Yesterday was an interesting day for religion on television. First, to note was the heaven story by Barbara Wahwah on NBC. I didn't see much of this story, although during the first part I thought she did a good job of getting different views of heaven and the afterlife from different perspectives. But, it was on during House so I turned to it during commercial break and started talking to Mom on the phone sometime during the second part so my focus turned away from the TV. If anyone else caught parts of this story, I would like to hear your opinions and maybe some of the parts that I missed.
As I got back from work yesterday evening, I was flipping through the channels (all 6 since I don't have cable) to have something on in the background as I changed clothes and fixed dinner. Something caught my eye on 3ABN and I thought maybe I could find out a little more about what Seventh Day Adventists believe. Well, I looked at the passage on the screen and noticed where it came from in the Bible, especially when I saw something about Babylon and a woman and then I hoped that it wasn't going where I thought it was. But I was wrong, of course it was about "the Papal Church," as they called it. The program was called Lift Him Up and they were talking about Revelations chapter 17, mostly versus 4-6. Of course the Church is the harlot, the wine is the lies about Christ she has filled it with, and the ones drinking from the cup are the protestant churches that sprung from the Church. Somehow the L.A. Times, New York Times, and Time Magazine all became infallible resource on what the Pope has said and what the Church believes. They used quotes from these articles trying to support that Catholics have to confess to man and cannot confess directly to God and that Catholics worship Mary. Even if these articles did have quotes of the Pope saying these things, I seriously doubt that those quotes are reliable since the ones they came up with, the Pope or anyone in the Church would not have said. They did however, take paragraph 2072 out of the Catechism. Saying that the Catholic church says that Christ dying for our sins was not enough for our salvation and that we have to work to earn our salvation. Far-be-it from any church to actually suggest that we actually need to do good works to show our faith. And then of course Purgatory is where we Catholics must go to be tormented to repay our sins. Hmm, don't know if I've ever heard that one being taught before. They also refer to a question answer with a Stephen Keaning about the Sabbath being Sunday or Saturday and then afterwards say, "There you have it from the Catechism (oh, make sure you mis-pronounce it as Catesism every time) that the church changed the Sabbath." Well, honestly, I don't think that was the official Catechism that you talked to there. A full-out attack on the Catholic Church over the air all on misunderstandings. Very offensive.
House came on and was a Christmas season episode. The main patient in this episode was a nun with a rash on her hands. There really wasn't much talk about the Catholic Church one way or another. Just House's usual miserable panderings and always trying to diagnose everyone else (physically or mentally). Some characters wrestled with their own theological views, one a fallen away seminarian that started to re-find his faith, another one an agnostic, etc.
This morning, flipping through the channels, I again landed on 3ABN hoping to find out more about SDA since they were talking about missions in India. And again, I was disappointed that it wasn't much on their beliefs. They mentioned how by tradition St. Thomas came to India and was martyred there. They mentioned that supposedly St. Thomas brought a statue of Mary, but "Mary worship didn't start until Pope Pius X." Do you not understand that you don't put the words Mary and worship together! That does not happen within the Catholic Church! We honor Mary as everyone else does in the Bible. When Gabriel comes at the annunciation he says "Hail, Mary, full of grace." Mary says, "I will be called blessed by all generations." Her sister, Elizabeth, says, "Blessed are you among all women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Jesus tells his beloved apostle, "Behold your Mother." All of these words from the Bible, why then should we not honor Mary as special like these people, angels, and Christ himself did in the Bible. India is only a small percentage Christian, but the state of Kerala is the most Christian, most of which are Catholics. All the Indian priests and deacons I know come from this state. Now, guess which state the missionaries were going to. Yep, Kerala. Does anyone else have this feeling that they would rather evangelize to other Christians than non-christians? Especially when they tell of the Portugeuse Catholics coming in and declaring the Churches property of the Pope and forcing the residing Christians to give up their religion. Wow, what a historical re-telling.
To me it looks like the SDA's best weapon is to attack various Christian churches especially the Catholic Church. I'm pretty understanding, but these programs are starting to upset me. I don't have any problems with people stating their own views, but when they start attacking someone else's to further their own, that's when I start getting unnerved. I also have a tendency not to trust a church that follows Christ whose fore-founders (Millerites) claimed to know when the second comming was, when Jesus clearly states that no one will know. If there are any Adventists or anyone who knows an Adventist that wants assure me that they don't have it out for Christian Churches, please let me know. Until then, I have this very uneasiness with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Christmas time is upon us
This year has been different from most years becasue I've been very anti-commercial Christmas. I don't mind people saying happy holidays or whatever. Never really had a beef with that. Jay Leno had a joke last night stating that you can't say Jesus anymore, you have to say Holiday Infant. I mostly don't like the buying frenzy, the insane you have to buy attitude, all the Christmas music before the season that I know will disappear on midnight, and all the ME-ness. This year, I'm telling people that I don't want anything for Christmas. But no one takes me seriously. If they think they have to do something for me, then they can just donate money, or give me the money and I'll donate it to something. It's Jesus' birthday, and he deserves the gifts, not me.
In the past year, alot has happened to me to re-evaluate Christmas and I just find joy in being with my family and not in the gifts that I get. Last year, the person with whom we shared true love left me for selfish reasons and treated me really badly about it. Last year I had to spend 2 days (23rd and 24th) digging my car out of ice to get to work and then drive home. At work, some one went off at me because we couldn't get someone out to fix his internet at 10:30pm Christmas Eve night. On the way home, my car slid down a hill and nearly off the road. This year, I'm living 4 hours away from home. My grandfather just had a biopsy today. And my Korean (foreign exchange) sister is leaving for her home after Christmas. This year, I'm realizing that I have a lot of things to be thankful for. I don't want or need any gifts, all I want is my family and God's love and forgiveness that He made possible through the birth of His son. I've always kept the meaning of Christmas in my mind, but this year, Christmas means a little bit more.
This Christmas, maybe you can find more meaning in it than what you've known before.
Paix du Christ!
In the past year, alot has happened to me to re-evaluate Christmas and I just find joy in being with my family and not in the gifts that I get. Last year, the person with whom we shared true love left me for selfish reasons and treated me really badly about it. Last year I had to spend 2 days (23rd and 24th) digging my car out of ice to get to work and then drive home. At work, some one went off at me because we couldn't get someone out to fix his internet at 10:30pm Christmas Eve night. On the way home, my car slid down a hill and nearly off the road. This year, I'm living 4 hours away from home. My grandfather just had a biopsy today. And my Korean (foreign exchange) sister is leaving for her home after Christmas. This year, I'm realizing that I have a lot of things to be thankful for. I don't want or need any gifts, all I want is my family and God's love and forgiveness that He made possible through the birth of His son. I've always kept the meaning of Christmas in my mind, but this year, Christmas means a little bit more.
This Christmas, maybe you can find more meaning in it than what you've known before.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Theology Thursday
Today, I looked at the Catechism and found a small section speaking to us about the season of advent. Seeing as we are currently in the season of advent, I would like to take some time to reflect on what the Church provides us on this season.
522
The coming of God's Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it over centuries. He makes everything converge on Christ: all the rituals and sacrifices, figures and symbols of the "First Covenant". He announces him through the mouths of the prophets who succeeded one another in Israel. Moreover, he awakens in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming.
In this paragraph, we are reminded that the Jewish people waited for hundreds, even thousands, of years for the messiah to come and fulfill the prophesies. It seems that many Christians are stagnant in their faith. "If I believe Christ will save me then he will." But just like the Jewish people, we Christians should also be preparing the world for the second coming of Chirst. The statement He makes everything converge on Chirst reminds me of words from John Paul the Great: "Everything begins from him, leads towards him, everthing, through him, in the Holy Spirit, attains to the Father."
523
St. John the Baptist is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way. "Prophet of the Most High", John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother's womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". Going before Jesus "in the spirit and power of Elijah", John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom.
St. John the Baptist holds the distinction of being the only prophet of the New Testament and the second disciple of Christ, the first being Mary. Even before birth he proclaims the coming of Christ. The third Sunday of Advent is always accompanied by a Gospel reading of John; whether from Matthew, Luke, or John. What a great example that we should continue to bear witness to Christ. Even after he baptized Christ, John continued his prophetic ministry and even annoyed the Romans enough through this witness that he was hunted down and killed.
524
When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Each year the Church calls us to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth in rememberance of the long years of waiting for the messiah. Yet, we are also called to prepare ourselves for the time when we will meet Christ. Every January 1, people try to make a New Year's Resolution, so at the beginning of the liturgical year we should make a spiritual resolution to begin preparing for Christ.
Paix du Christ!
522
The coming of God's Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it over centuries. He makes everything converge on Christ: all the rituals and sacrifices, figures and symbols of the "First Covenant". He announces him through the mouths of the prophets who succeeded one another in Israel. Moreover, he awakens in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming.
In this paragraph, we are reminded that the Jewish people waited for hundreds, even thousands, of years for the messiah to come and fulfill the prophesies. It seems that many Christians are stagnant in their faith. "If I believe Christ will save me then he will." But just like the Jewish people, we Christians should also be preparing the world for the second coming of Chirst. The statement He makes everything converge on Chirst reminds me of words from John Paul the Great: "Everything begins from him, leads towards him, everthing, through him, in the Holy Spirit, attains to the Father."
523
St. John the Baptist is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way. "Prophet of the Most High", John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mother's womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". Going before Jesus "in the spirit and power of Elijah", John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom.
St. John the Baptist holds the distinction of being the only prophet of the New Testament and the second disciple of Christ, the first being Mary. Even before birth he proclaims the coming of Christ. The third Sunday of Advent is always accompanied by a Gospel reading of John; whether from Matthew, Luke, or John. What a great example that we should continue to bear witness to Christ. Even after he baptized Christ, John continued his prophetic ministry and even annoyed the Romans enough through this witness that he was hunted down and killed.
524
When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Each year the Church calls us to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth in rememberance of the long years of waiting for the messiah. Yet, we are also called to prepare ourselves for the time when we will meet Christ. Every January 1, people try to make a New Year's Resolution, so at the beginning of the liturgical year we should make a spiritual resolution to begin preparing for Christ.
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Been awhile
Sorry for the lack in posts lately. I've been really busy and tied up at work and my internet connection has been flaky at the apartment plus I've been working on an intricate and time intensive rosary. The holes in the peridot beads that I bought are quite a bit smaller than the gauge of wire that I have so I had to find wire that fit. Well, had to go all the way down to 26 gauge wire. Pretty darn small. In order to make it more durable, I'm having to wrap around the wire with every loop that I do. There's a loop on each end of each bead and then all the loops on the chains in the middle. That equates to A LOT of extra wrapping for all those keeping track. I've got 2 decades finished, only 3 more to go!
Last night I actually showed up to the young adult faith sharing group that LOCO (Light of Christ Organization), link is on the sidebar, was having. It was the last in the series, but at least I got to go to one. It was about devotion to Mary and the Saints. There were questions about a lot of stuff I already knew with praying to saints, worshiping and the many other common ones. We passed around the Catechism and Bible and read references out of them to back up the belief on topic. Seeing as it was on topic, I offered to teach people to make rosaries and there appeared to be interest. I would really like to get a group to start meeting regularly (at least twice a month or something) and maybe get a rosary guild type thing going with young people. I really do hope it works out.
There's only 1 1/2 weeks before Christmas. Have you prepared for Christ this year? There's only 1 Saturday left to go to confession at most churches. The perfect birthday gift for Jesus this year would be a clean heart.
Paix du Christ!
Last night I actually showed up to the young adult faith sharing group that LOCO (Light of Christ Organization), link is on the sidebar, was having. It was the last in the series, but at least I got to go to one. It was about devotion to Mary and the Saints. There were questions about a lot of stuff I already knew with praying to saints, worshiping and the many other common ones. We passed around the Catechism and Bible and read references out of them to back up the belief on topic. Seeing as it was on topic, I offered to teach people to make rosaries and there appeared to be interest. I would really like to get a group to start meeting regularly (at least twice a month or something) and maybe get a rosary guild type thing going with young people. I really do hope it works out.
There's only 1 1/2 weeks before Christmas. Have you prepared for Christ this year? There's only 1 Saturday left to go to confession at most churches. The perfect birthday gift for Jesus this year would be a clean heart.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Hey Mom, just goin' to church to take off my clothes
Well, I'll tell you my Youth Group never did anything like this. Thank goodness, because my Youth Minister was my Mom, yikes! ^_-
A German church (reported as protestant) has members pose nude in Bible scenes. Now that's a great idea! Sure it will bring in kids, sex sells. I know Eve would be nude, but leave those scenes to be portrayed by Raphael and Michelangelo and other mordern artists, not the youth of the Church. What exactly are we trying to teach these kids? It's okay to flaunt your bodies and make mentally incompetent guys hormones go crazy and rape you. Or how about, it's okay to be sexy and have premarital sex and pass around sexually transmitted diseases. Maybe we should print these lines on the bottom of the calendar to like a surgeon general's warning. I hope these kids are at least not minors.
Warning: For anyone thinking about going to the link inside the news article, there are only 2 pictures on the site. The Eve one has long hair covering the breasts and a fig leaf imposed on the nether region. The Delilah one shows one breast complete with nipple. Just a heads up in case it might offend you.
Paix du Christ!
A German church (reported as protestant) has members pose nude in Bible scenes. Now that's a great idea! Sure it will bring in kids, sex sells. I know Eve would be nude, but leave those scenes to be portrayed by Raphael and Michelangelo and other mordern artists, not the youth of the Church. What exactly are we trying to teach these kids? It's okay to flaunt your bodies and make mentally incompetent guys hormones go crazy and rape you. Or how about, it's okay to be sexy and have premarital sex and pass around sexually transmitted diseases. Maybe we should print these lines on the bottom of the calendar to like a surgeon general's warning. I hope these kids are at least not minors.
Warning: For anyone thinking about going to the link inside the news article, there are only 2 pictures on the site. The Eve one has long hair covering the breasts and a fig leaf imposed on the nether region. The Delilah one shows one breast complete with nipple. Just a heads up in case it might offend you.
Paix du Christ!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Another fairy tale ending
Well, as you might have guessed, we couldn't find internet connections where we stayed in Orlando. There was lots of partying and fun to be had. At the reheasal dinner (which took place in costume at Medival Times, which was pretty much the theme of the weekend), I gave the couple the rosary I made and had engraved with the date and said they would definitely have it with them in the ceremony. Christin also made the comment "Mom was right, it wouldn't be a Strain wedding if we didn't invite you." It's great to have extended families. But the crux of the weekend of course was the beautiful wedding. The church was beautiful and the wedding was excellent. Both parties were Catholic, so it took place in a Mass. The bride is from Florida and the Groom from California, a story of a couple meeting over the internet and it fully working out. At the end of the rite of marriage, I was introduced to two new South Pacific (I think Phillipines) traditions. One was a large and beautiful lace veil placed over the head of the bride and shoulders of the groom and fully wrapped around them. It was to symbolized being clothed as one in Christ. The other was a cord made entirely of coins. The cord has two loops so it looks like a figure eight and is drapped over both the bride and groom. To symbolize they both must equally contribute (especially financially) to make the marriage succeed. This cord was made out of dimes and quarters. The quarters from one side had the Florida design on the back and the other had the California design on the back. Two excellent and very intersting traditions. Afterwards, the bride told me she ad decided to hold the rosary with her bouquet and had it blessed by the priest that blessed the wedding. What an excellent idea. Although, I just enjoy making rosaries for people and thought it would be a nice gift for a Catholic wedding, I didn't imagine that it would mean so much to them to make it apart of their wedding. Weddings always are joyous and wonderful. I love attending them, and you can definitely see the image of God's love. Not only in the couple, but in all of the love and joy in the family and friends involved. What a wonderful time in our lives, whether its our own wedding or we are just attending.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Theology Thursday
"mehwahge is what bwings us togehdder today." That line from the Princess Bride always pops in my head when thinking about going to weddings. So, the section of the Catechism I took a look at today was that on the sacrament of marriage. Since this section is a bit long, I will look at the second part, sub-section II, which are paragraphs 1621-1624. That way, I can examine other sections for weddings which might come up in the future. This section is short, but it is also a very exciting section which gives us an insight to the celebration of the sacrament.
The first few paragraphs wonderfully tie marriage to many other sacraments. 1621 directly spells out that a wedding between two Catholics should be done in a Mass with Eucharist since "the New Covenant (remembered in the Eucharist) in which Christ has united himself for ever to the Church, his beloved bride for whom he gave himself up." And the celebration of the Eucharist at a wedding symbolizes the unity of the bride and groom into one in the body of Christ. Maybe this symbol of unity can also help remind us that divorcing and re-marrying not only harms those involved, but wounds the body of Christ himself and affects all of the rest of its members.
As we saw with the sections on Confirmation, Catholics are encouraged to go to Reconciliation before being married. Seems to be a common theme for all succeeding sacraments, I wonder if it continues through all of the rest. It does however, seem to be very fitting to reconcile your sins before God before receiving a sacrament. After all it is the sacrament where you can continually receive God's grace and wash away your sins and directly connect us with our roots to baptism.
Honestly, I believe that paragraph 1623 is my favorite in the marriage section even though it is just one sentence. "According to Latin tradition, the spouses as ministers of Christ's grace mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the Church. In the tradition of the Eastern Churches, the priests (bishops or presbyters) are witnesses to the mutual consent given by the spouses, but for the validity of the sacrament their blessing is also necessary." Wow, I learned something the priest/deacon is not the minister of the sacrament. Read it carefully; the bride and groom are both the ministers of the sacrament when they say their vows. The minister stands as witness for the Church and blesses the marriage, but the two participants actually confer the sacrament.
This last section hints at the sacrament of Confirmation although it never directly mentions it. It mentions the couple receiving the Holy Spirit in their love which seals their covenant before the Church. However, the last statement is pretty interesting. It says, "the [Holy Spirit] ever available source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity." The Church shows that marriage is tough and has its trials and tribulations; otherwise, why would married people need to renew their fidelity. Basically, when you get married, you will get drained, you will need to refuel, and it's not easy. Human love can't compare to God's love, no matter how much we love our spouse, parents, or children. As humans, we can't handle these stresses and refuel on our own, we need to turn to the Holy Spirit and God's love to give us the strength to keep a marriage going especially when it gets tough. This simple statement could probably sum up why many people get divorced. They don't have the Holy Spirit to call on or simply forget that's what is needed. It's not enough to turn to the Spirit once or twice and think that's good enough or for only one person to turn to the Spirit. Both husband and wife must continually look towards the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
The reason I chose to look at marriage is that I will be flying out to Orlando tomorrow morning for a wedding. I'll be staying in a condo with friends and I'm not sure if there is an internet connection. I'm taking my laptop just in case. If there is, I will make room during the 2 days of parties to make some posts; otherwise, I'll be back on here next week.
Paix du Christ!
The first few paragraphs wonderfully tie marriage to many other sacraments. 1621 directly spells out that a wedding between two Catholics should be done in a Mass with Eucharist since "the New Covenant (remembered in the Eucharist) in which Christ has united himself for ever to the Church, his beloved bride for whom he gave himself up." And the celebration of the Eucharist at a wedding symbolizes the unity of the bride and groom into one in the body of Christ. Maybe this symbol of unity can also help remind us that divorcing and re-marrying not only harms those involved, but wounds the body of Christ himself and affects all of the rest of its members.
As we saw with the sections on Confirmation, Catholics are encouraged to go to Reconciliation before being married. Seems to be a common theme for all succeeding sacraments, I wonder if it continues through all of the rest. It does however, seem to be very fitting to reconcile your sins before God before receiving a sacrament. After all it is the sacrament where you can continually receive God's grace and wash away your sins and directly connect us with our roots to baptism.
Honestly, I believe that paragraph 1623 is my favorite in the marriage section even though it is just one sentence. "According to Latin tradition, the spouses as ministers of Christ's grace mutually confer upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the Church. In the tradition of the Eastern Churches, the priests (bishops or presbyters) are witnesses to the mutual consent given by the spouses, but for the validity of the sacrament their blessing is also necessary." Wow, I learned something the priest/deacon is not the minister of the sacrament. Read it carefully; the bride and groom are both the ministers of the sacrament when they say their vows. The minister stands as witness for the Church and blesses the marriage, but the two participants actually confer the sacrament.
This last section hints at the sacrament of Confirmation although it never directly mentions it. It mentions the couple receiving the Holy Spirit in their love which seals their covenant before the Church. However, the last statement is pretty interesting. It says, "the [Holy Spirit] ever available source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity." The Church shows that marriage is tough and has its trials and tribulations; otherwise, why would married people need to renew their fidelity. Basically, when you get married, you will get drained, you will need to refuel, and it's not easy. Human love can't compare to God's love, no matter how much we love our spouse, parents, or children. As humans, we can't handle these stresses and refuel on our own, we need to turn to the Holy Spirit and God's love to give us the strength to keep a marriage going especially when it gets tough. This simple statement could probably sum up why many people get divorced. They don't have the Holy Spirit to call on or simply forget that's what is needed. It's not enough to turn to the Spirit once or twice and think that's good enough or for only one person to turn to the Spirit. Both husband and wife must continually look towards the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
The reason I chose to look at marriage is that I will be flying out to Orlando tomorrow morning for a wedding. I'll be staying in a condo with friends and I'm not sure if there is an internet connection. I'm taking my laptop just in case. If there is, I will make room during the 2 days of parties to make some posts; otherwise, I'll be back on here next week.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Christians vs. Atheists
Last night, Wife Swap just happened to be on one of the three networks that I get. One wife's husband was a pastor and the other hosted an atheist internet radio talk show. I really don't see how someone can make a living at what he does and I don't know why someone would continue to work 70-80 hours a week and not have time to spend with his/her kids. You can visit his web page, listen to his radio program, and make comments. Hey, maybe logon to the chat during showtimes (when people are on) to practice defending the truth, but if you do please be respectful and do it with a christian attitude (you don't have to pay).
One thing I learned is that non-christians have a hangup with Jonah. The seeming first thing atheists/non-christians on the show jumped towards was "do you really believe a guy can live in the belly of a fish." First, I think they need to be more educated that a whale is a mammal and not a fish. But, I also believe a lot of the stories they jump to are allegorical.
I found it interesting that when Kelly, the christian, decided to describe her husband's day instead of name a job. Reggie, the atheist, accuses that a good christian would have just told him up front him that he was a pastor when it did come up. First, I find it funny that he knows what a "good christian" would do. But, I really don't see how that has to do with being a good christian. When people ask what I do, I tell them I design web pages for government projects. I don't tell them our small company name. That usually brings more confusion and questions that are complicated to answer. I don't think my answer, in not providing title and company, makes me any less of a christian.
The pastor did seem to talk about God a little bit excessively. Not that talking about God is a bad thing, but I don't think they showed him having a conversation where he didn't talk about God.
It was definitely an interesting premise for the show. If you want to hear the men talk a little bit more about it go to the web page listed above and look for the episode Stonerock and Finley.
One last thing... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Paix du Christ!
One thing I learned is that non-christians have a hangup with Jonah. The seeming first thing atheists/non-christians on the show jumped towards was "do you really believe a guy can live in the belly of a fish." First, I think they need to be more educated that a whale is a mammal and not a fish. But, I also believe a lot of the stories they jump to are allegorical.
I found it interesting that when Kelly, the christian, decided to describe her husband's day instead of name a job. Reggie, the atheist, accuses that a good christian would have just told him up front him that he was a pastor when it did come up. First, I find it funny that he knows what a "good christian" would do. But, I really don't see how that has to do with being a good christian. When people ask what I do, I tell them I design web pages for government projects. I don't tell them our small company name. That usually brings more confusion and questions that are complicated to answer. I don't think my answer, in not providing title and company, makes me any less of a christian.
The pastor did seem to talk about God a little bit excessively. Not that talking about God is a bad thing, but I don't think they showed him having a conversation where he didn't talk about God.
It was definitely an interesting premise for the show. If you want to hear the men talk a little bit more about it go to the web page listed above and look for the episode Stonerock and Finley.
One last thing... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Fugitive allowed to attend Mass
Cops aren't all bad ^_^
In Rome, a fugitive from jail ran into a church to hide from the police chasing him. The only catch ... The church was full of cops attending Mass! Needless to say that he was caught, but the cops granted him one last wish before taking him in. He was able to attend Mass at the church.
Paix du Christ!
In Rome, a fugitive from jail ran into a church to hide from the police chasing him. The only catch ... The church was full of cops attending Mass! Needless to say that he was caught, but the cops granted him one last wish before taking him in. He was able to attend Mass at the church.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
The spirit is a movin'
This past weekend, my twin cousins were confirmed. 88 confirmands and their sponsors showed up to lined up and we all processed into the church. Archbishop Kelly's great he has always had kids write him a letter about why they want to be confirmed, what it means to them, and why they chose their sponsors and he reads them during the homily. When it came time for confirming, the 2 parish priests joined the Archbishop so there were 3 people conferring confirmations. Although, it's disappointing that some were confirmed directly from the Archbishops and others weren't, I was kinda glad (it was long enough with 3, I would hate to see it with 1 HUGE line). One of my cousins went to the Archbishop, but since we were in line behind her, we went off to the pastor. Afterwards she kept complaining that the chrism was getting in her eyes. I warned them both before hand that the Archbishop always uses a lot of Chrism. I remember being an altar server during a confirmation and getting to hold the bowl of chrism for Kelly (an unbelievable experience as a kid). Afterwards, my hands were so covered in oil from him using so much, I was surprised that I didn't drop the bowl. Both of my cousins are great kids and I'm proud of them. I gave Zak his present which he was very excited about the St. Zachary medal, he'd never seen anything with St. Zachary on it before and the rosary that I made for him. He gave me a sterling silver crucifix on a chain, very nice, and I wear it all the time. I'm definitely very happy that I got to share in the experience of their confirmation. What a wonderful celebration it was, long but wonderful ^_^
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, November 21, 2005
And the meme continues
Looks like Fidei has sent me this meme (originally started by Holy Fool) to do. Thanks Fidei Defensor to give me this time to reflect. So, here goes nuttin'.
Recently, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. The Church is beginning a new Liturgical year, beginning with the joyous season of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. This is a wonderful opportunity for Catholics to reflect on how they've lived their Faith this past year, and how they'd like to live it in the coming Liturgical year. So, Here's the meme. In honor of the Blessed Trinity, we:
1. Write three things for which you're grateful to God in this past liturgical year.
I. My entire family (especially my brother and my best friend) The greatest people in the world that will be with you no matter what.
II. Making me give myself new life and finding myself in all new and totally different situations.
III. Giving me the chance to be a Confirmation sponsor for my cousin and allowing me to pass on the faith that I love.
2. Write three ways in which you hope to improve you're relationship with God in this coming liturgical year.
I. Praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy.
II. Making rosaries in order to share it as a gift with others.
III. Exploring my faith through this blog, and hopefully sharing a bit of it with others through this new medium.
3. Pass this on to three other bloggers.
I. The Cafeteria is Closed
II. Cryptocatholic
III. You Ain't No Picasso
Paix du Christ!
Recently, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. The Church is beginning a new Liturgical year, beginning with the joyous season of Advent in anticipation of Christmas. This is a wonderful opportunity for Catholics to reflect on how they've lived their Faith this past year, and how they'd like to live it in the coming Liturgical year. So, Here's the meme. In honor of the Blessed Trinity, we:
1. Write three things for which you're grateful to God in this past liturgical year.
I. My entire family (especially my brother and my best friend) The greatest people in the world that will be with you no matter what.
II. Making me give myself new life and finding myself in all new and totally different situations.
III. Giving me the chance to be a Confirmation sponsor for my cousin and allowing me to pass on the faith that I love.
2. Write three ways in which you hope to improve you're relationship with God in this coming liturgical year.
I. Praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy.
II. Making rosaries in order to share it as a gift with others.
III. Exploring my faith through this blog, and hopefully sharing a bit of it with others through this new medium.
3. Pass this on to three other bloggers.
I. The Cafeteria is Closed
II. Cryptocatholic
III. You Ain't No Picasso
Paix du Christ!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Catholic Hate Crime
About a month and a half ago (first weekend in October) there was a local story that didn't get much press (even in this area it was just a short spot). I tried to find it in the Decatur Daily, but those issues aren't displaying on their site right now, but I did find a Huntsville Times article. There are quite a few stories listed on the WAFF (NBC affiliate) site, most of them are text and not video. The basic story is four people went to Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church, one of them claiming he had a vision from God of destroying a church. They show up at 1100 Mass on Sunday Oct. 2 and after communion 2 of them run up on the altar yelling and screaming about worshipping idols and then push over a 100 yr old marble altar which shatters as it falls down the steps towards the congregation. Some parishioners detained (pretty calmly too) the 4 vandals until the police arrived. They were originally charged with criminal misdemeanors the 2 accomplices were released on $750 bonds. But the 2 vandals were held and eventually indicted with a hate crime and jailed with $10,000 bonds. Now, I don't know if this has anything to do with their target selection, but oddly enough this story was in the Decatur Daily newspaper only the day before (Oct. 1). Immediately following, believers (Catholic and non-Catholics alike) sent in editorial letters, most of the people claiming Roman Catholic affiliation aren't calling for vengeance or harsh punishments.
The reason I am just bringing up this story is that something very shocking happened yesterday. Here's the story that was reported by WAFF. It really shows the insensitivity. A group from California heard the story and sent the bail money for both to be let out. The great quote of the interview: "We heard about this story in California, we think its absolutely absurd that these two kids have been accused and put on $10,000 bond for knocking over a table."
First off, They didn't "knock over a table" they destroyed an expensive, irreplaceable 100 year old marble table. Secondly, they disrupted a worship service and struck fear into the people there as they saw the table coming at them. They are vandals and terrorists. They didn't suicide bomb a building, but I'm sure it was terrifying for the people there as they weren't sure if the altar (or pieces) would hit them, or what was next.
I don't like the term "hate crime," because in my opinion if a crime is not induced by a psychological imbalance it is committed out of hate or rage. But, I do think these criminals need some extended time to think about what being Christian really means.
If they understood the Catholic faith (don't have to believe in it), or even listened during the prayers, they would understand that we don't worship the table, but Jesus in the Eucharist. However, I'm sort of glad they don't fully understand Catholicism or they might have gone for the tabernacle instead and really desecrated the church and totally have Catholics up in arms.
We all just need to make an effort to understand others in order to tolerate them. In the famous words, why can't we all just get along?
Paix du Christ!
The reason I am just bringing up this story is that something very shocking happened yesterday. Here's the story that was reported by WAFF. It really shows the insensitivity. A group from California heard the story and sent the bail money for both to be let out. The great quote of the interview: "We heard about this story in California, we think its absolutely absurd that these two kids have been accused and put on $10,000 bond for knocking over a table."
First off, They didn't "knock over a table" they destroyed an expensive, irreplaceable 100 year old marble table. Secondly, they disrupted a worship service and struck fear into the people there as they saw the table coming at them. They are vandals and terrorists. They didn't suicide bomb a building, but I'm sure it was terrifying for the people there as they weren't sure if the altar (or pieces) would hit them, or what was next.
I don't like the term "hate crime," because in my opinion if a crime is not induced by a psychological imbalance it is committed out of hate or rage. But, I do think these criminals need some extended time to think about what being Christian really means.
If they understood the Catholic faith (don't have to believe in it), or even listened during the prayers, they would understand that we don't worship the table, but Jesus in the Eucharist. However, I'm sort of glad they don't fully understand Catholicism or they might have gone for the tabernacle instead and really desecrated the church and totally have Catholics up in arms.
We all just need to make an effort to understand others in order to tolerate them. In the famous words, why can't we all just get along?
Paix du Christ!
Go Forward
... and reap from human babies. First item on my mind is the topic most of the morning news shows were covering today, a recent fundraiser for the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Although I find their goal of looking for ways to improve conditions for paralysis, I can't consciously support them due to their support of making embryonic stem cell research available, which was never brought up in the news programs this morning.
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.
Mother Teresa
Welcome FD! A link to his blog College Catholic can be found in the sidebar blog links. A very enjoyable blog from honoring our great vets this past holiday to documenting his encounters with the largely underplayed prejudice that is anti-Catholicism.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Theology Thursday
Something that I have been thinking about doing in this blog is to explore a little more theology. Finding out more about the faith (most likely from the Catechism, but maybe other writings) and maybe share that with others. I don't know how it will work, but lets give it a try.
Today, I thought that it would be a good idea to explore what the church teaches on confirmation. Fitting, since my cousins are being confirmed this weekend and me a confirmation sponsor.
The paragraphs that I will be referencing can be found in Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 1, Article 2 of the Catechism.
First and for most is the introductory paragraph (1285) which is very important. It basically answers the question what is Confirmation. Notice, however, it never mentions a coming of age, or any such notion as many people describe it. It is described as a completion of baptismal grace, strengthening of the Holy Spirit, and becoming obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. Wow, if I had known that, I don't think I would have thought that I was ready for Confirmation. A quote that I find interesting from the same paragraph says: "It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace." The teaching of the Church tells us that the faithful must be told about the necessity. Who and where else would be better to tell the masses of the faithful, but the priest in Mass? Priests should try to add into their preaching more about sacraments than they do.
Finally, in para. 1289 it gives the first definition everyone thinks of for confirmation: "the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms baptism and strengthens baptismal grace." I usually thought this was a cop-out definition, and teachers in grade school usually wouldn't let us use it, but it is stated right in the catechism. If you look at this line, it is definitely a 1-line brief decription of para. 1285.
In 1290-1291, we get a historical overview of confirmation and here is where all the confusion stands as to when is the proper time to confirm. Confirmation and baptism were originally performed at the same ceremony by the priest and bishop. The priest would baptize with water, and anoint with oil the baptism. Immediately Following the baptism the bishop would lay his hands and anoint with oil and confirm the baptism. However, the 2 became distinctly separate when the bishop could no longer attend ALL of the baptisms.
The sacred chrism is used in Confirmation. This chrism is a perfumed oil with a pleasant smell. In para. 1294, the spiritual sealing of the anointing is described "..so that their lives may give off 'the aroma of Christ.'" I think it is interesting that we are called to give off the aroma of Christ, which corresponds to the sense of smell. It doesn't mention here anything about others seeing Christ in us, or hearing Christ in us, which is mentioned in other areas, but smelling Christ. To me, smelling is a memory sense. Smells are associated with memories more than other senses. The smells of derby pie, warming sweet tea, rising rolls, all bring different memories of family houses. Who can forget the smell of freshly smushed pole cat? The aroma of Christ means that we shouldn't just be Christ for others, but try to make an unforgettable mark of Christ on someone's mind.
Para. 1299-1301 explains the 4 actions during confirmation. First, the extending of hands signifies the gift of the Spirit and is when the invokes the outpouring of the Spirit. The sacrament is actually conferred through the anointing which is done with the laying on of hands and the words "Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit). And finally, the sign of peace.
The most important paragraph is 1303. Here it explains the effects of Confirmation, not only is it an explanation, but a list. Here are the elements of how Confirmation effects (or should, if we are taught correctly):
The one thing I would make sure is in the process of receiving Confirmation is described in 1310. "One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit." I think it is important for confirmands to be required to go to confession at least once during the process of Confirmation, whether it is on a retreat or they go on their own one Saturday.
The one disappointment I found was there is only a 2 sentence paragraph, 1311, to describe the sponsor.
Well, That was a little bit longer than I had hoped, but I wanted to go over the section on Confirmation. Hopefully, I can do something once a week and keep Theology Thursday as a consistent part of my blog.
Paix du Christ!
Today, I thought that it would be a good idea to explore what the church teaches on confirmation. Fitting, since my cousins are being confirmed this weekend and me a confirmation sponsor.
The paragraphs that I will be referencing can be found in Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 1, Article 2 of the Catechism.
First and for most is the introductory paragraph (1285) which is very important. It basically answers the question what is Confirmation. Notice, however, it never mentions a coming of age, or any such notion as many people describe it. It is described as a completion of baptismal grace, strengthening of the Holy Spirit, and becoming obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. Wow, if I had known that, I don't think I would have thought that I was ready for Confirmation. A quote that I find interesting from the same paragraph says: "It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace." The teaching of the Church tells us that the faithful must be told about the necessity. Who and where else would be better to tell the masses of the faithful, but the priest in Mass? Priests should try to add into their preaching more about sacraments than they do.
Finally, in para. 1289 it gives the first definition everyone thinks of for confirmation: "the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms baptism and strengthens baptismal grace." I usually thought this was a cop-out definition, and teachers in grade school usually wouldn't let us use it, but it is stated right in the catechism. If you look at this line, it is definitely a 1-line brief decription of para. 1285.
In 1290-1291, we get a historical overview of confirmation and here is where all the confusion stands as to when is the proper time to confirm. Confirmation and baptism were originally performed at the same ceremony by the priest and bishop. The priest would baptize with water, and anoint with oil the baptism. Immediately Following the baptism the bishop would lay his hands and anoint with oil and confirm the baptism. However, the 2 became distinctly separate when the bishop could no longer attend ALL of the baptisms.
The sacred chrism is used in Confirmation. This chrism is a perfumed oil with a pleasant smell. In para. 1294, the spiritual sealing of the anointing is described "..so that their lives may give off 'the aroma of Christ.'" I think it is interesting that we are called to give off the aroma of Christ, which corresponds to the sense of smell. It doesn't mention here anything about others seeing Christ in us, or hearing Christ in us, which is mentioned in other areas, but smelling Christ. To me, smelling is a memory sense. Smells are associated with memories more than other senses. The smells of derby pie, warming sweet tea, rising rolls, all bring different memories of family houses. Who can forget the smell of freshly smushed pole cat? The aroma of Christ means that we shouldn't just be Christ for others, but try to make an unforgettable mark of Christ on someone's mind.
Para. 1299-1301 explains the 4 actions during confirmation. First, the extending of hands signifies the gift of the Spirit and is when the invokes the outpouring of the Spirit. The sacrament is actually conferred through the anointing which is done with the laying on of hands and the words "Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit). And finally, the sign of peace.
The most important paragraph is 1303. Here it explains the effects of Confirmation, not only is it an explanation, but a list. Here are the elements of how Confirmation effects (or should, if we are taught correctly):
- Roots us more deeply in the divine filiation (child of God)
- Unites us more firmly to Christ
- Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
- Renders our bond with the Church more perfect
- Gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross
The one thing I would make sure is in the process of receiving Confirmation is described in 1310. "One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit." I think it is important for confirmands to be required to go to confession at least once during the process of Confirmation, whether it is on a retreat or they go on their own one Saturday.
The one disappointment I found was there is only a 2 sentence paragraph, 1311, to describe the sponsor.
Well, That was a little bit longer than I had hoped, but I wanted to go over the section on Confirmation. Hopefully, I can do something once a week and keep Theology Thursday as a consistent part of my blog.
Paix du Christ!
New blogs
I've been adding some new blog links over the past couple of days. The newest is Cryptocatholic. He posts information he has gathered about famous people who are Catholic, but most people don't know they are. It's pretty interesting. If you know of any other "quiet believers" that he doesn't have, I'm sure he'd be happy to hear about them and possibly include them in his posts.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Not quite as sad news
First off, it looks as though I have at least one reader with a comment on my last post that isn't trying to get someone to click on a link or put a lot of words to turn up a search. Thanks Nelson.
Last night I was supposed to host a meeting for the youth group team at my apartment. With the prospect of storms coming through everyone cancelled and I was left alone all night. The storms were hardly anything by the time they came through Huntsville, just a lot of rain. But, I suppose I understand, yesterday was the anniversary of a huge tornado that ripped through south Huntsville that everyone talks about from 1989. My loss of the meeting cancelation isn't anything to what others lost last night and I thank God.
In further storm news, more tornados hit western KY and southern IN again. This time the were more to the west than before and during the afternoon and evening. This time people were awake, having advanced warning and time to react. So far, no state has listed any deaths in these storms. However, I imagine it still devastated some houses and that truly affects a family. Keep them in your prayers as everyone in this year of natural disasters tries to rebuild (houses, families, and lives).
Paix du Christ!
Last night I was supposed to host a meeting for the youth group team at my apartment. With the prospect of storms coming through everyone cancelled and I was left alone all night. The storms were hardly anything by the time they came through Huntsville, just a lot of rain. But, I suppose I understand, yesterday was the anniversary of a huge tornado that ripped through south Huntsville that everyone talks about from 1989. My loss of the meeting cancelation isn't anything to what others lost last night and I thank God.
In further storm news, more tornados hit western KY and southern IN again. This time the were more to the west than before and during the afternoon and evening. This time people were awake, having advanced warning and time to react. So far, no state has listed any deaths in these storms. However, I imagine it still devastated some houses and that truly affects a family. Keep them in your prayers as everyone in this year of natural disasters tries to rebuild (houses, families, and lives).
Paix du Christ!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Some news from back home
Look what I found while scouring the internet. I found an article about the annual dinner with Archbishop Kelly in Louisville. And it is written by my favorite Catholic reporter, Marnie! And, in the process I learned that The Record puts its articles online, so I can read them even from almost 300 miles away. Mom was telling me a little about the dinner and how it didn't seem quite as organized. I'm not sure if she's seen this article yet or not (my guess is that it's going to be in this weeks paper), but I have no doubt it will be the talk of the office since the pastor (Fr. Dick), former associate (Fr. Peter), and the secretary (Kathy) are all quoted or mentioned in it. I'll probably hear about it later and hear how Mom wasn't interviewed although she's the youth minister, and so on. Oh well, at least she did interview 2 people from St. James; Fr. Dick the pastor and Kathy a catechist. When Marnie interviews attendants of an event (experience from WYD, and looking for her articles in the Record), I have noticed that she usually tries to get the opinon of a staff member or organizer (sometimes clergy) and the perspective of a regular attendee. And this time, she chose to pick her interviewees from the parish that brought the most kids (ours ^_^).
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Rosaries and things
Friday was a day off from work. I spent pretty much the whole day making Zak's rosary. It's really nice looking. I spent alot of time making sure every thing looked as best as I could. I still notice a few flaws in it, but we are human beings and not perfect and tend to see those flaws in ourselves. Linda and Brian thought it was really great. I hope Zak likes and appreciates it. I really like making rosaries; it's something you can do while watching TV or talking and it's nice and peaceful. It definitely makes you appreciate the prayer and materials more once you start making them yourself. If anyone I have any blog readers and you'd like a rosary, just drop me a line ^_-
Went to the open house of Catholic High School. It seems to be a nice school, definitely small on the inside. I saw Brian and Lisa for a little while and spotted Katie (a high schooler from St. Mary) on the way out.
Linda seems to be starting to get discouraged with the youth group (I think). With Fr. Glen cracking down on the budget and not giving ANY to the youth, and there's a couple nights where there were only 1 or 2 kids. Those were mostly the middle school nights though. But I've been really pleased with the past 2 high school nights. The first Sunday of the month was the Mass of course. There was a nice showing at the Mass after the confirmation retreat. It seemed that all of the parents really liked it and a couple even mentioned they did, but they can't get their kids there every month because it starts at 16:00. We even feel the same way and tried to encourage folks to tell Fr. Glen so maybe it can be changed. This past Sunday, we were afraid no one was gonna show up for hang-out night in the gym, but we got a total of 5 and that made me happy at the showing considering the past few times we've tried (middle school) to be in the gym after rushing out of work and then being disappointed. I'm still hoping "If you build it, they will come" comes true here.
Paix du Christ!
Went to the open house of Catholic High School. It seems to be a nice school, definitely small on the inside. I saw Brian and Lisa for a little while and spotted Katie (a high schooler from St. Mary) on the way out.
Linda seems to be starting to get discouraged with the youth group (I think). With Fr. Glen cracking down on the budget and not giving ANY to the youth, and there's a couple nights where there were only 1 or 2 kids. Those were mostly the middle school nights though. But I've been really pleased with the past 2 high school nights. The first Sunday of the month was the Mass of course. There was a nice showing at the Mass after the confirmation retreat. It seemed that all of the parents really liked it and a couple even mentioned they did, but they can't get their kids there every month because it starts at 16:00. We even feel the same way and tried to encourage folks to tell Fr. Glen so maybe it can be changed. This past Sunday, we were afraid no one was gonna show up for hang-out night in the gym, but we got a total of 5 and that made me happy at the showing considering the past few times we've tried (middle school) to be in the gym after rushing out of work and then being disappointed. I'm still hoping "If you build it, they will come" comes true here.
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Preparing for intiations
Very, very tired. After work on Monday, I drove the 4 hours back home and didn't get much sleep. But the whole trip was to meet up with my cousin and confirmand after his retreat. I also needed to pick up some rosary supplies so I can make one for his confirmation gift. It was well worth spending time with my family, especially that part. I don't get to see them very often.
I also picked up my new Ceili Rain CD from Mom. The best christian group as well as the best celtic group. They are awesome. I liked their music since Mom brought back the first CD from an NCYC (hmm, that one might have been in Atlanta too). But when I went to a concert a couple of years ago. It was excelent, and I have been mezmorized and hooked ever since (the best $7 I have ever spent). I was even willing to buy a $300 ticket to NCYC for the sole purpose of a second concert. Thankfully, I had to go through my youth minister (my Mom) and she wouldn't let me. I told her that I'd help chaperone, too ^_- Oh well, I'm aiming for Bloomington in Feb.
Ceili Rain has an excelent sound. I've always wanted to learn the bagpipes and had a facination with them. Skip, you are GREAT! Their repitoire has a combination of faster upbeat songs, as well as slower and more spiritual songs. All of their songs have relious undertones if you listen, but sometimes it's not as obvious. Which makes their style less preachy and is very inviting. On this Amazon listing someone who picked up a CD, loves their music and admits he is a proud agnostic and didn't realize they were christian until he saw the postings on Amazon. What an amazing way to evangelize. They didn't have to yell at him or beat him to death with a bible to plant the seeds of His words. Okay, so everyone run out and buy all of their CD's and book up the concerts.
Good wishes to y'all at the Creation Fesitval and Unity Awards.
Paix du Christ!
I also picked up my new Ceili Rain CD from Mom. The best christian group as well as the best celtic group. They are awesome. I liked their music since Mom brought back the first CD from an NCYC (hmm, that one might have been in Atlanta too). But when I went to a concert a couple of years ago. It was excelent, and I have been mezmorized and hooked ever since (the best $7 I have ever spent). I was even willing to buy a $300 ticket to NCYC for the sole purpose of a second concert. Thankfully, I had to go through my youth minister (my Mom) and she wouldn't let me. I told her that I'd help chaperone, too ^_- Oh well, I'm aiming for Bloomington in Feb.
Ceili Rain has an excelent sound. I've always wanted to learn the bagpipes and had a facination with them. Skip, you are GREAT! Their repitoire has a combination of faster upbeat songs, as well as slower and more spiritual songs. All of their songs have relious undertones if you listen, but sometimes it's not as obvious. Which makes their style less preachy and is very inviting. On this Amazon listing someone who picked up a CD, loves their music and admits he is a proud agnostic and didn't realize they were christian until he saw the postings on Amazon. What an amazing way to evangelize. They didn't have to yell at him or beat him to death with a bible to plant the seeds of His words. Okay, so everyone run out and buy all of their CD's and book up the concerts.
Good wishes to y'all at the Creation Fesitval and Unity Awards.
Paix du Christ!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Sad prayer news
Joe and Linda made it back safely and got everything delivered. Yay! They invited me over to watch Ep 3 which was great. However, there was some sad news. Apparently, 2 students where her niece teaches (in Fayetteville, GA) were in a car accident. Apparently, it was pretty fiery the passenger died and the driver was burned, but still alive. It's so awful when young people die. But I especially feel for the driver, who no doubt will feel guilty about the death no matter what the circumstances are. Definitely, keep everyone affected in your prayers. Although, you didn't know what was going to happen until it happened (since everything kept changing), I think this weeks youth Mass was great. It's definitely come off the best of the ones here. And in more sad news for prayers, There were tornados that devastated western Kentucky and Indiana. The national news this morning spoke with a lady in a hospital bed who said her and her husband where in a mobile home which had been moved 3 or 4 streets. (Talking about Wizard of Oz) She said that she was hoping to have surgery today, but there were THIRTY-NINE people waiting in front of her. Could you imagine. The firefighters found a bruised 3 yr old boy under some rubble only in his underwear. They weren't too confident in finding any of his family memebers that might have been with him. There was also a family of 3 with one on the way found dead. I know there are a lot of people out there that need our prayers, but if you could keep these accident and tornado victims in your prayers, that would be great. These stories just hit close to home. Stay safe, and hopefully you won't have anything dire to add to my prayers.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Friday, November 04, 2005
What is Being Catholic All About
Now here is a story that has been in the news lately. (I suppose it's fortunate that it hasn't gotten as plastered as the abuse scandals.) A Catholic family complains about a teacher involved with abortion, the school fires the teacher, the school dimisses the kid from school, and the teacher sues the school. What next. You know, I thought that this was a CATHOLIC school. Which brings up 2 points, 1 is why did this happen in the first place and the school not look to hire people that would at least uphold moral values (whether they are Catholic or not), and 2 if a CATHOLIC school can't uphold CATHOLIC values without getting sued, then what's the point? The ACLU might as well come in and say they have to celebrate ramadan and hanukah in religion class and not just christmas. Where does the "rights" war end? (apparently, a God-less anarchy). Evey job that I've had has always mentioned the fact that you could be fired for being drunk out in public or some other offense, since you are always portraying the company image whether or not you want to. Seems like the same issue here to me. We might as well let our school teachers (especially the Catholic school teachers, heck they could probably find those sexy school girl outfits easily) moonlight in strip clubs or on the corner of 4th and Main. Get a life people. If all of you "rights" nuts want to ruin a country, go somewhere else. If anyone knows of an island somewhere that I can create my own nation and only let in sane people who mind their own business, let me know.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Sock It To 'Em
Today Linda and Joe started their trek with a trailer full of goodies to the gulf. Pray for their safety as well as the welfare of the people who now have much less than us and less than they had just a few weeks ago.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, October 24, 2005
New saints
Pope Benedict XVI has had the pleasure of canonizing his first 5 saints at the clossing Mass of the synod. Here is a list of those saints with some information about them. Ignore the title about saints under John Paul, the Vatican just needs to update the website a little bit better. These saints have done some great things and are from a variety of different cultures. They are definitely an inspiration to all christians. Further more, you can also check out the official unofficial final message of the synod of bishops at the vatican site . It's pretty long and divided up into sections upon sections. Have fun ^_-
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Lifting those crummy days to God
Yesterday was Columbus Day and a vacation day at work. I wasn't at work, the sun actually came out for the first time in 3 days, I watched a couple of movies, I took some time to setup my bed since I had been sleeping on the couch for the past week and Mom actually answered the phone since she hasn't all weekend. Pretty good so far right? Well, the bad times always seem to out weigh the good times. So, I felt kinda down yesterday because of other things going on.
Since it was actually a nice day out, I decided to take a few minutes to drive to the state park and read the bible. On the way, I got online with my Treo to pull up the web page (just in case I couldn't get a signal up there) so it would be loaded in cache. I got up there and got some maps from the office. On the legend of the hiking trails map, there was an icon listed as "Japanese Tea Garden." Of course it was intriguing, and was not far at all from where I was so I started walking. There was a couple of bridges, a stage, some rocks and some benches, and a little open air building. I sat down to read the bible passages for the daily readings (lucky that I had thought to pre-load the page). I got to the psalm and it was psalm 98. I was amazed and touched that I had decided to go out into nature and the reading that came up says "All the ends of the Earth have seen the goodness of God!" Wow! Seeing as I knew a tune for this psalm, I decided to sing it out instead of reading it silently. Afterwards, I decided to walk in the little building, take off my shoes, bow in, and sit seiza style (ok, that didn't last the whole time, but I tried). While I was sitting there looking through one of the round windows at the nature of God's goodness, I prayed and started talking with Him. I finished off with the Mysteries of Light.
As I headed back, I definitely felt a lot better. Just thought that I'd share my story with you. Maybe, next time you are feeling a little down and out. Just pick up the bible, go somewhere calming and read the daily readings. You never know what it might say to you.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, September 19, 2005
The end of the Reign of John Paul the Great
An account of the last days of John Paul the Great has been released. However, it apparently is only available in Italian. Oh well. It covers the Pope's life from the end of January to his funeral in April. The last words of the great pontiff were "Let me go to the Father's house" in Polish.
Further news from the Vatican is that the Pope is in favor of excluding men from the seminary with homosexual tendencies and will soon will be putting this out as official instructions. I can just hear the complaints already. This probably won't even be like the don't ask don't tell policy from the army, but more like a don't tell policy since seminarian entrants probably will be asked. I, personally, am not sure what the Vatican is attempting to accomplish. The Churches stance is that being a homosexual in itself is not a sin. But, barring homosexuals from the seminary seems to say that homosexuality is unclean, or at least not on the same par with everyone else.
But, better news is that the Vatican is the ONLY foreign state that has sent an official representative to the Katrina affected gulf. I also believe that the Vatican will also probably provide the most foreign aide to the Katrina efforts as well.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Katrina's Rath
Yesterday after work I checked my mail and got in some rosary making supplies and then headed for church (which ended up being the feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist), I got about a mile down the road before it was raining torrents. On my way, about 7:00pm, the weather service was already confirming 3 deaths further south; it would raise another 50 by midnight just from reports in the county including Biloxi, MS. On my way back from mass there was just a light sprinkle (pretty sporadic). Well, after eating for the rest of the night I watched TV and started teaching myself how to make a rosary while listening to my ham radio to find out where all the damage was and just in case I needed to report any of my own. About 10:30, the power went out on Monte Sano (a foothill mountain on the edge of town) where many antennas are located. That incident took out my cell phone tower, a couple of TV stations were out, and the emergency weather net on the ham radio had to migrate to the backup frequency. The TV and radio towers were back online after midnight (I think the individual crews probably got out there to get each of their generators back up and running).
The climax of the storm hit around 1:00am with lots of rain and definitely high winds; my power never totally went out, but it would flicker off quite a few times. The morning report was that the wind got up over 50 MPH around here. In northern Alabama, there are approximately 50,000 people with out power. The brunt of the storm here stayed mostly west of I-65, and there are some schools closed today in the northwest section. In Madison county (Huntsville and surroundings), it seems that most of the damage is a bunch of tree limb debris. I did here someone say that they saw a large tree on top of someone's house on the way in. Tropical storm Katrina was definitely more powerful in this area than Dennis (which I also got to experience back in July), but not as much damage as some people around here were thinking.
Although luck seems to have been a lady (even though Katrina was no lady) in this area, there are many unlucky people further to the south and southwest. Please continue to pray for them, for it will take a long time to rescue people (some even had to spend the night after the storm on top of their roofs hoping the water wouldn't continue to rise before the morning came with rescuers), drain the water, bury the dead, clean up, and then begin to rebuild. The storm is following a path taking it mostly along the Ohio River valley, and as anyone in Louisville knows, all that added water will flow down the Mississippi into the affected areas causing the water level to continue to rise. It always feels good to be fortunate, but it is so tragic what is happening to others. If you can't donate the money, blood, or volunteer, remember that a donation of you time in prayer is just as important in these times of crisis.
Paix du Christ!
The climax of the storm hit around 1:00am with lots of rain and definitely high winds; my power never totally went out, but it would flicker off quite a few times. The morning report was that the wind got up over 50 MPH around here. In northern Alabama, there are approximately 50,000 people with out power. The brunt of the storm here stayed mostly west of I-65, and there are some schools closed today in the northwest section. In Madison county (Huntsville and surroundings), it seems that most of the damage is a bunch of tree limb debris. I did here someone say that they saw a large tree on top of someone's house on the way in. Tropical storm Katrina was definitely more powerful in this area than Dennis (which I also got to experience back in July), but not as much damage as some people around here were thinking.
Although luck seems to have been a lady (even though Katrina was no lady) in this area, there are many unlucky people further to the south and southwest. Please continue to pray for them, for it will take a long time to rescue people (some even had to spend the night after the storm on top of their roofs hoping the water wouldn't continue to rise before the morning came with rescuers), drain the water, bury the dead, clean up, and then begin to rebuild. The storm is following a path taking it mostly along the Ohio River valley, and as anyone in Louisville knows, all that added water will flow down the Mississippi into the affected areas causing the water level to continue to rise. It always feels good to be fortunate, but it is so tragic what is happening to others. If you can't donate the money, blood, or volunteer, remember that a donation of you time in prayer is just as important in these times of crisis.
Paix du Christ!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
The Pope on a pilgrimage to the world
Pope Benedict XVI took his first pilgrimage to his universal Church this past week. It was a pilgrimage to his homeland, Germany. A pilgramage to the youth. Of course these journey's were already setup for him by his predecessor John Paul the Great. However, Benedict XVI seemed to want to make a big deal out of this first trip becuase in this trip he made it a pilgrimage to the whole world. He made a pilgrimage to the Jewish and Muslim communities. He made a pilgrimage to a meeting for eccumenism, He made a pilgrimage to semenarians. Benedict XVI not only took his first steps outside of Rome as Supreme Pontiff, but also as a Pilgrimage to the whole world.
He possibly crammed so many events into one trip because, as many people say, he doesn't plan on taking many trips and centralize the focus of the Church inward; or possibly he realizes he started his pontificate fairly late in life and wants to get as much done as he can in the wanning years of his life; Or possibly because he simply cares. Whatever his reasons, he definitely made a quick impression to the world that he does not intend to sit aside and be idle.
The World Youth Day celebration was full of vigor and life, and talk of challenges and hopes as it always is. However, World Youth Day 2005 was also tainted by news from France that a deranged lady assaulted a monk during prayer and killed him. It's tragic because Brother Roger the 90 year old founder of the Taizé focused on bringing people together and peace. It's also tragic because I heard someone reporting on the news that some lawyers where saying that she knew what she was doing and wasn't insane, and they should prosecute her. I'm not sure what about that report is true, but that wasn't the man's mission. Brother Roger would have wanted her to be forgiven and to be given the help that she most desperately needs.
World Youth Day was also held during the week that Israel was trying to move the settlers out of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in a last ditch effort towards peace. Which of course brought protestors, but hopefully any peace that comes out of this move will be a lasting peace.
Although the Pope, Israel, monks, and other leaders in the world reach out for peace, a human element still exists that wants to stike back and get revenge instead of letting go and letting God's peace come in.
Maybe, instead of World Youth Day bringing us together as Catholics and showing us the universality of the Church, this World Youth Day teaches us to reach out to others in goodwill and peace. Bridging diverse gaps so that we understand each other as humans and everyone as God's children. What do I do in my life to understand others? How do you reach across borders? It's something to think about. Something this World Youth Day and the news surrounding it has brought to light.
Until next time, cross any borders you see, reach out to others that are different from you. You might just find out how little those differences are.
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Holy Days and Such
Over the past week (and a little more) St. Mary of the Visitation has been having a novena to Mother Mary leading up to the Feast of the Assumption. I've been going when I haven't had an obstacle, like falling asleep after work, ham club meeting, and a dying alternator. It was really nice, a very relaxing time to end the day after work, and the prayer time to wind down seemed to give me more energy after work, that's not always the case though, especially with individual prayer. I'm not sure how they pick the readings, but it seems like everytime I have been the gospel reading was always the visitation. Hmm.
The prayer started out with a processional and the rosary, then went into a litnay of Mother Mary. Preceding, was a liturgy of the word. It also includes an exposition, benediction, and divine praises before concluding with a recessional. Apparently the parish has held this novena for the past nineteen years. I hope it continues for many more years and continues to grow. Maybe some of you could talk your pastors into having one too.
In other news today, celebration of the 20th World Youth Day started in Cologne, Germany. The first World Youth Day for Benedict XVI, I'm sure he will make this one just as special for the youth in attendance as JP the Great always did in the past.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Apparently, I was wrong
I've been with holding most of my judging on the new pontif, even though I did remark that I thought he wouldn't seek out inter-religious dialogue. Seeing that he was a bit more conservative, even though I never have believed that he is the staunch rugged conservative that everyone seems to have labeled him. I was a little leery about how he might deal with the youth and if he would continue that great legacy from John Paul the Great. But this post links to the pope's first message to the Church, which mostly focuses on bringing religions together and catering to the young church.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
HABEMUS PAPEM!
Benedict XVI, I've been saying that a lot today, it's going to be hard getting used to saying. I figured if I went ahead and started, maybe it would start becoming easier. Ratzinger is known as being conservative, but it could just be because his previous job was pretty much defender of the faith and orthodoxy. Some people are a little uneasy thinking about him as being conservative. Honestly, it sounds like he agreed with a lot of JP2's positions. Sure, he won't continue to do everything the same, but I don't think it's going to be a radical change to being extremely conservative. I doubt that he will travel the world like JP2 did, nor does it sound like he will actively search out inter-religious dialogue. I think Benedict XVI will be a fine pope, but no one in my mind will ever be as wonderful as JP2, I think he took the church in many new directions, and did great things with the papacy. I truly believe he is and always will be the greatest man of our time.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Away for the weekend
I'm on my way out the door to lead a retreat for high school sophomores from the Region X (Meade Co. and Hardin Co.) in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Please pray for the retreatants and the leaders.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Papal Election Information
Okay, everyone has questions about what happens when a pope dies and another one is elected. I even have questions and looking on the web, of course making sure my sources are reputable. This topic especially seems big for the younger generations since JP2 has held his office for over 25 years, longer than my generation has been alive. (Anyone that thinks they know because they read "Angels and Demons," you need to find the REAL truth and history) The link for this post is an article put out by the U.S. Conference of Bishops regarding some of these questions. It probably won't answer all of you questions, but it is a good reliable document to start with. Some sections get a little bit wordy, and some answers seem to be a little repetitive, so you don't have to read every line of it. Definitely, a great place for quering minds to start.
Paix du Christ!
Paix du Christ!
Hello World
Well, this is my first blog. I've never been very good at keeping up with journals or diaries. That might just be because the topic is me. Hopefully, I'll actually be able to keep up with this blog. At first, I am committing to writing at least one entry a week, seeing how it goes and then hopefully growing from there.
The intent of this blog is to write about Catholic things from this Kentuckian's perspective. The posts may vary, but I intend to keep everything Catholic related. I'm not quite sure what kind of crowd I will gain, but I hope everyone enjoys.
Paix du Christ!
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