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.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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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