Old Calendar: St. Felix of Valois, confessor
From: Luke 19:1-10
The Conversion of Zacchaeus
[1] He (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through. [2] And there was a rich man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. [3] And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. [4] So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. [5] And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." [6] So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." [9] And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost."
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Commentary:
1-10. Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind; He has healed many sick people, has raised the dead to life and, particularly, has brought forgiveness of sin and the gift of grace to those who approach Him in faith. As in the case of the sinful woman (cf. Luke 7:36-50), here He brings salvation to Zacchaeus, for the mission of the Son of Man is to save that which was lost.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector and, as such, was hated by the people, because the tax collectors were collaborators of the Roman authorities and were often guilty of abuses. The Gospel implies that this man also had things to seek forgiveness for (cf. verses 7-10). Certainly he was very keen to see Jesus (no doubt moved by grace) and he did everything he could to do so. Jesus rewards his efforts by staying as a guest in his house. Moved by our Lord's presence Zacchaeus begins to lead a new life.
The crowd begin to grumble against Jesus for showing affection to a man they consider to be an evildoer. Our Lord makes no excuses for his behavior: He explains that this is exactly why He has come--to seek out sinners. He is putting into practice the parable of the lost sheep (cf. Luke 15:4-7), which was already prophesied in Ezekiel: "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the crippled, and I will strengthen the weak" (34:16).
4. Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus, and to do so he has to go out and mix with the crowd. Like the blind man of Jericho he has to shed any kind of human respect. In our own search for God we should not let false shame or fear of ridicule prevent us from using the resources available to us to meet our Lord. "Convince yourself that there is no such thing as ridicule for whoever is doing what is best" ([Blessed] J. Escriva, "The Way", 392).
5-6. This is a very good example of the way God acts to save men. Jesus calls Zacchaeus personally, using his name, suggesting he invite Him home. The Gospel states that Zacchaeus does so promptly and joyfully. This is how we should respond when God calls us by means of grace.
8. Responding immediately to grace, Zacchaeus makes it known that he will restore fourfold anything he obtained unjustly--thereby going beyond what is laid down in the Law of Moses (cf. Exodus 21:37f). And in generous compensation he gives half his wealth to the poor. "Let the rich learn", St. Ambrose comments, "that evil does not consist in having wealth, but in not putting it to good use; for just as riches are an obstacle to evil people, they are also a means of virtue for good people" ("Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc."). Cf. note on Luke 16:9-11).
10. Jesus' ardent desire to seek out a sinner to save him fills us with hope of attaining eternal salvation. "He chooses a chief tax collector: who can despair when such a man obtains grace?" (St. Ambrose, "Expositio Evangelii Sec. Lucam, in loc.").
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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Just for Today, November 20
Thou knowest, O Lord, what is best; do with me as Thou knowest, and as best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy honour.
Put me where Thou wilt, and do with me in all things according to Thy will. I am in Thy hand, turn me round which way Thou wilt.
- Bk. III, ch. xv.
For some time past I had offered myself to the Child Jesus to be His little plaything. I asked Him not to treat me like an expensive toy, that children look at but scarcely dare to touch, but like a cheap ball that He could throw on the ground, kick, pierce, leave in the comer, or press to His Heart if He pleased. I wanted to amuse the Child Jesus and give myself up to His childish fancies.
In Rome He heard my prayer, for He pierced His ball...no doubt to see what was in it...and then, pleased with His discovery, let the ball drop and fell asleep. What was He doing in His sleep, and what became of the forgotten toy?
Jesus dreamt that He was still playing; that He took up the ball, and then let it drop; that He threw it far away, and at last pressed it to His Heart, never to let it out of His little hand again.
- H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Put me where Thou wilt, and do with me in all things according to Thy will. I am in Thy hand, turn me round which way Thou wilt.
- Bk. III, ch. xv.
For some time past I had offered myself to the Child Jesus to be His little plaything. I asked Him not to treat me like an expensive toy, that children look at but scarcely dare to touch, but like a cheap ball that He could throw on the ground, kick, pierce, leave in the comer, or press to His Heart if He pleased. I wanted to amuse the Child Jesus and give myself up to His childish fancies.
In Rome He heard my prayer, for He pierced His ball...no doubt to see what was in it...and then, pleased with His discovery, let the ball drop and fell asleep. What was He doing in His sleep, and what became of the forgotten toy?
Jesus dreamt that He was still playing; that He took up the ball, and then let it drop; that He threw it far away, and at last pressed it to His Heart, never to let it out of His little hand again.
- H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Thoughts and Counsels - November 20
Meditation for November 20, My Charge
It was while Zachary, the father of St. John the Baptist, was exercising the functions of his office according to custom that God communicated to him His secrets. (Luke i, 8-9.)
A charge and the duties that are attached to it do not seem to be a great thing, because it is something customary and there are many who must fulfill a charge; but I am never nearer God nor is God more inclined toward me than when I exercise my charge.
I don't have to sanctify myself according to the abstract plan of a religious life established in general. No, but I must sanctify myself within the very concrete boundaries of my personal life and employment. For every passing hour I have my position and the exigencies of my Institute, that is to say, by the will of Providence, a program of determined activity. If I fulfill this program to the best of my ability, I can do nothing in the world which would please God more.
It is not a question then of having a beautiful life, of accomplishing this or that, of executing such a great action, but of cleaning a casserole, or a corridor; it is a question of accomplishing at a definite time what God asks of me, whether it be great or small, important or unimportant according to worldly standards.
Besides, in principle, a little action is more important than a great action, because it demands more humility. If, then, my charge requires almost all little actions of me, I should rejoice, for it is easy to sanctify myself through them.
Considering the merit of my actions, not so much according to their intrinsic supernatural value but according to my dispositions in performing them, my acts are worth the charity that animates them. If I put a great love into them they are great things.
"I will put forth every effort to sanctify myself in my work; to do it well and to animate it with as much love as possible. In this manner I will best prepare myself to receive the secrets of God if He has any to confide to me."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
A charge and the duties that are attached to it do not seem to be a great thing, because it is something customary and there are many who must fulfill a charge; but I am never nearer God nor is God more inclined toward me than when I exercise my charge.
I don't have to sanctify myself according to the abstract plan of a religious life established in general. No, but I must sanctify myself within the very concrete boundaries of my personal life and employment. For every passing hour I have my position and the exigencies of my Institute, that is to say, by the will of Providence, a program of determined activity. If I fulfill this program to the best of my ability, I can do nothing in the world which would please God more.
It is not a question then of having a beautiful life, of accomplishing this or that, of executing such a great action, but of cleaning a casserole, or a corridor; it is a question of accomplishing at a definite time what God asks of me, whether it be great or small, important or unimportant according to worldly standards.
Besides, in principle, a little action is more important than a great action, because it demands more humility. If, then, my charge requires almost all little actions of me, I should rejoice, for it is easy to sanctify myself through them.
Considering the merit of my actions, not so much according to their intrinsic supernatural value but according to my dispositions in performing them, my acts are worth the charity that animates them. If I put a great love into them they are great things.
"I will put forth every effort to sanctify myself in my work; to do it well and to animate it with as much love as possible. In this manner I will best prepare myself to receive the secrets of God if He has any to confide to me."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Catholic League: Pundit for Fox 2 St Louis Goes Berserk
From the Catholic League:
On November 15, Fox 2 pundit J.C. Corcoran slammed St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke and subsequently contacted the police when someone complained about his screed. We called Fox 2 news director Kingsley Smith for his position and learned that he stood by Corcoran.I wonder if KTVI's advertisers feel the same way as Corcoran and Smith? Maybe it's time to let them how Catholics feel about this?
Corcoran opened his remarks by saying he was not a practicing Catholic, admitting that “many years ago I gave up on religion basically because I thought it was silly.” Here is an excerpt of his remarks about Archbishop Burke and the Catholic Church today.
“Burke is old school, but I’m not convinced old school works right now. Too many things have changed. What I see, again from the outside, is the Catholic Church pretty much at the end of its public relations rope. The sex scandals continue to mount, the flock is thinning, and young men and women aren’t exactly knocking down the doors of seminaries and convents trying to get in. And locally, instead of a respected spiritual leader in the community, you have a guy who’s been stomping around, alienating, threatening, intimidating, excommunicating and carrying on since the day he got off the plane from Wisconsin.”
Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows:
“They have some serious problems at Fox 2 in St. Louis. They have a commentator whose insulting remarks are matched only by his ignorance of his former religion, and they have a news director who is equally irresponsible. Calling the cops about a Catholic woman who merely registered a complaint suggests that thuggery is another quality of the Fox affiliate. Perhaps they’ll call a SWAT team about my statement.
“We are blanketing the media outlets in St. Louis—print and electronic—letting them know about their colleagues at KTVI. To say that Corcoran and Smith are unprofessional is an understatement—they are disgrace to journalism and should be disciplined for their unethical behavior.”
Four Points on the Church's Teaching about Homosexuality
By Archbishop John C. NienstedtArchbishop Nienstedt has a clear and unambiguous article here. He also supports Courage and Encourage...Something which many are loathe to support. But because he speaks the truth at a time when many wish truth to be banished, he has, as expected, incurred the wrath of those who deny the laws of God and the natural moral law: Activists Respond to Archbishop Comments on Homosexuality
I was pleased that Joe Towalski, editor of The Catholic Spirit, addressed the issue of the church's teaching on homosexuality, derived as it is from an understanding of the natural moral law, and the reason why those who promote homosexual activity or a homosexual lifestyle are not permitted to speak at Catholic institutions.
I thought his presentation was balanced and quite helpful as far as it went. I propose this column as a sequel to his, in the sense of providing four footnotes, if you will, to the points he made...:
Those who actively encourage or promote homosexual acts or such activity within a homosexual lifestyle formally cooperate in a grave evil and, if they do so knowingly and willingly, are guilty of mortal sin. They have broken communion with the church and are prohibited from receiving holy Communion until they have had a conversion of heart, expressed sorrow for their action and received sacramental absolution from a priest.
“This should be a wake-up call for all Minnesotans,” said Catholic Rainbow Parents convenor Mary Lynn Murphy. “Such extreme talk from the most prominent Catholic leader in our State not only offends Catholics, but all LGBT citizens, their families and friends, and gives license to hatred and violence against all of us.”Faithful Catholics are looking to bishops who will proclaim the truth while unfaithful or dissenting Catholics are looking for those who will confirm them in their sins, especially their sexual sins. They want to receive positive reinforcement that their sins against God are OK...
Those who love the darkness refuse to accept that "Those who actively encourage or promote homosexual acts or such activity within a homosexual lifestyle formally cooperate in a grave evil and, if they do so knowingly and willingly, are guilty of mortal sin."
It's pretty simple, really - Mortal sin separates one from God - and which, if unrepented, will result in eternal damnation - an eternity of hell. Some refuse to accept this, yet they wish to be called Catholic - but this denial of a divinely revealed truth is simply put, heresy.
Sins seem to grow in direct proportion to one's denials or refusals to repent - it's almost like an unstoppable deadly plague of the soul - a fast spreading disease of the soul which soons infects the intellect and will - and those who refuse the grace of our Lord to repent and amend their sinful ways become willing followers of the evil one... to their own perdition.
The homosexual activists wish to impose upon others a belief that their sickening acts of depravity are normal - just as Satan wishes to turn right into wrong and light into darkness.
Archbishop John Nienstedt has done taken a courageous step in speaking the truth and he reminds us that
"St. Augustine recognized..."hating the sin, but loving the sinner." It is a "careful line," but one that calls for conversion - a conversion that leads to eternal life.And Eternal Life is our end - unless one chooses eternal damnation as the alternatve.
Jesuits tentatively settle Alaska sex abuse cases
An Oregon-based Jesuit province has tentatively agreed to pay a record $50 million to settle 110 claims of child sexual abuse in remote Alaska Native villages, attorneys for the accusers said Sunday.Wouldn't this make St Ignatius proud? May God help us all!
The settlement is the largest ever involving a Catholic religious order, according to a statement issued by plaintiffs' attorneys.
The Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus, with headquarters in Portland, includes in its territory Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. It is separate from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland, which earlier this year agreed to pay clergy accusers up to $75 million to emerge from bankruptcy.
Just for Today, November 19
Nature seeks to have things that are curious and fine, and does not care for things that are cheap and coarse: but grace is pleased with that which is plain and humble, rejects not coarse things, nor refuses to be clad in old clothes.
-Bk. III, ch. liv.
Then shall the mean habit shine, and fine clothing appear contemptible.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiv.
She had been given a new habit (the one preserved as a relic), and had worn it for the first time at Christmas 1896. It was the second she had had since her Clothing, and it fitted her very badly. I asked if this caused her any annoyance: "Not in the least! No more than if it belonged to a Chinaman thousands of miles away."
-N.V.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
-Bk. III, ch. liv.
Then shall the mean habit shine, and fine clothing appear contemptible.
-Bk. I, ch. xxiv.
She had been given a new habit (the one preserved as a relic), and had worn it for the first time at Christmas 1896. It was the second she had had since her Clothing, and it fitted her very badly. I asked if this caused her any annoyance: "Not in the least! No more than if it belonged to a Chinaman thousands of miles away."
-N.V.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
Gospel for Monday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Old Calendar: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, widow; St. Pontianus, pope and martyr
From: Luke 18:35-43
The Cure of the Blind Man of Jericho
[35] As He (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; [36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, [41] "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." [42] And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." [43] And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
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Commentary:
35-43. The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ's presence. We should not neglect the Lord's graces, for we do not know whether He will offer us them again. St. Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God's gift, to His passing us on the road: "`Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem': I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back." For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.
The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah--he gives Him the messianic title of Son of David--and asks Him to meet his need, to make him see. His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him. God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray--with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus to listen to us.
"Lord, let me receive my sight": this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart. It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God's plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Luke 18:35-43
The Cure of the Blind Man of Jericho
[35] As He (Jesus) drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; [36] and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" [39] And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" [40] And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, [41] "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." [42] And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." [43] And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
__________________________
Commentary:
35-43. The blind man of Jericho is quick to use the opportunity presented by Christ's presence. We should not neglect the Lord's graces, for we do not know whether He will offer us them again. St. Augustine described very succinctly the urgency with which we should respond to God's gift, to His passing us on the road: "`Timeo Jesum praetereuntem et non redeuntem': I fear Jesus may pass by and not come back." For, at least on some occasion, in some way, Jesus passes close to everyone.
The blind man of Jericho acclaims Jesus as the Messiah--he gives Him the messianic title of Son of David--and asks Him to meet his need, to make him see. His is an active faith; he shouts out, he persists, despite the people getting in his way. And he manages to get Jesus to hear him and call him. God wanted this episode to be recorded in the Gospel, to teach us how we should believe and how we should pray--with conviction, with urgency, with constancy, in spite of the obstacles, with simplicity, until we manage to get Jesus to listen to us.
"Lord, let me receive my sight": this simple ejaculatory prayer should be often on our lips, flowing from the depths of our heart. It is a very good prayer to use in moments of doubt and vacillation, when we cannot understand the reason behind God's plans, when the horizon of our commitment becomes clouded. It is even a good prayer for people who are sincerely trying to find God but who do not yet have the great gift of faith.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 19
It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind allows itself to be controlled by anger.
-St. Gregory the Great
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Gregory the Great
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for November 19, Little Actions
"It is enough to pick up a pin with love, to save a soul," said St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
This recalls that good Sister coadjutrix of the Congregation of Notre Dame. (Les Oiseaux), Sister St. Ann, who was often occupied in the garden during her life and who was reminded on her deathbed of the little twigs she so often picked up: "Not one had been picked up without an act of love."
Putting much love into little actions, which are the tissue of our life, is true practical sanctity. God does not ask me to accomplish great actions, but to accomplish all the little actions of my days with a great love. Thus transformed by love, these thousand nothings will become a superb something from which God will draw His glory.
One day, Queen Victoria visited a paper factory. The foreman showed everything to the queen and to the lady of honor who accompanied her without knowing who they were. He conducted them into the place where the first sorting of material takes place; there, from piles of filth, of sweepings, foul and nauseous rags were pulled. He told the queen that from these rags was made paper of the best quality and of an immaculate whiteness.
After the ladies left, the foreman learned that one of the visitors was none other than the queen of England. Shortly after, she received a package of most beautiful paper carrying the royal seal. A ticket was attached saying that this paper was made from the very rags the queen had seen sorted.
What a magnificent symbol is this fabrication of splendid vellum from a collection of little nothings, of insignificant leftovers, of scraps without value! A magnificent existence can also be fashioned from all the twigs of actions and the broken minutes of our days that bring no rest. You are tempted to complain of the poverty of your life! But look then more closely, don't you see that it is gold?
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
This recalls that good Sister coadjutrix of the Congregation of Notre Dame. (Les Oiseaux), Sister St. Ann, who was often occupied in the garden during her life and who was reminded on her deathbed of the little twigs she so often picked up: "Not one had been picked up without an act of love."
Putting much love into little actions, which are the tissue of our life, is true practical sanctity. God does not ask me to accomplish great actions, but to accomplish all the little actions of my days with a great love. Thus transformed by love, these thousand nothings will become a superb something from which God will draw His glory.
One day, Queen Victoria visited a paper factory. The foreman showed everything to the queen and to the lady of honor who accompanied her without knowing who they were. He conducted them into the place where the first sorting of material takes place; there, from piles of filth, of sweepings, foul and nauseous rags were pulled. He told the queen that from these rags was made paper of the best quality and of an immaculate whiteness.
After the ladies left, the foreman learned that one of the visitors was none other than the queen of England. Shortly after, she received a package of most beautiful paper carrying the royal seal. A ticket was attached saying that this paper was made from the very rags the queen had seen sorted.
What a magnificent symbol is this fabrication of splendid vellum from a collection of little nothings, of insignificant leftovers, of scraps without value! A magnificent existence can also be fashioned from all the twigs of actions and the broken minutes of our days that bring no rest. You are tempted to complain of the poverty of your life! But look then more closely, don't you see that it is gold?
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
An Open Letter to Fox 2-KTVI and J.C. Corcoran
On the heels of the recent attack on Archbishop Burke and the Catholic Church by J.C. Corcoran of Fox2 News and the email exchange with Corcoran by a friend as reported here, another friend, Mark S., has kindly allowed his letter to Corcoran and KTVI to be posted here.
Phone: 314-647-2222
Fax: 314-644-7419
There may be a public square rosary of reparation outside the television station which is located off Interstate 64/U.S. 40 at the intersection of Berthold, Oakland, and Hampton Avenues in the Clayton-Tamm/Dogtown neighborhood - south of Forest Park across Highway 40.
Stay tuned for details!
**** There is a further update ****
It is hoped that William Donohue of the Catholic League will get involved - let us pray that he also sees this as an issue worth pursuing.
A special thanks to Mark S. for kindly providing the letters.
Mr. JC Corcoran (email: jc@jcontheline.com)And the letter to Fox2-MTVI Management:
Fox 2 KTVI
5915 Berthold Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Subject: Archbishop Burke
Dear Mr. Corcoran,
After viewing your recent segment on Archbishop Burke and the state of the Catholic Church here in St. Louis, I am writing to demand an apology to the Archbishop and all faithful Catholics who have been offended so grievously by this attack on our Shepherd.
This kind of rhetoric is completely unacceptable to Catholics not only here but throughout the world. Your ignorance of the faith, of which you claim to support through your largess, is in itself embarrassing. However it doesn’t just stop with this ignorance, your public display against Archbishop Burke in an effort to incite hatred and division within the Church is even more infuriating.
As anyone living in today’s ‘politically correct’ culture is aware, this kind of outrage would never be tolerated if it were directed at other cultural or societal groups. Would you have appeared in a similar piece on Islam, Judaism, or Homosexuals? Would you tolerate an all out attack on the leader of women’s rights groups, Cindy Sheehan, or Jesse Jackson? Is your hatred so self-righteous that you thought that everyone Catholic and non, would hang on your every word and fill the airwaves with demands for His Grace’s resignation? Little did you know that there would be some including me who would demand yours.
Sadly, you appear desperate to assume the role of useful idiot, while completely ignoring the doctrine of the Catholic Faith that has been taught for over 2000 years. If you don’t understand the mechanisms of the Church and how they apply throughout the world perhaps you should ask someone to help you to understand, before embarrassing yourself and carrying on with rhetoric that simply cannot be applied to the Holy Roman Catholic Church..
Catholics around the region and the world are waiting and watching for your reaction - it’s character time, and your character is at stake. Show us what you’re made of, Mr. Corcoran.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kingsley SmithOthers, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who are/were offended by Corcoran's vicious attack against Archbishop Burke and the Church are encouraged to write, email, phone, or fax their comments in a firm but charitable manner. (You can watch the video here).
Fox 2 KTVI
5915 Berthold Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Subject: JC Corcoran Report on Archbishop Burke
Dear Mr. Smith,
After viewing Mr. Corcoran’s recent segment on Archbishop Burke and the state of the Catholic Church here in St. Louis, I am writing to demand an apology to the Archbishop and all faithful Catholics who have been offended so grievously by this attack on our Spiritual Father.
This kind of rhetoric is completely unacceptable to Catholics not only here but throughout the world. Mr. Corcoran’s ignorance of the faith, of which he proclaims to support through his largess, is in itself embarrassing for him to display in the public manner which you allowed. However it doesn’t just stop with his ignorance, his vitriol of the Catholic Church is even more infuriating.
While I am most angry with Mr. Corcoran, and demand an apology as stated above, I hold you and The Fox Network responsible for providing a forum for this hate filled person to vent his intolerance, hate and ignorance.
As anyone living in today’s ‘politically correct’ culture is aware, this kind of outrage would never be tolerated if it were directed at other cultural or societal groups. Would Fox have allowed a similar piece to air on Islam, Judaism, Homosexuals? Would Fox tolerate an all out attack on the leader of women’s rights groups, Cindy Sheehan, or Jesse Jackson? How is it then that you could allow and tolerate this?
Mr. Corcoran appears desperate to assume the role of useful idiot, while completely ignoring the doctrine of the Catholic Faith that has been taught for over 2000 years, and you sir are complicit by allowing his piece to be aired. As the producer, you put your signature of approval on each and every piece that is aired on your station and as such I accuse you too of bigotry and hatred.
Catholics around the region and the world are waiting and watching for your reaction.
Phone: 314-647-2222
Fax: 314-644-7419
There may be a public square rosary of reparation outside the television station which is located off Interstate 64/U.S. 40 at the intersection of Berthold, Oakland, and Hampton Avenues in the Clayton-Tamm/Dogtown neighborhood - south of Forest Park across Highway 40.
Stay tuned for details!
**** There is a further update ****
It is hoped that William Donohue of the Catholic League will get involved - let us pray that he also sees this as an issue worth pursuing.
A special thanks to Mark S. for kindly providing the letters.
A Great Reunion: Romano Amerio and the Changes in the Catholic Church
Have the changes of the conciliar era affected the essence of Catholicism, or not? "L'Osservatore Romano" brings the great Swiss thinker back into vogue. And archbishop Agostino Marchetto demolishes the theses of his adversaries: the "Bologna school" founded by Dossetti and Alberigo.Continued here.
by Sandro Magister
-----------------------
ROMA, November 15, 2007 – Among the new developments at "L'Osservatore Romano," now directed by professor Giovanni Maria Vian, there is one that concerns a thinker of exceptional prominence in the Catholic culture of the twentieth century: Switzerland's Romano Amerio, who died in Lugano in 1997, at the age of 92.
In 1985, when Amerio published his masterpiece entitled "Iota unum. Studio delle variazioni della Chiesa cattolica nel secolo XX [Iota Unum: A Study of Changes in the Catholic Church in the Twentieth Century]," the newspaper of the Holy See scrapped the review of the book commissioned by the prefect of the Ambrosian Library at the time, Fr. Angelo Paredi. The review was judged as too favorable, and "L'Osservatore" chose to be silent about the book from then on. So even the Vatican authorities joined in the intolerant silence that everyone was heaping upon the book and its author.
Now "L'Osservatore Romano" has reversed course. It has decided, not to remain silent about Amerio, but to speak. And to speak well of him...
Gospel for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: Luke 21:5-19
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
[12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
_____________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Discourse on the Destruction of Jerusalem and the End of the World
[5] And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, He (Jesus) said, [6] "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." [7] And they asked Him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" [8] And He said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. [9] And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; [11] there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."
[12] "But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for My name's sake. [13] This will be a time for you to bear testimony. [14] Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; [15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. [16] You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; [17] you will be hated by all for My name's sake. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] By your endurance you will gain your lives."
_____________________
Commentary:
5-36. The disciples are in awe of the magnificence of the temple, and Jesus uses the occasion to give a long discourse, known as the "eschatological discourse" because it has to do with the last days of the world. The account given here is very similar to those in the other Synoptic Gospels (cf. Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37). The discourse deals with three inter-connected subjects--the destruction of Jerusalem (which took place some forty years later), the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ in glory and majesty. Jesus, who also predicts here the persecution of the Church will experience, exhorts His disciples to be patient, to pray and be watchful.
Our Lord speaks here in the style and language of prophecy, using images taken from the Old Testament; also, in this discourse prophecies which are going to be fulfilled very soon are mixed in with others which have to do with the end of the world. It is not our Lord's intention to satisfy people's curiosity about future events, but to protect them from being discouraged and scandalized about what is going to happen in the days immediately ahead. This explains why He exhorts them: "Take heed that you are not led astray" (v. 8); "do not be tempted" (v. 9); "watch at all times" (v. 34).
8. On hearing that Jerusalem is going to be destroyed, the disciples ask what sign will be given as a warning of these events (vv. 5-7). Jesus answers by telling them "not to be led astray," that is to say, not to expect any warning; not to be misled by false prophets; to stay faithful to Him. These false prophets will come along claiming to be the Messiah ("I am He!"). Our Lord's reply in fact refers to two events which in the Jewish mind were interrelated--the destruction of the Holy City and the end of the world. This is why He goes on to speak of both events and implies that there will be a long gap between the two; the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem are a kind of sign or symbol of the catastrophes which will mark the end of the world.
9-11. Our Lord does not want His disciples to confuse just any catastrophe--famine, earthquake, war--or even persecution with the signals of the end of the world. He exhorts them quite clearly: "Do not be tempted," because although all these has to happen, "the end will not be at once;" in spite of the difficulties of all kinds the Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth. Difficulties should not paralyze the preaching of the faith.
19. Jesus foretells all kinds of persecution. Persecution itself is something inevitable: "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). His disciples will have need to remember the Lord's warning at the Last Supper: "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you" (John 15:20). However, these persecutions are part of God's providence: they happen because He lets them happen, which He does in order to draw greater good out of them. Persecution provides Christians with an opportunity to bear witness to Christ; without it the blood of martyrs would not adorn the Church. Moreover, our Lord promises to give special help to those who suffer persecution, and He tells them not to be afraid: He will give them of His own wisdom to enable them to defend themselves; He will not permit a hair of their heads to perish, that is, even apparent misfortune and loss will be for them a beginning of Heaven.
From Jesus' words we can also deduce the obligation of every Christian to be ready to lose life rather than offend God. Only those will attain salvation who persevere until the end in faithfulness to the Lord. The three Synoptic Gospels locate His exhortation to perseverance in this discourse (cf. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13) and St. Matthew gives it elsewhere (Matthew 10:22) as does St. Peter (1 Peter 5:9)--all of which underlines the importance for every Christian of this warning from our Lord.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
2nd Reading for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
From: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Avoiding Idleness. Earning One's Living
[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.
___________________
Commentary:
7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone's business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was among them he worked to keep himself and was a burden on no one.
The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts "Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel." Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council goes on, realize that by their faith they "are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)" ("Gaudium Et Spes", 43).
"For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation, we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to disedify..., you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave properly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker, the academic--all Christians in fact--have to be an example for their colleagues at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God's work, sowing everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 70).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Avoiding Idleness. Earning One's Living
[7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, [8] we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that might not burden any of you. [9] It was not because we have not that right, but to give you in our conduct an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busy bodies, not doing any work. [12] Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living.
___________________
Commentary:
7-12. Some of the Thessalonians, wrongly thinking that the Parousia was about to happen, had given up working and were living in idleness, minding everyone's business but their own. So the Apostle reminds them all that when he was among them he worked to keep himself and was a burden on no one.
The Second Vatican Council underlines the value of work when it exhorts "Christians, as citizens of both cities, to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel." Far from neglecting earthly responsibilities, they should, as the Council goes on, realize that by their faith they "are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one (cf. 2 Thess 3:6-13; Eph 4:28)" ("Gaudium Et Spes", 43).
"For the love of God, for the love of souls, and to live up to our Christian vocation, we must give good example. So as not to give scandal, or to provoke even the faintest suspicion that the children of God are soft and useless, so as not to disedify..., you must strive to show an example of balanced justice, to behave properly as responsible people. The farmer who ploughs his field while constantly raising his heart to God, just as much as the carpenter, the blacksmith, the office worker, the academic--all Christians in fact--have to be an example for their colleagues at work, and to be humble about it. Therefore, everyone, in his job, in whatever place he has in society, must feel obliged to make his work God's work, sowing everywhere the peace and joy of the Lord" ([St] J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 70).
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 18
Meditation for November 18, A Lamp Without Oil
A certain period of history might well be described as a world without a soul. Institutions remained standing, society seemed to hold together, but much more by virtue of acquired speed and habit than from an interior dynamic force vibrant with life.
Speaking of himself, after his definite return to the true faith, Charles Nicolle, a great professor of medicine, compared himself to one of the lamps of the catacombs marked with the monogram of Christ and kept now as a souvenir, but which does not light at all; a Christian receptacle, no oil.
Am I not in danger of a similar phenomenon: a facade but nothing within; a decoration not a soul; the exterior of a religious, the interior empty.
Many Christians in the world practice a mere formal Christianity; appearances are safe; one does not dare to speak of their life.
We say the religious life: it must be a life, otherwise it is only a lie and an illusion.
I must be on my guard.
My God, give me a horror of sham, of a tepid will; of pretending to serve You while all the time my life is without soul, so that You have before You a lamp which is only a receptacle without oil and without flame.
Marked with the monogram of Christ. Certainly this applies to me, considering my investiture, my profession, and the insignia that I wear. I display perhaps a cross or a heart inscribed with some elevating motto which proclaims my consecration to a very elevated ideal of life. This ideal, however, resolves into only a few words upon metal, or a pretty symbol which means little more than one of my baubles of the past.
It is serious. The Master has said: "Let your light shine!" Is not my life becoming dim? Let me quickly replenish my lamp and re-enkindle the flame!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Speaking of himself, after his definite return to the true faith, Charles Nicolle, a great professor of medicine, compared himself to one of the lamps of the catacombs marked with the monogram of Christ and kept now as a souvenir, but which does not light at all; a Christian receptacle, no oil.
Am I not in danger of a similar phenomenon: a facade but nothing within; a decoration not a soul; the exterior of a religious, the interior empty.
Many Christians in the world practice a mere formal Christianity; appearances are safe; one does not dare to speak of their life.
We say the religious life: it must be a life, otherwise it is only a lie and an illusion.
I must be on my guard.
My God, give me a horror of sham, of a tepid will; of pretending to serve You while all the time my life is without soul, so that You have before You a lamp which is only a receptacle without oil and without flame.
Marked with the monogram of Christ. Certainly this applies to me, considering my investiture, my profession, and the insignia that I wear. I display perhaps a cross or a heart inscribed with some elevating motto which proclaims my consecration to a very elevated ideal of life. This ideal, however, resolves into only a few words upon metal, or a pretty symbol which means little more than one of my baubles of the past.
It is serious. The Master has said: "Let your light shine!" Is not my life becoming dim? Let me quickly replenish my lamp and re-enkindle the flame!
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Springfield Monsignor Eugene Costa Removed from Priesthood
Monsignor Eugene Costa has been removed from the priesthood by Pope Benedict XVI, Kathie Sass, a spokeswoman for the Springfield Catholic Diocese, confirmed Friday.Some may remember Costa from this post "No suspects yet in attack on Catholic priest" from Dec 27, 2004, and this followup post "Springfield, IL Police Interview Beaten Priest," and this one from Jan 4, 2005, "Teens accused of priest's beating....But...."
Costa, 57, the former pastor of St. John Vianney Church in Sherman and Holy Family Church in Athens, has been on leave since January 2005. His laicization came at the request of Springfield Bishop George Lucas, Sass said. Because the action came directly from Pope Benedict, it cannot be appealed.
Costa is not permitted to perform priestly ministries or call himself "father."
Costa subsequently resigned, "Springfield Priest Resigns After Beating in Park," and Springfield Bishop George Lucas Spoke to Msgr Costa's Parishioners.
Sass declined to say where Costa is now, what his future plans are or to pass an interview request to Lucas. She said Costa still can be a practicing Catholic.More at the Springfield Journal Register here.
Just for Today, November 18
Thou must pass through fire and water, before thou comest to refreshment.
- Bk. I, ch. xxii.
"Before I could sit down under his shadow, whom I desired (Cant. ii, 3), I had to go through many trials, but God's call became so insistent, that to answer it I would have passed through fire. The only soul I found to encourage me in my vocation was my beloved Pauline. Her heart was a faithful echo of mine, and without her support I should never have reached the blessed haven which had already sheltered her for five years.
-H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
- Bk. I, ch. xxii.
"Before I could sit down under his shadow, whom I desired (Cant. ii, 3), I had to go through many trials, but God's call became so insistent, that to answer it I would have passed through fire. The only soul I found to encourage me in my vocation was my beloved Pauline. Her heart was a faithful echo of mine, and without her support I should never have reached the blessed haven which had already sheltered her for five years.
-H.
__________________
For a List of Abbreviations, see this post.
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
A Decree of Enactment of Particular Legislation...
...Creating the Offices of Archdiocesan Cursor and Apparitor
By Most Reverend Raymond L Burke
From the St Louis Review.
Text follows:
DECREE
OF ENACTMENT OF PARTICULAR LEGISLATION
CREATING THE OFFICES OF ARCHDIOCESAN CURSOR AND APPARITOR
Below is commentary on the 1917 Code for canons 1591-1593 (cited by Archbishop Burke) by Stanislaus Woywod, O.F.M., LL.B., from A Practical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law (1929):
By the way, Saint Louis Catholic has an excellent commentary as well, here...
By Most Reverend Raymond L Burke
From the St Louis Review.
Text follows:
OF ENACTMENT OF PARTICULAR LEGISLATION
CREATING THE OFFICES OF ARCHDIOCESAN CURSOR AND APPARITOR
Pursuant to cann. 1509, §l, and 1720, 1°, of the Code of Canon Law, I hereby decree and declare, by this particular legislation, that the traditional method of edictal citation is now, and in the future, a valid, legitimate, and lawful means for the notification of all citations, decrees, sentences, and other judicial acts, in any judicial or extra-judicial process, however only under the same conditions, and whenever permitted, as prescribed by can. 1720, §§ 1-2 of the Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law. This applies and is to apply absolutely wherever the edict is lawfully posted throughout the entirety of the territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis (cf. Art. 61, §1 Norm. RR.; Pontificio Commissio Codici Iuris Canonici Recognoscendo. Relatio complectens synthesim animadversionum ab Em.mis atque Exc.mis Patribus Commissionis ad Novissimum Schema Codicis Iuris Canonici Exhibitarum, cum Responsionibus a Secretaria et Consultoribus Datis. Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis MCMLXXI, p.318, ad cann. 1461-1462).What does all of this mean? The current code of Canon Law (absent commentary) can be viewed here.
I additionally declare that both the stable or temporary institutions of, and the powers and faculties traditionally appertaining to, the cursor and apparitor (cf. cann. 1591-1593 C.I.C. 1917). constitute a valid, legitimate, and lawful means for the notification of all citations, decrees, sentences, and, other judicial acts, whenever permitted or required in judicial or extra-judicial processes according to particular or universal law, by whatever general or special mention. I declare that the same cursores and apparitores enjoy all of the faculties of an ecclesiastical notary, in accordance with cann. 483, §§ 1-2. and 1437, §2 of the Code of Canon Law.
Moreover, I hereby declare that all acts written, signed, and authenticated with the Seal of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis as it appears below by the aforementioned cursores or apparitores merit full faith as public ecclesiastical documents in accord with the norms of cann. 483. §§1-2, and 1540-1543 of the Code of Canon Law.
This particular legislation, in accordance with can. 8 §2, of the Code of Canon Law obliges immediately within the entire territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.
Given at Saint Louis, on the Ninth day of November, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John at the Lateran Gate, in the Year of the Lord 2007.
Below is commentary on the 1917 Code for canons 1591-1593 (cited by Archbishop Burke) by Stanislaus Woywod, O.F.M., LL.B., from A Practical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law (1929):
ARTICLE IV. - OF COURIERS AND APPARITORSWith respect to the reference to cann. 1720 of the 1917 Code (also cited by Archbishop Burke), there is this (all references up to 1720 to provide background):
1578. Couriers or messengers shall be constituted, either for all trials generally or for an individual case, to give notice of the judicial acts, unless the approved custom of a tribunal dispenses with these officials. Apparitors (constables) should be appointed for the purpose of executing the sentences and decrees of the judge at his command. The same person can hold both offices .(Canon 1591). They should be lay persons, unless prudence demands in some special case that clerics be appointed to these duties; their nomination, suspension and removal shall be governed by the same rules as are given for notaries in Canon 373 (Canon 1592). The acts which the couriers and apparitors write in the execution of their office, are public documents and as such legal proof of the direct assertions in these instruments (Canon 1593).
CHAPTER IIPehaps Dr. Ed Peters could shed some light on this?
OF THE SUMMONS AND THE NOTIFICATIONS OF JUDICIAL ACTS
1673. The bill of complaint or the oral petition having been admitted, the other party must be summoned to appear in court. The summons issued by a court to the defendant is called the vocatio in jus. If the contending parties appear before the judge of their own accord to plead their case, it is not necessary to issue the summons, but the secretary or clerk of the court shall make a note in the acts of the case that the parties came to court of their own accord (Canon 1711).
1674. The summons is to be issued by the judge, and is to be written on the bill of complaint or joined to it. It is to be sent to the defendant, and, if there are several defendants, to each one. The plaintiff, moreover, must be notified by the court to appear on a specified day and at a fixed hour before the judge (Canon 1712).
If the defendant is a person who does not have the free aministration of the goods concerned in the controversy, the summons must be presented to that person who in his name must answer in the trial, according to the rilles of Canons 1648-1654 (Canon 1713).
1675. Every summons is peremptory, and need not be repeated, except in the case mentioned in Canon 1845, § 2 - namely, when the judge wants to punish for contempt of court a party who ignores the first summons (Canon 1714).
1676. The summons is to be presented to the party in a written form, which shall express the precept of the judge to the party to appear. It shall state the name of the judge who issues it, indicate at least in general terms the reason why the party is summoned, give the correct name and surname of the defendant, and state by whom he is sued; the place and time (ie., the year, month, day and hour), where and when he is to appear, must be clearly indicated. The summons authenticated with the seal of the court must be subscribed by the judge or by his auditor and a,notary (Canon 1715). The summons is to be made in duplicate, one copy being presented to the defendant and the other inserted into the acts of the case (Canon 1716).
1677. The written summons is to be handed to the defendant personally by a messenger of the Curia wheresoever he finds him, if this manner of serving the summons is possible. The messenger may for this purpose enter the territory of another diocese, if the judge thinks it advisable and orders the messenger to do so. If the messenger does not find the person to be summoned in the place where he stays, he can leave the written summons with some person of the family or with a servant of the defendant, if that person is willing to accept the summons and promises to give the summons to the defendant as soon as possible; otherwise, the messenger shall take it back to the judge in order that he may dispatch it in the manner provided in Canons 1719 and 1720 (Canon 1717). If the defendant refuses to accept the written summons, he is to be considered legitimately summoned (Canon 1718).
1678. If for reason of distance or other cause it is difficult to have the summons delivered to the defendant by messenger, the judge can order it to be transmitted by registered mail and a signed receipt obtained, or in any other manner which according to the laws and conditions of the respective country is considered safest (Canon 1719).
1679. Whenever after diligent inquiry it cannot be ascertained where the defendant stays, the summons by edict or public announcement can take place. This is done by having the messenger post the document of the summons at the doors of the Curia in the manner of a public notice, which is to be left there for a length of time to be specified by the judge, and by inserting the summons in some public paper. If both cannot be done, either manner of public notice suffices (Canon 1720).
By the way, Saint Louis Catholic has an excellent commentary as well, here...
Corcoran Proves His Hypocrisy Again
From the Thursday night Fox2News segment "What's On My Mind" (as if anyone really cared) by J.C. Corcoran, viewers were treated to another of his baseless attacks on Archbishop Burke and the Catholic Church. Why KTVI permits this has-been and irritating blowhard to spew his malicious thoughts over the airwaves is unknown to viewers.
Corcoran claims to send his daughters to a Catholic school and he also claims to participate in fund raisers for it...that would be sufficient reason, it seems, to avoid any participation with any event in which he is involved. Maybe he can someday explain why he would send his kids to a Catholic school if he finds the Church so objectionable? Maybe the school is not really Catholic, if you catch my drift?
But it gets even better. A local Catholic woman revised his commentary and sent this revision via email to KTVI to forward to Corcoran which has sparked another controversy - poor J.C. didn't like it! One listener of his Friday morning radio show writes :"I swear I heard him talking about being threatened via email this morning. Was that you?"
Fox 2 News could certainly do without his commentary - and the sooner he's gone from the St Louis airwaves at KTVI, the better. As our Catholic friend says and does - pray for his sorry soul that he may one day overcome his problems.
By the way, Patty, the object of J.C.'s newest attack, has also requested prayers on her behalf!
You may watch the segment here...(KTVI - myFOXstl.com) -- St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke has energized some Catholics, but alienated others by defending and proclaiming the church's hardline teaching about excommunication, women in the priesthood, denial of communion to politicians who support abortion rights and other issues. FOX 2's J.C. Corcoran of K-Hits 96 has requested a few moments to speak to the flock.
Corcoran claims to send his daughters to a Catholic school and he also claims to participate in fund raisers for it...that would be sufficient reason, it seems, to avoid any participation with any event in which he is involved. Maybe he can someday explain why he would send his kids to a Catholic school if he finds the Church so objectionable? Maybe the school is not really Catholic, if you catch my drift?
But it gets even better. A local Catholic woman revised his commentary and sent this revision via email to KTVI to forward to Corcoran which has sparked another controversy - poor J.C. didn't like it! One listener of his Friday morning radio show writes :"I swear I heard him talking about being threatened via email this morning. Was that you?"
To Mr. JC Cororan:And this has led to threats by J.C. to call the cops - what a big, brave man!
I’m not what they call a practicing news listener, I’ve watched the news along with my parents, and I regularly check out the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But many years ago I gave up on news and commentators, basically because I thought it was … utter nonsense. So these comments tonight about the latest commentaries come from someone who is, at this point, pretty much an outsider. When I was a kid growing up in the St Louis area, if a newsperson was around, it meant everyone was dropping everything and fawning in his presence. Now, JC Corcoran’s name has become either a punch-line, or the subject of anger or ridicule. If I was a practicing listener, whether I agreed with him or not, I’d be very concerned about this. People seemed to get to the top of their respective field usually one of two ways:
Either by being very personable, effective commentators, or by mowing down everything and everybody in their path. History has shown us, however , that stuff catches up with you. JC is old radio, but I’m not convinced that “old radio” works right now…too many things have changed. What I see, again, from the outside, is that Corcoran is pretty much at the end of his public relations rope. The news commentary scandals continue to mount, the listeners are thinning, and young men and women aren’t exactly knocking down the doors of TV and Radio stations to get in to hear them. And locally, instead of a respected news leader in the community, you have a guy who’s been stomping around, alienating, threatening, intimidating, and carrying on since the day he got off the plane from nowhere.
You know, back in the summer of ’74 Richard Nixon was holed up in the Oval Office still firmly believing that he could ride out the Watergate scandal. But Republican icon Barry Goldwater drew the short straw and got sent in one Sunday night with the official word from the front lines that Corcoran was now damaging the entire news media station with his tactics, and it was time for him to pull his own plug.
My question is with the idea of protecting the media’s best interests, who is going to be that person?
As listeners, either you’re in complete agreement with Corcoran, you’re not, or you’re in complete fear of him. Either way, you have a big, big problem.
That’s what’s on my mind!!!
PS: Your days are numbered, my friend. Watch and see!
--------------------------------Usually when I see Corcoran's face on the TV, I either mute the TV or switch to another channel - his opinions are are not worth listening to - and they never have been, many times they're repulsive and belittling. He has bashed the Catholic Church for years, unable, it seems, to overcome his issues with whatever darkness envelopes him.
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 4:29 AM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Careful, pal. Careful.....
-----------------------
On Nov 16, 2007, at 11:04 AM, Pnnnn wrote:
You too, PAL!
-----------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 11:32 AM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
With just what you've sent me so far I could take this to the St. Louis police and have you picked up for, twice now, threatening me.
If you do it again I will. You have been warned. Think I'm kidding?
------------------------
On Nov 16, 2007, at 1:42 PM, Pnnnnn wrote:
Dear Mr. Corcoran:
Call the police. I go to church everyday...the worst I could do to you is start a novena to either heal you of your anger towards the Roman Catholic church, or have you fired. Day 1 of the novena is today.
There's an old proverb: Better to live on the corner of a rooftop, then to be in a room with an angry woman!
Channel 2 would never allow you to make such commentaries about a Jewish Rabbi, Muslim Imam, or a black Protestant minister.
Back off my spiritual father! You have offended me more than a black person who's been called a "nappy-headed ho". I've filed a complaint to the Catholic League in New York.
God bless!
------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: jcorcoran
To: Pnnnnn
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Forwarded:
St. Louis Police Department.
[Name and address redacted]
-----------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: Pnnnnn
To: jcorcoran
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: On news commentators, like JC Corcoran...
Make sure to tell them (the police) they can find me at the Carmelite convent this evening from 7pm until 8:30pm.
Fox 2 News could certainly do without his commentary - and the sooner he's gone from the St Louis airwaves at KTVI, the better. As our Catholic friend says and does - pray for his sorry soul that he may one day overcome his problems.
By the way, Patty, the object of J.C.'s newest attack, has also requested prayers on her behalf!
Gospel for Nov 17, Memorial: St Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Old Calendar: St. Gregory the Wonderworker, bishop and confessor
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
________________________
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
From: Luke 18:1-8
Persevering Prayer. Parable of the Unjust Judge
[1] And He (Jesus) told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. [2] He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; [3] and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.' [4] For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, [5] yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.' [6] And the Lord said, "hear what the unrighteous judge says. [7] And will not God vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? [8] I tell you, He will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
________________________
Commentary:
1-8. The parable of the unjust judge is a very eloquent lesson about the effectiveness of persevering, confident prayer. It also forms a conclusion to Jesus' teaching about watchfulness, contained in the previous verses (17:23-26). Comparing God with a person like this makes the point even clearer: if even an unjust judge ends up giving justice to the man who keeps on pleading his case, how much more will God, who is infinitely just, and who is our Father, listen to the persevering prayer of His children. God, in other words, gives justice to His elect if they persist in seeking His help.
1. "They ought always to pray and not lose heart." Why must we pray?
"1. WE MUST PRAY FIRST AND FOREMOST BECAUSE WE ARE BELIEVERS.8. Jesus combines His teaching about perseverance in prayer with a serious warning about the need to remain firm in the faith: faith and prayer go hand in hand. St. Augustine comments, "In order to pray, let us believe; and for our faith not to weaken, let us pray. Faith causes prayer to grow, and when prayer grows our faith is strengthened" ("Sermon", 115).
"Prayer is in fact the recognition of our limitation and our dependence: we come from God, we belong to God and we return to God! We cannot, therefore, but abandon ourselves to Him, our Creator and Lord, with full and complete confidence [...].
"Prayer, therefore, is first of all an act of intelligence, a feeling of humility and gratitude, an attitude of trust and abandonment to Him who gave us life out of love.
"Prayer is a mysterious but real dialogue with God, a dialogue of confidence and love.
"2. WE, HOWEVER, ARE CHRISTIANS, AND THEREFORE WE MUST PRAY AS CHRISTIANS.
"For the Christian, in fact, prayer acquires a particular characteristic, which completely changes its innermost nature and innermost value. The Christian is a disciple of Jesus; he is one who really believes that Jesus is the Word Incarnate, the Son of God who came among us on this earth.
"As a man, the life of Jesus was a continual prayer, a continual act of worship and love of the Father and since the maximum ___expression of prayer is sacrifice, the summit of Jesus' prayer is the Sacrifice of the Cross, anticipated by the Eucharist at the Last Supper and handed down by means of the Holy Mass throughout the centuries.
"Therefore, the Christian knows that his prayer is that of Jesus; every prayer of his starts from Jesus; it is He who prays in us, with us, for us. All those who believe in God, pray; but the Christian prays in Jesus Christ: Christ is our prayer!
"3. FINALLY, WE MUST ALSO PRAY BECAUSE WE ARE FRAIL AND GUILTY.
"It must be humbly and realistically recognized that we are poor creatures, confused in ideas, tempted by evil, frail and weak, in continual need of inner strength and consolation. Prayer gives the strength for great ideas, to maintain faith, charity, purity and generosity. Prayer gives the courage to emerge from indifference and guilt, if unfortunately one has yielded to temptation and weakness. Prayer gives light to see and consider the events of one's own life and of history in the salvific perspective of God and eternity. Therefore, do not stop praying!
Let not a day pass without your having prayed a little! Prayer is a duty, but it is also a great joy, because it is a dialogue with God through Jesus Christ! Every Sunday, Holy Mass: if it is possible for you, sometimes during the week. Every day, morning and evening prayers, and at the most suitable moments!" (John Paul II, "Audience with Young People", 14 March 1979).
Our Lord has promised His Church that it will remain true to its mission until the end of time (cf. Matthew 28:20); the Church, therefore, cannot go off the path of the true faith. But not everyone will remain faithful: some will turn their backs on the faith of their own accord. This is the mystery which St. Paul describes as "the rebellion" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and which Jesus Christ announces on other occasions (cf. Matthew 24:12-13). In this way our Lord warns us, to help us stay watchful and persevere in the faith and in prayer even though people around us fall away.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thoughts and Counsels - November 17
It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices which defile his soul.
-St. Benedict
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Benedict
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for November 17, On Letting God Free
Few souls give the Lord the liberty of doing what He wishes. The majority evade Him, are stingy, quibble and withdraw; give in today to take back tomorrow; will indeed, yet do not will, and offer to the grace of God a rather narrow entrance.
As God does not wish to use violence, He avoids forcing an entrance. Since the soul refuses to do violence to itself, it opposes the plenitude of the divine within itself.
This goes on constantly among the half saints, the one-third or quarter saints, that God urges to a richer and more complete possibility.
Surely my stinginess and my evasions are explained by my weakness, and they are never entirely corrected; I will remain weak forever. It is good to tell myself that, not to become discouraged, but to remain humble, and to count upon the grace of God.
But is there not in my more or less voluntary cowardice something of personal negligence; some responsibility on my part?
It is this rather serious wilful negligence that I wish to diminish. It is never too late to give oneself entirely. I should have begun long ago. Grace knocks at the door. God would have given me much. I will strive to develop my power of receiving divine invitations, but above all my power to acquiesce. Yes, Father, Ita Pater. Yes, Father, my Father and my God, I accept, I consent. Speak, I will listen, even now I say Yes.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
As God does not wish to use violence, He avoids forcing an entrance. Since the soul refuses to do violence to itself, it opposes the plenitude of the divine within itself.
This goes on constantly among the half saints, the one-third or quarter saints, that God urges to a richer and more complete possibility.
Surely my stinginess and my evasions are explained by my weakness, and they are never entirely corrected; I will remain weak forever. It is good to tell myself that, not to become discouraged, but to remain humble, and to count upon the grace of God.
But is there not in my more or less voluntary cowardice something of personal negligence; some responsibility on my part?
It is this rather serious wilful negligence that I wish to diminish. It is never too late to give oneself entirely. I should have begun long ago. Grace knocks at the door. God would have given me much. I will strive to develop my power of receiving divine invitations, but above all my power to acquiesce. Yes, Father, Ita Pater. Yes, Father, my Father and my God, I accept, I consent. Speak, I will listen, even now I say Yes.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
"Sister" Roma Shocked at FCC
This outrage apparently comes from a post last night requesting that Catholics make a Holy Hour in adoration and reparation for the scandal and sacrilege which occurred in San Francisco last month.
FCC does not refer to the Federal Communications Commission but to the Fundamentalist Catholic Community of which Sister Roma speaks> His comments on the FCC "hatred" seems to refer to the request to pray and make reparations for the above mentioned sacrilege as well as the injustices and sins against God for which we and others are responsible.
The American TFP article reminds us that
But, let me allow Sister Roma to speak for himself:
It is every Christian's duty to recall and teach that "Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." CCC 2359, and that, being ccontrary to the natural law, "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered...Under no circumstances can they be approved." CCC 2357.
For those who reject this fundamental moral teaching of the Church, based upon Scripture and Tradition, we should continue to pray, even if they see this as "hatred."
FCC does not refer to the Federal Communications Commission but to the Fundamentalist Catholic Community of which Sister Roma speaks> His comments on the FCC "hatred" seems to refer to the request to pray and make reparations for the above mentioned sacrilege as well as the injustices and sins against God for which we and others are responsible.
The American TFP article reminds us that
"Through the merits of Christ's Death, the faithful are restored to grace and can thus make reparation to the justice of God for their own offences against Him. By virtue of the Communion of the Saints, they can also make satisfaction and reparation for the sins of others...In the same spirit of prayer and reparation as the 2,000 plus Public Square Rosary Rallies, the American TFP calls upon all to join with thousands of others in this crusade of prayers..."So requests for prayer are now "hatred? Soon, considering the path our once Christian country is heading, this may indeed be the case.
But, let me allow Sister Roma to speak for himself:
I have read and re-read the article at The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (link here), yet I find find no hatred in it. Just as one might call himself whatever he fancies himself to be despite the objective reality that he is not what he claims, so too will such a person make other claims which are unfounded and baseless.I continue to be shocked and amazed at the depth of the hatred being spewed by the Fundamentalist Catholic Community. I am not making fun of or trying to emulate in a negative way the Catholic Nun. I am a Nun. I serve my Community through charity and education. I minister to the sick. What I wear and what I call myself is, quite frankly, none of your business. If you take issue with the fact that I call myself a Nun all I can tell you is that this is America and this is a free country. If you don't like the way I look or the fact that I am gay, I suggest you look further into your scriptures for the Lord's word regarding love and acceptance. Whether or not you approve of me and what I do is in no way going to stop me from doing it. I have answered a call to service. It is not only my honor to serve my Community, it is my privilege.
Sincerely,
Sister Roma
The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence., Inc.
It is every Christian's duty to recall and teach that "Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection." CCC 2359, and that, being ccontrary to the natural law, "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered...Under no circumstances can they be approved." CCC 2357.
For those who reject this fundamental moral teaching of the Church, based upon Scripture and Tradition, we should continue to pray, even if they see this as "hatred."
A Jewish Perspective on "Women Priests" Ordination
Enough alreadySource: St Louis Review, Letters
Editor:
As a Jewish reader of the Review, about the only two words I could think of when I read Archbishop Burke’s column (Nov. 9) about the "ordination" of two women as Roman Catholic priests at a St. Louis synagogue were "oy veh!"
Don’t we have enough problems without "ordinating" female priests? After all, some Jews don’t even recognize female rabbis.
What could motivate Rabbi Susan Talve to intervene in a purely Catholic matter? While, like many nonCatholics I’m interested in the Roman Catholic Church and its history, short of it starting another Inquisition, its internal matters are none of my business or for that matter Rabbi Talve’s.
In the American vernacular we Jews don’t have a dog in this fight. Put into reverse context it’s as if a bishop told Jews they didn’t need to circumcise their sons to be Jewish.
The Catholic Church belongs to the Catholic community, and people who disagree with it are free not to be Catholic. Among my friends Rabbi Talve has little support on this issue.
Finally, although it’s none of my business, as an observer, I can’t understand how the two women who seek to be priests can be both Catholic and fail to submit to the authority of the Catholic Church. A Christian who does not want to submit to that authority can be described in one word — Protestant — some of whom, along with Catholics, are my best friends. I hope this recent incident doesn’t harm our friendships.
Norman Pressman
West St. Louis County
Archbishop O'Brien Urges Priest Back to Fold
The pastor of three Catholic parishes in South Baltimore is welcome to return to active ministry after undergoing counseling, said Archbishop Edwin O'Brien.
"I made it clear I want him back in active ministry," the archbishop said during an interview at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting at the Inner Harbor.
O'Brien made the Rev. Ray Martin resign last week after reports of liturgical and administrative offenses committed over more than a year. Since 2002, Martin had served as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Holy Cross and St. Mary, Star of the Sea parishes, each of which has about 250 members...
Priestesses Flock to Baltimore
This past week while the bishops met in Baltimore, the Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) and the Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) had their own 'meeting' with supporters in the same city.
A earlier Press Release provide the details:
Ordained Catholic women? - Nope, an impossibility!
Present a new vision of church? - I'm certain they did that, but only for their own church, not the Catholic Church.
We are focusing on our pride and arrogance and our desires to be as disobedient as we possibly can. In emulating Eve rather than the Blessed Mother, we choose a spiritual heritage of disobedience to God, seduced by the father of lies...
Press Release link here...
A earlier Press Release provide the details:
Ordained Catholic women and advocates present a new vision of church while U.S. bishops meetThere is so much wrong with the headline - where does one begin? So what's right with this?
Ordained Catholic women? - Nope, an impossibility!
Present a new vision of church? - I'm certain they did that, but only for their own church, not the Catholic Church.
An inclusive eucharistic prayer service? Is this a simulated Mass, perhaps? Does inclusive mean its open to all heretics and schismatics?
BALTIMORE, MD - November 7 - Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) and the Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP) will host an event on November 12, in Baltimore, Md., at 1:00 p.m. in the Stony Run Friends Meeting House, 5116 North Charles Street, while the U.S. bishops hold their bi-annual conference. Andrea Johnson, RCWP and former executive director of WOC, will preside at an inclusive eucharistic prayer service, and a panel discussion will follow. WOC has been demonstrating for women’s ordination at each of the bishops’ bi-annual meetings since 2000.
“This event will bring the church one step closer to better reflecting the values of Jesus’ ministry, where women held undeniable positions of leadership,” stated Aisha Taylor, executive director of WOC. “In fact, in all four gospels, Mary Magdalene was named as the primary witness to the most central event of the Christian faith — the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”This event will bring the church one step closer to better reflecting the values of Jesus’ ministry...Right! And while Mary Magdelen did receive the honor of being one of the first to see Jesus after His Resurrection, they don't seem to find it at all strange that Jesus did not make her an Apostle, bishop or priest, invested with certain sacred powers...I don't recall that Jesus breathed on her and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven..."
For thirty-two years, WOC has advocated women's ordination in the Catholic Church, with the mission of bringing about structural change and creating a more accountable and inclusive church.For 32 years, this group has been wandering in the wilderness while the Lord continues to beckon them to return to bosom of His Church - instead they endeavor to change the Church to fit their own ideas rather than submit to Christ's Church, guided by the Holy Spirit...
“We are reclaiming our ancient spiritual heritage and shaping an inclusive Christ-centered discipleship of equals, where all are welcome,” stated Bridget Mary Meehan, representative of RCWP. “We are focusing on living out our call and ministry instead of asking for the Vatican’s approval.”What does this really say?
We are focusing on our pride and arrogance and our desires to be as disobedient as we possibly can. In emulating Eve rather than the Blessed Mother, we choose a spiritual heritage of disobedience to God, seduced by the father of lies...
The Roman Catholic Womenpriests movement is building a new model of priestly ministry for a renewed Church, based on union with the people they serve, so as to achieve the full equality of women and men. Women priests remind us that women are equal symbols of the holy and that the identity of priest should reflect the experiences of women.Is must be wonderful to have been blessed with the authority to change what God has ordained - Rather than simply echoing Satan's "I will not serve" they go further, demanding that God serve them...
“We will amplify the voices of the 64 percent of U.S. Catholics who support women’s ordination. As the law of the Roman Catholic Church requires of us, we will express our opinions and share our vision of a revitalized church with the bishops,” concluded Taylor.Amplifying the voices of confused Catholics still does not make right that which is wrong...These deluded misfits are lost, wandering about in complete and utter darkness. Remember to pray for their conversion.
Press Release link here...
German homeschooling parents beg for their own grocery money
Japan in the Death Spiral
This weeks Spirit & Life Column from HLI features a guest columnist Dr. Brian Clowes, Director of Research for HLI. Brian always seems to have the most amazing facts at his fingertips, and this week has a devastating report on Japan and the results of a generation of antinatalist, population control propaganda.
For years, Catholic pro-lifers have been warning that abortion, sterilization and contraception cause the collapse of an individual's morality and the destruction of families.
Now, demographers are indirectly telling us that these evils are destroying entire nations and continents. Unfortunately, governments do not even acknowledge the root cause of the problem of the “demographic death spiral...”
Gospel for Friday, 32nd Week In Ordinary Time
Optional Memorials of St. Margaret of Scotland;
St. Gertrude, virgin
Old Calendar: St. Gertrude
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
The Day of the Son of Man (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [26] "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise as it was in the days of Lot--they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, [29] but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and brimstone rained from Heaven and destroyed them all--[30] so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. [31] On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. [32] Remember Lot's wife. [33] Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. [35] There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." [37] And they said to Him, "Where Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
_________________
Commentary:
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
33. "Will preserve it": what the Greek word literally means is "will engender (his life)", that is to say, "will give true life to the soul". Thus our Lord seems to mean the following: he who wants to save his life at all costs, making it his basic value, will lose eternal life; whereas he who is ready to lose his earthly life--that is, to resist even to death the enemies of God and of his soul--will obtain eternal happiness through this struggle. In content this passage is almost identical with Luke 9:24.
36. In the Vulgate this verse reads: "Una assumetur, et altera relinquetur. Duo in agro; unus assumetur, et alter relinquetur" ("One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left"). These words seem to be an addition to Luke, taken from Matthew 24:40; they do not appear in the better Greek manuscripts, which is why the New Vulgate omits them.
37. "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather": the Greek text uses a word which could mean either eagle or vulture. In any event the proverb indicates the speed with which birds of prey swoop down on their victims--apparently referring to the sudden, unexpected way the Second Coming or Last Judgment will happen. Sacred Scripture also deals with this subject in other passages: "But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Once more Jesus is exhorting us to be watchful: we should never neglect the most important thing in life--eternal salvation. "All that, which worries you for the moment, is of relative importance. What is of absolute importance is that you be happy, that you be saved" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 297). So curious are the Pharisees and the disciples about the time and place of the Last Coming that they are distracted from Jesus' main point; the same thing happens to us: for example, we can spend a lot of time pondering the circumstances of the deaths of people we know, and fail to grasp the warning these deaths contain--that this life is going to end one way or another and that after it we too will meet God.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
St. Gertrude, virgin
Old Calendar: St. Gertrude
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
The Day of the Son of Man (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [26] "As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise as it was in the days of Lot--they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, [29] but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and brimstone rained from Heaven and destroyed them all--[30] so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. [31] On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. [32] Remember Lot's wife. [33] Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. [35] There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." [37] And they said to Him, "Where Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
_________________
Commentary:
23-36. These words of our Lord are a prophecy about the last coming of the Son of Man. We should remember that prophecy often involves events on different levels, many symbols, a terminology of its own; the "chiaroscuro" which they create gives us insight into future events, but the concrete details only become clear when the events actually occur. Our Lord's last coming will be something sudden and unexpected; it will catch many people unprepared. Jesus illustrates this by giving examples from sacred history: as in the time of Noah (cf. Genesis 6:9-19:7) and that of Lot (cf. Genesis 18:16-19:27) divine judgment will be visited on men without warning.
However, it is useful to recall here that everyone will find himself before the divine Judge immediately when he dies, at the Particular Judgment. Thus Jesus' teaching has also a present urgency about it: HERE AND NOW a disciple should scrutinize his own conduct, for the Lord can call him when he least expects.
33. "Will preserve it": what the Greek word literally means is "will engender (his life)", that is to say, "will give true life to the soul". Thus our Lord seems to mean the following: he who wants to save his life at all costs, making it his basic value, will lose eternal life; whereas he who is ready to lose his earthly life--that is, to resist even to death the enemies of God and of his soul--will obtain eternal happiness through this struggle. In content this passage is almost identical with Luke 9:24.
36. In the Vulgate this verse reads: "Una assumetur, et altera relinquetur. Duo in agro; unus assumetur, et alter relinquetur" ("One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left"). These words seem to be an addition to Luke, taken from Matthew 24:40; they do not appear in the better Greek manuscripts, which is why the New Vulgate omits them.
37. "Where the body is, there the eagles will gather": the Greek text uses a word which could mean either eagle or vulture. In any event the proverb indicates the speed with which birds of prey swoop down on their victims--apparently referring to the sudden, unexpected way the Second Coming or Last Judgment will happen. Sacred Scripture also deals with this subject in other passages: "But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Once more Jesus is exhorting us to be watchful: we should never neglect the most important thing in life--eternal salvation. "All that, which worries you for the moment, is of relative importance. What is of absolute importance is that you be happy, that you be saved" ([St] J. Escriva, "The Way", 297). So curious are the Pharisees and the disciples about the time and place of the Last Coming that they are distracted from Jesus' main point; the same thing happens to us: for example, we can spend a lot of time pondering the circumstances of the deaths of people we know, and fail to grasp the warning these deaths contain--that this life is going to end one way or another and that after it we too will meet God.
___________________________
Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text taken from the Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries made by members of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Navarre, Spain. Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Reprinted with permission from Four Courts Press and Scepter Publishers, the U.S. publisher.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Nov 16 - Make a Holy Hour in Reparation for San Francisco Sacrilege
As previously reported here, tomorrow is the day to spend an hour with our Lord.
Weeks after pro-family web sites published photos and video footage of the sacrilegious scandal at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco, the controversy still rages. The image of two transvestites dressed as nuns, receiving Holy Communion from the Archbishop’s hands (click here to see the disturbing video) has prompted calls not just for commentary, but also reparation.For more info, see the TFP web site here.
In response to the offense given to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) is asking members and supporters to join with thousands in a Holy Hour of Eucharistic adoration and reparation anytime between 5 and 8 p.m. local time on Friday, November 16, 2007 at churches and adoration chapels.
The idea of a national reparation come just three weeks after over 2,000 Public Square Rosary Rallies were held nationwide. The TFP is asking its supporters and Rosary Captains to take an hour to make reparation for this terrible offense. (Click here to send your commitment to pray one hour)...
However, the sacrilege itself remains without reparation. Making a Holy Hour of reparation before the Blessed Sacrament will allow Catholics nationwide to storm heaven with prayers asking for forgiveness...
Objectively speaking, the act of giving Holy Communion to two men dressed as fake nuns with make-up and all the characteristics of members of the homosexual group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a terrible sacrilege. As mentioned in an article on the TFP web site, “deliberate and notable irreverence towards the Holy Eucharist is reputed the worst of all sacrileges.”...
Thoughts and Counsels - November 16
In raising human nature to heaven by His ascension, Christ has given us the hope of arriving there ourselves.
-St. Thomas Aquinas
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
-St. Thomas Aquinas
_________________________
From Mary, Help of Christians
Part VI, Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of the Year
Compiled by Fr. Bonaventure Hammer, OFM (© 1909, Benziger Brothers)
Meditation for November 16, My Imperfect State
An authentic author of the life of St. Gertrude (G. Ledos, p. 20) notes regarding this great privileged saint of the thirteenth century:
But if, after having put forth all the effort I can, these involuntary weaknesses crop out, I should not trouble myself. They are permitted by God for a double purpose.
To maintain me in humility, in the certitude - that I would not acquire in any other way - of my absolute impotence without the help of God.
To inspire me with confidence: God loves me such as I am, and is more eager than I to transform me. I will lean on that love.
My Lord, I count on You, make me as You wish me to be.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
"At times after having been troubled by some impatience, or when meditating on the faults into which her frailty led her, she complained to God in the bitterness of her heart, begging Him to deliver her from her faults, which tarnished the purity of her soul; however, the light that she received from God made her understand that the faults He leaves in His elect are an effect of His mercy. He wishes thereby to make them recall how naturally frail they are; how subject to frequent falls; and that all their purity is but a simple effect of His gratuitous mercy."I should certainly not condone my faults but make every effort to correct myself.
But if, after having put forth all the effort I can, these involuntary weaknesses crop out, I should not trouble myself. They are permitted by God for a double purpose.
To maintain me in humility, in the certitude - that I would not acquire in any other way - of my absolute impotence without the help of God.
To inspire me with confidence: God loves me such as I am, and is more eager than I to transform me. I will lean on that love.
My Lord, I count on You, make me as You wish me to be.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Just for Today, An Introduction
Beginning in a few days, another set of meditations/reflections will be available. These are from a booklet, titled
"Just For Today,"
compiled and translated from the writings of
St Teresa of Lisieux
with selections from the
Imitation of Christ
by
a Benedictine of Stanbook, Worcester
This Introduction is by The Right Reverend Monsignor Ronald Knox
______________________
The compiler of this anthology has been happily inspired to sit between two treasure-chests, dealing out to us a jewel first from this, then from that, like matched pearls. One is the Imitation of Christ; the other, the writings of St Teresa of Lisieux. Just five centuries divide them in date. Your first impression, when you see the pearls so well matched, is to exclaim at the resemblance; your second, that after all Christian piety does not alter with the ages, and there are certain rock-bottom truths which need constant reassertion, rather because our wills are so weak than because our memory has let the tradition slide. And indeed, the Imitation was a favourite book with Sister Therese, as it has been with so many ardent natures.
The author of the Imitation was a voice crying in the wilderness; a voice so well content to be anonymous that scholars can still wrangle over his identity. He warns us that we are not to care who said this, but to pay attention to the thing said. The case is otherwise at Lisieux; there, the personality of the Saint, the very lineaments of her features, are the public property of mankind; it is her message that is in danger of being forgotten. Put a card of the Little Flower in your copy of the Imitation, and it will cease to be anonymous; she did not write it, but, much more importantly, she lived it.
Our minds tend to confuse what is simple with what is easy. Look up what day you will in this accusing calendar, and you will find something which is so simple that you could have thought of it for yourself; so far from easy, that you have spent a lifetime not doing it. It is a very Newgate Calendar of our infidelities. Out of the mouth of two witnesses every word shall stand; and here are two witnesses, faithful as those of the Apocalypse, to brush away our feeble excuses with their pitiless realism. Let the phrases be copy-book phrases, if you will; they have been traced in laborious copperplate, by a fifteenth-century ascetic, and retraced, God knows how laboriously, by a childish hand, contemporary with ourselves.
Day to day utters speech, and night to night shows forth knowledge. This is a book to keep by your bedside, so that you can turn to it before you make your examination of conscience, and read in it the diary of what you have left undone. May it reveal the thoughts of many hearts, and rekindle in them the love of Jesus Cbrist.
- R. A. Knox
________________________
List of Abbreviations Used in the book
Bk...ch....= Imitation of Christ.
C.= Conseils et Souvenirs.
E.= Esprit de Sainte Therese.
H.= The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme) :La Bienheureuse Therese de l'Enfant Jesus. Published in 1923.
L.= Letters.
N.V.= Novissima Verba.
P.= Poems.
Pr.= Prayers.
Sum.= Summarium.
__________________
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
"Just For Today,"
compiled and translated from the writings of
St Teresa of Lisieux
with selections from the
Imitation of Christ
by
a Benedictine of Stanbook, Worcester
This Introduction is by The Right Reverend Monsignor Ronald Knox
______________________
The compiler of this anthology has been happily inspired to sit between two treasure-chests, dealing out to us a jewel first from this, then from that, like matched pearls. One is the Imitation of Christ; the other, the writings of St Teresa of Lisieux. Just five centuries divide them in date. Your first impression, when you see the pearls so well matched, is to exclaim at the resemblance; your second, that after all Christian piety does not alter with the ages, and there are certain rock-bottom truths which need constant reassertion, rather because our wills are so weak than because our memory has let the tradition slide. And indeed, the Imitation was a favourite book with Sister Therese, as it has been with so many ardent natures.
The author of the Imitation was a voice crying in the wilderness; a voice so well content to be anonymous that scholars can still wrangle over his identity. He warns us that we are not to care who said this, but to pay attention to the thing said. The case is otherwise at Lisieux; there, the personality of the Saint, the very lineaments of her features, are the public property of mankind; it is her message that is in danger of being forgotten. Put a card of the Little Flower in your copy of the Imitation, and it will cease to be anonymous; she did not write it, but, much more importantly, she lived it.
Our minds tend to confuse what is simple with what is easy. Look up what day you will in this accusing calendar, and you will find something which is so simple that you could have thought of it for yourself; so far from easy, that you have spent a lifetime not doing it. It is a very Newgate Calendar of our infidelities. Out of the mouth of two witnesses every word shall stand; and here are two witnesses, faithful as those of the Apocalypse, to brush away our feeble excuses with their pitiless realism. Let the phrases be copy-book phrases, if you will; they have been traced in laborious copperplate, by a fifteenth-century ascetic, and retraced, God knows how laboriously, by a childish hand, contemporary with ourselves.
Day to day utters speech, and night to night shows forth knowledge. This is a book to keep by your bedside, so that you can turn to it before you make your examination of conscience, and read in it the diary of what you have left undone. May it reveal the thoughts of many hearts, and rekindle in them the love of Jesus Cbrist.
- R. A. Knox
________________________
Bk...ch....= Imitation of Christ.
C.= Conseils et Souvenirs.
E.= Esprit de Sainte Therese.
H.= The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme) :La Bienheureuse Therese de l'Enfant Jesus. Published in 1923.
L.= Letters.
N.V.= Novissima Verba.
P.= Poems.
Pr.= Prayers.
Sum.= Summarium.
__________________
Adapted from Just For Today(©1943 Burns & Oates)
Nihil Obstat: Reginaldus Phillips, S.T.L.,Censor deputatus
Imprimatur: Edwardus Myers, Vic. Cap.
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