Thought of the day

"Open your hearts, open your mind, let somebody in, take a walk through your past, the good and the bad, decide you can do this again" --Hunter Hayes You think you know somebody

Thought of the day

The Holy Father is absolutely right to condemn usury. It is indeed an act against just to expect back more than what was given, especially at ridiculously high interest rates. Perhaps we should not have caved an inch back then.

Some vocation thoughts...

Those of you that know me, know how much I despise people being inside my business without my permission. I have the personality of a locked book with about 6 different passwords when it comes to 95% of things that go on in my personal life....On occasion it's necessary to speak of these things....in particular to dispel (or confirm) rumors one way or another.

In the usual manner, I'm not going to give specifics....but there are things I should say.

a. Yes, the constant pestering (by some, not all) has been noticed. I've been listening to everyone saying you should go back to seminary...I've heard many say, I think you have a vocation still...I've given them prayer and consideration....I have told my SD about these things, and I've been given advice about this situation. I even mentioned an incompleteness that I felt in my last situation, even though I felt the temptations that came with seminary, I nonetheless was at peace in spite of the temptations that came....Of course I said I will prayerfully consider these "tugs" at my heart and what they mean.

b. What you may have not known is that I already had in my mind breathing with both lungs of the Church when I went into seminary. God willing of course I was planning to celebrate both the Roman Liturgy and the Byzantine Liturgy. I have love for both traditions of the Church, although a lot has changed for me spiritually in these past few years to say the least. (As you know, my primary parish of assistance is the Ruthenian parish in Anaheim)

c. But to say that I'm not still hurt over what happened previously would be an understatement....and I'm no where near healed enough to even consider applying at this point. (Plus I'd like to pay off the strings to the government (aka student loans)...A lot of scars are still relatively fresh for me, and those of you that know me, know I take a long time to heal from situations. (I'm either hurt, or not, there is no in between). There are other things that need to be taken care of too.

d. What has changed is that my heart primarily wishes to serve the Byzantine Church. Reflecting upon my time where I was the reader at Ss Cyril and Methodius in Spokane, I realized how much I miss that particular portion of my spirituality. As such I'm un-retiring from altar service, and I will be serving at the altar during the Byzantine Liturgy. (I still MC and serve the TLM from time to time)....to start being even more intimate with the Divine Liturgy (as if I wasn't already).....

e. I ask that you pray for me, and pray hard for me. I don't apologize for not being public about these things...because I absolutely wanted to be definitely sure before I decided to go public with this.....

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

Isn't it interesting that we complain so often that those of leftist persuasion often dismiss us and call us names when we're against "gay marriage," against "abortion", etc, and yet when people decide to question Israel, they're automatically dismissed as "anti-semetic" or "Jew-haters"? Is this not a form of pot calling kettle black. I'm concerned about the near absolute unquestionable dogmatic treatment Israel is given, that rational discussion isn't allowed. (Note this does not convey my position on Israel vs. Palestine (that's for a later post)...but it's an interesting observation that I've noticed via facebook discussions...and it needs to stop.

Thought of the day

It is impossible to pray heresy, when one prays the actual texts of the Missal...to deprive one of the propers of the Missal is to deny the rights of the True Faith.

The West and their silence

I do not find it a coincidence that the West as we know it has been virtually dead silent on the situation that's been going on in the middle east. For there to be an outrage one can't fund the situation.

It's well established that the US has been funding the rebels, those that are persecuting the Christians in the Middle East. As we've often heard it said, if you want to know why people are silent, look at the money trail.

Perhaps it's the exact same reason that our Bishops' have been silent for so long. They've been fed (read funded) by the gov't for so long, speaking out becomes biting the hand that feeds you.

Perhaps in the same manner because the West has been funding the rebels, they can't speak because knowing so, they'd be called hypocrites for funding and yet speaking out against the violence.

Perhaps it's time to re-consider where our money is going? If this is what we're funding, we're effectively funding the de-Christinization of the Middle East. Perhaps now is the time to stand up! Perhaps now is the time to take the stand.....now is the time to not only defund the rebels...but consider where our money is going as a whole.

Perhaps the only way to get our leaders to stand up....is to defund them....For it seems our dear leaders are attached to the money that feeds them and they some how manage to screw up spending...

God have mercy on us

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

There's a difference between a hypocrite and someone who struggles with their sins. All of us fail to varying degrees but that does not make us hypocrites in the process.

Thought of the day

Is it possible that all things that we see are merely symptoms of a problem larger than any of us can imagine?

Thought of the day

Light has two natures: wave and particle, Jesus has two natures, human and divine...coincidence? I think not.

Thought of the day

It was once said that things can be seen through peoples' eyes...perhaps that is true..

The courage to stand up

I must admit, it's a lot easier for me to use the blogosphere to teach as I'm a natural introverted person, and tend to be extremely shy in my public person. Those of you that have the misfortune of knowing me outside of my blog know I do virtually everything in my power to deflect any attention about my person.

But that said, it is often necessary to speak up about various issues of the day. 

Is it easy? Absolutely not! Silence is something we can't do! The culture is attacking us with absolutely no remorse. If we shut up and say nothing, they will run us over, and will do so until we can no longer breathe. 

Negotiating with evil is something we can't do, we must fight evil, we must fight the errors whether they're coming from outside, or from inside. The Truth must win, and while it certainly can't be imposed, it's hard for people to come to the Truth, when it is not known or shared. 

It doesn't matter whether we're talking about abortion, "gay marriage", papal interviews, or even the president of the US, or our various policies. We as a society need to have the courage to stand up and defend the Truth, support those that are persecuted and fight the culture with offense, not sitting being pansies and taking it without fighting. 

If we don't fight, we will lose, always remember, the best defense is a good offense.

Pax Vobis

Pray for our brethren in Mosul

Let us pray for our Christians in the middle east being persecuted.....I'm not much into the social movements....but I indeed stand with our brethren in the middle east. "Blessed are those who are persecuted and reviled against for My sake"

In earnest, let us pray for them....Let us also pray for the conversion of their persecutors to the Catholic Faith, for in her, will be found peace.

Pax Vobis

This is the arabic letter for "n" for Nazarene, which is being used to identify those places which belong to the Christians, let us stand with our brethren in the middle east!

Thought of the day

It is often hard to criticize those we love, because we love them, but charity demands that corrections be made...even if they're difficult to do.

A disagreement with Michael Voris (it does happen from time to time)

Today's Vortex was rather interesting...but I must say I don't agree with it

Some great comments at Connecticut Catholic Corner here and Restore DC Catholicism here

Is not the constant complaint that leaders in the Church are not speaking clearly and with unambiguity? The Faith needs to be taught boldly and with clarity...is not what happening with Pope Francis and the interviews, exactly the problem? The Truth is not being spoken clearly and with unambiguity. The fact that we need help to understand him in of itself isn't the problem (all of us get misinterpreted from time to time) it's the fact that this is a constant exercise...almost seems weekly this is happening. And this is a problem. While one is easily able to get away with this in Buenos Aires, as Pope the magnifying glass is even more magnified than normal. The whole world's eyes are on Rome...and such on the Pope whether he likes it or not.

It pains all of us to mention this, it's not something that we wish to admit, but it is a problem, and something needs to be done about it. While most certainly the laity aren't in much of a position other than to pray, the Truth always must be presented.

Some may wonder, why no benefit of the doubt for Pope Francis? and Pope Benedict got off the hook for his condom fiasco? Well, here's why: a. The mind of Pope Benedict XVI was known as then Cardinal Ratzinger through his various writings and through his work at the CDF and it was something that was clearly out of its context when one listened to the quote, something immediately seemed off. b. Pope Benedict learned from his mistake...you'll notice no one misquoted him again after that. For the sake of the Church, he (Pope Benedict) spoke in such a way that he would not be misunderstood. c. We still have no clue who or what Pope Francis stands for....is he liberal? is he conservative? For the most part he remains a mystery in the sense he never fully communicates what he actually thinks on a particular issue. Yes, we've had a few good statements from our Holy Father on women's ordination and abortion, but we really haven't heard much on other issues such as gay marriage (from him AS POPE)...But we've heard plenty of "who am I to judge?" or that we're supposed to welcome illegal immigrants, and plenty on the poor, or something on economics. This is of course not to say that other issues don't need to be talked about, surely they do, but they are symptoms of a larger problem, the fundamental respect and dignity of the right belonging to Life. Without it, everything else falls. As such without the expression of these points, there's no chance TO defend him when the time comes. d. The ostentatiousness of some of his actions, whether it's been the ditching of the moezetta, not genuflecting, the constant photo ops, violating liturgical law, insert other things here. It's extremely difficult to give the benefit of the doubt, when one is trying to force themselves to be seen. It's easy to see why people are quick to say, hey something's going on here instead of waiting.

Is it possible that if one is being misunderstood that one needs to look at how the message is being communicated? Of course! That is to say it's time for the Pope to take responsibility for his own actions! Enough with blaming the media! Enough with "this is what the Pope meant to say" (NO, if he meant to say that, he would have said it)...Start reviewing things before placing them online, in particular when it comes to interviews (or better yet, stop giving them). If it seems like I'm repeating myself, I am, because it needs to be said over and over until it's understood!.

One of the spiritual gifts is discernment, and I thought this was something that was emphasized in Jesuit spirituality (Ignatian retreats), apparently this is not done before publishing things in the Vatican. It needs to be done. Get things right the first time, so we don't have to go through this "mess" (Oh wait, he did say "make a mess") Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy

Let us pray for Pope Francis, that he may turn around, lest we end up having to pray Ps 108, 8 for him instead "May his days be few: and his bishopric let another take" (And just so we're clear, ABSOLUTELY NO HARM SHOULD COME TO POPE FRANCIS....an early retirement however, would be lovely...especially if we're going to have to do this all the time)

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

Just because my phone is on my person, does not imply that I wish to answer it.

Sunday Troparian and Kontakian week 5

O Faithful, let us praise and adore the Word eternal with the Father and the Spirit and born of the Virgin for our salvation. For He chose to ascend the cross in the flesh and to suffer death and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection. (sung here)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever Amen

O Saviour, you descended into Hades. You crushed its gates as the Almighty, you raised the dead and destroyed the sting of Death as the Creator. You delivered Adam from the curse. O Lover of us all, therefore all cry out to you O Lord, save us. (sung here)

In these are beautiful summaries of our Faith...In our tradition, we sing the Troparia of the day when we do major blessings. For example, when a priest comes to bless the house, the troparia of Epiphany is sung. There's this intimate connection between the personal prayer and the Divine Liturgy. Or if one prefers the connection between private and public prayer. It's a beautiful tradition which I hope more can be brought out of this. I'll be reflecting more upon this connection in a while. But for now, I think this is a place where we can start.

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

It is often the case that the tugs that come from outside ourselves on occasion should be listened to.

Unsolicited Advice where advice is needed

Rumor has it, another interview was given...Being the semi-compassionate person that I am, it's time to give some advice (This article helps a bit)

Here's some advice to help our dear friends in the Vatican Press Office/Pope Francis/G8/USCCB

1) NO MORE INTERVIEWS

To blame the media for things that are approved by the Vatican press office is absolute garbage. (Don't tell me that interviews like this are published "without approval"...I'm not buying it). The old foot in mouth problem seems to be at play here. This isn't to say that he (Pope Francis) shouldn't be allowed to speak freely....but this is the age of mass media, information travels quickly. Everyone needs to recognize this and ACT ACCORDINGLY, seriously all of this is getting ridiculous. The mind bending mental gymnastics that are being applied by the Papal Defense team to explain the obvious is outright repulsive. Call a spade a spade. When the pope is clearly speaking against Church teaching, state it as his private opinion and move on. Define the parameters in which one is working. If one needs lessons in this, just call the Emeritus Pope....he seemed to figure that part out really well.

2) NO MORE BROADCASTING OF THE DAILY HOMILIES

These are intended for a private audience, and should be treated as such. They don't form any magisterial weight, although, they are quoted as such. The only things we should see are the Sunday and Holy Day Homilies, the Angelus addresses, weds audiences, and any acts as Pope or head of state. The rest need not be broadcasted. These homilies are unscripted and are not run by a theologian for orthodoxy as such it's quite possible that something heretical can be said, the idea here being to eliminate confusion.

3) If you're not going to follow the law, either, explain why, or change the law accordingly. While Church Liturgical Law isn't Divine, it is there for a reason. If one physically can't genuflect, state this is not the norm, and because of an inability. (Yet it's hard to believe when we see one kneeling on the floor to kiss the feet of a disabled person). Otherwise it will be presumed that you're placing yourself above the law and being completely arrogant about it.

4) Humility is not ostentatious. It is not forced, no need to show off to anyone. Remember that you are in control of the cameras.

5) This one is for the USCCB...Stop sleeping with the Democrats/spewing the DNC talking points.

It's not like y'all have any authority (canonically they have zero authority can can easily be blocked by a local Bishop) anyway, but I'm happy to help get you some. Pushing for amnesty for illegal immigrants is definitely not going to help you, and certainly offend those that actually did patiently wait in line to come to the country. While many can say that the system is broken, it starts by enforcing the laws that are on the books....Stop selectively reading the catechism and read the whole section on immigration. You know the part where it says a state has a right to protect its borders and he part where immigrants are to FOLLOW THE LAWS OF THE LAND. I'm happy to assist in re-catechesis in any manner I can.

6) Continuing with the USCCB, some more help....funding pro-abortion groups completely undermines your so called message for "religious liberty" Want the "Fortnight for Freedom" to work? Well start by cleaning house, ending federal money from the government and actually teaching the Catholic Faith, that would help for sure...and I'm pretty sure celebrating the Liturgy correctly would also help.

7) Lastly, for all the Common Core people posting the math problems. Common core is the standard that's being taught, not the methodology or the pedagogy. Although the methods are certainly alighted to the standards in question. We need to oppose common core for two reasons. 1. The ease of the ability to indoctrinate kids, and 2. The principle of subsidiarity, otherwise it's symptom of a problem instead of the actual problem that we're treating.

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

It is often difficult to appreciate things until they are lost. Never take what is given for granted

Thought of the day

As if the USCCB wasn't already known as the DNC at prayer....things like this don't help that image...just saying

Thought of the day

If somehow one thinks that morality can't be imposed, just look at the culture of today, is it by accident? Of course not.

Thought of the day

We need to stop treating symptoms of the problems and start treating the problems themselves.

Thought of the day

Being faithful is difficult, if life is a walk in the park, then chances are something's wrong.

Thought of the day

Americanism, Zionism, by the way are STILL heresies. Lest we forget

Thought of the day

The intentional killing of a child is always wrong. Those that need a specific medication for a particular issue are NOT being talked about, when we speak of the evil of contraception. I think this is a lost thing. It's certainly not an ideal, but medical issues were understood when Humane Vitae was written, and this was taken into consideration.