Monday, December 28, 2009
Begging Forgiveness
If I am fully determined to try my absolute best never to sin again, I am not ashamed to beg forgiveness from God or neighbor.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Eucharistic Desecration
In the midst of the occurrence of the sadly all-too-common Eucharistic desecration (which is often broadcast on the web via YouTube) Thanksgiving is celebrated. The Eucharist, Whose very name means ‘thanksgiving’, is often abominably blasphemed and physically demeaned by those who hate Him, and yet who every year profess to be thankful for what they have. I cannot even comprehend hating God, Who is so loving and good to give us all we have, to let pleasing things happen to us, and to allow us to enjoy beauty even though we are sinners!
As I read reports of the desecrations, I became very sad, and couldn’t understand how people could do such things knowingly. I thought “Those horrible people! How could they do this? Don’t they understand what they are doing? How can God love them? Is there anything lovable in them at all?” But then, it occurred to me that perhaps this atrocity was more familiar to me than I first thought. How much it must pain Our Lord to be disgraced in His humble form of the Eucharist, which He has given to the world as its most Precious Gift—but how much more does it pain Him to be received into a soul that professes outwardly to love and serve Him, but is spiritually tepid? And what of such a soul’s repeated offenses against Him, with little to no effort expended to atone for and mend his ways? Surely, these offend Him in the same manner as the desecrations of His Sacred Body and Blood, and perhaps even more so. Are not all the concessions to our passions and all our failures desecrations of Him in a spiritual way? Do they not wound Him as seriously as do the horrors of Eucharistic desecration? Though the sin is on a lesser scale, it is still infinitely displeasing to God, and all the more serious because the soul has been given so many graces.
Similarly, it is common to regard Judas Iscariot as almost inhumanly evil. How can a man, having lived and worked with Jesus and hearing Him preach, betray Him, and turn Him over to be killed? But this also, is more familiar to us than perhaps we think. As Catholics, we know that Christ has died as a result of our sin and out of His great Love for us. Knowing this, how much more of a betrayal is it to disregard His Holy Will in favor of our own selfish ones? How can we, who go to Mass, hear His Word, and receive His Body and Blood into our souls ever betray Him? And yet, we do.
Christ was not betrayed only once a few thousand years ago—He is betrayed every time one who claims to love and follow Him sins. After all He has done for us, can we bear to look at His bruised and lacerated Face when we have sinned and knowingly inflicted the wounds upon Him? When we sin, we become like Judas, betraying Him in a most loathsome way - with a kiss. Let us strive to do so no more, with the realization of how serious every sin is in the eyes of God.
St. Peter, you who repented of your thrice-betrayal of Christ, pray for us.
As I read reports of the desecrations, I became very sad, and couldn’t understand how people could do such things knowingly. I thought “Those horrible people! How could they do this? Don’t they understand what they are doing? How can God love them? Is there anything lovable in them at all?” But then, it occurred to me that perhaps this atrocity was more familiar to me than I first thought. How much it must pain Our Lord to be disgraced in His humble form of the Eucharist, which He has given to the world as its most Precious Gift—but how much more does it pain Him to be received into a soul that professes outwardly to love and serve Him, but is spiritually tepid? And what of such a soul’s repeated offenses against Him, with little to no effort expended to atone for and mend his ways? Surely, these offend Him in the same manner as the desecrations of His Sacred Body and Blood, and perhaps even more so. Are not all the concessions to our passions and all our failures desecrations of Him in a spiritual way? Do they not wound Him as seriously as do the horrors of Eucharistic desecration? Though the sin is on a lesser scale, it is still infinitely displeasing to God, and all the more serious because the soul has been given so many graces.
Similarly, it is common to regard Judas Iscariot as almost inhumanly evil. How can a man, having lived and worked with Jesus and hearing Him preach, betray Him, and turn Him over to be killed? But this also, is more familiar to us than perhaps we think. As Catholics, we know that Christ has died as a result of our sin and out of His great Love for us. Knowing this, how much more of a betrayal is it to disregard His Holy Will in favor of our own selfish ones? How can we, who go to Mass, hear His Word, and receive His Body and Blood into our souls ever betray Him? And yet, we do.
Christ was not betrayed only once a few thousand years ago—He is betrayed every time one who claims to love and follow Him sins. After all He has done for us, can we bear to look at His bruised and lacerated Face when we have sinned and knowingly inflicted the wounds upon Him? When we sin, we become like Judas, betraying Him in a most loathsome way - with a kiss. Let us strive to do so no more, with the realization of how serious every sin is in the eyes of God.
St. Peter, you who repented of your thrice-betrayal of Christ, pray for us.
Determination
I hope that I might have as much determination to reach Heaven as this Narnian mouse did to reach Aslan's country.
"My own plans are made. While I can, I sail east on the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer, if I have not reached Aslan's country, or shot over the edge of the world in some vast cataract, I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise and Peepiceek will be head of the talking mice in Narnia."
-- Reepicheep, in C.S. Lewis' book The Dawn Treader
AD ORIENTEM!
"My own plans are made. While I can, I sail east on the Dawn Treader. When she fails me, I paddle east in my coracle. When she sinks, I shall swim east with my four paws. And when I can swim no longer, if I have not reached Aslan's country, or shot over the edge of the world in some vast cataract, I shall sink with my nose to the sunrise and Peepiceek will be head of the talking mice in Narnia."
-- Reepicheep, in C.S. Lewis' book The Dawn Treader
AD ORIENTEM!
In Bernard's Words II
As Bernard grew to age four, his vocabulary increased as well. This, of course, led to even funnier mispronunciations! I hope the reader enjoys this sequel of 'In Bernard's Words'.
Words
Police car: Peace car (which, come to think of it, is quite true)
Delicious: Alicious
Salami: S’mommy
Alphabet: Awfulbet (it was awful when he had to learn it, so I'm not surprised at this word!)
Stomach ache: Stomach hake
Hot dog: Dot Dog
Chex Mix: Chets Mitts or Chek Mik
Ornaments: Orderments or Ormamints (quite a tongue twister for little tots)
Moustache: Moose-tash
Raffle ticket: Rifle ticket
Bowling: Bowling Pinning
Instructions: Strutchins
Host: Holster (I remember him saying: "And when the priest lifts up the holster...")
Meat Loaf: Meef loaf
Cappuccino: Chabb-ed-chino (Yes, he liked cappuccino at age four!)
(Lego Villian) Baron Von Baron: Bing Bong Baron
Vocabulary: Kibillary
Feliz Navidad: A-neez Na-Nee-Na
One-Liners
His name for our neck massager: Head Machine
When he tried to read the label of our ‘Spicy Cider’: Spikey… drink
When there was a king inside his building: “It’s kingerful”
Words
Police car: Peace car (which, come to think of it, is quite true)
Delicious: Alicious
Salami: S’mommy
Alphabet: Awfulbet (it was awful when he had to learn it, so I'm not surprised at this word!)
Stomach ache: Stomach hake
Hot dog: Dot Dog
Chex Mix: Chets Mitts or Chek Mik
Ornaments: Orderments or Ormamints (quite a tongue twister for little tots)
Moustache: Moose-tash
Raffle ticket: Rifle ticket
Bowling: Bowling Pinning
Instructions: Strutchins
Host: Holster (I remember him saying: "And when the priest lifts up the holster...")
Meat Loaf: Meef loaf
Cappuccino: Chabb-ed-chino (Yes, he liked cappuccino at age four!)
(Lego Villian) Baron Von Baron: Bing Bong Baron
Vocabulary: Kibillary
Feliz Navidad: A-neez Na-Nee-Na
One-Liners
His name for our neck massager: Head Machine
When he tried to read the label of our ‘Spicy Cider’: Spikey… drink
When there was a king inside his building: “It’s kingerful”
Friday, November 13, 2009
Toobrushes and Penance: A Dental Hygienists View of Sin
This will probably seem a rather odd post, so I beg the readers’ courtesy. Being in dental hygiene, one can hardly help thinking about the mouth and the bacterial processes occurring within. And, being Catholic, one also thinks (or should think) about the condition of one’s soul and how best to better it. With these two subjects occupying my mind and different intervals, an unusual analogy began to form: venial sin can, in some ways, be likened to the bacteria in a person’s mouth!
Both bacteria and venial sins are small, but quick to multiply. One tiny bacterium, in the nourishing environment of the mouth, grows exponentially into many colonies in a short period of time. Similarly, one venial sin can lead to more and more sins as time goes on, especially if a person’s surroundings encourage it.
What can one do to help keep their souls out of sin? Go to Confession, of course! It is simple, but one must be sincere. In the Sacrament of Penance, Christ gives us his grace and wipes all our sins away, and the soul is very white and clean. It is just like when we brush our teeth with toothpaste to get rid of the bacteria that have been growing there. Now, everyone knows that one should brush one’s teeth twice a day and be very thorough about it to keep up our oral health. So also should we be with Confession—going often and being thorough. That way, one can continually increase in holiness!
Everyone is familiar with the consequences of neglecting to brush their teeth. The bacteria, fed by sugar from a person’s food, make acid, which builds up and creates cavities. Neglected cavities can soon become very painful infections that require root canals or even tooth extraction to remedy. Also, the bacteria can settle in the gum tissue, causing gingivitis and periodontitis. These latter diseases are more insidious, as no pain is felt and many people do not even realize they have them. They are also well known to cause bone and tooth loss. One can certainly imagine what happens to one’s soul in the case of neglect. The venial sins multiply and cause the soul to decay while it is still alive. Attachment to these sins can deform the soul so much that great measures must be taken over time to eradicate them. Sometimes, as in the case of a serious cavity, one knows that one has done wrong, is suffering from it, and knows that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. But what is more often the case is that one cannot see the effects of sin upon their soul, and thus never seek to treat it. This often happens with gingivitis and periodontitis, and they are the most widespread dental diseases. In these cases, the disease progresses unnoticed and the soul becomes more and more diseased until it is almost unrecognizable.
But—with God, all things are possible, so no matter how terrible a condition the soul is in, one good confession can heal it as good as new! Some effects of the sin will remain though, and because the soul has been compromised, one must do one’s best to keep from falling into sin again by changing their behavior. It is exactly the way, after a dentist fixes a cavity, that a tooth may continue to be sensitive for months afterwards, depending on how bad the cavity was. Or, after someone goes in for a deep cleaning, they must be very careful to change their habits to keep up their oral health. They may have to stop smoking, eat fewer sweets, etc.
And—since bacteria will continue to invade the mouth, one needs to keep up with brushing… and going to Confession!
Both bacteria and venial sins are small, but quick to multiply. One tiny bacterium, in the nourishing environment of the mouth, grows exponentially into many colonies in a short period of time. Similarly, one venial sin can lead to more and more sins as time goes on, especially if a person’s surroundings encourage it.
What can one do to help keep their souls out of sin? Go to Confession, of course! It is simple, but one must be sincere. In the Sacrament of Penance, Christ gives us his grace and wipes all our sins away, and the soul is very white and clean. It is just like when we brush our teeth with toothpaste to get rid of the bacteria that have been growing there. Now, everyone knows that one should brush one’s teeth twice a day and be very thorough about it to keep up our oral health. So also should we be with Confession—going often and being thorough. That way, one can continually increase in holiness!
Everyone is familiar with the consequences of neglecting to brush their teeth. The bacteria, fed by sugar from a person’s food, make acid, which builds up and creates cavities. Neglected cavities can soon become very painful infections that require root canals or even tooth extraction to remedy. Also, the bacteria can settle in the gum tissue, causing gingivitis and periodontitis. These latter diseases are more insidious, as no pain is felt and many people do not even realize they have them. They are also well known to cause bone and tooth loss. One can certainly imagine what happens to one’s soul in the case of neglect. The venial sins multiply and cause the soul to decay while it is still alive. Attachment to these sins can deform the soul so much that great measures must be taken over time to eradicate them. Sometimes, as in the case of a serious cavity, one knows that one has done wrong, is suffering from it, and knows that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. But what is more often the case is that one cannot see the effects of sin upon their soul, and thus never seek to treat it. This often happens with gingivitis and periodontitis, and they are the most widespread dental diseases. In these cases, the disease progresses unnoticed and the soul becomes more and more diseased until it is almost unrecognizable.
But—with God, all things are possible, so no matter how terrible a condition the soul is in, one good confession can heal it as good as new! Some effects of the sin will remain though, and because the soul has been compromised, one must do one’s best to keep from falling into sin again by changing their behavior. It is exactly the way, after a dentist fixes a cavity, that a tooth may continue to be sensitive for months afterwards, depending on how bad the cavity was. Or, after someone goes in for a deep cleaning, they must be very careful to change their habits to keep up their oral health. They may have to stop smoking, eat fewer sweets, etc.
And—since bacteria will continue to invade the mouth, one needs to keep up with brushing… and going to Confession!
Monday, October 26, 2009
In Bernard's Words
I am going to be periodically posting some of the funny things my littlest brother has said over the years. Ever since 2004, when Bernard was three, he has (as many children do) come up with the funniest pronunciations, misunderstandings, and concepts. I have kept a faithful record of them, so that the family can all look back and have a good laugh! But since laughter is a gift from God, I decided to share some of the best ones here on my blog. Here is the first installment-- read, laugh loud, and enjoy!
Bernard's Funny Words: 2004
Tripod: Triffle- Pie (He came up with this one when he first saw the gadget I was using to take photos with.)
Chemistry: Caz-mery (Liz and I were taught chem lab by Dad at night, which he found extremely interesting)
Thermometer: Ferm-ed-mod-or (A difficult word for children...)
Restaurant: Ressen-hunt (It took us forever to figure out what he meant!)
Chinese Buffet: Chinee Duffay (He fell in love with Chinese food then, and loves it still!)
Ham Fest: Hamcuff Fest (He thought you were supposed to buy handcuffs there?)
Marshmallow: Marsh-eddow or Marshyellow
Bolts: Boltatins (Why did he make it harder to say than it actually was?)
Guitar: Cundar
Mushroom: Rush-room
Hercules: Pork-you-leeze
Sausage: Shaw-shedge
Immaculate Mary: Immac-you-love Mary (the cutest! I'm sure that made Our Lady smile!)
Bernard's Funny Words: 2004
Tripod: Triffle- Pie (He came up with this one when he first saw the gadget I was using to take photos with.)
Chemistry: Caz-mery (Liz and I were taught chem lab by Dad at night, which he found extremely interesting)
Thermometer: Ferm-ed-mod-or (A difficult word for children...)
Restaurant: Ressen-hunt (It took us forever to figure out what he meant!)
Chinese Buffet: Chinee Duffay (He fell in love with Chinese food then, and loves it still!)
Ham Fest: Hamcuff Fest (He thought you were supposed to buy handcuffs there?)
Marshmallow: Marsh-eddow or Marshyellow
Bolts: Boltatins (Why did he make it harder to say than it actually was?)
Guitar: Cundar
Mushroom: Rush-room
Hercules: Pork-you-leeze
Sausage: Shaw-shedge
Immaculate Mary: Immac-you-love Mary (the cutest! I'm sure that made Our Lady smile!)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Privilege of Being a Choir Member
What a blessing it is to sing in choir! Choir members, of course, are more important than any contestant on American Idol, and more famous than any popular singer of today. How is this, the reader may ask? Why, the choir sings always and exclusively for the pleasure of the Almighty God, before His lovely throne in Heaven! No other vocalist has such a prestigious post. What can compare to being allowed to sing before our Creator? And all the hosts of Heaven know every single choir member… One can hardly be more famous than that.
Perhaps, if we remembered this more often, we would remember to be grateful for having a voice with which to honor God in such a lovely way…
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!
Perhaps, if we remembered this more often, we would remember to be grateful for having a voice with which to honor God in such a lovely way…
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!
Ridicule
Let us not fear, nor be shamed to silence, nor be disturbed, if we are ridiculed by others for our Holy Faith. Rather, welcome the scoffs, jeers, distasteful jokes, and rejection of those who do not understand it —Our Lord told us of such things, and if indeed we are ridiculed, it is a sign we must truly be standing firm in Faith.
“He is my rock, my salvation, my stronghold—I shall not be disturbed.”
“He is my rock, my salvation, my stronghold—I shall not be disturbed.”
Our Lord and Our Loneliness
Though Our Lord allowed Himself to be stricken by the worst loneliness there ever was and ever will be when He suffered His abandonment on the Cross, He is the only One who will never refuse to console any lonely, lost soul. Therefore, when we feel that there is no recourse, that we have been abandoned by all, let us turn to Him, for in His tender mercy He will give all consolation.
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Thought on Sorrow
Sad is sorrow that is sorrow alone; bitter is sorrow that is tinged with regrets.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Chesterton's Worldview
I recently read this excerpt from G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown series, in the story entitled 'The Sins of Prince Saradine'. I found it a very profound, and very true idea of the relationship of this world and the next.
"'Do you believe in doom?' asked the restless Prince Saradine suddenly.
No,' answered his guest. [Fr. Brown] 'I believe in Doomsday.'
The Prince turned from the window and stared at him in a singular manner, his face in shadow against the sunset.
'What do you mean?' he asked.
'I mean that we are here on the wrong side of the tapestry,' answered Fr. Brown. 'The things that happen here do not seem to mean anything; they mean something somewhere else. Somewhere else retribution will come on the real offender. Here it often seems to fall on the wrong person.'
So, according to Chesterton, all that means nothing here on earth helps complete the Heavenly tapestry. Or rather, everything that happens on this side of the tapestry affects the other side, though we can't quite make it out on this side. Can you imagine the beauty once we can see the right side of the tapestry?
"'Do you believe in doom?' asked the restless Prince Saradine suddenly.
No,' answered his guest. [Fr. Brown] 'I believe in Doomsday.'
The Prince turned from the window and stared at him in a singular manner, his face in shadow against the sunset.
'What do you mean?' he asked.
'I mean that we are here on the wrong side of the tapestry,' answered Fr. Brown. 'The things that happen here do not seem to mean anything; they mean something somewhere else. Somewhere else retribution will come on the real offender. Here it often seems to fall on the wrong person.'
So, according to Chesterton, all that means nothing here on earth helps complete the Heavenly tapestry. Or rather, everything that happens on this side of the tapestry affects the other side, though we can't quite make it out on this side. Can you imagine the beauty once we can see the right side of the tapestry?
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A New Mission
Today, I was made a member of the Apostolate of Prayer and Sacrifice for Priests-- quite unexpectedly, too! Before Mass, I was thinking about all the reasons I wanted to join (though I had no idea how to do it or who to contact): I have a particular priest in mind that I would like to be converted; I would love to have a purpose for all my sacrifices; and I hope that everyone can one day have such wonderful priests as we have at St. Peters. Not very many do, and that is so sad. The Mass was the traditional one celebrating the feast of St. Jean Marie Vianney, who is very important this year, having just been named patron of all priests (boy, he has his work cut out for him!). Afterwards, Fr. Dennis announced that he and Fr. Anthony would like to give the members of the Apostolate a "medallion pin" (as he called it) with the Pope's mitre and the keys of St. Peter to symbolize our taking on this great work at St. Peters. He blessed them and gave one to each member, and I went up and received one too! Then they had a lovely get together in the school where parishioners could sign up and read all about the Apostolate... though I absent mindedly left my papers there when I left! But I am part of a very important Apostolate, and I'm so excited to be doing good for those who have given me my greatest treasure: the Holy Catholic Faith.
As I mentioned before, there is a particular priest for whom I am praying, and I hope you will keep him as a special intention, too. He introduced himself as Fr. Joe to his parishioners, and I will be content with using that name here. He was recently transferred to take the place of a beloved, God-loving priest in a parish nearby, and I'm afraid the transition is not going well. Fr. Joe is very different from the previous pastor, having more modern thoughts about what is important for the parish to be doing (to put it lightly), and unfortunately, the change seems to be going the way of most churches these days-- away from tradition and reverence for the Holy Eucharist. But I think God may have sent this priest to this strong parish in order that we might have a good influence over him, and maybe even bring about his conversion through prayer and sacrifice! I keep on imagining him perhaps being in Purgatory someday and wishing people had prayed for him more so he wouldn't have fallen so far away.....
Fr. Joe seems to be undoing so much good that has been fought and sacrificed for, but fighting him uncharitably won't help him come back to full communion with the church. He has made some decisions against the good wills of the parishioners, causing anger, frustration, and hurt in the parish. As I was thinking about all these things, and about what (if anything) I should do to help, I opened my missal to 'My Daily Thought from the Following of Christ' for today. It read:
"Thou hast yet to be tried upon earth and exercised in many things.
What pleaseth others shall prosper, what is pleasing to thee shall not succeed.
What others say, shall be hearkened to; what thou sayest, shall be reckoned as nought."
God may also be testing us to see our true humility and obedience to those He sets over us. Though it may please us to honor Our Lord by beautifying His house, perhaps He does not wish it yet. Is it possible that He wants us to beautify our hearts for Him first? This unwelcome change is an opportunity for much sacrifice and growth in virtue. As we accept the good from our Heavenly Father, so let us accept the bad. Let us see God's will in all things, and always act for His greater glory, and the salvation of all souls, especially Fr. Joe.
As I mentioned before, there is a particular priest for whom I am praying, and I hope you will keep him as a special intention, too. He introduced himself as Fr. Joe to his parishioners, and I will be content with using that name here. He was recently transferred to take the place of a beloved, God-loving priest in a parish nearby, and I'm afraid the transition is not going well. Fr. Joe is very different from the previous pastor, having more modern thoughts about what is important for the parish to be doing (to put it lightly), and unfortunately, the change seems to be going the way of most churches these days-- away from tradition and reverence for the Holy Eucharist. But I think God may have sent this priest to this strong parish in order that we might have a good influence over him, and maybe even bring about his conversion through prayer and sacrifice! I keep on imagining him perhaps being in Purgatory someday and wishing people had prayed for him more so he wouldn't have fallen so far away.....
Fr. Joe seems to be undoing so much good that has been fought and sacrificed for, but fighting him uncharitably won't help him come back to full communion with the church. He has made some decisions against the good wills of the parishioners, causing anger, frustration, and hurt in the parish. As I was thinking about all these things, and about what (if anything) I should do to help, I opened my missal to 'My Daily Thought from the Following of Christ' for today. It read:
"Thou hast yet to be tried upon earth and exercised in many things.
What pleaseth others shall prosper, what is pleasing to thee shall not succeed.
What others say, shall be hearkened to; what thou sayest, shall be reckoned as nought."
God may also be testing us to see our true humility and obedience to those He sets over us. Though it may please us to honor Our Lord by beautifying His house, perhaps He does not wish it yet. Is it possible that He wants us to beautify our hearts for Him first? This unwelcome change is an opportunity for much sacrifice and growth in virtue. As we accept the good from our Heavenly Father, so let us accept the bad. Let us see God's will in all things, and always act for His greater glory, and the salvation of all souls, especially Fr. Joe.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What Do 'Fun' and 'Cool' Really Mean?
Perhaps it is little noticed in our times, but it seems that comparatively few people use the words ‘beautiful,’ ‘good,’ ‘ugly,’ or ‘wrong’ to describe things or behaviors anymore. Rather, most things are labeled as ‘cool,’ ‘not cool,’ ‘fun,’ or ‘not fun.’ This observation leads me to wonder at the reason behind it, why society favors one form of expression over the other.
The answer may lie in the nature of the words themselves. Beauty, good, ugliness, and wrong are all absolute terms, whereas the words ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ are relative to people’s opinion. Though there can be greater or lesser degrees of the absolute terms, this does not compromise their absoluteness. And it is because the relative terms are relative that they may be used by different social groups to describe just about any thing or activity. For example, a beautiful sunset may be called ‘cool,’ and volunteering at a homeless shelter (a good work) may be called ‘fun’ by certain groups of people. Conversely, ugly art or music may also be considered ‘cool,’ and harmful and wrong actions such as binge drinking and drug abuse can be regarded as fun by other groups. Simply put, it is easier and more “open-minded” to use relative words instead of absolutes, which are less politically correct.
What makes something fun or cool? It is almost always the opinion of others besides ourselves, and generally a ‘majority rule.’ If a majority of a particular social group agrees that big sunglasses are cool, then they become accepted as such in that group. If a majority agrees that going to rock concerts and “getting buzzed” over the weekend is fun, then it is regarded as so. Consequently, what is considered ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ varies widely in different social contexts; the relative terms indicate the social acceptability of an action or thing, whereas the absolute terms describe the actual character of them.
All too often, social acceptability becomes our moral compass rather than the absolute morality of a thought, word, or deed. If everyone else thinks something is great, not too much can be wrong with it, right? And how many times has wild, excessive, or bad behavior been pointed out as such, and the excuse given: “Relax! We’re just having fun. Stop taking everything so seriously!” The eternal destination of souls should be taken seriously, and anything that may jeopardize them as well. If something one participates in is considered fun or cool, but is even slightly immoral, shouldn’t one avoid it? Don’t our souls matter more than any pleasure the body can experience or any opinion others may have of us?
Taking care of the soul doesn’t mean that one can never have fun though! On the contrary, being in union with God makes everything one does more enjoyable. There are plenty of healthy and good ways to have fun—however, they may be ways which are not socially viewed as fun or cool. It really takes a strong character to entertain oneself in good ways, in spite of others who call such entertainment ‘stupid,’ ‘dumb,’ or ‘lame.’
So, whenever we are having fun or entertaining ourselves, we should do a reality check. We should ask ourselves: “Here I am having fun—but is what I am doing wrong or harmful to others? Can I see a saint doing this?” If not, or even if the answer is maybe, we shouldn’t let the only reason to continue ‘having fun’ be that ‘nothing’s wrong with having fun.’ We know that what people label ‘fun’ can sometimes be bad for our souls. Let’s make it a habit to think of the actual absolute character of what we are participating in, whether it is bad or good, and call a spade a spade. Then, we can act according to God’s Will, rather than being guided solely by the relative ideas of ‘fun’ and ‘cool’!
The answer may lie in the nature of the words themselves. Beauty, good, ugliness, and wrong are all absolute terms, whereas the words ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ are relative to people’s opinion. Though there can be greater or lesser degrees of the absolute terms, this does not compromise their absoluteness. And it is because the relative terms are relative that they may be used by different social groups to describe just about any thing or activity. For example, a beautiful sunset may be called ‘cool,’ and volunteering at a homeless shelter (a good work) may be called ‘fun’ by certain groups of people. Conversely, ugly art or music may also be considered ‘cool,’ and harmful and wrong actions such as binge drinking and drug abuse can be regarded as fun by other groups. Simply put, it is easier and more “open-minded” to use relative words instead of absolutes, which are less politically correct.
What makes something fun or cool? It is almost always the opinion of others besides ourselves, and generally a ‘majority rule.’ If a majority of a particular social group agrees that big sunglasses are cool, then they become accepted as such in that group. If a majority agrees that going to rock concerts and “getting buzzed” over the weekend is fun, then it is regarded as so. Consequently, what is considered ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ varies widely in different social contexts; the relative terms indicate the social acceptability of an action or thing, whereas the absolute terms describe the actual character of them.
All too often, social acceptability becomes our moral compass rather than the absolute morality of a thought, word, or deed. If everyone else thinks something is great, not too much can be wrong with it, right? And how many times has wild, excessive, or bad behavior been pointed out as such, and the excuse given: “Relax! We’re just having fun. Stop taking everything so seriously!” The eternal destination of souls should be taken seriously, and anything that may jeopardize them as well. If something one participates in is considered fun or cool, but is even slightly immoral, shouldn’t one avoid it? Don’t our souls matter more than any pleasure the body can experience or any opinion others may have of us?
Taking care of the soul doesn’t mean that one can never have fun though! On the contrary, being in union with God makes everything one does more enjoyable. There are plenty of healthy and good ways to have fun—however, they may be ways which are not socially viewed as fun or cool. It really takes a strong character to entertain oneself in good ways, in spite of others who call such entertainment ‘stupid,’ ‘dumb,’ or ‘lame.’
So, whenever we are having fun or entertaining ourselves, we should do a reality check. We should ask ourselves: “Here I am having fun—but is what I am doing wrong or harmful to others? Can I see a saint doing this?” If not, or even if the answer is maybe, we shouldn’t let the only reason to continue ‘having fun’ be that ‘nothing’s wrong with having fun.’ We know that what people label ‘fun’ can sometimes be bad for our souls. Let’s make it a habit to think of the actual absolute character of what we are participating in, whether it is bad or good, and call a spade a spade. Then, we can act according to God’s Will, rather than being guided solely by the relative ideas of ‘fun’ and ‘cool’!
Monday, August 3, 2009
To Our Soldiers
A little note to our God-fearing soldiers, who are so brave as to sacrifice their very lives for the freedom of their country:
To Our Soldiers
If you must guard your country, guard first your soul. Guard your purity! Guard your senses:
Your heart, so that bitterness and hatred of your fellow man may not enter in;
Your ears, so that the callousness and taunts of others may not lead you into foolish and sinful actions;
Your eyes, so that whatever horrible things they see may never dull your recognition of truth, the beauty of good, or the hideousness of evil;
Your mind, so that you may always think of your Eternal goal;
Your mouth, that you will always speak what is true, good, lovely, and wise;
Your strength, that it may always be put to work to establish peace and justice, defending your country against those who seek to establish tyranny and oppression in it.
Remember, your worst enemies are not those you can see, those who can do you bodily harm, but those which are invisible: Temptations and the Evil One. Never forget the ever raging battle for souls, and always fear and obey God more than man. Be strong and courageous in the truth!
May you always love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and do all things in accordance with God’s Holy Will.
To Our Soldiers
If you must guard your country, guard first your soul. Guard your purity! Guard your senses:
Your heart, so that bitterness and hatred of your fellow man may not enter in;
Your ears, so that the callousness and taunts of others may not lead you into foolish and sinful actions;
Your eyes, so that whatever horrible things they see may never dull your recognition of truth, the beauty of good, or the hideousness of evil;
Your mind, so that you may always think of your Eternal goal;
Your mouth, that you will always speak what is true, good, lovely, and wise;
Your strength, that it may always be put to work to establish peace and justice, defending your country against those who seek to establish tyranny and oppression in it.
Remember, your worst enemies are not those you can see, those who can do you bodily harm, but those which are invisible: Temptations and the Evil One. Never forget the ever raging battle for souls, and always fear and obey God more than man. Be strong and courageous in the truth!
May you always love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and do all things in accordance with God’s Holy Will.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A Tiny, Tiny Baby
Here is a poem I wrote late one night after thinking about what it must be like to be a baby in the womb. Well, we've all been there, and we don't really remember it, but all of our first explorations and discoveries about this world were made there. We didn't understand anything, but we trusted our parents, especially our mother. This poem is about some of the first 'discoveries'.
A Tiny, Tiny Baby
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
It’s dark, and I am moving.
It’s so comfy in mom’s tummy,
So warm and safe and soothing.
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
So small and weak, but learning
How to move my hands and legs and feet-
Oh look! Now I am swimming!
I’m a tiny, tiny baby
Every part of me is growing
I can hear my mommy’s voice
All without her knowing
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
At peace, and I am playing
I kick and cuddle, and move so fast
My favorite thing is twirling!
I’m a tiny, tiny baby
But not so tiny anymore,
This place is getting too small for me
I need to find a door!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I’m upside down and waiting
For mommy to be ready
Now shhh! I hear her praying.
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I can’t wait a minute more
Everything around me’s moving
Mommy’s opening the door!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I struggle and I squirm
It’s very bright and noisy
But Daddy’s voice is firm.
“Keep going-“ I can hear him say
“His head is almost through!”
Oh what a wonderful, happy day
To meet dad and mommy too!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
Cold, and covered with goo
But mommy takes me in her arms
I hear her softly coo-
“Welcome, little one,” she says
I try to snuggle closer
Then suddenly, I feel her breast
I drink, and hear her whisper
“I love you…”
A Tiny, Tiny Baby
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
It’s dark, and I am moving.
It’s so comfy in mom’s tummy,
So warm and safe and soothing.
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
So small and weak, but learning
How to move my hands and legs and feet-
Oh look! Now I am swimming!
I’m a tiny, tiny baby
Every part of me is growing
I can hear my mommy’s voice
All without her knowing
I’m a tiny, tiny baby,
At peace, and I am playing
I kick and cuddle, and move so fast
My favorite thing is twirling!
I’m a tiny, tiny baby
But not so tiny anymore,
This place is getting too small for me
I need to find a door!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I’m upside down and waiting
For mommy to be ready
Now shhh! I hear her praying.
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I can’t wait a minute more
Everything around me’s moving
Mommy’s opening the door!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
I struggle and I squirm
It’s very bright and noisy
But Daddy’s voice is firm.
“Keep going-“ I can hear him say
“His head is almost through!”
Oh what a wonderful, happy day
To meet dad and mommy too!
I’m a not-so-tiny baby
Cold, and covered with goo
But mommy takes me in her arms
I hear her softly coo-
“Welcome, little one,” she says
I try to snuggle closer
Then suddenly, I feel her breast
I drink, and hear her whisper
“I love you…”
Saturday, August 1, 2009
A Little Bit of Courage
It takes a bit of courage to author a blog. One doesn't know what response to expect. One's posts may be ignored, or generate intelligent thought in readers. One may be roundly criticized or enthusiastically applauded. And again, one's posts may be laughed at as absurd, or thoroughly enjoyed by the reader. Here I am, proposing to show to the cold, indifferent world my most highly treasured, inmost thoughts and imaginings for the first time. So, dear reader, do bear with my 'originality' and my occasional flights of fancy, for I am authoring a blog-- and it takes just a little bit of courage.
An Amusing Paradox
I was thinking about the anatomical position of the heart, and how although it is mostly centered in the chest, most consider it on the left side of the chest because a greater portion of it lies in that area. Well then, the right side for the heart to be on is the left, and the wrong side for it to be is on the right. Consequently, when speaking about the placement of the heart, left is right and right is wrong. Isn't that an odd paradox?
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