealing as regards O'Donnell's character, as well as the homosexual agenda. The cries of bigotry and discrimination coming from gays over nothing is an imitation of claims of racial discrimination by minorities. Maybe in some instances it's true, but in this situation O'Donnell was attempting to crusade, it's way off the mark. She was diggin' deep for this one. She's dumb, you know - she's not a smart woman, she just has a big mouth - she's from Long Island. She likes to play the bully. Yet Kelly called her on it.
I really think that many gays and lesbians are actually hetero-phobic. They are afraid of natural heterosexuality. They resent heterosexuals. In some cases, it's an envy thing, going back to childhood or adolescence, something I always refer to as psycho-sexual arrested development. Experienced as alienation from peers of the same sex. Seeking affirmation through sexual acts with the same sex later in life becomes a way of finding acceptance and validation. Of course there are more and varied dynamics at work in the homosexual experience, but I think I'm on to something.
The manner in which Rosie goes after Elizabeth, one of her 'conservative' co-hosts on 'The View', as well as her contempt for Star Jones, along with this recent attack on Kelly Ripa, leads me to believe she is hetero-phobic, if you will. Or at best, misogynist in her approach to hetero women. You see, lesbians are different than gay men - there are differing determining factors inherent in their homosexuality, as well as practice. (Proving once again men and women are intrinsically different from one another, albeit sexually and emotionally complimentary.)
Rosie and other gay militants can yell homo-phobic all they want - they are the phobic ones - I dub it hetero-phobic. Maybe we should go to the ACLU with this discriminatory practice and see if they'll fight for us!
Rosie is going to dyke herself out of a job if she doesn't watch her mouth.
November 22 and the loss of innocence...
Mark Balma's "Pieta"
He's a wonderful painter. I haven't seen this painting in person but it was presented at the Cathedral of St. Paul with much fanfare last week. I like what I see in photos, although it seems a bit 'stiff' - however, I think it is just the photo - paintings need to be 'experienced' in relationship with the viewer, in person. Balma is a fine artist, the photo cannot do it justice.
The anniversary of the assassination of JFK is the 22 of November. It was 1963. I was in class, after lunch, when the announcement came over the intercom and we were all dismissed from school. I remember starring at the intercom in disbelief as the announcement was made. Returning home to watch non-stop footage on television. It is like yesterday to me.
Just a couple of years earlier Sr. Lillian led us all in prayer that this Catholic Senator would be elected President of our Country.
I, along with most of the world loved President Kennedy, and Jackie. We knew them as Jack and Jackie. They gave an international dignity and style to the White House and the presidency.
Bobby was later assassinated, and Jackie said, "They are killing Kennedys." And she took her children out of the country. Some people resented that. Not I.
I think Bobby's death hit me much harder than Jack's. He would have made a better President. I remember vividly his funeral train heading to Washington for his burial at the Arlington National Cemetery - the tracks lined all of the way with mourners. I remember it all so well..."The Battle Hymn of the Republic" played along the way. I remember Dr. King too. I do not want to look at footage of these events ever again, because they are emblazoned upon my memory. Yet younger people need to see it - they need to locate the pivotal moment of our decline.
Our Country entered it's decline in those days. I don't think we can ever recover. I know we haven't.
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
a cage for every unclean bird:
For she has made the nations drink
the poisoned wine of her lewdness." Revelation 18: 2-3
In many respects, that is us, exporting our MTV, movies, fast food, Hollywood morality, condoms and Planned Parenthood, what have you. We've fallen with our President.
I'm calling the ACLU!
I actually love Christmas! I really do!
Yet in my office, co-workers are already playing Christmas music, non-stop, and a little louder than normal. That being the case, with the woman in the cubical next to me, singing along, is driving me crazy. Who even likes "It's A Holly, Jolly Christmas"? Or Elvis? (I did kinda like Motown stars doing Christmas - oh, and the Beach Boys "Little St. Nick" - strike that! )
It is the worst music ever.
(And too much - way too soon! And stop singing lady!)
Would a Catholic Company fire me if I went to the ACLU and complained that I am offended by this stuff? I think I have a case. Get Jackie Childs on the phone! (I could surely get a spot on the news, don't you think?)
No wonder people who don't like Christians get so mad.
But I really do, "I Celebrate Christmas!"
Now imagine a really fast talking voice:
"Available at www.leafletonline.com Item #19109 $2 each, quantity pricing available. Get your 'flair' at Leaflet Missal!"
"Bastard people..." - Corky Sinclair, "Waiting For Guffman"
(Pictured, my favorite unwed mother, Rachel from "Friends")
While out-of-wedlock births have long been associated with teen mothers, the teen birth rate actually dropped last year to the lowest level on record. Instead, births among unwed mothers rose most dramatically among women in their 20s.
The overall rise reflects the burgeoning number of people who are putting off marriage or living together without getting married.
The increase in births to unwed mothers was seen in all racial groups, but rose most sharply among Hispanics. It was up among all age groups except youngsters ages 10 to 17.
"A lot of people think of teenagers and unmarried mothers synonymously, but they are not driving this," said Stephanie Ventura of the National Center for Health Statistics, a co-author of the report. [snip] -Brietbart.com
Kids out of wedlock.
Who doesn't know people; either relatives, friends, co-workers - or their kids, who live together without benefit of marriage, have children out of wedlock, or happens to be a single woman who simply wants a kid - and goes and has one.
These children were once called "illegitimate"; their status having been noted upon their birth certificate. While the more ancient appellation "bastard" indeed was used in regard children born of an irregular union. It is definitely not politically correct to use these terms today. Kids shouldn't be labeled because of the sins of their parents. Although they are affected by the parents lack of morality. I saw this piece in the news today:
[snip]
Out-of-wedlock births in the United States have climbed to an all-time high, accounting for nearly four in 10 babies born last year, government health officials said Tuesday.
Out-of-wedlock births in the United States have climbed to an all-time high, accounting for nearly four in 10 babies born last year, government health officials said Tuesday.
While out-of-wedlock births have long been associated with teen mothers, the teen birth rate actually dropped last year to the lowest level on record. Instead, births among unwed mothers rose most dramatically among women in their 20s.
The overall rise reflects the burgeoning number of people who are putting off marriage or living together without getting married.
The increase in births to unwed mothers was seen in all racial groups, but rose most sharply among Hispanics. It was up among all age groups except youngsters ages 10 to 17.
"A lot of people think of teenagers and unmarried mothers synonymously, but they are not driving this," said Stephanie Ventura of the National Center for Health Statistics, a co-author of the report. [snip] -Brietbart.com
If you're a poor woman who got pregnant, someone will take care of you, such as welfare, the Church, or some pro-life agency. If you are rich, or have a great job, you can have your cake and eat it too. Thankfully, unwed mothers are no longer turned out on the street. Childless couples will find them in order to adopt their babies, oftentimes paying all their expenses and more. Pro-life workers will do anything to help the woman carry the child to term. That's a good thing, to be sure. But are we somehow encouraging illicit births in the process? Is it so bad morally that we just give a blanket blessing to everyone, no matter the circumstance? Are we so held hostage to the threat of abortion and infanticide that we give up moral imperatives and direction? It seems rather irresponsible.
Being a bastard isn't a fun thing. My mother, because she had been divorced and remarried outside of the Church, referred to my little brother and I as bastards when she argued religion with my dad or got angry with us. It didn't do much for my self-image. On some levels, there is still a stigma a kid suffers, I don't care what anyone else says. Kids need two parents - male and female please, and a regular family life - with a moral compass - and love.
I've been in a workplace situation where a single woman announced she was pregnant - actually, the same single woman announced it twice in two years. The entire office got all excited and congratulated her effusively, they encouraged her and just carried on with attention and gifts. The woman was not married, the pregnancies were by two different dads - what's the deal? Something is wrong with this picture, don't you think?
Bishop Paul Dudley
I have just learned that Bishop Dudley passed away last evening at 10:30PM, I'm sorry I do not have more precise information at this time.
Bishop Dudley, shown here at an ordination at Holy Apostles Seminary, was a very humble, devout priest and servant of God. I am certain he is a saint.
May he rest in peace+
November 21st - on this date in history...
The third session of Vatican II closed in 1964.
The Servant of God, Pope Paul VI closed the third session of Vatican Council II on this day by announcing a change in the Eucharistic fast and formally declaring Mary as "Mother of the Church," as had always been taught.
Maybe His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will use this anniversary to announce the new indult for the liberalization of the traditional rite known as the Ordo of Pius V.
Probably not - but when he goes to Turkey next week, if he were to be assassinated there, will it ever be promulgated?
Gore-ed to death with Global Warming hysteria...
It's a hot topic! (Canned laughter.)
Do I think it's happening? Probably. Is it just me or is it hot on earth? (Canned laughter.)
What if it's just the natural swing of things? Al Gore once suggested that cigarette smoking contributes to it. He's got to be nuts - he's just got to be. What about flatulence? Of course population control can take care of that - but what about those cows...(Canned laughter.)
Today Archbishop Flynn was on local News with other Church leaders along with Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman pledging themselves to work to reverse global warming. The NCCB has that on their agenda as well - in fact, I think they have another entire committee with a big budget handling the subject. Good for them.
It does indeed appear there is such a phenomenon as global warming going on. Some people just don't believe it, some do. There seems to be something of a hysteria building however. (Chesterton might refer to it as another 'fad' - I kind of think it is.) Personally, I'm opposed to plastics - like Halloween pumpkins a deer can't shake off her snout, or the Snapple bottle rings that get caught on an animal's snout or neck and they strangle, starve or suffocate themselves to death. Ban plastics I say! (More canned laughter.)
I'm not criticizing his Excellency, and I'm not suggesting there are other more important issues for him to be on board with, such as faith and morals, the liturgy - oh, yah - the liturgy. I'm not suggesting that. In fact, since the Catholic Bishops have been so pro-active and persuasive against abortion, contraception, homosexuality, the war in Iraq and other issues - it's just good PR to get on board with the global warming thing. This one might work.
(More canned laughter. I can be so 'Seinfeld'!)
A time, unsurpassed in distress...
And Penitent Blogger subtitles his post on today's Gospel with the best one-liner ever - "No, it's not the family gathering at Thanksgiving!" I did indeed laugh out loud - see, he knows too! Otherwise his post is another excellent commentary on today's readings from Mass.
Pictured is "Serial Mom" and her family. My mom was kind of a cross between Kathleen Turner's character and Faye Dunaway's "Mommie Dearest"- with an aspect of Bette Davis - from just about any of her films - thrown in. (And "The spy down the hall" doesn't think I'm funny!)
My sweet nephew posted a comment on my earlier "Holiday Fears" post. I have to be careful on what I post, I wasn't aware the family is reading. Fortunately I have my secret blog to bare all of my skeletons. Seriously, I have to be careful on how I say things lest they think they are the problem - so I protest in advance, "It' me! It's me! I'm the crazy one!"
My nephew Todd and his wife Carrie signed the post with their son's name, Jackson, along with the dog and cat names of the "other kids" in their family. I want to give them all a big hug - they are just so cool! My sister has a large family, and they really are wonderful - she is actually normal, as is her family. My nieces and nephews are each other's best friends - and they so love their mom. I do too.
(Pictured here,
Bette Davis in
"The Anniversary"
- "Hi mom!")
Conscience: "So why don't you visit them?"
Me: "Shut up!"
Conscience: "What?"
Me: "Well, I took care of that!"
Conscience Again: "But, I- - -"
Me: "Don't start with me b*@ch!"
Happy Holidays! :)
The problem of empathy
And the disintegrated person.
(Pictured, St. Peter of Alcantara in ecstasy.)
Sort of a presumptuous title for me to use, since The Problem of Empathy was the name of Edith Stein's dissertation - of which I never read much. I woke up with the title repeating in my mind however. I have encountered several people over the past few weeks who strike me as rather disintegrated; emotionally, psychologically, and most especially, spiritually.
Many people, upon their conversion, are so enamored by the love of God and the example of holiness set by the saints, they want to become saints over night. Just as those people who find consolation in prayer want to become contemplatives over night - or maybe think they are there already.
When I write about John of the Cross, or Garrigou-Lagrange, some people must think I'm writing about those who read this blog - or they are stimulated to get into reading the mystics as a means of advancement in the spiritual life. Sometimes this is too much, too soon for a soul.
When people read the lives of the saints and the penance they have done, or the manner of prayer they engaged in, so many in their first fervor attempt to imitate them, or to apply the advice of the mystical doctors written for proficients in the spiritual life to themselves - rousing love before it's time. Often, at some point the soul collapses through exhaustion or discouragement that they cannot meet such high standards of spirituality. It's a preoccupation with levels and stages of prayer that often trips them up. Our human nature tends to be achievement oriented - success driven, and we carry that over into our spiritual development.
What is lost, or misplaced is love - especially the knowledge of God's love in our first conversion, when he loved us in all our imperfection - just as we were - that doesn't change. Initially, in the first stages of conversion, the soul is often bathed in the love of God, it's a good feeling. As we go along we at some point will encounter a sense of aridity and helplessness. Often as a result of the self-knowledge close encounters with God precipitate. There is an element of disintegration in every soul, in some who have been damaged by the misfortunes and sufferings of life, it is oftentimes profound.
A friend, who suffered incredible abuse, poverty, and deprivation as a child is now dealing with these issues of identity, disintegration, whilst struggling to live a devout life. A convert, and client of a well known priest, she was more or less catapulted into a spirituality too advanced for her at the time. She was immediately introduced to St. Louis DeMontfort's total consecration to Mary, and as a former protestant, she had not even developed a proper understanding of the role of Mary in the Christian's life. Having been raised by a mother who mistreated her and neglected her, unable to demonstrate any love, this poor woman was expected to embrace this devotion, afraid if she didn't, she would be lost, since everyone told her that devotion to Mary was a sure sign of predestination.
She was introduced to every devotion imaginable, encouraged to read the mystics and to imitate the saints, and deny, deny, deny, herself. She was told her childhood misery was something she deserved for her sins. What? She was a baby, a kid. She was told the path to holiness is a path of suffering and she should be grateful Our Lord allowed her to suffer. In the process, she lost her identity, never experienced love, always feeling guilty that she is a bad person - not good enough to be Catholic.
What a horrid misconception of Catholic spirituality. I say - don't read the saints if you think you have to be like them and scourge yourself and call yourself a worm, while damaging an already ravished psyche. Leave the mystics alone. Learn to love Mary in your own manner. This priest who was in her life, though very good, wasn't able to empathise with this woman. He directed her on a mystical path more or less formulated for religious in a contemplative community.
So many fail to realize that the saints were immersed in the knowledge and love of God, not through their own efforts, but through sheer grace - God first loved them - as the Evangelist writes. God touched, no, he embraced them in all of their fragility, with all of their sins and faults - or the potential for these - collecting their disintegrated selves as a bundle of myrrh, as a mother collects her child, holding it to her breast, to feed and nourish her baby. It is not enough to intellectually understand that God loves us, he must demonstrate this love - a love we do not, or cannot merit, because it is love freely given - and he gives it.
The conversion of Catherine of Genoa is one of the best conversion stories of the saints I have ever read. This vain and bitchy, humorless woman, in a crises of depression no doubt, reluctantly went to confession. Suddenly she was so impressed with the immensity of God's love for her, she was unable to confess, returning home in tears. It was the love of God that flooded her soul, melting her heart, healing her wounds, effecting within her this great conversion. Without this experience of knowing she was God's beloved daughter, she would never have become the saint she is, nor would she have been able to work so generously serving the poor sick. Neither did she fit the standard profile of the saint - she is rather unique among the canon of saints.
The treasury of the Church is rich with the teaching and examples of the saints, with wondrous revelations encouraging devotion, to help souls along the narrow way that leads to life. Everything is a means to an end however. St. Seraphim Sarovsky taught that if fasting or alms-giving gives you grace, that is, the Holy Spirit, then do that. If it is prayer and vigils, do that. yet the soul cannot do everything. He taught that the goal of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of love. It was the Spirit who grasped Catherine of Genoa in confession. It is the Spirit who prays within us when we do not know how to pray as we ought. It is the Spirit who wills and accomplishes within us every good. It is the Holy Spirit who renews, heals and vivifies the soul - uniting the disintegrated self.
And yes, this life is a veil of tears, sometimes accompanied by unbearable suffering, that is why we need the Holy Spirit to sustain us - to console us. The Holy Spirit is the Consoler - God does not desire us to be without consolation and sustenance, he just doesn't want us to seek it as an end in itself. In the final vision of Fatima, the angel held a sword pronouncing, "Penance, penance, penance." Many people do not realize that Our Lord told Sr. Lucia what penance he was asking for in these modern times; "The penance I now ask and exact is that people avoid sin, and fulfill the duties of their state in life." So many people of good will want to impose a host of other penances and prayers upon themselves, while neglecting the request of Our Lord.
It is quite enough penance, to refrain from sin, and to fulfill one's duties of one's state in life. Our first duty is prayer, for the lay person it doesn't necessarily mean the Liturgy of the Hours, or daily Mass, or litanies and tons of other prayers. Pray as you can. It remains the primary reason the morning offering is so efficacious, it unites the soul and all he does to the prayer and work of the Church, it sanctifies one's day. For some people, just getting up in the morning and going to work is a huge penance. be content with your weakness, do little things well. Many are just too little to have the great thoughts of the saints or to imitate their penance.
I think a fine form of prayer is that of the widow in yesterday's Gospel who wouldn't relent in her request, "Render a just decision for me against my adversary!" Not beating oneself up - but constantly praying the Lord for his love to fill our soul, presenting him with our bundle of problems, the disintegrated parts of our lives, so that he can put it all together again. Ask him to make you the saint he wants you to be - by identifying your person, and naming you - thus giving you the mission he created you to accomplish for him. And be patient, it sometimes takes a lifetime.
Jean Vanier has a lovely story he often tells of a severely handicapped man who liked to pray, when asked what he does when he prays, Frank said, "I listen." Vanier asked him, "What does God say to you?" Frank answered, "You are my beloved son!" Hold that thought! Hold it tight to your heart. "You are my beloved son!"
The physically and mentally disabled have so much to teach us about the love of God and the simplicity of experiencing it. The disintegration of the modern human person invites our empathy with the most damaged of society, while teaching us the need we all have to be loved and to love.
"Love then consists in this, not that we have loved God, but that he has first loved us..." 1 John 4:10
Pray without ceasing...
One of the greatest mistakes a person caught in sin makes is neglecting prayer. The Lord hears our prayer when we are reduced to hopelessness and find ourselves turning to him asking for help - especially when there is no one else, or anything else to turn to.
"There is no pit so deep that his love is not deeper still." Betsy Tenboom said that amidst the horrors of the concentration camp.
Saturday's Gospel always speaks to my heart when "Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary." Luke 18
The Gospel of Luke is particularly focused upon the mercy of Jesus. Jesus was speaking to sinners. Sinners who seek freedom from habitual sin. Some may come so far as to pray daily, go to confession, do everything in their power to break free of a particular sin. Or they may find themselves steeped in some addiction, and only when faced with their hopeless condition, turn to the Lord for mercy. Then our Lord, moved with pity at the sight of our misery, for that is the meaning of mercy, finally lifts the soul up, grants the grace of freedom. It may take years, but the Lord responds because of our persistence.
Never give up prayer, even when caught in some sin. Do not think about merit or anything else, just keep crying out. God hears the prayer of the sinner, the person in dire straights. People think they have to be good to pray - no! - God always hears the sinner when he cries out for help, for mercy.
He asks for our sins when we have nothing else to offer.
He welcomed sinners and ate with them.
He said those who are well do not need a Doctor - sick people do.
There is just not any pit so deep and dark that his love is not deeper still.
Today's Gospel is so encouraging - never let anyone discourage you from prayer.
NCCB and Burke
Archbishop Burke, St. Louis, MO
He was once a Bishop in this area. Tonight I watched EWTN News coverage of his speeches at the USCCB Conference. He was actually cut off at one point when he exceeded his 5 minute chance to speak. (They're kinda strict when they want to be - the Bishops that is.)
He spoke very well.
I remember when he was in our locality as a Bishop, some zealot went to the Vatican to protest his allowing a transsexual to become a nun. Minor local scandal.
I don't really even know if Burke was aware of the person's sexual condition. The poor woman is doing what now? I have no idea.
Burke strikes me as an extremely compassionate and orthodox prelate, concerned for the salvation of souls. He perhaps thought this transsexual person was not unlike early Desert Father stories of women who impersonated as men to live the ascetic life. I'm certain there were pastoral provisions in his handling of this woman's case. He is a good shepherd.
When he spoke at the conference, he seemed nervous, yet resolute. I was impressed with his courage. He is a good pastor.
Sometimes the inquisitors seem to demonstrate a lack of pastoral prudence. They often remind me of the people who participated in the Salem witch hunt a couple of centuries ago. I'm happy for them that they are so orthodox and holy, not like other men - or women. They must be very happy with themselves.
The Enneagram
New Age Spirituality-continuing to sneak through some cracks in the Church.
Do you even know what the enneagram is? It emanates from Sufiism, a mystical branch of Islam. It has been assilmilated by New Age Christians and passed off as a form of mysticism. It's sort of like astrology, I know a couple of priests who are more or less influenced by the enneagram and who use it's principles in their homilies, spiritual advice and confessions. I was always a little dubious about their orthodoxy after learning this.
The mandorla pictured is not an enneagram, yet many Christian enneagram enthusiasts would like to say it is. Read the following section from EWTN's library to discover what the ennegram consists of.
NEW DEFINITIONS:
"In promoting the Enneagram, an effort is made to take Sufi objectives, their kind of self- knowledge and knowledge of others, for the sake of promoting Christian objectives. But it's the opposite that happens: Christian goals are used for the sake of promoting the aims of the Sufi religion: the Catholic religion is assimilated into the Enneagram and the Sufi religion.
Catholics using the Enneagram talk about things like saints and sin and faith and "fruits of the spirit". Using these words makes it sound legitimate. But they are only adapting these terms to the Enneagram, by giving them different definitions." - EWTN Library
Richard Rohr is an enneagram enthusiast, having written extensively on it. It seems to be attractive to more progressive contemplative communities as well as priests and lay people interested in new age spirituality. I have re-printed some excerpts from a recent Stephen Crittenden interview with Fr. Richard Rohr found on The Religion Report, ABC National Radio.
"Richard Rohr is a well-known figure in American Catholic circles, very much in the tradition of the famous post-war Catholic monk, Thomas Merton. He was born in Kansas, has been active in the civil rights movement, and writes for the American magazine Sojourners, and for the National Catholic Reporter.
He founded a famous retreat centre in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Centre for Action and Contemplation, and he's on a speaking tour of Australia at the moment.
Stephen Crittenden: It seems to me that centres like yours have picked up a lot on Buddhist New Age retreat centres that we associate with California for example; that they're offering people something that they seem to want that comes out of monasteries, that involves retreats and something temporary.
Richard Rohr: Yes, I think that's true. You know that what's been called Buddhism, I as a Franciscan though, was taught by my own 13th, 14th century Franciscan mystics. But here's the difference: is we didn't have the sophisticated, refined psychological vocabulary in the 13th and 14th century, that Buddhists have now. So very often, Christians will find themselves drawing from Buddhist sources simply, in my opinion, because the refined vocabulary of what is happening to the ego, to the self. How does transformation happen? Their vocabulary is very often very helpful. Even though I know it's identical in substance to what our own Christian mystics taught. So it's a coming together that is, I think to the advantage of all.
Stephen Crittenden: You're part of the 800-year tradition of St Francis and St Bonaventure, but are you also in the sort of American 'feel good' New Age guru tradition? Is there part of the Oprah Winfrey and Dr Phil in what you're doing?
Richard Rohr: Well in the sense that I'm trying to find a language and metaphors that make sense to the present consciousness. If you want to call that New Age, I don't think it is, I think it's the Gospel of Paul himself, took upon himself to be all things to all people, and I think that's our task too. But whenever you do that, even John's Gospel that uses a philosophical word like logos, are we going to accuse him of being overly trendy because he found a language that contemporary people could hear? I don't think so. But that's an umbrella word like New Age is an umbrella word that Christians apply today to almost anything they don't understand. And they don't realise that some of the things they don't understand are their own tradition." - The Religion Report
"Richard Rohr is a well-known figure in American Catholic circles, very much in the tradition of the famous post-war Catholic monk, Thomas Merton." I like that quote. I think both guys are capable of misleading Christians away from authentic Catholic prayer, as well as doctrine. Merton started out great, but got a bit confused towards the end. Rohr may indeed be following suit.
More on clerical ambition
Cool detail from the Last Judgement scene, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua.
Giotto.
The Bishop has a bag of money, blessing the monk - looks like the promotion didn't take - although someone got the mitre.
Ambition
I posted this on my Leaflet blog because I liked the hat - The Saturno - looks way much better than the Biretta. Here is the priest's comments who posted it:
"Yes, the saturno is available in Rome. So much have the times changed that you even see it in clerical shop windows… along with other hats more than a few clerics of my acquaintance would like to have, alas."
I did not realize priests are ambitious for Bishoprics and the like. I guess I am naive. Although it could explain the pomposity in some - like climbing socialites I suppose.
Thanks A Lot Day
THANKSGIVING
(Pictured, my favorite dysfunctional family, "The Royal Tenenbaums".)
It's a week from tonight. So far only one person has asked me what I am doing for Thanksgiving. One year I told people I was preparing dinner at the Animal Shelter for homeless pets - and they actually believed me. I thought it was the funniest excuse I ever had - but no one picked up on the humor. (My very best friend Keevin tells me I am not funny.)
For years I would lie and say I was going to relatives, when I spent it with friends. There is such a thing about being with your family - I think that works if you have a normal one. (Although my sister has a lovely family, but I'm not a family type guy. She finally gets it.)
The holidays are a big stress time for many. Over the years I have worked hard to avoid the stress and pressure of family dinners and get-togethers. I just don't go. I used to say I was coming, but then wouldn't show up - but I realized that was rude. So now I just say, "No thank you."
But then there is the guilt. I've never liked Thanksgiving - it always seemed so Protestant to me. Dress up, act normal - until everyone had a little too much to drink, eat lots of food after having prayed grace for the first and only time all year, etc. I've never liked parades either, so I don't watch Macy's. But I do appreciate football - thank God for football! I also like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Home Alone" - two movies shown at this time of year.
I'm just not sentimental about Thanksgiving, or dysfunctional families. I've always asked my sister, "Why do I have to come over? You have your own family." After all of these years she leaves Uncle Scrooge alone. I usually get together with friends who feel as I do - although even then I'd rather be "Home Alone." I actually like to paint on the holidays - football in the background.
Very nice friends with family always invite me over, because I do not want to commit officious lies, I now just tell them, "I don't want to be with my family, so why would I want to be with yours." I thank them - but I have to be blunt - otherwise they are relentless. People make way too big a deal about this sentimental stuff - and I know I'm the envy of many a husband.
But if you have to go to the relatives house - and you don't like it - here is an article you may find helpful - or just don't go:
Holiday Family Angst
By Linda S. Mintle, Ph.D.
By Linda S. Mintle, Ph.D.
Dr. Linda Helps - It's that time of year again when most of us consider the trek home to join the family fun. For many, it's a trip into dysfunction, raising anxiety levels. Family get-togethers can create holiday angst -- a gift worth not giving!
Most of my therapy discussion this time of year centers on helping people prepare for family gatherings. My first piece of advice is this: do not idealize family relations. Unless you've all been in intensive therapy for a while, the family dance is not that different from years passed. Grandpa will still drink too much. Aunt Mary will be critical of the turkey. And Uncle Bob will be as obnoxious as ever. If you approach your family problems realistically, you can better prepare your reactions. Continue - Holiday Family Angst
Truth be told, when I was young and bad, Thanksgiving night used to be the most fun night of the year in the bars - everyone was in from out of town - out that night to escape the family. Although - in some ways - when you got back home, it was worse. I've repented and reformed since then.
"I have seen my doctor-
-and my doctor has seen me."
-John Gielgud in "Arthur."
I saw mine today - again!
What a list of ailments I have!
Keep me in your
prayers please!
(Just prayers though - no discussions!:)
Thank you!
This is much more discreet, don't you agree Rhapsody? :)
My Hare
This isn't her, but I have one just like her who sits all day long outside my door in the garden. She's really cute. She must be watching her nest. I allow the rabbits to live in my yard. It's very safe since it is tightly hedged, with an added barrier of ivy covered fence.
I wondered if rabbits reproduce even during the winter months, as this seems rather late in the season to have babies. I then reasoned that they must be destined to be food for another predator to get through the winter. I hope it's not one of those murderous, well fed, house cats who prowl about. They kill for sport. Kind of like people who hunt.
My cats are indoor cats. When they go out they remain in the enclosure. They just watch the rabbits, although sometimes Agnes likes to chase them.
Married Priests
News is the Holy Father is meeting with Bishops in a closed session to address the issue of married priests in light of crazy Archbishop Milingo's recent antics. Media likes to speculate on this question, but if they are hoping for any reversal on the discipline of a celibate priesthood, don't hold your breath.
I'm very happy with celibacy as a single Catholic man, as I think most priests are. The argument that it would elevate the dignity of marriage is a silly one, as is the argument that more men would be willing to enter the priesthood if celibacy was an option.
One of the chief reasons men and women are reluctant to enter religious life seems to me to be that there are so many lucrative career options for people today. In other words, people are immersed in a materialistic and hedonistic culture, relishing their freedom to do as they wish. There exists with this a reluctance to sacrifice this freedom and live under obedience. Naturally, this would indicate a lack of spirituality and mystic vision. (I also think when priesthood is presented as a career choice, and Bishops and clergy act more like CEO's and administrators, working in a 9-5 manner, with 1 day off a week - it isn't an attractive career path.)
A married priesthood would result in the understanding of the sacredotal state as just another career option, as opposed to a supernatural vocation. Meeting the new permanent Deacons and their wives suggests to me that a married priesthood would look much like this group.
Granted, the married Deacons are very fervent and dedicated to their ministry, while their wives, who usually go through training with them are a wonderful support. I have no problem with that. One does notice the wives are often very involved; some, not all, work in Church offices, or act as liturgists, etc. I could see this happening with married priests. The priest would appear to be a team with his wife. I think my confidence in him would somehow be compromised. If I needed advice, would his wife know about it? Would he turn to her for advice about ministry issues, instead of going to prayer and looking to his spiritual director or superiors for counsel?
I think the rule of celibacy vivifies the priesthood, raises it above the natural to the supernatural, freeing the priest to act in persona Christi.
I don't like the idea of a married priesthood. Archbishop Milingo is nuts - I hope they don't spend a lot of time discussing his issue.
The USCCB
I stole this picture from Don Marco at Vultus Christi - I thought that it exemplified the American Catholic Faithful at this time - even though it is an image of souls in purgatory.
I haven't posted about the controversies swirling about amongst the Bishops on Pastoral Care for Homosexual Persons. I've focused way too much on the gay thing of late - so much so people are wondering about me.
So head over to Amy Welborne's "Open Book" for hi-lights on their discussions - gosh - is she gay?
Here is her comment on the discussions:
"The quite difficult thing here is that the bishops who speak on this are just one step away from stating the full story on Catholic teaching on this. It is such a challenging thing to just say, "This is dis-ordered because it is not consistent with God's design for human sexuality that men have sex with other men or women with other women. There is a mystery at the heart of these temptations, there is goodness in deep affection between persons of the same sex, but yes - it is sinful to engage in this activity and to embrace it as a good. There are many holy people past and present who have struggled with this. They are not a "they" - they are us, a part of us, a part of the Body of Christ. But we can't and won't do what activists would like us to do which is, frankly, to throw Catholic teaching on sexuality completely out the window, and remake it in a completely different image, unrecognizable in the context of the broader and deeper tradition and, we believe, revelation of God." -Amy Welborne
I kind of think she believes it is an important issue that concerns others besides those people with homosexual inclination as much as I do.
Talking Jesus Dolls
I hate crap like this. Kitsch!
When I was little I loved beautiful statues and devotional pictures - I would have hated a cartoon Jesus.
At my company we sell another Rabbi-looking 'Loving Jesus' doll - he doesn't talk, but he is just as creepy. It sells like crazy. It is so Protestant. There is just no accounting for taste.
The news of late is that the Marines have rejected the Jesus doll as a donation for Toys for Tots. It isn't a question of taste - they said it's just that some kids may not celebrate Christmas. So why give them anything? I thought the whole Toys for Tots thing was to give poor kids Christmas presents they would otherwise not get.
I don't think it's such a big deal however. So they rejected it - it's religious - who cares? It's ugly and I wouldn't want my little boy getting a doll, unless it's some cool action figure. Nevertheless, I don't like the idea of Jesus being a doll. I can't stand the Jesus playing baseball pictures or him playing sports figures either. It's tacky - just like the laughing Jesus 'art'.
The entire controversy is because Toys for Tots rejected a Christian symbol. They can do that. Just as people do not have to say "Merry Christmas" - "Happy Holidays" works for me. Many people celebrate Christmas simply as a holiday anyway - it's a time for parties and lavish gift giving amidst sometimes excruciatingly painful family reunions, exhausting to the point most forget it is the Nativity of Our Lord. I don't know if Christians can force the issue down the throats of secularized society.
Although, I remain a firm believer that freedom of religion must be protected and public displays of the Nativity should be protected by the Constitution. (Although they're so often badly done.) Since this freedom has been suppressed in many cases, I imagine that is why everyone gets so stirred up about this Jesus doll thing. Choose your battles folks. (And remember, we still have a Madonna Christmas stamp - that says something about our Country.)
I'd rather protest making Jesus a toy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
