Soccer practice has been going well thus far. The team is energetic and they're practicing well. It seems to me that they will play well together, overall.
The majority of our games this season are away and travelling with the team is always a great deal of fun. I'm looking forward to the conversations that we'll have, both at the bench and on the bus. I'm not so much there to coach as I am for moral support, sort of an unofficial mascot, if you will. I know that, and they know that.
One of our soccer players, Craig, who blogs at Argyle socs n' mocs, shared a few reflections on the benefits of playing soccer.
Today they had an easy practice painting the goal posts, benches and fields. When it was announced at the end of practice yesterday that we'd be painting the field, not a few of us were a little concerned. We've made several 10' x 10' boxes for practice and these boxes have not been very straight at all. It seems that most of us aren't really capable of walking in a straight line, myself included. Happily, though, the lines today turned out mostly straight.
At Mass this morning I preached the homily given last year on this day by Pope Benedict XVI. As I read through it looking for ideas for my own homily I really liked what he said and decided it would be just as easy to preach as it was than to rework it. It worked rather well.
Aside from soccer practice, it's been a quiet day. I've been rather tired all day today, probably because the weather seems to be up to something. I've heard it's supposed to storm, but we'll see what happens.
I've spent a good part of the day simply resting - always a good thing to do on a holyday - and reading. Right now I'm working my way through Leper Priest of Molokai: The Father Damien Story. The book is authored by a professor of medicine and, despite a few inaccuracies (minor theological ones, mostly) it is a gripping tale. I don't really want to put it down.
Nevertheless I have put it down a few times, but only to work on Sunday's homily. The Gospel passage is one of the more difficult ones to preach on, so I've gotten to work early and, by the grace of God, I think it's nearly finished.
Let each of us continue to rejoice in this festal day as we celebrated the Assumption of our Blessed Mother!
15 August 2008
14 August 2008
Homily - 15 August 2008 - The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - At the Vigil Mass
The first reading this evening recounts for us the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the capital city of Jerusalem, recently established by King David. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to the holy mountain, “for the Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling” (Psalm 132:13). What is this Ark?It is not the Ark of Noah, but the Ark of Moses. Whereas Noah’s Ark carried those creatures destined to survive the great Flood, the Ark of Moses, the Ark of God, bore not creatures, but the Creator himself.
The Lord commanded Moses to build this Ark and to place within it the two tablets of the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 25:10-16). The Lord promised Moses that he would be present in the Ark, saying,
There I will meet you and there, from above the propitiatory [the cover], between the two cherubim on the ark of the commandments, I will tell you all the commands that I wish you to give to the Israelites (Exodus 25:22).It was in the Ark that the Lord would be present to his people and from the Ark that he would speak to and lead his people.
The Ark of the Covenant was then placed inside the meeting tent, curtained off from the people. When Moses had arranged the meeting tent just as the Lord told him, “the cloud covered the meeting tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling” (Exodus 40:34).
This is the same tent that David erected in Jerusalem, of which we have heard just a moment ago. It is this tent that was replaced by the Temple, built by David’s son, Solomon. But what has any of this to do with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, which we celebrate today?
It has everything to do with today’s celebration. The ancient Fathers of the Church
looked upon the Ark of the Covenant, built of incorruptible wood and placed in the Lord’s temple, as a type of the most pure body of the Virgin Mary, preserved and exempt from all the corruption of the tomb and raised up to such glory in heaven.[1]The Ark of the Covenant, which housed the glory of God, the presence of God, was seen as a prefiguration of the true Ark of the Covenant, the Virgin Mary, who housed the Lord himself, Jesus the Christ, in her womb.
In Mary’s assumption into heaven the words of the Psalmist are fulfilled: “Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness” (Psalm 132:8). The Lord Jesus has taken his ark, his Blessed Mother, into heaven, into the place of his rest.
We know that through the sin of Adam and Eve death entered the world. We, too, suffer the consequences of this original sin and we know that we, too, will die. We also know that after death our bodies are corrupted, they decay and turn to dust and ashes. But this is not the case with the body of the Mother of God.
Because of her singular fidelity to the divine plan, Mary has been granted two unique privileges: her Immaculate Conception and her Assumption. Mary,
by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception, and as a result she was not subject to the law or remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.[2]In Mary, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (Isaiah 25:8; I Corinthians 15:54).
But why should the Lord grant this favor to his Blessed Mother? He has granted it to her, I think, for two reasons: because it is eminently fitting, and because it gives us hope.
That woman in the crowd spoke well of the Mother of Jesus. “Blessed is the womb that carried you,” she exclaimed, “and the breasts at which you nursed” (Luke 11:27). Yes, it as is Pope Pius XII said:
[I]t seems impossible to think of her, the one who conceived Christ, brought him forth, nursed him with her milk, held him in her arms, and clasped him to her breast, as being apart from him in body, even though not in soul, after this earthly life. Since our Redeemer is the Son of Mary, he could not do otherwise, as the perfect observer of God’s law, than to honor, not only his eternal Father, but also his most beloved Mother. And, since it was within his power to grant her this great honor, to preserve her from the corruption of the tomb, we must believe that he really acted in this way.[3]How could the Son not glorify his Mother, and in this way bring glory to himself?
But there is more, for if we look at the Assumption of our Blessed Mother we see the promise of our own resurrection on the last day.
We know that Mary remains fully human, even in her Assumption into heaven and this gives us hope. For if Mary, a human, has entered body and soul into the heavenly realm, we who are also human can enter into heaven with her. There is a place for us, too!
Let us rejoice in this holy day and let each of us look to Mary, our Mother in heaven. Let us ask her to show us the way to blessedness, to happiness. Let us take confidence in her Assumption and ask her Son to keep us faithful that we, with Mary, may “enter his dwelling” and “worship at his footstool” (Psalm 132:7).
Today, let each of us “shout merrily for joy” (Psalm 132:9), for “that which is mortal [has clothed] itself with immortality” (I Corinthians 15:54). Amen.
[1] Pope Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus, 26.
[2] Ibid., 5.
[3] Ibid., 38.
Comments
For a reason unknown to me, I haven't been receiving e-mail notification for the past day or so when comments are left on my blog. I think I've found them all now, but if not, do let me know. Thanks!
Choices
When Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a boy the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him. She showed him two garlands, one white and the other red. She said to him,
He answered Our Lady, saying,
Mary offered no reprimand or correction. She simply smiled and departed.
Perhaps Maximilian's answer stems simply from the boldness of a child. Would that we were all so bold! Is this not what Jesus meant when he declared, "unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the kindgom" (Matthew 18:3).
Let each of say, "I'll take both."
The white one means that you will remain pure; the red one that you will die a martyr. Which do you want?I suspect that most of us would choose the white garland, purity, thinking it easier than suffering a martyr's death. Doubtless, though, some of the martyrs would disagree, and maybe some of the virgins, too. Which did young Maximilian, then little Raimund, choose?
He answered Our Lady, saying,
I'll take both.I don't expect many of us would have even considered such an answer, so accustomed are we to choosing one or the other. Choosing both seems greedy, does it not? Or at least presumptuous.
Mary offered no reprimand or correction. She simply smiled and departed.
Perhaps Maximilian's answer stems simply from the boldness of a child. Would that we were all so bold! Is this not what Jesus meant when he declared, "unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter the kindgom" (Matthew 18:3).
Let each of say, "I'll take both."
13 August 2008
Back to the field
The St. Anthony High School Boys Soccer Team resumes practice this afternoon.
I think the team has grown significantly this year in numbers, with several new freshman who are small, but fast.
Being with the soccer team last year was a great deal of fun last year and I'm very much looking foward to being with them again this year.
If you're interested, here's the schedule for the season.
I think the team has grown significantly this year in numbers, with several new freshman who are small, but fast.
Being with the soccer team last year was a great deal of fun last year and I'm very much looking foward to being with them again this year.
If you're interested, here's the schedule for the season.
12 August 2008
On cemeteries
I like cemeteries. I always have, and the older the cemetery is the more I like it.
There is something very comforting and consoling about a cemetery. They are quiet and peaceful and are perfect for reflection.
I have been known to pull off of a highway to take a stroll through a cemetery and more often than not I bless the dead as I drive past a cemetery.
Walking through a cemetery one cannot help but become aware of the brevity of life as you see the dates of birth and of death. Who are these people, some who are remembered by many, others by a few, and still others by none? What were their lives like? What gave their lives purpose and direction? The important things in life come to the bear upon the soul especially when looking at one a few people choose to place on tombstones these days.
Cemeteries are a perfect place to pray, precisely because they help to refocus us on the things eternal.
In a letter written to his brother, Blessed Father Damien of Molokai confessed:
I have often said that if we live with our death in mind that we will live well (or something very near it). Remembering that we will, in fact, die, and that the way we live has impact on our eternal destiny, helps keep us grounded in truth and in love, namely in Jesus Christ.
Such a notion is very often today said to be morbid. It is not; it is quite Christian. Father Damien also wrote to his brother, saying:
There is something very comforting and consoling about a cemetery. They are quiet and peaceful and are perfect for reflection.
I have been known to pull off of a highway to take a stroll through a cemetery and more often than not I bless the dead as I drive past a cemetery.
Walking through a cemetery one cannot help but become aware of the brevity of life as you see the dates of birth and of death. Who are these people, some who are remembered by many, others by a few, and still others by none? What were their lives like? What gave their lives purpose and direction? The important things in life come to the bear upon the soul especially when looking at one a few people choose to place on tombstones these days.
Cemeteries are a perfect place to pray, precisely because they help to refocus us on the things eternal.
In a letter written to his brother, Blessed Father Damien of Molokai confessed:
My greatest pleasure is to go [to the cemetery] to say my beads, and meditate on that unending happiness which so many of them are already enjoying.When was the last time you walked through a cemetery, praying for the dead and for yourself? As summer draws to a close and days grow cooler I would encourage you to do so, pondering, with Blessed Damien, the joys of heaven (not to mention performing a spiritual work of mercy and maybe even gaining an indulgence).
I have often said that if we live with our death in mind that we will live well (or something very near it). Remembering that we will, in fact, die, and that the way we live has impact on our eternal destiny, helps keep us grounded in truth and in love, namely in Jesus Christ.
Such a notion is very often today said to be morbid. It is not; it is quite Christian. Father Damien also wrote to his brother, saying:
I confess to you, my dear brother, that the cemetery and the hut of the dying are my best meditation books, as well as for the benefit of my own soul in view of preparing my instructions.Living with our own death in mind will also help us show others how to follow Christ. For in meditating upon the Last Things, we cannot help but dwell upon the merciful love of Christ, of him who calls all people to himself. In this way we see the truth of the words of Saint Paul: "None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself" (Romans 14:7).
Prayers to Blessed Damien
In the past couple of days I noticed a bit of spike in the number of daily hits, all from good folks looking for "nine day prayer for Father Damien". I suspect what you're looking for is a Novena to Blessed Damien of Molokai.
Some are also looking for the Collect for his Feastday. It is as follows:
Some are also looking for the Collect for his Feastday. It is as follows:
Father of mercy,And while we're on the topic of Blessed Damien, you might want to read Bishop Silva's article on the news of Father Damien's forthcoming canonization.
in Blessed Damien
you have given a shining witness of love
for the poorest and most abandoned.
Grant that, by his intercession,
as faithful witness of the heart of your Son Jesus,
we too may be servants of the most needy and rejected.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
A church in honor of Father Damien
Very happy news is coming across the wires from the Catholic News Agency:
A new Catholic church dedicated to Blessed Father Damien De Veuster is being planned in Hawaii following news that the Vatican has attributed a second miracle to the priest who ministered to Hawaiian lepers. [more]You can read another article here.
A correction
A trusted friend and one "in the know" on these sorts of things very kindly e-mailed a correction to my response to the recent Letter to the Editor of Mr. Harold Kaufman.
In my response to his letter, I said, "Likewise, the Vatican does not invest in real estate." I regret to say that I was quite wrong on this point. Nevertheless, my error does not change the thrust of my letter, thankfully.
I apologize for the error and am grateful for the correction. I have corrected it via an update on the original blog post and have e-mailed the correction and apology to the Effingham Daily News.
Should you ever notice something that I say that is incorrect, please, kindly inform me and I will do what I can to correct my error. This will not only help to keep the integrity of this blog, but will also help keep it the calm place on the web that I hope it will remain. We've never really been embroiled in heated arguments, though we have had a few serious discussions. I am grateful to all of my readers for keeping the blog this way.
In my response to his letter, I said, "Likewise, the Vatican does not invest in real estate." I regret to say that I was quite wrong on this point. Nevertheless, my error does not change the thrust of my letter, thankfully.
I apologize for the error and am grateful for the correction. I have corrected it via an update on the original blog post and have e-mailed the correction and apology to the Effingham Daily News.
Should you ever notice something that I say that is incorrect, please, kindly inform me and I will do what I can to correct my error. This will not only help to keep the integrity of this blog, but will also help keep it the calm place on the web that I hope it will remain. We've never really been embroiled in heated arguments, though we have had a few serious discussions. I am grateful to all of my readers for keeping the blog this way.
11 August 2008
One of heaven's lights
In his Encyclical Letter Spe salvi, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI wisely recalls:
Human life is a journey. Towards what destination? How do we find the way?
Life is like a voyage on the sea of history, often dark and stormy, a voyage in
which we watch for the stars that indicate the route. The true stars of our life
are the people who have lived good lives. They are lights of hope. Certainly,
Jesus Christ is the true light, the sun that has risen above all the shadows of
history. But to reach him we also need lights close by—people who shine with his
light and so guide us along our way (49).
Today Holy Mother Church celebrates one such light: Saint Clare of Assisi.
On 16 July 1194 Favorino and Ortolana welcomed their eldest daughter into the world, giving her the name Chiara, Clare.
In his First Life of Saint Clare's spiritual father, Saint Francis of Assisi, he spoke of the foundress of the Poor Clares with great admiration when he wrote of the church of San Damiano:
This was the place where lady Clare, a native of th city of Assisi, most precious and strong stone, was the foundation for the other stones that were laid over her. In fact, having been converted to the Lord through the Saint's [Francis'] encouragement following the beginning of the Order of the Friars Minor, she was the source of spiritual gain for many and was an example to countless people. She was noble by birth but even more noble in grace, virgin in body and purest of spirit, young in age but old in judgment, constant in her resolve and burning with the enthusiasm of divine love, rich in wisdom and humility, Clare by name, brighter in her life, brightest in virtue.Erected above her was the noble edifice of those most precious pearls whose praises cannot be sung by men but only by God, because limited human thought cannot suffice to conceive of it, nor is meager human language enough to repeat it (1.VIII, 18-19).
"Clare by name, brighter in her life." Here Celano plays a pun on her name, a name which means "light," "radiance."
Let each of us, then, ask Lady Clare to shine her light upon us, to light up the path that leads to Christ, that we, with her, may come to bask in the radiance of the Lord's own faith.
St. Francis of Assisi church in Teutopolis - 4 miles away - has a beautiful stained glass window depicted the Poverello receiving Saint Clare as a nun. I don't seem to have it here in the rectory, so I'll post it in the morning.
Here, Saint Clare of Assisi is depicted in St. Anthony of Padua church in Effingham holding the Eucharist in a monstrance shaped like a lantern:
FSGMs to receive new members
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the feastday when the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George receive new members into their Order and when Professions are made.
Please keep these women in your prayers, especially on Friday.
This year four postulants will be received and six novices will make their first profession.
Please keep these women in your prayers, especially on Friday.
The unutterable name
Our friends the New Liturgical Movement share with us the welcome decision of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments regarding the use of the Divine Name.
To over simplify the June 29th decision of the Congregation: the Divine Name is not to be used, neither in speech nor in text.
I welcome this decision and whole heartedly and wish it had only come sooner. I've long been disturbed at various songs that sign the name of God, the name that the Chosen People refused to utter.
One might well ask why this decision has been given. The answer is quite simply, really. It is a matter of respect for the Divine Name of God, the name that the Jewish people do not say and that the early never uttered.
His Emminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of said Congregation, explains the reasoning thus:
This decision means that, "In liturgical celebrations, in songs and prayers the name of God in the form of the tetragrammaton YHWH is neither to be used nor pronounced."
To over simplify the June 29th decision of the Congregation: the Divine Name is not to be used, neither in speech nor in text.
I welcome this decision and whole heartedly and wish it had only come sooner. I've long been disturbed at various songs that sign the name of God, the name that the Chosen People refused to utter.
One might well ask why this decision has been given. The answer is quite simply, really. It is a matter of respect for the Divine Name of God, the name that the Jewish people do not say and that the early never uttered.
His Emminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of said Congregation, explains the reasoning thus:
The venerable biblical tradition of Sacred Scripture, known as the Old Testament, displays a series of divine appellations, among which is the sacred name of God revealed in the tetragrammaton YHWH... As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronnouncable and hence was replaced during the reading of Sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: "Adonai," which means "Lord."The word tetragrammaton means something like "four letters." The name of God given in Hebrew is a series of four letters, transliterated in the Roman alphabet as YHWH. As you may know, ancient was written without the use of vowels and thus today it is translated in many different forms, with various degrees of accuracy.
This decision means that, "In liturgical celebrations, in songs and prayers the name of God in the form of the tetragrammaton YHWH is neither to be used nor pronounced."
Dude, where's my golf cart?
The past few days have been both jam-packed and enjoyable as the parish celebrated its annual Parish Picnic.
The Lord blessed us with weather that simply could not have been better, especially for an August weekend in Illinois. The temperatures were in the upper seventies and lower eighties (last night as we were "shutting down" it was even a bit chilly), the sun shone brightly and the humidity was low. All of this combined to bring out quite a crowd.
Saturday morning I celebrated the 6:30 a.m. Mass and went out to breakfast with a couple who wanted to ask various questions. I intended to return to the parish about 8:30 a.m. to participate in the second annual Bulldog Run/Walk Challenge but we didn't return until 9:00 a.m.
Having missed the beginning of the challenge, I decided to begin work on Sunday's homily (I intended to do that Friday night but instead spent no small amount of time with a couple offering advise and counseling which turned out to be - thanks be to God - quite fruitful). After thirty minutes or so of homily work I went to the high school to greet those finishing the challenge and for the presentation of awards.
I brought the legal pad with me on which I was writing the homily in draft, thinking I might be arriving at the finish a bit early and would have more time to work on it. At this point it was about 9:30 a.m.
I wasn't early and despite the pad in front of me and the pencil in my hand half a dozen high school kids came over started talking with me. We were laughing and carrying on and I think a few people were a bit surprised at the situation (some people still seem to think I'm boring or something). It was a good time.
After the awards presentation another gentleman had several questions to ask and so I stayed with him until about 11:00 a.m. before I had to excuse myself to work on the homily and get a bit of rest. Answering questions all morning is tiring - though very enriching - work.
When I returned to the rectory I had a quick lunch and resumed work on the homily. It was a fun homily to write but it took some time drawing it all together. I'm still not fully happy with the result but I've received numerous remarks of gratitude for it, so I'll leave it as it is.
In the midst of trying to pull it all together - about 3:00 p.m. - I received a call from some of the picnic volunteer workers who needed to get into a garage but didn't have the key. I went looking for the key and went back to the high school to help them, but I brought the wrong key. Returning to the office I couldn't determine which key was the correct one so I brought a bunch of them back to the high school. After some effort the door was unlocked.
When I returned to the office I began to put the keys away and when I returned to the rectory I realized I locked myself out, having left my keys in the office. Thankfully, the Pastor was just about to hear confessions so I borrowed his keys.
I then finished up the homily and prepared for the evening Mass at our mission parish.
After Mass I baptized a child back at St. Anthony's and then attended the picnic, where I remained until 11:30 p.m. I then promptly went to bed.
After two Masses on Sunday morning I returned the picnic where I stayed until 3:00 p.m., wandering around and visiting with people.
At 3:00 I returned to the rectory for a late lunch and to keep myself awake for an evening Mass. After the third Mass of the day I returned to the office to see if a golf cart was free for the taking now that the dinner had concluded.
For me, the confiscation of a golf cart is the most enjoyable part of the picnic. I've always loved driving a golf cart around just for the fun of it and last evening proved no exception. Happily, there was a free cart.
When I arrived at the picnic in the golf cart I parked behind the dunk tank (which I never entered). Walking the behind the dunk tank and not paying much attention I heard the unmistakable sound of something hitting metal. I jumped, being quite startled, and before I realized what happened water splashed on me as the dunkee fell into the water. Oops.
It didn't take long before some of the high school boys insisted that I take them for a spin around the picnic grounds in the golf cart. I acceded to their demand and we had a good time driving around the high school parking lot.
I then spent the remainder of the evening at the picnic visiting with people and wandering around, doing all that I could to stay awake until after the drawing of the raffle prizes around 10:30 p.m., which the Pastor and I both drew.
I bought more tickets for Pope Benedict XVI this year but, alas, he didn't win.
After searching unsuccessfully for the golf cart I caught a ride back to the rectory and was pleased to see all three golf carts used for the picnic - including mine - in the driveway. I've still no idea who stole my golf cart. Having found the missing cart I slept peacefully.
Today I'm still rather tired and am taking a quiet day, which is just as well as I might have talked too much the last few days. Not only is my body tired today, but my voice as well.
A happy St. Clare day to you all! (More on her later.)
The Lord blessed us with weather that simply could not have been better, especially for an August weekend in Illinois. The temperatures were in the upper seventies and lower eighties (last night as we were "shutting down" it was even a bit chilly), the sun shone brightly and the humidity was low. All of this combined to bring out quite a crowd.
Saturday morning I celebrated the 6:30 a.m. Mass and went out to breakfast with a couple who wanted to ask various questions. I intended to return to the parish about 8:30 a.m. to participate in the second annual Bulldog Run/Walk Challenge but we didn't return until 9:00 a.m.
Having missed the beginning of the challenge, I decided to begin work on Sunday's homily (I intended to do that Friday night but instead spent no small amount of time with a couple offering advise and counseling which turned out to be - thanks be to God - quite fruitful). After thirty minutes or so of homily work I went to the high school to greet those finishing the challenge and for the presentation of awards.
I brought the legal pad with me on which I was writing the homily in draft, thinking I might be arriving at the finish a bit early and would have more time to work on it. At this point it was about 9:30 a.m.
I wasn't early and despite the pad in front of me and the pencil in my hand half a dozen high school kids came over started talking with me. We were laughing and carrying on and I think a few people were a bit surprised at the situation (some people still seem to think I'm boring or something). It was a good time.
After the awards presentation another gentleman had several questions to ask and so I stayed with him until about 11:00 a.m. before I had to excuse myself to work on the homily and get a bit of rest. Answering questions all morning is tiring - though very enriching - work.
When I returned to the rectory I had a quick lunch and resumed work on the homily. It was a fun homily to write but it took some time drawing it all together. I'm still not fully happy with the result but I've received numerous remarks of gratitude for it, so I'll leave it as it is.
In the midst of trying to pull it all together - about 3:00 p.m. - I received a call from some of the picnic volunteer workers who needed to get into a garage but didn't have the key. I went looking for the key and went back to the high school to help them, but I brought the wrong key. Returning to the office I couldn't determine which key was the correct one so I brought a bunch of them back to the high school. After some effort the door was unlocked.
When I returned to the office I began to put the keys away and when I returned to the rectory I realized I locked myself out, having left my keys in the office. Thankfully, the Pastor was just about to hear confessions so I borrowed his keys.
I then finished up the homily and prepared for the evening Mass at our mission parish.
After Mass I baptized a child back at St. Anthony's and then attended the picnic, where I remained until 11:30 p.m. I then promptly went to bed.
After two Masses on Sunday morning I returned the picnic where I stayed until 3:00 p.m., wandering around and visiting with people.
At 3:00 I returned to the rectory for a late lunch and to keep myself awake for an evening Mass. After the third Mass of the day I returned to the office to see if a golf cart was free for the taking now that the dinner had concluded.
For me, the confiscation of a golf cart is the most enjoyable part of the picnic. I've always loved driving a golf cart around just for the fun of it and last evening proved no exception. Happily, there was a free cart.
When I arrived at the picnic in the golf cart I parked behind the dunk tank (which I never entered). Walking the behind the dunk tank and not paying much attention I heard the unmistakable sound of something hitting metal. I jumped, being quite startled, and before I realized what happened water splashed on me as the dunkee fell into the water. Oops.
It didn't take long before some of the high school boys insisted that I take them for a spin around the picnic grounds in the golf cart. I acceded to their demand and we had a good time driving around the high school parking lot.
I then spent the remainder of the evening at the picnic visiting with people and wandering around, doing all that I could to stay awake until after the drawing of the raffle prizes around 10:30 p.m., which the Pastor and I both drew.
I bought more tickets for Pope Benedict XVI this year but, alas, he didn't win.
Once the raffle was finished I was exhausted - I'd been exhausted for a while, really - and was quite ready for bed. Naturally, I walked back to the dunk tank and was shocked when I saw that the golf cart was not there. At all. It was gone.
After searching unsuccessfully for the golf cart I caught a ride back to the rectory and was pleased to see all three golf carts used for the picnic - including mine - in the driveway. I've still no idea who stole my golf cart. Having found the missing cart I slept peacefully.
Today I'm still rather tired and am taking a quiet day, which is just as well as I might have talked too much the last few days. Not only is my body tired today, but my voice as well.
A happy St. Clare day to you all! (More on her later.)
10 August 2008
Homily - 10 August 2008
There is something immensely calming about gazing out over the waters of the sea. Sitting on the shore, looking out over the immensity of the waters brings with it a profound peace and a realization of our own smallness. As the waters extend to the vastness of the horizon, one seems to look out into eternity where worries and concerns vanish and all that matters is the present moment.
When it comes down to it, the sea seems to beckon us, calling us to enter into the waters. Who can resist the temptation to at least get their feet wet? But we also know that these same waters can be frightening. In this way, the waters are like prayer.
When we look at someone praying – truly praying – we see a person at peace, one caught up in the present moment, one who has not simply gotten his feet wet but who has taken a plunge. Seeing such a person beckons us, like the water, to enter into prayer ourselves. But if prayer is so attractive, why are so few people truly men and women of prayer? It is because prayer is also frightening.
What happens in authentic prayer? Pope Benedict XVI recently described prayer in these words:
This is why prayer is both inviting and troubling.
When you first step into the ocean you encounter the shore break where the waters are strong and even violent. If you are not careful and alert the waves may well knock you down and carry you away. These very same waters that from the shore seemed tranquil and serene are now powerful and frightening. But if you allow the waves to carry you, if you trust the waves, so to speak, they will carry you to calm waters just beyond the shore break, where all you need do is bounce and bob with the waves.
In this way, prayer is similar to the ocean. Prayer, like the water, is at first appearance calm and inviting, opening up into a vast expanse. And yet, when you first step into prayer, as it were, it becomes something uncomfortable and even frightening, precisely because it is a purification. What do I mean?
Entering into prayer requires that we first withdraw from the distractions that surround us and enter into silence. This is why Jesus “went up on the mountain by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). In the words of Saint John Chrysostom, Jesus went alone
This is why silence is the beginning of prayer, the invitation to prayer. This is why prayer is inviting.
But not many of us like silence these days, preferring the constant buzz of the computer or fan, or the constant sounds of the iPod or television. We often find silence deafening. We seemingly do all that we can to remove silence from our lives without realizing that doing so takes us further from authentic joy and peace.
Why do we run from silence? We do so for the very same reason that prayer, when first entered into, seems daunting and frightening.
Entering into silence we are left alone with our thoughts, thoughts open to the Lord. We become aware that we are not, in fact, alone, and thus we begin to enter into prayer.
Prayer, dialogue with the Lord, is, as we have said, at first inviting. But the longer we are in his presence, the longer we speak with and listen to him, the more aware we become of our sin. We see the depth of his great love for us and the many ways in which we have failed to return his love. We see the many times that we have failed to trust him and have tired to govern our own lives.
The reality of our lack of love disturbs us, makes us uncomfortable, and sometimes makes us want to flee from his presence. It is at this moment, as it were, that we find ourselves at the shore break, at that place where prayer becomes frightening and alarming, at that place where we need to exercise the fear of the Lord, the fear that leads to love.
Pope Benedict XVI put it this way:
It is here that we all too often turn our gaze from Jesus Christ and focus on our sin. As we do so, we fail to see and to seek his mercy and love, we refuse to be purified by him and so we begin to sink into the waters. It is here that we must cry out with Saint Peter, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30)!
In some way, such a cry is necessary, for “God cannot change things without our conversion, and our true conversion begins with the ‘cry’ of the soul imploring forgiveness and salvation.”[4]
This cry is a recognition of our dependence on the love and mercy of Christ. It is a recognition that we are sinners, that we cannot save ourselves, that we need to be in relationship with the Lord.
We see, then, that Jesus does not ignore Peter’s request. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31); he will do the same with us. He will stretch out his hand – just one strong, powerful hand – and lift us out of the waters. He will raise us back into his presence and say to us, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31). “Why did you doubt my love? Why did you doubt my mercy?”
Catching us in his hand he will lift us out of the terrifying waters and place us just beyond the shore break, where the waters are calm and prayer is fruitful. We will experience the grace of his love and mercy and be purified by him.
This is the purpose of prayer. Prayer is not simply about asking the Lord to fix all of our problems. It is primarily about being in relationship with Christ, developing a friendship with him and becoming like him. The deeper a friendship grows, the more two friends become like each other. It is the same between the believer and Christ.
Let each of us, then, not be afraid to step into the waters of prayer; let us not be afraid to be carried away by them! Let us allow the hand of Jesus to carry us to that place of safety where we can listen to him, imitate him and be purified by him. Amen.
[1] Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Ecclesial Convention of the Diocese of Rome, 9 June 2008.
[2] Saint John Chrysostom, Homily on the Gospel of Matthew, 50.1 (), 36.
[3] Pope Benedict XVI, Address, 9 June 2008.
[4] Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, 21 October 2007.
When it comes down to it, the sea seems to beckon us, calling us to enter into the waters. Who can resist the temptation to at least get their feet wet? But we also know that these same waters can be frightening. In this way, the waters are like prayer.
When we look at someone praying – truly praying – we see a person at peace, one caught up in the present moment, one who has not simply gotten his feet wet but who has taken a plunge. Seeing such a person beckons us, like the water, to enter into prayer ourselves. But if prayer is so attractive, why are so few people truly men and women of prayer? It is because prayer is also frightening.
What happens in authentic prayer? Pope Benedict XVI recently described prayer in these words:
In prayer we open ourselves to the One who is the origin and foundation of our hope. The prayerful person is never totally alone for God is the One who in every situation and in any trial is always able to listen to and help him/her. Through perseverance in prayer the Lord broadens our desires and expands our mind, rendering us better able to receive him within ourselves.[1]
This is why prayer is both inviting and troubling.
When you first step into the ocean you encounter the shore break where the waters are strong and even violent. If you are not careful and alert the waves may well knock you down and carry you away. These very same waters that from the shore seemed tranquil and serene are now powerful and frightening. But if you allow the waves to carry you, if you trust the waves, so to speak, they will carry you to calm waters just beyond the shore break, where all you need do is bounce and bob with the waves.
In this way, prayer is similar to the ocean. Prayer, like the water, is at first appearance calm and inviting, opening up into a vast expanse. And yet, when you first step into prayer, as it were, it becomes something uncomfortable and even frightening, precisely because it is a purification. What do I mean?
Entering into prayer requires that we first withdraw from the distractions that surround us and enter into silence. This is why Jesus “went up on the mountain by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23). In the words of Saint John Chrysostom, Jesus went alone
to teach us that solitude and seclusion are good… we find him continually withdrawing into the wilderness… For the wilderness is the mother of silence; it is a calm and a harbor, delivering us from all turmoils.[2]
This is why silence is the beginning of prayer, the invitation to prayer. This is why prayer is inviting.
But not many of us like silence these days, preferring the constant buzz of the computer or fan, or the constant sounds of the iPod or television. We often find silence deafening. We seemingly do all that we can to remove silence from our lives without realizing that doing so takes us further from authentic joy and peace.
Why do we run from silence? We do so for the very same reason that prayer, when first entered into, seems daunting and frightening.
Entering into silence we are left alone with our thoughts, thoughts open to the Lord. We become aware that we are not, in fact, alone, and thus we begin to enter into prayer.
Prayer, dialogue with the Lord, is, as we have said, at first inviting. But the longer we are in his presence, the longer we speak with and listen to him, the more aware we become of our sin. We see the depth of his great love for us and the many ways in which we have failed to return his love. We see the many times that we have failed to trust him and have tired to govern our own lives.
The reality of our lack of love disturbs us, makes us uncomfortable, and sometimes makes us want to flee from his presence. It is at this moment, as it were, that we find ourselves at the shore break, at that place where prayer becomes frightening and alarming, at that place where we need to exercise the fear of the Lord, the fear that leads to love.
Pope Benedict XVI put it this way:
The correct way to pray is, therefore, a process of inner purification. We must open ourselves to God's gaze, to God himself so that, in the light of God's Face, lies and hypocrisy fall away. This manner of exposing oneself in prayer to God's Face is really a purification that renews us, sets us free and opens us not only to God but also to our brothers and sisters.[3]
It is here that we all too often turn our gaze from Jesus Christ and focus on our sin. As we do so, we fail to see and to seek his mercy and love, we refuse to be purified by him and so we begin to sink into the waters. It is here that we must cry out with Saint Peter, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30)!
In some way, such a cry is necessary, for “God cannot change things without our conversion, and our true conversion begins with the ‘cry’ of the soul imploring forgiveness and salvation.”[4]
This cry is a recognition of our dependence on the love and mercy of Christ. It is a recognition that we are sinners, that we cannot save ourselves, that we need to be in relationship with the Lord.
We see, then, that Jesus does not ignore Peter’s request. “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him” (Matthew 14:31); he will do the same with us. He will stretch out his hand – just one strong, powerful hand – and lift us out of the waters. He will raise us back into his presence and say to us, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31). “Why did you doubt my love? Why did you doubt my mercy?”
Catching us in his hand he will lift us out of the terrifying waters and place us just beyond the shore break, where the waters are calm and prayer is fruitful. We will experience the grace of his love and mercy and be purified by him.
This is the purpose of prayer. Prayer is not simply about asking the Lord to fix all of our problems. It is primarily about being in relationship with Christ, developing a friendship with him and becoming like him. The deeper a friendship grows, the more two friends become like each other. It is the same between the believer and Christ.
Let each of us, then, not be afraid to step into the waters of prayer; let us not be afraid to be carried away by them! Let us allow the hand of Jesus to carry us to that place of safety where we can listen to him, imitate him and be purified by him. Amen.
[1] Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Ecclesial Convention of the Diocese of Rome, 9 June 2008.
[2] Saint John Chrysostom, Homily on the Gospel of Matthew, 50.1 (), 36.
[3] Pope Benedict XVI, Address, 9 June 2008.
[4] Pope Benedict XVI, Homily, 21 October 2007.
09 August 2008
Linkage
Adam’s Ale’s Fr. V. has an excellent reflection of what is required of parish priests (the title alone is worth reading).
He also has a few interesting remarks to say about the so-called “Rite of Welcome” found in many parishes. I rather agree with him, though I will admit that there are some places where it truly seems appropriate (like Hawaii, where the people are genuinely friendly and warm and want to welcome you). But even so, the wording is absolutely essential.
With her usual wit and humor, Sr. Mary Martha tackles the “rapture.”
Amy gives us the happy news that Our Sunday Visitor will soon be publishing The Fathers, a collection of the Wednesday Audiences of Pope Benedict XVI on the Patristics. As she did for The Apostles, she’s written a study guide to go along with the book. Keep up the good work, Amy!
While we’re at, Amy also passes along the great news that the Vatican Publishing House has made an illustrated edition of The Apostles, in English, to be released in October.
Fr. Toborowsky at Young Fogeys gives us the link to the Swiss Guard Souvenir Shop. Who knew?!
He also has a few interesting remarks to say about the so-called “Rite of Welcome” found in many parishes. I rather agree with him, though I will admit that there are some places where it truly seems appropriate (like Hawaii, where the people are genuinely friendly and warm and want to welcome you). But even so, the wording is absolutely essential.
With her usual wit and humor, Sr. Mary Martha tackles the “rapture.”
Amy gives us the happy news that Our Sunday Visitor will soon be publishing The Fathers, a collection of the Wednesday Audiences of Pope Benedict XVI on the Patristics. As she did for The Apostles, she’s written a study guide to go along with the book. Keep up the good work, Amy!
While we’re at, Amy also passes along the great news that the Vatican Publishing House has made an illustrated edition of The Apostles, in English, to be released in October.
Fr. Toborowsky at Young Fogeys gives us the link to the Swiss Guard Souvenir Shop. Who knew?!
08 August 2008
And with your what?
By now you have probably heard that when the new translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal is approved for use in the English-speaking world, the response of the people that currently is rendered, “And also with you,” will more accurately be, “And with your spirit.”
Many are confused about this new translation and do not quite understand what it means. To our modern ears it may sound a bit esoteric. As you might well expect, though, there is a good reason for the change.
The primary reason for the change of translation is simply because “And with your spirit” is an accurate and faithful translation of the Latin, et cum spiritu tuo.
The Most Rev. Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds (England) and Chairman of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) noted that the response, et cum spiritu tuo
Saint Paul concludes his second letter to Saint Timothy, his “beloved child” (II Timothy 1:2), with these words: “The Lord be with your spirit” (II Timothy 4:22; see also Galatians 6:18 and Philippians 4:23).
To our modern ears this greeting sounds rather odd, given that we only rarely use the word “spirit.” When we do use the word we either refer to the third Person of the Blessed Trinity, or we refer to something like a geist or a ghost (as in the spooky kind most associated with Halloween).
This response is first found in use in the Liturgy in Hippolytus’ Apostolic Tradition, written around a.d. 215. Its use has continued in the Liturgy to the present day, being used when the Liturgy is celebrated in the vernacular in every language except English (for example, in Spanish the people respond Y con tu espiritu; in German, Und mit deinim Geiste; etc.) Every vernacular translation has been faithful to the Latin except for – so far as I know - the English translation.
For this reason alone I am happy to see the response properly translated in English. It allows us to pray in greater unity with the Church Universal by using the very same response.
But why this literal response instead of “and also with you”? The theological reasons run deep for the use of “and with your spirit.” When the faithful respond in this manner they refer to the priest’s (or, in some instances, the deacon’s) spirit of ordination. In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (now the Committee for Divine Worship) explained the change in translation thus:
This response of the faithful, then, is no mere kind acknowledgment of the priest’s greeting; it is not simply a mindless response, as we so often give in normal conversation. It is, rather, a prayer that the priest celebrate worthily and well the mysteries entrusted to him.
Many are confused about this new translation and do not quite understand what it means. To our modern ears it may sound a bit esoteric. As you might well expect, though, there is a good reason for the change.
The primary reason for the change of translation is simply because “And with your spirit” is an accurate and faithful translation of the Latin, et cum spiritu tuo.
The Most Rev. Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds (England) and Chairman of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) noted that the response, et cum spiritu tuo
cannot be understood without reference to Saint Paul, who will often address a person, for example Timothy, by referring to “your spirit” rather than simply to “you”. … [H]e is addressing someone close to God who has God’s spirit. So when we reply, ‘and with your spirit,’ we are indicating that we are part of a spiritual community, it is God’s spirit that has gathered us together.Bishop Roche memorably called the new translation, “speak[ing] bible.” What does he mean?
Saint Paul concludes his second letter to Saint Timothy, his “beloved child” (II Timothy 1:2), with these words: “The Lord be with your spirit” (II Timothy 4:22; see also Galatians 6:18 and Philippians 4:23).
To our modern ears this greeting sounds rather odd, given that we only rarely use the word “spirit.” When we do use the word we either refer to the third Person of the Blessed Trinity, or we refer to something like a geist or a ghost (as in the spooky kind most associated with Halloween).
This response is first found in use in the Liturgy in Hippolytus’ Apostolic Tradition, written around a.d. 215. Its use has continued in the Liturgy to the present day, being used when the Liturgy is celebrated in the vernacular in every language except English (for example, in Spanish the people respond Y con tu espiritu; in German, Und mit deinim Geiste; etc.) Every vernacular translation has been faithful to the Latin except for – so far as I know - the English translation.
For this reason alone I am happy to see the response properly translated in English. It allows us to pray in greater unity with the Church Universal by using the very same response.
But why this literal response instead of “and also with you”? The theological reasons run deep for the use of “and with your spirit.” When the faithful respond in this manner they refer to the priest’s (or, in some instances, the deacon’s) spirit of ordination. In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (now the Committee for Divine Worship) explained the change in translation thus:
The expression et cum spiritu tuo is only addressed to an ordained minister. Some scholars have suggested that spiritu refers to the gift of the spirit he received at ordination. In their response, the people assure the priest of the same divine assistance of God’s spirit and, more specifically, help for the priest to use the charismatic gifts given to him in ordination and in so doing to fulfill his prophetic function in the Church.It is not so much a greeting of the man, but of the office he holds. The response, "And also with you," simply does not capture this aspect of the greeting.
This response of the faithful, then, is no mere kind acknowledgment of the priest’s greeting; it is not simply a mindless response, as we so often give in normal conversation. It is, rather, a prayer that the priest celebrate worthily and well the mysteries entrusted to him.
Another Letter to the Editor
UPDATE: In my response to the below letter, I said, "Likewise, the Vatican does not invest in real estate." This, I have just learned, is quite wrong; the Vatican does invest in real estate. I apologize for my error.
On 6 August 2008, the Effingham Daily News published a Letter to the Editor from Harold Kaufman, titled, "Politics vs. worship." It reads as follows:
On 6 August 2008, the Effingham Daily News published a Letter to the Editor from Harold Kaufman, titled, "Politics vs. worship." It reads as follows:
Many of the bishops and priests of the Catholic Church have developed the policy and practice of denying the Eucharist to certain pro-choice politicians in order to achieve a political objective. The bishops hope this practice will eventually lead to the appointment of Supreme Court justices who will then be disposed to overturning the established law that permits a woman to choose. The public humiliation and embarrassment the politician suffers in front of the congregation will instill in the parishioners who are present a powerful message that is designed to strongly influence them to vote for a particular political party.My response, submitted today, follows:
The approach the church is taking to try to bring political change to solve the problem of abortion is shortsighted and counterproductive. Although this approach does ingratiate the church into the fold of the Republican Party, this ingratiation by the church has helped to bring about dire consequences to our country and its citizens for the past eight years. A list of these dire consequences would be much too long to cite in this letter.
The Catholic Church and other like-minded Christian denominations need to develop more creative and realistic programs to help the pregnant mother and the father to choose life. The church tries to put the burden of abortion on the politician and Supreme Court justices. This strategy diverts attention away from the responsibility the church has in developing more programs to help the individual pregnant mothers and fathers to choose life. Over the past several years, the Catholic Church has spent a billion or so dollars to court decisions that involved sexual abuse. What a tremendous saving change this money could have achieved if it hasd been spent helping to reduce the number or abortions.
The Catholic Church has many collections that are gathered to deal with myriads of problems society faces, but I know of no collection that is taken up for the specific purpose of helping to reduce the number of abortions. Perhaps the church needs to put its money where its mouth is and discontinue to insist politicians are somehow in a position to magically solve the moral problem of abortion.
Many church leaders insist the paramount issue the voter must consider when voting is the issue of abortion. By the same token, should't many of these same church leaders sak the question, "Should I spend this money to help reduce the number of abortions or should I spend it for some other purpose?" Many church leaders spend millions on questionable church building projects. The pope is said to wear Prada. The Vatican routinely invests billions in real estate and other investments. Where is the paramount issue of abortion when the church itself seems to put abortion on such a low priority within its own organization.
One of the few times Christ showed a hint of anger took place when he drove the money changers out of the temple, a place reserved for worship. What would Christ do if he came to America and saw bishops and priests using the Eucharist as a political tool? Christ would probably advise them in no uncertain terms that political activity should not take place in his church but in the precincts where political activity is appropriate. Parishioners should be encouraged to demand bishops, priests and pastors use their churches as places for worship and not for political purposes. If bishops, priests and pastors continue political activity in a house of worship, then follow Christ's example and drive them out or find a parish or congregation that promotes worship instead of politics.
It is a false dichotomy to pit worship and politics against each other as if they were mutually exclusive, as in the title of Mr. Harold Kaufman’s recent Letter to the Editor published in the Effingham Daily News 6 August 2008.
Because worship involves faith and faith affects every aspect of the believer’s life, faith necessarily bears on politics. The Church involves herself in political affairs only in so far as political actions have moral consequences.
Mr. Kaufman criticizes the United States Bishops’ enforcement of the universal law of the Church in regards to Catholics who support abortion. It has always been the teaching of the Church that those who support abortion are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, especially if doing so would cause scandal to the faithful, as is the case of such politicians.
Mr. Kaufman wrongly asserts that such a position aims at the appointment of Justices who will repeal Roe versus Wade. While this would be a most welcome move, withholding Holy Communion from those in “obstinate, grave sin” (canon 915) is a medicinal discipline to help such a person see the error of his ways and return to the truth as taught by Christ, not a political ploy. If such a politician is “embarrassed” by the action of the Church, it is because he or she presents him or herself for Holy Communion fully aware that he or she cannot receive it. This is not about coercing a politician for vote with one party or another but to embrace the truth of the dignity of every human life. If one party claims to respect life and another does not, this is not the fault of the Church. Mr. Kaufman would do well to recall that at one time the Democratic party supported life and the Republican party did not; the parties have both changed their stance on abortion and the right to life.
The Catholic Church has always condemned abortion as a violation of the Fifth Commandment: “you shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17). Such a stance is nothing new and certainly has nothing to do with political views; it is a recognition of the truth. The ancient teaching of the Apostles, recorded in the Didache (written between A.D. 90 and 120), reinforces this: “You shall not kill an unborn child or murder an infant” (2.2).
It has also been the constant teaching of the Church that those who do not share the same faith as the Church should not be admitted to Holy Communion because they are not, in fact, in communion with her. The Apostolic Tradition (written before A.D. 150) states: “Let the one who objects be rejected”” (8.32). This reflects the teaching of Saint Paul: “Therefore whoever eats the bread and drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord” (I Corinthians 11:27ff). This teaching of the Apostle echoes the command of Jesus: “Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6).
The words of Saint Jerome seem apropos here: “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Mr. Kaufman would do well to read the Scriptures in their entirety, before incorrectly citing one verse to defend his position. He should take a new look at the verse he cites and read it in context.
To receive Holy Communion is to say “Amen,” that is, “I believe,” to all that the Church teaches as coming from the Lord Jesus, including what concerns the moral life.
Mr. Kaufman seems unaware of the Church’s vast efforts to assist those facing an abortion and those who have experienced the tragedy of abortion. How many crisis pregnancy centers have been established by Catholics who continue to support them? How many of the faithful pray daily the unborn? How many men and women have entered new religious communities, such as the Sisters for Life and the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, who dedicate their lives to the service of the unborn? How many women and men have been assisted after an abortion through Project Rachel? These are just a few of the Church’s apostolates in this regard.
To suggest that the Catholic Church only seeks to end abortion through politics is ludicrous. While we agree with Mr. Kaufman that more can and should be done, the Church already puts great effort and prayer into the cause for a respect of all human life, born and unborn.
We should also note the Pope does not wear Prada and never has, as Mr. Kaufman suggests. Likewise, the Vatican does not invest in real estate. Before leveling such false accusations, Mr. Kaufman should investigate the facts of the matter.
Mr. Kaufman suggests that the Church takes up no collection to help end abortion. Perhaps he should investigate more closely how Catholic Charities, and other Catholic groups, spend the monies they receive and raise.
I would challenge Mr. Kaufman to demonstrate how simply spending more money will end abortion. It is not money that will end abortion but the turning of hearts to a recognition of the reality of sin and toward the love of God and neighbor. Money cannot do this.
A shopping trip
Yesterday my Pastor took his nephew, father and I on a little trip to Chicago. We went to take his nephew - who is returning to the seminary this fall - to one of my favorite shops, The House of Hansen.
Hansen's, as we usually call it, is an ecclesiastical tailor shop that produces very nice vestments at very reasonable prices. Their friendly and helpful staff is most accomodating and can produce just about anything you have in mind. And if what you have in mind simply won't work they aren't afraid to offer other suggestions.
While there I was able to doublecheck the status of a couple of things they are working on for me, most notably a new surplice (which was being worked on when we were there and will hopefully arrive sometime next week) and a new winter cloak that will reach down to my ankles. They're also working on a few older vestments of mine which are in need of mending.
Their web site is small and only has a small selection of the vestments they can and have produced.
The House of Hansen is even thoughtful enough as to keep the measurements of deacons, priests and bishops "on file" in case we ever want something but can't make the trip up. It also comes in handy if you want to get your bishop or priest or deacon something as a surprise.
If you ever need any vesture, the House of Hansen receives my high regards (and be sure to give my greetings to Jerry).
I mentioned my shopping trip yesterday on Facebook and one of my friends asked what vestment shopping was like. She said,
Ecclesiastical tailors, on the other hand, are not as easy to come by but the quality of vestment is usually rather better. These vestments are tailored to fit the individual minister better than would, say, one from a catalogue.
In terms of color, that isn't so much an issue as the Liturgy requires we wear certain colors on certain days, but the particular shade of a color could be chosen. There are, for example, numerous shades of green and some priests prefer one shade over another (I prefer the darker hues).
To sum up, vestment shopping is something like shopping for "normal people" clothes, but not quite; it's a lot more fun.
After shopping there we took a little trip north to Arlington Heights to visit the Design Toscano showroom, another of my favorite companies. I'm happy to say that although they had one of my favorite chairs on display, I resisted the temptation to buy it.
Upon our return to Effingham I was pleased to find the box of goodies I shipped from Australia.
Hansen's, as we usually call it, is an ecclesiastical tailor shop that produces very nice vestments at very reasonable prices. Their friendly and helpful staff is most accomodating and can produce just about anything you have in mind. And if what you have in mind simply won't work they aren't afraid to offer other suggestions.
While there I was able to doublecheck the status of a couple of things they are working on for me, most notably a new surplice (which was being worked on when we were there and will hopefully arrive sometime next week) and a new winter cloak that will reach down to my ankles. They're also working on a few older vestments of mine which are in need of mending.
Their web site is small and only has a small selection of the vestments they can and have produced.
The House of Hansen is even thoughtful enough as to keep the measurements of deacons, priests and bishops "on file" in case we ever want something but can't make the trip up. It also comes in handy if you want to get your bishop or priest or deacon something as a surprise.
If you ever need any vesture, the House of Hansen receives my high regards (and be sure to give my greetings to Jerry).
I mentioned my shopping trip yesterday on Facebook and one of my friends asked what vestment shopping was like. She said,
So I have to ask, do you actually go like real shopping for vestments? Like how I would shop for shirts, seeing what size fits you best. What shade of a particular color looks best on you? Or do you just go pick up generic vestments in whatever size you are?I suppose the answer to the question would depend on where one went to purchase vestments. There are certainly plenty of suppliers who simply order something out of a catalogue. These usually are made in several sizes and then you would try on a few to see which size fit best; you'd want to remember the size if you wanted to order something else. Even so, some of these companies will also tailor a vestment to you if you give them the proper measurements.
Ecclesiastical tailors, on the other hand, are not as easy to come by but the quality of vestment is usually rather better. These vestments are tailored to fit the individual minister better than would, say, one from a catalogue.
In terms of color, that isn't so much an issue as the Liturgy requires we wear certain colors on certain days, but the particular shade of a color could be chosen. There are, for example, numerous shades of green and some priests prefer one shade over another (I prefer the darker hues).
To sum up, vestment shopping is something like shopping for "normal people" clothes, but not quite; it's a lot more fun.
After shopping there we took a little trip north to Arlington Heights to visit the Design Toscano showroom, another of my favorite companies. I'm happy to say that although they had one of my favorite chairs on display, I resisted the temptation to buy it.
Upon our return to Effingham I was pleased to find the box of goodies I shipped from Australia.
06 August 2008
Childhood dreams
If someone were to present me with a large tub of Legos – or even a small tub – I could entertain myself for hours on end.
I grew up spending several hours each day playing with Legos in the constant attempt to construct and bigger and better castle (we often ran out of pieces simply on the gatehouse). I always found great joy playing with Legos and I even dreamt of working for Lego, which is why the news I recently learned made me very happy.
In the words of a brochure I picked up at Union Station in Chicago last Friday, “America’s first indoor Legoland, where interaction, learning and fun go hand in hand,” has come to Schaumburg, Illinois. It’s official title is the Legoland Discovery Centre (the site seems to be under construction at the moment, but I’m sure will be up and running soon).
At the discovery centre you can journey through a dragon’s castle and see how Legos are made. You can even build things there. You can be sure I’ll soon be making a visit!
I grew up spending several hours each day playing with Legos in the constant attempt to construct and bigger and better castle (we often ran out of pieces simply on the gatehouse). I always found great joy playing with Legos and I even dreamt of working for Lego, which is why the news I recently learned made me very happy.
In the words of a brochure I picked up at Union Station in Chicago last Friday, “America’s first indoor Legoland, where interaction, learning and fun go hand in hand,” has come to Schaumburg, Illinois. It’s official title is the Legoland Discovery Centre (the site seems to be under construction at the moment, but I’m sure will be up and running soon).
At the discovery centre you can journey through a dragon’s castle and see how Legos are made. You can even build things there. You can be sure I’ll soon be making a visit!
A late start and helpful advice
I awoke this morning to a most unusual sound: a knocking at my bedroom door. As I heard the sound of hte knocking I became aware of how much light filled room and I knew that I overslept. My Pastor was at the door and it was 6:25 a.m.; Mass was at 6:30 a.m., and I was the celebrant. Oops.
I quickly wet my hair so as to look at least mostly presentable, put on my clerics and hurried to the sacristy where I vested for Mass. Thanksfully, our Deacon prepared everything for the Mass, which I normally do after waking at 5:00 a.m.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, when Peter, James and John beheld the Lord's glory, I was asleep with them on the Mount of Olives.
Typically I put some thoughts together for the morning homily as I prepare for the day; today there was no time.
A wise priest once said to me: "If you don't have anything prepared to say, don't say anything." So, having nothing prepared, in the place of the homily we observed a few moments of silence, following the command of the Father: "Listen to him."
It seemed strangely fitting.
P.S. - When using your cellular telephone for your alarm clock, always be certain to set the phone to "ring" and not "vibrate" before retiring for the night.
I quickly wet my hair so as to look at least mostly presentable, put on my clerics and hurried to the sacristy where I vested for Mass. Thanksfully, our Deacon prepared everything for the Mass, which I normally do after waking at 5:00 a.m.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, when Peter, James and John beheld the Lord's glory, I was asleep with them on the Mount of Olives.
Typically I put some thoughts together for the morning homily as I prepare for the day; today there was no time.
A wise priest once said to me: "If you don't have anything prepared to say, don't say anything." So, having nothing prepared, in the place of the homily we observed a few moments of silence, following the command of the Father: "Listen to him."
It seemed strangely fitting.
P.S. - When using your cellular telephone for your alarm clock, always be certain to set the phone to "ring" and not "vibrate" before retiring for the night.
Funeral Homily
What follows is the text of the funeral homily that I will deliver in just over an hour:
As Holy Mother Church celebrates today the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we have gathered to commend our sister N. to the Lord and to entrust her to his merciful love.
In Jesus’ transfiguration on Mount Tabor the Apostles Peter, James and John beheld his glory, the glory of his resurrection. In glimpsing the Lord’s glory, they also beheld the promise of the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting, the promise of their own transfiguration.
Although this is a sad day for us who mourn, it is also a fitting day for us to present N. to her Lord, asking as we do that he fulfill the promise given her in Baptism to share in the resurrection of Christ. For as the Apostle Paul says, “We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence” (II Corinthians 4:14).
Today the Lord says to us through his prophet Isaiah:
It is here on this mountain of the Lord that he “will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8), even as he says to us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
It is because of this invitation of Jesus Christ to receive his grace and mercy that we “are not discouraged” (II Corinthians 4:16).
We who believe know that death is not the end, but is rather, for those who trust in his divine mercy, the opening up of that “dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven” (II Corinthians 5:1).
How are we to inherit this heavenly home? By following the command of Christ to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29).
These words of the Master may strike you as odd this morning, N., as you entrust your wife and mother to the Lord. Your hearts are heavily burdened today and yet Jesus asks you to take up a new yoke, his yoke? Yes.
He tells us to lay aside the yoke of earthly things, of selfish desires and sin, of fear and doubt, so that we might take up his own yoke, the yoke of heavenly things, of virtue and of grace and faith. Whereas every other yoke is heavy, burdensome and weighs us down, the yoke of Christ is light, easy and lifts us up.
It is only by taking up the yoke of Christ, the yoke of faith and trust that you first received in Baptism, that “you find rest for yourselves.”
To each of you, N.’s family and friends, I extend the prayerful sympathies of Msgr. Enlow and of the parish family. Together, let us keep N. in prayer as we ask the Lord to open the gates of Paradise to her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
As Holy Mother Church celebrates today the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, we have gathered to commend our sister N. to the Lord and to entrust her to his merciful love.
In Jesus’ transfiguration on Mount Tabor the Apostles Peter, James and John beheld his glory, the glory of his resurrection. In glimpsing the Lord’s glory, they also beheld the promise of the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting, the promise of their own transfiguration.
Although this is a sad day for us who mourn, it is also a fitting day for us to present N. to her Lord, asking as we do that he fulfill the promise given her in Baptism to share in the resurrection of Christ. For as the Apostle Paul says, “We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence” (II Corinthians 4:14).
Today the Lord says to us through his prophet Isaiah:
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over the nations; he will destroy death forever (Isaiah 25:6-8).Of what mountain does the Lord speak? He speaks of Mount Tabor where he revealed his transfigured glory. He speaks of Mount Calvary where he suffered our death and destroyed forever the long reign of sin and death. He speaks of the mountain of this sanctuary, of this altar, where we share in his death and resurrection through the power of the Eucharist, his very own Body and Blood given for us.
It is here on this mountain of the Lord that he “will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8), even as he says to us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
It is because of this invitation of Jesus Christ to receive his grace and mercy that we “are not discouraged” (II Corinthians 4:16).
We who believe know that death is not the end, but is rather, for those who trust in his divine mercy, the opening up of that “dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven” (II Corinthians 5:1).
How are we to inherit this heavenly home? By following the command of Christ to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29).
These words of the Master may strike you as odd this morning, N., as you entrust your wife and mother to the Lord. Your hearts are heavily burdened today and yet Jesus asks you to take up a new yoke, his yoke? Yes.
He tells us to lay aside the yoke of earthly things, of selfish desires and sin, of fear and doubt, so that we might take up his own yoke, the yoke of heavenly things, of virtue and of grace and faith. Whereas every other yoke is heavy, burdensome and weighs us down, the yoke of Christ is light, easy and lifts us up.
It is only by taking up the yoke of Christ, the yoke of faith and trust that you first received in Baptism, that “you find rest for yourselves.”
To each of you, N.’s family and friends, I extend the prayerful sympathies of Msgr. Enlow and of the parish family. Together, let us keep N. in prayer as we ask the Lord to open the gates of Paradise to her.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
05 August 2008
Reading aloud
There's an interesting discussion happening now on Arthurnet, the mailing list for all things King Arthur about the effects of reading out loud.
Mark Adderly, Professor of English at Missouri Valley College suggests that "your emotional response is keener to something to which you listen." I think he's quite right on this.
To prove his claim, he asks, "has anyone tried reading Tomie da Paola's books aloud to children? I defy anyone to get through the last three pages of The Clown of God completely unaffected" [the book is marvelous and I recommend it highly]. It truly is difficult to read those final lines and not be moved.
Why is it that reading aloud has this effect on us, a different effect than reading silently? Professor Adderly offers the following possibility:
If what he suggests is true, then why do we so rarely read aloud? Or have someone read to us (childhood years excepted)? I do know the answer to this.
I will occassionaly read aloud, not for a greater emotional response but to retain what I read and to help focus if I'm distracted. I suspect I'll have to try it for the emotional response now and again.
Up until Saint Ambrose of Milan, and the great Doctor of the Church and the one who baptized Saint Augustine, no one read silently but everyone read aloud.
When Augustine arrived in Milan, Ambrose, the Bishop of the city, was in his late forties. He and Augustine became close friends, Ambrose being his mentor.
When Augustine first met Ambrose in his study. Augustine says this of that first encounter:
When he read, his eyes scanned the page and his heart sought out the meaning, but his voice was silent and his tongue was still. Anyone could approach him freely and guests were not commonly announced, so that often, when we came to visit him, we found him reading like this in silence, for he never read aloud.
This way of reading quite baffled Augustine and his contemporaries and did not become commonplace in the West until some five centuries later.
That's your tidbit for the day. You'll find an intersting history of reading here.
Mark Adderly, Professor of English at Missouri Valley College suggests that "your emotional response is keener to something to which you listen." I think he's quite right on this.
To prove his claim, he asks, "has anyone tried reading Tomie da Paola's books aloud to children? I defy anyone to get through the last three pages of The Clown of God completely unaffected" [the book is marvelous and I recommend it highly]. It truly is difficult to read those final lines and not be moved.
Why is it that reading aloud has this effect on us, a different effect than reading silently? Professor Adderly offers the following possibility:
I think the reason for it, though I don't have any knowledge of neuroscience to back me up, is that you respond more readily to a storyteller because the storytelling is physical, and emotions are physical. If you just read something visually, then your response is merely intellectual. I don't mean to say that these two types of response are mutually exclusive, just that there's a tendency to respond emotionally to something read aloud, and intellectually to something read silently.I think he's right, in much the same way that reading something aloud also helps us remember it. Not only do we use two senses, but the emotions as well.
If what he suggests is true, then why do we so rarely read aloud? Or have someone read to us (childhood years excepted)? I do know the answer to this.
I will occassionaly read aloud, not for a greater emotional response but to retain what I read and to help focus if I'm distracted. I suspect I'll have to try it for the emotional response now and again.
Up until Saint Ambrose of Milan, and the great Doctor of the Church and the one who baptized Saint Augustine, no one read silently but everyone read aloud.
When Augustine arrived in Milan, Ambrose, the Bishop of the city, was in his late forties. He and Augustine became close friends, Ambrose being his mentor.
When Augustine first met Ambrose in his study. Augustine says this of that first encounter:
When he read, his eyes scanned the page and his heart sought out the meaning, but his voice was silent and his tongue was still. Anyone could approach him freely and guests were not commonly announced, so that often, when we came to visit him, we found him reading like this in silence, for he never read aloud.
This way of reading quite baffled Augustine and his contemporaries and did not become commonplace in the West until some five centuries later.
That's your tidbit for the day. You'll find an intersting history of reading here.
A moral victory
The Effingham Daily News reports today that the village of Montrose has passed an ordinance "that all but prohibits sexually oriented businesses in town." Good for them!
Incidentally, my great-great-uncle, Fr. Berard Zehnle, O.F.M., was pastor of St. Rose parish in Montrose many years back.
Incidentally, my great-great-uncle, Fr. Berard Zehnle, O.F.M., was pastor of St. Rose parish in Montrose many years back.
Looking for a deal?
Check out Ignatius Press' summer blowout sale. They are offering lots of great titles at unbelievable prices!
On the yoke of Christ
An anonymous Father of the Church says:
Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us.
Another new find
I've just found the blog of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, 1 Franciscan Way.
Not only do these Sisters have the coolest name ever, they are headquartered in our Diocese in Alton. You can visit their website at www.altonfranciscans.org.
Not only do these Sisters have the coolest name ever, they are headquartered in our Diocese in Alton. You can visit their website at www.altonfranciscans.org.
Most welcome indeed!
The Committee for Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has just released the texts for the Order of Mass.
This new translation, which has received the recognitio of the Holy See and is now "binding," cannot yet be used at the celebration of the Mass (I wish I could use them now!). The texts have been made available to us for study and preparation for the day when they will be allowed. Their release will also allow musicians time to prepare settings worthy of the Liturgy.
I can't tell you how happy I am to see them! The days are drawing closer to the time when we will have a truly beautiful - and accurate - translation of the Mass in English.
Do take a look at these texts and begin committing them to heart.
This new translation, which has received the recognitio of the Holy See and is now "binding," cannot yet be used at the celebration of the Mass (I wish I could use them now!). The texts have been made available to us for study and preparation for the day when they will be allowed. Their release will also allow musicians time to prepare settings worthy of the Liturgy.
I can't tell you how happy I am to see them! The days are drawing closer to the time when we will have a truly beautiful - and accurate - translation of the Mass in English.
Do take a look at these texts and begin committing them to heart.
04 August 2008
Letter to Pilgrims
This evening some of our high school students who did not go to the World Youth Day asked me why I hadn't yet posted the letter I wrote to the pilgrims. I had planned to post it in the morning, but since they asked for it, it follows:
26 July 2008
The Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne
My dear young friends,
May the Lord give you peace!
After the great experience of these past days each of us has much for which we can be thankful and much on which we ought to reflect.
Certainly the days spent in Hawaii were, for many of us, the most enjoyable days of our journey. Indeed, they are days that I treasure and, having driven along many of these same roads yesterday, have already relived with great joy in my heart. I cannot remember having laughed so much over such a time, and for these days I thank you all (a special thank you goes to the boys who travelled in the car and van with me)!
Already in Hawaii we caught a glimpse of the purpose of our setting out on this pilgrimage in our visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, the church of St. Augustine by the Sea and in our attempts – with all of the frustrations and disappointments - to track down the Damien Museum (for which I am still searching). At Mass in the Cathedral we experienced the deep and vibrant faith of the people of Hawaii; our faith is called to be that vibrant, too, even back in Effingham!
After our visit to the Dole Plantation some of us spoke with our guide, Tracy. When we told him we were on our way to the World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney he lit up with excitement and gratitude. Such experiences are common to us all.
Yes, our days in Hawaii were the most enjoyable and fun-filled, but were they the most important of our days? They formed the first stepping stones, as it were, of our pilgrimage and set us off on the path to Sydney, the goal and most important part of our journey.
We joined 150,000 young people from across the globe to welcome His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at Barangaroo. As he spoke to us and reminded us of our Christian dignity that we received in Baptism and Confirmation, he urged us, “step forward into Christ’s loving embrace; recognize the Church as your home.” Could the goal of our pilgrimage have been any different than this? No, this is why we set out on the first place.
When we joined the Holy Father again at the Randwick Racecourse for the powerful Vigil that concluded with adoration of our Eucharistic Lord, the Holy Father reminded us that it is nothing less than God himself whom our hearts seek. He said, “God is with us in the reality of life, not the fantasy! It is embrace, not escape, that we seek! So the Holy Spirit gently but surely steers us back to what is real, what is lasting, what is true. It is the Spirit who leads us back into the communion of the Blessed Trinity!”
From the experience of my own life, filled with many longings and desires as it is, especially to be reunited with my dear parents one day, I can testify that what the Pope says, and so many of the Saints say, is true. Whatever the desire of our heart, it can only be satisfied in God.
As we move toward him he runs toward us and embraces us in his love, filling us with his joy and peace, those two beautiful gifts that the world cannot give, though it tries in so very many ways.
Toward the end of the vigil, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit each of us has received in the Sacrament of Confirmation. These gifts, he said, “require only one response on the part of the receiver: I accept! Here we sense something of the deep mystery of being Christian. What constitutes our faith is not primarily what we do but what we receive. After all, many generous people who are not Christian may well achieve far more than we do. Friends, do you accept being drawn into God’s Trinitarian life? Do you accept being drawn into his communion of love?”
This question I make my own and pose it to you: Will you accept the love of God that has been poured out for you? It is my most sincere hope that the experience of these days has led you to experience the love that the Lord Jesus has for you and that your heart has been drawn to his. If not, the entire pilgrimage has been in vain.
Sunday morning we attended Mass concelebrated by the Holy Father with more than 2,000 Bishops and priests and 400,000 young people. During his homily, Benedict XVI quoted the words of the poet Gerard Manly Hopkins - found on the front of St. Anthony High School - that all of creation is “charged with the grandeur of God.”
Reflecting on the power of the Holy Spirit, the power that is love, His Holiness said:Yet this power, the grace of the Spirit, is not something we can merit or achieve, but only receive as pure gift. God’s love can only unleash its power when it is allowed to change us from within. We have to let it break through the hard crust of our indifference, our spiritual weariness, our blind conformity to the spirit of this age. Only then can we let it ignite our imagination and shape our deepest desires. That is why prayer is so important: daily prayer, private prayer in the quiet of our hearts and before the Blessed Sacrament, and liturgical prayer in the heart of the Church. Prayer is pure receptivity to God’s grace, love in action, communion with the Spirit who dwells within us, leading us, through Jesus, in the Church, to our heavenly Father. In the power of his Spirit, Jesus is always present in our hearts, quietly waiting for us to be still with him, to hear his voice, to abide in his love, and to receive “power from on high”, enabling us to be salt and light for our world.As he encouraged each of us to accept this love, this power, the Successor of Saint Peter posed a question to us:What will you leave to the next generation? Are you building your lives on firm foundations, building something that will endure? Are you living your lives in a way that opens up space for the Spirit in the midst of a world that wants to forget God, or even rejects him in the name of a falsely-conceived freedom? How are you using the gifts you have been given, the “power” which the Holy Spirit is even now prepared to release within you? What legacy will you leave to young people yet to come? What difference will you make?I pose these same questions to each of you and I urge you to accept the gifts of the Spirit and make good use of them.
In all of this we witnessed the reality, as Pope Benedict has said before, that “the Church is alive. The Church is young.” Yes, there are people like you in every part of the world, youth filled with energy and hopes and dreams, just as yours. There are youth who have experienced the love of God and seek to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. I hope and pray that you will be numbered among them.
We heard in the first reading for the Feast of Saint James the words of the Apostle Paul: “everything indeed is for you” (II Corinthians 4:15). I make these words, too, my own and I address them to each of you. Everything indeed is for you. All of the efforts of these past many months, of planning and guiding, of entertaining and leading, has been for you.
Now that everything has been done for you it is now up to you to take the experience of the World Youth Day 2008 and internalize it, reflecting upon and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and shape you. I know that for many of you the experience of these days was personally very moving, but that you are yet reluctant to share your interior experience of these days with others. The Holy Spirit desires to make you his witnesses to the ends of the earth by filling you his power, his love; won’t you let him use you?
As I write to you I should also like to personally invite each of you to join the Dead Theologians Society. It meets on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the upper level of the parish center. If you enjoyed the experience of WYD you will enjoy the DTS. DTS will resume meeting on August 17th.
This coming October 4-6 I will be the Spiritual Director of a Great River Teens Encounter Christ retreat held in the Gem City and my home, Quincy. I made my first TEC retreat in July of 1995 and that weekend changed my life for the best. I have since served on nearly a dozen additional weekends, witnessing each time lives touched by the deep love of God. I would be more than happy to bring any of you on this retreat, as well. You can find more information at www.greatrivertec.org or simply ask me.
Please know that I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of these days with you and that I will treasure them always, reflecting on them in my heart, keeping each of you in my prayers. If I can ever be of any assistance to you, you need only let me know.
As I look forward to seeing you again in just a few days’ time, I leave you with these words of the Holy Father: “Do not be afraid to say “yes” to Jesus, to find your joy in doing his will, giving yourself completely to the pursuit of holiness, and using all your talents in the service of others!”
Peace and Joy,
The Rev. Daren J. Zehnle
On the Board
Recently I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for the Effingham County Family Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Today I accepted the invitation. We’ll see where this new venture leads.
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien
Someone posted the trailer to the film Molokai: The Story of Father Damien on YouTube:
It's not the best quality of captures, but you get the idea.
It's not the best quality of captures, but you get the idea.
Where to begin?
The worst part of any journey - at least in my mind - is returning.
There is, first of all, the unpacking that must be done and putting things back in their place. If this wasn't bad enough, there is, secondly, the mounds of mail which must be sorted through.
Then there are the telephone messages to return and the e-mail or two which was placed in the "To be dealt with" folder.
All of this makes for very tedious work that grows old very quickly.
I've been at it now since about 7:30 this morning, and I'm still not finished.
If this weren't bad enough, we have a heat index today of 105 degrees...it's disgusting.
The vast majority of the mail, of course, was trash, but some it was worthwhile.
I'd go run away and hide with a good book for a bit but I'm waiting on a family to come work on arrangements for a funeral on Wednesday.
After this meeting I'll try to get a few thoughts going for a homily based on the readings they select.
Supper will follow: fish on the grill. That should be good. And after supper is an unofficial soccer practice, which will be enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong; I'm not as bored or unsettled as this sounds. I'm just tired, worn out, and a bit bored.
There is, first of all, the unpacking that must be done and putting things back in their place. If this wasn't bad enough, there is, secondly, the mounds of mail which must be sorted through.
Then there are the telephone messages to return and the e-mail or two which was placed in the "To be dealt with" folder.
All of this makes for very tedious work that grows old very quickly.
I've been at it now since about 7:30 this morning, and I'm still not finished.
If this weren't bad enough, we have a heat index today of 105 degrees...it's disgusting.
The vast majority of the mail, of course, was trash, but some it was worthwhile.
I'd go run away and hide with a good book for a bit but I'm waiting on a family to come work on arrangements for a funeral on Wednesday.
After this meeting I'll try to get a few thoughts going for a homily based on the readings they select.
Supper will follow: fish on the grill. That should be good. And after supper is an unofficial soccer practice, which will be enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong; I'm not as bored or unsettled as this sounds. I'm just tired, worn out, and a bit bored.
03 August 2008
A new find
I just found a blog that promises good things in the months to come: Damien de Veuster, SSCC - Leper Priest of Molokai (1840-1889).
An excellent film
From the opening credits with the beautifully haunting melody of Lux aeterna (Eternal Light), Molokai: The Story of Father Damien is a gripping account of the life of the leper-priest.Filmed on location on Molokai and Oahu, director Paul Cox and his international cast of excellent actors masterfully draws the viewer into the life and times of those in the leper colony. The inclusion in the cast of patients at Kalaupapa adds additional realism and humanity to the film.
The performance of David Wenham (who played Faramir in The Lord of the Rings) most movingly portrays the compassionate love and zeal of Father Damien. He is to be well commended for his work, as are the other members of the cast and crew.
The costumes and sets of this movie leave nothing to be desired.
Molokai should be a part of every Catholics film library and from it he will derive much inspiration.
The trailer for the film may be viewed here.
Homily - 3 August 2008
Today, brothers and sisters, let us examine the words of the prophet Isaiah. In so doing, we shall discover what it is that the Lord wishes to speak to us.Isaiah is one of the three Major Prophets, together with Jeremiah and Ezekiel. They are called the “major” prophets not only because of their roles in salvation history, but also because of the length of their books.
We must now consider what a prophet is. Many people today think of a prophet as one who foretells the future, as one who predicts events that are yet to come. While this view is not entirely wrong, it is also not entirely correct.
First and foremost, a prophet is one who speaks to the people on behalf of God. The prophet is one who speaks God’s word to his people. For this reason Isaiah almost always begins his words saying, as he does today, “Thus says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:1).
But how are we to know that what a prophet says really is the word of the Lord and not simply his own words? Are there not false prophets? There are indeed false prophets – even to this very day – and so we must listen carefully to a prophet’s words. We must discover whether or not the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him (cf. Isaiah 61:1).
We can see if the Spirit rests upon a prophet first of all by examining his words to see if they correspond with what has already been divinely revealed. If what a prophet says contradicts Sacred Scripture, he is false and we should not listen to him.
We can also look to a prophet’s deeds to discern if he is true of false. Are people converted to the Lord by his words? Are miracles performed through him? One such miracle – albeit a very minor one – is the prediction of the near future (predicting the distant future offers no proof that the Spirit is upon him to those who hear his words).
Let us now examine what the Lord says to us through Isaiah, his prophet.
He says firstly, “All you who are thirsty, come to the water” (Isaiah 55:1). Certainly the Lord invites those who are physically thirsty to this water for we know that he wants to “satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16).
Each of us has experienced that physical thirst to one degree or another – perhaps especially during these summer months – “but there is a greater thirst in man – it extends beyond the water from the well, because it seeks a life that reaches out beyond the biological sphere.”[1]
There is the thirst for acceptance, unity and harmony; there is the thirst for life and freedom; there is the thirst for joy and peace; but above all – and especially – there is the thirst for love.
Can anyone among us truly say, “I thirst for nothing”? Each of us then is called personally by the Lord, “Come to the water!” What is this water? Where are we to find it?
The source of this water can be found in only one place: in the person of Jesus Christ. He said to the Samaritan woman at the well, “whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of living water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Jesus presents himself as the living water saying, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink” (John 7:37).
After the crucifixion, this living water burst forth so that each of us can drink well and heartily. The Beloved Disciple, John, tells us that “one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34).
How then do we drink this water? This water is not difficult to drink. “Faith in Jesus is the way we drink the living water, the way we drink life that is no longer threatened by death.”[2]
For what do you thirst? Life? Joy? Hapiness? Love? There is only one water that will quench each of these thirsts – indeed, that will quench every thirst: Jesus Christ!
What keeps us from coming to him to quench our thirst, to have the deepest aspirations of our hearts satisfied?
The Lord says to us through his prophet, “You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk” (Isaiah 55:1)!
All that is required to drink Jesus Christ is faith in him and obedience to his commands. Perhaps this is what keeps us from drinking him; we do not want to serve him. Yet where else will our thirst be quenched?
Instead of turning to Christ to have our thirst quenched we turn to so many others things: work, shopping, drink, books, television, power, sex, gambling, politics, sports and whatever else.
Each of these promises satisfaction and enjoyment but their promise is false for the joy does not last. The Living Water alone truly promises satisfaction for he said, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
In light of this reality, in light of the failure of the things of this world to truly satisfy, to truly quench, Jesus asks us, “Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy” (Isaiah 55:2)? Yes, why do we spend so much of our lives, so much of ourselves, in vain?
He calls to us, incessantly and tenderly, and with much love, “Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life” (Isaiah 55:2-3).
Having drunk from the Living Water,
The believer becomes one with Christ and participates in his fruitfulness. The man who believes and loves with Christ becomes a well that gives life. That, too, is something that is wonderfully illustrated in history. The saints are oases around which life sprouts up and something of the lost paradise returns. And ultimately Christ himself is always the well-spring who pours himself forth in such abundance.[3]Yes, let us listen to him and drink afresh of his waters! In this way the living water will well up within us, becoming a fountain from which others may drink. Amen!
[1] Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration, trans. Adrian J. Walker (New York: Doubleday, 2007), 241.
[2] Ibid., 245.
[3] Ibid., 248.
02 August 2008
Back in Effingham
As you can tell by now, I have returned to Effingham after a very tiresome two days.
The plane left Honolulu Thursday late afternoon fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. I was very pleased (and a bit surprised). However, due to bad weather in the Windy City, we landed in Chicago more than an hour late.
I had to wait thirty minutes for my luggage and after retrieving it hopped on the next train to Union Station. From there I was to catch at Amtrak train back to Effingham.
As it happened I missed the train to Effingham by about fifteen minutes.
I called all around Chicago to rent a car "one way" to Effingham. It turns out this was impossible; it was hard enough to find a car rental agency who even had one way rentals.
I then waited at Union Station until about 1:00 p.m. when a seminary classmate of mine was free to pick me up. We went for a Chicago style deep dish pizza and visited for a while. This was the most pleasant part of the day.
After lunch we went to the Paulist Press where I purchased the movie Molokai, which I watched on the train ride home (more on the movie tomorrow).
I caught the 5:00 train to Effingham and arrived last night at 9:00, after not really sleeping at all for 48 hours.
I arose this morning at 5:00 for the 6:30 a.m. Mass and was back in bed again by 7:15. I was awakened again at 11:30 by the telephone and then decided I best get to work on a homily, which I'll post tomorrow morning after a few adjustments.
It's been a long day and my body is now beginning to adjust from the time difference. It's also beginning to adjust back to life in the Midwest. My fingers and knees are swelling again (the humidity is terrible and stifling). I've also either developed a severe summer cold or an allergy. I think it's the latter.
On my way out to Shumway this evening it hit me like a ton of bricks that I was no longer in Hawaii. There was no ocean on the horizon and no mountain anywhere. Nothing but corn.
I'm glad to be back among the parishioners, but I can't say I'm glad to be back in central Illinois. This is all part of the cross, I suppose.
Now, I'm off to bed. Good night!
The plane left Honolulu Thursday late afternoon fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. I was very pleased (and a bit surprised). However, due to bad weather in the Windy City, we landed in Chicago more than an hour late.
I had to wait thirty minutes for my luggage and after retrieving it hopped on the next train to Union Station. From there I was to catch at Amtrak train back to Effingham.
As it happened I missed the train to Effingham by about fifteen minutes.
I called all around Chicago to rent a car "one way" to Effingham. It turns out this was impossible; it was hard enough to find a car rental agency who even had one way rentals.
I then waited at Union Station until about 1:00 p.m. when a seminary classmate of mine was free to pick me up. We went for a Chicago style deep dish pizza and visited for a while. This was the most pleasant part of the day.
After lunch we went to the Paulist Press where I purchased the movie Molokai, which I watched on the train ride home (more on the movie tomorrow).
I caught the 5:00 train to Effingham and arrived last night at 9:00, after not really sleeping at all for 48 hours.
I arose this morning at 5:00 for the 6:30 a.m. Mass and was back in bed again by 7:15. I was awakened again at 11:30 by the telephone and then decided I best get to work on a homily, which I'll post tomorrow morning after a few adjustments.
It's been a long day and my body is now beginning to adjust from the time difference. It's also beginning to adjust back to life in the Midwest. My fingers and knees are swelling again (the humidity is terrible and stifling). I've also either developed a severe summer cold or an allergy. I think it's the latter.
On my way out to Shumway this evening it hit me like a ton of bricks that I was no longer in Hawaii. There was no ocean on the horizon and no mountain anywhere. Nothing but corn.
I'm glad to be back among the parishioners, but I can't say I'm glad to be back in central Illinois. This is all part of the cross, I suppose.
Now, I'm off to bed. Good night!
At the grave of a holy priest
My pilgrimage to the grave of Blessed Father Damien of Molokai and my prayer there remain etched in my memory. Such peace flooded my soul and tears came to my eyes as I spoke with the leper priest.I asked Father Damien to intercede for me before the throne of God and to show me how to be a good and holy priest, a true servant of Jesus Christ and of his people.
Of all of the workers on the Kalaupapa peninsula only one contracted leprosy: Father Damien.
The doctors today will tell us this is because Father Damien was one of the small percentage of humanity who are genetically prone to leprosy, today called Hansens’ Disease. But I wonder if there isn’t a greater reason.
Father Damien once said, “I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ.” In these words he echoes the words of Saint Paul who said that he became “all things to all to save at least some” (I Corinthians 9:22).
This is the duty of a priest, to become like his people, to share in their suffering, to show them how to suffer with and for Christ. In doing so Father Damien imitated the love of Christ who gave himself for our salvation.
Commenting on his ministry among the lepers, Father Damien said, “I would gladly give my life for them.” Here he imitated the love of the Good Shepherd and showed that “greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
After he came down with the disease then called the “separating sickness,” Father Damien accepted this Cross as a true disciple. He said, “Having no doubts about the true nature of the disease, I am calm, resigned, and very happy in the midst of my people. God certainly knows what is best for my sanctification and I gladly repeat. ‘Thy will be done.’”
He found that his “greatest pleasure is to serve the Lord in his poor children rejected by other people.” He devoted all of his efforts to the lepers of Molokai and like Saint Francis of Assisi he embraced them with the love of Jesus Christ. This every priest must do.
Father Damien found his life’s mission on the island of Molokai. Brother Joseph Dutton, one of Father Damien’s most trusted helpers, said, “One’s Molokai can be anywhere.” Where shall I find mine?
My heart has found its home in Hawaii. I have fallen in love with life on the islands and with her people. Their faith is strong and vibrant; they are peaceful, kind and friendly; the climate could not be better for my health. Yet the Lord has not placed me in Hawaii, though my heart longs to remain there. He has placed me in central Illinois.
Is it my will that I be in Hawaii, or is it will? At present I am not certain. I trust Blessed Damien to guide me.
Now we come to the heart of my prayer. On the day of my ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, I made a series of promises. Most notable in the eyes of many is the promise of celibacy and the promise of obedience.
It is often presumed that remaining faithful to the promise of celibacy is the most difficult aspect in the life of a priest. It is not. It is the promise of obedience - which also entails the promise of respect – to the Bishop that is often the most difficult.
Were it not for my promise of obedience I would not have boarded the plane last May to return to Effingham, nor would I have boarded the train yesterday to return to Effingham; I would have followed my heart’s desire and remained in Hawaii. But such does not seem now to be the will of the Lord. I must trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is active in the Church through the ministry of the Bishop.
I know not why, but for one reason or another the Lord has put me in Effingham. I must trust that it is for my sanctification and, with Blessed Damien, I, too, must repeat, “Thy will be done.”
To be resigned to the will of God and the will of Mother Church is not always easy. Yet this is required of those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Bishop Lucas has already said to me once, “What I need you to do is to stop thinking about going somewhere else.” I shall do my best. It is all I can do.
The Lord has sent me to Effingham and it is there that I will find my Molokai. But who are my lepers?
I feel the Lord calling me to greater involvement in youth ministry. Are the youth my lepers? They have certainly been neglected by many today and I was able to have many powerful conversations with them throughout our pilgrimage to WYD 2008. They brought me much joy (and a few headaches, but joy mostly). But how and where do I begin?
I also still feel a pull toward more blogging and the beginning of a podcast. I do enjoy blogging and I often hear from those who are touched through it.
Are these two areas my Molokai? They are very often the same area.
Wherever my Molokai is, whoever my lepers are, I must give more generously of myself than before. I must allow myself to be wounded by and for them. I must abandon myself in their service. In serving them I shall serve the Lord and so come to salvation.
I have returned to Effingham to serve whatever form of contemporary leper to whom the Lord shall send me. I only pray that he shall reveal them to me soon.
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