The official disseration is here...It should have gone more like this:
1. God created the heavens and the earth (cf Gen 1), and as such we as His creation do not have a right to treat the earth as we wish and to simply do things without consequences. It is important that we do not confuse respect for His creation with worship of His creation. We adore the One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one in essence and undivided (cf Liturgy of St John Chrysostom). Pantheism is a heresy and is something that we cannot fall into as Christians. It is important to keep in mind the greatest commandment, To love God with all our hearts, minds and souls, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our care for His creation involves both our love for God, because all that He created is beautiful, as well as our love for neighbor to make our earthly time a good place to live.
2. There are different theories and ideals as to how we should go about taking care of our earth. We must avoid both extremes: We can't be indifferent to the environment or exalt the environment above everything else. It is important for each local community to consider its own resources and abilities as to how to consider solving problems that do exist. As I do not live in your areas, I do not think it would be wise to offer blanket advice as for what to consider to solve environmental issues.
3. It is also important to not let our technologies become an idol and detract us from God. Technology can be used for good or for ill, and once again, we can not fall into a situation where we have extremes of avoiding technology completely, or making technology an end all be all. Technologies that destroy human life in particular life in the womb are an abomination, and must be avoided at all costs. Abortion is a crime against the dignity of a person, and cannot be justified as a use to safeguard the environment. With God's command of being fruitful and multiplying, He did not create the earth without being mindful of His creation and the great advances they would make.
4. St Francis of Assisi is often noted for his love of nature. It can't be forgotten that his primary love was God and His Church. He sought the best for the Church and absolutely condemned Liturgical abuses as well as un-worthy vestments and vessels for God. Let us indeed imitate his love for God and for His Church.
Showing posts with label What Pope Francis should have said. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What Pope Francis should have said. Show all posts
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
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
25 April 2014
Phone calls/canonizations and such
Last week we had Mandatumgate, this week we have the phone call and the supposed clarification
Whether what's being reported in the phone call as being true or not is not even the point. It's been over a year, and if by now the Pope hasn't learned that what he says and what he does will be under a microscope and more than likely leak out to the media (whether intentionally or unintentionally)...God have mercy on him.
None of us, myself included have any clue as to what was said (and I really don't wish to know what was said it's a private conversation)....some points that need to be said.
Whether what's being reported in the phone call as being true or not is not even the point. It's been over a year, and if by now the Pope hasn't learned that what he says and what he does will be under a microscope and more than likely leak out to the media (whether intentionally or unintentionally)...God have mercy on him.
None of us, myself included have any clue as to what was said (and I really don't wish to know what was said it's a private conversation)....some points that need to be said.
- It IS possible someone to proclaim the teachings of the Church in public, but not in private. It applies to everyone in the Church. need a reminder? Pope Honorius' letter was a private letter to a Bishop.
- I'm pretty sure the Pope was NOT expecting this conversation to go public**(see 1st paragraph)
- The fact that this would even be plausible is shown by the fact that he HAS made various phone calls to different people at random (the traditionalist attorney suffering from cancer, nuns in a convent, and back home to Argentina)
- The fact that he talks so ambiguously could mean that he would speak in such a manner as in bullet point one.
Many have cried about the Holy Father being misquoted, or misrepresented...which to be fair, several times has happened, but at what point does he (Pope Francis) take responsibility for the things he says? At what point does he take responsibility for the scandal that is caused by his actions? I most certainly understand the need to give the benefit of the doubt, but this continuous explanation/wussification, whatever you wish to call it is getting beyond tiring, when does it stop?
Also, on Sunday, are the canonizations of Bl JPII and Bl John XXIII...I'll say that I'm not every excited about it. For what it seems the canonizations are more politically motivated than holiness motivated. Certainly in the case of Bl JPII, there hasn't been enough time to objectively measure his life, and much of the cult of personality still remains....(and is returning with Francis). Considering Bl John XXIII is well before my time, I have no comment on him other than, he started Vatican II....and while the council may have been necessary, one could argue it was one of the worst times to call a council...(the time to call it would have been in the 50's or the 40's to address Communism)...as for the abuses of the Liturgy, that could have been stopped via synod and didn't need a council per se to stop them. (Don't misunderstand, Vatican II is a valid ecumenical council of the Church)...Other than that, I know little about him. :p...Let us pray.
Let us pray for some clarity, and charity.
Pax Vobis
11 December 2013
Evangelii Gaudium thoughts
With upcoming final exams, and my upcoming vacation...I realize that I'm not going to have the time to analyze every paragraph as I'd like, or perhaps I'll get back to it at a later date....but I'll summarize my thoughts in my own "exhortation form" ...modeled, but not the same as Christi Gaudium
Disclaimers:
1) Any resemblance to the real thing is merely a coincidence
2) It is not my fault that the real thing was too long.
Disclaimers:
1) Any resemblance to the real thing is merely a coincidence
2) It is not my fault that the real thing was too long.
NON-APOSTOLIC EXORTATION
GAUDIUM VERITATIS
OF A TEACHER ON EVANGELIZATION IN TODAY'S WORLD
The joy of Truth fills the hearts and minds of all who accept the Gospel, receive the Sacrament of Baptism and are bonded intimately to the Holy Church of God, the Mystical Body of Christ, the Holy Catholic Church.
The conditions of society are always in flux, but the mission of the Church is simple "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them all that I have commanded of you" (cf Matt 28, 19-20)
The Gospel is to be preached to everyone, those that are in false religions (Islam, Judaism, etc), those who do not know religion (atheism, agnostics, etc). Everyone has a right to hear and know the Truth of the Catholic Church, absolutely no one is to be excluded.
A decentralized Church can't work unless the Bishops', the Pope included teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, un-edited, without fear of offending people, or follow the Liturgical and Canonical laws of the Church. The Bishops' can't support specific policies on prudential judgement, and expect that the faithful listen to them when it counts on actual matters of Faith and morals. Since the Bishops' misuse what little authority they already have, the Holy See will not in any way delegate to local Bishops' conferences power on doctrine. Christ established Peter as the head of the Church (cf Matt 16, 18) ...and while how this headship has been exercised has varied over the centuries, It is Peter who is to confirm the faith of his brethren and take charge of matters in the Church (cf Jn 17)...Jesus did not give the other apostles' the keys and the successors of Peter have no power to change the words of Christ.
Any ministry must faithfully transmit the Catholic Faith, in its entirety, must firstly begin in the Worship of Almighty God, through the Church's Liturgy. The Liturgical Laws are to be strictly obeyed as to make the personality of the person disappear, and Christ truly present. The Liturgy is to be mysterious and covey heaven on earth. All banal songs are forbidden from Liturgy. In the Roman Church Gregorian chant is to be executed at all Masses. No longer will there be low Masses on Sundays, and Solemnities....God by the virtue of Justice is due supreme Worship, and so we will give unto Him what is rightly due. We will copy from our Eastern brethren the concept of singing the entire Liturgy. Going to Mass is meritorious in of itself, but our Love for God, needs to correspond to the love of neighbor.
The little traditions that we do to help us to remind us of Christ should be maintained, and fully explained as for future generations to deeply appreciate the fullness of the Catholic Faith.
The Church as founded by Christ Jesus is the Fullness of Truth, and is not merely one amongst many. As the Church founded by God himself, she has a right to proclaim the Truths of the Gospel, and call everyone to live out these Truths in daily society. She however loses credibility when she comes out in support of specific policy measures where the laity have more expertise than the pastors of these souls.
The responsibility of the hierarchy is to lead all souls to heaven. This can't be done when the Truths of the Church are half-preached, or ignored in their entirety. People will leave to go where the Truth is being taught because the Truth in of itself is attractive. This failure to preach the Truth of Christ wounds Christ as He desires everyone to be in union with His Bride the Catholic Church.
All of the problems in the world are due to the weakness of us not living our Faith to the fullness that we should. Whether it's abortion, sodomite marriage, or unemployment and hunger, all of these are due to the fact that Catholics do not live out their Faith correctly and to the fullest potential. Some points to consider in an economic situation
1) Any economic system requires moral people to run the system. Otherwise it will tend towards corruption because of original sin (or loss of grace)
2) It is a work of mercy to feed the poor. Christ does not say how this is best to be accomplished. If you figure a way that works, great.
3) Problems are best solved at the local level.
4) Abortion, sodomy can never be supported for any reason, period.
5) Everything that we have is a gift from God, and it is our duty out of our own free will to share this with others without coercion.
6) One can't give to others what one has rightfully earned.
With this in mind, the Church with Joy calls everyone unto herself through the sanctifying waters Baptism to participate in the Life of Grace with assistance through the gifts of the Holy Spirit...to teach the Truth to the ends of the earth, for all eternity Amen.
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