I've been trying to keep things kind of light during the summer, partially because I've been so busy I don't have time to think seriously myself. I did read, A Study of Conscience, From Scripture and Documents of Vatican II, by Sister Immaculata of Jesus Crucified, OCD, Carmel of Our Lady of Divine Providence. Actually, I read it twice, it is quite short, only 45 small pages. But, I have a problem with terms and definitions. I'm certain I learned all these at one time, especially in college, but like many things lately, I can't remember them for anything.
I still don't clearly understand how these three: conscience, intellect and will; all act together. I think conscience is the arbiter of the will and intellect, but am hoping someone can explain it better. If you have a poorly formed or malformed conscience, it is unable to keep the appetites of the intellect and will in check?
So, here's a definition of conscience from the Pocket Catholic Dictionary, by (Father) John A. Hardon, SJ.
The judgment of the practical intellect deciding, from general principles of faith and reason, the goodness or badness of a way of acting that a person now faces.
It is an operation of the intellect and not of the feelings or even of the will. An Action is right or wrong because of objective principles to which the mind must subscribe, not because a person subjectively feels that way or because his will wants it that way.
Conscience, therefore, is a specific act of the mind applying its knowledge to a concrete moral situation. What the mind decides in a given case depends on principles already in the mind.
These principles are presupposed as known to the mind, either from the light of natural reason reflecting on the data of creation, or from divine faith responding to God's supernatural revelation. Conscience does not produce these principles; it accepts them. Nor does conscience pass judgment on the truths of reason and divine faith; it uses them as the premises from which to conclude whether something should be done (or should have been done) because it is a good, or should be omitted (or should have been omitted) because it is bad. Its conclusions also apply to situations where the mind decides that something is permissible or preferable but not obligatory.
Always the role of conscience is to decide subjectively on the ethical propriety of a specific action, here and now, for this person, in these circumstances. But always, too, the decision is a mental conclusion derived from objective norms that conscience does not determine on its own, receiving it as given by the Author of nature and divine grace.
Here's the definition for will:
The power of the human soul, or of a spiritual being, which tends toward a good or away from an evil recognized by the intellect. It is basically a rational appetite with several functions, namely the ability to intend, choose, desire, hope, consent, hate, love, and enjoy.
Have to go to a regular dictionary for a definition of intellect:
The capacity for understanding and knowledge; the ability to think abstractly or profoundly.
14 August 2007
13 August 2007
Not your grandmother's magazine anymore
My aunts and I have a magazine exchange. My aunts are in their late 60s and early 80s. If all the magazines we exchanged each month were piled up, they would be almost two feet deep. Most of them are the usual magazines found on the coffee table or in the doctor's office: Family Circle, Redbook, Oprah, Martha Stewart, Newsweek, etc. I don't contribute much, especially along those lines, but do include my soon-to-NOT-be-renewed St. Anthony Messenger, This Old House, Aviation Week and some college alumni magazines. I used to get People, until I questioned myself as to why I was getting it (someone gave me a subscription at Christmas and I just kept renewing) and more recently, Cooks, until I figured that I knew a dozen different ways to serve hamburger so who needed to venture off into the unknown. I used to have gift subscriptions to Catholic Family News, The Wanderer and New Oxford Review, but have let them lapse.
Recently, as I gathered the pounds of magazines sitting around my house to get them together to be sent over to my other aunt's house, I questioned what we were really reading. Actually, I don't read many of the magazines my aunt passes along to me. I admit to reading Martha Stewart, mostly for her Q&A advice column and I page through Newsweek, but the rest I don't look at. In fact, I told my aunt years ago to not even send me the Oprah magazine because Oprah is way on the other end of the New Age scale for me. Too touchy-feely, everything is neat and easy. My aunt gets it because she likes a deal. The cover price is astronomical and she gets it fairly cheaply, so that's the reason she's been renewing. I think this may be a common occurrence among older ladies.
Maybe I should've told my aunt that I didn't want the magazines, that I wasn't reading them, because now I'm wondering what to do.
Over the weekend, we were at Walmart to get some last minute items for the birthday party. As we were standing in line at the checkout, I briefly noticed the cover of Oprah. Listed on the cover as what to read inside was some story on sex. Honestly, I don't remember what it was, but it struck me as very odd. I thought Oprah was all concerned about social issues and getting in touch with your inner self. Maybe improving things in this arena will cure what ails you and society.
What's a nice single gal doing with a story on sex in her magazine anyway?
After I unpacked last night and tried to pick things up, I gathered all my aunt's magazines together to give her today since she is heading up to her cabin for the week. Thought she would like to take something along to read. Then I looked at the rest of the magazines.
Saying that many of the articles in the magazines are inappropriate isn't really the whole story. Many of these magazines were what my grandmother used to read, we naively welcome them into our homes because they have always been there. But, many of these magazines haven't stayed stuck in the 1950s. They have updated to include many of the objectionable topics we don't want to watch on TV, the things we change the channel over. Here, next to my kids toys are magazines filled with sex, immorality and New Age ideas.
I'm a bit shocked (and embarrassed) to finally look at these things and see the junk that's in them. I didn't read many of them because I thought they WERE my grandmother's magazine and had nothing for me. Here I had been vigilant about not watching violent or adult-themed shows on TV and keeping as much of this junk away from my family as possible, only to find it sitting on my coffee table.
If my grandmother was alive, I am certain she would be appalled at the magazines she used to read to get a new and inventive recipe or to learn how to do her housework more quickly and efficiently, are full of stories that would make most adults blush. If they're not making you blush, they are busy trying to tell you how to expand your mind and channel your feelings, while showing you what color to paint your bedroom to make it more supportive of these ideas.
Now I need to fess up to my aunt that I haven't been reading these magazines for years and also tell her that I do have some suggestions about what magazines she should cancel and which ones she should continue to get (she recently asked me my thoughts on the subject). Cooks is looking better all the time.
Recently, as I gathered the pounds of magazines sitting around my house to get them together to be sent over to my other aunt's house, I questioned what we were really reading. Actually, I don't read many of the magazines my aunt passes along to me. I admit to reading Martha Stewart, mostly for her Q&A advice column and I page through Newsweek, but the rest I don't look at. In fact, I told my aunt years ago to not even send me the Oprah magazine because Oprah is way on the other end of the New Age scale for me. Too touchy-feely, everything is neat and easy. My aunt gets it because she likes a deal. The cover price is astronomical and she gets it fairly cheaply, so that's the reason she's been renewing. I think this may be a common occurrence among older ladies.
Maybe I should've told my aunt that I didn't want the magazines, that I wasn't reading them, because now I'm wondering what to do.
Over the weekend, we were at Walmart to get some last minute items for the birthday party. As we were standing in line at the checkout, I briefly noticed the cover of Oprah. Listed on the cover as what to read inside was some story on sex. Honestly, I don't remember what it was, but it struck me as very odd. I thought Oprah was all concerned about social issues and getting in touch with your inner self. Maybe improving things in this arena will cure what ails you and society.
What's a nice single gal doing with a story on sex in her magazine anyway?
After I unpacked last night and tried to pick things up, I gathered all my aunt's magazines together to give her today since she is heading up to her cabin for the week. Thought she would like to take something along to read. Then I looked at the rest of the magazines.
Saying that many of the articles in the magazines are inappropriate isn't really the whole story. Many of these magazines were what my grandmother used to read, we naively welcome them into our homes because they have always been there. But, many of these magazines haven't stayed stuck in the 1950s. They have updated to include many of the objectionable topics we don't want to watch on TV, the things we change the channel over. Here, next to my kids toys are magazines filled with sex, immorality and New Age ideas.
I'm a bit shocked (and embarrassed) to finally look at these things and see the junk that's in them. I didn't read many of them because I thought they WERE my grandmother's magazine and had nothing for me. Here I had been vigilant about not watching violent or adult-themed shows on TV and keeping as much of this junk away from my family as possible, only to find it sitting on my coffee table.
If my grandmother was alive, I am certain she would be appalled at the magazines she used to read to get a new and inventive recipe or to learn how to do her housework more quickly and efficiently, are full of stories that would make most adults blush. If they're not making you blush, they are busy trying to tell you how to expand your mind and channel your feelings, while showing you what color to paint your bedroom to make it more supportive of these ideas.
Now I need to fess up to my aunt that I haven't been reading these magazines for years and also tell her that I do have some suggestions about what magazines she should cancel and which ones she should continue to get (she recently asked me my thoughts on the subject). Cooks is looking better all the time.
New Words
This was sent to me in an e-mail. Some are kind of funny.
The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners.
Read them carefully. Each is an artificial word with only one letter altered to form a real word. Some are terrifically innovative:
1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people, that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The Bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
4. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
5. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
6. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
7. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
8. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
9. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
10. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
11. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
12. Glibido: All talk and no action.
13. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
14. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
15. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
16. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
And the pick of the lot:
17. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an a**hole.
The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners.
Read them carefully. Each is an artificial word with only one letter altered to form a real word. Some are terrifically innovative:
1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people, that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The Bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
4. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
5. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
6. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
7. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
8. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
9. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
10. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
11. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
12. Glibido: All talk and no action.
13. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
14. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
15. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
16. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
And the pick of the lot:
17. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an a**hole.
09 August 2007
They say it's your birthday
This weekend we are celebrating my kids' birthdays. As I mentioned in an earlier post, they have the same birthdate. My son will be four and my daughter will be two. We will be at the cabin for a long weekend.
Can't believe they are so old already. Yes, they are still very little, but it's just hard to believe, as a mom, that they have blessed my life for as long as they have.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Can't believe they are so old already. Yes, they are still very little, but it's just hard to believe, as a mom, that they have blessed my life for as long as they have.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Schrödinger's Cat(holic)
Geeky post alert. This is for the few geeks who read my blog.
I really don't have an opinion about Schrödinger's cat. Well, not one based in science, but one based on gut feeling. I think the cat is alive throughout the experiment for the simple reasons that I'm a cat person and no real experimenter would conduct an experiment like this today where a cat would ever be in serious jeapordy or risk PETA or other animal rights activists coming after them. Plus, all this wave stuff is just too electrical engineeringesque for my tastes. The following heat transfer problem suits me better...
HEAVEN IS HOTTER THAN HELL
The temperature of Heaven can be rather accurately computed. Our authority is Isaiah 30:26, "Moreover, the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days." Thus Heaven receives from the Moon as much radiation as we do from the Sun, and in addition 7*7 (49) times as much as the Earth does from the Sun, or 50 times in all. The light we receive from the Moon is one 1/10,000 of the light we receive from the Sun, so we can ignore that ... The radiation falling on Heaven will heat it to the point where the heat lost by radiation is just equal to the heat received by radiation, i.e., Heaven loses 50 times as much heat as the Earth by radiation. Using the Stefan-Boltzmann law for radiation, (H/E)^4 = 50, where E is the absolute temperature of the earth (300K), gives H as 798K (525C). The exact temperature of Hell cannot be computed ... [However] Revelations 21:8 says "But the fearful, and unbelieving ... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." A lake of molten brimstone means that its temperature must be at or below the boiling point, 444.6C. We have, then, that Heaven, at 525C is hotter than Hell at 445C.
-- From "Applied Optics" vol. 11, A14, 1972
But, there's more...
The following is one of Dr. Schalmbaugh's Final Test questions for May 1997. (Dr. Schalmbaugh, University of Oklahoma School of Chemical Engineering, is known for asking questions such as this on his final exams.)
May 1997, Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer II Final Exam Question:
IS HELL EXOTHERMIC OR ENDOTHERMIC?
Support your answer with truth.
(Definitions for exothermic and endothermic. An exothermic reaction gives off energy in the form heat and an endothermic reaction requires energy in the form heat.)
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we postulate that if souls exist, then they must have some mass. If they do, then a mole of souls can also have a mass. So, at what rate are souls moving into hell and at what rate are souls leaving? I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to hell, it will not leave.
Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for souls entering hell, lets look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in hell to increase
exponentially.
Now, we look at the rate of change in volume in hell. Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in hell to stay the same, the ratio of the mass of souls and volume needs to stay constant.
Case 1: If hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter hell, then the temperature and pressure in hell will increase until all hell breaks loose.
Case 2: If hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until hell freezes over.
So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Theresa Banyan during my freshman year, "it will be a cold night in hell before I go out with you" and take into account the fact that I still have NOT succeeded in dating her, then Case 2 cannot be true.
Thus, hell is exothermic.
The student, Tim Graham, got the only A.
The original version of this joke appeared in Applied Optics, vol. 11, A14
1972) - reference in p. 106 of "A Random Walk in Science", compiled R. L. Weber, published IoP 1973.
(Oddly enough, the last conversation I had with my father, before we found out he was dying, was regarding exothermic and endothermic reactions.)
I really don't have an opinion about Schrödinger's cat. Well, not one based in science, but one based on gut feeling. I think the cat is alive throughout the experiment for the simple reasons that I'm a cat person and no real experimenter would conduct an experiment like this today where a cat would ever be in serious jeapordy or risk PETA or other animal rights activists coming after them. Plus, all this wave stuff is just too electrical engineeringesque for my tastes. The following heat transfer problem suits me better...
The temperature of Heaven can be rather accurately computed. Our authority is Isaiah 30:26, "Moreover, the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days." Thus Heaven receives from the Moon as much radiation as we do from the Sun, and in addition 7*7 (49) times as much as the Earth does from the Sun, or 50 times in all. The light we receive from the Moon is one 1/10,000 of the light we receive from the Sun, so we can ignore that ... The radiation falling on Heaven will heat it to the point where the heat lost by radiation is just equal to the heat received by radiation, i.e., Heaven loses 50 times as much heat as the Earth by radiation. Using the Stefan-Boltzmann law for radiation, (H/E)^4 = 50, where E is the absolute temperature of the earth (300K), gives H as 798K (525C). The exact temperature of Hell cannot be computed ... [However] Revelations 21:8 says "But the fearful, and unbelieving ... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." A lake of molten brimstone means that its temperature must be at or below the boiling point, 444.6C. We have, then, that Heaven, at 525C is hotter than Hell at 445C.
-- From "Applied Optics" vol. 11, A14, 1972
But, there's more...
The following is one of Dr. Schalmbaugh's Final Test questions for May 1997. (Dr. Schalmbaugh, University of Oklahoma School of Chemical Engineering, is known for asking questions such as this on his final exams.)
May 1997, Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer II Final Exam Question:
Support your answer with truth.
(Definitions for exothermic and endothermic. An exothermic reaction gives off energy in the form heat and an endothermic reaction requires energy in the form heat.)
Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law or some variant. One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we postulate that if souls exist, then they must have some mass. If they do, then a mole of souls can also have a mass. So, at what rate are souls moving into hell and at what rate are souls leaving? I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to hell, it will not leave.
Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for souls entering hell, lets look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in hell to increase
exponentially.
Now, we look at the rate of change in volume in hell. Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in hell to stay the same, the ratio of the mass of souls and volume needs to stay constant.
Case 1: If hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter hell, then the temperature and pressure in hell will increase until all hell breaks loose.
Case 2: If hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until hell freezes over.
So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Theresa Banyan during my freshman year, "it will be a cold night in hell before I go out with you" and take into account the fact that I still have NOT succeeded in dating her, then Case 2 cannot be true.
Thus, hell is exothermic.
The student, Tim Graham, got the only A.
The original version of this joke appeared in Applied Optics, vol. 11, A14
1972) - reference in p. 106 of "A Random Walk in Science", compiled R. L. Weber, published IoP 1973.
(Oddly enough, the last conversation I had with my father, before we found out he was dying, was regarding exothermic and endothermic reactions.)
08 August 2007
Congrats K of C on 125 years
The Knights of Columbus are celebrating 125 years. This picture is from their convention currently going on down in Tennessee. Cardinal Bertone received the Order's Gaudium et Spes Award.
My uncle has been a member of the Knights for over 60 years. I remember being so impressed with the Knights when I was little and my father helped escort a statue of Our Lady (can't remember which one) that was touring the US. The Knights were there in all their pomp and were quite the sight for a little kid.
A bit about them from their webpage:
Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
Churches of my forefathers - II
Burrishoole Abbey, Newport, County Mayo
After yesterday's post and talk of Ireland, I thought it was time for my second installment of Churches of my forefathers.
Burrishoole Abbey
From the sign at the Abbey/Friary:
Dominican friars first came to Ireland in 1224. By the time of the suppression of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540, they had established 38 houses. This Dominican Friary, dedicated to St. Mary, was founded around 1470 by Richard de Burgo of Turlough, Lord MacWilliam Oughter. Permission of the Pope had not been sought for its foundation -- an oversight for which the community faced a threat of excommunication -- but in 1486, the Pope instructed the Archbishop of Tuam to forgive the friars.
All that remains today is the church and the eastern wall of the cloister in thich the monks walked and meditated. All the domestic buildings -- the kitchens, the dormitories and the refectory -- have been detroyed. The church consists of a nave and chancel, a south transcept and a low tower. A 15th century bronze seal, which may have been the official seal of the friary, was found embedded in a window of the upstairs dormitory.
The site is very serene and well-kept, located on an inlet of the sea. The area features prominently in the legendary "Year of the French," of which a book and movie were made. The Year of the French was a period in the late 1700s, when the local Irish rebelled against their English oppressors, with the assistance of the French. Needless to say, things didn't go very well and the French abandoned their attempts and left the poor Irish rebels to deal with the consequences. In the middle of Burrishoole Abbey is a large Celtic cross headstone for a priest, Father Manus Sweeney, who was hung for his involvement in the uprising (shown below).
Here's a poem by Pete St. John:
On an angry autumn morning, sailing down Killala bay
Came the Frenchmen and their general, too late to save the day
And my Nora waved them welcome, while I still nursed my wounds
Cruel marks from Tubberneering and all my dreams in ruins
Ah, you Frenchman, ah, you Frenchman! You've come too late again
To save the flower of freedom that's crushed in every glen
And your fancy General Humbert, well intended tho' he be
Will never reap the harvest that was promised to the free
At Castlebar he chased them, like foxes 'fore the hounds
Lord Roden's vaunted cavalry they raced across the ground
Seven hundred fiery Frenchmen, Mayo rebels, two cannon-gun
But I thought of Father Murphy lying dead with Wexford's sons
Then early in September, I saw it all again
Cornwallis and his thousands drove Humbert down the glen
While the beaten French were sent to France, the rebels they were slain
With Tone and Teeling martyred, the banshee cried again
07 August 2007
Missing sacramental
A few years ago, when my husband and I took my aunt to Ireland with us, we stopped at the Knock Shrine. I wanted to bring home some Holy Water, so we got a big milk jug at a nearby gift shop made for this purpose and filled it up with Holy Water. It wasn't fun to lug it around Ireland with us, but the worst part came when I went through the airport and then got on the plane. In the post-911 world, I guess Catholics carrying Holy Water pose some sort of threat. The security folks murmured to themselves as I placed it on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Some even stopped and lifted it up for inspection. It even said "Holy Water" on the jug with a great big cross, which I know could just be a ruse in their minds. Some security folks even asked me what it was. Maybe their profiling has told them to be on the look out for people carrying Holy Water. The worst part was when we boarded the plane. The flight attendant on our British-run flight treated me like a was a threat, a serious threat. My Holy Water was almost confiscated. In some respects, looking back, it seemed that she was more upset that it was Holy Water than she was worried about what I might do with it. Goodness, maybe I had a aspergillum (holy water sprinkler) and planned to sing the Asperges Me or recite the Miserere or Confitemini as I walked up and down the aisles sprinkling people. Actually, I have no doubt that the aspergillum would've been confiscated at the security check, along with my clippers and nail file.
Throughout our trip to Ireland, we stayed at Bed and Breakfasts nearly the entire time. That's kind of the way they do things in Ireland and it seems every town has at least one B&B you can stay at. Some are very nice and others, well, let's just say the bed bugs came free of charge. What many of these B&B's had, since they are usually part of the owner's home, were Holy Water fonts in the halls, in the rooms, every where. Even a new home we stayed at, built to be a B&B, had Holy Water fonts in each room. If Ireland could only stay this way forever.
Some info on Holy Water from this website:
Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy Church strongly urges it's use upon Her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness, discord and other calamities. Every Catholic home should always have a supply of Holy Water. Did we realize now, as we shall after death, the many benefits which may be derived from Holy Water, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence.
The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place or near a person that is often sprinkled with blessed water.
Holy Water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones, present or absent, and protect them from all harm of soul and body. When worry and fear take possession of you, give your dear ones the benefit of the Church's prayer.
Only in Purgatory can one understand how ardently a poor soul longs for Holy Water. If we desire to make a host or intercessors for ourselves, let us never forget them at the Holy Water font. The holy souls nearest to Heaven may need the sprinkling of only one drop to release them.
We have a Holy Water font in our house. Actually, it's been in the basement for about four years since we have been doing some remodeling. But, it makes me wonder why Catholics in America don't use this sacramental more often. With all the concern about our children and worries about our own personal (and spiritual) safety, we should be taking advantage of the sacramentals we are blessed with. Our parish keeps a large supply of Holy Water on hand, so it is very convenient to bring a bottle to Mass and fill it up. I just need to get the font out of the basement and get it back on the wall. According to our priest, we should have Holy Water fonts throughout the house, so maybe I should purchase a few more. A good place to hang them would be in my children's rooms under their crucifixes.
Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo, et mundabor: lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.
06 August 2007
Ministry or theme-park?
Holy Land Experience, the ministry or theme-park, seems to be gaining some ground in Orlando, even with its ticket prizes rivaling those of nearby Disneyworld. Read the entire clip here.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected here six days a week. Snarling Roman soldiers whip and drag him, and somber audience members watch. Some quietly weep at a pageant bloody and cruel. It is the grand finale at the Holy Land Experience, and not the attraction most tourists envision in an Orlando vacation.
Just miles from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld in this city's overstimulated tourist corridor, Holy Land has in its six years of operation aimed to recreate Jerusalem of Biblical times.
It is often referred to as a "Christian theme park," but the park offers lectures, not rides, making it feel more like a trip to church.[...snip]
The park has a "scriptorium," an opulent-looking building with an enormous collection of rare Bibles and artifacts. Powell said it is the largest of its kind outside the Vatican.
Other stops include a scale model of Jerusalem, an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of the garden tomb where Christ was supposedly buried.
Vendors and actors wear head coverings and billowing cotton rags, and gift shops sell Bibles and other Christian items. Among them are a genealogical map linking Adam to Jesus, handbags, necklaces and T-shirts. It also sells yarmulkes and menorahs - a nod to its founder.[...snip]
Holy Land's offerings change regularly, many of them outdoor shows. Recent performances range from The Ministry of Jesus, a 15-minute act where Christ heals a blind man and inspires a tax collector, to a 30-minute Southern gospel concert and the resurrection itself.
Audience members are encouraged to participate. Jesus walked among them with a wireless microphone, calling children and picking one up. Excited parents with digital and disposable cameras crept forward as their kids fidgeted and kicked at sand.[...snip]
The park relies heavily on donations from benefactors, foundations and visitors slipping money into boxes scattered around the park. Ticket sales doesn't cover costs. Admission prices have risen from less than $20 originally to $35 to $40 today.
Powell said not all visitors are Christian, and some have never even been to church before. Fourteen Hindu monks passed through the other day, he said.
Crouch says he thinks of Holy Land as a ministry, not a theme park.
"When I went there for the first time about six or seven months ago, I didn't go there to be entertained and I didn't see a theme park taking place. I saw people praying for each other, I saw Bible studies going on, I saw teaching going on," he said. "At the end of the day, I felt like I had gone to church, not just gone to Disneyland."
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected here six days a week. Snarling Roman soldiers whip and drag him, and somber audience members watch. Some quietly weep at a pageant bloody and cruel. It is the grand finale at the Holy Land Experience, and not the attraction most tourists envision in an Orlando vacation.
Just miles from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld in this city's overstimulated tourist corridor, Holy Land has in its six years of operation aimed to recreate Jerusalem of Biblical times.
It is often referred to as a "Christian theme park," but the park offers lectures, not rides, making it feel more like a trip to church.[...snip]
The park has a "scriptorium," an opulent-looking building with an enormous collection of rare Bibles and artifacts. Powell said it is the largest of its kind outside the Vatican.
Other stops include a scale model of Jerusalem, an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls and a model of the garden tomb where Christ was supposedly buried.
Vendors and actors wear head coverings and billowing cotton rags, and gift shops sell Bibles and other Christian items. Among them are a genealogical map linking Adam to Jesus, handbags, necklaces and T-shirts. It also sells yarmulkes and menorahs - a nod to its founder.[...snip]
Holy Land's offerings change regularly, many of them outdoor shows. Recent performances range from The Ministry of Jesus, a 15-minute act where Christ heals a blind man and inspires a tax collector, to a 30-minute Southern gospel concert and the resurrection itself.
Audience members are encouraged to participate. Jesus walked among them with a wireless microphone, calling children and picking one up. Excited parents with digital and disposable cameras crept forward as their kids fidgeted and kicked at sand.[...snip]
The park relies heavily on donations from benefactors, foundations and visitors slipping money into boxes scattered around the park. Ticket sales doesn't cover costs. Admission prices have risen from less than $20 originally to $35 to $40 today.
Powell said not all visitors are Christian, and some have never even been to church before. Fourteen Hindu monks passed through the other day, he said.
Crouch says he thinks of Holy Land as a ministry, not a theme park.
"When I went there for the first time about six or seven months ago, I didn't go there to be entertained and I didn't see a theme park taking place. I saw people praying for each other, I saw Bible studies going on, I saw teaching going on," he said. "At the end of the day, I felt like I had gone to church, not just gone to Disneyland."
A weekend observation
Since my family is so large, I have cousins working all different fields, living all over the place. Within my family, I have a microcosm of society-at-large. Some cousins are well educated, being doctors and lawyers, while others had interests outside of academia and now are successful franchise owners or city workers. It is a blessing to have a big family, but sometimes even blessings wear out their welcome.
Last week, my 82 year-old aunt had some of the cousins stay at her cabin. It's become a yearly ritual. For a few days, this group of older ladies relax and enjoy my aunt's gracious hospitality. They play cards, they fish, they go out in the boat, they eat, they enjoy each others company. At least, that's my aunt's idea of how things are to go and most of the cousins are happy to do just that.
Two of the cousins, like the saying goes, are not like the others. The rest of the ladies are easy-going and humble, but these ladies are interesting studies.
The virtue of humility is something I have been more and more aware of recently. My life has been under the microscope lately, much of it introspection on my part, but some of it presented to me as a learning tool. I'm beginning to see my life and actions from a slightly detached perspective, identifying traits in my personality that hinder humility and are areas of temptation. How much more glaring must all my weaknesses be to the priest I go to for confession, and how much more magnified must they be when compared to perfection as viewed from God's eyes?
These particular cousins, sisters, are so self-absorbed it makes you shake your head. They show up hours after they said they would be there, they want to dictate what is to be for dinner when they are guests in my aunt's home, they take the best candy and dessert for themselves, complain about everything, can't be relied on to do a simple task, argue with the hostess and other guests about everything imaginable, they vocally make their desires of "what to do and when" clearly known, and, oddly, they cheat at cards. Not just "sneaky-cheating," but blatant cheating because they are not capable of losing.
There are many relevant examples in scripture, here's just a few:
Matthew 19:30 "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last."
Luke 13:30 "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last."
Like Father Mitch Pacwa said, "Don't use Al Capone as your moral compass." I shouldn't compare myself to my cousins, but to God. Some day, my life will really be scrutinized. It's not enough to hope my cousins are in line to see St. Peter immediately before I am, so I look better relative to them (no pun intended), because they aren't the measuring stick, but also because I'm just not that lucky.
Last week, my 82 year-old aunt had some of the cousins stay at her cabin. It's become a yearly ritual. For a few days, this group of older ladies relax and enjoy my aunt's gracious hospitality. They play cards, they fish, they go out in the boat, they eat, they enjoy each others company. At least, that's my aunt's idea of how things are to go and most of the cousins are happy to do just that.
Two of the cousins, like the saying goes, are not like the others. The rest of the ladies are easy-going and humble, but these ladies are interesting studies.
The virtue of humility is something I have been more and more aware of recently. My life has been under the microscope lately, much of it introspection on my part, but some of it presented to me as a learning tool. I'm beginning to see my life and actions from a slightly detached perspective, identifying traits in my personality that hinder humility and are areas of temptation. How much more glaring must all my weaknesses be to the priest I go to for confession, and how much more magnified must they be when compared to perfection as viewed from God's eyes?
These particular cousins, sisters, are so self-absorbed it makes you shake your head. They show up hours after they said they would be there, they want to dictate what is to be for dinner when they are guests in my aunt's home, they take the best candy and dessert for themselves, complain about everything, can't be relied on to do a simple task, argue with the hostess and other guests about everything imaginable, they vocally make their desires of "what to do and when" clearly known, and, oddly, they cheat at cards. Not just "sneaky-cheating," but blatant cheating because they are not capable of losing.
There are many relevant examples in scripture, here's just a few:
Matthew 19:30 "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last."
Luke 13:30 "And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last."
Like Father Mitch Pacwa said, "Don't use Al Capone as your moral compass." I shouldn't compare myself to my cousins, but to God. Some day, my life will really be scrutinized. It's not enough to hope my cousins are in line to see St. Peter immediately before I am, so I look better relative to them (no pun intended), because they aren't the measuring stick, but also because I'm just not that lucky.
03 August 2007
A verse for Friday
It's been a busy week. Haven't had much chance to sit down, much less think. So, here is a verse from one of my favorite books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl. I have such high-brow tastes!
There's no earthly way of knowing
Which direction they are going!
There's no knowing where they're rowing,
Or which way the river's flowing!
Not a speck of light showing,
So the danger must be growing,
For the rowers keep on rowing,
And they're certainly not showing
Any signs that they are slowing...
And, yes we are going to the cabin again this weekend. I need a break, especially from the heat. Have a good weekend everyone.
01 August 2007
Unbelievable
Picture courtesy of Ironic Catholic
Nearly everyone in the Twin Cities crosses that bridge. We were just over in that area with the kids on Monday night. My sister-in-law works right off of 35W and 280. Thank God we are all OK.
May God have mercy on everyone involved.
Beyond words.
Third Order Carmelite Open House
My parents were both Third Order Carmelites, my life has been filled with Carmelites and I feel drawn to them as the Order is very beautiful, but have never joined myself. I don't know if this is possible with the kids being so young, but I think I might go and see if I'm moved in this direction. Check them out if you have an interest.
Nativity Third Order Carmelite Open House
The Lay Carmelite Order at the Church of the Nativity in St. Paul will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m. You are invited to attend and learn more about the Third Order Carmelite Community. Come see if you might be called to this way of life. Monthly conferences are usually held on the first Sunday of the month, from 1:00—3:45 p.m. If you have questions please call Dan or Mary Jo Rossini at 651-454-6123, Patricia DeMont at 952-941-6896 or Michael Elien at 651-645-7362.
Nativity Third Order Carmelite Open House
The Lay Carmelite Order at the Church of the Nativity in St. Paul will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m. You are invited to attend and learn more about the Third Order Carmelite Community. Come see if you might be called to this way of life. Monthly conferences are usually held on the first Sunday of the month, from 1:00—3:45 p.m. If you have questions please call Dan or Mary Jo Rossini at 651-454-6123, Patricia DeMont at 952-941-6896 or Michael Elien at 651-645-7362.
Atheism - it's a good thing?
The National Catholic Register has a curious editorial, putting forth the idea that the resurgence in atheism is good because it's an argumentative form of atheism, compared to the oppressive (militant) form we saw and currently see in Communist countries where religion is outlawed; and, the apathetic-agnostic form, which just doesn't really care that God exists.
I don't think the editors have either spoken to a current atheist, looked at the writings of some serious modern atheists or read any of their blogs. Atheism is rotten in any form because it is Godless. That's its definition. To call any form of atheism better or worse than another is to miss the point. Atheism is still atheism despite whatever adjective you want to throw in front of it.
The editors cite the currently popular atheistic works of Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and Christopher Hitchens (God is Not Great) as evidence of this "intellectually honest" argumentative atheism. I don't buy it for a minute. Atheism has been around, undoubtedly, for as long as the Catholic Church has. For 2000 years, the Church has stood as a complete refutation of this unbelief system. God moves in every soul. Atheists consciously choose to ignore this.
This quote from C.S. Lewis in "Surprised by Joy," that I recently used on another post, hints at this:
In reading Chesterton, as in reading MacDonald, I did not know what I was letting myself in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound Atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. . . . God is, if I may say it, very unscrupulous.
The editorial uses my favorite quote from Chesterton:
Chesterton once said that “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” We should welcome the resurgence of argumentative atheism. It’s a good chance to remind the world that we can now say atheism has been tried — and found to be wanting, difficult and destructive.
Yes, a healthy dose of Chesterton and Lewis, and other great Catholic apologists, is a good place to start. But, I think you'll find these argumentative atheists are no different than their militant and apathetic-agnostic brethren.
I don't think the editors have either spoken to a current atheist, looked at the writings of some serious modern atheists or read any of their blogs. Atheism is rotten in any form because it is Godless. That's its definition. To call any form of atheism better or worse than another is to miss the point. Atheism is still atheism despite whatever adjective you want to throw in front of it.
The editors cite the currently popular atheistic works of Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and Christopher Hitchens (God is Not Great) as evidence of this "intellectually honest" argumentative atheism. I don't buy it for a minute. Atheism has been around, undoubtedly, for as long as the Catholic Church has. For 2000 years, the Church has stood as a complete refutation of this unbelief system. God moves in every soul. Atheists consciously choose to ignore this.
This quote from C.S. Lewis in "Surprised by Joy," that I recently used on another post, hints at this:
In reading Chesterton, as in reading MacDonald, I did not know what I was letting myself in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound Atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. . . . God is, if I may say it, very unscrupulous.
The editorial uses my favorite quote from Chesterton:
Chesterton once said that “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” We should welcome the resurgence of argumentative atheism. It’s a good chance to remind the world that we can now say atheism has been tried — and found to be wanting, difficult and destructive.
Yes, a healthy dose of Chesterton and Lewis, and other great Catholic apologists, is a good place to start. But, I think you'll find these argumentative atheists are no different than their militant and apathetic-agnostic brethren.
31 July 2007
Swiss Fest
If you are looking for something to do this weekend near the Twin Cities, head to the Berne Swissfest. (Below clipped from their webpage)
Berne Swissfest, Minnesota, USA (54th annual)
The Charm of an Old World Festival, Family Entertainment at its best!
Saturday and Sunday August, 4th/5th 2007
Once a year the descendants of the Swiss settlers bring Berne back to life. More than a thousand visitors come to see the festival each August, conceived as a means of keeping the Swiss heritage alive and vital. Visitors come from many states and even some foreign countries to see this Swiss Festival.
Family features:
Historical Village
Fahnenschwingen (Flag Throwing)
Steinstossen (Stone Throwing)
Bauernmalerei (Box Painting)
Kinder Corner
- William Tell
- Swiss Story Telling
- Sackgumpen (Sack Races)
Bobbin Lace Making
Bratzel Making
Entertainment:
Swiss Alphorn (104 kB)
Swiss Dancing
Handbell Concerts
Style Show
Swiss Yodeler
Stage Programs
Swiss Band
There are continuous activities throughout the day before and after each program.
Special Guest Entertainer from Switzerland:
Astrid Schuler - a very popular Jodlerin - Schwyz, Switzerland
Pius Egli - accordionist, accompanist - Horw, Switzerland
Guest Woodcarver from Switzerland
Mario Fuchs - Hofstetten, Switzerland. A very gifted woodcarver.
There will be many other craft people demonstrating Bauernmalerei painting, bobbin lace making, using a spinning wheel, scissor cutting and other special craft.
Food fair - Traditional Swiss Entrees:
Hot Meals
Raclette
Fancy Desserts
Swiss Pastries
Breads
Swiss Cheese
Berner Platte, famous Bern platter will be served in the food tent on Saturday from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m.
American Entrees:
Bratwurst
Toasted Raviolis
Beverages
Cheese Curds
Hot Potato Salad
Soft Serve
Opening hours:
Saturday August, 4th 2007 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday August, 5th 2007 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Special Special Swiss-American Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
Admission:
Adults $ 4.00
Children - 12 and under $ 2.00
Families $ 10.00
Pre-school free
Parking free
Contact:
by mail: Berne Swissfest, 23148 County Highway 24, West Concord, Minnesota 55985
by phone: 1-800-322-2478 (toll free)
by e-mail: bernechurch @ pitel . net
Simple faith
A priest at our parish used to talk about having a simple faith, to be childlike in our relationship to God. To be trusting and patient, even when our human selves tell us to take action. St. Therese was like this. From Story of a Soul, italics are those of St. Therese:
"See, then, all that Jesus lays claim to from us; He has no need of our works but only of our love, for the same God who declares He has no need to tell us when He is hungry did not fear to beg for a little water from the Samaritan woman. He was thirsty. But when He said; "Give me to drink," it was the love of His poor creature the Creator of the universe was seeking. He was thirsty for love. Ah! I feel it more than ever before, Jesus is parched, for He meets only the ungrateful and indifferent among His disciples in the world, and among His own disciples, alas, He finds few hearts who surrender to Him without reservations, who understand the real tenderness of His infinite Love."
And, another:
"O my Jesus! what is your answer to all my follies? Is there a soul more little, more powerless than mine? Nevertheless even because of my weakness, it has pleased You, O Lord, to grant my little childish desires and You desire, today, to grant other desires that are greater than the universe."
With the popularity of EWTN and Relevant Radio, many Catholic converts and apologists are being heard. This is a wonderful thing. It has helped me learn about the incredible gift of faith that has been handed down to me, providing a more solid foundation than I had. I could listen to many of the programs all day long, but feel I'm being called to grow in my faith without having all the answers, not being able to quote scripture or council documents, not knowing all there is about the early Church. This is a challenge for me. All my life, school and work have ingrained in me the need to have a solid and broad base well prepared before you take the next step, because everything builds upon it.
The more I reflect on St. Therese, one of my patron saints, the more I can identify with her, as I've seen examples of trusting God right in my own family. My brother, a fallen away Catholic, criticized my 82 year-old aunt for saying she had a simple faith in response to one of my brother's very high-brow questions. She didn't have all the answers herself, but the Church did. Within her bible and Catechism, she had nearly all the bases covered. Why should it bother her that she doesn't retain everything about the Church in her head? No one has all the answers.
I never knew my dad's father. He died before my parents married. An older cousin who lived with my grandparents has told me stories about my grandfather that pretty much sum up my idea of him; glues together the pieces told to me about him. By all accounts, he always had a rosary in his hand. He was a big, powerful man, but also gentle and kind. His physical presence afforded him respect, but his personality is what retained it. Years of struggle to feed his family and financial insecurity during the depression taught him to rely on Our Lady. He had a great sense of humor, loved to read the paper and loved sports. The story I love about him is where he was watching a football game. He was also, as always, saying the rosary (not the preferred or recommended way to say the rosary). As my cousin walked by the room she heard him yell to the TV, "Run, dammit. RUN!!" Followed softly, without missing a beat by, "Hail Mary, full of grace..." I think he must've been meditating on the Pigskin Mysteries.
My maternal grandfather was very similar. I cherish the example he provided of having a simple faith. He was beloved by his family, friends and the entire community. He lived his faith by being humble, generous, kind and effervescent with his joy. If a neighbor needed anything, be it help or food, it was generously and kindly given from his own meager means. He was a farmer that trusted in God completely. No work was done on Sunday, even if it meant that crops might be ruined if left in the field. God would provide. Many times, his last dollar went in the collection, never reluctantly and never begrudgingly, but with gratitude. After chores were done, often late at night, he would gather his children into his bed and read them stories. Before going to bed himself, he got down on a small kneeler and prayed.
When I started reading, Story of a Soul, I didn't appreciate it for all the lessons it contained. Despite the fact that many things St. Therese wrote about are evident in my own family, I didn't think it applied to my life. My grandfathers, I'm certain, didn't read about St. Therese, but they stumbled onto some of the same ideas themselves through their faithfulness. I think there is much to learn from St. Therese's life and the lives of other saints. It seems there is no cookie-cutter mold that makes a saint. They all had their own strengths and weaknesses. I may want to be a better apologist or be able to quote scripture, but it might not be what God is calling me toward. After reading, Story of a Soul, I have learned that if I have a simple faith and trust in God, He will gradually show me what His plan is for me. I just wish I was a better student.
"O Mother, how different are the ways through which the Lord leads souls! In the life of the saints, we find many of them who didn't want to leave anything of themselves behind after their death, not the smallest souvenir, not the least bit of writing. On the contrary, there are others, like our holy Mother St. Teresa, who have enriched the Church with their lofty revelations, having no fears of revealing the secrets of the King in order that they may make Him more loved and known by souls. Which of these two types of saints is more pleasing to God? It seems to me, Mother, they are equally pleasing to Him, since all of them followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and since the Lord has said: "Tell the just man ALL is well." Yes, all is well when one seeks only the will of Jesus, and it is because of this that I, a poor little flower, obey Jesus when trying to please my beloved Mother."
Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux
"See, then, all that Jesus lays claim to from us; He has no need of our works but only of our love, for the same God who declares He has no need to tell us when He is hungry did not fear to beg for a little water from the Samaritan woman. He was thirsty. But when He said; "Give me to drink," it was the love of His poor creature the Creator of the universe was seeking. He was thirsty for love. Ah! I feel it more than ever before, Jesus is parched, for He meets only the ungrateful and indifferent among His disciples in the world, and among His own disciples, alas, He finds few hearts who surrender to Him without reservations, who understand the real tenderness of His infinite Love."
And, another:
"O my Jesus! what is your answer to all my follies? Is there a soul more little, more powerless than mine? Nevertheless even because of my weakness, it has pleased You, O Lord, to grant my little childish desires and You desire, today, to grant other desires that are greater than the universe."
With the popularity of EWTN and Relevant Radio, many Catholic converts and apologists are being heard. This is a wonderful thing. It has helped me learn about the incredible gift of faith that has been handed down to me, providing a more solid foundation than I had. I could listen to many of the programs all day long, but feel I'm being called to grow in my faith without having all the answers, not being able to quote scripture or council documents, not knowing all there is about the early Church. This is a challenge for me. All my life, school and work have ingrained in me the need to have a solid and broad base well prepared before you take the next step, because everything builds upon it.
The more I reflect on St. Therese, one of my patron saints, the more I can identify with her, as I've seen examples of trusting God right in my own family. My brother, a fallen away Catholic, criticized my 82 year-old aunt for saying she had a simple faith in response to one of my brother's very high-brow questions. She didn't have all the answers herself, but the Church did. Within her bible and Catechism, she had nearly all the bases covered. Why should it bother her that she doesn't retain everything about the Church in her head? No one has all the answers.
I never knew my dad's father. He died before my parents married. An older cousin who lived with my grandparents has told me stories about my grandfather that pretty much sum up my idea of him; glues together the pieces told to me about him. By all accounts, he always had a rosary in his hand. He was a big, powerful man, but also gentle and kind. His physical presence afforded him respect, but his personality is what retained it. Years of struggle to feed his family and financial insecurity during the depression taught him to rely on Our Lady. He had a great sense of humor, loved to read the paper and loved sports. The story I love about him is where he was watching a football game. He was also, as always, saying the rosary (not the preferred or recommended way to say the rosary). As my cousin walked by the room she heard him yell to the TV, "Run, dammit. RUN!!" Followed softly, without missing a beat by, "Hail Mary, full of grace..." I think he must've been meditating on the Pigskin Mysteries.
My maternal grandfather was very similar. I cherish the example he provided of having a simple faith. He was beloved by his family, friends and the entire community. He lived his faith by being humble, generous, kind and effervescent with his joy. If a neighbor needed anything, be it help or food, it was generously and kindly given from his own meager means. He was a farmer that trusted in God completely. No work was done on Sunday, even if it meant that crops might be ruined if left in the field. God would provide. Many times, his last dollar went in the collection, never reluctantly and never begrudgingly, but with gratitude. After chores were done, often late at night, he would gather his children into his bed and read them stories. Before going to bed himself, he got down on a small kneeler and prayed.
When I started reading, Story of a Soul, I didn't appreciate it for all the lessons it contained. Despite the fact that many things St. Therese wrote about are evident in my own family, I didn't think it applied to my life. My grandfathers, I'm certain, didn't read about St. Therese, but they stumbled onto some of the same ideas themselves through their faithfulness. I think there is much to learn from St. Therese's life and the lives of other saints. It seems there is no cookie-cutter mold that makes a saint. They all had their own strengths and weaknesses. I may want to be a better apologist or be able to quote scripture, but it might not be what God is calling me toward. After reading, Story of a Soul, I have learned that if I have a simple faith and trust in God, He will gradually show me what His plan is for me. I just wish I was a better student.
"O Mother, how different are the ways through which the Lord leads souls! In the life of the saints, we find many of them who didn't want to leave anything of themselves behind after their death, not the smallest souvenir, not the least bit of writing. On the contrary, there are others, like our holy Mother St. Teresa, who have enriched the Church with their lofty revelations, having no fears of revealing the secrets of the King in order that they may make Him more loved and known by souls. Which of these two types of saints is more pleasing to God? It seems to me, Mother, they are equally pleasing to Him, since all of them followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and since the Lord has said: "Tell the just man ALL is well." Yes, all is well when one seeks only the will of Jesus, and it is because of this that I, a poor little flower, obey Jesus when trying to please my beloved Mother."
Story of a Soul, St. Therese of Lisieux
30 July 2007
Lough Tay - Guinness Lake
Over the weekend, for some strange reason, I was thinking of Lough Tay in County Wicklow, Ireland. Then I visited a blog by someone who had happened upon my blog and saw a post about Loch Tay (not the same lake, Loch Tay is in the Scottish Highlands in Perthshire) and thought it was serendipity.
Lough Tay is also called Guinness Lake, because part of the lake borders the Guinness family estate. The Guinness family brings in creamy sand to create the thick foamy head that every on-tap glass of Guinness is topped with, making the lake look like a pint of Guinness.
If you're in Ireland and driving south out of Dublin towards Powerscourt Gardens or Glendalough, you might want to swing by and take a look.
Lough Tay is also called Guinness Lake, because part of the lake borders the Guinness family estate. The Guinness family brings in creamy sand to create the thick foamy head that every on-tap glass of Guinness is topped with, making the lake look like a pint of Guinness.
If you're in Ireland and driving south out of Dublin towards Powerscourt Gardens or Glendalough, you might want to swing by and take a look.
Door-to-door evangelization
Pope John Paul II called for a New Evangelization. I think some avenues of evangelization have been chartered, but why is it that Catholics don't go door-to-door? Not that I think it's a great idea because I find the people who do this to be intrusive and presumptuous. They may be very sincere in trying to save my soul, but I don't like having to elude these folks and their questions while I'm standing at the door holding a child or a dust rag.
Maybe door-to-door evangelization should be my response to these people. Evangelize them when they come to my home. My father used to do that, but he was a great debater and could articulate his beliefs very eloquently. He was very unselfconscious and charming. He frequently turned the discussion back on the person(s) going door-to-door. I know this isn't my strong suit, at least not yet. It might not ever be.
Stuck in the door
When we got to our cabin, there was a pamphlet from the "Watchtower" folks. Seems they have been doing a full-court-press on getting out the word, or their version of it. A large number of my husband's family is in the area. His parents retired to their cabin on a nearby lake. Shortly after that, my sister-in-law and her husband bought a few wooded lots close to them. My husband's divorced grandparents, then in declining health, were moved into a home together in the very small town close to my PIL. My husband's uncle also moved in with them. Not too long after all this happened, my husband's aunt and her husband bought a lot on another lake in the area (there is a chain of lakes all within a few miles of each other). It seems all of us have been visited by the Watchtower/Jehovah's Witness crew.
My husband's aunt and uncle have a lot that is what they call "high bank." It's almost alpine in its height and steepness. In order to get to the lake, they had to cut a zig-zag path into the side of the hill. It's still incredibly hard to get down to the lake. It's even harder to get back up the hill. A mountain climber would be winded after walking up the path. But, twice the Jehovah's Witness gang navigated the path and knocked on their tiny cabin door at the bottom of the hill. All this despite the place being well off a road that sports "Private Drive" and "No Trespassing" signs. Obviously, they are a determined bunch.
But, where are the Catholics?
Personal experience
Even growing up we would get knocks on the door from people of various religions/denominations. I was in college and a group of ladies from Jehovah's Witness came to the door. No one else was home and, in the heat of the morning, the house was wide open. They saw me before I was able to hide. They gave me their spiel about things, then asked me what religion I was. I answered "Orthodox Catholic," which I erroneously thought they would understand as a secret code to leave me alone. Nope. They obviously hadn't heard that term before and asked me about it. Considering it ruse to engage me in conversation, I simply told them I was in full communion with the beliefs of the Church and the Pope, merely trying to distinguish myself from a non-practicing Catholic to let them know to leave me alone. They kept trying to sell me their books, which I thought was idiotic seeing as I was a very poor college student (I was living at home!) and I had just told them the Catholic password for, "I'm solid in my beliefs."
They persisted while I stood there and gave them an attitude and look that only a 20-something can pull off. It was well past the point of trying to be charitable and kind, they were not letting me go gently or gracefully. It was almost to the point that I had to either physically remove these women from my doorstep or close the door in their face. Fortunately, I had just gotten out of the shower and my hair was all wet. I told them I didn't have time to talk since I had to get to work. One of the ladies reached into her bag and pulled out a small pamphlet that she wanted me to have, actually, she wanted a donation for it. I told her to keep her pamphlet because I wouldn't read it and there was no way I was paying for something I wouldn't read. She then told me she still wanted me to have it even if I wouldn't read it or pay for it. I reiterated to her I would simply throw it away. We bantered back and forth about it, but she insisted I take the now contentious pamphlet. Right inside the kitchen door was an open garbage bag ready to be set out. It was garbage day. As the lady handed me the pamphlet, I moved my hand over the garage bag and dropped it in. I looked up at her and said, "I TOLD you I would just throw it away." Then I closed the door. Yes, it was mean and uncharitable, but I was 20 and felt like I was being ignored and manipulated, that they were forcefully trying to indoctrinate me.
What I didn't tell them was that my cousin had married a Jehovah's Witness and all the money in the world wouldn't make me sign up for their ranks, even if I had been "church shopping."
While I lived in Seattle, I had several friends who were Mormons. Not to bash my poor LDS friends, but their religion is like Voodoo or Santaria, taking parts of Catholicism/Christianity and mixing it with something very alien. Mormons, compared to their Voodoo cousins, are more mainstream because they have adopted a clean outward appearance; they are better packaged. Their belief system is still as extreme as Voodoo, but more palatable to people in the suburbs. Mormons will cut you from their ranks as quickly as the Jehovahs if you don't tow the line, then you are anathema. Not very forgiving.
New Evangelization
So, where is the Catholic Church in all this. Lately, people are up in arms because the return to the Latin Mass will remind Catholics to pray for their Jewish brethren. That's "anti-semitic." There are deep and painful scandals the Church is still recovering from. Possibly, the suffering of the Church will get worse before it gets better.
We need to evangelize by example. Clean up our own house. We need to embody our beliefs, not just espouse them. Show and share the joy we have. This should go a long way to help with public relations. Catholicism is such a rich religion that if we are just able to utilize the tools and gifts we are given, with God's grace, evangelization would be a by-product of our example of faithfully living the commandments.
I might not be able to evangelize door-to-door, but I can work on the example I provide. This needs to start with my children. The bible study I just completed really emphasized this and showed what happened to the Israelites who failed to instruct their children. I can see this happening in my own extended family. My great, big, Catholic family is not so great or Catholic anymore. It seems that evangelization needs to start on this side of the door, within our own families, nurturing a good example that can be shared with the world.
Maybe door-to-door evangelization should be my response to these people. Evangelize them when they come to my home. My father used to do that, but he was a great debater and could articulate his beliefs very eloquently. He was very unselfconscious and charming. He frequently turned the discussion back on the person(s) going door-to-door. I know this isn't my strong suit, at least not yet. It might not ever be.
Stuck in the door
When we got to our cabin, there was a pamphlet from the "Watchtower" folks. Seems they have been doing a full-court-press on getting out the word, or their version of it. A large number of my husband's family is in the area. His parents retired to their cabin on a nearby lake. Shortly after that, my sister-in-law and her husband bought a few wooded lots close to them. My husband's divorced grandparents, then in declining health, were moved into a home together in the very small town close to my PIL. My husband's uncle also moved in with them. Not too long after all this happened, my husband's aunt and her husband bought a lot on another lake in the area (there is a chain of lakes all within a few miles of each other). It seems all of us have been visited by the Watchtower/Jehovah's Witness crew.
My husband's aunt and uncle have a lot that is what they call "high bank." It's almost alpine in its height and steepness. In order to get to the lake, they had to cut a zig-zag path into the side of the hill. It's still incredibly hard to get down to the lake. It's even harder to get back up the hill. A mountain climber would be winded after walking up the path. But, twice the Jehovah's Witness gang navigated the path and knocked on their tiny cabin door at the bottom of the hill. All this despite the place being well off a road that sports "Private Drive" and "No Trespassing" signs. Obviously, they are a determined bunch.
But, where are the Catholics?
Personal experience
Even growing up we would get knocks on the door from people of various religions/denominations. I was in college and a group of ladies from Jehovah's Witness came to the door. No one else was home and, in the heat of the morning, the house was wide open. They saw me before I was able to hide. They gave me their spiel about things, then asked me what religion I was. I answered "Orthodox Catholic," which I erroneously thought they would understand as a secret code to leave me alone. Nope. They obviously hadn't heard that term before and asked me about it. Considering it ruse to engage me in conversation, I simply told them I was in full communion with the beliefs of the Church and the Pope, merely trying to distinguish myself from a non-practicing Catholic to let them know to leave me alone. They kept trying to sell me their books, which I thought was idiotic seeing as I was a very poor college student (I was living at home!) and I had just told them the Catholic password for, "I'm solid in my beliefs."
They persisted while I stood there and gave them an attitude and look that only a 20-something can pull off. It was well past the point of trying to be charitable and kind, they were not letting me go gently or gracefully. It was almost to the point that I had to either physically remove these women from my doorstep or close the door in their face. Fortunately, I had just gotten out of the shower and my hair was all wet. I told them I didn't have time to talk since I had to get to work. One of the ladies reached into her bag and pulled out a small pamphlet that she wanted me to have, actually, she wanted a donation for it. I told her to keep her pamphlet because I wouldn't read it and there was no way I was paying for something I wouldn't read. She then told me she still wanted me to have it even if I wouldn't read it or pay for it. I reiterated to her I would simply throw it away. We bantered back and forth about it, but she insisted I take the now contentious pamphlet. Right inside the kitchen door was an open garbage bag ready to be set out. It was garbage day. As the lady handed me the pamphlet, I moved my hand over the garage bag and dropped it in. I looked up at her and said, "I TOLD you I would just throw it away." Then I closed the door. Yes, it was mean and uncharitable, but I was 20 and felt like I was being ignored and manipulated, that they were forcefully trying to indoctrinate me.
What I didn't tell them was that my cousin had married a Jehovah's Witness and all the money in the world wouldn't make me sign up for their ranks, even if I had been "church shopping."
While I lived in Seattle, I had several friends who were Mormons. Not to bash my poor LDS friends, but their religion is like Voodoo or Santaria, taking parts of Catholicism/Christianity and mixing it with something very alien. Mormons, compared to their Voodoo cousins, are more mainstream because they have adopted a clean outward appearance; they are better packaged. Their belief system is still as extreme as Voodoo, but more palatable to people in the suburbs. Mormons will cut you from their ranks as quickly as the Jehovahs if you don't tow the line, then you are anathema. Not very forgiving.
New Evangelization
So, where is the Catholic Church in all this. Lately, people are up in arms because the return to the Latin Mass will remind Catholics to pray for their Jewish brethren. That's "anti-semitic." There are deep and painful scandals the Church is still recovering from. Possibly, the suffering of the Church will get worse before it gets better.
We need to evangelize by example. Clean up our own house. We need to embody our beliefs, not just espouse them. Show and share the joy we have. This should go a long way to help with public relations. Catholicism is such a rich religion that if we are just able to utilize the tools and gifts we are given, with God's grace, evangelization would be a by-product of our example of faithfully living the commandments.
I might not be able to evangelize door-to-door, but I can work on the example I provide. This needs to start with my children. The bible study I just completed really emphasized this and showed what happened to the Israelites who failed to instruct their children. I can see this happening in my own extended family. My great, big, Catholic family is not so great or Catholic anymore. It seems that evangelization needs to start on this side of the door, within our own families, nurturing a good example that can be shared with the world.
26 July 2007
Retreat from the heat
Going to be at the cabin for the weekend.
Have a good weekend everyone. Stay cool.
Have a good weekend everyone. Stay cool.
Humility
For several years, I have been trying to grow in my Catholicism. I've been like a rudderless ship for awhile, in need of a good spiritual director. Like St. Teresa describes, my fervor kind of waxes and wanes. Two steps forward and one back. Maybe I'm making progress but it is slow, hindered by my own weaknesses.
One of the weaknesses is lack of humility. In recently reading, The Story of a Soul, by St. Therese, I didn't understand why she talked about her self love when she was merely a child. At the time, I didn't see that she was far more astute than I am, recognizing at an early, early age how pride (lack of humility) clouds the relationship with God.
I've been praying for humility for many years. I only ask God for humility on my terms, because the first time I asked for a lesson in humility, it was incredibly painful. I took to asking Him to teach me humility, but gently, don't hit me over the head with it. No growth in humility really came about. God doesn't like to be dictate to, he wants us to come to him meekly. It was a incredible act of pride on my part to tell God how to teach me to be humble. I doubt the irony was lost on Him.
I'm not even done reading, The Story of a Soul, but have asked for humility again, more on God's terms. Before I even was able to read another chapter of the book, a very painful, and humbling, experience happened. This is a lesson I will have deep in my heart for the rest of my life. Painful, but necessary. Nothing I would've chosen as a "teaching tool," but clearly, God's ways are not my ways. Thanks be to God.
Humility, from the Pocket Catholic Dictionary, is defined as:
The moral virtue that keeps a person from reaching beyond himself. It is the virtue that restrains the unruly desire for personal greatness and leads people to an orderly love of themselves based on a true appreciation of their position with respect to God and their neighbors. Religious humility recognizes one's total dependence on God; moral humility recognizes one's creaturely equality with others. Yet humility is not only opposed to pride; it is also opposed to immoderate self-abjection, which would fail to recognize God's gifts and use them according to his will. (Etym, Latin humilitas, abasement, humility, from humus, ground).
Our Lady was perfectly humble. From "The Glories of Mary,":
...Our Lord showed St. Bridget two ladies. One was all pomp and vanity. "She," he said, "is pride; but the other one whom thou seest with her head bent down, courteous towards all, having God alone in her mind, and considering herself as no one, is Humility, her name is Mary."
Again, another passage:
"O how dear are humble souls to Mary!" says St. Bernard; "this Blessed Virgin recognizes and loves those who love her, and is near to all who call upon her; and especially to those whom she sees like unto herself in chastity and humility." Hence the saint exhorts all who love Mary to be humble.[snip]
Then, O my queen, I can never be really thy child unless I am humble; but dost thou not see that my sins, after having rendered me ungrateful to my Lord, have also made me proud? O my Mother, do thou supply a remedy. By the merit of thy humility obtain that I may be truly humble, and thus become thy child. Amen
And, Father Corapi has something to say about humility. He said that humility is the recognition of Truth.
The truth I am finally starting to see glimpses of is that everything I have is a grace and a blessing. I have done nothing on my own. Nothing. The cloak on my shoulders is God's; I have not put it there.
Finally, from "The Glories of Mary,":
Whosoever loves, resembles the person loved, or endeavors to become like that person; according to the well-known proverb, "Love either finds or makes its like." Hence, St. Sophronius exhorts us to endeavor to imitate Mary, if we love her, because this is the greatest act of homage that we can offer her; "My beloved children," the saint says, "serve Mary, whom you love; for you then truly love her, if you endeavor to imitate her whom you love."
May Our Lady, full of grace, teach me to imitate her in everything I do.
25 July 2007
Science fish
I'm not sure what to think of this fish. Does it mean that science and religion can co-exist? Not in this sense...
or, am I being naive? Then what is the following saying? You can still be a Christian even if you like Bristish food? No, wait, that's unheard of.
Does the following mean you are Christian on the outside and Buddhist on the inside? Maybe Richard Gere would know.
I don't know what to think any more.
Heart talks with Mary
One of the books on my bookshelf that was my father's, given to him by Father Jakobek, is Heart Talks with Mary, Second Series, 1938, by Rosalie Marie Levy. Here's one of the entries:
Have you tried them?
A little more Patience, to bear up with this person with whom I am compelled to live, and who is not at all congenial to me.
A little more Firmness, to continue this work which duty demands and which is so repellent to me.
A little more Humility, to remain at the post to which God has led me and which does not fit in at all with my dreams and plans.
A little more Common Sense, to take people as they are, and not as I should like them to be.
A little more Prudence, to bother as little as possible about others and their affairs.
A little more Strength, to endure an event which so suddenly and profoundly disturbs my peace of soul.
A little more Cheerfulness, so as not to show I have been hurt.
A little more Unselfishness, in trying to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
Above all, a little more Prayer, to draw God to my heart and to take counsel with Him.
Have you tried them?
A little more Patience, to bear up with this person with whom I am compelled to live, and who is not at all congenial to me.
A little more Firmness, to continue this work which duty demands and which is so repellent to me.
A little more Humility, to remain at the post to which God has led me and which does not fit in at all with my dreams and plans.
A little more Common Sense, to take people as they are, and not as I should like them to be.
A little more Prudence, to bother as little as possible about others and their affairs.
A little more Strength, to endure an event which so suddenly and profoundly disturbs my peace of soul.
A little more Cheerfulness, so as not to show I have been hurt.
A little more Unselfishness, in trying to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
Above all, a little more Prayer, to draw God to my heart and to take counsel with Him.
24 July 2007
Gargoyles - Not just drain pipes any more
A professor and gas mask dude at my alma mater, U of Washington
A shell face from Prague
A more traditional gargoyle from Liverpool, UK
One from TuscanyNot again
It seems that Christmas just gets in the way of everything. From OneNewsNow.com:
Unless history repeats itself, Christmas may be canceled at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as holiday decorations are once again the subject of a proposed ban. The Port of Seattle's Holiday Decorations Advisory Committee says the airport should be decorated for Christmas this year, but without any religious symbols. Last December, nine trees decorated with red ribbons and bows were removed after a rabbi threatened to sue unless a menorah was added. However, the trees were put back on display after the rabbi said he never wanted them removed. Mat Staver is founder of Liberty Counsel, which intervened in the dispute last year. He says legal action may be necessary again. "Obviously, Liberty Counsel will get involved as we did last year with this airport," the attorney explains. "We sent a letter [last year] demanding that they return the Christmas decorations to the airport -- and with the public outcry, the airport did. This year, obviously, we're back to the battleground again, and we're certainly going to go to bat for protecting Christmas." Staver says it is absurd that government officials in Seattle are once again trying to censor Christmas in public. "I think it's ridiculous in a country where we have December 25 as a state and federal holiday to celebrate and honor Christmas -- something that's rooted in the history of America -- that governmental entities would come to censor it out," he says. Staver predicts that legal action is likely if the panel does not revamp its proposal to accommodate religious symbols.
Unless history repeats itself, Christmas may be canceled at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as holiday decorations are once again the subject of a proposed ban. The Port of Seattle's Holiday Decorations Advisory Committee says the airport should be decorated for Christmas this year, but without any religious symbols. Last December, nine trees decorated with red ribbons and bows were removed after a rabbi threatened to sue unless a menorah was added. However, the trees were put back on display after the rabbi said he never wanted them removed. Mat Staver is founder of Liberty Counsel, which intervened in the dispute last year. He says legal action may be necessary again. "Obviously, Liberty Counsel will get involved as we did last year with this airport," the attorney explains. "We sent a letter [last year] demanding that they return the Christmas decorations to the airport -- and with the public outcry, the airport did. This year, obviously, we're back to the battleground again, and we're certainly going to go to bat for protecting Christmas." Staver says it is absurd that government officials in Seattle are once again trying to censor Christmas in public. "I think it's ridiculous in a country where we have December 25 as a state and federal holiday to celebrate and honor Christmas -- something that's rooted in the history of America -- that governmental entities would come to censor it out," he says. Staver predicts that legal action is likely if the panel does not revamp its proposal to accommodate religious symbols.
Prayers please
Please pray for a friend who is nine weeks pregnant. She has a long history of miscarriages.
Please pray for my brother who is in a lengthy training course for the Army. He will be separated from his family for four months, then probably sent to Iraq for 18 months. He's already been there once.
May Our Lady look out for all of them.
Please pray for my brother who is in a lengthy training course for the Army. He will be separated from his family for four months, then probably sent to Iraq for 18 months. He's already been there once.
May Our Lady look out for all of them.
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