08 October 2014
Thought of the day
An immovable body and an unstoppable body would pass right through each other via the 1st and 2nd laws of motion. Those that seek to change the dogmas of the Church will fail because there is no way for this to happen. This does not mean that people won't try the end around though.
07 October 2014
Why are we so darn afraid? and a solution to the proposed problems
I must confess to you, I've been trying to tune out the whole Synod on the Family (though I have been praying for them) because I know exactly what's going to happen. The media will manipulate it. The language of the documents will be completely ambiguous as to interpret in any direction. The Pope will sign it, and then everything will be ignored and the Bishops' will do whatever they want. It's a completely predictable pattern if we've been following Church matters in the past few decades.
Over at Fr McDonald's blog a rather interesting post and discussion on the tone of the synod...and my eyes lit up and figured there's no way I could justify writing an entire essay on this topic, so here we go.
The language of ambiguity, the sugarcoating of virtually everything has been (if not still is) a major problem within the Church, and it can certainly be extended to society and even our interactions on a daily basis.
Apparently the words "sin" and "disordered" are uncomfortable and not welcoming enough.
Is it possible that we're NOT supposed to be comfortable? That we're supposed to be called to conversion and painting with pink unicorns and fluffy rainbows just won't do that. Certainly I can agree in the need to be charitable, but I can't agree to the premise that we need to be nice and inclusive about every little thing.
In the attempt to "dumb down" language, we're repeating the same mistakes that happened at Vatican II, and the same problems that got the ball rolling in the first place. We cannot change the language without losing its meaning. Even something as simple as changing the tone, changes things psychologically with our minds. How many of us know that Latin is still a requirement for the Liturgy? How many of us even know that the clergy are supposed to be trained in Latin well? (Granted if you read my blog or did some research, you probably DO know these things, but that's not the point.)
Situations, need to be called as they are and not for what they're not, I'm sick of attempting to please everyone. We can't, so let's stop trying and start teaching the Truth. Are people going to leave or be scared off? Surely, but it is not a game of numbers, or "how many". The Truth generally divides people and forces people to take a stand for something or nothing. It is certainly up to us to present the Truth in the most charitable manner, but it is NOT our job to per se convince people of said Truth. (Conversion is a grace from the Holy Spirit which we can't do alone, Faith is indeed a gift)...but being nice and pretending that things are okay, when they're not is absolutely ridiculous!
So there will be no pillow when a rock is needed to get through the window.
So while they spend an entire year trying to come up with "solutions" I'm going to go ahead and solve this right now...(someone can translate this to Italian and get it to them)
a. What do we do about the divorced?
You'll noticed I did not put remarried, because that's a separate situation. It needs to be made clear that a separation does NOT exclude one from Communion, as long as one does not enter into another relationship. The 2nd part of the statement being actually more important than the first.
Why can't one enter another relationship? The answer's rather simple, one would be committing adultery and be in two relationships at once. It's hard enough to handle one woman/man, why in the world would anyone want two or more? The Church in her wisdom knows our nature and how crazy we'd get if we placed ourselves in that kind of situation where we'd be worn out emotionally, physically and spiritually, and She does not wish this for us.
The local parishes should offer mediation (I'm of the opinion that all couples and individuals need spiritual directors) for the couples that are about to enter these situations. Why? Again, simple reasoning a marriage is for life, and our emotions come and go. An outsider can look at these situations and solve them without the emotions of being invested.
....I have a bit more to add to this post...but for now I'll stop here
Pax Vobis
Over at Fr McDonald's blog a rather interesting post and discussion on the tone of the synod...and my eyes lit up and figured there's no way I could justify writing an entire essay on this topic, so here we go.
The language of ambiguity, the sugarcoating of virtually everything has been (if not still is) a major problem within the Church, and it can certainly be extended to society and even our interactions on a daily basis.
Apparently the words "sin" and "disordered" are uncomfortable and not welcoming enough.
Is it possible that we're NOT supposed to be comfortable? That we're supposed to be called to conversion and painting with pink unicorns and fluffy rainbows just won't do that. Certainly I can agree in the need to be charitable, but I can't agree to the premise that we need to be nice and inclusive about every little thing.
In the attempt to "dumb down" language, we're repeating the same mistakes that happened at Vatican II, and the same problems that got the ball rolling in the first place. We cannot change the language without losing its meaning. Even something as simple as changing the tone, changes things psychologically with our minds. How many of us know that Latin is still a requirement for the Liturgy? How many of us even know that the clergy are supposed to be trained in Latin well? (Granted if you read my blog or did some research, you probably DO know these things, but that's not the point.)
Situations, need to be called as they are and not for what they're not, I'm sick of attempting to please everyone. We can't, so let's stop trying and start teaching the Truth. Are people going to leave or be scared off? Surely, but it is not a game of numbers, or "how many". The Truth generally divides people and forces people to take a stand for something or nothing. It is certainly up to us to present the Truth in the most charitable manner, but it is NOT our job to per se convince people of said Truth. (Conversion is a grace from the Holy Spirit which we can't do alone, Faith is indeed a gift)...but being nice and pretending that things are okay, when they're not is absolutely ridiculous!
So there will be no pillow when a rock is needed to get through the window.
So while they spend an entire year trying to come up with "solutions" I'm going to go ahead and solve this right now...(someone can translate this to Italian and get it to them)
a. What do we do about the divorced?
You'll noticed I did not put remarried, because that's a separate situation. It needs to be made clear that a separation does NOT exclude one from Communion, as long as one does not enter into another relationship. The 2nd part of the statement being actually more important than the first.
Why can't one enter another relationship? The answer's rather simple, one would be committing adultery and be in two relationships at once. It's hard enough to handle one woman/man, why in the world would anyone want two or more? The Church in her wisdom knows our nature and how crazy we'd get if we placed ourselves in that kind of situation where we'd be worn out emotionally, physically and spiritually, and She does not wish this for us.
The local parishes should offer mediation (I'm of the opinion that all couples and individuals need spiritual directors) for the couples that are about to enter these situations. Why? Again, simple reasoning a marriage is for life, and our emotions come and go. An outsider can look at these situations and solve them without the emotions of being invested.
....I have a bit more to add to this post...but for now I'll stop here
Pax Vobis
06 October 2014
05 October 2014
Prayer requests
I must confess it's been a relatively rough week...so somethings I'd like for you to pray for...
a. For the repose of the soul of Fr Benedict Groeschel CFR, I met him once, left a good impression on me, although I was not called to that particular order.
b. For the Synod on the Family. God help us if Kasper and his cronies are left in charge.
c. My personal requests for the daughter of Lisa and for a woman with code name C.
a. For the repose of the soul of Fr Benedict Groeschel CFR, I met him once, left a good impression on me, although I was not called to that particular order.
b. For the Synod on the Family. God help us if Kasper and his cronies are left in charge.
c. My personal requests for the daughter of Lisa and for a woman with code name C.
Thought of the day
Every time I hear applause at church, I always think of Pope Benedict's quote on applause in the Liturgy for human achievements. It's better when a member of the choir agrees with you.
03 October 2014
Thought of the day
Like it was yesterday, that's often how things still feel, regardless of how long ago they've been.
01 October 2014
On the feast of the ever wonderful St Therese
A most blessed feast day to all of you! Through her intercession may you all be provided the graces you need to get through whatever you need.
"How sweet is the way of Love! True, one may fall, one may not be always faithful, but Love, knowing how to draw profit from all, very quickly consumes whatsoever may displease Jesus, leaving naught but humble and profound peace in the innermost soul."
It's certainly not easy to be faithful, with so much discouragement coming from the top. For someone like myself I have to try and avoid being too cynical and pessimistic towards everything that goes on. Whether it's towards people, or towards matters in the Church. I think collectively we need to realize (in particular for me) people let us down and sometimes we're our own obstacle to doing great things.
But really our love for God will get us through, if we allow it to be so. To open our hearts to His love can sometimes be a rather difficult thing due to various reasons. I know for myself it's quite, quite difficult given the various crosses that I've had (and to some degree continue) to have in my life. I do my best, but so often I am weak and still fail.
I'm ever thankful to St Therese who has gotten me through virtually everything, points at my lowest, and points at my highest. She's a friend who I can always count on to put up with my perpetual complaining. Her stubbornness (just like mine), her sometimes cynicalness all I can relate to...If it isn't obvious, I love St Therese everything she stood for and everything she did...and I pray that once again she'll come to my aid for the various intentions that I have....Sorry for the rather semi-personal love letter to St Therese, but this glorious saint brings my soft side out...speaking of which.
I'd much appreciate it if you'd pray for a very special intention. It's been quite a while since I've allowed what I may allow to happen, to happen, I can't be specific about it now, but please do pray for this intention.
I leave with another quote from my dear Therese
"Love attracts love, mine rushes forth unto Thee, it would fain fill up the abyss which attracts it; but alas! it is not even as one drop of dew lost in the Ocean. To love Thee as Thou lovest me I must borrow Thy very Love - then only, can I find rest."
Again, a blessed feast day to all of you!
Pax Vobis
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