Fr. Larry Richards - I'll pick up the cost

For some time I have had a side-bar button that links to the Reason For our Hope Foundation run by Fr. Larry Richards. A friend of mine gave me a CD of Fr. Larry's "Confession" talk that really moved me. I went back and downloaded more of Father Larry's talks, and they were all quite powerful. His talks really will change your life. Not because there is any new theology, but because he challenges us to live our faith honestly and with passion. He doesn't soft sell the truth. Fr. Larry tells it like it is, but with vibrancy, humor, and conviction. He takes the bible, the teachings of the Church, and the writings of the saints, and presents them in a way that it comes alive. He puts the challenge of Christ in such a way that I WANT to be a saint. I WANT to do what it takes. I WANT to change my life. Wherever you are spiritually, this will speak to you. It will set you on fire - or stoke the flames higher. There are five talks in the Reason For Our Hope series: Confession Knowing God's Will The Mass Explained The Truth What More Could He Do For You You can get the talk "The Truth" free by registering at the Reason For our Hope site (click here). Because I have found these so powerful, I am willing to buy the entire set for you. My funds are not unlimited and am willing to do this for the first 5 people who ask. Leave a message in the comment box and send me an email with where I should send the talks. I will buy the talks in MP3 format and put them on a single disk (in MP3 format) and mail them to you.

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.

Where Is Christ

Click on picture for larger image I have a group of fellow Catholic men that meet weekly (most weeks anyways) to share our journeys and hold one another accountable. One question we ask ourselves each week was when we were most aware of Christ's presence. At a meeting at my parish, a similar question came up - where do I see Christ. I find this question a tough one some times. Not because I don't see Christ, but because when I look, I see him everywhere. I see him in the priest who so reverently says mass. I see him in the charismatic man who shares our faith with our protestant brothers & sisters. I see him in the woman who runs the Life Center. I see him in the woman who uses her connections to raise funds for the parish. I see him in the young woman who is working with the youth. I see him in my wife when she is doing all that she does for our children. I see him in my children almost every time I look. I see him in the homeless man pushing his cart down the street. I see him in my faith brothers as they struggle on their journey. I see him in the posts of Catholic bloggers as they share their faith. I see him in the man struggling with his vice. When I look, I see him. It is only when I don't look that I don't see.

The Cost of Faithfulness

I was mentioning to the RCIA head at my parish (in response to questions about an adult faith formation series) that I was looking for a going deeper in understanding my faith. I said that I am very well catechized and knowledgeable already. She told me that I won't get what I was looking for at a parish (which is sad in and of itself). I told her that I see myself as a teacher of the faith in the future. And I had indicated that my spiritual advisor had recommended the distance course through the Franciscan University at Steubenville. I am seriously considering this - especially as it has a reputation as orthodox in its teachings (btw, if anyone can give me insights on the program, it would be greatly appreciated). Well, she told me that I would find it tough getting work in the Diocese of Orange with a degree from Steubenville. That was a rather surprising statement. But after doing a little research, I suspect that she is correct about biases among many in leadership positions in the diocese given the public statements of some well placed priests in the diocese. Why should being faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church make one less desirable to many of the leaders of that Church (at least out this way)? Any thoughts or advice?

Celebrity And The God Shaped Hole

Two stories that caught my attention in the past 24 hours: Marinovich arrested in Newport - OCRegister.com: "NEWPORT BEACH - Onetime standout USC quarterback Todd Marinovich faces the latest in a long run of legal troubles after being charged with felony drug possession and resisting a police officer. Marinovich, 38, allegedly ran from police who tried to stop him about 1:15 a.m. Sunday for skateboarding near the Newport Pier boardwalk, where skateboarding is prohibited. He was found hiding in a carport about 1:30 a.m., police Sgt. Evan Sailor said. After searching Marinovich, police found about one gram of methamphetamine, a metal spoon and a hypodermic needle, Sailor said." Owen Wilson Was Hooked on Heroin, Cocaine - foxnews.com "Funnyman actor Owen Wilson was hooked on heroin and cocaine, struggling with depression and hanging out with the wrong crowd in the months before his attempted suicide, according to a bombshell new report. ... And his friends are placing the blame squarely on Wilson's newfound best buddy, British actor Steve Coogan.... " Here are two boys (I choose the term purposely) who are about my age (Owen is 38 as well as Marinovich). By the standards of the world, they have it all. They have fame. They have made money in amounts I can only imagine. And yet there is something terribly missing. These boys have yet to become genuine men. Oh certainly they are men in the physical sense, but they are behaving as unruly rebellious children. They are trying to fill a whole. But it is a God shaped whole that cannot be filled with drugs or fame or money. Only God will satisfy. Only when they turn to Him can they put aside their childish ways and become genuine men. Both of these reports call to mind the prodigal son who squandered the gifts of the father on having a good time before hitting bottom. I pray that like the prodigal son, these two will turn to God. Only He can fill the hole.

Feast of the Assumption

Today is the feast of the Assumption. Let us praise God for the boast of the human race, our Blessed Mother! Without her "yes" at the annunciation, we would still be in darkness. How wonderful she is! May we imitate her when God calls on us. Let us praise Christ and thank him for the gift of his Mother to us through St. John! Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness and our Hope. To the do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, Thine Eyes of Mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the Blessed Fruit of thy Womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Previous posts: 2006 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Giuliani Separation of Faith and Actions

Check out the parody of Giuliani on the role of his faith at The Curt Jester. I'm not sure parody is correct, as I think it is a more coherent statement of Rudy's position than he could make. Funny ... and sad. The Curt Jester: Separation of Faith and Actions: "I have built a wall of separation between my actions and my faith. As a mayor and a presidential nominee I know that you are part of the state 24/7 and so all of my actions must be separated from my faith."

Liberalism => Persecution

Paul, just this guy, you know? always has a worthwhile blog. He puts it out there like he sees it. He has a series on how liberal ideas are causing persecution in different countries. I link to these after reading this comment by Obama (you know that liberal senator who keeps pretending he thinks faith is a good thing). Here is a quote to a United Church of Christ group(emphasis mine): " Doing the Lord's work is a thread that's run through our politics since the very beginning," Obama told church members. "And it puts the lie to the notion that the separation of church and state in America -- a principle we all must uphold and that I have embraced as a constitutional lawyer and most importantly as a Christian -- means faith should have no role in public life." From the Chicago Tribune. With thinking like that on the left (and remember, Obama is the guy who "likes" religion), take a look at what more we can look forward to beyond the mess we all ready have. Check out: Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Two, and Liberalism Leads to Persecution, Three.

A Stem-Cell Heretic?!?

A Stem-Cell Heretic Makes His Case - WSJ.com: "Embryonic stem-cell researchers are prone to touting the potential of their work to treat all sorts of ailments, from diabetes to Parkinson's disease. Don't bet on it, says James Sherley, a stem-cell specialist himself, who has become a notable heretic in the field." How interesting that we see the language of faith applied to science. Modern secularists are more fervent in their "faith" than most, though they don't see it as such. Science is a method by which information can be gathered and hypotheses tested. It makes no claims that it can do all things or explain all things. It is the science "faithful" who make the extraordinary claims. They claim that with science, all things will be explained and all ills cured. Those who question the faith, even just a small part of it, are now called heretics. Hmmm.

What is your theological worldview?

I found this at Steve McEvoy's Book Reviews & More. I come out as 100% Roman Catholic (and definitely not a modern liberal). Check out the questionnaire and enjoy. You scored as Roman Catholic, You are Roman Catholic. Church tradition and ecclesial authority are hugely important, and the most important part of worship for you is mass. As the Mother of God, Mary is important in your theology, and as the communion of saints includes the living and the dead, you can also ask the saints to intercede for you. Roman Catholic 100% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 79% Neo orthodox 75% Fundamentalist 57% Emergent/Postmodern 50% Reformed Evangelical 39% Classical Liberal 29% Charismatic/Pentecostal 29% Modern Liberal 21% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

"Be still; know that I am God." (Ps 46:10)

I borrowed this image from The Ironic Catholic. Check out her original post (and everything else at her site)!

ACLU & Religion Cartoon

I found this at Faithmouse.

Fatherhood & Faith

Click on picture for larger image Check out this 2003 article in Touchstone titled “The Truth About Men & Church.” It is about the role of fathers in the transmission of faith. Here is an excerpt: “In short, if a father does not go to church, no matter how faithful his wife’s devotions, only one child in 50 will become a regular worshipper. If a father does go regularly, regardless of the practice of the mother, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will become churchgoers (regular and irregular). If a father goes but irregularly to church, regardless of his wife’s devotion, between a half and two-thirds of their offspring will find themselves coming to church regularly or occasionally. A non-practicing mother with a regular father will see a minimum of two-thirds of her children ending up at church. In contrast, a non-practicing father with a regular mother will see two-thirds of his children never darken the church door. If his wife is similarly negligent that figure rises to 80 percent!” "....You cannot feminize the church and keep the men, and you cannot keep the children if you do not keep the men." I think our example as men doing what is right while facing the “realities” of the world is the most powerful weapon we have in safeguarding the faith of our children. As a church, the battle is clear - to ensure our future, we must engage fathers. Btw, if your a Catholic dad, consider joining Catholic Dads.

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.

Catholic Quote - St. Theresa of Avila

The picture is not one of mine, I got it from boglewood.com. The statue is titled The Ecstasy of S. Teresa di Avila. "Believe me, the safest thing is to will only what God wills, for He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He loves us." - St. Teresa of Avila in Interior Castle

Metal As In A Forge

Yesterday I was writing about whether I am doing all that I should given the talents God has given me. Is this wondering about myself a manifestation of pride? Perhaps I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be, and if I was more humble I would recognize that. I guess I want to do more, and I am dissatisfied with what I have done and am currently doing. I feel the need to give more. I feel so very blessed, but that I have taken too much and given too little. I look at my parents and others around me whom I would like to imitate (indeed, Christ Himself), and I see people who give more than I think I give. Is my comparison here prideful? I do not begrudge their impact – I am glad of the results and happy to see God’s will done. But I also feel sadness that I am not doing more. When I feel this way, I suspect that God is answering my prayers for greater humility AND shaping me for something that I cannot see. When I pray on this, I have repeatedly had an image come to me: of metal being hammered as in a forge, as though I am being shaped for some purpose. This image has conveyed a couple of messages. First, being shaped to do God’s will is not pain-free. Second, the one hammering loves the metal and what the metal is and what the metal will become. I feel God’s presence at such times, and I know in my heart that He is asking for my patience and that the hammering is necessary if I am to be what He intends. When this image comes to me, I welcome it. I want to be shaped. I want to become what I am intended to become. Sometimes, I just wish I didn't have to wait. Patience is not an easy thing for me. I think that is why I need the practice.

Person of Consequence

One of the things about giving up a VP job and working for yourself is that you wonder sometimes if you are a person of consequence. While there were many people below me and my decisions carried weight in determining the course of a company, it was clear that I was at least in a position of consequence. I even got to be on TV a couple times. As I have moved to working on my own, it is less clear that what I do matters. Now, I must say that I think my life before was consequential as the world counts it, but it was corrupting to the soul, and I am glad that I was able to change. I also know that I matter immensely to my family and even to my small circle of close friends. But I wonder is my life of consequence in His eyes. I know God loves all of us, and we all are important to Him. Yes, yes, got that. But I also know that to whom much is given, much is expected. I wonder if I am measuring up in this way. Am I doing what I need to be doing? Am I doing enough of it? Am I using my talents as He would? Looking back on my life, I know that I could have used my talents less selfishly, but am I doing the best I can now? Am I living my faith? I do not want to be the rich young man who turns and walks away. Lord, guide me down the path that you have set for me. Help me to follow you, to set aside my own aspirations and to go where you lead. Amen.

Humility, Worry, and Growth

It has been hectic since the baptism. I have had to finish a couple of projects, I had a school board meeting for our Catholic school, and we had family visiting from Indiana. Not much time to put in a blog. Everyone is doing well, I continue to do alright with Gracie. I have it rigged pretty good. She is getting more and more delightful as well. She has started smiling and we hear the beginnings of laughs. On a personal note, I had a humbling experience last week. I was confronted with an error I had made. I had to own it - and that was not pleasant. I have been working on humility for years, and it is still not easy. This error was work related to work. Now, those who know me, know that I worry. This combined with a couple of discontinued projects got me started. This time was a little different though - I was not as worried as I would have been even a year ago. As I look at my life, there has never been a time when God did not provide. It makes my worry seem so foolish. I am grateful that I am growing here, and pray for even more growth. Back soon.

Epiphany

Today was the feast of the Epiphany - where we celebrate the magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I hope your Epiphany was enlightening. Father Joe gave a wonderful homily today. I'd like to share the themes he touched. Not that the ideas are new, but he showed a connection I had missed before. He was discussing the magi and how their attention to nature and their wisdom (i.e., reason) they were able to get very close to Christ...but not all the way. Wisdom and nature are wonderful tools, but insufficient by themselves. The magi needed to consult scripture (i.e., revelation) to go all the way. Reason and nature can get you going in the right direction, but God must reach out and guide us as well - we cannot do it on our own. That is what God does through Scripture - reveal Himself to us. Father had a second point I caught. It was the magi and not Herod or the scribes that visited Christ. Even though the scribes had the answer, they were unwilling to do anything about it. Belief is insufficient. Action is required. Non-Christians who seek God, though they have not revelation may get closer to Christ than Christians who have faith but do not act. We must live our faith, take action, and follow where God leads.

O Holy Night

There are a lot of Christmas Carols that I love. The vast majority are faith filled - I am not one of those who celebrates Winter - it just seems so trivial when you think about what we are really celebrating. Besides, we never have a white Christmas in Southern California, and (IMHO) that is as it should be. Christmas isn't just a holiday it is a Holy Day. Every year it is another chance to welcome Him. My favorite carol is "O Holy Night." I usually can't sing through the whole thing without getting choked up. Here are the lines that really hit me: Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His Name all oppression shall cease. Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! When I hear "fall on your knees" sung so powerfully, I really do want to fall on my knees. And the high note is so sweet it feels like pierces to my core Just wanted to share.

Thanksgiving

Click on picture to see a larger image. Ps 118:24-29 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. LORD, grant salvation! LORD, grant good fortune! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the LORD'S house. The LORD is God and has given us light. Join in procession with leafy branches up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, I give you thanks; my God, I offer you praise. Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever. Today is the day that Americans have set aside as a nation to give thanks for what we have received. I am thankful for God's enduring love and patience. I am grateful for His guiding hand. I am grateful for His people who have entered my life - my wife, my children - particularly baby Gracie who was just born, my family and my wife's family, my friends and colleagues. I am thankful for my Church - especially Pope Benedict and my local parish. I am thankful for my country - may she stay free and strong, and work to correct every flaw. I am grateful to be in Southern California -for the beauty both in nature and in the people. I am grateful for the gifts God has given me: prosperity, intelligence, good humor - may I use these for the greater glory of God. I am grateful as well for those who read this blog and the community that is developing here in blog-space. I am grateful for the life that God has given me. God, thank you for everything. Thank you for all of the graces you have bestowed. I love you. Amen. Tags: Thanksgiving

In The Weeds

Click on picture to see a larger image. "In the weeds" is a term I learned in the corporate world. It is a term that means "so deep into the details that the big picture is missed." It is often a term derogatorily used in reference to a discussion or person in a meeting that is so focused on the details that they just don't get it. The image attached to this post shows what being lost in the weeds (or at least brush) looks like. That is my boy near the front making his way through the brush on one of our weekend adventures. His mom and his grandpa are in the background. With the brush so high, it is hard to see the boy – the brush is much bigger than he is. On this particular adventure, we had been wandering the paths around the Newport Back Bay. It was a beautiful November day (sunny, mid 70's), but as we kept trekking, we realized that we had gotten off the loop trail and were getting too far away from the car. With my wife pregnant and due at any moment (the baby was born the next day), we couldn’t afford to be far from transportation. But we could not see the fork in the trail that would get us back. We were so close to the brush, we just couldn’t see how to get where we wanted to go. Not being one for inaction, I led the way in search of the path. We first hit a dead-end, and had to reroute. We got up on a hill and I could see what looked like a line snaking through the brush. We had found the path! All it took was a bit of perseverance and a little perspective. When out and about in the world, we can find ourselves in some pretty thick vegetation. It can feel lonely or hopeless. But there is always a way through it. It takes perseverance and perspective to find the path, but it is there. You just have to have faith that you will find it. Tags: Perseverance, Faith, Being Lost

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

Superordinate Goals

Click on picture to see a larger image. There are two superordinate goals in life. All other goals are subordinate to these or detract from them. The first is to get to Heaven. The second is to help other people get to Heaven. My dissertation was on goals and how people achieve them and their relation to personality. One of the things I used to do in my research was conduct what I called my "Four Year Old's Interview." I even taped a couple of interviews doing this. I would start by asking people what they did yesterday. I then asked why, and the answer had to start with "I want/wanted to...". This would repeat until we could go no farther. An interesting phenomenon occurred. What people did boiled down to only a few core motivations - e.g., "to take care of my family." Why did you stop to get coffee - because I wanted to be able to keep going during the day. Why did you want to keep going during the day - because I want to do well at my job. Why did you want to do well at your job - because I want to provide for my family. Why did you want to provide for your family - geez, that's what I want. I love them. Of course real life is a bit more complex than this example and these ladders actually branch out (e.g., I want to socialize with friends AND keep going at work when I get coffee), but at the ultimate motivation level they kept coming back to the same small set of motivations. Each person's life is rooted in certain goals that guided much of what they do. This was not depth psychology (looking at hidden motivations), but it was insightful to watch how people would get to a where they could go no farther - and how it fit each person distinctly. Why do we have these goals that guide us? Those who refuse God have no answer here. They are stuck with "geez, that's just what I want." It either feels right, or feels good, or because society tells them too - all very dissatisfying answers. But for those who are open to God, there is an answer! I take care of my family because I want to spend eternity with God and I want them there too. I do what charity I do because I want to go to heaven and I want those I am helping to go as well. I build loving friendships because that is how I can experience God - it helps me get to Heaven (and hopefully my friends too). If we can't tie our motivations back to these two goals we are wasting our time and the time of others. If our motivations do not have these ultimate goals, then what we do is meaningless. It may feel good, it may help me get by, but it really doesn't matter. If what we do is counter to these two goals, then I would call it sinful. What did you do yesterday? Why did you do it? Tags: motivation, Heaven

Pope: faith AND reason - that's the point!

The events this past week are somewhat frustrating. The Muslim world is up in arms because the Pope quotes a Byzantine emperor. I read the speech. The point the Pope was making was about the West and that reason cannot be divorced from Faith. The Emperor's point was that violence as part of religion is a violation or reason, and thus why he rejects Islam. The emperor's point is that faith that is counter to reason is false. The Pope was scolding the west because reason without faith is false . His point ... we need both! Where is that in the news? It's not? Hmmm. Now, one can take the quote of the emperor as saying that violence has no place as official doctrine and dogma in faith beacause it is counter to reason. And the Muslim world, in their violent reaction, is acting unreasonably. Did Catholics burn buildings at the Last Temptation of Christ movie? Was there revolt at the Da Vinci Code? Are we revolting now as Muslims burn the Pope in effigy? Are we calling for "Holy War" as nuns are gunned down and churches are burned? No. There is a lot of reaction and condemnation by the Muslim world of things they don't like from the Western world (Catholic and otherwise). This condemnation is loud, clear, and violent. However, there is only quiet (if any) condemnation of the uncivilized, violent, and godless behavior done in the name of their very religion. How can anyone beleive this is reasonable? Of course, I find it equally interesting that the amoral (often atheistic) Western media delights in fostering (even hosting) these battles. Why the coverage here? Why the search for that which will divide and undermine? They miss the point of the Pope's speech (his whole trip, in fact), but delight in controversy. Read the Pope's speech. You will find that it is not a message of hate as the media and Muslim world would have you believe. It is a message of hope and a challenge to Western thinkers that they need faith as well as reason. The Muslim world, perhaps, should also listen. Perhaps more reason is a good idea with their faith. I read the speech here http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=46474

Heroes

Sorry, no larger image. The picture above is of Grace Michelle, who is due to arive in a couple months. You'll see the connection to the picture as you read on. Adoro Te Devote has started a meme, and has tagged me. Here are the rules: 1. Honor a living hero 2. Preference given to Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics, EMT's, Dispatchers 3. Not everyone is acquainted with someone fitting into these categories. If this is the case, then honor someone else, a hero in your life who is willing to "give all" in some way. It can be a priest, a pastor, a teacher, a relative, a friend...etc. First, thanks! I kinda like these. :) Second, let me say that this is not easy. I am one of those Gen Xers who doesn't have much in the way of heroes. There have been people who have influenced me, whom I admire, whom I appreciate, for whom I thank God. But not any real "heroes." Oh, I could probably pull a cliché, but that would not be much fun for you or me. So I was stumped. But as I was driving Sunday night it came to me. I hope this person is still living, but I don't know - the event happened about 23 years ago, and it didn't happen to me - though I witnessed it. It was early in my high school years. I think it was between freshman and sophomore year. I was living at school then and was either home on the weekend or for Easter break. Anyway, Mom was having medical issues. Something was wrong. She had gone to the doctor, and he said he thought she had a tumor. I am not sure of the details, but I did know that she was worried. The doctor prescribed some sort of medication that would help if it was tumor, and I remember us going to the local Sav-on drug store to get the prescription filled. I still remember that day because, something happened that I had not seen before nor since. Later that day I remember sitting at the kitchen table, where you can see the front door. I don't remember how long it was since we had gotten home, but there was a knock on the door. I think my sister opened it. A man was at the door asking to see Mom. It was the pharmacist. Now, perhaps in the "old days" (circa 1880) pharmacists would visit your house. But in the early 1980s, to have a stranger make a house call...? It isn't really "me" decade behavior. He told Mom that if she had any reason to think that she was pregnant, not to take the medication. Now, the doctors told Mom that she would never have children again after my sister (who was 12 by then). This was very odd to hear, but with a warning like that, would you take the medication? Mom didn't take it. The tumor turned out to not be a tumor, but my brother. When I look back at my life, there were lots of people who helped me and made a huge difference in my life. But I can think of only this one time where I witnessed a person save the life of someone close to me. To keep this going, I tag: Jerry Grosso at My Autistic Boy and Other Adventures in Fatherhood Moneybags at A Catholic Life (if he is not too swamped) Amber at This Catholic Journey Ukok at Ukok's Place and... Aaron Calloway, who is lurking as a reader here. AC, just post it in the comments. :) Tags: heroes, pharmacist, miracle

Work and Choices

Click on picture to see a larger image. I haven't posted in nearly a week. It has been pretty intense lately. I work for myself. I left my corporate job about a year and a half ago, and am glad I did. I missed So Cal. Turns out I'd rather be conservative in a blue state than liberal in a red state - but I'll save that for another blog. In addition to missing the left coast (I was in Atlanta), I was burned out. Corporate culture can impact you if you are trying to climb the ladder. I was and it did. I was talking with friends this weekend. We were celebrating my upcoming birthday (we use birthdays as an excuse for enjoying good company, good food, and good wine). The topic turned to values and current culture. Looking back, I see that I fell into a value trap. I valued money, recognition and prestige. I got them. But the more I got, the less happy I was. I also found that there was never enough - I kept pouring more money in, but the bucket kept getting bigger too. I found that recognition is fleeting, and satisfies for only a moment. When I was late in my college career, I wanted to be a marriage and family counselor, but got into a research PhD program. You see, I thought a PhD is more prestigious than a master's degree, I told myself - and the program invited me to apply, it fed right into my ego. I then was going to be a professor. I was all set, too. I knew the right people and was positioned for a career in personality psychology. But I ended up "selling out" for the money. I actually got the chance to do some side teaching at UCLA. I loved it, but by that time I was addicted to the revenue from my full time job, and couldn't go back. In the end, a PhD is no better than someone without one. A VP at a company is no better than someone who is not. And having things does not satisfy like I thought it would when I had not. What has satisfied? My marriage. My friends. My faith. Doing for others. I see God's hand in my corporate journey. I have learned. And God has used me for His ends. At each place I have been, I have been ideally positioned to help someone or some group for the better, at school, at work or in my community. THAT satisfies! But I wish I had taken the direct route to helping others, and not done it "on the side." I am working rather hard right now (this month in particular, but the larger "now" as well). I am trying to get off the treadmill. It helps to remember that goal when I start to feel overwhelmed. I need to shrink my bucket so that I can make a switch. To do this, I am in the odd position of actually having to work even harder. But now I have a goal to end the cycle. In the long run, I hope to get retrained as a marriage and family counselor. I think that was my calling - I wish I had listened sooner. Oh, the picture is of Pismo Beach. I have been working so hard, that I thought it appropriate. Man, I wish I was there! Tags:Work, Values

Prayer for Consciousness

Click on picture to see a larger image. From www.sacredspace.ie Consciousness To be conscious about something is to be aware of it. Dear Lord help me to remember that You gave me life. Thank you for the gift of life. Teach me to slow down, to be still and enjoy the pleasures created for me. To be aware of the beauty that surrounds me. The marvel of mountains, the calmness of lakes, the fragility of a flower petal. I need to remember that all these things come from you. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, prayer

Forgive me Father for I have sinned...

Click on picture to see a larger image. I was on Sacred Space(one of my favorites - the link is in the side bar), and they had some thoughts today that seemed to hit home. So I'd like to share part of it. Here is part of what they wrote: "...When God looks at me, he desires me and is saying: You are desirable. I made you good. I want you. God sees me as his daughter or son, whom he loves. He says: You are mine. His gaze says: I delight in you. Can I accept this gaze of love? Or do I run back into disapproval of myself?...." I went to confession today - we all go as a family (poor Mike has to wait for us - he starts second grade this year, so not too much longer until he can do more than wait). I felt that giddy feeling afterwards, when your soul is all fresh and clean. I don't know if others have that feeling, but when I make an honest confession - I feel liberated (and loved)! Anyways, the quote above got me thinking.... I know EXACTLY what this is like! I had been going to confession once a year (or so) for some time. None of them were as full as they should be, and I should have gone more often. Why was I falling down here? Some of it was pride (what do I need a priest for, I can go straight to God). Some of it was that I didn't want to confess certain things. Why? Because I didn't forgive myself. I disapproved of me. The funny thing is, a lot of people who know me would be surprised at that. When I was in the corporate world, I was seen as confident. Some would have said I could stand a little humility (and they would have been right). But at the same time, I did not seek forgiveness, because I wasn't able to forgive myself. I am not sure of the exact relationship between this self-disapproval (unworthiness, shame, etc.?) and pride - but I see a connection. What do you think? I really would like your opinions. Whatever the answer to the connection, I do know this. I finally had a fabulous confession - I laid it all out on the line. I even wrote things down because I wanted to get it all out and have an absolutely clean start. But it required two things: 1. I had to set aside my pride, and humble myself before God, and the priest that stands in for Christ and the body of Christ (that is all of you). Once I humbled myself, I could seek out God and ask for forgiveness. The other thing I had to do, was believe I was worth forgiving. THAT is the connection to the quote above. I think that doing both, humbling myself and believing I was worthy, were two sides of the same coin - I was greater than I feared in God's eyes, and less than I pretended in my own. When I made my confession, I said my greatest sin was my pride. I acted as if I knew better than the Church, I didn't really need a pries to confess all my sins, I knew what was sinful and what was not. But I was afraid to admit this! As I reflect on how I feared bearing my soul (and being vulnerable) in prepping for that confession and how I avoided having that true confession for such a long time, I have to ask why. In the end, it is exactly what the quote above said. Yes I was sinful, but it was my inability to forgive myself that led to a growing rift between me and God. And from that rift, grew my pride (which is a poor substitute for God's love). The feeling I had after that confession was unbelievable. I wanted to run out and do my penance immediately. I was filled with joy. I wanted to dance and sing, do things for others, tell people about God, write blogs and leave encouraging comments for others. :) I am happy to say, that I felt the same exuberance today, even though it had only been a little longer than a month since my last confession. Letting God love you, and loving him back is pretty darn good! God's love, and that fresh clean soul feeling... you just can't beat it! Thank you Lord for confession! Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Pride, Unworthy, Confession

Asking God for Signs

I just wanted to provide a quick link to a post I read that was rather powerful. Check it out if you get a chance. It is at Et tu, Jen?. Take a moment to check it out!

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

Grattitude & Responsiblity - Laying Foundations

click picture for larger image I have lived in Portland, OR, Concord, CA (Bay Area), and Atlanta, GA. But I grew up in the San Gabriel/Rosemead area of So Cal (about 11 miles east of Downtown LA). While I am less than 15 miles from there now, I don't get there too often. But I was there yesterday, with a little time on my hands. So I stopped at the parish I grew up in - St. Anthony's. It was first Friday, so I got the chance to spend time in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the very church where I was baptized, had my first confession, my first communion, and was confirmed. This was the church where I was altar boy for so long, where my faith was born and fostered - among a community of believers. It was a wonderful experience. Being there in the church, and later walking the school grounds where I attended 1st through 8th grade brought back many memories. I remember Fr. Flanagan, his Irish brogue and the wonderful homilies - many of which I still remember. My favorite was one on "EGO," which he told us really means "Edging God Out." I remember Msgr. Glennon who was an excellent shepherd, guiding his flock justly - neither iron willed nor laissez fair. I remember the wonderful music directed by Sr. Dolorous (I still love the St. Louis Jesuits). I remember the special lessons and examples from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary; Sr. Dolorous, Sr. Genevieve (I still remember the poetry she taught us), Sr. Helen and the first principal I ever new - Sr. Mary Anne. I also remember the lay teachers that touched me - Mr. Betendorf, Mrs. Kattel, and others. I saw the Christian Service hut, where I remember my mom and dad packing groceries for the poor. I remembered the lay people who made the parish home and set self sacrificing examples. People like Joe Calorino or Al Brown - who was always there to serve, and his wife Edith who was one of the most prayerful women I have ever met. I thank God for the tremendous foundation that these people so selflessly provided. The lessons, the examples, and the community. I pray that wherever they are, the Lord smiles upon them. For those who have left this world, I pray that they are with Jesus now, and ask that they put in a good word for me. I pray too, that I may touch the lives of someone as they touched mine. So what is my point? It is this. However you got were you are, thank God for those who helped get you there and remember that we all have a responsibility to provide a firm foundation for others. Tags: Christianity, Catholicism, Gratitude, Community, Thanks

“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