Gandhi, Spinning, and Sacrifice

I think of the poor of India every time that I draw a thread on the wheel. For a person suffering from the pangs of hunger, and desiring nothing but to fill his belly, his belly is his God. To him anyone who gives him bread is his master. Through him he many even see God. . . . Therefore I have described my spinning (a daily activity) as a penance or sacrament. And, since I believe that where there is pure and active love for the poor there is God also, I see God in every thread that I draw on the spinning wheel.

Mohandas Gandhi, Khadi, pages 110-111

Heather at CraftLit has a very interesting essay that I found quite thought provoking. She talks about 9/11 and how the only people who seem to be making sacrifices are the soldiers and their families. She is talking about the sort of sacrifices that the average citizen made during WWII and which we all have heard about whether from grandparents, books, or movies. This then segueways into a discussion of Gandhi and how he spun yarn for half an hour every day as a combination of solidarity, service, and penance for impoverished Indians.

You might ask how it is possible to find God through the spinning wheel. . . . One has to learn to efface self or the ego voluntarily and as a sacrifice in order to find God. The spinning wheel rules out exclusiveness. It stands for all, including the poorest. It, therefore, requires us to be humble and to cast away pride completely. When self is shed the change will be reflected in our outward behavior. . . . Everything we do will be undertaken not for little self but for all.

Mohandas Gandhi, Khadi, page 115

This essay was unusual for several reasons. First, CraftLit basically is a knitting podcast so when a knitter begins ranting I lose interest. It is inevitably about something like the fact that someone has called knitting a hobby or some such other thing that I feel is being way too touchy.

Second, as you can imagine the idea of performing a service as a penance and offering it for others perked up my ears because that entire concept is so Catholic. Then when I heard about the humbling effect of spinning for others I knew it was Catholic ... yes, expressed by someone who wasn't Christian, but it is one of those common splinters of truth that God spreads throughout the world. To hear it coming from Gandhi and then being pulled around and applied to us in the war on terror was fascinating. (And she's right, y'all.)

To find God one need not go out anywhere. He resides in our hearts. But if we install self or ego there we dethrone God. . . . Although He is the King of kings, Most High, Almighty, yet He is at the beck and call of anyone who has reduced himself to zero and turns to Him in uttermost humility of spirit. Let us then become poor in spirit and find Him within ourselves.

Mohandas Gandhi, Khadi, page 115

Third, it actually inspired me to go to the blog and read Heather's 9/11 story (which I strongly encourage y'all to do). She was right in the middle of 9/11, being a teacher at the time in a school that was in the shadow of the World Trade Center. It is a harrowing tale. I also read the piece linked to about Gandhi and spinning which was quite good.

If you download Episode 11 (which you can do on iTunes or from the CraftLit blog) just listen to the part where she gets on her "soapbox."

I do want to mention that this podcast would be good for anyone who is interested in literature. Although I have described it as a knitting podcast, it doesn't really have a lot of knitting content. There is a bit at the beginning and then the rest is given over to chapters of an audiobook. The idea is that it is something good to listen to while knitting (or washing the floor, folding laundry, driving, etc. ... which are also things we can offer to God ... though whether as prayer or penance depends on how much you might dislike those tasks!).

I find that one of the most enjoyable parts is listening to Heather's commentary on what happened in the last chapters and teasers about what is upcoming in the current episode. She is quite enthusiastic and that makes the book all the more enjoyable. Currently, she is presenting Pride and Prejudice but has been entertaining suggestions as to the next book which range from Tom Sawyer to Tristan and Iseult. If you are at all interested in such things, do go give it a try ... who knows when the next time is that Heather will break loose and give us a good, thought provoking rant? You don't want to miss that, do you? I didn't think so!

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

The De-Deification of the American Faithscape

Very rarely do I regret not having cable. Watching this clip of Steven Colbert is one of those times. This is hilarious not only for his comment about "the one true faith" but just all round.

Via Mormon2Catholic whose own commentary on all this is well worth reading (welcome back girl, we've missed ya!).

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

What a Puzzler!

From the Mensa Puzzle Calendar.

Our local toy store prices its merchandise according to the owner's whim. A doll costs 70 cents, a train costs 80 cents, a drum costs 70 cents, and a dollhouse costs $1.40. According to this system, how much will a jumping jack cost?

Answer:
$1.90 (vowels are worth 10 cents; consonants are worth 20 cents).

God Did Not Spare His Own Son For Us

This month's Word Among Us articles are all written by one of my favorite homilists, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, who I believe is preacher to the papal household. Everything he says always has such a weight of truth, reality, and beauty for me. You can go read all three articles online but here is an excerpt, lengthy to be sure, from the one I read this morning about the mystery of God's love for us.

“My Father Was Holding Me.” A child who is certain of his Father’s love will grow up strong, secure, happy, and free for life. God’s word wants to do this for us. It wants to restore this security to us. Our solitude in this world cannot be overcome except by faith in God the Father’s love.

Observe a child walking with his father, holding his father’s hand, or being swung around by him, and you will have the best picture of a happy, free child, full of pride. I read somewhere that once an acrobat did a stunt on the top floor of a skyscraper; he leant out as far as he could possibly go, supporting himself on the bare tips of his toes and holding his small child in his arms. When they came down, someone asked the child if he had been afraid, and the child, surprised at the question, answered, “No. My father was holding me!”

God’s word wants us to be like that child. And reminding us that God did not spare his own Son for us, St. Paul cries out joyfully and victoriously, “If God is for us, who is against us? . . . Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:31-37). And Jesus tells us therefore to free ourselves of fear, of all cowardice, of all discouragement. Your Father knows you and your Father loves you, Jesus says. You were not given the spirit of slaves, to fall back into fear, but the spirit of children to cry out: Abba, Father!

Absolute Trust. Before such an incomprehensible love it comes spontaneously to us to turn to Jesus and ask him: “Jesus, you are our elder brother; tell us what we can do to be worthy of so much love and suffering on the Father’s part?” And from the height of his cross, Jesus answers us: “There is,” he says, “something you can do, something I also did, for it pleases the Father: Have confidence in him, trust him against everything, against everyone, against yourselves. When you are in darkness and distress, when difficulties threaten to suffocate you and you are on the point of giving up, pull yourself together and cry aloud, ‘Father, I no longer understand you but I trust you!’ And you will find peace again.”

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Ladies, I Highly Recommend ...

... that if you happen to be in a bookstore and see this edition of Rolling Stone, just pick it up and turn to page 48. Now, there's a sight that'll take your breath away.

Rose is considering putting it on her wall. I might have to start tucking in her in at night again.

UPDATE
Here is Jeffrey Overstreet's review. I'd go see the movie this weekend but will wait until Rose and Tom come back from Chicago.

At the Movies: Quick Reviews

CARS
Everyone knows the story to Pixar's latest hit, right? Hot shot racing rookie Lightning McQueen is on his way to ultimate fame and glory at a race in California. However, he accidentally gets derailed and winds up in Radiator Springs, once a bustling town on Route 66, but little more than a ghost town populated by a few die hard citizens. Yes, the story is predictable. However, it is told so well and with such loving attention to the details (I did say it is a Pixar movie, right?), that predictability doesn't matter in the least. I have heard critics bemoaning the two-hour run time and a slow beginning. We noticed none of those things. By the way, his is where it helps to have a car buff sitting beside you through the movie to point out all the clever details. As with all Pixar flicks be sure to stay until the credits are done. Especially watch the fun they have with the cars at the drive in while the credits are running. Genius, pure genius! (HC rating: Nine thumbs up!)

BOTTLE ROCKET
A sweet and light hearted little movie, this is the one that launched the Wilson brothers and Wes Anderson. Owen Wilson plays the relentlessly intent leader of a group of quirky losers who plans a heist and can't see how absurd his plans are. Along the way the group falls under the tutelage of a real crime boss (James Caan). Meanwhile, the other members of the group are learning to deal with love and family members in their own ways. I can't really communicate just how goofy and funny this movie was but we all loved it. (HC rating: Good despite lack of flubber)

SHAOLIN SOCCER
A perfect balance of the absurd and sincere, Shaolin Soccer is the story of an old, lame soccer player who wants to coach and teams up with a young, intense man (Steel Leg) who wants to show that Shaolin Kung Fu can make life better for everyone ... oh, and he also needs work. They gather together Steel Leg's old kung fu brothers and embark on a journey to win the soccer championship against the local reigning champions (need I add that they are evil?). This movie somehow pulls off a sort of wacky cartoonish quality at the same time as sincerely telling a good story. Complete with Hollywood movie references, really funny lines at unexpected times, fantastical martial arts, and unworldly powers, this movie should not be missed. One caveat, the captioning is truly off at times, with such problems as "bald" being consistently spelled "blad" and "the soccer ball" being called "the soccer." However, this is not enough to detract from the magic of this tale which we loved. Now, I can't wait to rent Kung Fu Hustle, also by this director. (HC rating: Nine thumbs up!)

INSIDE MAN
Watching this riveting movie made me wish that Spike Lee made more "big hit, mainstream" movies. The trailers sold this all wrong. It really is about watching smart hostage negotiator Denzel Washington play a game of wits with crime mastermind Clive Owen (who never looked better, by the way). We don't know Owen's plan until the very end but our family was thinking out loud with Washington the whole time. This movie takes us for a great ride with a smart plot, great acting, and a welcome lack of violence along the way. The "R" rating is for liberal use of language. (HC rating: Nine thumbs up!)

Trailers that caught our eye...
Most of the trailers that we saw with Cars looked downright bad. "Flicka" especially enraged me as I loved that book as a child and to put a girl in the lead instead of the original boy is the height of political correctness. Aaargh!

However, these two looked good enough that we'll be checking out the reviews when they come out.

• Invincible
• Monster House

That Imbalance Rooted in the Heart of Man

"They begged him to leave their neighborhood"

The modern world shows itself at once powerful and weak, capable of the noblest deeds or the foulest; before it lies the path to freedom or to slavery, to progress or retreat, to brotherhood or hatred. Moreover, man is becoming aware that it is his responsibility to guide aright the forces which he has unleashed and which can enslave him or minister to him. That is why he is putting questions to himself.

The truth is that the imbalances under which the modern world labors are linked with that more basic imbalance which is rooted in the heart of man. For in man himself many elements wrestle with one another. Thus, on the one hand, as a creature he experiences his limitations in a multitude of ways; on the other he feels himself to be boundless in his desires and summoned to a higher life. Pulled by manifold attractions he is constantly forced to choose among them and renounce some. Indeed, as a weak and sinful being, he often does what he would not, and fails to do what he would (cf. Rom 7:14ff.). Hence, he suffers from internal divisions and from these flow so many and such great discords in society...

Nevertheless, in the face of the modern development of the world, the number constantly swells of the people who raise the most basic questions or recognize them with a new sharpness: What is man? What is this sense of sorrow, of evil, of death, which continues to exist despite so much progress? What purpose have these victories purchased at so high a cost? What can man offer to society; what can he expect from it? What follows this earthly life?

The Church firmly believes that Christ, who died and was raised up for all (cf. 2 Cor 5:15), can through his Spirit offer man the light and the strength to measure up to his supreme destiny. Nor has any other name under the heaven been given to man by which it is fitting for him to be saved (cf. Acts 4:12). She likewise holds that in her most benign Lord and Master can be found the key, the focal point and the goal of man as well as of all human history. The Church also maintains that beneath all changes there are many realities which do not change and which have their ultimate foundation in Christ, who is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever (cf. Heb 13:8).

Second Vatican Council
Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes), 9-10
Via DGO

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

God Bless America, Land That I Love

Happy birthday, USA!

Some good holiday reading can be found at:

• ... and if not ...
• penni, for your thoughts
• SFO Mom
• Sigmund, Carl, and Alfred

Good holiday listening can be found at:

• Maria Lectrix where Maureen treats us to The Man Without a Country by Edward Everett Hale. I have never, ever forgotten this story, read long ago in school. It made a huge impact on me and if you have never come across it you are in for a treat.

NCR's Eric Scheske Gets Brave ...

... in search of youthful Catholic bloggers and finds out that there are some darned good ones out there. Some are familiar to me such as Shrine of the Holy Whapping and American Papist. However, he lists many I haven't heard of that I have gotta check out (because that's what I need ... more blogs to read ... right?).

You can read the whole column over at Totus Pius, a blog I'm going to be visiting often in the days to come.

I was really happy to see my pal Laura H under bloggers to watch and encourage. She definitely deserves it.

Eric also was extremely kind to Happy Catholic in his reader recommendations. Thanks Eric! His blog is a fairly new one to me but not to those in the know. If you haven't been by there, go check it out.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

C'mon Baby, Don't Fear the Jedi

People bemoan the state of modern society. They lament the seeming stranglehold that secularism, modernism, relativism, pop culture, and ... yes, a new paganism seem to have on our hearts. At times it can seem overwhelming and ... let's admit it ... a bit hopeless.

Let's see how St. Gregory the Great, pope from 590 to 604, instructed St. Augustine of Canterbury when he was faced with similar circumstances in Britain.

To his most beloved son, the Abbot Mellitus:

Gregory, the servant of the servants of God.

We have been much concerned, since the departure of our congregation that is with you, because we have received no account of the success of your journey. When, therefore, almighty God shall bring you to the most reverend Bishop Augustine, our brother, tell him what I have, upon mature deliberation on the affair of the English, determined upon, vis., that the temples of the idols in that nation ought not to be destroyed; but let the idols that are in them be destroyed; let holy water be made and sprinkled in the said temples, let altars be erected, and relics placed. For if those temples are well built, it is requisite that they be converted from the worship of devils to the service of the true God; that the nation, seeing that their temples are not destroyed, may remove error from their hearts, and knowing and adoring the true God, may the more familiarly resort to the places to which they have been accustomed.

And because they have been used to slaughter many oxen in the sacrifices to devils, some solemnity must be exchanged for them on this account, as that on the day of the dedication, or the nativities of the holy martyrs, whose relics are there deposited, they may build themselves huts of the boughs of trees, about those churches which have been turned to that use from temples, and celebrate the solemnity with religious feasting, and no more offer beasts to the devil, but kill cattle to the praise of God in their eating, and return thanks to the Giver of all things for their sustenance; to the end that, whilst some gratifications are outwardly permitted them, they may the more easily consent to the inward consolations of the grace of God.

For there is no doubt that it is impossible to efface everything at once from their obdurate minds; because he who endeavors to ascend to the highest place rises by degrees or steps, and not by leaps. Thus the Lord made himself known to the people of Israel in Egypt; and yet he allowed them the use of the sacrifices which they were wont to offer to the devil, in his own worship; so as to command them in his sacrifice to kill beasts, to the end that, changing their hearts, they might lay aside one part of the sacrifice, whilst they retained another, that whilst they offered the same beasts which they were wont to offer, they should offer them to God and not to idols; and thus they would no longer be the same sacrifices.

This it behooves your affection to communicate to our aforesaid brother, that he, being there present, may consider how he is to order all things.

God preserve you in safety, most beloved son.

This comes via Grail Code where the authors go on to point out that this practical advice is also quite tolerant and understanding of human nature.

The people are used to coming to certain places for worship so let them continue -- but to worship the true God, not pagan idols. The people love their traditional feasts, so keep the feasts -- and use them as opportunities to celebrate the new faith. The very things the people enjoy most about their pagan traditions can be the means of leading them to Christ.

Not only does that give us good information to use when people bring up the fact that Christian holidays are often held at the same time as previous pagan ones, but it gives us a wonderful insight of practical application of that old saw "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

Hard upon the heels of reading the above excerpts, I came across Rod Bennet's wonderful talk about the new mythology that is arising from pop culture.

Well, here in the 21st century we really are witnessing the birth of a new mythology. A popular, media-based mythology just as elaborate as that of the Greeks and the Romans -- and for many people (not just kids) it serves the same semi-religious function in life. I'm talking, of course, about the rise--to an almost central role in the lives of our young people--of fantasy films, video games, and literature in our culture.

Most of you spend time with children or teenagers on a regular basis. So I'm sure you know by now, that large continuing fantasy sagas like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pokemon and so forth are a major part of cultural discourse these days. Each of these sagas has its own elaborate backstory, it's own body of arcane knowledge, and our kids have made mastering the minutiae of their chosen discipline into something like a private devotion. Anthropologically speaking, it's an amazing thing to watch--and certainly something those of us involved in raising children today ought to be talking about.

That excerpt is just the tip of the iceburg in a wonderful series of posts that touches on modern icons like Superman and Spiderman, modern mythologists like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and ... wait for it ... the Holy Spirit crying to modern hearts from the splinters of light contained in pop culture.

Secondly, we need not despise nor fear "the Jedi religion"--any more than St. Justin despised Platonism. As Justin did, we can respect it, even enjoy it--without actually believing in it. We need constantly to remember that our students, our friends, our neighbors are not turning to things like "the Jedi religion--out of perversity or sheer cussedness...they struggle along on these thin hopes because they have, for whatever reason, despaired of any rational religious hope. Possibly they've never heard the Christian Gospel at all. Also: the multiplicity of competing, contradictory sects in America is enough to make anyone conclude that it's all just human opinion...nonsense. And the Church's own shortcomings contribute to this. We ourselves make the Faith hard to believe--every time we leave a scandal uncorrected, an abuse unreformed. These modern myths are not so much rivals to the true Faith as very imperfect substitutes for it. Stop-gap measures. And if no Christian ever comes to shepherd these longings to a happier conclusion--whose fault is that? Certainly not the poor pagan's...struggling along with his "conflicting thoughts." Our attitude should be that of Chesterton: "[The mythmaker does not speak] with the voice of a priest or a prophet saying 'These things are.' It is the voice of a dreamer and an idealist crying, 'Why cannot these things be?'

Please do go read all five of these posts. The New Gods, Romance Is Religion, Good Dreams, The God-Shaped Vacuum, and Conclusion. I think you will find it well worth your time. (Via Way of the Fathers.)

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Feast of St. Thomas, apostle

Andrea del Verrocchio. Christ and Doubting Thomas.
1467-83. Bronze. Orsanmichele, Florence, Italy.

Thomas is known for his disbelief in Christ's Resurrection prior to the apparition of Jesus to the Apostles. The stunning encounter provides us with an occasion for strengthening our own confidence in the historical fact of God's definitive conquest over death.

The Gospels offer us the clearest insights into the life of St. Thomas. We know through tradition that he evangelized India. The mortal remains of the once incredulous Apostle were moved to Edessus on July 3 in the sixth century and ever since then his feast day has been celebrated on this day.

In Conversation With God Vol 3

I am quite fond of St. Thomas, the famous "doubting Thomas" who wants absolute proof before he'll believe his fellow apostles' stories of Jesus' resurrection. For one thing, who among us has not felt the same at some time? You know, "God, why can't I just see this clearly? C'mon already!"

For another, he is quite a fitting namesake for my own dear Tom, although Tom is not named after this particular Thomas. That's not all a bad thing you know. I have many friends who believe mystical and miraculous stories at the drop of a hat. I realize it is rather ironic for me to be saying that when I am prone to do so myself all too easily. It is nice to have my own "doubting Thomas" nearby for reality checks. Surprisingly, he often will not rule out the miraculous, but he is not at all shy about pointing out just plain "rules of the universe" in action. We have a good check and balance system going I think.

What does all that have to do with the real St. Thomas? Nothing perhaps but it is just what crosses my mind whenever that bit of the Gospel comes around.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

It Was Love at First Sight

We managed to pull off getting the new car last night. Officially it is a "crossover" vehicle but let's all just say what we know is true ... it's a station wagon. Just what I wanted and the car companies won't make (unless you are looking way above our price range into Lexus territory) because it doesn't have the right image.

Considering that our "youngest" car until yesterday was ten years old (with the van having been 12 and Tom's Honda being 16) having a new car is very exciting. Probably the biggest noticable difference is that it has a "variable transmission" so you never feel any shifting happening. I noticed I was subconciously tensing up every now and then, waiting for the shift. But it glides like butter!

Now I will be spending my time looking for parking places with no one on either side. Which should be good for increasing my walking every day, right?

God Bless America!

You Are 83% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

Via ukok who shouldn't have been surprised at her 29% result ... she is British after all!

Now Where Did I Put My Sunglasses?

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

Exactly right, with a nice large umbrella, comfy chair, good book, and a margarita while the sound of crashing waves and seagulls make soothing background noises. Via Quoth the Maven who is in the chair just down the beach from me.

I Think That's Called Enabling an Addict

MARIA LECTRIX
Six days a week of public domain audiobooks — mystery, history, adventure, devotion — for people with Catholic tastes.

Maureen's audiobook recordings include Church Fathers, sci fi, mysteries, essays, novels ... and most of them I've never even heard of. Can't wait to start downloading these babies ... long may my knitting flourish while listening!

Update
I see that by following her sidebar link to RSS feed you can get to a spot where a mere click of the button gets you subscribed through iTunes. Sweet!

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

What I Have Learned From Knitting One Sock

1. Sock-knitting enablers (yes, you ... Donna and Julie) don't tell you that knitting socks is like being on crack. An obsessive high that leads to someone who can't sleep getting up at 4 a.m. to "just work on the toe a little." For shame, ladies!


2. Someone who has never felt tempted even a little to acquire a stash (of yarn) suddenly becomes empowered by the fact that lovely, unique sock yarn is fairly inexpensive ... and I also have a long list of people that I'd like to make socks for. I had to confess to my husband that I now have yarn for three other pairs of socks heading our way.


3. Once again ... never say "never." I remember when I began listening to podcasts that Jeff Miller commented that there are even knitting podcasts. *yawn* Could anything be more boring? I did begin listening to Cast On but could justify that under the grounds that Brenda Dayne is essentially a terrific story teller who just happens to use knitting as a springboard.
   
   However, when knitting last weekend in the hotel I was listening, coincidentally, to a Cast On essay about knitting socks. There was something so ... connected ... about listening to someone talk about knitting the same sort of thing that I was doing. So, I have to admit that I now have found two other "pod-worthy" knitters. One is KnitCentric by a young American wife and mother who lives in Okinawa and has many of the same idiosyncrasies that I do ... such as skipping practically every song that anyone puts into a podcast and building a stash only of sock yarn (this is where I recognized that dangerous tendency arising in myself).
   
   The other is CraftLit by an English teacher who recognizes that what we all really need while knitting is someone to read to us. She obliges by downloading some of Pride and Prejudice from Librivox every week (free audiobooks y'all!). Both have good, practical reviews of yarn, books, and techniques which I have found very helpful.
   
   I hold KnitCentric strictly to blame for 2/3 of the yarn winging its way to me now. CraftLit gets the credit for the fact that I have downloaded Treasure Island from Librivox and was distinctly frustrated this morning when it ended with a cliffhanger ... and subsequent chapters were on my computer at work.

Hannah has had her eye on "the sock" since I began. She's grooving on the colors and tried it on this morning, triumphantly waving her foot at me, "It fits!" Whew. I can see all sorts of imperfections but what the heck. No one else will (at least much). I'll begin the other sock tonight and see how that goes. I'd have posted a photo but ran out of time. Perhaps when I have the complete pair, eh?

Tags: Knitting

Will They Know We are Christians by Our Love?

Historians talking about first century Christians always remarked on how they showed love for each other. They knew they were Christians by their love (dreadful song but an instructive saying nonetheless). Could they say as much these days? Sometimes I see the witness not of love but rather of "leave no one alive" infighting. This is not just between denominations (which is bad enough).

A recent example spilled over into my comments boxes lately. The origin was an uncharitable assumption made by someone who did not use the most diplomatic phrasing. This prompted an upset, defensive response. The cudgels quickly were taken up by others.

This is such a human thing and I have been there myself more than once. It is so easy to make an accusation rather than phrase something as a mild question. Definitely it is my knee-jerk reaction to fire back a defensive answer rather than meekly admit that perhaps I could have worded something another way. Luckily, I know my weaknesses. As I told someone asking what the difference was between my public blogging face (Julie D.) and my true self, "Julie D. is much nicer than I am."

It is so hard to swallow one's pride, back down, and be charitable and humble, not caring what others think. So very hard.

"Julie D." can do it only because I have cultivated defense mechanisms. I go to my husband, trusting that he'll stop me in time (and, God bless him, he does). I make myself wait for a period of time before answering something that upsets me. I read my answer aloud ... somehow once spoken the harshness of those unspoken words comes through in a way that does not sound so clever. And, all too often, I rush in, doing none of those things, and then am embarrassed later. Quite a good way to remember my humanity and great need for humility. (Whether I want to or not and I assure you I do not.)

The greatest and most effective tool I have is to recite this really good prayer.

"Lord have mercy on me and bless that person."

When I say it (quite often through righteously clenched teeth) I am forced to remember all the times that I have annoyed people just as greatly as I am now being annoyed. I remember that in asking God to bless that person that it is also an invitation to me to love and forgive them as St. Augustine mentions here.

That your enemies have been created is God's doing; that they hate you and wish to ruin you is their own doing. What should you say about them in your mind? "Lord be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, put the fear of God in them, change them!" You are loving in them not what they are, but what you would have them to become.

That prayer works. By the time that I have repeated it several times not only have I calmed down but I am able to practice a much truer form of charity than I would have by merely mouthing nice words while being madder than a wet hen.

If I was a better person I would only have to remember what Jesus has asked of me. I'm working on getting to that point.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

John 15:12

Maybe this is why I have such a fondness for Scripture and quotes that remind me to have a more charitable outlook. I know my need for help in this area. Here are some that have resonated with me and perhaps y'all will find them useful as well if you suffer from a similar weakness.

Since you have forsaken the world and turned wholly to God, you are symbolically dead in the eyes of men; therefore, let your heart be dead to all earthly affections and concerns, and wholly devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ. For you must be well aware that if we make an outward show of conversion to God without giving Him our hearts, it is only a shadow and pretence of virtue, and no true conversion.

Any man or woman who neglects to maintain inward vigilance, and only makes an outward show of holiness in dress, speech, and behavior, is a wretched creature. For they watch the doings of other people and criticize their faults, imagining themselves to be something when in reality they are nothing. In this way they deceive themselves. Be careful to avoid this, and devote yourself inwardly to His likeness by humility, charity, and other spiritual virtues. In this way you will be truly converted to God.

Walter Hilton

++++++++++++++++

If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.

And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.

If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.

For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.

At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, New American Bible

++++++++++++++++

Human beings are very much like icebergs -- we only see a small portion of them, and nothing of the hidden currents which drag them this way and that.

I fancy that we would not sit and judge our neighbor so frequently as we do, did we but ponder well over the small amount of data we possess. We perceive only the external act, but nothing of the motive activating it.

Father David McAstocker

++++++++++++++++

Some people change every food they absorb into a bad mood, even if the food is healthy. The fault does not lie in the food but in their temperament, which changes the food. Even so, if our soul has a bad disposition, everything harms it; it transforms even useful things into things that are harmful to it. If you throw a little bit of bitter herbs into a pot of honey, won't they change the whole pot by making all the honey bitter? That is what we do: we spread a little of our bitterness and we destroy our neighbor's good by looking at him according to our bad disposition.

Other people have a temperament that transforms everything into a good mood, even bad food. Pigs have a very good constitution. They eat pods, date seeds and garbage. But they transform that food into succulent meat. In the same way, if we have good habits and a good state of the soul, we can benefit from everything, even from what is not beneficial. The Book of Proverbs says it very well: "The one who sees with gentleness will obtain mercy." And in another place: "For the foolish person, everything is contrary."

I heard it said of a brother that if, when he went to see someone else, he found his cell in a state of neglect and in disorder, he told himself: "How happy is this brother to be completely detached from earthly things and to carry his spirit on high so well that he doesn't even have the time to tidy his cell!" If he then went to another brother and found his cell tidy, clean, and in good order, he told himself: "This brother's cell is as clean as his soul. As is the state of his soul, so is the state of his cell!" He never said of anyone: "This one is untidy," or: "That one is frivolous." Because of his excellent state, he benefited from everything. May God in his goodness also give us a good state so that we might benefit from everything and never think badly of our neighbor. If our malice inspires us to pass judgment or to be suspicious, let us quickly transform that into a good thought. For with God's help, not seeing what is bad in our neighbor brings forth kindness.

Dorotheus of Gaza (around 500 - ?),
Monk in Palestine, via The Daily Gospel

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

It Sure Would Be Great to Be Driving Around Chicago Right Now

Then you'd get to see one of these banners using humor to sell My Life with the Saints. They're trying to get drivers' attention on the busy Kennedy Expressway in Chicago to take a new look at the saints in their lives. The campaign starts officially today at 3:00 p.m.

Check it out.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Being the Salt of the Earth

The first Christians were true salt of the earth, and they preserved people and institutions -- the whole of society -- from corruption. What can it be that has happened in so many nations? Why is it that Christians should now be giving the sad impression that they are unable to slow down and halt that wave of corruption that is burning in on the family, on schools, and on institutions ...? The Faith is still the same. And Christ lives among us now just as He did previously. His power is still infinite -- divine. Only the lukewarmness of so many thousands, indeed millions, of Christians, explains how we can offer to the world the spectacle of a Christianity that allows all kinds of heresies and destroys the strength and endurance of the Faith, and is the soulmate, in both a personal and a collective way, of compromise and of a spirit of comfort-seeking (P. Rodriguez, Faith and Life of Faith). It is difficult to explain many of the things that happen nowadays at a personal and at a public level, if we do not bear in mind that so many people who should be awake, watchful and attentive have allowed their Faith to fall asleep; love has been snuffed out in so many hearts. In many spheres, the "normal Christian" now generally means someone who is lukewarm and mediocre. Among the first Christians the "normal Christian" meant one who lived the heroism of every day, and when the occasion presented itself, accepted martyrdom itself: it could and did mean very often the surrender of one's very life in defense of the Faith ...

Let us fervently ask God for the strength to react. We will be the true salt of the earth if we keep up our daily conversation with God and if we go with ever-greater faith and love to receive the Holy Eucharist. Love was, and is, the moving force in the life of the saints. It is the whole raison d'etre of every life dedicated to God. Love gives us wings with which to soar over any personal barriers to our advance, or any obstacles presented to us by our surroundings. Love makes us unyielding when confronted by set-backs ... Love for God ... makes a molehill out of a mountain; it transforms the soul, gives it new lights and opens up new horizons for it; it makes the soul capable of achieving its highest desires and gives it capacities it had never as much as dreamed of possessing.

In Conversation With God Vol 3

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Wanted: One Good Man

Kat is using all resources at her disposal to find herself a man. I've gotta admire that initiative.

Funny, smart, orthodox , good housekeeper, lousy cook, and I love monthy python movies and sports. I am the whole package. Who wouldn't want me as their loving loyal wife?

And she's not kidding ... check it out y'all!

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

St. Joseph says construction takes patience

Get the scoop on Monday.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

St. Ignatius encourages Mass transit

What is this?

Find out Monday...

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Whoop!

We're back ... not quite bleeding maroon when we're cut yet but not because the A&M Freshman Orientation didn't do their best.

A quick tour of the highlights and then I'm outta here ... probably until Monday (anyone who I responded to about links, etc. don't worry ... they will happen but next week).

A&M ... Gig 'Em!

• Texas A&M has a great campus and everyone was so friendly that I began to liken it to Hannah's high school mentally ... that good culture being aggressively cultivated so it actually works. I can't count how many times I was surprised to be just passing people on the sidewalk and have them look over, smile, and say "Howdy." (The official Aggie greeting and one which Hannah may eventually say naturally but I never will.)
• The weight of tradition is heavy there. It is almost Catholic in their number of devotions, probably multiplied by having the Corp of Cadets there. However, like Catholicism it seems that one can pick and choose favorite devotions and they all contribute well to making you an Aggie (although that "12th Man" thing about standing through an entire football game? That's just nuts...).
• Hannah spent most of the time wanting to go home, except when she was choosing classes ... her philosophy teacher will be ecstatic to get Hannah's email about her planned minor in philosophy. Zoology and philosophy from a traditional Catholic ... now that's gonna be an interesting mix. We likened her lack of enthusiasm to that first huge plunge into the cold pool. A big dose of "really leaving home" reality. Rose told me, "Mom, you've been too nice to us and made it too cushy." New resolve: begin cruelty measures to make her want to leave. (ha!)
• However, on the way home, Hannah became more cheerful as we talked about all the things to do to make a dorm room more homey ("I saw a 'Hello Kitty' body pillow when I was working the remodel at Target," she said.), the high school friends that are also going there, and her excitement over getting to take rock climbing for PE.
  

Traveling Notes

• A sock is indeed the perfect "road" knitting project (even for a total newbie like me) except don't rush off so fast that you leave all your instructions and any extra yarn. You then stall after finishing the ribbing and heel flap, remaining frustrated until you can begin turning the heel.

Auto Notes

• Note to self: when both you and your husband are having niggling "maybe we should check the oil" thoughts, especially for no apparent reason ... just go ahead and check the damned oil! That way you might not wind up stranded in Waxahachie with the motor frozen up because the (again damned) oil light didn't light up until after the oil was all gone.
• The good news is that we made it to a gas station, coasting in as the motor seized ... thanks for those prayers answered, guardian angel mine!
  
• More good news is that when no one was home who we called for a ride, there was a wrecking service very close by with a tow truck ready for the next assignment with no waiting.
  
• Extra good news was that he had a double cab and could give us all a ride home (we were about 30 miles out of Dallas). He was one of those good, old country boys who are my favorites ... laconic but smart and with a wry sense of humor that deliver low key punchlines and watch with a twinkle to see if you get it. We did and had a great trip home.
  
• Of course, the bad news ... the van is 10 years old and according to our mechanic it is a toss-up as to whether it is worth spending $3,500 on a new engine. So now we have to begin trying to decide what to do.
• Luckily, the immediate solution to such an adventure after being gone is to order a large pizza and watch last week's taped Hell's Kitchen and a few of the Ghost Hunter episodes (1st season DVD lent by a friend). While grabbing sock instructions and turning the heel, y'all!
  

UPDATE
Yesterday morning we discovered that Tom's car won't start either. Good thing we have the car formerly known as "Hannah's car" ... now known as OUR ONLY car.

The Demands of Christ and Joy of Heart

This is worth keeping in mind for every time one encounters the reasoning that Jesus wouldn't hold us to particular standards because he was so loving.

Dear Youth, you tell me that you often think the Church is an institution that does nothing but promulgate rules and laws... And you conclude that there is a deep discrepancy between the joy that issues from the word of Christ and the feeling of oppression that the Church's rigidity gives you.. But the Gospel shows us a very demanding Christ who invites to a radical conversion of the heart, to detachment from the goods of the earth, to forgiveness of offenses, to love of the enemy, to patient acceptance of persecutions and even to the sacrifice of one's own life out of love for our neighbor. Where the particular area of sexuality is concerned, we know the firm position he took in defending the indissolubility of marriage and his condemnation even as regards the simple adultery committed in the heart. And could anyone not be impressed when faced with the precept to "tear out one's eye" or to "cut off one's hand" when these members are an occasion of "scandal"? ...

Moral licentiousness does not make people happy. Similarly, the consumer society does not bring joy of heart. The human being only fulfills himself to the extent to which he is able to accept the demands which flow from his dignity as a being created "in the image and likeness of God" (Gen 1:27). That is why, if the Church today says things that are not pleasing, it is because it feels obliged to do so. It does so out of a duty to fidelity...

So is it not true that the gospel message is a message of joy? On the contrary! It is absolutely true. And how is that possible? The answer can be found in one word, one single word, one short word, but its contents are as vast as the sea. And that word is love. It is perfectly possible to reconcile the stringency of the precept and joy of heart. The person who loves does not fear sacrifice. And he even seeks in sacrifice the most convincing proof of the authenticity of his love.

John Paul II
Discourse to young people in the Netherlands, May 14, 1985
Via The Daily Gospel

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Strength, Security, and the Beatitudes

For all our technological advances, people haven't really changed much since the time of Jesus. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way most people view the Beatitudes. Then as now, they represent what the world would consider weakness and softness. After all, who wants to be poor, meek, and persecuted? ...

But when we look at Jesus, we realize that he is the both the perfect example of the Beatitudes lived out and also the strongest and most secure person who walked the earth. Jesus was nobody's fool and he was certainly no shrinking violet. At the same time, he was constantly mourning over those who didn't know God. In silent strength -- meekness -- he taught his disciples by example, by parable, by reaching out to everyone who would accept him.

Perhaps if we thought more about Jesus, or tried to place ourselves among the crowds who heard him teach and saw him minister, we would change our point of view... We might see that living the Beatitudes requires a good amount of strength and decisiveness.

Word Among Us

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Set Your Drinks Down ...

... and go visit Upper Canada Catholic for these two gems:

• Stupid People Ask Dumb Questions (I like his slow and slower typing.)
• I Believe It's Spelled with a "P" Though (I don't think I have to spell out what I like about this one ... get it? ... spell out ...)

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

2,996

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives, and not by remembering their murderers.

... the tributes should celebrate the lives of these people–kind of like a wake. Over the last 5 years we’ve heard the names of the killers, and all about the victim’s deaths. This is a chance to learn about and celebrate those who died. Forget the murderers, they don’t deserve to be remembered. But some people who died that day deserve to be remembered–2,996 people.

Sign up here. Via My Domestic Church.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

How to be a Good [and Happy] Blogger

I have been hanging onto this link to My Domestic Church until I could get a few minutes to jot some thoughts down. She has eight basic guidelines for effective blogging.

As opposed to the blogging tips that you usually read that are designed to get you the most page hits (as if we're getting paid for each hit or something), Elena has really hit the nail on the head. Her reward? I'm shamelessly stealing them and then going to adapt them. Sorry girl! But thanks for the idea!

1. If you have comment sections - MANAGE THEM!
   Don't let commenters beat each other up, and don't let the majority opinion beat up on a dissenter. If someone is being inappropriate and rude, delete their entries, edit them or and ban them. Have a comments guideline and stick to it.


2. If you don't have a comments section ... for Pete's sake make your email easy to find.
   Or make it clear that you're incommunicado with no email at all. When I think of the time I've wasted looking for email addresses ... usually to simply ask a question or give a compliment. And if you have a separate email address for your blog, CHECK IT often. Don't make correspondents wait for weeks until you remember that other address.


3. Don't keep changing your URL.
   It's fine to do it every two years or so if you absolutely have to, but other than that it's a pain to keep changing the dead links and keeping up with you!


4. Have a sense of humor.
   There's a reason Jeff Miller has 92 blogline subscribers. He takes the news and finds the humor to it. Remember it's just a blog...


5. Share a bit from your life.
   I'm always fascinated when The Anchoress gives us the scoop on Buster. Everyone in St. Blog's was able to watch with pleasure while Dom Bettinelli got engaged, married, and became a new father. Mike Aquilina recently broke away from the Church Fathers to talk about his own father. It doesn't have to be a lot but that is what gives dimension to the blogger behind the posts.


6. Write about what you want to and damn the hits counters.
   I see people agonizing over their status in the Ecosystem or worrying about hits on the site meters. Again, people, it's not as if we're getting paid for these things. If you love the blogging then it doesn't matter if you have 1 regular visitor or 100. It is not a popularity contest and although some people seem to be keeping score I find that they tend to be the less happy bloggers out there.


7. Have a point.
   I can't believe Nehring had to mention this one but he's absolutely right. Whether your passion is movies, your family, geeky gadgets, or .... hmmm, let's see ... your faith, you need a focus. You can veer away or come back to it but your interest or passion for your subject is what will make your blog interesting and worthwhile for you to spend time on (and for others who drop by to read it). Oftentimes in watching people find their "blog voice" aka the focus of their blogs, you will also be watching them realize what adds zest to their lives. It's interesting that way...
   


8. Have fun!
   If you're not enjoying blogging then quit or change what you're doing. But don't sit around complaining about it. Your blog is entirely in your control and life is too short to let it control you.

I'm sure I'll be adapting these myself somewhat but that's a start...

Hot on the Trail of Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, my name is great among the nations; And everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, and a pure offering; For great is my name among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.

NAB, Malachi 1:11

Who knew that Malachi 1:11 was so popular? Not me, considering I never heard of it until I went to see where one of the new pieces of the liturgical translation might originate.

However, I inadvertently hit upon a favorite of the early Church Fathers and that leads us to ... Way of the Fathers, where else?

You'd think it would end there with Mike Aquilina's interesting observations, but no. He, in turn, influenced biblicalia who is now busy translating Malachi.

I'm almost afraid to see if the trail goes anywhere else ... eventually I'm not going to be able to keep up with all this high-level thinking! Do go check those blogs out though.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

We're on a First Name Basis 'Round Here

Specifically, Cathy Ward is asking do know your guardian angel's name?

Why yes. Yes, I do. Though I don't think I'll be broadcasting his name.

In fact, I believe may even have met him once.

Go give Cathy the scoop on angel names.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Like sands through the hourglass ... so are the Days of Our Lives

PHASE ONE

Joey: Look, there's nothing I can do for him right now, he's still in his sweat pants, that's still Phase One. Y'know? I'll be back for Phase Two, I would never miss Phase Two.
Monica: What's Phase Two?
Joey: Gettin' drunk and going to a strip club.

Without delving into painful details let it just suffice to say that Hannah was thrust into Phase One about a week ago. Seeking to provide distraction, the rest of us were struck by the realization that it is quite difficult to find a movie that doesn't contain some sort of love story. They do exist but they are few and far between. For our own convenience we made a list of "safe" movies in the house:

• Hunt for Red October
• Ghostbusters*
• Cowboy Bebop
• Men in Black*
• School of Rock
• Aliens
• Indiana Jones (Rose was quite annoyed that Hannah and Boyfriend had just watched the first movie a couple of days before the break-up ... "now we can't even watch The Last Crusade," she lamented.)
  
• Galaxy Quest*
• Toy Story*
• Monsters Inc.*
• Apollo 13
• The Incredibles
• Iron Giant
* The token romance was deemed comic enough not to count.

I know there are others but the staggering amount of stories with love at the center really surprised me (yes, I'm slow). Even when the romance is so slight it is hardly worth noting (just take a gander at all those asterisks in the list) it is still included. Talk about evidence that we are programmed to find the ultimate love (and yes for me it always comes back to God ... so sue me).

PHASE TWO

God gives us a heart, a human heart like Christ's. I don't have one heart for loving God and another for loving people. I love Christ and the Father and the Holy Spirit and Our Lady with the same heart with which I love my parents and my friends. I shall never tire of repeating this. We must be very human, for otherwise we cannot be divine.

Human love, the love we experience on earth when it is really genuine, helps us to savor divine love. That is how we grasp the love by which we rejoice in God and which we will share in heaven when the Lord is "everything to everyone." If we begin to understand God's love, we will feel impelled to become increasingly more compassionate, more generous, more dedicated.

We must give what we receive, we must teach what we learn. Very simply, without any kind of conceit, we must help others to share in the knowledge of God's love.

St. Josemaria Escriva

I saw this vividly displayed in Hannah's friends' generous behavior. These kids have got heart y'all! They rallied round to distract her, support her, and keep her too busy to dwell on her problems too often. Just when she'd be sinking very low, one of them would be on the phone or at the door with another plan of action ... a movie, a cd made just for her, swing dancing lessons, going shopping, whatever it took. I was so grateful that she had such good friends who obviously cared so much. (Because, let's face it, nothing her family could do was going to have the same effect.)

SECOND VERSE SAME AS THE FIRST...
We're back where we started before Phase I thanks to Boyfriend seeing what a fool he'd been and contritely coming back. Smart boy that he is he seems rather afraid of us right now but he needn't worry. We knew he wasn't malicious, just clueless.

However, the mark has been left on our family because we're still asking that question as we watch movies, "Is it safe?"

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Mind's Eye Moment: Transformation from Geography to Time

From age to age you gather a people to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect offering may be made to the glory of your name...

Becomes in the new translation:

…you never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure oblation may be offered to your name”

In Mass this week I noticed a few of spots that will be changed when the new liturgical translation is used. One was the above quoted "east to west" line.

I suddenly thought of "from the rising of the sun to its setting." In my mind's eye I could suddenly see the Earth as a globe, slowly turning with continents coming under the sun's glow and fading away as they went into night. It turned that prayer for a moment into the eternal Church, praising God around the globe without ceasing.

It was a beautiful image and one that I hope will be merely the first of many when we actually begin using the new translation.

For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, my name is great among the nations; And everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, and a pure offering; For great is my name among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.

NAB, Malachi 1:11

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Father's Day Movie List

On Father's Day, let Dad have a movie he can really enjoy. Nehring the Edge has a nice little selection to choose from. What will the dad in your household choose? The Great Escape or The Magnificent Seven? The Shining or The Fugitive? Dirty Harry or The Dirty Dozen?

I have a feeling at our house it will be a choice between two that I don't see on that list but that are among Tom's favorites ... Apollo 13 or Hunt for Red October.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Corpus Christi

Last year's Corpus Christi procession in Rome. From The Commonplace Book of Zadok the Roman

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

This Solemnity goes back to the thirteenth century. It was first established in the diocese of Liége, and Pope Urban IV instituted it in 1264 for the whole Church. The meaning of this feast is the consideration of and devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The center of the feast was to be, as Pope Urban IV described it, a popular devotion reflected in hymns and joy. In the same year Saint Thomas Aquinas, at the Pope's request, composed for this day two Offices which have nourished the piety of many Christians throughout the centuries. In many different places the procession with the Monstrance through specially bedecked streets gives testimony of the Christian people's faith and love for Christ, who once again passes through our cities and towns. The procession began in the same way as the feast itself.

In places where the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood is not observed as a holy day of obligation, it is kept on the Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity as its proper day.

For many years God fed manna to the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. This was an image and symbol of the pilgrim church and of each individual who journeys towards his or her definitive homeland -- Heaven. That food given in the desert of Sinai is a figure of the true food, the Holy Eucharist. This is the sacrament of the human pilgrimage ... Precisely because of this, the annual feast of the Eucharist that the Church celebrates today contains within its liturgy so many references to the pilgrimage of the people of the Covenant in their wanderings through the wilderness (John Paul II)....

Today is a day of thanksgiving and of joy because God has wanted to remain with us in order to feed us and to strengthen us, so that we many never feel alone. The Holy Eucharist is the viaticum, the food for the long journey of our days on Earth towards the goal of true Life. Jesus accompanies us and strengthens us here in this world, where our life is like a shadow compared to the reality that awaits us. Earthly food is a pale image of the food we receive in Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist opens up our hearts to a completely new reality.

In Conversation With God Vol 6
Daily Meditations, Special Feasts: January - June

Some excellent historical information can be found at The Way of the Father about this feast and about the reality for the Church from the beginning.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

I'm Finally Ready to Tackle Those Socks!

I have my yarn. Yes, it's for striped socks because I'm nothing if not foolhardy in taking up a challenging activity.

I have my new double pointed knitting needles.

And I have my wonderful step-by-step Knitting Socks Online Class all printed out and ready to follow.

Much thanks to Julie for sending me the link. Not only am I using this but I'm posting it specifically for two ladies in the yarn store who want to get started on socks too ... ladies, if you don't like the lessons go tell Julie all about it!

Now, here's my next question. I also want to knit an afghan for Hannah to have when she begins A&M (if I knit at my usual pace she'll have it just in time to graduate). However, no one has any maroon yarn. Lots of purples, lots of reds, but no maroons. Any tips? Of course, I may just wind up making one for Rose. Bishop Lynch colors are always in stock ... black and white.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Happy Birthday Ma Beck!

Source

Go wish Cathy a happy birthday!

Back to Basics: Justice

Continuing that examination of the cardinal virtues.

Justice is the virtue that seeks to promote fair play. It's the desire and resolve to give each person his due. It demands that you reward goodness and punish evil. Justice can be one of three different types: commutative. Distributive, and social.

Commutative justice concerns the relationship between equals -- between two people, such as a customer and a merchant. [This involves fair prices and honesty about merchandise, not cheating the merchant, and restitution in case of theft of damage to property.]

Distributive justice involves the relationship between one and many -- between an individual and a group. This kind of justice is most obvious in the relationship between a citizen and his or her government [such as charging fair taxes or knowing where one's taxes go].

Social justice concerns the relationship of both individuals and groups between one another and everyone. The bottom line is the common good -- the public welfare of all. Social justice is concerned with the environment, the economy, private property, civil rights and church-state relations.

Catholicism For Dummies by John Trigilio

Recommended reading: Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft. He examines the virtues in depth and also looks specific virtues and Beatitudes as antidotes to each of the seven deadly sins. Not a new concept but one that he writes about superbly (as always).

Next up: Temperance.

UPDATE
Once again Father Stephanos has words of wisdom that round out our contemplation of this subject.

Sometimes people set up a false dichotomy between justice and charity. Read the following.

----
Catechism of the Catholic Church
1807 Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. "You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."
----

Justice makes charity a duty, not an option. Charity serves the glory of God and the authentic good (not necessarily convenience) of my neighbor. Justice is, in the words of the CCC above, "the constant and firm WILL to give" glory to God and to do what is authentically good for my neighbor. It is justice that receives charity as an OBLIGATION. As Jesus put it:
"I give you a new COMMANDMENT-- love another as I have loved you."

When we behave without justice, charity is already dead.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Back to Basics: Prudence

Examining the cardinal virtues a little more in-depth.

Prudence is basically practical common sense. It's saying or doing the proper thing, at the proper time, and in the appropriate manner. It's also the ability to know and judge whether to say something or do nothing at all...

Prudence takes time and practice, In the olden days, when good manners were more important than income, portfolio, or net worth, noblemen and peasants alike strove to show respect for their fellow man through the practice of prudent speech. Today, manners come in two extremes: The politically correct fear of offending anyone and saying nothing controversial -- even when someone is in danger, and alternatively, the shock-jocks who bluntly bludgeon you over the head with the raw, unadulterated truth, hoping to hurt your feelings and get a violent reaction rather than help you. Prudence, on the other hand, is in the middle of the two extremes. Prudent people speak the truth when needed and appropriate and in a way that doesn't offend, but they never lose their force and conviction.

Acting prudently requires mature deliberation [thinking carefully before acting or not acting], wise choice [determining which option is feasible and appropriate], and the right execution [swiftly and thoroughly follow through without procrastination and haste].

Catholicism For Dummies by John Trigilio

Recommended reading: Back to Virtue by Peter Kreeft. He examines the virtues in depth and also looks specific virtues and Beatitudes as antidotes to each of the seven deadly sins. Not a new concept but one that he writes about superbly (as always).

Father Stephanos adds:

Of those for "hinge" or "pivotal" virtues, the one that is the "coordinator" of all other virtues is the virtue of prudence.

Prudence even governs our exercise of charity.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH:
1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going." "Keep sane and sober for your prayers." Prudence is "right reason in action," writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called "auriga virtutum" (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.

Good stuff, eh?

Next up: Justice.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Start Spreading the Word ...

The buzz is all over St. Blog's but for those who actually come here for their Catholic news (which would be my husband) ...

The new translation of the Mass has been approved with an overwhelming vote of 173-29! Woohoo!

Want to know what that means? Here are some links.

• The language lover's speech that swayed the naysayers among the bishops.
• Dom Bettinelli's commentary on the changes as well as his excellent cautionary example of what happens when self-appointed experts jump to conclusions.
• An interview with Bishop Trautman, chairman of the conference's Committee on Liturgy.

  It will take time for the Vatican to evaluate and, presumably, approve the text. Because translations of other prayers are still under way, it will be at least two years before parishioners experience these changes, he said.

  Via Whispers in the Loggia.
• American Papist (my linky-soul mate) has plenty of other links to reactions and commentary.
• On the lighter side, Ironic Catholic shows the results of following the new liturgy literally. Too, too funny!
  

The vote was 184-8 for the adaptations for use in the United States. I'll be curious to see that list when it is released.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

For Language Lovers Everywhere

Here is a link to the full text of the address to the bishops made by Bishop Arthur Roche of Leeds, chairman of the Vatican group which composed the Mass translation that will be voted on later.

His discussion of language, the varieties of English heard round the world and round our country, as well as examples of the liturgical richness and fullness that would made available through this new translation literally thrilled me. It goes hand in hand with some of the richness and depth that we are being exposed to in the weekly Bible study taught by our priest. Seeing the connections between Old and New Testament effected simply by use of language and imagery is a new way to understand Scripture. This example by Bishop Roche spoke to me particularly.

Another example is found in the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer in the phrase the fruit of the vine in the Institution Narrative. Currently we say he took the cup filled with wine, as you know, and some argue that the fruit of the vine means the same as the single word wine, and that the simpler expression should be preferred. But we hear the words the fruit of the vine on the lips of the Lord himself in all three synoptic Gospels – which I would consider as being more than enough reason to respect their form. Moreover, though the two expressions refer to the same substance, they do so in an entirely different way. The difference between the single word and the richer phrase is the difference between reading the label on the bottle and actually enjoying a glass-full of the wine itself. Furthermore this phrase has a powerful salvific resonance because of the symbolic value accorded to the vine plant and the vineyard in scripture, as recalled by Jesus’ elaboration in John 15 of the image of Himself as the true vine, His Father as the vinedresser, and ourselves as the branches. This picks up on an even earlier usage in Isaiah 5 – the famous “Song of the Vineyard” - and the Lord’s lament at the degeneracy of his once choice vine in Jeremiah 2. Of course, the word wine connects with this scriptural patrimony, but it does so less evidently, less directly than does the phrase fruit of the vine which, upon each hearing, encourages us in our imaginations to see the particular Eucharistic event as part of the unfolding of God’s universal plan within history to rescue us from the destruction and chaos occasioned by our sinfulness and bring us into communion with Himself and with each other in Christ.

Do read the entire thing. Via Whispers in the Loggia.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

It's That Time Again ... American Bishops Meet

The Spring Meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops began this morning.

It is of special interest this year for liturgical reasons this year. The bishops will be voting on a new translation that has been in the works for some time and should bring the order of the Mass back to mirroring the Roman missal. You can read more about those revisions here.

For those who want up-to-the-minute reports, Rocco at Whispers in the Loggia is all over this. Other than the liturgical revisions decision I am fairly disinterested in this meeting, however, as I see things coming up I'll direct you to them.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

A Double Shot: Media Bias

Here's an interesting contrast ... media bias shown quite clearly as practiced two very different ways in two very different cultures:

SAUDI ARABIA
Very old-syle with scissors, black markers and the works.

AMERICAN NEWS MEDIA
Bias by careful word selection as prescribed in the AP style manual.

It seems pretty obvious that the way the news media does it is by far worse than that described in Saudi Arabia. It is much easier to fight what you can see especially when the clumsy tools used are in themselves reminders of what is being censored. Subtle rewording, as demonstrated in the AP example, can be virtually invisible and do far greater damage.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Gettin' Jiggy With It

We just happened to be watching The Tonight Show when Jay Leno mentioned that the pope has an iPod and then went on to show the newest "ad." Too, too funny...who knew B-16 had that kinda footwork?

You can check it out on YouTube now . Via Jimmy Akin.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity