tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19563280612734480922024-01-29T19:14:44.059-05:00Seeking understandingA small "Q & A" for questions about Catholicism, its beliefs, practices, etc.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-60430435606490747872023-06-03T10:19:00.000-04:002023-06-03T10:19:25.689-04:00Psalm 11 and June<p>While listening to the "Bible in a Year" podcast, the psalm for today was Psalm 11. It seemed like a well timed reading for today, considering what many celebrate in the month of June, being Pride Month. In the opening verses, we read:</p><p>"<span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">In the</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I take refuge; </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">how can you say to me,</span></p><p><span class="text Ps-11-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;">'Flee like a bird to the mountains; </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">for lo, the wicked bend the bow,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;">they have fitted their arrow to the string,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-2" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;">to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">if the foundations are destroyed,</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-3" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;">what can the righteous do?'" (Ps 11:1-3)</span></p><p>This struck me, because recently Christians, especially Catholicism, has been under persecution and literal attack from various groups here in the USA. From <a href="https://catholicvote.org/pregnancy-center-attack-tracker/">attacks on pregnancy centers</a> after Roe v Wade was overturned last year to ludicrous arrests and treatment of people "violating" the FACE act (see: <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/pro-life-activist-arrested-swat-171717669.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMetuN98fzquz7m3gebHv2yEsjbGCzlQbpOreRKS7-sr22YzU5xwJoT_Q4LYda80OaG-p-rq22mCszmxogcy0ZcUI9Z8NuEckN6lhKB588kAv3tkqje4cOOKiQJk44VjG8bwKdxxR-3TEEAjG-1ca7tTD6tHPO2CdUNKOWbcdu0F">Mark Houck</a>), to the various displays of sin during "Pride month", it could be easy to see the words of the Psalmist being echoed by us. The wicked have taken their aim at the upright for many years, slowly eroding the foundations of faith and family, which seem to be nearly destroyed. What can we as followers of Jesus do?</p><p>It is encouraging to see parents, families, and other Church members speaking out against these injustices. As the beginning of the Psalm says, "In the Lord I take refuge." This is our hope: as Christians, we know how the story ultimately ends. The Psalmist echos this in the second half:</p><p><span class="text Ps-11-4" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-14063" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> is in his holy temple,</span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-4" style="position: relative;">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>’s throne is in heaven;</span></span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-4" style="position: relative;">his eyes behold, his eyelids test, the children of men.<span style="font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700;"> </span><br /></span></span><span class="text Ps-11-5" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-14064" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> tests the righteous and the wicked,</span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-5" style="position: relative;">and his soul hates him that loves violence.<span style="font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700;"> </span><br /></span></span><span class="text Ps-11-6" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-14065" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and brimstone;</span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-6" style="position: relative;">a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.<span style="font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700;"> </span><br /></span></span><span class="text Ps-11-7" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-14066" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> is righteous, he loves righteous deeds;</span><span class="indent-1" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-11-7" style="position: relative;">the upright shall behold his face. (Ps 11:4-7)</span></span></p><p>Throughout the gospels in the New Testament, Jesus continually echos the fact that persecution will happen in this life. In the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew, we see Jesus call those who face this blessed:</p><p><span class="text Matt-5-11" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-23245" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. </span><span class="text Matt-5-12" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-RSV-23246" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt 5:11f)</span></p><p><span class="text Matt-5-12" style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">While it is certainly difficult to speak out, especially in this month of June, we cannot cease in proclaiming the gospel. For Catholics, it can be an encouragement to know this is the month we celebrate the </span>Sacred<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Heart of Jesus. This seems a fitting counterpoint to the rest of society which chooses to celebrate the chief of the seven deadly sins. Even if we cannot do anything directly, we can always pray and offer penance to our Father through Jesus, knowing that in the end, God's will shall be accomplished no matter what the enemy hurls our way. The gates of hell will not prevail over the Church and its assault. Amen.</span></span></span></p>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-79754493802556395492019-01-06T13:39:00.003-05:002019-01-06T13:39:42.376-05:00Thoughts on EpiphanyToday, January 6, the Church celebrates the Epiphany, or when the Magi came to visit the child Jesus. It's a celebration of the foretelling of Jesus being the Messiah not only for the Jewish people, but for the whole world.<br />
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Of course, the gospel reading is taken from Matthew 2. What struck me today during the priest's homily was the focus given on the reaction from Herod and Jerusalem when the magi appear telling him that they are seeking "the one who has been born king of the Jews. We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." The following verse reads, "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." (Matt 2:3). Why are they disturbed though? Weren't the majority of Jews looking forward to the Messiah to supposedly liberate them from Roman rule?<br />
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Here, we need to backtrack to the Old Testament. The star mentioned is prophesied in Numbers 24 by Balaam. In verse 17, he speaks: "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth." Another prophesy about the magi is made in Isaiah 60: "Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Median and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord," (Isaiah 60:6).<br />
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Clearly, good Jews would be quite familiar with these prophecies. In fact, even the chief priests and teachers of the law are aware of where the Messiah would be born when Herod asks them, referencing the prophecy from Micah (Matt 2:4). But again, why are these people disturbed? We can understand Herod's concern as he was the ruler of the area, but why the general populace of Jerusalem?<br />
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I have a suspision that those in Jerusalem were relatively well off within the Roman Empire compared to those who lived out in the country, those on the fringes of society. They too would be concerned for their status and having the status quo shaken to the core. This makes sense given Jesus' lamentation over the city later, shortly before His passion, found in both Matthew and Luke:<br />
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"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34)<br />
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My own thoughts on this give me pause, because how much can we be like those in Jerusalem? Generally, we as "western" Christians face little, if any, persecution for our faith. We do not know what it means to struggle and rely on God for our daily bread. I'm not saying no one knows these pains, but in a general sense, we are comfortable.<br />
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As this Christmas season ends and a new yea begins, may we be like the Magi, seeking Christ and offering our own gifts to him throughout this coming year.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-7711520728893186152018-08-19T15:27:00.001-04:002018-08-19T15:27:29.183-04:00Thoughts on the recent scandal As many are aware, this past week a report was made public detailing sexual abuse in Catholic churches across Pennsylvania. I’ve read and heard many responses from lay people, priests, and our own bishop here in Harrisburg. Reactions range from anger to disappointment to sorrow. Many feel they can no longer stay in the Church because they feel a trust has been broken. I empathize, especially as someone who chose to join the Church as an adult.<br />
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Earlier, I had made a small post on Facebook. I share it as a preface:<br />
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“I’m still working on my own response to the scandal that has consumed the Church, but this morning I was greatly moved by the priest’s homily and also having a PACKED sanctuary loudly proclaim the Nicene Creed. It was a sobering reminder that the Church is more than its priests, more than its bishops, and certainly not about any mere man. Our faith, our trust is in our triune God who loves us and keeps his covenant, despite our failings. Praise be to Him that our faith is not in men!<br />
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I am also reminded of James’ letter and the opening verses:<br />
‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ — James 1:2ff<br />
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And so, I choose to persevere and not lose faith. Saints in heaven, pray for us.”<br />
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Another verse that has come to mind is Jesus when asking his disciples who people think he is and who they <span style="font-family: inherit;">think he is. This is his response after Peter says he is the Christ:</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-16-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-16-17" id="en-NIV-23690" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23690O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23690O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but by my Father in heaven.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23690P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23690P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-16-18" id="en-NIV-23691" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23691R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23691R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Matt-16-19" id="en-NIV-23692" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">I will give you the keys<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23692S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23692S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” —Matthew 16:17ff</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Matt-16-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Jesus gives his assurance that as the cornerstone, he will build the Church, and that despite the powers of hell, it will never be overcome. The Church is not new to scandals; they have been occurring since its formation. Paul’s letters show us that clearly as does the book of Acts in the Bible, and Church history is riddled with heresies and schisms. The early Arian controversy had the Church split before the councils of Nicene and Constantinople settled the issue. The great schism of 1054 split the western and eastern churches (now Catholic and Orthodox respectively). And nothing more needs to be said about Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation in 1500. Despite these and many more, the Church still stands as a beacon of faith and hope.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">There’s a small story I’ve heard twice now recently regarding the steadfastness of the Church. Supposedly, during the French Revolu<span style="font-family: inherit;">tion, Napoleon had a conversation with a cardinal. During this, he reportedly said, “</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your eminence, are you not aware that I have the power to destroy the Catholic Church?”, to which the cardinal replied, “Your Majesty, we, the Catholic clergy, have been done our best to destroy the Church for the past 1,800 years. We have not succeeded, and neither will you.” While somewhat humorous, it shows that Christ’s promise stands true.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Jews also tried to dismantle the Church early on. In Acts 5, some of the apostles have been brought before the Sanhedrin for performing miracles and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. The Jews are ready to stone the apostles for what they consider blasphemy, but a man named Gamaliel speaks <span style="font-family: inherit;">up:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Acts-5-35" id="en-NIV-27095" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;">“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.</span><span class="text Acts-5-36" id="en-NIV-27096" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.</span><span class="text Acts-5-37" id="en-NIV-27097" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-27097AY" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27097AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.</span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Acts-5-38" id="en-NIV-27098" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;">Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="text Acts-5-39" id="en-NIV-27099" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;">But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” —Acts 5:35b-39</span></span><br />
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Here we see the wisdom of this man. He knows, based on recent history, that if what the apostles are doing is of their own volition, it will fail. Again, we see the truth of Jesus’ words proclaimed earlier to the apostles.<br />
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My encouragement to all Catholic believers is this: Persevere. We know we are sheep among wolves, but our Shepherd is there to guide us, protect us, and nurture us. That is who our faith is in, not our priests or bishops, but in the One who gave us the promise that he would never forsake us. Sisters and brothers in Christ, pray for our Church.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-34659851145898494972018-06-10T10:58:00.000-04:002018-06-10T10:58:16.838-04:00Non-practicing Catholics “I’m a non-practicing Catholic.” As Catholics, we may hear these words at some point from people we encounter, or even friends and people we know fairly well. I have heard it from a few people in my life, including family members. But what does this term exactly mean and what are its implications?<br />
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Generally, non-practicing Catholics are people who received early sacraments, such as baptism, first communion, and maybe even confirmation, but do not regularly attend Mass nor hold strongly to Church teaching. They identify as Catholic because of these early sacraments, and most of the time, in my experience, are “cradle Catholics”, those who were born into a Catholic family. Depending on the person, they may still believe that because of receiving early sacraments, they are destined for heaven. Chreasters, those who come to church for only Christmas and Easter, may also fall into this camp.<br />
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When I think about these people, I’m reminded of the letter in Revelation to Laodicea (3:14-22). In it, John writes to these people, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (3:15f). Some pretty harsh words for these folks! This is the situation for non-practicing Catholics, and really, those who claim to be Christian but do not show it in their lives, either by word or deed.<br />
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Now, people read this and think that we should either be fully for or against God, hot or cold respectively. But God does not desire that we should be against Him. Instead, this passage would be better illustrated with beverages. Depending on any given situation, a hot or cold beverage is refreshing. A cup of hot coffee or tea can be soothing, while a nice cold glass of water is refreshing. No one prefers to have a lukewarm drink! This is why this letter is written: the believers in Laodicea had become complacent, and therefore were going to be spit out unless they repented.<br />
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The same is true for all of us today. We need to be mindful of our own faith journey. It can be very easy for us as Christians to merely go through the motions and do the minimum that is asked of us. But this is not what God desires! He wants us to stand out, to be hot or cold in a room temperature world.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-75401869062972167272014-03-10T21:23:00.001-04:002014-03-10T21:23:24.720-04:00The Temptations of Jesus and ChurchThe gospel reading this past Sunday (and typically every 1<sup>st</sup>
Sunday of Lent) was of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. For those unfamiliar with the story,
read the first verses of Matthew 4 (1 – 11 I believe). It was noted in the priest’s homily
that the three temptations of Jesus are categories of temptations we all
face. The first temptation was
physical (satisfy a guilty pleasure), the second spiritual (seeking mystical
power), and the third civil/political.<br />
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An interesting point that was made was in relation to the
third temptation. Here, Jesus is
offered the whole world if he worships Satan. In a sense, it would fulfill Jesus’ mission. He would save the world, but the means
to that end are severely perverted and twisted. Of course, Jesus rebukes Satan, using scripture to thwart
his temptations.</div>
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This got me thinking about how various Christians and
churches have gotten caught up in the whirlwind of a “market driven” model a la
Willow Creek, Joel Osteen, or almost any other “megachurch”. Seemingly at these kinds of churches,
there are coffeehouses, cafes, and some even have chain restaurants like
McDonald's or Subway within their walls!
The church where my wife works has also become swept up into this mode
of “quantity beats all”, with a goal of having 250 guests enter their doorstep
over the course of 2014. Mind you,
this particular church has roughly 350 members, a far cry from the thousands a
megachurch typically has.</div>
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I have always had my own qualms with churches that operate
like this, but in thinking about Jesus’ temptation, it gives me new pause to
how we do Church. Could we be
feeding people a lie and not the whole truth by luring them in with flashy
lights, projection screens… material fluff? It also gives me pause when I think about Jesus’ words in
Matthew 7:21ff:</div>
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“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the
kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in
heaven. Many will say to me on
that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive
out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”</div>
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It’s a sobering thought to be sure! How can we know we are doing it right,
that we are serving God’s true purpose?
Look at Jesus’ example; he used God’s Word. For me as a Catholic, this includes not only the Bible, but
the teachings of the Church (aka Tradition). One particular passage that has always been with me when
thinking about market driven churches is Matthew 28:19f, which many refer to as
the Great Commission:</div>
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“Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and
teaching to obey everything I have commanded you. And sure I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”</div>
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Jesus does not command us to “go and bring people into the
synagogues,” he just says “GO.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
puts the burden not on our pastors or priests, but on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the disciples, the teachers, the
ones told to go out, the literal meaning of apostle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t need to be great speakers, just great disciples of
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As St. Francis of Assisi
famously said, “Preach the gospel always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When necessary, use words.”<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-83052736124866342912013-11-22T21:21:00.000-05:002013-11-22T21:21:32.051-05:00Anointing of the SickA friend and good follower of the blog asked me about “Last
Rites” due to the coverage of the anniversary of JFK’s assassination. “Last Rites” or “extreme unction”
include a celebration of three sacraments: Reconciliation, Anointing, and Eucharist. Since Eucharist was covered previously,
this is a good tie in for the sacraments of healing: Penance (aka confession) and Anointing of the Sick.<br />
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Most anyone when they are ill or suffering will react in
multiple ways. Some will curse
God, like Job’s wife wanted, while others will use it as a means to draw closer
to God and seek His strength, like the Psalmists or the apostle Paul. Christ himself performed many healings
to the blind, the deaf, the mute, and on the list goes on. What He also did in many cases was
forgive those people of their sins and credited their belief and faith for the
healing. This is the basis for the
sacrament of Anointing.</div>
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“Moved by so much suffering Christ not only allows himself
to be touched by the sick, but he makes their miseries his own: ‘He took our infirmities and bore our
diseases.’ (Matthew 8:17) But he
did not heal all the sick. His
healings were signs of the coming of the Kingdom of God. They announced a more radical
healing: the victory over sin and
death through his Passover. On the
cross Christ took upon himself the whole weight of evil and took away the ‘sin
of the world,’ of which illness is only a consequence. By his passion and death on the cross
Christ has given a new meaning to suffering: it can henceforth configure us to him and unites us with his
redemptive Passion.” (CCC 1505)</div>
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Not only did Christ heal, he also charged his disciples with
this command as well (Mark 6:12f).
We see also after his ascension into heaven the disciples still
performing healings. There are
those who have the gift of healing, which Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians
12. However, even Paul was not
relieved of a physical ailment despite his petitions. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness,” was the response given (2 Cor 12:9). We cannot expect physical healing in
every case, much as Jesus did not heal every person (CCC 1506-1509).</div>
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We see an early version of the sacrament in the letter of
James, who wrote, “Is any among you sick?
Let him call for the elders (presbyters) of the Church and let them pray
over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of
faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has
committed sins, he will be forgiven,” (James 5:14f) (CCC 1510).</div>
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Up until recent years, this sacrament was typically
celebrated on a person’s deathbed, hence where “Extreme Unction” came
from. After Vatican II, the Church
clarified the meaning of the sacrament:</div>
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“The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given to those
who are seriously ill by anointing them on the forehead and hands with duly
blessed oil—pressed from olives or from other plants—saying, only once: ‘Through this holy anointing may the
Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin
save you and raise you up.’” (CCC 1513)</div>
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As we see, this sacrament is celebrated in similar ways
among Protestants. Those who are
gravely ill or advanced in years would celebrate this. Also, those who might be undergoing a
major medical procedure would consider receiving this sacrament (CCC 1514f).</div>
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With “Last Rites”, the anointing is followed by receiving
Eucharist before a person dies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
mentioned previously, the Eucharist is considered the “Sacrament of sacraments”
due to the belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ himself said, “He
who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up
at the last day,” (John 6:54) (CCC 1524).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist begin our
journey, so do the sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharist
bring a close to our earthly journey (CCC 1525).<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-48539855184391153572013-07-03T22:19:00.000-04:002013-07-03T22:19:12.647-04:00Why Catechesis?I’ve been mulling for a while how “easy” it is for people to
become Christians, primarily in the Protestant world. Megachurches like Saddleback, Willow Creek, and Lakewood
garner much attention and followers, and even where I live, there are a handful
of “mini-megachurches” like Christian Life Assembly and West Shore Evangelical
Free Church. What I strongly dislike about these places is the methodology used
to bring people in (which itself is a problem).<br />
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A big problem I have with much of Protestantism (primarily
“low liturgy” folks) is the whole “being saved” concept. Recently, I finished reading Karl
Keating’s book “Catholicism and Fundamentalism”, in which Keating defends
accusations levied against the Church while at the same time raising questions
of fundamentalism. One chapter is
devoted to salvation and the notion of “being saved.” All one has to do is simply accept Jesus into their heart
and their ticket to heaven is punched.
That’s all there is to it, say the fundamentalists.</div>
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This is highly contrary to what the early Church did and
what Catholicism still does today.
People interested in becoming Christians went through a period of
education, or catechesis, before deciding that yes, this is what they
wanted. This process today takes
months, starting in the fall and ends at Easter, a stark contrast to a five
minute prayer. Persons are
presented with what Catholicism teaches and believes and are essentially asked,
“Do you accept this?” I find it
saddening that far too many Christians know little about the beliefs of the
denomination they belong to and how they differ from others. Far too much is based on the “feel” of
a particular church, which is where megachurches come in.</div>
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Places such as this attract people with their many programs
and activities so that in a sense, your life becomes entrenched in that one
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This promulgates the “bring
people in” model of evangelism, which is not what Jesus said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go out into all the world and preach
the Gospel” is the command given by Jesus before his ascension (Matt. 28:19,
Acts 1:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Church should be
what attracts seekers, not a church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In other words, it’s our job as Christians to lead by example, to
“preach the gospel always and, when necessary, use words” as St. Francis of
Assisi said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with that
though, we also need to educate and have good catechesis so that maybe, just
maybe, we can develop Christians with a deeper understanding of the faith,
whose roots are deep in the Gospel, and those who can defend the faith well.</div>
Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-54245411936536541262013-02-25T19:47:00.002-05:002013-02-25T19:47:30.156-05:00I'm back!For those who may have been unaware, this past year I was in school taking evening classes. This left me with no time for blogging, hence the large gap between my most recent post and the previous one. Thankfully I am now done and can devote more time to the blog and answering your questions.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to get through the rest of the sacraments this year, as the whole tour started back in 2009 with Baptism and stalled at the Eucharist. This was largely due to you, my readers, asking questions about various Catholic teachings like praying to saints or mortal and venial sins. One sacrament, marriage (matrimony) has been touched on in some other posts, but will get a more thorough look in its own post.<br />
<br />
I always appreciate your questions and comments, as it hopefully helps you better understand Catholicism and perhaps realize that we're not quite so wacky as you think!Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-53510047638834548052013-02-23T21:28:00.002-05:002013-02-23T21:28:19.610-05:00Eucharist part 2: TransubstantiationTransubstantiation:
A big word that essentially is one of the major belief differences
between Catholicism and most, if not all, of Protestantism. The term refers to a belief about the
Eucharist (communion), which was heavily debated during the Protestant
Reformation, especially among prominent Protestant leaders, like Martin Luther,
John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli.
Mainly in response to the Reformation, the Church convened for the
Council of Trent in the mid-1500s, which firmly established transubstantiation
as the right view of the Eucharist (among many other things, hence why it is
referred to as the Counter-Reformation).<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Catechism begins its teaching on this doctrine at
paragraph 1373. I left the
<a href="http://catholicismquestions.blogspot.com/2009/08/eucharist-part-1.html" target="_blank">Eucharist part one</a> at paragraph 1344.
Those sections after this talk about the Mass and contain teachings on
why we celebrate this sacrament.
For the purposes of this post, the focus will be on specifically
transubstantiation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What does this long word mean anyway? Essentially it is the belief that Christ
is physically present in the bread and wine after the priest consecrates them
on the altar. So they are no
longer bread and wine, but are now the body and blood of Christ (hence also the
reason for the feast of Corpus Christi).
Christ’s presence is also affirmed in Scripture:<br />
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“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” –
Matthew 18:20<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Whatever you did for the least of these brothers or sisters
of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christ is also present at the celebration of any sacrament
of the Church, since he authored them, but “most especially in the Eucharistic
species,” (CCC 1373). His presence
in the Eucharist is what elevates it to being “the sacrament of sacraments.” Thomas Aquinas wrote that the Eucharist
is “the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the
sacraments tend,” (CCC 1374). The
Council of Trent stated that in the Eucharist “the body and blood, together
with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole
Christ it truly, really, and substantially contained.” This presence is more “real” because it
is “a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly
and entirely present,” (CCC 1374).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Transubstantiation is part of the reason non-Catholics are
asked to not participate in the Eucharist. Most Protestant denominations believe in a symbolic view of
the Eucharist, that Christ’s body and blood are symbolized in the bread and
wine. Catholicism teaches that it
is actually the body and blood of Christ, not a symbol.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here some may say, “Why wait until the 1500s to clarify
this? Why not earlier?” To answer, many theological issues had
no need to be fleshed out in such a way because the majority of people believed
it. When the dynamic changes, the
Church in response will solidify its position on a teaching. This is true not only for
transubstantiation, but for other doctrines and teachings like Christ’s dual
natures or Marian beliefs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In fact, many early Church fathers promoted the belief in
transubstantiation. Thomas Aquinas
was mentioned above, and others like John Chrysostom and Ambrose also spoke
about this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“It is not man that causes the things offered to become the
Body and Blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ,
pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things
offered.” – John Chyrsostom<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Be convinced that this is not what nature has formed, but
what the blessing has consecrated.
The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the
blessing nature itself has been changed… Could not Christ’s word, which can
make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they
were not before? It is no less a
feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature.” –
Ambrose of Milan (CCC 1375)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Council of Trent said it in this way: “Because Christ our Redeemer said that
it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has
always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now
declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and win there takes place
a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of
Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of
his blood. This change the holy
Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.” (CCC
1376)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another fellow Catholic blogger also points out that <a href="http://catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2011/09/dog-that-didnt-bark-eucharistic.html" target="_blank">no one</a>
up until the Protestant Reformation disputed transubstantiation and, as pointed
above, the early Fathers in fact promoted this belief.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Biblical evidence of this claim is also found not only at
the Last Supper, but also in John 6.
After Jesus feeds the multitude of people, they come back wanting
more. Jesus tells them that he is
the bread of life and that this bread is his flesh (vv. 35-51). The crowd is then perplexed: How can Jesus give them his flesh (v.
52)?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus answers, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the
flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my
blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my
flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and
drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of
the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from
heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will
live forever.” (vv. 53-58)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After this, many of these disciples leave him because they
cannot swallow his teaching.
Typically, Jesus would explain more if it were symbolic, like he does
for parables. Here, he essentially
says, “Here it is. Take it or
leave it.” And it is difficult to
fathom; our minds cannot process it.
It is simply a matter of faith.
The food that looks like bread and tastes like bread is not bread, but
Christ’s body. The drink that looks like wine and tastes like wine is not wine,
but Christ’s blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-27058452764984096252012-02-19T10:41:00.000-05:002012-02-19T10:41:00.360-05:00Contraception in society<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
As a small epilogue, here are some advertisements for contraception. Notice their rationale for promoting said products and also, has anyone ever seen a commercial featuring a married couple? Ponder that for a minute!</div>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="490"><param name="movie" value="http://www.meltybuzz.fr/swf/api/e/argv/id/765376/c/FF6600/">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.meltybuzz.fr/swf/api/e/argv/id/765376/c/FF6600/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="490" height="270"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U6krr40mdHM" width="420"></iframe>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-67619957291758274882012-02-19T10:12:00.002-05:002012-02-19T10:12:55.269-05:00Contraception<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />There has been much said and reported on recently regarding the HHS mandate that Catholic organizations and institutions along with like-minded employers involved with healthcare start providing contraceptives to those who request it. With this in mind, I thought it would be good to go deeper into why the Church believes such things are wrong. This ties into my previous <a href="http://catholicismquestions.blogspot.com/2011/02/pro-life.html" target="_blank">Pro-life post</a>, in which I touched on this briefly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To reiterate, all of what the Church teaches on sexuality stems from the sacrament of marriage/matrimony. It is the definition of marriage, specifically the “openness to children” criterion, which affects all that was touched on in “Pro-Life”. Homosexuality, contraception, and abortion are the big issues involved. Each act of intercourse between husband and wife should be open to the possibility of conceiving a child.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Some would say, “Ah ha! That’s why so-and-so Catholic has 12 children!” or ask, “So no sex unless we want children?” To answer that question, I say yes and no. Yes, we should be open to the possibility, but no, not just when reproduction is the only aim. Couples should “renew” their vows often, and God created us in such a way to make this possible.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As we all know, men are fertile 24/7. “When the moment is right”, they are good to go. Women, on the other hand, are typically fertile for a relatively short period of time each month, roughly a week for those with consistent schedules. It is the beauty of this design that allows us to say, “Yes, we’re open”, but God can say, “Not this time.” This is how methods like rhythm method were developed. Since that particular method is highly inaccurate, others have been developed and are used by many women today, like the Sympto-Thermal Method or the Creighton Method (we use the latter now after using the former). Essentially, using the signs God “programmed” into women, it can be determined how likely a pregnancy is to occur. This is called Natural Family Planning (NFP for short).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Objections now might be, “Wait, that’s still a form on contraception!”, but it is in God’s hands, not ours. A pregnancy is possible during an infertile time, but it is unlikely and vice versa. Catholicism essentially teaches that using things like condoms or pills essentially say to God, “I give you my all, except for what happens in the bedroom.” It is also worth noting that the phrase “protected sex” is contradictory, because what are you protecting yourself from and why do you need protection from your spouse?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">What has happened in our society is a redefining what sexual intercourse is. Because of the “sexual revolution” in the 1960s, sex has become purely recreational; it feels good. Naturally defined, sex is meant as a means to reproduce; it’s the natural order of things. As people created in God’s image, this holds true as well, but it takes on a higher meaning. Sex, as God defines it, is meant to affirm the sacred union between husband and wife. That is the cake; the feeling and stimulation is the icing. Far too many people think sex is all about the icing, which leaves them spiritually and emotionally sick.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Contraception was not designed by some great medical persona believe it or not. Nor was it originally designed to prevent pregnancy. All it does it allow us to give into our sexual appetites and ignore self-control, because with it we avoid the “consequences” of sex. Christopher West notes in his book, “Good News About Sex and Marriage” that contraception not only violates the openness to children, but the other marriage criteria. For example, with fidelity, he writes:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">“Being faithful to one’s spouse does not only mean refraining from adultery. It means living what you promised at the altar through thick and thin, no matter how difficult, no matter how challenging, no matter how much sacrifice is required. Couples who succumb to sterilizing their acts of intercourse have consciously or unconsciously decided that fidelity to their vows is too demanding. Consciously or unconsciously, they choose to be unfaithful to the promises they made at the altar.” (pg. 111)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Essentially, contraception allows to us to be like animals, giving in to our base desires. However, we are called to practice self-control (Gal. 5:22-23), part of the fruit of the Spirit. This is part of how we are made in God’s image; we can decide to ignore those desires. Paul himself wrote to the Corinthians, “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize,</span>” (1 Cor. 9:27) and even earlier said, “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” (1 Cor. 6:12f)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">I leave you with some notable figures that predicted (some could even say, prophesied) about what would happen to a society that embraced contraception along with a recent article from <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/time-to-admit-it-the-church-has-always-been-right-on-birth-control-2012-2" target="_blank">Business Insider</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">“Artificial methods are like putting a premium on vice. They make men and women reckless... Nature is relentless and will have full revenge for any such violation of her laws. Moral results can only be produced by moral restraints… As it is, man has sufficiently degraded woman for his lust, and artificial methods, no matter how well meaning the advocates may be, will still further degrade her.” – <a href="http://www.mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/chap59.htm" target="_blank">Mohandas Gandhi</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">“The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide</span>.” – T.S. Eliot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">“Carried to its logical conclusion, the committee's report (to allow marital contraception) carried into effect would sound the death-knell of marriage as a holy institution, by establishing degrading practices which would encourage indiscriminate immorality. The suggestion that the use of legalized contraceptive would be ‘careful and restrained’ is preposterous.” – Washington Post editorial written in response to Anglican Church and Federal Council of Churches, USA, decisions to allow contraception in marriage in 1930.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">“Surely it should need no demonstration to show that willful sterility is, from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the </span>standpoint of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>nation, from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>standpoint of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>human race,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">one</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">sin</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">for</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">which</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the penalty</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is national death, race death; a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">sin</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">for</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">which</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="searchword">the</span>re is no at<span class="searchword">one</span>ment</span>.” – Pres. Theodore Roosevelt, State of the Union address, December 3, 1906<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">“The abandonment of the reproductive function is the common feature of all perversions. We actually describe a sexual activity as perverse if it has given up the aim of reproduction and pursues the attainment of pleasure as an aim independent of it.” – Sigmund Freud</span></div>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-53559904865869554502012-01-23T22:10:00.001-05:002012-01-23T22:10:30.268-05:00I Love Jesus and Religion<br />
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For anyone who may be out of the loop, there has been a
video circulating called “Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus.” Many responses to said video have
cropped up, with people both praising it and others harshly criticizing
it. If you have yet to view it,
check here:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1IAhDGYlpqY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I find that while the author makes some good points, there
are many things I think he gets wrong.
First, he starts with the statement “What if I told you Jesus came to
abolish religion.” This I strongly
disagree with. Jesus was a
practicing Jew, and his message was largely to the Jewish people who were
awaiting the Messiah (Hebrew) or Christ (Greek). Many times Jesus is seen teaching in synagogues and also
celebrating the various Jewish, most notably the Passover before his
death. He even said, “Do not think
that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish
them but to fulfill them,” (Matt. 5:17).</div>
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Now about the whole “religion starts wars, fails to feed the
poor,” etc., yes, that has happened historically. But here’s the thing:
we’re all human and we’re all fallen creatures in need of God’s
grace. Are we quick to judge at
times? Yes. Are we going to look out for ourselves
instead of others at times? Yes. Are we perfect? Absolutely not. Jesus knew all this when he formed his
disciples. Look at them, and
really take a close look.
Fishermen, tax collectors, zealots: all groups who were certainly not at the top of the
pyramid. Look at Peter, James and
John, Thomas, Judas; a fine example of “rag tag” if ever there was one.</div>
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Yet, it as Paul wrote in 1 Cor 1:27, “God chose the foolish
things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world
to shame the strong.” This is why
throughout history in the Catholic Church, many popes are in a sense terrified
at being elected, unlike today’s politicians who revel in it and celebrate it.</div>
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Thankfully, Jesus gave us hope when he established this New
Covenant. Look at these
statements:</div>
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“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not
overcome it.” (Matt. 16:18b)</div>
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“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt.
28:20b)</div>
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Hypocrisy gets some noted face time as well. Again, we’re human and not
perfect. I know all too well that
there are hypocrites out there; the Catholic Church is tragically well known
for this. Terms like “Chreaster”
or “Ash/Palm” Catholics get thrown around (Chreaster is fairly universal in any
church). It does bother me that
people, especially Catholics, are not serious about their faith and simply go
through the motions, but I cannot change their hearts; only God can.</div>
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“Jesus and religion are on opposites spectrums. One’s the work of God, the other’s a
man-made invention.” Hardly, since
Jesus established the New Covenant to fulfill God’s original promise. As mentioned above, Jesus said, “I will
build my church.” Even the
Pharisee Gamaliel admitted this when the disciples were brought before the
Sanhedrin, saying, <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Men of Israel,
consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Some time ago Theudas appeared,
claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was
killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in
the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed,
and all his followers were scattered.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Therefore, in the present case I
advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or
activity is of human origin, it will fail.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>But
if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find
yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:35-39)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The well known saying “a chain is only as strong as its
weakest link” is a perfect metaphor for the Church. Despite the various weak links that have strained the
Church, still it stands as Jesus promised it would.<br />
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For those also interested, here's a response video:</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ru_tC4fv6FE" width="560"></iframe>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-29664403255613172972012-01-01T22:46:00.000-05:002012-01-01T22:47:18.325-05:00Christmas ClarityAs Christmas came upon us, I'm sure many of us saw nativity scenes/creche with the shepherds, magi, Mary and Joseph, and various animals all around the manger with a star above the stable. We have sung many carols as well, like "The First Nowell." While such a song and scene are nice and remind us of the story, they paint an inaccurate picture of the events that we read in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.<br />
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To start, we look at Luke, which has details regarding Jesus' actual birth. This is where we receive the details of Mary and Joseph being turned away because there was no room in the inn, so they had to stay in a stable, which is where Mary gives birth. Shortly after this, the scene cuts to shepherds watching over their flocks. An angel appears, telling them the news of the Christ being born and where to find this newborn child. Notice there is no mention of a star or magi.<br />
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Now we turn to Matthew. Here, the birth itself is glossed over, with attention more on Joseph's actions (1:18-25). Chapter 2 then turns to the Magi, who come to Jerusalem looking for the "King of the Jews". We are familiar with the events: Herod wants to know where the child is also to kill him, the Magi are told to not go back, and Herod goes on a rampage. However, there are a couple key details to note. We read in 2:7 that Herod finds out when the star first appeared. This is what aids him in his decision to kill all boys in the vicinity under the age of two (2:16). It seems highly likely then, that Jesus is a toddler at this point. Also, the Magi do not come to a stable, but a house (2:11), so the Holy Family has found permanent residence by the time these Magi arrive with their three kinds of gifts. And speaking of, we do not know how many Magi there were. I'd like to think there was a sizable group of these foreigners, but that detail is omitted.<br />
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It is because of these details that we celebrate the visit of the Magi separately from Christmas in the feast of Epiphany, which is Jan. 6 (the twelfth day of Christmas). Many parishes with nativity scenes may move the Magi away, but then bring them closer as Epiphany approaches, symbolizing their journey.<br />
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The Magi themselves, according to scholars, could have been Chaldeans or from another Eastern culture. These men were astronomers essentially, hence why the star is instrumental in their search. This should further impress us that even these Gentiles recognized that something incredible had occurred, while many Jews missed it entirely, which is seen throughout Jesus' ministry.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-50215060461185602442011-12-21T19:21:00.004-05:002011-12-21T19:44:35.031-05:00Drummer BoyWhile driving home tonight, I decided to listen to our local Christmas song/carol station. During the drive, the song "Little Drummer Boy" came on (Josh Grobin singing). Now, I'm sure many are familiar with the song and the story it tells. A poor boy with a drum comes across the Magi on their way to present their "finest gifts" to Jesus. Once they arrive, the boy says,<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Little Baby,<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> I am a poor boy too, <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>I have no gift to bring, that's fit to give the King. Shall I play for you, on my drum?<br /><br />The Magi have gold, incense, and myrrh, and despite these gifts, the boy feels compelled to offer something, anything to this newborn King. All he has is his drum, which he plays. The story continues:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,<br /><br />Now here's what got me:<br /><br />Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum<br />Me and my drum<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thejesusquestion.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/jesus_laughing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://thejesusquestion.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/jesus_laughing.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Here, this poor boy with nothing to give the King of kings, plays "his best" on his drum as a gift, and the reaction from this tiny baby who would save us all is a smile. It's a humbling thought that no matter our limitations, no matter our weaknesses, all Jesus asks is our "best", and I think when we do that, he smiles.<br /><br />It also reminds me of when I come home from work and when my daughter sees me, she runs over, asks me to pick her up, and gives me a big hug. I hope we all make Jesus smile, not only during Christmas, but every season in life. Merry Christmas to all!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-64181600088478472642011-12-02T20:20:00.002-05:002011-12-02T20:38:51.957-05:00Advent... It's not Christmas yet!As this season of Advent gets underway, Christmas songs are playing on the radio, people are out shopping more than usual for gifts, and decorations and trees are up around homes.<br /><br />One of the things I appreciate as a Catholic is that we do not sing Christmas songs until after Christmas. Yes, that's right; no "Joy to the World", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", etc., until after (or on this year) Dec. 25. Instead, we sing Advent hymns, like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "People Look East" to name a couple familiar tunes. It seems contradictory to sing "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!" when liturgically, it hasn't happened yet!<br /><br />Another thing I am appreciating more this year is that the liturgical year begins where it ends: Christ's return and God's kingdom. We end each year with the feast of Christ the King, which puts greater emphasis on the kingdom on earth, Christ's return. Advent continues this theme, because not only are we looking forward to celebrating Christ's birth, we are also at the same time looking forward to that day when he returns in his glory! This is why we can sing "People look east the time is near!" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel."<br /><br />This Advent, may we all be reminded that while the focus is on Christ's birth, we must be vigilant and look for the day he returns!Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-22054611696492480802011-09-27T22:02:00.003-04:002011-09-27T22:04:24.601-04:00HomosexualityAs I begin this extremely touchy and delicate subject, some preface is needed before we dive into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While I agree with the teachings of the Church on this, it’s still an issue I wrestle with because of personal connections. <span class="textexposedshow">I'm a person who has homosexual relatives and friends. I do not come from a perspective of "damn homosexuals!", unlike many misguided "Christians". I harbor no ill feelings towards those with homosexual attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wish joy and happiness to those I care about, no matter their orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After all, Jesus came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, this blog is to present Catholicism’s teachings on different topics with some of my own reflections.</span><span class="textexposedshow"><br /><br /></span>The issue of homosexuality has taken center stage in recent months in our world, primarily due to the results of bullying and also because of its prominence politically as states debate the issue of homosexual marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All the attention has Christians struggling with the issue as well, and the responses from various denominations has been varying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example, the Episcopal Church allows same sex marriages, while others, like Catholicism, have remained firm in their position and will not waver.<br /><br />The Church is quite staunch on this issue primarily because of its stance on marriage and sexuality in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks to Blessed John Paul II’s work on the Theology of the Body, teachings on sexuality within the context of the Church were clarified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My <a href="http://catholicismquestions.blogspot.com/2011/02/pro-life.html">previous post</a> on pro-life is an example of the clarity provided, and I will be referring back to it.<br /><br />Homosexuality still remains a sin in the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, the teachings of the Church through the Catechism provide clarification on some things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>First, the Church admits, “[homosexuality’s] psychological genesis remains largely unexplained,” (CCC 2357).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Second, the Church differentiates between homosexual attraction and homosexual acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Much like heterosexual attraction, homosexual attraction in itself is not sinful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Church teaches that this “constitutes for most of them a trial,” (CCC 2358).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sin enters either through lust or acting upon said attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Outside of marriage, this is sinful whether homosexual or heterosexual.<br /><br />Why is it a sin though?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It largely comes down to the Church’s definition of marriage, specifically procreation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Homosexual acts cannot create new life; it is impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is also why the Church does not allow same sex marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Referring to Genesis, the Catechism teaches that homosexual acts are “contrary to natural law,” (CCC 2357).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God created man and woman, and from an anatomical standpoint, they are complementary, like puzzle pieces that are meant to go together.<br /><br />Look at Genesis 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God creates Adam, and wants to create a “suitable partner” for him (2:18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God creates the animals, but they do not suffice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Note Adam’s response once God creates Eve from his rib in Gen. 2:23:<br /><br />“This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.”<br /><br />God made Adam a suitable partner, a woman!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Immediately Adam recognizes this compatibility because of how she was made; there is no hesitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Adam does not say, “Well, I suppose this will work.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No, instead he positively bursts out “YES!”<br /><br />With all this said, how should homosexuals respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like all of us, they are called to chastity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Catechism teaches that “by the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection,” (CCC 2359).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s a tough pill for many to swallow, as it basically says that homosexuals should not have any romantic relations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In this sense, their vocation becomes the same as a single person’s (this is where I still struggle).Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-61363784800998709732011-09-11T19:21:00.002-04:002011-09-11T19:32:25.621-04:009/11 ReadingsIt never ceases to amaze me how using Lectionary readings enhances worship and also speaks to the heart. This week was truly special because of 9/11 falling on a Sunday. The <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091111.cfm">readings</a> are ones that truly speak to the heart on this day of remembrance. The theme of forgiveness is very prevalent, and should give us pause, especially considering that the readings follow a schedule and were set for this date many years ago. It is amazing how God speaks and uses the Scriptures to touch our hearts.<br /><br />I can't imagine the thoughts and feelings of those who lost loved ones on this day ten years ago. I also imagine that there are still those who feel anger and bitterness as they are reminded every year of this tragedy, especially this year. I hope and pray that many of those affected are able to hear these words and can heal from the pain if they still feel that bitterness.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-77434579743977832282011-09-11T10:15:00.002-04:002011-09-11T10:34:12.631-04:0010 years ago...No theological discussion today, but rather some reflection as I remember what happened this fateful day ten years ago.<br /><br />I remember it so clearly, much like my parents remember the assassination of JFK or my grandparents remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a Tuesday, and I know that only because one of my favorite bands, P.O.D., had just come out with their album Satellite. I was a senior in high school. It was second period, around 9:45, when I heard about the planes crashing into the Twin Towers of NYC. There was a sense of disbelief, shock, and confusion. There was no way this was happening to us. Just then, a correspondent who was in the Pentagon said they felt shaking. That was from the impact of that plane crashing.<br /><br />We spent much of that school day watching NBC news (one of the few "outside" stations we could pick up in our school). During third period, both towers collapsed. It felt like a dream, like something that could never happen in real life, especially in America. Shortly afterwards, a "rumor" spread that a plane had crashed near Shanksville. All of us were skeptical; after all, we lived in Somerset County. Nothing exciting or dramatic happened here. A local news break, however, confirmed this rumor. Again, more disbelief and shock. What in the world was going on? Eventually, our administration told teachers to continue class as usual. How could we though, after what we had already seen and heard?<br /><br />Phone calls began coming in to our area. After all, the national news could only say that a plane crashed in western PA, or Somerset county. Schools were wondering what to do. While not nearly as catastrophic as NYC, there was still chaos in our small world. Eventually, we were left out early along with other schools in the area. I think administrators realized that it was better to return home, perhaps to our families who also might have left work early.<br /><br />The news stayed on much of the day at our house. It was unbelievable seeing the video and pictures of the events that had transpired that morning. I can only imagine what those in the towers had experienced, especially those who right in the path of each plane as it crashed.<br /><br />Much has changed since then as we all know. Airport security has tightened dramatically. New rules and regulations have gone into effect, and others have been revised. Immediately following the events, there was a sense of unity. We were all Americans, all people who had witnessed a horrible tragedy in our nation. Leaders and politicians felt a common bond as was shown by Congress singing "God bless America" on the steps of the Capitol.<br /><br />Now, it seems we have forgotten much, at least until this time rolls around every year. The bickering and fighting continue in our politics and the mentality of us vs. them still reigns supreme in our world. Many considered the events of 9/11 a wake-up call, but it seems we simply hit the snooze button and fell back into our old ways.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-16885004551260586642011-04-21T20:28:00.002-04:002011-04-21T21:04:49.622-04:00"I call you friends"On yet another Maundy Thursday, I contemplate the Gospel reading said every year at services in all Catholic churches. Jesus, taking off his robe, washing the feet of his disciples, and telling them to do likewise (John 13). While I reflected on this last year (see April 2010 posts), I wanted this year to look at John 15.<br /><br />Typically, Christians are most familiar with Jesus' teaching on being the vine, with us being the branches. What strikes me most is what happens after that lesson, which we read starting in verse 11:<br /><br />"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father." (John 15:11-15)<br /><br />What prompted this thought was a song I sang at the Newman Center in West Chester, which I attended while visiting Alyssa on weekends. The song is called "We have been told", and I had one of the verses running through my head, which goes like this: "You are my friends, if you keep my commands. No longer slaves, I call you friends."<br /><br />Imagine the apostles' possible surprise at this statement. Here, the teacher and master they had been following for three years, now turns to them and calls them his friends. What a table turner! Now, I'm not too familiar with rabbinical structures during the first century, but I have a hunch that no other teacher did that with their disciples. Jesus seeks more than just our blind obedience; he wants to know us intimately. He wants to be our friend, our best friend if you will. Thinking about it moves me, because it shows how great his love is.<br /><br />How often do we fail in this regard? I'm sure many of us have had friends we have lost touch with or have not talked to for quite a while. Some of those people we no longer consider friends; others we can talk to them after some time like nothing has changed. I have people in my life that fall under both categories. However, Jesus wants to be that friend that we talk to every day and that we want to spend time with. I know I disappoint consistently and need to strive to be a better friend. What steps do you take to better your friendship?Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-22459097643748344142011-04-09T21:15:00.002-04:002011-04-09T21:21:46.846-04:00SaintsMuch criticism has been made about Catholicism and its belief in praying to the saints.<span style=""> </span>Many of us are familiar with at least some names of the saints, most notably Jesus’ apostles along with other major figures in Christian history.<span style=""> </span>But where does this belief stem from, and how did these great figures become saints?<br /><br />To begin, we are all called as Christians to be saints.<span style=""> </span>This is why, in addition to saints’ feast days, Catholics celebrate All Saints Day on November 1, as a way to celebrate the men and women in our lives who have been great influences.<span style=""> </span>Christ calls us to be holy, and as any study of those who have the title “Saint”, these people had their own struggles in life.<span style=""> </span>A prime example is St. Augustine of Hippo, a man who engaged in sexual immorality before converting, and who later became recognized as a “Doctor of the Church” for his writings on the faith.<br /><br />The primary reason for the belief in asking the saints for help is the belief in “the communion of saints,” found in the Apostles’ Creed. Those departed brothers and sisters are no less a part of the Christ’s Church than we are who are still living.<span style=""> </span>Thus, asking saints for their intercessions is not nearly so different than asking a friend to pray for us.<span style=""> </span>We also see the saints interceding on our behalf in John’s vision in Revelation 5:8 and 7:9-14.<span style=""> </span>We should be able to take some measure of comfort that our loved ones who are in heaven also may intercede on our behalf!<br /><br />The communion of saints is something we see (in part) in the letter to the Hebrews, notably chapter 11, which is known as the “faith” chapter.<span style=""> </span>Here, the author goes through various figures we find in the Old Testament, praising them for their faith.<span style=""> </span>Granted, Roman Catholicism only recognizes figures from the New Testament onward (the Eastern rite does have Old Testament saints), but we see how looking to the saints can bolster our own faith.<br /><br />Here some may ask, “But isn’t that communing with the dead?”<span style=""> </span>Prayer is not holding a séance; we are not seeking to gain information, but rather are asking for help.<span style=""> </span>Also, as Christians we believe in eternal life, so those saints and other departed brothers and sisters are still very much alive with God in heaven.<span style=""> </span>This is another belief of saints:<span style=""> </span>that they are assuredly in heaven.<br /><br />Another objection may be, “But we should go directly to Jesus with our prayers.” True, our prayers should be focused on Him.<span style=""> </span>But once again, we ask friends to pray for us, and throughout the Bible, we see many people asking others to do the same, such as Paul in his many letters to the churches of the time.<span style=""> </span>The apostle James also writes,<br /><br />“The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.” (James 5:16-18)<br /><br />We see in Scripture time and again how those who follow God’s will on earth are effective in their prayers.<span style=""> </span>How much more so then are those who have been made worthy to be in God’s presence!<br /><br />This is something I am still learning about of course. I know only a handful of patron saints, like St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of education, or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, patron saint of teachers, yet I find it comforting that even when I ask others on earth to pray for me, that perhaps my grandparents and other relatives are also praying for me. Perhaps in better understanding this teaching, you can as well.<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-73759781610653393782011-02-18T12:03:00.001-05:002011-02-18T12:07:19.788-05:00Pro-life“I am pro-life.”<span style=""> </span>We hear this statement very often in our world today.<span style=""> </span>But what does it mean?<span style=""> </span>To most, it means being anti-abortion.<span style=""> </span>However, ask those same people their opinion on contraception, capital punishment, war, or homosexuality, and you may get some interesting answers.<br /><br />In a nutshell, Catholicism takes all such issues as life issues.<span style=""> </span>Most of these issues focus around romantic relationships, especially the sacrament of matrimony (marriage).<span style=""> </span>In Catholicism, a valid marriage is one that meets certain criteria:<span style=""> </span>fidelity (the couples intend to be faithful to their vows), indissolubility (essentially “what God has joined together, let no one separate”), and openness to children.<span style=""> </span>It’s this last criterion that makes some people uneasy when mentioned with some of the above issues.<br /><br />As some may recall, a few months ago Pope Benedict made a statement about contraception and male prostitutes that caused people to scratch their heads and go “Huh?”.<span style=""> </span>A statement made later provided some clarification.<span style=""> </span>Essentially, the contraception ban is only for married couples.<span style=""> </span>If we follow the logic, it makes sense.<span style=""> </span>Only married couples should be engaging in intercourse, therefore contraception should not be used by anyone calling themselves Christian.<br /><br />But what’s the big deal with contraception anyway?<span style=""> </span>What contraception does is, in a sense, divorce sex from babies.<span style=""> </span>Sex is no longer a procreative act, but one just for pleasure.<span style=""> </span>As Christians, we are all called to give our complete selves to God.<span style=""> </span>Contraception more or less says to God, “I give everything to you, except my fertility,” or “You can have control God, except in the bedroom.”<span style=""> </span>Many historic leaders wrote about the consequences of a contraceptive society, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Gandhi, even the atheist and psychologist Sigmund Freud. All say that such a society (to paraphrase) will go down the tubes.<br /><br />Following the criteria mentioned above, one can see why homosexual behavior then is seen as a sin.<span style=""> </span>Openness to children is an impossibility.<span style=""> </span>This is why Catholicism is staunch in its stance on this, while other denominations have begun allowing same gender marriages.<span style=""> </span>At the heart of this, writes Christopher West, an author and one who has thoroughly studied Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, is a large insecurity among people with themselves.<span style=""> </span>Images are portrayed everywhere as to what being a man or woman in our society should be.<span style=""> </span>However, we are called to a different path, that of the cross.<span style=""> </span>From the beginning, God intended man and woman to be together (Genesis 1 & 2).<br /><br />What are those with homosexual tendencies to do then?<span style=""> </span>Catholicism teaches that they are to lead chaste lives and strive to follow God’s calling, being the man or woman He created them to be.<span style=""> </span>By no means is this an easy journey, and not everyone “makes it.”<span style=""> </span>However, I believe God rewards our efforts, for we all fall short of His calling in our lives from time to time.<br /><br />Side note:<span style=""> </span>I spent quite a few weeks on this topic with the youth group I was working with.<span style=""> </span>Much of the material I pulled from came from Christopher West’s book, “Good News About Sex and Marriage.”<span style=""> </span>This post just touches on some major points from the talks I had with the youth.<span style=""> </span>War and capital punishment will be upcoming!Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-60840206496881702432010-09-02T21:41:00.004-04:002010-09-02T21:42:40.800-04:00Mortal and Venial sins<div>After being “offline” for about a year, I wanted to refocus on some questions that had come up during our tour of the sacraments and make this more about your questions than my own agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One question that came up was about sin and why Catholicism differentiates sins as either mortal or venial.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As always, our friend the Catechism will help us.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many kinds of sin, and many lists are evident through the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Ten Commandments, Paul’s various lists in his letters, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and, for Catholics primarily, the seven deadly sins all give us an idea of the many faces sin presents itself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Catholicism categorizes sins into two categories:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>mortal and venial.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A basis for this is found in 1 John 5:16-17, which reads, “If any one sees his brother committing what is not a deadly sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not deadly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is sin which is deadly; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not deadly.” (CCC 1854)</div><div><br /></div><div>Mortal sin is defined as that which “destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to him,” (CCC 1855).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For a sin to be considered mortal, there are three criteria that are looked upon:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1) it must be a grave matter, 2) it is committed with full knowledge and 3) is also done so with deliberate consent (CCC 1857).</div><div><br /></div><div>A grave matter is given to us by the Ten Commandments, and also in Jesus’ response to the rich young man, which are the “do nots” of the commandments (murder, adultery, theft, false witness, defraud).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The circumstances are also to be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For example, killing one’s parents is considered worse than killing a stranger (though both are quite grave!) (CCC 1858).</div><div><br /></div><div>In the areas of full knowledge and consent, the catechism writes that this “presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God’s law.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice,” (CCC 1859).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Essentially, the action is premeditated (consent) and the person is aware of the potential consequences caused by their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Sin committed through malice, by deliberate choice of evil, is the gravest,” the catechism further states (CCC 1860).</div><div><br /></div><div>The catechism and the Church do teach though, that “although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God,” (CCC 1861).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We need to be mindful of Jesus’ words when he spoke “Judge not, that you be not judged,” (Matt. 7:1).</div><div><br /></div><div>Venial sins are those that basically meet only one or two parts of the three criteria for mortal sins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What can also diminish the gravity of a sin are feelings and passions (potentially nullifying having full knowledge) along with external pressures or pathological disorders (CCC 1860, 1862).</div><div><br /></div><div>While venial sins are seen as “lesser”, the great scholar and theologian Augustine warns us in writing:</div><div><br /></div><div>While he is in the flesh, man cannot help but have at least some light sins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But do not despise these sins which we call “light”:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>if you take them for light when you weigh them, tremble when you count them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A number of light objects makes a great mass; a number of drops fills a river; a number of grains makes a heap. What then is our hope?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Above all, confession…” (quoted in CCC 1863)</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus also tells us that “every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven,” (Matt. 12:31, also Mark 3:28-29).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What the catechism teaches is that while God’s mercy is limitless, those who refuse this mercy and reject His forgiveness “can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss,” (CCC 1864).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Church’s view on sin seems to be similar to our justice system when people are charged with crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have misdemeanors and felonies, and we also have categories for different charges, such as in/voluntary manslaughter and murder.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is an example of how the Church sees sin as either mortal or venial.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, as humans we can never have a purely objective viewpoint and thus can not know everything about a situation like God can.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This perhaps shows the great wisdom of Jesus when he made the statements we find at the beginning of Matthew 7.</div><div><br /></div><div>To show the difference of venial and mortal sin, let us look at the sin of apostasy, which is essentially leaving the Catholic Church and a mortal sin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are many reasons people have done this (including some readers of this blog), and many of those are legitimate, such as those affected by the sex scandals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Such reasons in a sense lessen the gravity of the sin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>An example of this as truly mortal would be Lucifer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Being a spiritual being, he would have the ability to have that full knowledge and consent in choosing to leave God’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is why he, as Satan, will face final judgment which we read in Revelation.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the Church teaches that there are mortal and venial sins, the ultimate point is that regularly confessing sins keeps us aware of our shortcomings and allows us to focus on improving our lifestyle so that we can better be Christ’s example to the world.</div>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-52290984829191699382010-07-11T14:09:00.002-04:002010-07-11T14:20:16.202-04:00The Good SamaritanThis week, as we celebrated Mass, our gospel reading was taken from the very familiar story Luke gives us in chapter 10: The Good Samaritan. Now, I'm sure we've all heard sermons and homilies on this story (treat everyone with respect, look out for others, help the stranger, etc.), but our parish priest put a different spin on things.<div><br /></div><div>As we know, the story goes that a Jewish man falls into the hands of robbers who beat him half to death while he's traveling between Jericho and Jerusalem and leave him for dead. The priest and Levite who come along and pass on the other side do so according to Jewish laws of cleanliness; they cannot touch anything dead for fear of becoming unclean. So Jesus here once again points out that cleanliness laws are not meant to be followed so strictly that we lose sight of the greatest commandment: to love God and, in turn, our neighbor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's where it gets more interesting. A Samaritan comes and saves the man, bandaging the wounds and taking him to a nearby inn where he pays the innkeeper the necessary fees and promises to pay any extra expenses on his way back through. End of story right? The Samaritan does the good deed, huzzah!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, think of this: Remember that the Samaritans outright hated the Jews and Jews despised Samaritans just as equally. These were bitter enemies, yet one of them chose to save his enemy. Now for a Jewish person, they would rather die, yes, DIE before they took any aid from a Samaritan. Imagine the man's surprise later if he found out who saved him!</div><div><br /></div><div>If we were to modernize this story and put it into our context, Jesus might be saying that it was an American who fell into the hands of robbers, and a member of al Qaeda (the Taliban) saved him. How crazy would that be? Imagine the media coverage and reaction from people. Yet, this is how radical Jesus' message was to the people of his time, and how radical it is to us today. Let's always remember who our neighbors are, despite the circumstances we know one another.</div>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-92012136391229474922010-04-01T15:12:00.002-04:002010-04-01T15:25:22.787-04:00Maundy ThursdayAs I was working today, scrubbing toilets, I realized that my job is not much different than what Jesus did for his disciples on this day we celebrate his Last Supper. Here he was, God's Son, washing the dirt off his disciples' feet after a day of walking. It was a sobering reminder that I need to be more grateful for what God has given me.<div><br /></div><div>It also reminded me of a TV show that seems to have rooted itself in many people's hearts: Undercover Boss on CBS. For those who may not know, the premise of this reality show is that CEOs of various companies are, for a few days, becoming the peons and general workers of their business to see how things are going. Generally, they are amazed at the people they meet while doing the various tasks that each of their businesses perform. There is, of course, a reveal towards the end, which leaves those employees speechless. What happens is that because of their experiences, those CEOs make changes for the betterment of employees.</div><div><br /></div><div>How similar is this to the story of Jesus? Here the CEO of the whole universe came down to our level to change us, transform us, all while being fully human--one of us. He becomes the one who serves, the servant of all, yet still the master of all. Maybe this is why the show is so popular. Do we strive for something greater than us, yet is still accessible? I would think so.</div><div><br /></div><div>On this Maundy Thursday, may we remember that example Jesus showed us. The greatest among us is the least.</div>Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1956328061273448092.post-8737781748684388982009-08-17T14:48:00.003-04:002009-08-17T15:09:01.032-04:00Catholic ResourcesThese are some books by my favorite Catholic author, Dr. Scott Hahn, that some of you might find helpful as you continue your questions about Catholicism. The order I put them in is slightly deliberate; starting at a common general base will perhaps help with the specifics:<br /><br />1. Reasons to Believe<br />2. Rome Sweet Home<br />3. A God Who Keeps His Promises<br />4. The Lamb's Supper<br /><br />After these, you can check out his <a href="http://www.scotthahn.com/scott-hahn-books.html">other books</a>. I also welcome titles that you all would suggest I read.Matthewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10624034736173383266noreply@blogger.com7