31 December 2014

Good riddance to 2014

I really don't have much positive to say about the vast majority of the year. So if you're expecting a positive post where I say wonderful things happened, I'm afraid this is not that post.

But I do wish for all of you to have a blessed New Year and continue to grow in your various paths to sanctity.

I will be going on a retreat the 9th-11th of Jan. I would like to bring your various intentions before our Lord...and so I'll leave a link to an e-mail box at the end of this post which I'll leave open until the 8th at midnight...for which you can send me your intentions. Then I will send a message back with the time (and date) that your intentions were prayed for (I don't think I'll have access to wifi, but we'll see)

However, for the new year, I do have somethings to say, for which you'll have to wait until tomorrow :)

Pax Vobis

Prayer Intentions you wish for me to pray for, mention here

29 December 2014

28 December 2014

Thought of the day

It is necessary for things to not go so smoothly perhaps. It may well be that the smooth path is he wrong one.

Some thoughts on tomorrow's readings.

Tomorrow in Byzantium (though I'll be at Roman Church tomorrow due to the fact that I have no car) we will celebrate the Sunday after the Nativity...the readings during DL are Gal 1, 11-19, and Matt 2,  13-23

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Amen.

Pride is the sin where exalt ourselves above God. It's the I can do anything without God attitude...It also takes the form when we think we know better than God.

In the 11th and 12th verses we read "Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

Has it not been in the recent news about the Synod about those that are seeking to change the teachings of Christ Jesus for their own agendas. This is pride plain and simple to contradict the dogmas of Christ as given to us through the Holy Catholic Church.

Last time I checked we are not smarter than God, for it is God who gave us the faculties of reason to begin with. It's an exercise in futility to try and outsmart God. He knows what we need to be joyful in Him, why do we attempt to make things so complicated?

When one cooperates with the graces given to them, one is able to do great things. S Paul goes from a persecutor of the Church to one of her greatest defenders. As he's briefly telling of us of what he used to do to the Church, recall from a few days ago the Martyrdom of St Stephen...killed by Saul.

In today's Gospel, we hear of the plight to Egypt, the Holy Innocents, and the return to Egypt.

Perhaps there's a use of a sarcastic element when we read "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage."...Herod had zero intentions of paying homage to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as we'l find ou later in the massacre of the Holy Innocents (Today who's feast day in the Roman Church would be celebrated today) In the Byzantine tradition the number killed was 14 000. There's no exact number, for it wasn't revealed. 

Such a tragedy that we as a society commit another form of pride through abortion. The deliberate killing of a child. It is such a poverty that children must die so that we may live as we so choose. 

The virtue that kills pride is humility. It is first the recognition that our gifts, whatever ones we do have come from God, and not ourselves. Our children, our intelligence, our various talents are no of our own doing. We must recognize this. It is then the attitude of receiving or accepting what is given. . It is hard to accept compliments, or situations that oppose our own nature...yet we must do so. It is not humility to impose ourselves on situations where that is not called for.

Let us pray for the gift of humility, and more importantly practice humility to conquer our pride.

Christ is Born, Glorify Him

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

27 December 2014

26 December 2014

Some personal news!

One thing that I've learned, it's to keep those things that are not definite, far, far, far away from he internet....but I suppose once in a while it's a good thing to open up about these things.

a. Alive and ticking

Last Sunday I was involved in a car accident. I'm a bit sore with my leg, but other that, nothing life threatening. My car, however; is totally screwed up in the front. So hopefully I'll be able to make deal with the rental for now. Thanks be to God I'm alive....

b. Some have asked, if you're open to being a priest again...

Yes, some of my friends, some of them rather famous in their writings have been nearly begging me to apply to seminary. As the old saying goes, I take notes on everything, then proceed to run them by my SD. I really do feel called to work with the Ruthenian Church in some capacity (I was planning to be bi-ritual from the second I entered)...Although I very much enjoyed my seminary education, there are some "complications". One thing that people have to know is that forgetting what happened, does not happen....everything is in the present tense to me. So a change of scenery would definitely be needed if I was to be open to such a thing again...can anyone say Russian College or Pittsburgh? (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

As I've said before, and I'll continue to say, my actions are a matter of justice, not me trying o be better than anyone else....I've received lots of comments, such as the cassock looks good on you, or you should really apply. (Multiple priests, multiple lay people)...me being the VERY reserve person that I am, shy away from any spotlight, or emphasis on me..I'm trying to take compliments well, bu not so much is it working.

Of course it's also hard when you're interested in someone, and have zero clue what's going on in their brains. We'll see if the invitation to sing vespers will work. :p

c. OCDS Formation

To this point, I'm really enjoying the things that I'm learning (much of it I already knew) There are many new insights to the things that I do know. Praying both books (Byzantine and Roman) is oddly working rather complimentary. I'll be going on retreat the 9th-11th of Jan. I'll be taking prayer requests starting at the beginning of Jan, and I will bring all of these intentions before Our Lord. .

d. Parish progress

I'll be shifting my parish to a different one that's a bit closer to me going towards the East of where I live. I have been assisting at the Greek-Melkite mission lately, but went to Midnight MAss a the local Roman parish which has had a dramatic improvement on Liturgy to make it bearable for daily Masses. (No more pouring the Blood of Christ after the consecration)

e. Prayer requests

If you can pray for some friends of mine that are going through some times right now, as well as keep me in your prayers, I'd really appreciate it.

Pax Vobis


23 December 2014

The 15 insults...I mean diseases of the Roman Curia...and my thoughts

I know from my own experiences that blasting everyone doesn't work. I do know that addressing specific needs with those that you have issues with typically works better. Humans are complex creatures and should perhaps be treated as such...On that thought comes these gems from the Holy Father, probably enough to make a volume 2 of the book of insults

So let's go through these point by point.

1. The disease of feeling 'immortal' or 'essential'

Feelings are subjective, and it is true that this can be a form of pride in the sense that one could feel immovable or important. But it is also true that every piece of the puzzle is important, even the most minor of pieces. So as a result everyone should feel important because all jobs need to be done with care and dignity.

Applicable to us, sure, especially when we're young, we do tend to think that we're invincible. Our final end, sometimes we tend to not think about. Perhaps we should spend more time mediating upon these things, rather than thinking that we're invincible.

2. The disease of excessive activity

Well, yes, there are some that make themselves too busy and take on too much, surely...however, what about those that use busyness as an anti-dote to sloth? I know this is true for me, To avoid being slothful, I give myself things to do, even if they're not important. The struggle for holiness is real folks, and some of us have to battle it in very specific ways.

Of course we should try to reach a balance with these things, our activity and our rest. God rested, as such, we should rest too. It's good for the soul to relax, but 24/7 relaxing is bad, and 24/7 working is bad too, a balance must be found...but if one is given 1000's of things to do, one should either do them or delegate.

3. The diseases of mental and spiritual petrification

It is true that we're not robots, and we do have emotions, and we should probably use them. It is also true that a holy indifference is needed to be able to analyze things objectively. This does not mean that we don't empathize when called, or what not, but does mean in order to be able to help people that one can't be too invested in the situation. There's a reason I believe that everyone should have a spiritual director. To be able to look at ourselves with an objective eye, sometimes the outside looking in can see things that inside looking out can't.

I don't know if I can agree to it being a loss of internal peace, for peace is a state of being, not an emotion. I can be peaceful within the context of what I'm working on, even if I take on a machine like behaviour. Like I alluded to in the 2nd point, things do need to get done, and there can be times and places for everything that's needed. A laser like focus is sometimes needed to get work done. It's not that we "don't care".

4 and 5. The diseases of over- planning and bad coordination

Not necessarily every moment is that of the Holy Spirit, or necessarily of the Devil. Why do we plan to the greatest detail? Is to "avoid" promptings of the Spirit? No, of course not....Rather it's because being prepared for every situation makes things go smoother. To under- plan would lead to bad coordination. In order to run anything smoothly, everyone needs to be on the same page. This is why we plan, to keep everyone on the same page to work or get a job done. There's a heresy of formlessness because God is True Order itself. Now if plans don't go according to how they're written that's okay, it's not the end of the world, let's not make idols out of the schedule.

6. The disease of Spiritual Alzheimer's

The Spirit is strong, but the flesh is weak. I really have nothing to say on this one. Sometimes we do tend to forget that sin is a bad thing, and we should avoid it at all costs. Speaking in this subjective encounter with the Lord, we receive Him in Holy Communion, what greater encounter is there than this? That said, is always one of those happy joy joy, feel good moments? Of course not! I don't necessarily "feel" anything. To those that are given the gift of consolation great! But for most of us, that gift is not given...so it can definitely be easy to forget these things.

7. The disease of rivalry and vainglory

It is a good to be competitive and to try and do things well. However for maters within the Church, we don't do things for worldly accolades and vanity, we do them for the love of God, so again, I have nothing really to say on this point

8, 11, 12, and 14. The diseases of external schizophrenia, indifference to others, funeral face and closed circles.

These are the insults to introverts and to those of us that are reserve in our nature by not expressing our emotions one way or another (as a normal exercise)

Not everyone is called to "work with the people" or "walk a mile in their shoes" There are some that are called to the cloister or to be away from the daily struggle. Sometimes these people are dragged from where they're called for *insert reason here* and somehow have to make the best of the situation that they find themselves in. Some people are flat out reserve, and it's not that they're indifferent to other people, maybe the total opposite is true, they do actually care, but they show that care privately versus publicly. We can't smile in all situations, I think it'd be rather inappropriate if a person is getting shot to be smiling...If people are showing sad face, or a funeral face, one should probably ask what's going on...but perhaps it's just how they wish to express themselves. I know for myself, I'm reserve and I don't show my emotion always, I didn't realize being so would be condemned :p. The introverted or reserve person sometimes do tend to keep their circles close. It's no because we hate people, but giving trust is difficult for us, so as a result, yes, the circle is closed. There's no such thing as an open circle ;)

9 and 10. The diseases of "gossip and chatter" and defying the leaders

Well, here's a strange idea...watch what you say. If you don't wish to be spoken of, don't say anything in such a way that will be used against you. Don't pursue agendas that are contrary to the Truth, then you won't be defied. It's really simple, but no, people have to make things complicated don't they? Think twice, speak once....limit off the cuff comments when possible.

13 and 15. The diseases of hoarding and worldly profit and exhibitionism

Yes, having too much stuff is a bad thing (except for kittens and books)...it's true one should not be a materialist....or even do things for money, but rather for the love of God.

Exhibitionism, however, is a bit much. Yes, there are some that do wear the cuppa magna (Read Cardinal Burke, Bp Schneider, Cardinal Ranjith)...yes, these things do represent the world....they should. Then one strips off the world, and puts on a new creation in Christ. (the symbolism of the vestments by the way)...the cassock is street clothing...one puts on the armor of God. It's not exhibitionism to know this theology and to live it. It is not a form of pride to wear what was donated. If anything it's an exhibitionism to NOT wear these things because one is showing one's own tastes are greater than what is given to oneself.


Pax Vobis


22 December 2014

Everyone's lives matter...

Lately, no thanks to the various events that have happened, there's been this move for different hashtags such as #Blacklivesmatter #Policelivesmatter #Whitelivesmatter, etc.

I'm sorry, but all of these are wrong!. Everyone's lives matter. From the kid with down syndrome, to the elderly person who can barely walk and on their last breath. Everyone's lives matter. Every single person that exists on the face of the planet has a dignity that is equal.

It is perhaps a symptom of the culture at large that seems to place agenda and politics above humanity.

The thing is that NONE of the events should have happened in the first place. None of the events surrounding the events should have happened either...

Forgive me for being a bit angry, but when we're treating mere symptoms of a deeper problem, there's no way in heck a simple so called social media event is really going to do anything. And then on top of this we have athletes using activities of recreation trying to get into the agenda war too.

A little course in common sense is what I have to offer today...here's how it goes.

1) Follow legitimate orders and instructions....That is to say, if someone's telling you to get out the street, it's probably a good idea to listen. This does not mean allowing people to abuse their authority, this is why I qualified this statement. Clearly for example someone is trying to rape you, or steal something that is rightfully yours, by all means do not listen to this.

2) Don't act like complete idiots when things don't go your way: Rioting drives up the costs of items in the local area and makes problems even worse than they already are because now more resources must be used. If you're one to not trust cops, guess what, there's going to be MORE of them when you riot. So now you've made your problem worse. If you disagree with something, go through the proper channels for recourse...Make an appeal, file a new suit, but don't vandalize property like baboons.

3) Don't expect others to uphold the law, if you don't uphold it yourself. If you want people to not suspect an uneven playing field, apply the law equally, to those rich, and to those that are poor.  Do not let people buy off the justice system....

4) Don't act in a way that will make others suspicious, or lead to stereotyping...here's a strange idea, instead of robbing a store, selling cigarettes, acting like a gangster...umm, don't. If you don't break the law, you won't be bothered. A friendly reminder to those enforcing the various laws, all people are innocent until proven guilty, not guilty until proven innocent...Now if it happens that a person of *insert race here* does a crime, and the cops make their search more specific based upon this information, it is profiling, don't get me wrong, but if *insert race here* did not commit this particular crime, why should they even be looked at?

Everyone's lives matter, period. Everyone's lives matter, no person should die so that you might live as you wish. And no, just because an injustice was done does not give you a right to take justice into your own hands. Killing cops is just as wrong as killing innocent people....Enough with the stupidity, enough!

Pax Vobis

Thought of the day

If you boil a pot of water long enough it will boil over, if you poke a bear enough times it will attack. There is only so much tolerance that a person can take before it really destroys them.

12 December 2014

Thought of the day

I really don't think recreation should be used as a means for *insert liberal pet cause here*...if one seeks to transform society, so be it, alright, but do so by getting involved in the law making process.

10 December 2014

Thought of the day

It's interesting once one realizes that all sides of the MSM have been bought and paid for, it tends to put certain events in perspective.

07 December 2014

02 December 2014

Thought of the day

There is a tendency to despair, avoid this....the Church shall never fail, in spite of her leaders.