Old people just like to tell stories...

Okay - I promise - this is my last New Years Eve post - yes, Michael, I'll be more serious after this one.

Picture New Year's Eve 1967, I'm at home in my apartment at Fair Oaks, across from the Minneapolis Museum of Fine Arts, sitting on the sofa, sipping a scotch and soda, reading "Rosemary's Baby" - terrified.

Yes, the book was scary, yet years earlier, when we were playing with the Ouija Board in Larry's basement, I asked the question, "When will I die?" (I always ask that.)

The thing moved to "6" and then to "7". I was convinced it meant I would die sometime by the end of the year 1967. Having survived the year that far, I was waiting on New Year's Eve to see if I would die, while reading "Rosemary's Baby". One minute after midnight I said to my roommate David, "Well, I didn't die." And I finished my book. (Obviously, this was a couple of years before my conversion.)

Isn't that a cute story?

Anyway, it could be this year! In June; it's the 6th month in the year '07 - 6/07, or it could be when I'm 67 years old...but I'm not superstitious any longer. Anyway, how would the devil even know this stuff? (After all, he's the one behind Ouija Boards and all of that junk. And he lies. Right? ...Fr. Altier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Happy New Year and good night, ladies and gentlemen! I'm going to bed.

Michael, I promise I'll be better about posting after this. (He's so strict!)

Asti

and Moonstruck

One of my all time favorite movies - the last one I liked Nick Cage in - never forgave him for marrying Elvis' daughter.

Anyway - the Italian family in that movie was so like my neighborhood and my best friend's families - especially Linda's. Cher's character looks so much like my ex-sister-in-law, which I forgive Cher for - But Judy, honey, get a new look for heaven's sake!

I grew up in the Italian neighborhood on the East Side of St. Paul, Minnesota. It was in the "last days of little Pompeii" - before most of the old timers died and the kids got married and moved to the suburbs. Yes - it was like Moonstruck, as was the North End in Boston when I lived there in the '70's.

Over the years, none of my ritzy friends understood Asti Spumante. It's a beverage frowned upon in the elite tasty circles - especially when you put a lump of sugar in it. (You really only have to do that with the cheap stuff, it prevents acid reflux.) Yet it is so Italian-American, as Cher demonstrated in the movie.

Oh! I miss the days and nights and holidays in Linda's kitchen with everyone talking over each other! The Morelli's, the Rulli's, the Yarusso's, the Raiolla's, the Cocchiarella's, the D'amico's, the Farese's, the Corbo's - well maybe not them. Auld Lang Syne! Now isn't that what New Year's is all about?

(Looks like Ray isn't the only one with nothing to do on New Years - "Agnes - where the hell is that Asti?" She's already had too much catnip!)

Masked Ball

The meeting of Romeo and Juliet in Zeferelli's classic.

This is what I always wanted for New Year's Eve.

It never happened - I never met Olivia Hussey.

(My cats and I are having a masked ball of our own tonight. Just kidding! Wouldn't that be funny though? "Agnes, pour me some more Asti!")

Hey Ray - Look at This!

This guy was Time magazine's Man of the Year for 1938!

"Written at the very peak of his political successes, this Time magazine article conferring on Adolf Hitler its coveted "Man of the Year Award" for 1938 offers a fascinating contemporary perspective of the Fuhrer prior to the outbreak of WW II." -found on Cynical-C blog

There is just no accounting for 'human error'!

(I found out Ray at Stella Borealis is a history buff and has nothing to do on New Year's Eve. Everyone should hit on him tonite - place comments on his posts that is.)

Kvetching

What's a kvetch? It's yiddish for a complainer - or a bitch. This is Helen Thomas - not that she's a kvetch - I just like her smile.

Anyway - I got an email from Ray who obviously has nothing better to do on New Year's Eve than surf the net and read parish bulletins. It was about SJA! St. Joan of Arc parish in Minneapolis. The pastor had shared some kvetching he hears from his parishioners when he dares try to adjust the SOP of his parish.

There is just no accounting for church people, is there. When I grew up one would never dare question the pastor - he was in charge of the parish like a little pope. So it's not just the more Catholic-than-the-pope parishes that kvetch if something is tweaked a bit, it's the progressivist faith communities as well. And not just parishes, religious communities can be the same way.

The Church As Police State

(I'll post a snip from Fr. Debruycker's pastors page at the end of my anecdotes. God bless our priests who endure such criticisms.)

• One local Church pastor has received complaints and criticism because he went with a different parish calendar this year. I hear it is more modern, I don't know if it's the art or there are no fish symbols on Fridays in Lent.

• Another new pastor was criticised because he had to limit the daily Mass schedule due to fewer priests available.

• In another instance, a pastor received objections for placing the new Advent wreath in the sanctuary.

• I know of a chaplain who decided to celebrate Mass ad orientem - facing the tabernacle - instead of facing the people, to the objections of many.

• I was once close to a group of nuns where some bitterly complained their chaplain never used the word "sins" at the penitential rite when beginning Mass.

• I also heard of a pastor who limited the wearing of the cassock for Sunday liturgies only - and didn't take the objections well. The rule remains however.

• Another nun complained that the same priest did not pray the ritual prayers or use holy water when he blessed a sacramental, or when he heard confession without a stole.

• A priest I know who had been invited to a wedding, danced with another guest. A member of the wedding party asked him to stop since it was scandalous for a priest to dance.

These are just petty annoyances - but I know many priests get a lot of critical email, oftentimes scathing and mean spirited. Priests have a tough enough job as it is, I think they deserve more respect and better treatment - no matter how liberal or traditional they may be - but don't overdo it with the pompous ones.

So here is Debruycker's kvetch - not his - but a few he received in the mail:

Pastor's 2 Cents: Fr. Jim DeBruycker:

"I thought it time to catch up on some e-mail responses. (Of course I will answer them from my point of view and sound like a martyr.)

1) Why don’t you lose some weight; you are so heavy you make me feel uncomfortable?

I’ll try.

2) Why do you have to say Body of Christ so loud; can you turn down the mike?

I have been preaching for the last 20 years in Churches with a poor or non-existent sound system. I’ve developed a booming voice; friends kick me under the table at restaurants and shush me all the time. Also, our family starts to go deaf at my age. I’ll try and turn it down.

3) Why do you have to talk so fast?

Blame Miss Lentz in grade school. She was my speech therapist. I used to lisp and stutter. After years of work she got me past that, but the speed is an ongoing problem. I’ll work on it.

4) I bless you in the name of the Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. It’s in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. For God’s sake get a script!

Actually, that blessing is a less than adequate gender compromise which was made up by God knows who, so I made up my own which at least allows for some kind of a personal God. I did write my own script.

5) Where did the seating arrangement come from? Is it being imposed by the chancery?

When I arrived at St. Joan’s I had a couple of concerns. The mike in the middle of the altar was so clumsy you said mass around it. I was told it had to be that way because of the guest speakers’ and lectors’ needs. I suggested a separate pulpit which was ignored. After Fr. Egan’s funeral the Archbishop requested we have a separate place for the liturgy of the word. This request was brought to the Liturgy Committee whose response was, “We will do it, but not until we can theologically justify it.”

My other concern was that the Eucharist was part of a show-mass at the ‘uptown bar.’ The music is great, but it would be nice to have a separate area for the Eucharist where we could put more emphasis on it, while still being true to St. Joan’s communal spirit. In early fall Vicky Klima, the Archdiocese Liturgy Director, made a pastoral visit. We discussed different Church arrangements to heighten communal involvement while maintaining the integrity of the different liturgies taking place, as well as the music accompanying these liturgies. What you see in the gym is a result of that brainstorming: the different pods for the liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the people engaging each other by facing each other in their seats. However, the building fights against this arrangement for a variety of reasons, including sight lines, sound, etc. It is a work in progress. I believe we had over 100 comments, out of 10,000 parishioners, mostly against the present arrangement, neck cramp being the most mentioned problem." - St. Joan of Arc

Pray especially for priests engaged in the "reform of the reform" - there are many starting gates in this race. Fr. Jim is doing the best he can, given his starting gate position.

"What comparison can I use for the men of today? What are they like?
They are like children squatting in the city squares and calling to their playmates,
'We piped you a tune but you did not dance,
We sang you a dirge but you did not wail.'" - Luke 7: 31

New Year's Eve

Night Clubbing

Painting by Tamara de Lempicka

New Year's eve once held a special fascination for me as a boy because of all the 1930's screwball comedies I used to watch on TV, depicting a mad-cap gala, while awaiting my parents return home with noise-makers and crowns for us to play with.

Later, when night clubbing on this eve, I desperately tried to have the same fun I imagined from the old movies. I never, ever had a fun time on New Years. Nevertheless, I still like the Art Deco memories the artist de Lempicka documented so well in her paintings.

New Year's is far too overrated. For me, it's nothing but a chronological transition, a turn of the page in one's calendar.

Fr. Nicholas has a charming history of New Year's traditions on his blog "Roman Miscellany". The feast of the Annunciation at one time was the New Years commemoration, I like that.

(If you never read the British Catholic blogs, I highly recommend you do - they are extremely informative and revealing as to how fervent the British are in their faith, their concern for continuity and the Church, not to mention their ardent desire for "the dowry" to be returned to the Church of Rome. I am always edified with these sons and daughters of the great martyrs of the Church of England and Wales.) Pictured below, The Martyrs of England and Wales.

The Pope on Gays

"Homosexuals hurt themselves."

Pictured, Albrecht Durer, "The Men's Baths"

"In his most powerful statements to date on issues involving sexual morality, Pope Benedict XVI said homosexuals end up destroying themselves so the Church has a duty to speak out on moral issues that affect the very spiritual and physical lives of man.

"In seeking to emancipate himself from his body (from the 'biological sphere'), [man] ends up by destroying himself," the pope told cardinals, archbishops, bishops and members of the Roman Curia last week in a traditional meeting overlooked by most of the world's press. "Against those who say that 'the Church should not involve herself in these matters,' we can only respond: does man not concern us too? The church and believers must raise their voices to defend man, the creature who, in the inseparable unity of body and spirit, is the image of God." - World Net Daily

Most homosexuals will fail to see the compassion in the Holy Father's words, as they fail to understand the teaching of the Church as regards homosexuality, in both the Catechism and various episcopal statements on the problem so mysteriously prevalent in contemporary times.

Many gay people would assert that homophobic tendencies in culture, and society are what hurts homosexual persons. Evidence of discrimination, gay bashing, and alienation would be their criteria in support of this claim.

When AIDs first appeared in the early 1980's, there was a huge denial amongst most gays that there could be any relationship to homosexual sex, and if there was, conspiracy theories abounded as to who was really infecting people. Gradually, places of free-range sex were closed, gay bathhouses were closed down, and gay public sex meeting places were policed. Homosexuals themselves began a campaign for safe sex, such as condom distribution and use, mutual or group sex that did not involve penetration or sharing bodily fluids, etc.

With the advent of new medications, persons with HIV found they could live longer and healthier. The plague mentality waned, and many, especially the young, thought the worst was over, or at least, the disease became more manageable. Sex gradually became freer and more unsafe, and infections once again began to rise.

Most likely, this will be what public opinion will assume the Holy Father is referring to - destruction of gay persons through STD's. I highly doubt the Holy Father was being so simplistic and superficial in his statement.

So how does a homosexual destroy himself? We concentrate all of our values upon the here and now. Hence, HIV and AIDS aside, if we look for how a homosexual can destroy himself, we may find other more obvious means, when we examine the lifestyle and values of gay culture.

As a sex based lifestyle, gay culture exalts physical beauty to the point of idolatry. Almost every attractive male becomes a sexualized, or romanticized object. Homosexual literature and publications are the clearest example of this predacious inclination, pornography is normative in the homosexual subculture. In this sense, homosexuality debases and dehumanizes sexuality. This erotic 'love' withers the soul, and diminishes the human spirit.

Depression, chemical dependency, compulsive behaviors often accompany this disintegration - even in the best of homosexual persons - the most balanced and functional. The widespread use of anti-depressants and prescription sleep aids may often take the place of drug abuse or alcoholism, yet there remains the underlying problem. Again, societal marginalization or prejudice may be claimed as the reason for this psychological imbalance - what they like to refer to as homophobia. Yet, even in a perfect world of total acceptance and all that goes along with that, such as gay marriage, adoption of children, freedom to be promiscuous, etc. - even in this situation, there would remain an underlying, fundamental discontent. That is because homosexual sex is intrinsically disordered, no matter how romanticised or emotionally captivating. And the acts are DOA - dead on arrival - they are always unproductive ( not life generating), except in the sense of selfish sensual gratification.

Ultimately, and this is controversial, homosexuals destroy themselves the more they force their lifestyle choice upon the public, disrupting the common good. Nature rebels against any perversion, and there is inevitably a natural consequence, even chastisement, for sin . The Church warns against any discrimination or persecution of homosexual persons, and has spoken out against these evils and resulting violence. The Church compassionately invites homosexual persons to conversion of life, to share fully in the sacramental life of the Church, and thus to inherit eternal life.

Which leads me to the conclusion that the Holy Father, when saying homosexuals destroy themselves, he must ultimately be referring to one's eternal salvation. All the evils I refer to are nothing compared to the loss of one's immortal soul.

Of course, I'm just a blogger, and I've only read an article about what the Holy Father said, I do not know his mind, nevertheless this is my take on his statement. Although I do believe, one's active rejection of the teaching of the Church and the commandments, while embracing and advocating an illicit lifestyle, for the sake of some semblance of happiness in this life can indeed result in the loss of heaven and the pains of hell for all eternity. In this sense, even the successful, happy and well adjusted homosexual can destroy himself.

Coincidence

On this date in history.

Saddam Hussein executed December 30, 2006.

Grigor Rasputin ececuted December 30, 1916.

Not that there is any real significance to this, aside from the fact they were two men who did evil things, and were executed at a pivotol time in their country's history.

Now here is a guy...

With a fresh perspective on things.

On Catholic blogs and the coming indult:

"What is coming clear, now, is that a parting of the ways is coming: I predict the pope's expected Motu Propriu will expose a fault-line -- between those who genuinely want to pursue the "reform of the reform," and those who really couldn't care less about that, but rather are focused on the restoration of the old rite. Many of these self-styled "traditionalists" are being very plain: entirely scrap the Rite of Vatican II they derisively call Novus Ordo, a title they claim the Church herself gives the Mass (true in the barest technical sense: Paul VI used the expression, in a speech, once). A number of these folks, with little prodding, will proceed to tell you how heretical and evil the current rite of Mass is. And they don't stop there." Bonfire of the Vanities

Read Fr. Martin Fox on the Old and New Mass...he has some very good insights.

I drive, and don't mind driving to a Church where liturgy is celebrated well. I'm still attending St. Agnes. Good solid young priests are there, just like Fr. Fox. I so hate the constant arguing about rites however. No, I do not like the abuses, and I've experienced many, I never have liked them, why do you think I hate contemporary liturgical music? - yet the Mass of Paul VI is the prayer of the Church, it is legitimate, valid, holy and efficacious and does indeed give glory to God. To claim otherwise is a source of scandal that has kept not a few from benefiting from the grace that flows from what has been condemned by some as the Novus Ordo Church.

There are a few traditionalists who like to say they are indeed more Catholic than the Pope on the basis of the rite they celebrate - perhaps, and that is a very slim perhaps - what they fail to realize however, is no one can be more holy, nor more Catholic than the Church, of which, Benedict XVI is the head, the Vicar of Christ.

Let the Motu come when it will - the Church remains One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic - with or without it.

Becket

I read once where he would never have been a saint if he hadn't been martyred. Which reminds me of of Amy Welborn's comment on her home page, "She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick." (This quote is what endeared Amy to me - one has to love such humility.)

I think Becket was Richard Burton's best role. St. Thomas was very worldly, athletic, finely educated, and possessed exquisite taste. Amidst all the temptations of court it is said he remained virtuous and chaste. Always a just man, even though the king's best friend.

He died opposing the State, murdered in his Cathedral at vespers. After his death his piety and asceticism were soon found out, he had worn a hairshirt, and privately lived a penitential life with minimal comforts. Actually, I think he would have been a saint regardless of the martyrdom.

Henry VIII dismantled his shrine and his relics were lost, undergoing a posthumous martyrdom of sorts at the hands of another king I'd say.

Catholic Online has a good biography on the saint while Fr. Nicholas has an interesting post on the feastday as observed in the UK.

St. Thomas Becket brings to mind a similar martyr - I wonder if Archbishop Oscar Romero will ever be canonized? He does have the title, "Servant of God".

Is a meme an interview?

Catholic Devotions Meme (These things go around like a cold.)

1. Favorite devotion or prayer to Jesus?

Frequent spiritual communions throughout the day and uniting myself and all I do to His silent loving action in the Eucharist. The Divine Mercy chaplet and the prayers of the chaplet - it brings one into immediate union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass being celebrated throughout the world.

2. Favorite Marian devotion or prayer?

The Little Office of the BVM - the pre-Vatican II version, and of course the rosary, as many as I can pray each day.

3. Do you wear a scapular or medal?

Yes. The brown scapular and medal - the medal was for times I could once go shirtless - too fat now. Also a Miraculous medal and a St. Joseph medal.

4. Do you have holy water in your home?

Yes. But not in a font - it evaporates too quickly. I bless myself and the cats frequently with it.

5. Do you 'offer up' your sufferings?

Of course - the morning offering and acts of union with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus takes care of that. However, I prefer to thank Our Lord for the sufferings I may experience. A holy Carmelite, Mother Mary Electa of Christ said, "Prayer is good, suffering is better." I would add, "Gratitude in both is best."

6. Do you observe First Fridays and First Saturdays?

I have done so several times over - there are specific requirements you know, 9 and 5 in a row, respectively. Having done that, I keep them more freely now.

7. Do you go to Eucharistic Adoration? How frequently?

Yes. Often. Not always in a specified Eucharistic chapel however. I never mind praying before a closed tabernacle. In addition, I neither count the visits, nor do I keep track of how long I'm there.

8. Are you a Saturday evening Mass person or Sunday morning Mass person?

Earliest and quietest Mass possible on Sunday morning.


9. Do you say prayers at mealtime?

Yes, even for snacks - but no one notices when I do - I don't make a production out of it.

10. Favorite Saint(s)?

That's a long list. Our Lady and St. Joseph and my guardian Angel and St. Michael are the first, and in that order. Otherwise, Therese and Francis. John and Teresa. Alberto Marvelli and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Benedict Joseph Labre and Joseph Moscati. John Macias and Martin and Rose of Lima. Pierina Morossini and Maria Goretti. Dominic Savio. Br. George and Conrad of New Melleray. Laura Vicuna and Charles Untz. Dorothy Day and Mother Grace of the Eucharist. Matt Talbot and Angela of Foligno. Bernardo of Quintivalle and Roch. Margaret of Cortonna and Catherine of Genoa. And two popes, John XXIII and John Paul I. These are just a few who immediately come to mind.

11. Can you recite the Apostles Creed by heart?

Of course - how can one be a Catholic otherwise?

12. Do you usually say short prayers (aspirations) during the course of the day?

Yes - but I mostly think and share my thoughts with Our Lord and Lady and St. Joseph all day long - And, I frequently say the act of contrition throughout the day for all the slips of my tongue and sins of pride.

13. When you pass by an automobile accident or other serious mishap, do you say a quick prayer for the folks involved?

Yes indeed - the school sisters taught us that. I also pray for people whose cars I notice abandoned on the freeway from the previous night, certain they may have been arrested for a DUI. And I pray for anyone having car problems. I like to pray for pedestrians I see as well - just in case no one prays for them. I designate all of these with a discreet sign of the cross using my forefinger as I pass by. And of course, I pray for ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars - the public servants in them, whenever I see or hear them.

14. (This should be here.) Do you tip your hat or make the sign of the cross when you pass a Catholic Church out of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament?

Without fail - usually by tracing the sign of the cross with my thumb over my forehead with a silent "O Sacrament most holy..."

So - whoever wants to do this meme, go ahead - it's a good examine in a way. When younger and seeking my vocation, I often asked contemplative monks and nuns how they prayed. A meme is kind of like that, we can learn from others when we share some of our practices with one another.

President Ford

The country begins it's mourning period for Gerald Ford, the "accidental" President. He never aspired to be president, while he seemed to be rather charmingly accident prone, as Chevy Chase brilliantly mimicked - much to the delight of Jerry and Betty.

Most enemies of the Nixon administration never forgave President Ford for pardoning his predecessor. I thought it gallant of him to do so. Mercy is always peace-giving and healing, and our country sorely needed that at the time. Much as we do today.

The Fords were a rather ordinary family in many respects. One has to admire how they supported one another in crises. Betty's breast cancer, her chemical dependency struggles.

It's sad to think that Mrs. Ford is pro-abortion in view of all her troubles. Yet the majority of the elite do embrace such errors.

One does not have to agree with another's politics to like the person, perhaps it is all the more reason to pray for them.

I just liked the guy. May he rest in peace.

Photo courtesy of the Ford Library and Museum.

A happy death...

Catholics are accustomed to pray for a happy death - rather, they ought to be. What is happy about death? It is dying in the state of grace, dying in the Lord.

Today's gospel, the prophecy of Simeon captures it well.

"Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you prepared in the sight of your people,

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel." - Luke 2

Saddam

His execution may happen as soon as Saturday.

It isn't right to let him pass without comment. Everyone has their own opinion of course, I just hope the Christian opinion will not be biased by media or popular sentiment.

News is that his execution will be videotaped. Mussolini was photographed hanging after his execution. Video taping his death seems rather uncivilized. He has not been treated well since his capture, many undignified photos of him have blanketed media, even in his underwear, or footage of Saddam unshaven while his teeth were examined. The Vatican has protested all along. After all, he was head of State.

Sources in the Vatican (Cardinal Martino) are against his execution. If there was a way to allow him to live without influencing others toward violence or to obtain his freedom and restoration to power, I would prefer his life to be spared. Despite the brutalities and mass murders of his regime. For what it is worth, when he ruled, Iraq experienced a form of peace - at least Christians were free to worship.

Nevertheless, he will be executed, and sadly, I do not believe his execution unjustified - yet I cannot cheer it on. As Christians, I hope everyone prays for him. It is unusual that we know of a person's death before it occurs, except in the case of those we put to death, I hope everyone will pray for the soul of Saddam - especially the Divine Mercy chaplet, as Our Lord requested for the dying.

Gerald from "The Cafeteria Is Closed" has a post about Martino's opposition to Saddam's death sentence.

"If you fall I will catch you--I'll be waiting - time after time"

"If I collapse, someone is sure to find me." -Therese of Lisieux on being sick. (Reminds me of Cyndi Lauper's song.)

Last night I did collapse and a friend found me. I fainted after a sharp pain and coughing while attempting to post last night. It was so weird. The last thing I remember is leaning over in my chair, then I awakened to find myself on the floor, dreaming about what I had been posting, hearing someone call my name. I had no idea as to what happened or how long I had been unconscious.

My face was scraped a bit, my jaw knocked out of line, and my left elbow sore and swollen, with a pounding headache. I was rather disoriented as well. I refused to go to the hospital and went to bed instead.

Today I felt pain, dizziness, and just plain sick. I decided not to go to the ER because the wait was a couple of hours - or so I had been told the day before. I made an appointment with my regular Dr. instead.

The fainting isn't that unusual, indeed it has happened before - I just worry it could happen when I'm driving. The sharp pain in the chest indicates more heart stuff - not a heart attack - but something called pericarditis. It's like an inflammation - viral perhaps, that's causing a fever and other things. It's not so serious. It could also be related to the fact I've been on antibiotics going on the second month now. My health is like a soap opera. The worst part is being a burden, as well as a disappointment to others.

"We would like never to fall. What an illusion! What does it matter, my Jesus, if I fall at every moment? I come to recognize by it how weak I am and that is gain for me. You see by that how little I am able to do and You will be more likely to carry me in your arms. If you do not do so, it is because you like to see me prostrate on the ground. Well, then, I am not going to worry, but I will always stretch out my suppliant arms toward You with great love. I cannot believe You would abandon me." (Letter to Celine, April 26, 1889)

Jeffrey Mylett

I'm stunned. I met this guy when I lived in Assisi - we shared a room at the Atonement Sisters, just up from the Basilica Santa Chiara. I had a photo of myself with him - that I sent to David and Stephanie - they were supposed to send it back! David! I want it back!

Jeff was in Assisi because he loved St. Francis and was spiritually seeking after acting in "Godspell". He was very humble - he told me he was in "Godspell" but I hadn't realized he had a starring role in it. We became friends in that short time. We went to the Carceri together, I stayed for a few days, when I returned, he was gone.

Tonight, as I was looking for a good looking character to post for my profile photo, I came upon Jeff. I was so sad to learn he had died. I know we all die, but it's stunning to find out, no matter when. I'm absolutely stunned.

We were the same age...I'm jealous...and deeply saddened. He died in 1986.

Wow! I'm just so saddened. I didn't know.

Now that's a Holiday!

Jennifer Holiday.

You know - I still listen to her CD with "And I'm Telling You - I'm Not Going!" The very best rendition ever - from the original Dream Girl! Although I haven't seen "Dream Girls" the movie yet. I think Jennifer Hudson will do it justice however. (Her best break came when she was voted off American Idol.)

Anyway, while we're on the subject of Kwanza. Yeah, it's not going to catch on, no matter how much media likes to pretend. I mean, Christmas is Christmas, ask any practising Christian of African descent.

Kwanza is an intellectual forgery, seeking to supplant the Christian celebration of Christmas with a nature based, ethnic parody of a religious festival. Do people really buy it? Gosh, I don't think so.

Nevertheless, I'll go see "Dream Girls" as part of my celebration of Misrule. For the lowdown on the Kwanza thing, MSN has the details.

Oh, and happy Festivus too!

Back to gossip...

Pictured, "Man with his head in the sand"...a common disorder many bloggers attempt to help other people with.

Did you get a chance to read Eric Scheske's piece in the National Catholic Register on gossip in the blogosphere? Now this is an excellent article on the subject, and he's a good writer to boot, in fact that's a good Catholic newspaper isn't it. That's the Catholic spirit Eric!

"Why are rumors a natural part of the blogging media? They lack the rigors of doing real research and verification. On more than one occasion, a reader of my blog has written to me, stating that my facts weren’t quite right. I respond unapologetically: “Yup, my facts may have been inaccurate. It’s just a blog. I link to my source and let my readers make up their minds.”

Don’t get me wrong. I try to present accurate facts. I never re-produce something that I know is wrong and I often check and verify my facts. Just last month, for instance, I started to refer to Jacques Maritain as a convert to the Catholic faith from Judaism. Something told me to look that up and, indeed, I was wrong. Maritain was raised Protestant." Eric Scheske

Yup. I think I pretty much said as much in my own interview with a local Catholic newspaper whose bosses seem to dislike bloggers.

Happy Misrule!

"Eat Sand!" - Jon Lovitz for the Spirit.

Christmastide

Now would be the time to celebrate.

Eric at the Daily Eudemon remarked that if people have post holiday depression, they probably followed the American custom of celebrating throughout Advent. It's a good point.

Kids understand the season of Christmas, no doubt because they have the week off. Adults, who take their vacation time this week, may also understand. While those who pray and looked forward to the Nativity, will especially understand the joy of the season.

The Lord or Abbot of Misrule.

Today is Boxing Day in the UK and Canada, my favorite resource, Wkipedia, has the history:

"There are disparate theories as to the origins of the term. The more common stories include:

It was the day when people would give a present or Christmas 'box' to those who have worked for them throughout the year. This is still done in Britain for postmen and paper-boys - though now the 'box' is usually given before Christmas, not after.

In feudal times, Christmas was a reason for a gathering of extended families. All the serfs would gather their families in the manor of their lord, which made it easier for the lord of the estate to hand out annual stipends to the serfs. After all the Christmas parties on 26 December, the lord of the estate would give practical goods such as cloth, grains, and tools to the serfs who lived on his land. Each family would get a box full of such goods the day after Christmas. Under this explanation, there was nothing voluntary about this transaction; the lord of the manor was obliged to supply these goods. Because of the boxes being given out, the day was called Boxing Day.

In England many years ago, it was common practice for the servants to carry boxes to their employers when they arrived for their day's work on the day after Christmas. Their employers would then put coins in the boxes as special end-of-year gifts. This can be compared with the modern day concept of Christmas bonuses. The servants carried boxes for the coins, hence the name Boxing Day.

In churches, it was traditional to open the church's donation box on Christmas Day, and the money in the donation box was to be distributed to the poorer or lower class citizens on the next day. In this case, the "box" in "Boxing Day" comes from that lockbox in which the donations were left." Wkipedia

(Boxing day may be a good way to re-gift the gifts you neither like or want - rather than going to the department stores to exchange them, yeah, that's not going to fly.)

Now the Lord of Misrule goes back to Mediveal times, the origins of which are traced to pagan Rome, wherein it was celebrated for the feast of Saturnalia. Again, Wkipedia:

"The Lord of Misrule, known in Scotland as the Abbot of Unreason and in France as the Prince des Sots, was an officer appointed by lot at Christmas to preside over the Feast of Fools. The Lord of Misrule was generally a peasant or sub-deacon appointed to be in charge of Christmas revelries, which often included drunkenness and wild partying, in the pagan tradition of Saturnalia. The Church held a similar festival involving a Boy Bishop. The celebration of the Feast of Fools was outlawed by the Council of Basel that sat from 1431, but it survived to be put down again by the Catholic Queen Mary I in England in 1555.

While mostly known as a British holiday custom, the appointment of a Lord of Misrule comes from antiquity. In ancient Rome, from the 17th to the 23rd of December, a Lord of Misrule was appointed for the feast of Saturnalia, in the guise of the good god Saturn. During this time the ordinary rules of life were turned topsy-turvy as masters served their slaves, and the offices of state were held by slaves. The Lord of Misrule presided over all of this, and had the power to command anyone to do anything during the holiday period. This holiday seems to be the precursor to the more modern holiday, and it carried over into the Christian era." Wikipedia

As Carnival, which really begins on Twelfth Night, January 6th, the Church would often condemn the practices associated with the Lord of Misrule. (It is so easy for us mortals to become debauched.) Yet a re-adaptation of the custom, with discretion, could help people celebrate Christmas well, while refraining from the temptation to be so caught up in the manufactured commercial observance of the Holiday, which more or less ends on Christmas day night - for those who fall for the hype.

It makes me wonder if much of the holiday blues isn't the result of celebrating too much before Christmas, as Eric suggests. Or is it that many people in our culture lack an authentic spirituality, not to mention catechesis?

I'll tell you this, if my Company (which is a Catholic Company) would host our annual Christmas party the week after Christmas, instead of the week before, I would definitely attend...although it interferes with every one's vacation time I suppose.

In the days I entertained, I always had a St. Nicholas dinner, and then, an Epiphany party, and little gifts were given at both to all of my guests. I more or less stopped doing these, since guests caught on and started bringing me gifts - they didn't understand that it was just for them to receive and enjoy, and the events became an obligation to buy something for me and each other in return. That gift giving thing can get so out of control. (That could explain another reason people get depressed after Christmas, they have to pay the bills. Or they didn't get the coat they wanted!:)

On the feast of Stephen

Good King Wenceslas did something today - I can't remember the words of the carol though.

The 26 December is the feast of St. Stephen, martyr. As I mentioned in an earlier post, never be surprised by violence and tumult during the time we commemorate the birth of the Prince of Peace, that is, at Christmas.

Steven is the protomartyr for Christ, a deacon in the early Church, Saul (St. Paul) was there to witness the stoning. Everyone knows the story. I believe his feast is celebrated to demonstrate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus so that we who celebrate Our Lord's Nativity may not lose sight of the cross. While the witness of Stephen may encourage those who are suffering amidst the celebration of Christmas.

The radiant countenance of Stephen's face as he was being stoned, seeing Our Lord in glory as he did, mirrors our own joy of seeing the Divine Infant Jesus in the extreme poverty of Bethlehem. After all, it couldn't have been very pleasant laying in a manger, in a cold, dirty cave, amidst the animals and the odors associated with them. Yet heaven and earth rejoiced that day, and Love was made visible to all.

One more picture...

My Bambino on Christmas Eve...He has His toys, St. Nicholas came from the Orthodox Church and the Latin Church. The relic of St Francis de Sales has been there all along with The Virgen of the Apocalypse...St. Joseph is in the illumination from the minature book. The angels brought the crown that usually adorns the top of the Christmas tree.

Lord of Misrule...

Fond reminiscences of Christmas past...I'm verklempft!

(Caution, do not read unless you received a sense of humor for Christmas.)

"I am so sick of this Christmas B--- S--- ...put your Christmas presents away and get out!" -My mum on Christmas afternoon.

I can't stand it. I've been way too serious for too many days in a row - Christmas is fun - I can't be so solemn! I have to break the holy-holy atmosphere here.

I was like this in the monastery as well - I always had to do something stupid to make people laugh - and get myself in trouble in the process - like pretending to be extremely drunk as I walked down the cloister after compline. How was I to know we had tipplers in the Abbey who thought I was making fun of them? Geesh! Monks can be so sensitive.

Or when I had to call the other novices after work detail in the garden, "Aelred, Isaac, c'mon honey - it's bath time!" I was pretending to be Ward Cleaver, you know, Beaver's dad, although I said it in June's voice. I had no idea it sounded gay - nor was I aware we had...

Of course, there is nothing like those wonderful family Christmas memories to crack me up either. (I imagine most everyone has delightful holiday memories like these.)

Such as the Christmas when my dad finally got a job and all my mother wanted was a coat for Christmas. He was gone all Christmas Eve day - shopping, although, he spent most of the day in a bar - just making it to the department store before it closed. When he arrvied home, drunk and late, he proceeded to show Skip and Beth and myself the coat. Of course I, the budding ready-to-wear expert asked, "Are you really going to give her that?" It looked like an old ladies coat made out of foam with a dead rat collar. Well, he gave it to her, and she opened it - knowing, I'm certain, it would be ugly.

Sure enough, it hit the fan.

"Where'd you steal this rag? The Goodwill?" said Betty, dryly and ever so coldly. "Beth, fix me another drink." Then the tears came flooding out and complaints on how she never got a decent Christmas present in her life, and how she bought a mink coat for her sister-in-law when her brother was broke and she was never paid back. And suddenly, "Baby Jane" was in the house. Tears turned to wild eyed fury, and shouts. Oh! The drama!

Enter Jack Nicohlson from "The Shinning" - shouting over mom, "I bought that G-- D--- coat at the Emporium and the sales clerk said it was the current fashion."

"For your bitch of a mother maybe!" At this point she was ready to fight - my mom and dad had such chemistry!

"Don't call my mother a bitch!"

"Well, she's nothing but a slut - married six times - give her the G-- D--- coat! You were drunk when you bought this Sunny Boy! It's a markdown - the tag is still on it!" She screamed, throwing the coat onto the Christmas tree - in other words, she threw down the gauntlet.

Whack! Her glasses go flying across the room. Before new tears and laments, my mom - who could be very funny, calmly asked my dad, "Oh! So now you're going to buy me a new pair of glasses for Christmas as well! Aren't you just a giver though!"

The kids were in the kitchen pretending to appreciate their presents - hoping to eat...my dad leaves...mom fixes another drink...we eat...I'm old enough - 6th grade I think, to get out for midnight Mass - while Skip and Beth took off for friend's houses.

The End.

Christmas is fun - just wait until twelfth night - that is the most fun! (I wonder if I should do a twelve days of Christmas series of Christmas memories?)

Oh Tannenbaum! At The Met Museum NYC

I'm still trying to take a better photo of my Christmas tree - until then, this is the very best Christmas tree in the world, with a lovely Neapolitan presepio at the base.

We really have the Germans to thank for the continuity of the Christmas tree. I read where the Holy Father has two trees in his apartment. (I hope his kitty cat is with him.) He also has all of his Bavarian delicacies to eat, and Kloster beer. I wonder if he will have marzipan? It would be fun to spend Christmas with him.

One should read Athanasius Contra Mundum for a fine history of the Christmas Tree and it's Christian significance.

This is the best close up I could find of the Presepio, from the collection of Loretta Hines Howard. In addition to this donation to the Met, she also donated a lovely presepio to Regina Laudes, the Abbey in Bethlehem Connecticut, where Mother Delores Hart resides.

The Word became flesh...

"One Word the Father spoke (Which is His Son) and this Word He speaks in eternal silence, and It is in silence It is heard by the soul." - St. John of the Cross

The Grace of God Has Appeared...

And the people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light...

For today a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord!

A blessed and holy Christmas to all!

Christmas Eve...

A painting by Michael Sowa. (See, the guy has his computer!)

"Alone on Christmas"

(Actually, I'm not alone, a friend is here. But I love quiet Christmas eves.)

Being alone on Christmas is rather nice if one is religious - especially so when one is a Catholic.

As one ages, especially when one is single, Christmas changes. The emphasis, in my experience, is less upon self, gifts and parties, and becomes decidedly more spiritual, concentrated upon the mystery of Christ's birth, while focused upon others and their needs. (Even when one is a hermit of sorts.)

Being alone is not as frightful as others think. Men and women enter cloistered monasteries and never see their families or share in worldly celebrations, just as hermits have done for centuries. The urban hermit does likewise.

Christmas is completely different for the mature person, since the celebration has long evolved to acclimate the person to relishing the solitude.

Those who need compassion, our thoughts and prayers - as well as our presence, are those abandoned in nursing homes, or those who have recently lost a loved one, thus radically changing their experience and perception of Christmas.

Others in need are the soldiers, whether in combat or stationed away from family and loved ones, many away from home for the first time.

The men and women in prison - even if it is a psychological prison of some illness or disorder, along with the homeless of course, and the indigent.

There are families trapped in abuse, battered wives and children. The sexually exploited of all ages, as well as those entangled in the drug culture, or a life of crime and violence of any sort.

Neither can we forget those who refuse to believe in Jesus, or those who may not understand Him, or even know of Him.

These are the people who are really alone on Christmas, and not always by choice.

Let us remember them when we visit the creche to adore the Divine Infant Jesus.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Devotion to the Nino Jesus in Carmel

Pictured, "The Nino of St. John of the Cross."

The Carmelite nuns of Lake Elmo first introduced me to devotion to the Child Jesus as a young adult at the time of my conversion and return to the Church in 1972.

As a child I never felt attracted to the devotion of the Infant Jesus, mostly represented as the Infant of Prague, as I pretty much thought it sissified and only for little girls. I was more attracted to the mature Jesus, especially His Sacred Heart, probably because I needed a strong masculine model in my childhood, since my father was often absent.

It wasn't until my second conversion in 1978 that I was able to embrace the devotion completely. In the early 1970's, after returning from a rather sinful life, my focus was upon the passion of Christ, particularly His Holy Wounds, and Holy Face, devotions that are the balm of penitents.

Later, the Carmel of Our Lady of Divine Providence at Lake Elmo, Minnesota, finally published their novena booklet to the Infant Jesus. Mother Paula sent me a copy practically each time we corresponded. The nuns made public their custom of the monthly novena to the Infant Jesus from the 16th to the 25th of each month. I adopted the practice in union with them.

This happened at a time of awakening in my second conversion, wherein I understood the roots of my sin went all of the way back to childhood, hence the Divine Child Jesus became my companion and counsellor in the process. In the beginning I could only bring myself to venerate Him as the Bambino in the poverty of Bethlehem. Gradually, as He took me through His Childhood while mirroring my own, I was able to embrace every aspect of His Childhood, delighting in nearly every representation, albeit the Bambino remains dearest to me.

The monthly novena is an efficacious spiritual practice. It focuses the soul upon the mystery of the Incarnation, the Nativity, and the early years of Our Lord's life. The nuns recommend that one not limit the Divine Child by asking for particular favors, since He already knows our needs. I pray the novena to draw close to the Divine Child with the confidence that I shall want for nothing. However, He is a little Child and He knows how little children are, hence he is never put off by our particular requests, indeed, He enjoys listening to them.

The chief effect of devotion to the Infant Jesus is He becomes our constant companion, and increases our capacity to love. In some cases He heals the wounds inflicted upon us in our childhood, tracing our sins to these roots, helping us to overcome them, or at least humbly repent, with greater self knowledge each time we fall. The Infant Jesus instills humility, confidence and love, as He traces out the way of Spiritual Childhood for us.

The Divine Child is vulnerable and open to all, especially sinners. He teaches us to refrain from judging another, or condemning another, and if we do, He quickly reminds us of our own sins to gently reprimand us. With him the soul is able to see the Divine spark within even the most hardened and offensive person, often indicating to us that person's pain, loneliness, and isolation. The Divine Child teaches us to love and have compassion, even upon ourselves - He rejects no one who comes to him. He elicits such a love from our hearts that we quickly find ourselves loving without desire for sensual gratification or self-seeking, rather loving for Love's sake alone.

The monthly novena also prepares us for the Solemnity of Christmas, since we are already disposed to the true meaning of the feast. Devotion to the Divine Infancy prepares the heart, as a farmer has plowed and planted his field. waiting for the heavenly dew of this mystical night, when the grace of God has appeared. Although, this night, even the least prepared soul, upon gazing at the Divine Infant cannot help but be impressed with His merciful love...it is not just the many He invites and welcomes, but all.

Tonight, in Carmel, the nuns, with lighted candles, will process with the Infant Jesus, from cell to cell, looking for room at the Inn. Each nun, will arise to meet her Bridegroom until all the community has joined the procession. Finally they will arrive in chapel and place the Little Jesus in the manger, and midnight Mass will commence. During the Octave of Christmas, the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague will be exposed in the extern chapel for the veneration of the faithful.

The Infant Jesus once revealed to the venerable Fr. Cyril, "The more you honor me, the more I will bless you." Indeed, He has certainly blessed our Carmel with many fervent and holy vocations in response to their devotion. He has blessed me as well.

Merry Christmas!

The Passion and the Child Jesus...

This morning at vigils, I read the account of the martyrdom of St. Joseph Cho Yun-Ho, a Korean martyr from 1866. He died, after great torture, following his father St. Peter Cho Hwa-So, beaten to death in front of his mother on this date, December 23, 1866.

Immediately after Christmas we celebrate the feast of the blessed Stephen, martyr. On the 28th we celebrate the massacre of the Holy Innocents.

Never be surprised at suffering and death amidst the wonderful celebrations of Christmas, the Divine Child, carrying His cross in this painting, indicates the way that leads to eternal life.

Pray the Divine Infant Jesu will succour those condemned to death in these days celebrating His sacred Nativity...especially those who will be murdered or commit suicide, and our men and women involved in combat or defense...ah! And most especially our dear brothers and sisters and children in the military!

Pray the Infant Jesus to manifest Himself to these - He simply must do it if we ask Him. (The little Jesus is always most obedient and in His humility, He does what He is asked to do. Have great confidence in the Infant Jesus!)

I wish...

Pictured, St. Nicholas rescues sailors in a storm.

I wish I could be like St. Nicholas, and fly to those in need, providing for their wants, obtaining grace in abundance.

The levitation and flights of St. Nicholas, and his secret distribution of alms, became the source for the legend of Santa Claus flying through the air, distributing gifts by dropping them down chimneys and the like.

I wish I could do that - there are so many people I would love to do that for - far too many to count. One has to be a saint to bilocate and levitate and fly, and to work such miracles.

I have to remember I am not Santa.

Just one more shopping day...

At least where I work - being a Catholic company, we are not open on Sunday. Traditionally, December 23 is the busiest day in our Store all year - even when we are open on Christmas eve. (Warning - if you shop with us - we close at 5PM sharp - and I lock the doors 10 minutes early.)

For me, after tomorrow, the madness is over. We've had a pretty good year, and a good season. Yet I'll be interested to get the stats on how retail did overall this year. I have to admit, we are just about even with last year - but it just hasn't been as busy as in previous years.

I think people are maxed out on credit and I think quite a few are having trouble with balloon mortgage rates, while some may be defaulting on their home loans.

Whatever, I'm glad the rush will soon be over. Sadly, by Monday evening - Christmas day - most people will consider it over entirely. Television will not have any Christmas after that day. Few seem to realize the Christmas season just gets started on Christmas. If Christians were not so secularized, they would do the gift thing on January 6th, Epiphany, and save themselves a bundle by shopping the sales after Christmas day...sadly, many modern Christians share the common belief that Christmas is over after the gifts are opened and the turkey is devoured...annoyed, if they are Catholic, that they have to attend Mass on New Years day, the feast of the Mother of God.

Details

This is a detail of a life-size,wood carved sculpture of the Holy Family our Church Goods Store had been commissioned to create by Fr. Paul Sirba when he was pastor of Maternity of Mary in St. Paul Minnesota. The statue is in place in their new chapel, which is still under construction.

The image was carved and polychromed in Italy by Moroder Studios.

The photo does not do the statue justice, it must be experienced.

What a Christmas gift for the parish, huh?

The Ecstasy of Christmas...

The mystery of the Bambino Jesu.

Pictured, "St Francis receiving the stigmata", El Greco

I looked everywhere for a painting of St. John of the Cross dancing in ecstasy with the Infant Jesus - I could find nothing. Perhaps I should paint something - I did so once and sold it without documenting it, therefore it is lost forever.

At Christmas I often meditate upon the birth of Christ in company with St. Francis of Assisi and St. John of the Cross...both saints who easily became enraptured with the Divine Infant in the arms of the Immaculate Virgin Mother. This painting of Francis somehow conveys to me the mystical grace of such an ecstatic meeting with the Bambino.

Today there remains the charming custom to wait until Christmas eve to place the Bambino in the manger, this is good for liturgical situations, or families who wish to bring the mystery of the night alive for their children - yet I never wait, in fact I always have the Bambino displayed in a little nicho, or shrine, all year - at Christmas he comes out in a special display.

Reflecting on the spirituality of John and Francis, I find it interesting that modern taste deems Francis light of heart, all sort of warm and fuzzy, while John is considered dark, and forbidding, too ascetic and severe for ordinary taste. That is silly. Francis may have been more severe than John in many respects. Nonetheless, both were balanced, spiritual men, passionately in love with the Divine Infant Jesus.

By the way, St. Francis did not invent the creche, he popularized it.

Christmas - A Marian Feast

I once read where the celebration of the Nativity was largely a Marian feast in the early centuries.

In fact, Candlemas, once known simply as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, was also understood to be primarily a Marian feast, albeit, never losing the focus upon Our Lord's presentation in the temple.

After the Second Vatican Council, the emphasis was changed and the feast was designated as "The Presentation of the Lord". The reform dictated that every liturgical celebration be Christological in focus, as if it hadn't been before? In retrospect, some of the reforms emanating from the Council seem an attempt to take away from devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Most likely to satisfy the 'separated brethren' of the protestant reform, as if the Catholic Church had previously exaggerated devotion to the Blessed Virgin. How strange, since the Orthodox esteem and honor Our Lady far more eloquently and devoutly than anyone else, except for the Latin rite - up until Vatican II.

I wish someone more learned than I would discuss this subject - if they have not done so already, say Don Marco, or Fr. Zuhlsdorf, yet maybe Athanasius should do it.

I've always been disappointed that some of the feasts of Our Lady have been downgraded - or suppressed, while others have had the focused changed. On December 18 there once was a commemoration of "The Parturition of the Blessed Virgin Mary" a feast in anticipation of the Nativity, now obviously supressed.

At least the Church continues to refer to the Marian character of Advent - perhaps only the Hispanics really understand it, with the devotion of Posadas.

Christmas Spirit...

The very best! A painting by Wm. Holbrook Beard, "Santa Claus". It is the best depiction of Santa I've ever seen, and coincides perfectly with my image of him.

I was 'infected' by the Christmas Spirit today. I gave in! I even sent out some cards. I went on a buying rampage as well.

I love buying the unexpected for the unsuspecting.

I was so outdone however, by a poor old lady who came into our Store. She wanted to explain that a gift certificate for $150- that she had won at one of those parish deals - she in turn likewise donated her 'gift' to the Church wherein she had won it. She continued to explain how she supplemented the re-gift with a blank check to add on any extra expenditure, should they need it. She was so humble about the matter and wanted to tell the manager because she was afraid we may question the transaction when it occurs. It wasn't easy, for the poor woman was embarrassed to have to confide all of this to me in the first place.

There are many little saints among us, in our parishes, and neighborhoods...very simple, little souls. These are the ones the Lord approves of, the humble and afflicted. I had the feeling I had met the poor widow from the Gospel, "who gave all she had" in the Temple coffers.

What did our Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta say? "Give until it hurts." Or something like that. "O! Sweet cautery!" as my John of the Cross would exclaim.

I love Christmas!

Fr. Z is fun!

He had this quiz you see...

Fr. Z's car was red- how telling! Obviously I'm over my mid-life crises - although it was fun while it lasted.

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

Company Christmas Party

Blogging is on hold for the Company Christmas party tonight...I should be there for Keevin...

Although, who am I kidding, I declined the invitation due to my poor health - I'm trying to get over something and I need my strength for this busy week of holiday sales. Harrison and I are getting old you know.

I was complaining that I don't even have time for Christmas cards and my friend Keevin - one of the owners... said I should stop blogging all the time and get them done. (He's such a dad!) I protested, "How can I let my public down at Christmas time? My blog has to be my Christmas card to the world." (That was said in jest.)

Nevertheless, I really can't bring myself to do cards yet. So what would be wrong with sending them out for the octave of Christmas? In modern times, all the focus is on the days leading up to and including Christmas day - then it's over. Many people even take their trees down on the day after Christmas. What's that all about?

Indeed, so often people get depressed after Christmas, it's a huge let down for them. The days prior to Christmas are filled with celebrations and parties, shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, and cards. Those cards! Expectations are high - call it anxiety, until the actual feast of the Nativity. I have to wonder if most people's expectations are really focused upon the meaning of the Nativity? I don't see how it can be with all the distractions leading up to it, along with all the obligations.

Christmas wasn't even a major feast in the Church until about the 3rd or 4th century. Easter was always the great feast of Christianity. Of course the celebration of Christmas developed over the centuries, yet the exaggerated celebration of the holiday really accelerated from Queen Victoria's time to the present, where it has now become rather insane. What with the orgy of gift giving, commercialism, and excess, not to mention all of those parties. Not that anything is wrong with that.

I have to admit, it's a fun time of year, to be sure. Perhaps if I wasn't in retail...

Anyway - I think I'll do my cards on Christmas day, that way, they'll get to my loved ones during the 12 days of Christmas, instead of the last week of Advent.

Invisible people...

The poor...

I had to pass through the downtown area in Minneapolis today to deliver a late order to a retired priest - he had ordered some imprinted cards and the order had been delayed. He lives in a nice apartment building not far from a very poor neighborhood.

I refer to the entire vicinity as 'downtown' in the sense that anything below Lake St. really is downtown to me. Although most people think downtown is the business/shopping district.

I must say I was impressed with the urban renewal that I saw. Much of the area is becoming more gentrified, although there are pockets of slum, for lack of a better word - around the Franklin Ave areas. I admit I picked up the downtown thing when I worked in Edina, affected as I was by the affluent suburbans who feared going into Minneapolis. I was never afraid of the seedy parts of the city, but I never ever go downtown any longer for anything. Hence it was like visiting another city for me.

It was a profitable excursion for me today, I must say. I was startled to see more than a couple of homeless people with large shopping carts full of stuff, these same people dressed in layers of coats and pants, with scarves and hats. I assume some of the homeless I saw were mentally ill, but not every one of them. (I think we often convince ourselves that we must have a reason why people are homeless; they're nuts, they're druggies, they're trash...we have to somehow label it - while dismissing, in a sense, their humanity. I expect we more or less objectify them at best - we 'give' to them - their 'plight', without acknowledging their person, as we would acknowledge one another of a more privileged class.)

Pictured: A homeless 'shelter'.

I was ashamed of myself, living in a nice house, in a nice neighborhood, going to a nice Church, being with well dressed friends, eating nice food, taking warm showers...all the insulation I need to distract me from the poverty of the city. (See, I need to make the poor anonymous by referring to "the poverty of the city".)

I delivered the cards to Father, who hadn't shaved in days, wearing his dirty t-shirt and shorts, in his stocking feet. He lives all alone in an apartment - in a part of town I still don't like, near Uptown. When I was young and hip, I thought it a cool place to live and hang out - now I hate it - no matter how many upscale condos they build. I realized this priest was invisible to most people now as well. I think he was touched that I brought over his order. (I wasn't however, I just did what I felt he deserved after our screw up.)

Maybe because I have been reading Dickens, but my experiences today made an impression upon me. I realize how blind I have become to the needs of others, to the invisible people. They are only invisible because I've chosen not to acknowledge them. I may see them in my day to day experiences, nevertheless I never see them in their context. I recognize their poverty, but do not even attempt to imagine their living conditions. I can give money to help them, or a kind smile, but I move on in a hurry to get back to the comfort of my home, forgetting all about them. The irony is, I insist that I am always aware of them...nevertheless they remain poor and miserable while I am comfortable and doing everything I can not to be miserable. In essence, we are no different from these poor, except maybe the fact that they remain invisible.

Who are the invisible anyway?

Mentally ill people are always invisible, so are people who work but cannot afford health insurance. We can't worry about them because the State or some charity will take care of them. After all, that's why we donate to charity and pay taxes to the State. We convince ourselves we cannot let ourselves worry so much about them, while keeping them in our 'general intercessions', yet maintaining our own comfortable lives, snug and smug because we give alms and pray for them. We do our 'duty'.

Immigrants are more or less invisible - they have to be if they are illegal. We may meet them at a fast food drive up window, or witness them in a kitchen on our way to the restroom in a better restaurant. We don't think about them however. Just as we don't think about a nursing assistant in a nursing home, or a janitor in an office building. There is quite a long list of invisible people.

For instance, the elderly are invisible. Who pays attention to old people? Unless they are a person of status or means.

Prostitutes are invisible - except to the people who exploit them. (I noticed them today as well.)

Anyone in a poor neighborhood, especially kids - they are invisible too.

Alcoholics and drug addicts are invisible - in fact - the only ones who notice them are those who show them the door - or the police when they are called.

Yeah, just about all the poor, they are pretty invisible - they never ever experience what it is like to be respected by another human being. I think it's safe to assume few even know what the meaning of dignity is, and if they do, they rarely are treated with such.

Christmas is the time we give our alms, whether it be food, clothing or money, and we feel so good about it - all warm and fuzzy. We find ourselves then free to enjoy our festive gatherings and luxuries, while the poor fade from our consciousness, into invisibility once again.

God bless the liberal Churches, such as St. Joan of Arc, or St. Stephen's and that saintly Mary Jo Copeland, and all of their volunteers, who never let the poor out of their sight- who serve them throughout the year, and not just at Christmas.

[For an enlightening post on prostitutes, please go to Adoro Te Devote and read her post on "The Patron Saint of Prostitutes" - she helps us see them from an unique perspective.]

Christmas Carol - Part III

The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come!

"The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached. When it came, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery.

It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. But for this it would have been difficult to detach its figure from the night, and separate it from the darkness by which it was surrounded.

He felt that it was tall and stately when it came beside him, and that its mysterious presence filled him with a solemn dread. He knew no more, for the Spirit neither spoke nor moved.

'I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come?' said Scrooge.

The Spirit answered not, but pointed onward with its hand.

'You are about to show me shadows of the things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us,' Scrooge pursued. 'Is that so, Spirit?'

The upper portion of the garment was contracted for an instant in its folds, as if the Spirit had inclined its head. That was the only answer he received.

Although well used to ghostly company by this time, Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him, and he found that he could hardly stand when he prepared to follow it. The Spirit pauses a moment, as observing his condition, and giving him time to recover.

But Scrooge was all the worse for this. It thrilled him with a vague uncertain horror, to know that behind the dusky shroud, there were ghostly eyes intently fixed upon him, while he, though he stretched his own to the utmost, could see nothing but a spectral hand and one great heap of black.

'Ghost of the Future!' he exclaimed, 'I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?'

It gave him no reply. The hand was pointed straight before them.

'Lead on!' said Scrooge. 'Lead on! The night is waning fast, and it is precious time to me, I know. Lead on, Spirit!'" - Dickens, A Christmas Carol.

(I could see who it was - it was Billy Crystal dressed up (see picture) at the 1998 Oscars! I so wasn't scared!)

Since the Spirit doesn't talk - I'll quickly relate what transpired...

So I could hear all of this canned laughter coming from an auditorium. Someone was giving a speech or something - and he was reading from my writings - yes - even this blog!

"And here," the speaker dryly reads, "he states that he doesn't believe in Global Warming and he goes on to poke fun at The NCCB!" (Roars of canned laughter.)

Someone from the press shouts out, "He claimed he knew who would be the next Archbishop!"

(More Canned laughter - in stereo this time.)

"Then this guy, with his tattered old Polo shirts and corduroys, claims to be the arbiter of taste and fashion!" (Rolls of canned laughter in surround sound.) The speaker then presents a photo of an old, fat, balding man with a W.C. Fields nose, up on the screen behind him - the studio looked like Oprah's set at Harpo - it was really, really nice.

"Here he is ladies and gentleman, Mr Terry Nelson!" (Real laughter this time!)

OMIGOSH! It was me! They were making fun of my writing and blogging and, and, the way I look and dress.

"How does it feel, Mr. Nelson?" said the phantom - looking straight into my face with that horrid Billy Crystal drag visage! Then he pointed that horrible hand, it wasn't bony, as in the story, it was a chubby, well manicured hand with a huge diamond pinkie ring. (Billy is getting to look kinda Jewish. I hate pinkie rings!)

There we were, in front of a gallery, gone out of business because they had an exhibition of my art. The gallery owner was using my paintings to heat his loft upstairs - burning them in his fireplace - throwing vodka on them to make them explode in delightful multi-colored flares!

"How could I be so stupid as to show these paintings? They are all so derivative, mediocre, and just plain stupid!" The gallery owner told his wife - who looked remarkably like Roseanne Barr - still quite fat even after surgery.

Re-runs of Hollywood Squares was on the TV his wife was watching, while casually munching on nachos, and Jim J. Bullock was doing an impression of me - he even used my name. Was the entire world mocking me? Couldn't I stop it?

The Spectre of death pointed to a morgue wherein doctors were examining a body, which looked a lot like Harrison Ford to me. I heard the one pathologist, who bore an unmistakable resemblance to George Clooney, state emphatically, "OMIGOSH! I guess he wasn't a hypochondriac after all! Look at this kidney damage, and the cancerous stomach - what is this prostate - it looks like a rotten orange! Oh my gosh! These lungs are are like tar pits."

"Look at the heart, it's all whithered like a rotten old shoe, hard as a rock!" Proclaimed another pathologist - he was definitely Dr. Drake Ramore! (Joey from "Friends" for the pop-culture impaired.)

"The brain is as small as a peanut!" Declared the nurse - who so was Nurse Diesel from "High Anxiety". (Sorry - I'm casting this as I write.)

"All righty then!" I said to the Ghost, "I am so out of here."

And the Spectre laid his chubby little hand on my shoulder, the diamond in his pinkie illuminating a headstone in a cemetery. I had to move forward, discovering it was just a resin headstone, patinated to look like stone. (How cheap and tacky is that?)

I collapsed in laughter when I read the inscription, "Terry Nelson - 1978-2007: He was No Damn Good" (That's what my mom and dad always told me, I thought that was sweet.) Beneath was a quote, "See, I told you I was sick!" With one of those dreadful smiley faces.

I looked at Billy Crystal in disbelief, recalling the Dickens story wherein Scrooge uttered these lines:

'Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead,' said Scrooge. 'But if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me!' - A Christmas Carol

And finally I awakened to white noise on my TV, within my darkened chamber, the wind howling outside, the shutters banging. The clock radio suddenly burst forth with Burl Ives', "Holly Jolly Christmas" - I covered my head with the pillow and wished I was dead. This next week, the last before Christmas, is just going to be a bitch if you're in retail! Kching!

Happy Holidays to all! God bless us everyone! Remember, life is just one big sitcom!