Loving your neighbor can be hard

We moved into the neighborhood we are in about 3 years ago. This was a move back home to Southern California from Georgia (I do miss Georgia sometimes, but that is another post). We love our neighborhood. In some ways it feels like a throwback to the old days. Everyone says hello to one another and there are a group of kids who play together on our street and in each others yards. We are so grateful for this blessing. There is this one neighbor. They lives behind us, and they have a pool. They can be quite loud, especially when they have large groups of people over. The owner is a protestant minister, and there were times when they would practice with what I presume was their youth choir (keyboard, drums, awful lead singer)untill late into the night on a Saturday - it was like a garage band (but not as good). And I think he has their youth group over frequently for get-togethers at their pool. My other neighbors thanked me when I went to the fence and asked that they keep it down. No one else had got up the gumption to say anything. But such reprieves have only a short term impact. I have wanted to talk to him about how we are supposed to love our neighbors and would he help me out, because he makes it hard. I suspect that doing that would go against the whole concept. So we pray for them, and don't use our back yard when they are having a get-together. Sometimes I (nicely) ask that they keep it down. I do wish loving my neighbor would be easier. Maybe this has to do with my asking God for more patience....

Parental Lessons About God

Click on picture for larger image Parents have a special gift. In many ways we get a glimpse of what God's relationship with us is like through our relationship with our children. I have seen how their growth and development cause me delight and I believe that this is a shadow of the delight God feels when we develop spiritually. As parents we can see other aspects to God's relationship with us that may be hard for non-parents to see - we can see what it is like to feel God's wrath. Remember when the Israelites are in the desert and they are worshiping the golden calf, and God tells Moses to move out of the way so he can take them out? Well, parents know what that feels like. Not just to be disobeyed, anyone in authority knows that one. No, parents know what it is like to be disobeyed by someone whom they created, someone they love above all else. So, parents, next time you feel that wrath state, remember the gift that it is. You are getting a glimpse of that relationship that God has with each of us when we stray. And don't forget to show mercy - I hear it helps when we are seeking mercy ourselves.

Being A Catholic Man

Archbishop Chaput of Denver tells it like it is at First Things. Read his article at FIRST THINGS: On the Square » Renewing the Church, Converting the World. Here is an excerpt about Catholic men. Christian love is not weak or anesthetic. It’s an act of the will. It takes guts. It’s a deliberate submission of our selfishness to the needs of others. There’s nothing “unmanly” about it, and there’s nothing—and I mean nothing—more demanding and rewarding in the world. The heart of medieval knighthood and chivalry was the choice of a fighting man to put himself at the service of others—honoring his lord, respecting the dignity of women, protecting the weak, and defending the faith even at the cost of his own life. That’s your vocation. That’s what being a Christian man means. We still have those qualities in our hearts. We are not powerless in the face of today’s unbelieving civilization. We can turn this world upside down if only we’re willing to love—the kind of Christian love that is vastly more powerful than just a sugary feeling; the kind of love that converts men into something entirely new; the kind of love that bears fruit in a man’s zeal, courage, justice, mercy, and apostolic action. So I leave you with this: Be men who love well. Be the Catholic men God intended you to be. Be men of courage and fidelity to your God, your wives, your families, and your Church. Put your belief into practice. Do everything for the glory of God, even the little things you have to do each day. Love those who don’t love you. Love—expecting nothing in return. Love—and those you love will find Jesus, too. Love—and through your actions, God will change this world. Thank you God for calling me to be a Catholic man. And thank you God for bishops like Archbishop Chaput. Amen Welcome th the Church Militant - are you ready to do your part? h/t to Jay of Pro Ecclesia*Pro Familia*Pro Civitate and Catholic Dads

Mathetes Award

Deb at UKOK's Place (one of those blogs that made it into my Google reader) nominated me for the Mathetes Award. Here’s a quote from the orignal blog post explaining the award…. "Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. I'd like to take the opportunity to award five other bloggers with this award and badge for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ. These five all share the message in their own creative ways, and I admire them all for what they do. In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1)this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ" Deb, thank you very much for the nomination. I very much appreciate it (and your blog). I'd like to think I am a good disciple, but I think I have a long way to go - but I guess we all would say that. Regardless, thanks. Now for the nomination. Of course, Deb, you have made it hard because you would have been one of the five I would have nominate. But I think there are few out there that I would mention. So here are my five: Fr. Stephanos at Me Monk, Me Meander whose insight and guidance I find profound, though I wish he would be able to get high speed access again . :-) Amber at This Catholic Journey who has inspired and challenged us with her ongoing journey into the Catholic Church in spite of all the obstacles. Barb at SFO Mom who shows us how to live our faith simply in our daily lives. Sister Mary Martha at Ask Sister Mary Martha for reminding us why we miss the straightforward "between the eyes" nuns that used to be more common when we were younger. The entire crew at Mount Carmel Bloggers who show us what it is to be faithful Catholics - not liberals, not conservatives - just faithful Catholics. Well, that's my list.

God or Mammon

No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon. Luke 16:13 I think it worth repeating this verse from Sunday's Gospel for those of us living in the world, but striving to not be of the world (I include myself here). Whom will we serve today? Wealth? Power? Sex? If we want to know whom our god is, then look at what we love. Look at what we are devoted to. Look at what compels us to do what we do. May the love of God and the love of neighbor be the source of all we do. Then the one true living God will truly be our God.

Is with a twist

There is a great article at California Catholic blog "Notes from A Cultural Madhouse" Read the whole thing, I have skipped some of the useful background and got to the meat here. My emphasis added. “Subsists” is “Is” with a twist: So, when Lumen Gentium says the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church, it is saying that it exists only in the Catholic Church. In its very substance or essence, the Catholic Church is the Church of Christ. But in using subsists, the Council is saying something more. As the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s June 29 “Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church” indicates, the Vatican Council’s use of subsists indicates the simpler is, but with this twist. Subsists, says “Responses,” “brings out more clearly” than is “the fact that there are ‘numerous elements of sanctification and truth’ which are found outside her [the Catholic Church’s] structure, but which ‘as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, impel towards Catholic unity.’” In using “subsists,” the Vatican Council attempted to get at the truth of the nature of the Church of Christ in a way that takes into account the very real salvific elements found in non-Catholic groups. “Subsists,” however, does not stop at a simple recognition of the character of non-Catholic groups. It implies an ecumenism which finds its fulfillment It implies an ecumenism which finds its fulfillment only in conversion. For if elements of the Catholic Church exist outside her visible confines, they do not exist in the way that Christ willed for them to exist but as broken and scattered. As “Responses” said, only in the Catholic Church do we find that essential characteristic of the Church of Christ – unity – which gathers all the elements of truth, making them part of one substance. This being so, Catholics and non-Catholics alike are impelled to seek for themselves and each other that unity which, as Lumen Gentium says, “subsists in the Catholic Church, governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops in communion with him.” This work of conversion is not one-sided. For while it certainly implies, for non-Catholics, full entrance into the Catholic Church, it demands something of Catholics as well -- the recognition of non-Catholic Christians as real, if separated, brethren and the zeal to bring our brethren home to the Church of Christ, which is, and subsists in, the Catholic Church. The problem with some Catholics who reach out to our separated brothers and sisters is that they stop at the recognition of salvific elements outside of the Church. But we are called to more than that. We Catholics are challenged to invite our brothers and sisters home. That the we may be one. This requires a conversion on the part of our separated brothers & sisters. And it requires an active evangelization on our part. This isn't relativism in action - it is a call to heal division through a conversion of separated Christians to unity with the Catholic Church. This is not "separate but equal," and it is not about negotiating on matters of faith or morals. No, it is reaching out and teaching with humility.

Christians held in Egypt

Christians held in Egypt for work on Web site: "CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian police have detained two Egyptian Christians for their work on the Web site of a Christian Arab group based in Canada, police sources said on Thursday." Again we see how Muslim governments tramples the human rights of Christians living under their oppressive rule. And Egypt is one of the better of the bunch. They were working on a WEB SITE - not terrorists working on bombs to fly into buildings - a WEB SITE. Because it was Christian, it was deemed insulting to Islam. How can the Muslim world expect to be treated as civilized when they do not grant the most basic human rights?

Reductionism and Spirituality

Mount Carmel Catholic Bloggers has a post called Science against God? about examining the correlates of brain functioning and spirituality. They have legitimate concerns about how science may get used. Both scientists and non-scientists alike must be careful of reductionism. Reductionism is a belief that all phenomena of a higher order realm, can be fully explained using a more basic realm. For example, all biology can be explained only by looking at chemistry. While few would deny that there are connections between levels of explanation (physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, spirituality), there are more than a few reductionists who believe that all higher order phenomena can be reduced to the most elementary levels. Of course there are relations between higher and lower levels of understanding, but understanding that there are relations does not reduce s phenomenon to a more basic level. For example, many scientists believe that psychological phenomena can be reduced to mere biology. However, this provides an unsatisfactory explanation of human psychology and cannot fully account for psychology. But a biological understanding does enhance our understanding of psychology and can guide our understanding of how our psychology is dependent upon and our biology. Still, there are those who believe that a reduction of psychology to biology is inevitable. The illogical conclusion of reductionism is that all phenomenon can be explained using physics. Imagine trying to explain the biodiversity in the animal kingdom using merely the laws of phsyics - no chemistry, no biology, no evolution, no theology, just physics. You can't. This is true at higher orders as well. Imagine understanding the love a grandson has for his grandmother merely by biological processes. Again, you can't. Just as spiritual experience cannot be reduced to mere brain functioning. Chemistry cannot merely be reduced to physics. Biology cannot merely be reduced to chemistry. Psychology cannot merely be reduced to biology. Spirituality cannot merely be reduced to psychology. Each of these connects to the lower level of explanation, but none can be simply reduced to it. There is a point, however to studying phenomena at multiple levels, and we should not be afraid to look at the connection between physics, biology, psychology and spirituality. Science is a gift that can give us greater understanding and appreciation of the divine. Science is merely a method of gathering facts and observation. It is the interpretation of the facts which can build our understanding or pervert it. It is the quality of the argument that can build up our understanding or serve a more nefarious purpose. What we must guard against is the materialistic reductionist philosophy to which many scientists adhere. Because that siren song leads to spiritual shipwreck. It warps science and makes claims that are not true. It is not science itself. Rather, it is a perverse faith that has seduced too many scientists.

The Kitchen Church

National Catholic Register: The Kitchen Church: "The father smiles and says to one of his sons, “Go tell them I want all my children together, in the kitchen, with me.” The son does what he is told — but the dining-room group is aghast at his message. “Well, look at Mr. Special,” says one of them. “He thinks it’s his way or the highway!” “All of this talk about ‘You must gather in the kitchen’ is silly,” says another. “What’s most important is that we love our father and we are talking to him. It’s all his house. He can hear us just as well from the dining room as from the kitchen.”" Outstanding commentary in NC Register. To my protestant brothers and sisters: I must say that I don't understand the flub from some of you prots out there about the Chruch's paper on the position of the Church in relation to other Christian communities. I mean, you left the one true Church thinking we had things all wrong anyways. Frankly, I expected you all to just shrug. What do you care whether we think you are only Christian communities versus full fledged Churches. You left us and went your own way, remember? With all the shouting, someone might think you actually cared. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" - Shakespeare (Hamlet). Some of your responses strike me as the sour grapes of spoiled children who want to do things their own way AND have other say "why that is just wonderful, Billy! Your just like the Roman Catholics!" Sorry, it just ain't true. We pray you come back with us. Our statement of the facts are not meant to hurt - they are meant to ensure that those involved in dialogue remember that truth. Sometimes well meaning people can put the goal of unity above faithfulness to the truth - the article was meant for those Catholics engaging in the ecumenical dialogue more than anything else (imho). So why do we have ecumenical dialogue if this is the Catholic position? Because we want to restore unity among all Christians. We want to be one with you. We DO care about you. We want share our faith so you can see that the truth you believe is here, and so much more that you are missing. The fullness of truth is in the Catholic Church. That does not mean truth is not found in your communities - it is, but not all of it. Like what? Well. for starters you are missing the sacraments. Protestant faiths have valid baptism (thank God). That is good, you are part of the family - but you miss so much more, especially the Eucharist. Compared to the Eucharist, those with out it are like the hungry left out of the banquet. You need a valid Eucharist to receive the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ (that is one of the reasons apostolic succession is so important). And there are 5 other sacraments you are missing - moments of Grace that you refuse to accept. Not to mention we are supposed to be one, but you left. There is no way around it. Protestants broke the unity. It was there once, and we know it will return in the end. So we must reach out to our wayward brethren and beckon back. It is what Christ wants us to do. Please. Stop the protests. Open your hearts. Come back.

Why I Love Jesus

Why I love Jesus I got tagged twice in the span of less than two days! I guess I better take care of this. Thanks to Creative Minority Report and Play The Dad? Be the Dad! for the tags. The rules: Those tagged will share 5 things they "love" about Jesus. Those tagged will tag 5 other bloggers. Those tagged will provide a link in the comments section here with their name so that others can read them. So here are some of my reasons for loving Jesus: Through him all things were made. He made me, and my wife and my kids and my parents and my dog and the sunrise and the sunset and the oceans and the mountains and everything else that is good in this world. He died for me. After we humans screwed it up good and basically told God to take a hike, he STILL loves us. So much so that he paid the price of our redemption. And he would have done it if it was only me that had sinned. That is how much he loves me! For his first miracle, he turned WATER INTO WINE. And at the end of a three day wedding feast! Talk about joy in life! Let me tell you, Jesus is the life of the party! He gave us the best mom in the world, Mary! And he listens to her! Guess who told him to make the wine? Yep, it was her. I mean, this was his mom - and he gave her to us and us to her. He gave us the Eucharist. I go to mass and receive my Lord and God in a real and physical way. At that moment of communion, when all masses are one outside of space and time - I am with my God and savior and the entire Church throughout time. Here is a 6th freebie. I also love Jesus because he cares enough to knock me over the head every now and then with the spiritual equivalent of a 2 x 4 to get my attention. I mean, he goes out of his way to make sure I get the message some times. And here is a 7th. He gave us the Church that he told us he would not leave. He built it on Peter, and has promised that the gates of Hell will not prevail against it. I could go on but I am already two past the requested five, so I'll leave it at that. Since the people I would tag have mostly been tagged or have done this one, I am going to leave the tagging open. Let me know if you play, I’d love to read your responses!

North Korean Christian To Be Executed - Brownback Speaks Up

EWTN.com - North Korean Christian Evangelist To Be Executed as Example: "In his letters to Rice and Ban, Brownback wrote: 'Future cooperation and engagement with North Korea will be far more challenging if its leaders continue to persecute their own people for religious views. The United States has made political and religious freedoms important elements in its diplomatic relations, and we are gravely concerned about abuses of such basic rights in North Korea.'" This is a kind of foreign policy we need in this country. We need this kind of straight up talk to the Chinese as well. If you want a truly just perspective in the White House - support Brownback!

On Christian Pride - Part I

I have some thoughts on Pride especially when found in Christians, and particularly the Catholic variety. This is the first of at least two parts. The concept of Christian Pride or Catholic Pride is an oxymoron. I am glad I am Christian. I am grateful to God most high that I am Catholic. It is a sacred gift to have been born thus. It is a gift from God that I was given parents and nuns and priests who catechized me well. It is still a greater gift that the fire of the Holy Spirit has touched me with a thirst for knowledge about the true faith and a desire to live it. But pride...? Many see pride as a good thing (e.g., "I'm proud of you," or "I am proud to be an American (or whatever group)." But what is the opposite of pride? We have an answer from the Thesaurus. The opposite of pride is humility, modesty, and shame. We are called to be both humble and modest. These are set clearly against pride. How then can we be proud of being Catholic Christians when being called to Christ means to seek humility and live modestly? If I am proud to be an American (or Christian or of Irish decent), does that mean all who are not should live in shame? I understand being grateful. I understand pledging my heartfelt allegiance. I understand owing a debt to those who have given me the great gifts I have. But does that make me superior to others? Am I God that I can make such a judgment? Being blessed with gifts should not be a source of judging those who do not have these gifts - rather they impose a burden of responsibility. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." Lk 13:48

“They were shot in the head”

If you are in the San Diego area, go to the Federal Building to learn about the plight of Iraqi Christians whose persecution continues without notice by the American media. California Catholic Daily - “They were shot in the head” On June 3, Bishop Sarhad Jammo of San Diego’s Chaldean/Assyrian Catholic Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle was in Mosul, Iraq -- the same day that Father Ragheed Ganni and three deacons were shot and killed in front of Mosul’s Church of the Holy Spirit. Since attending their funeral, Bishop Jammo has returned to San Diego and will speak at the downtown Federal Building on Friday, June15, during a rally asking for help to stop the persecution of Iraqi Christians. Largely ignored by the secular press, the plight of Iraq’s Christians has taken a back seat in the media to the struggles between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

More violent assaults on Iraqi Christians

Catholic World News : More violent assaults on Iraqi Christians Someone has to say it. Thank God for CWN. Pass on the news. Two-thirds of all Iraqi Christians are no longer in the country and attacks are on the increase. I guess their human rights don't warrant news in the US. Hmmm.

Christianity Under Attack in Iraq

Independent Catholic News: "Now there are reports that Salafist groups such as al-Qaeda, fundamentalists who believe Islam can be renewed by returning to the values of the era of the Prophet Mohammed, are targeting Christians on purely sectarian grounds." A priest and three deacons were killed in Iraq after saying mass Sunday. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, And let perpetual Light shine upon them. May their souls And the souls of all the faithful departed Through the mercy of God Rest in peace. Amen.

Is rational discussion possible?

A couple articles at CWN caught my attention today: Malaysian court refuses to acknowledge Muslim's conversion to Christianity and Wear veils, Iraqi Muslim cleric warns Christian women Well, the Church has never lacked persecutors.

History (?) Channel

I caught some of a History Channel show this evening on "The Real Pontius Pilate." It had a theory and pattern I have been seeing on a great number of these pseudo intellectual channels (National Geographic, Discovery, History). The pattern is all the same - kick dirt on the bible, showing how the enlightened "scientists" of the 21st century know better than eye witnesses and those who knew eye witnesses. The arrogance is astounding and for any who have eyes, the agenda is plain to see. This time (and this theory has been on lots of shows), it is stated as fact that Christ was a target of the Roman governor (in spite of what we read in the Gospels), not the Jewish leadership. You see, they were doing what he wanted. In fact, at one point they came out and said that the biblical account was wrong (though they relied on parts for their evidence). When I see these shows, I typically turn them - but occasionally I watch to know what is being said. This nonsense must be getting watched by a larger audience. These channels are filled with nonsense shows on the Bible. I think they should change their name to "Alternate History Channel" or "Revisionist History Channel"

Me monk. Me meander.: Spirituality and Men

Check out: Me monk. Me meander.: Spirituality and Men This is an excellent list of Fr. Stephonos posts on authentic Christian masculinity. Highly recommended.

Ears of the Deaf & Tongue of the Mute

Click on picture for larger image Obedience to God's will is not always about speaking up - sometimes it is remaining silent. My wife and I were talking about personalities in my family. We were discussing how I have no fear of conflict. I love to speak in public and am a leader, which tends to mean I have no problem saying what is on my mind. Mostly this is a positive trait, but it can get me into trouble. A homily at Sunday Mass back in September has had a big impact on me, and as I was meditating on the rosary today, it came back to me again. I think the lesson is good for those like me who have no problem "sharing." The Gospel that day was Mark 7:31-37 about Jesus healing the deaf mute. The homily really caught my attention because our priest was saying that sometimes we need to pray to have the ears of the deaf and the tongue of the mute. Sometimes we should pray that our ears are closed to what we should not hear and that our tongue is held when we should not speak. This is exactly opposite of what I had expected. I mean, the miracle was about how the deaf hear and the mute speak. I did a double take to make sure I heard correctly - definitely not what I had expected. Immediately after mass the message was stamped firmly into my gray matter. Someone who fancies himself a Parish Big Wig (Mr. PBW), decided that when I read the petitions the previous week, I had mispronounced a name and I was in need of correction. I was in such need, that he did not wait until I had a donut and coffee - he didn't even wait until I was out of church - heck, he was walking across the church before the recessional hymn was finished. As Mr. PBW was speaking I could feel the blood rush to my head and several quips leapt to mind. There are lots of reasons I am not a Mr. PBW fan, and this was my chance to share my insights about his issues. But as he was speaking, I remembered the homily. I prayed for the ears of the deaf and the tongue of the mute. I smiled, accepted his correction, and went out with my family. I don't know if I have ever had a homily lesson that I had to put into action that quickly after mass. As I was meditating today on the "Presentation in the Temple," I was thinking about how the rules of the temple - Mary being ritually cleansed and Christ being presented and ransomed back - were not necessary for the Holy Family. I mean, she was pure and he was, well, God. But here our Redeemer and the Blessed Mother both subjected themselves to the law. The lesson in humility and obedience was so clear. Then this homily came to mind. Sometimes we must be subject to that which may not seem fair or right or necessary. While many times these situations call for word or action, sometimes they call for silence, for subjugation, for waiting. For those like me who have no trouble speaking up, this requisite lesson can be hard (at least I have found it so). At times, I still find myself praying for the ears of the deaf and the tongue of the mute at my parish. But I find the lesson extended to the Internet as well. I have found myself wanting to write a post or leave a comment that, after a quick prayer, remains unpublished. Not easy, but necessary.

Authentic Masculinity

Fr Stephanos O.S.B. from Me Monk. Me Meander recommends two articles for Catholic Dads, but I thought they were worth posting here as well. The Firemen of Sept. 11 and the Meaning of Masculinity What’s a real man? He's not a bully or a wimp. He transcends his own ego, his own fears, his own selfishness, and sacrifices himself as a gift to those he's called to protect. Here is a quote from the article: "The reason gay marriage seems plausible to some people is that our understanding of masculinity is blurred, thanks to 35 years of hostility to authentic manhood in the universities, in the media, in the arts. There's a masculinity crisis in our society and in the Church. The divorce rate is at 50-percent. Fatherless families are common. Catholic priests are in crisis. Many men aren't doing what they're supposed to do." The Father Almighty, Maker of Male and Female A Psychologist Looks at the Importance of God the Father for Male & Female Identity And a quote: "IT IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED today that the Christian concept of God as Father is under attack. Specifically, various religious writers, primarily feminists, have proposed that God should be called Mother, or possibly the androgynous Father/Mother or Mother/Father. In some instances the term God as Parent has been proposed. In contrast, this paper will explore the psychological case for the orthodox understanding of God as Father. Obviously, this is a sensitive subject today—but where angels fear to tread, psychologists rush in."

Easter Triduum!

Click on picture for larger image The Easter Triduum starts this evening with the Mass of the Lord's supper where we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist, peaks during the Easter Vigil Saturday night, and ends with evening prayers on Easter Sunday. This is the holiest time in the Church Calendar. Because of this I will be offline through Easter Sunday. To my blogging friends who will be officially joining the Church this Easter Vigil, I'll be praying for you and celebrating your homecoming at our own parish's Easter Vigil. May the peace of the risen Christ be with all of you and your families. See you Monday.

Cursillo Weekend Experience

Click on picture for larger image Well I am back, and all I can say is WOW! I'm not going to share any of the details of the weekend, as it may be a spoiler, but let me share some of the fruits of the experience. Kevin commented that I was going to come back on fire for my faith - and He was right. I feel like I imagine Peter felt coming down from Mount Tabor after the transfiguration - it was powerful and humbling. It was awe inspiring to see so many MEN stand up for their Catholic faith to be counted (Cursillo has men and women weekends separately). It was such an opportunity for Christ to speak to me. And the experience is so very rooted in our Catholicism, in our faith, in the sacraments. That is one of the things that kept my skepticism in check - the dedication to our Church (and the hierarchy) and the importance of the Eucharist. It was a wonderful way to deepen my faith and envigorate my journey. And what a wonderful way to encounter Christ in others. At the end of the experience, we are asked to write down what it meant to each one of us. Here is what it meant to me: "Cursillo has showed me that I am on the right road, but there is so much more to do. It has reminded me that I am not alone on this road, and has challenged me to share the journey - to help others and let them help me. Cursillo has reinforced Christ's message of love and reminded me that I must TRUST and FOLLOW Him (not ask that he follow me). Crusillo has also reminded me of the importance of my wife and our vocation to his community and my salvation." BTW, There was a discussion recently about masculinity in the St. Blog parish. If you want to find authentic masculinity in the Church - look into Cursillo. There is no doubt, these men are MEN, of the best Catholic Christian kind: married, single, fathers, priests, military, law enforcement, engineers, lawyers, mechanics, teachers, students, rich, poor, white, black, brown - men. One more thing I'd like to share with those of you who are Catholic - THANK YOUR PRIESTS! LOVE YOUR PRIESTS! They need us, just as we need them. We are their family. Love them as priests and as brothers. If someone asks you if you are interested in attending - be open to the Spirit, He is calling.

Standing on My Head: The Tightrope of Tolerance and Tyranny

Standing on My Head: The Tightrope of Tolerance and Tyranny Father Dwight Longenecker has an outstanding blog. He is a Catholic priest, converted to Catholicism when he was an Anglican priest. His blog is fabulous. Check this post out. Definitely worth adding to your blog list.

Eliminating Christ

The effort to eliminate Christ from the public square is not just a U.S. thing. Because we live in a free country, it is our right to stand up and shout out that this is wrong. Because we are Christian, it is our duty and our privelege to shout our belief from the mountain tops for all to hear. Tags: Christianity, Politics

Bible Or Koran For Swearing-In

Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran. He should not be allowed to do so -- not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American civilization. Yet another attempt to undermine Christianity in Western Civilization. Tags: Christianity

Al Qaida Denounces Pope

News Flash: Al Qaida doesn't like pope and they don't like him visiting Turkey. No surprise here. That whole needing to have reason with your faith just doesn't work for fanatics. I have noticed a pattern with the use of the term "Crusader." This is used derogatorily here and elsewhere when referring to the actions of "Western" countries that Al Qaida and other Muslims militants don't like. Remember when Bush changed the name of the operation when we invaded Afghanistan? In case any don't know, the Crusades saved Western civilization from being completely over-run by the Muslims when they invaded the Eastern Roman Empire. There were sins on both sides of that war, but the purpose of the Crusade was noble - and it did save "Western" civilization. A definite good thing. Tags: Pope, Al Qaida, Turkey, Crusades

El Camino Real

Click on picture to see a larger image. I live near El Camino Real which connects all of the California missions. In Spanish, camino means road or way and real means royal or splendid. But real also means real (just like it is spelled in English). Typically, people translate it as the royal road, but I like the more poetic interpretation of the real way, or (if you will) the true path. Given my understanding of history, I know that my interpretation is not the most likely - but I suspect the padres may have enjoyed the play on words. The talk of paths gets to a topic I have thought about for years: the path that people are on (especially me). Being trained as a personality psychologist and raised a Catholic, I often thought about the concept of free will, a concept that most behavioral scientists flatly reject. The faith that most psychologists/scientists hold is that if they only knew all of the right variables, they could perfectly predict human behavior - it is completely determined. A corollary of this is that given all of the variables in play at any given time, a person can do no other than he or she does - there is no such thing as free will. Now, as a Catholic, this was a concept I rejected. Thankfully, I had an advisor who was very philosophically minded. We had many debates on philosophy of science, the existence of God, and free will - though I think I frustrated him on this particular issue. During those conversations I developed my perspective that combines both the idea that behavior can be determined AND can be chosen freely. People typically go through life on auto-pilot. Life happens to them. They react, largely automatically, from a repertory of learned responses. Their goals and ambitions are prescribed to them more than they are chosen, and they plod away at life - much like sheep. They may have free will, but it doesn't often manifest itself. They float through life, tossed about by the currents of society governed by the automatic short-cut responses built into each person's psychology. Life is more accidental than intentional. The road they are on, is a road provided by the world around them. People CAN choose to act, if they really want to. They just usually do not really want to. They can do the difficult things. They can choose to not let their past guide their actions. They can choose to buck what society tells them. In my mind, that is how you can account for saints or other extraordinary people (including the bad ones). You see, while the materialist empiricist has faith that they will eventually be able to explain everything, they can't now. I believe that they will never be able to completely predict human behavior, and can partially predict behavior only because people go with the flow, and let the currents guide them. They can choose differently, but don't typically do so. Now this may not always be a bad thing. Sometimes, we need to attend to only some areas where we must choose, and others are put on auto-pilot. This can be a sane strategy. But if we live our lives without consciously making choices, what kind of road are we on? El Camino Real, or the primrose path? If you don't choose, the choice gets made for you. Tags: choice, Catholic,Christian, free will

C. S. Lewis Quotes and Election Perspective

Perhaps I am an optimist. Perhaps I am just delusional. While I am disappointed in some of the election results, I am not as upset as others I have read online. Maybe it is because I am not enamored with either party, and would be disappointed no matter what the result in one way or another. Regardless, it is what it is. Life goes on. I have been reading C. S. Lewis lately, and a couple of quotes in Mere Christianity may be worth thinking about regarding society and the recent elections. "You cannot make men good by law: and without good men you cannot have a good society." "If individuals live only 70 years, then a state, or a nation, or a civilisation, which may last for a thousand years is more important than an individual. But if Christianity is true, then the individual is not only more important but incomparably more important, for he is everlasting and the life of a state or a civilisation, compared with his, is only a moment." I take two points here. One, let's stop worrying about the state quite as much as we do - it is far less important than individuals. The state is important only to the degree that it can help or hurt individuals on their eternal journey. We need to do what we can here, and move on to the more important focus. Second, we should focus more on developing the kind of person that can create a good society. Elections are good, politics are fine, but the values we care about should be important every day. We have to live them, convince others that these values are true, and help others to live them - not through law or coersion, but by convincing them of their veracity. Making laws is not the best way to change hearts. But changing hearts is a good way to change laws. Maybe we need to do more to change hearts. Tags: Politics, Catholic, Christian, Quotes

EWTN Making Choices Clear

Click on picture to see a larger image. Compare EWTN and WGN at 8pm in the picture for a real choice in TV. Leave it to EWTN to make the choice clear. :-) Tags: Catholicism, Christianity, TV, EWTN

Equality & Worth

Adoro Te Devote had an interesting post on equality. I have posted on that topic as well, but something she said triggered a thought in me. Let me start by saying that I am so inadequate compared to so many men AND women on so many different things. Adoro reminded me of something my dad taught me - at any given task there will always be somebody better than me and somebody worse than me. So why are people hung up on insisting we are all equal? Here is what we are doing. We have in our mind scores on an each ability or attribute. We also have a certain value/importance for that attribute. We have these unspoken scores on lots of attributes, each with it’s on importance weight. Well if I add up all of my scores weighted by the attribute importance I get my “value” as a person. This conception of determining value is exactly what goes on implicitly in society. This implicit equation is wrong from a modern relativist perspective. You will get one of two arguments here. One is that there are no real differences - that all differences are made-up to enhance or repress a particular class. There is not really a denial in the equation. There is wishful thinking that there are no differences - because then we would all be interchangable, the same, equal. You will hear others argue that we can't place "value" on different attributes. Sure there are differences, but who gets to say what "value" each should have. When it comes to particular task, this is nonsense. I want really strong firefighters to rescue me, and really smart doctors, and very compassionate and experienced nurses (I would be terrible at all three jobs). The implicit equation is also wrong from a Christian perspective. From the Christian perspective the separation comes, not in discussing the value of an individual for a given task our purpose - but in believing that it implies the value of a person. The value of a person is NOT determined by what he or she can do. Value comes in being beloved of God, and it is inherent and infinite. If we can accept that our worth is not tied to what we can or cannot do, but because we are children of God - then we are liberated. Then we can say it is OK that certain people are better suited to different tasks. We no longer need to "prove" our worth. But believing this is not easy, because we keep trying to "prove" ourselves. We have nothing to prove. All we have to do is accept. You are beloved of God. Nothing that you can do will add to or subtract from this. Tags: equality, God, love, Christianity

Joy

Click on picture to see a larger image. When I see the picture above, I see and feel joy. When I lived the moment, there was joy. We finally had reached our destination on a long trip. Why is this relevant? Read on. This weeks Sunday readings were particularly good. I read a wonderful take on this that I have quoted from below. There are lots of lessons in his commentary. I particularly like the point on joy and why Christ chose wine to turn into his Blood, and have quoted it below. I got this from the Zenit news service. I have only quoted parts - check out the entire posting by clicking on the link below. From: Father Cantalamessa on Bread and Wine "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." The Gospel passage continues the reading of chapter 6 of John. The new element is that to the discourse on bread Jesus adds that of wine; to The image of food he adds that of drink, the gift of his flesh and of his blood. Here, Eucharistic symbolism reaches its culmination and totality. But, why, precisely, did Jesus choose wine to signify his blood? Just because of the affinity of color? What does wine represent for men? It represents joy, celebration; it does not represent usefulness so much (as bread does) but delight. It is not only made to drink, but also to toast. Jesus multiplied the loaves because of the people's need, but in Cana he multiplied the wine for the delight of the guests. Scripture says that "wine gladdens man's heart andbread strengthens it" (Psalm 104:15). If Jesus had chosen bread and water for the Eucharist, he would only have indicated the sanctification of suffering ("bread and water" are in fact synonymous with fasting, austerity and penance). By choosing bread and wine he also wished to indicate the sanctification of joy. How wonderful it would be if we also learned to live the joys of life in a Eucharistic manner, that is, in thanksgiving to God. God's presence and look do not cloud our honest joys; on the contrary, they enlarge them. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Eucharist, Blood of Christ, Wine, Joy

Blogging With Love

Click on picture to see a larger image. Last night I was reading my Bible. I was looking for a little peace because this week has been pretty tough, and next week looks to be the same. I have been reading 1 Corinthians, and came to chapter 13. This is the beautiful passage describing what love is and what it isn't. Last night the very first line of Chapter 13 struck me. I am quoting here from the New Jerusalem version - “Though I command languages both human and angelic – If I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal crashing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) When I read the verse above, I decided to post some thoughts I have had on blogs I recently visited. I have been reading different Catholic blogs lately, and have had two distinct types of experiences. I don’t want to call out specific blogs of one or the other type, but I did want to discuss the experiences. The first experience is on sites where the writer speaks with love. The voice I hear in these is one of humility and compassion. Even when there are strong opinions, there is respect for the reader. There is a clear sense of Christian love – even in firmness. When I don't agree, I listen - perhaps I am wrong and should reconsider my position. There is a sense of community here. In others (read many), I hear condescension, condemnation, and disrespect . For example, there was a blog spot (and I don’t want to mention the name) where they were discussing homosexuality and homosexual marriage. The point of view was conservative (which I actually agree with), but the tone was utter disdain and condemnation. On another, they were preaching war and hate right after discussing pro-life and saving the unborn (even though the Pope has come out against the wars and aggression being discussed). In comments on some of the sites as well, I see a lack of Christian love for others within and outside the Church. With the first set, I feel a sense of community – even when I don’t completely agree. With the latter, I am left empty even when I am in complete agreement with the issues. Have others noticed the difference? I have included a picture of a schooner with this blog. I think we are all on the same ship (the Church). We are all in this together – but it seems like some want to either throw othersout, jump ship, or take control. All of which make for an unhappy situation. Have you seen what I mean? What do you think? Is this latter set, the noise of gongs and the sound of cymbals? Does not the noise make the message of love harder to hear? Share your thoughts. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Love, Community, Blogging

“Thy Will Be Done” or “My Will Be Done” – Part II

click picture for larger image I had meant to get part two out yesterday, but work has heated up. And when it is your anniversary, other priorities demand the attention of any free time. So I have this today. Part I can be found by clicking here. In Part I, I discussed greed. A second stumbling block in praying “Thy Will Be Done” is pride. The Catholic Encyclopedia starts off with a succinct description of Pride: “Pride is the excessive love of one's own excellence.” How does this form a stumbling block for us? It is because we think we don’t need any guidance. We believe we are quite capable of figuring out right and wrong on our own, thank you very much. When I was in High School I had the privilege of going to Our Lady Queen of Angels Seminary. I really enjoyed the religion classes – from reading encyclicals with Fr. Ziemann to Church History with Fr. Burnham to senior religion class with Fr. Dober. In Fr. Dober’s class we discussed the role of our conscience, and how we must obey our conscience, and that we will be ultimately judged against it. Well, that was enough for me. After telling Fr. Ziemann the year before that the Church needed to stay out of the bedroom, I had all I needed to feed my pride. Now, I thought, I could do whatever pleased me. It also formed a political belief that even heinous acts were OK, so long as the person'sconscience thought they were OK (and they didn't hurt anyone). Basically, pride and arrogance lead to this relativist thinking. “Hey, I’m good with it, so it must be OK” and “whatever you think is good is up to you.” So we say “It doesn’t matter if it says different in the Bible – that is just interpretation; and what does the Church know – they’re still in the dark ages.” Of course, I de-emphasized the part of Fr. Dober's teaching that said a conscience must be informed by Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Church. I didn't want to think about how it was my responsibility to study Scripture and learn what the church teaches and why. The thing is my conscience actually knew better. All along, when I would say that I was following my conscience, there was a part of me that knew I was fooling myself. I think this issue is hard for those in the United States, and I suspect for other developed democracies. We vote on issues, and my vote is as good as any other (unless you are in Florida). Everyone is equal under the law, and all are free to express their opinions. With this, we can easily confuse political tolerance with morality. Just because someone can say something does not make it true. Just because different perspectives are rightly tolerated in a democracy – does not mean that all perspectives are right. But it is easy, especially when you believe in the value of democracy, to lapse into this relativism. We set ourselves up as heads of our own individual churches. We reject Church teachings and the Scriptures, because “we know better.” But we do know better. Deep down, we know we are not wiser than God. We do need the Bible and the teachings of His Church. We know that 2000 years of study and prayer, are better informed than my current and often sinful view. If we let go of our pride and our need to control, then we are truly liberated. When we humbly approach God for teaching and guidance, then we can follow our conscience. Then we can pray "Thy will be done" and truly mean it. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Pride, Our Father

“Thy Will Be Done” or “My Will Be Done” – Part I

Cross in cemetery at Santa Barbara mission. Click for a larger image. When I pray the Our Father, I will often stop and contemplate one of the specific phrases. From "Our Father" to "deliver us from evil," I find meditating upon each, provides a special opportunity to open oneself to God. The phrase I stop on most is "Thy will be done." I think that praying this AND actually meaning it is the hardest thing for someone (especially an American) to do - at least it has presented a great challenge for me. I think the problem for me (and perhaps more than me?) comes in two distinct parts: greed and pride. I believe that these two sins are the greatest threat to living a Christian life. I'd like to share my thoughts on greed today and pride tomorrow. The first sense is one of greed. "My will" gives us more of what we want. We really mean "let my will be Thy will.". The thinking is tantamount to the following: "I want what I want, and I want it ASAP." We want to make more money. We want new things (car, house, computer, golf clubs, etc.). We want others to be a certain way. We want to be admired. We want recognition. We want to be in charge. We are focused on what we want, not what God wants - "my will" not "Thy will." But "my will" doesn't work! It leads to anxiety, worry, and stress. We fret over situations, other people, our own abilities, or obstacles that stand between us and our goals. And when we do achieve them, we are unfulfilled - we want more and move on to the next conquest. "My will" does not feed the soul. A focus on "my will" can also negatively change who we are. I work for myself now (and I am the toughest boss I ever had), but I had been a VP at a Fortune 1000 company. Being in my 30's, I was doing pretty well by the world's standard, and could have gone even further in the corporate world. But climbing the ladder requires an intense focus on goals to achieve success. You can end up trading things you need to get what you want - time with family vs. time at work, compassion vs. company politics, helping others vs. helping me, growing a family vs. growing a bank account, building community vs. putting in the hours. In contrast "Thy will" frees us and fills us. By doing "Thy will" we let go of control, and let God direct us. We still have goals, but now our effort is seeking alignment with God's will through an ongoing process of discernment. We still work and strive, but it is different when we give up the driver's seat. God does not stop filling us with love if we don't succeed in the way the world judges. To God, "how" we live is more important than what we accomplish. When we accept this, and stop judging ourselves on the World'