As all our wickedness consists in turning away from our Creator, so all our goodness consists in uniting ourselves with Him.
-St. Alphonsus
_________________________
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)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Meditation for October 25, Christ the King
In the beginning of Christian art, Christ was more often represented in the attitude of a monarch seated on a throne, judging the living and the dead, than in the attitude of a suppliant showing His heart, asking that we deign to love Him.
Which of the two images, the Christ of Love or the Christ of Justice, is the nearest to true Christianity?
The two representations must be united instead of opposed, and that is indeed what the Church has done in giving us the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of Christ the King.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is the manifestation of the titles of the Love we ought to love; the Feast of Christ the King is the manifestation of the sovereign rights of the Son of God, rights not to be indefinitely scorned, but rather profoundly respected and generously served, not only by individuals, but by groups, societies and States.
At the time of Jansenism, under pretext of recalling the grandeur of God, some sects tended to forget His goodness; the Devotion to the Sacred Heart came opportunely to recall that if God was Majesty He was also Love. In this age, when, under pretext of laicism, the world sought to modernize God, or to pass Him by in silence, or to destroy Him, the Church wished by a special Feast to recall to the world that God has His rights and that Christ is "Someone."
"We do not want Him to reign" cry some poor people who are either very thoughtless or beside themselves. And I, my Lord, I cry to You with all my power, "I want to see You reign over everything and everyone. And in order to begin with something that depends solely on me, I beg You to reign entirely over me. Let all in me be Yours. Let all in me recognize at every instant both Your sovereignty of right and Your sovereignty of love. I am Your possession, and I am Your spouse forever."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Which of the two images, the Christ of Love or the Christ of Justice, is the nearest to true Christianity?
The two representations must be united instead of opposed, and that is indeed what the Church has done in giving us the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of Christ the King.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is the manifestation of the titles of the Love we ought to love; the Feast of Christ the King is the manifestation of the sovereign rights of the Son of God, rights not to be indefinitely scorned, but rather profoundly respected and generously served, not only by individuals, but by groups, societies and States.
At the time of Jansenism, under pretext of recalling the grandeur of God, some sects tended to forget His goodness; the Devotion to the Sacred Heart came opportunely to recall that if God was Majesty He was also Love. In this age, when, under pretext of laicism, the world sought to modernize God, or to pass Him by in silence, or to destroy Him, the Church wished by a special Feast to recall to the world that God has His rights and that Christ is "Someone."
"We do not want Him to reign" cry some poor people who are either very thoughtless or beside themselves. And I, my Lord, I cry to You with all my power, "I want to see You reign over everything and everyone. And in order to begin with something that depends solely on me, I beg You to reign entirely over me. Let all in me be Yours. Let all in me recognize at every instant both Your sovereignty of right and Your sovereignty of love. I am Your possession, and I am Your spouse forever."
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
The Failure to Teach, Sanctify, and Govern...
Those at "A Shepherd's Voice" maintain that the problems (and I would suggest , the history of sacrilege/blasphemy) occurring at Most Holy Redeemer are due to a "failure to exercise rightful authority by the successive Bishops of San Francisco." [Source]
Truly we pray, "How long, O Lord?"
But the latest revelation from qdomine.com is in some ways even more shocking. The Church was hosting meetings of "leather (read S/M)" motorcycle clubs for over six years, and a photographer who chronicles such things was there taking photos. Remember, the things you see are taking place on church property.Quamdiu Domine has links to these "events" which were photographed at Most Holy Redeemer Church's parish hall from February 16, 2002 through February 17, 2007.
Truly we pray, "How long, O Lord?"
Stealth priestess?
Catholic Church Conservation suggests: Coming soon to a Church near you.
And from the Clarion Ledger we read:
At any rate, it looks like she might be next in line for an "ordination ceremony" by one os the kook women pretending to be "bishops."
More pictures at Cathcon here.
And from the Clarion Ledger we read:I'm not certain who the people in the picture above are or where this picture was taken, but is the bishop Joesph Latino, bishop of the Diocese of Jackson Mississippi?
Lay Catholics step up during priest shortage
GLUCKSTADT — Dressed in a knee-length black skirt and tweed blazer, Pam Minninger stood at the entrance of St. Joseph Catholic Church greeting her parishioners before Sunday Mass.
At any rate, it looks like she might be next in line for an "ordination ceremony" by one os the kook women pretending to be "bishops."
More pictures at Cathcon here.
Protest the Blasphemous "Chocolate Jesus"
From the good folks at TFP:
It is time to vehemently protest against Cosimo Cavallaro’s display called “Chocolate Saints…Sweet Jesus,” that will be on display from Oct. 27 to Nov. 24 at The Proposition gallery in New York City. You can protest by clicking here.
It is a horrible portrayal of Our Lord Jesus Christ made in chocolate. What you see is a stark naked suspended figure with outstretched arms upon an invisible cross. He is surrounded by the Blessed Mother and other saints also in chocolate.
In the fantasy world of avant garde art, they try to label these flying chocolate Christ figures as works of art. But, in the real world, a pornographic display of a chocolate male figure not resembling in any way the august figure of Our Lord Jesus Christ comes across to millions not as art but blasphemy.
Protest now by clicking here.
It is time to vehemently protest against Cosimo Cavallaro’s display called “Chocolate Saints…Sweet Jesus,” that will be on display from Oct. 27 to Nov. 24 at The Proposition gallery in New York City. You can protest by clicking here.
It is a horrible portrayal of Our Lord Jesus Christ made in chocolate. What you see is a stark naked suspended figure with outstretched arms upon an invisible cross. He is surrounded by the Blessed Mother and other saints also in chocolate.
In the fantasy world of avant garde art, they try to label these flying chocolate Christ figures as works of art. But, in the real world, a pornographic display of a chocolate male figure not resembling in any way the august figure of Our Lord Jesus Christ comes across to millions not as art but blasphemy.
Protest now by clicking here.
Cardinal Rigali Urges Faithful to See the Film, "Bella"
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, is urging the faithful throughout the Archdiocese to see the powerful new film "Bella" which opens in select local theaters on Friday, October 26, 2007. Cardinal Rigali said, "This film has a message that is so connected to life: to the problems of life, the challenges of life, the value of life. This film, I believe, is destined to have an extraordinary impact on people's lives."More here.
Holy Cross College & Planned Parenthood
Diogenes note this amazing coincidence:
It's time for the Bishop to act!
Source, CWNEWS
Here is the web site for the Planned Parenthood clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts. Make a note of the phone number for local calls: (508) 854-3300.Just another in a long list of once Catholic colleges whose leadership has directed the institution away from truth, freedom, and the Church and headlon toward toward apostasy and worse...One of deliciously poisonous fruits of the Land O'Lakes Conference rebellion, no doubt...
Now here is the web site for student health services at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Notice the number recommended to students who are concerned about sexually transmitted diseases: 508-854-3300. Haven't we seen that number somewhere else?
No, Holy Cross doesn't refer students to Planned Parenthood for abortions. Holy Cross refers students to Planned Parenthood for STD tests. But Holy Cross does refer students to Planned Parenthood.
So tonight, when Planned Parenthood representatives participate in a panel at Holy Cross on teen pregnancy, it won't be the first point of contact. They're already working together.
It's time for the Bishop to act!
Source, CWNEWS
Catholic school auctions off dinner with Nancy Pelosi
Every year, St. Helena Catholic School -- situated in the Napa wine country -- has a benefit auction at the Rutherford Grove Winery called “Gala at the Grove.” Guests pay $150 a ticket to bid on distinctive wines and other products to benefit the school. This year’s gala included a unique item up for bid: “Dinner with the Speaker,” an intimate dinner with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The winning bid for the dinner was $14,000.I'm certain everyone else can answer it - does the school care about the example it sets for students? Apparently not - scandal is, after all, all the rage in California these days.
. . .
[School principal Jim] Ritchie refused to comment when asked how a Catholic school could offer dinner with a militantly pro-abortion, pro-homosexual politician as a prize. “I can’t answer that,” he said. “You’ll have to call her office.”
Monsignor John Brenkle, pastor of St. Helena Catholic Church, part of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, is scheduled to join the winners at the Pelosi dinner. When he was asked the same question as Ritchie, Brenkle answered by invoking the Iraq war.Sounds familiar...refuse to discuss the real issue while attempting to move the 'discussion; off into another area...a common tactic used by dissenters...
He also has a different take on Canon 915 than Archbishop Burke...
California Catholic Daily: “But you can be a Catholic and support the idea of a just war. You can’t be a Catholic and support abortion in any way, shape or form.”Would a faithful Catholic want to receive spiritual advice or direction from such a priest - one who is incapable of unwilling to see and address the horrors of intrinsically evil acts and the necessity of confronting those who support those acts. Great example for the school children! Not!
Brenkle: “You cannot support this war I’m afraid.”
California Catholic Daily: “So you can throw abortion out the window because you don’t like Bush and the war?”
Brenkle: “No, but you put up with the imperfections of politicians. Nobody is perfect.”
California Catholic Daily: “Have you met Nancy Pelosi?”
Brenkle: “She’s a part-time member of our parish.”
California Catholic Daily: “Have you ever discussed her positions on abortion and homosexual marriage with her?”
Brenkle: “I have not had an opportunity to do so.”
California Catholic Daily: “Do you allow her to come to Holy Communion after the Church has taught that manifest public sinners who are unrepentant are to be denied Holy Communion?”
Brenkle: “The Church has never taught that.”
California Catholic Daily: “I think the Archbishop of St. Louis would disagree -- and he’s a canon lawyer.”
Brenkle: “Yeah, well I happen to be a canon lawyer too, y’know, and I think the bishops who said that are in a very minority position.”
at California Catholic DailyGospel for Wednesday, 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Optional Memorial of St. Anthony Claret, bishop
Old Calendar: St. Raphael the Archangel
From: Luke 12:39-48
The Need for Vigilance and the Parable of the Steward (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [39] "But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have been awake and would not have left his house to be broken into. [40] You also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
[41] Peter said, "Lord are you telling this parable for us or for all?" [42] And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? [43] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [44] Truly I tell you, he will set him over all his possessions. [45] But if that servant says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, [46] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. [47] And that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. [48] But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more."
_____________________
Commentary:
40. God has chosen to hide from us the time of our death and the time
when the world will come to an end. Immediately after death everyone
undergoes the Particular Judgment: "just as it is appointed for men to
die once, and after that comes judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27). The end of
the world is when the General Judgment will take place.
41-48. After our Lord's exhortation to vigilance, St. Peter asks a
question (verse 41), the answer to which is the key to understanding
this parable. On the one hand, Jesus emphasizes that we simply do not
know exactly when God is going to ask us to render an account of our
life; on the other--answering Peter's question--our Lord explains that
His teaching is addressed to every individual. God will ask everyone
to render an account of his doings: everyone has a mission to fulfill
in this life and he has to account for it before the judgment seat of
God and be judged on what he has produced, be it much or little.
"Since we know neither the day nor the hour, we should follow the
advice of the Lord and watch constantly so that, when the single course
of our earthly life is completed (cf. Hebrews 9:27), we may merit to
enter with Him into the marriage feast and be numbered among the
blessed (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) and not, like the wicked and slothful
servants (cf. Matthew 25:26), be ordered to depart into the eternal
fire (cf. Matthew 25:41)" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 48).
__________________________
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.
Old Calendar: St. Raphael the Archangel
From: Luke 12:39-48
The Need for Vigilance and the Parable of the Steward (Continuation)
(Jesus said to His disciples,) [39] "But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have been awake and would not have left his house to be broken into. [40] You also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
[41] Peter said, "Lord are you telling this parable for us or for all?" [42] And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? [43] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. [44] Truly I tell you, he will set him over all his possessions. [45] But if that servant says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, [46] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. [47] And that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. [48] But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much is given, of him much will be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more."
_____________________
Commentary:
40. God has chosen to hide from us the time of our death and the time
when the world will come to an end. Immediately after death everyone
undergoes the Particular Judgment: "just as it is appointed for men to
die once, and after that comes judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27). The end of
the world is when the General Judgment will take place.
41-48. After our Lord's exhortation to vigilance, St. Peter asks a
question (verse 41), the answer to which is the key to understanding
this parable. On the one hand, Jesus emphasizes that we simply do not
know exactly when God is going to ask us to render an account of our
life; on the other--answering Peter's question--our Lord explains that
His teaching is addressed to every individual. God will ask everyone
to render an account of his doings: everyone has a mission to fulfill
in this life and he has to account for it before the judgment seat of
God and be judged on what he has produced, be it much or little.
"Since we know neither the day nor the hour, we should follow the
advice of the Lord and watch constantly so that, when the single course
of our earthly life is completed (cf. Hebrews 9:27), we may merit to
enter with Him into the marriage feast and be numbered among the
blessed (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) and not, like the wicked and slothful
servants (cf. Matthew 25:26), be ordered to depart into the eternal
fire (cf. Matthew 25:41)" (Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 48).
__________________________
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, October 23, 2007
The Rosary - Conversation Help
"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee." St. Luke, 1:28.
One of the most capable and upright of our statesmen in the past was Mr. Edward McGrady, former Assistant Secretary of Labor. He was particularly skillful in settling disputes between management and labor. He was just; he was informed; he was courteous; he was fearless. Many an hour and many a day he spent at the tables of arbitration. Many a delicate situation he solved to the satisfaction of both parties.
Almost as well known as his achievements in the field of labor was the fact that McGrady carried a Rosary with him constantly, and that during the disputes his hand often reached into his pocket, there to finger his beads in a prayer for help in solving the difficulty before them. He was calling God into those conferences.
Of this practice of McGrady an eminent co-worker has spoken, none other than General Hugh Johnson, a rough and ready unsentimental soul if there ever was one. Johnson declared:
Even the ancient Greeks, pagan as they were, had a similar practice. They carried what they called "Conversation Beads." That is, while they talked they fingered a string of beads, usually made of amber. No, they were not Rosary beads, but they were a mechanical help to conversation. The Greeks did like to talk about deep and serious topics. They did like to converse about things that required keeping the mind on the subject. They found that these "Conversation Beads" were a big help.
All the more so are your Rosary beads. Not only do they keep your mind on the subject under discussion, your beads will also help you solve that problem. I can see several advantages of carrying a Rosary constantly:
1. It is a big help to concentration. How difficult it is to keep one's mind on a certain topic. How easy it is to wander in thought and speech from the subject at hand. Holding your Rosary in your hand will help keep your attention on what you are doing or saying.
Certainly it is a big help in spiritual concentration. Talking to God meets with many distractions. If you have some object you can touch, some material things you can conveniently carry, you have a help for the mind.
2. According to psychiatry, holding something is also an outlet for what we call "nerves" or the tensions of everyday life. Whether it is the sense of holding on to something material, something solid, something certain, or the physical grip itself, we cannot say. Certainly the nerves are quieted.
3. Holding your Rosary is also an excellent form of physical and mental relaxation. You can even close your eyes; you can even sit down or walk as you finger bead after bead with our Blessed Mother before your mind's eye. The power and practice of relaxing is one means to health. The stress and strain of every day both on the body and the mind will find pleasant relief in the few minutes you spend saying your Rosary or even some part of it.
4. The Rosary is also an excellent substitute for some of the more harmful helps to conversation, like cigarettes and intoxicating drink.
Over and above these material considerations is the overwhelming fact that the Rosary is a prayer, first and last. It is a tangible means of keeping our minds on God and His Blessed Mother. It is the sound track on which the soul reels off the divine movies of the joyful, sorrowful and glorious highpoints in the life of God's Mother. [And in the Luminous mysteries, on the life of Christ].
It is a string of pearls which we graciously hang about the neck of our heavenly Queen. It is the diamond-studded diary of the most lovable, the most beautiful, the most kindly, the most influential woman who ever lived. It is a bouquet of fresh, fragrant flowers culled from the human heart, simply and attractively arranged, tied with a ribbon of love and admiration, and presented to the most perfect Lady. It is the favorite prayer of the statesman like McGrady and the ordinary citizen like the Catholic who lives next door.
Sometimes we hear this objection to saying the Rosary:
Furthermore, a child will repeat time and again such simple phrases as: "I love you, mother." A lover will repeatedly express his affection for his beloved, even though it is in the very same words every time.
There is plenty of variety in the Rosary, when one thinks about the various mysteries and what they imply, if one offers a particular bead, or a particular decade for some special purpose, if one keeps in mind that he is talking to the Queen of heaven and earth, directly in contact with her on the walkie-talkie of his Rosary.
Too many intelligent people recite the Rosary, for anyone to say that it is monotonous or thoughtless or uninspiring. I hope you are among these spiritually intelligent sons and daughters of Mary, who every day tell your beads to her, who every day keep in contact with her Mother heart through the Rosary. Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Occasional Talks
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (©1949)
One of the most capable and upright of our statesmen in the past was Mr. Edward McGrady, former Assistant Secretary of Labor. He was particularly skillful in settling disputes between management and labor. He was just; he was informed; he was courteous; he was fearless. Many an hour and many a day he spent at the tables of arbitration. Many a delicate situation he solved to the satisfaction of both parties.
Almost as well known as his achievements in the field of labor was the fact that McGrady carried a Rosary with him constantly, and that during the disputes his hand often reached into his pocket, there to finger his beads in a prayer for help in solving the difficulty before them. He was calling God into those conferences.
Of this practice of McGrady an eminent co-worker has spoken, none other than General Hugh Johnson, a rough and ready unsentimental soul if there ever was one. Johnson declared:
"McGrady has done more for industrial peace than any single man. He goes into a fierce conference with a Rosary in his pocket where his fingers can touch it at every critical point."What an inspiration! Before government and radical agitators, before friend and foe, he was unafraid to have it known that he drew help from his Rosary.
Even the ancient Greeks, pagan as they were, had a similar practice. They carried what they called "Conversation Beads." That is, while they talked they fingered a string of beads, usually made of amber. No, they were not Rosary beads, but they were a mechanical help to conversation. The Greeks did like to talk about deep and serious topics. They did like to converse about things that required keeping the mind on the subject. They found that these "Conversation Beads" were a big help.
All the more so are your Rosary beads. Not only do they keep your mind on the subject under discussion, your beads will also help you solve that problem. I can see several advantages of carrying a Rosary constantly:
1. It is a big help to concentration. How difficult it is to keep one's mind on a certain topic. How easy it is to wander in thought and speech from the subject at hand. Holding your Rosary in your hand will help keep your attention on what you are doing or saying.
Certainly it is a big help in spiritual concentration. Talking to God meets with many distractions. If you have some object you can touch, some material things you can conveniently carry, you have a help for the mind.
2. According to psychiatry, holding something is also an outlet for what we call "nerves" or the tensions of everyday life. Whether it is the sense of holding on to something material, something solid, something certain, or the physical grip itself, we cannot say. Certainly the nerves are quieted.
3. Holding your Rosary is also an excellent form of physical and mental relaxation. You can even close your eyes; you can even sit down or walk as you finger bead after bead with our Blessed Mother before your mind's eye. The power and practice of relaxing is one means to health. The stress and strain of every day both on the body and the mind will find pleasant relief in the few minutes you spend saying your Rosary or even some part of it.
4. The Rosary is also an excellent substitute for some of the more harmful helps to conversation, like cigarettes and intoxicating drink.
Over and above these material considerations is the overwhelming fact that the Rosary is a prayer, first and last. It is a tangible means of keeping our minds on God and His Blessed Mother. It is the sound track on which the soul reels off the divine movies of the joyful, sorrowful and glorious highpoints in the life of God's Mother. [And in the Luminous mysteries, on the life of Christ].
It is a string of pearls which we graciously hang about the neck of our heavenly Queen. It is the diamond-studded diary of the most lovable, the most beautiful, the most kindly, the most influential woman who ever lived. It is a bouquet of fresh, fragrant flowers culled from the human heart, simply and attractively arranged, tied with a ribbon of love and admiration, and presented to the most perfect Lady. It is the favorite prayer of the statesman like McGrady and the ordinary citizen like the Catholic who lives next door.
Sometimes we hear this objection to saying the Rosary:
"What is the use of mumbling the same prayer over and over and over, five times, ten times, fifty times? It seems to be merely words repeated without any meaning."In answer we remind you that our Lord Himself repeated certain prayers. In the Garden of Olives He said the same prayer three times. He taught us to say the "Our Father." In the same way, when we recite the Hail Mary, we are repeating the beautiful, the most important words, spoken by the Angel Gabriel to our Blessed Mother.
Furthermore, a child will repeat time and again such simple phrases as: "I love you, mother." A lover will repeatedly express his affection for his beloved, even though it is in the very same words every time.
There is plenty of variety in the Rosary, when one thinks about the various mysteries and what they imply, if one offers a particular bead, or a particular decade for some special purpose, if one keeps in mind that he is talking to the Queen of heaven and earth, directly in contact with her on the walkie-talkie of his Rosary.
Too many intelligent people recite the Rosary, for anyone to say that it is monotonous or thoughtless or uninspiring. I hope you are among these spiritually intelligent sons and daughters of Mary, who every day tell your beads to her, who every day keep in contact with her Mother heart through the Rosary. Amen.
__________________
Adapted from Occasional Talks
by Fr. Arthur Tonne, OFM (©1949)
Thoughts and Counsels - October 24
Do not let confusion for your faults overwhelm you with despair, as if there were no longer a remedy.
-St. Catherine if Siena
_________________________
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. Catherine if Siena
_________________________
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 October 24, The Use of Creatures
First of all, creatures should not be a hindrance to me in serving God. I ought rather to use them as a means to go to God.
These are the two great ideas that St. Ignatius emphasized and developed in the beginning and at the end of the Exercises - in the consideration of Indifference, and in the Contemplation on Divine Love.
In the meditation on Indifference he claims that the sight of the goal must be so imperious that we are ready to sacrifice all which does not help to attain it. This creature has value as a means. Fine, we will use it. Such a person or such an object is not a means under the circumstances, has absolutely no value as a means; nothing is simpler, we must put it aside.
But isn't this a negative procedure? There is something greater and better to do. God has made us kings in creation, not only that we may not be the slaves of creatures, but that creatures serve us as pedestals to elevate us to Him. In the first part of the Contemplation on Love, or rather, the ways to acquire love, Ad Amorem, St. Ignatius endeavors to incite in the retreatant the desire of forming this habit of finding God among created things; creatures far from hiding God from us ought to reveal Him to us, if our faith is lively enough.
Ignatius himself, upon closing his window one evening, noticed the starry sky; in this beautiful picture of the heavens powdered with stars he discovered the Lord and, falling into an ecstasy, he remained there until morning.
We scarcely expect to react as did St. Ignatius, but at least let the earth help us picture heaven; the created, the Uncreated; the pedestal, the statue; the beauty of things, the Infinite Beauty of God. Use in this spirit the praises and canticles of the Psalms.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
These are the two great ideas that St. Ignatius emphasized and developed in the beginning and at the end of the Exercises - in the consideration of Indifference, and in the Contemplation on Divine Love.
In the meditation on Indifference he claims that the sight of the goal must be so imperious that we are ready to sacrifice all which does not help to attain it. This creature has value as a means. Fine, we will use it. Such a person or such an object is not a means under the circumstances, has absolutely no value as a means; nothing is simpler, we must put it aside.
But isn't this a negative procedure? There is something greater and better to do. God has made us kings in creation, not only that we may not be the slaves of creatures, but that creatures serve us as pedestals to elevate us to Him. In the first part of the Contemplation on Love, or rather, the ways to acquire love, Ad Amorem, St. Ignatius endeavors to incite in the retreatant the desire of forming this habit of finding God among created things; creatures far from hiding God from us ought to reveal Him to us, if our faith is lively enough.
Ignatius himself, upon closing his window one evening, noticed the starry sky; in this beautiful picture of the heavens powdered with stars he discovered the Lord and, falling into an ecstasy, he remained there until morning.
We scarcely expect to react as did St. Ignatius, but at least let the earth help us picture heaven; the created, the Uncreated; the pedestal, the statue; the beauty of things, the Infinite Beauty of God. Use in this spirit the praises and canticles of the Psalms.
_________________
Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)
Requiescat in Pace...
World Renowned Theologian: No Plan B
World Renowned Theologian Renders Possibly Decisive Blow in Debate on Plan B in Catholic HospitalsAn excellent article at LifeSiteNews.
Says that "even if the pill in Plan B is only 'dubiously' abortive, we simply may not use it at all"
WASHINGTON, DC, October 22, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In what is likely the most significant contribution to date in the debate over the use of the so-called "emergency contraception" pills at Catholic hospitals, renowned theologian Fr. Peter Damian Fehlner has written on the subject. The Doctor of Sacred Theology who has been teaching theology in Franciscan universities and seminaries in the US and Italy for forty years, has questioned the basis on which the whole issue is based - namely whether it is permitted for Catholics to administer Plan B even if it acted as a contraceptive rather than causing abortions...
Fr. Fehlner, who was the North American Superior for the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in the United States from 1996 to 2002, dismissed outright the use of Plan B at Catholic hospitals where there is any doubt as to it possibility of causing an abortion. "The fact is, if we have any doubt about whether a given action would directly risk someone's life, entail a violation of justice or threaten the salvation of a soul, we may not act on the basis of a scientific probability," he writes. "That means even if the pill in Plan B is only 'dubiously' abortive, we simply may not use it at all..."
However, beyond the question of the abortifacient effects of the pills, Fr. Fehlner - a familiar name to those who watch EWTN, points out that the Church teaches that contraception is intrinsically evil and thus is not permissible even in cases of rape.
More here.
There is this as well:
Editor's note: Fr. Fehlner's two essays on the topic also address the 'lotio' and the concepts of natural and unnatural sins which are key to a full Catholic theological understanding of this debate. Interested readers may read Fr. Fehlner's essays on the subject here:
http://www.airmaria.com/?p=576 (Part 1)
http://www.airmaria.com/?p=602 (Part 2)
We must pray for those who attack the Church...
...and the Holy Father; we must pray for those who reject the truth, virtues, the natural moral law and choose, instead, to cling to lies, darkness, vice, immorality, disobediece, or whatever happens to satisfy their 'desires.'
And we should pray for ourselves, as well, that we might be receptive to the graces God provides for us so that our will might be conformed to His will, that we resist the desires for rebellion and sin, that we grow in fidelity to and love of Him and the Church He provided for all. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by the rejection of both our arrogant pride and our willful practice of disobedience.
To many, this word - obedience - is anathema. It is viewed as a hindrance to one's 'freedom' when, in fact, we gain true freedom by being obedient. It is precisely the example of obedience which Jesus gives us, so that we might also, in love and humility, take up the cross and follow Him.
When considering the numerous dissenting and false opinions and positions, both here and in the world, it might seem justified to lash out, at times, at those whose views are so opposed to the Church and to the good, especially when those people claim to be Christians, and in particular, Catholics. Sometimes I forget the advice of Fr John Corapi, which is most helpful during those times when the voices of dissent seem to be the only voices which can be heard:
And we should pray for ourselves, as well, that we might be receptive to the graces God provides for us so that our will might be conformed to His will, that we resist the desires for rebellion and sin, that we grow in fidelity to and love of Him and the Church He provided for all. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by the rejection of both our arrogant pride and our willful practice of disobedience.
To many, this word - obedience - is anathema. It is viewed as a hindrance to one's 'freedom' when, in fact, we gain true freedom by being obedient. It is precisely the example of obedience which Jesus gives us, so that we might also, in love and humility, take up the cross and follow Him.
When considering the numerous dissenting and false opinions and positions, both here and in the world, it might seem justified to lash out, at times, at those whose views are so opposed to the Church and to the good, especially when those people claim to be Christians, and in particular, Catholics. Sometimes I forget the advice of Fr John Corapi, which is most helpful during those times when the voices of dissent seem to be the only voices which can be heard:
"There is no such thing as being a good Catholic and being disobedient to the Holy Father. There is no such thing as being a good Catholic and being a dissident when it comes to faith and morals. There is no such thing as dissent from authentic and authoritative Church teaching. No such thing. Those who do that separate themselves from Christ and His body. They become dead members of the body of Christ.The loud, obnoxious and poisonous voices of dissent should be refuted - and they should be ignored so that we are not negatively influenced by them. But, more importantly, when we encouter those pitiable souls, we should always say a pray for their conversion and a prayer that we might be an example of Christ's charity and fidelity. I pray that our Lord will grant me the grace to reach that seemingly impossible pinnacle.
"You should avoid such people like the plague and you should keep your children from such people as though keeping them from the worst contagion, because contact with such people can poison their minds, poison their souls and kill them morally and spiritually, and you don't want to be responsible for that. That is not lack of charity, that is not lack of pastoral concern. That IS charity, that IS being pastoral and that IS being merciful. It is not merciful to turn our children over to those that can poison their hearts and minds. That is not charitable, merciful, nor pastoral.
"Pray for people that attack the Church, the Holy Father, the Magisterium. Pray for them, love them indeed, but don't listen to them and don't put yourselves nor your children in a position where they or you can be influenced." [excerpt from the talk, "Messages for Homeschoolers"]
Vatican Press announces publication of 1962 Edition of the Roman Missal
Vatican City, Oct 23, 2007 / 10:14 am (CNA).- The Vatican Press, Libreria Editricie Vaticana, has announced that it will begin selling the Roman Missal of 1962...Source
It is available for purchase at a price of 59 Euros. Further details can be found at http://www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com/it/news/
What's a brewin' at Franciscan University?
Fr. Z writes:
A well-substantiated rumor has it that a petition for the implementation of Summorum Pontificum bearing 155 names of students and faculty has been denied by the plenary council of T.O.R friars on the grounds that the motu proprio does not apply to Catholic universities. You can certainly see what the implications are. Keep this one on your radar; it’s going to be huge.Fr Z has plenty of updates on the goings on in Steubenville... click here
ProLifeInternet.com? Is this ProLifeSearch Resurrected?
It certainly seems to have the look and feel of ProLifeSearch.com, but then it could be my eyes and memory playing tricks on me...
Link here.
So much of what happens in life is out of our control
This is one of the ideas expressed in a letter, signed by Bishop Donald E. Pelotte, that was recently posted on the Diocese of Gallup’s Web site. Although the letter is well-written and thoughtful, it does little to address the many questions Catholics have about the bishop’s medical condition since he was seriously injured in a July 23 incident and particularly since Sept. 27 when Pelotte made a confused call to a 911 dispatcher.Source: The Gallup Independent
Bishop Pelotte’s letter can be read here.
The Encyclical Against the "Modernists" Turns 100 – But Without Fanfare
Froom Chiesa:
More here.
No official celebrations for the centenary of the "Pascendi" encyclical. The "unworthy methods" used to fight this battle have been discarded. But the questions at the center of that controversy are still open. And the book "Jesus of Nazareth" is proof of this.
by Sandro Magister
______________
This is what the new director of "L'Osservatore Romano," professor Giovanni Maria Vian, said in the first significant interview that he granted after his appointment:
"Pius X was a great reformist pope, and in regard to the modernist question he understood very well what was at stake and what were the dangers for the Church's faith. Unfortunately, his reputation is now linked mostly to the ways in which modernism was combated, often with methods unworthy of the cause they were intended to defend."
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