The eyes of the Father

I am currently far away from my little home in Lakewood. I am not even in the same country actually! I am currently in Vancouver, BC, Canada. My wife is originally from here and she had returned to visit her family. I, after attending the conference in Steubenville, was able to come up and see her and our children.

It was so sad on the one hand, to have left my wife, 2 1/2 year son and 6 month daughter. Especially my daughter. It seems to me that when children are so young it seems like everyday they are growing faster and more significantly. In the 10 days we were apart from each other, when I saw her again, I noticed what seemed to be a significant change.

In reflecting on it, it makes me think of God the Father. You know when we commit sin, Holy Mother Church tells us that we remove ourselves from our relationship with God. We sever it. Then when we return to the Church in the Sacrament of Confession, God readily and wholeheartedly has already been awating our return to him. I had a small inkling of what this feels like in seeing my little daughter.

Not only did she seem to have grown in those 10 days, but I was so overjoyed at seeing her smile of recognition as she saw me again for the first time in days. It seemed like in her little mind I was someone she knew. And of course, my son gave me the biggest hug.

Its moments like these we need to treasure, not just because it is awesome to be reunited with family, but because in times like these God the Holy Trinity reminds us that every moment of our day and life He cares and loves us each. If we look with the eyes of faith we will see the joy of how much God loves us and is drawing each of us closer to his heart. When we can see such things then the peace and joy of serving and obeying Christ makes all the more sense.

A time for us is a time for the Lord.

There are so many things in our live which we take for granted. We often pass by the daily things of our lives with disregard, because we seen them so often. For many of us in our modern day, we can think of all those email addresses we have stored up in our email accounts - especially those of which are our friends whom we haven't spoken to in a while.

I just recently got onto Facebook.com because two of my dear priest friends (one of whom is above in the picture) from England had sent me an invitation. I had missed talking with them, so I thought it might be good to connect with them. This last weekend as I was at the Franciscan University, a very dear friend of mine explained some of the intricacies of Facebook which are very exciting for connecting with old friends. You have to love technology and the way it can connect us to people.

Another friend, however, pointed out that he didn't want anything to do with this technology. I think one of his points was that it was hard enough keeping in contact with the people just in his local area. How in the world could he keep in contact with so many people all at once! Though I tend to disagree with this, I do think he has a point.

It was St. Francis of Assisi who is quoted as saying, "Do few things, but do them well." I think that is clearly some very good wisdom. Precisely because we can often try to do too much at once. Nevertheless, it seems to me that things like instant messengers and Facebook.com can be a way to really connect with people and to be reminded of friends that one has lost touch with.

In a similar vein, we can consider the practice of our Catholic Faith. There is so much about being a Catholic that many of us forget about. With 2000 years of Christian practice and devotional traditions which have sprung up from various corners of the planet earth, there is much to know and be reminded of. Nevertheless, there are many things about our Catholic Faith that we can always learn more deeply about. I think no greater physical example exists than sacramentals - things like saint medals, scapulars, holy cards, images, or icons. These sorts of holy reminders help us to think about the fact that if and when we get to heaven, we won't be alone. We will in fact be there with all the saints and all those who have lived a life pleasing to God.

Like Facebook.com, I think it is often helpful to be reminded of the many many saints who are in heaven because in each of our lives, one or two or more have been intimately involved with their intecessory prayers before the Throne of Christ. Who among us can't use more friends whose only goal is to get us to heaven?!

The Book of Sirach says, "A faithful friend is sturdy shelter, and he who finds one has found a treasure (Sir 6:14)." Note that the scripture says "one." I had a conversation recently about that, some of us may not have even found one whom we can say is "faithful." I don't think it is wrong to beg heaven for such a friend. I pray that in all my friendships I can be faithful, I know I am not perfect, but I am trying. In fact, I have a friend who, though not Catholic, has been amazing about acknowleding my birthday every year since 1991! I am lucky if I remember to send an email once a year to her. But I think we both desire that our friendship will never be lost for the formative years that we shared together.

I pray that in the midst of our busy world, this post might invite you to consider who are those faithful friends that are the treasures in your life? But like all things, may we look beyond the gift to the giver of these gifts. Let each of us thank our Lord Jesus Christ for all that He gives to us in our friends - and if not the friends of this life, then even more profoundly in the Saints of Heaven who beckon us to their Lord and Friend, Jesus Christ. For after the spiritual war of this life we pray will be united in the Glory of the Lord and with all the Angels and Saints, and those loved and those lost. May each of us thank God for all the many treasures we have received.

How could you not love the Good Shepherd???

If you have been anxiously awaiting my next post (which I am sure precious few, if any, have been), then I apologize for taking so long. I have been gone since last Wednesday at the St. John Bosco Conference for religious educators in Steubenville, OH.

Steubenville... its not exactly paradise, but the conferences there are always quite good. Some may not be aware that they have a whole slew of conferences during the summer. The St. John Bosco (or Bosco for short) is always a good one - especially for those who work at teaching the faith. I am always inspired whenever I go and it is always very enlightening.

As usual there were many good talks given. One of the best was by a women named Rosalind Moss. She was a devoutly Jewish woman who became a protestant. After a few years, she decided to become a Catholic. I bought her talk called "The Jewish Roots of our Catholic Faith." I have not yet had the opportunity to hear her talk, but I am excited to hear it. Fr. Schaffer actually took it with him as he travels for the next few days. But when I get it I will be listening intently.

One of the things she spoke about at her talk was about the Good Shepherd. I have heard many things about the Good Shepherd but I don't remember if I had ever heard this:

When a shepherd has a sheep that wanders off all the time. The shepherd will often let it wander, and go and retrieve it. It will wander, and then the shepherd will retrieve it. It wanders, shepherd retrieves. Eventually, when the shepherd becomes annoyed, the shepherd will break the legs of the little sheep. However, the shepherd will then place the sheep upon his shoulders and hold it upon his shoulders until the day when the little sheeps legs heal. While they are healing, the shepherd feeds the sheep, holds the sheep constantly, and watches over it. Then when the shepherd finds that the sheep has healed, he places the sheep on the ground and it walks. But now it follows the sheep happily for the rest of its days. This is the reason why when we when David had Uzziah killed for the sake of taking Batsheba as his own, he had wandered far from the Lord. David realizing the loving care of God then realized his sin, through the words of the prophet Nathan, and repented of his sin. He also wrote Ps. 51, which is a psalm of repentence. In that Psalm, David writes: "let the bones which you have broken rejoice."

I think this is so beautiful - for so many different reasons. There is so much there. No wonder Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. Though we have it easy in our repentance - all we have to do is go to a priest to receive the Sacrament of Confession, it is powerful to remember the Lord asks of us some sacrifice by which we can make reparation for our sins. Not that we must have our legs broken, but now the Good Shepherd even asks us to figure out our own penitential practices to make reparation for our sins.

I know in my own life the greatest sins always cause me the greatest, what the older Catholics among us called, compunction. Its not much you hear about these days, but we must be moved to compunction for our sins. Compunction is the movement towards a hatred of one's sins. Each of us needs it. I know often it can be hard to want to feel sorry for our sins, but may we each think of our loving shepherd who invites us to receive his care and love - rather than to allow ourselves to wander into the painfully slow claws of sin.

"How far back are we taking this..."

"...and has it been thought thru. (sic)" This is a comment made in a recent note I received. The parishioner who wrote this I thought, at first, was very bold. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that this is just the problem. Many people think we must be bold in our attempts to cease the reclaiming of our Catholic Heritage, for some reason. Nevertheless, we should rejoice that the heritage of the Catholic Faith is not being lost, rather our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, is very clearly helping the Church to re-establish herself in what was her glory before the Second Vatican Council. Not to say that anyone is necessarily rejecting anything that happened at Vatican II, because this is not the stated purpose of Pope Benedict XVI.

Rather, it is clear that many things that have been in danger of being lost to history are now in the process of being restored. Someone sent me this link, which I think is interesting on so many different levels. The Pope has, apparently, been celebrating the Mass according to the Missal of Bl. Pope John XXIII. Can you imagine? This is the same Mass, in some of its parts, that every Pope has celebrated going back perhaps as far as St. Peter himself! That is right, some historians argue that the Eucharistic Prayer I, known more properly as the Roman Canon, may go back as far as St. Peter's own pen? I think that is incredible myself. Could you imagine saying words in Latin which go back for sure at least to the 16th century and which only 264 other men could say they had said as Pope? I can't. What a joy to be the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church! Of course, I can only say this because I am not the Pope. No one probably has a clue as to the daily difficulties and tensions that the Pope deals with from across the face of the planet.

Even so, I think it is incredible for us to realize that our heritage is being "restored." We are not "taking" anything anywhere. To the question as to whether it has been "thought thru," I think we can honestly think about that and say yes! But whom has thought it through? Well, it seems to me that it is none other than our Lord himself. For was not the Church founded by Jesus Christ, and has He not continued to guide it with His own Holy Spirit till this day? True mankind has the ability to reject or modify or destroy what he has entrusted to us, yet the Church is constantly called to restore us and by that restoration to feed us for eternal life. This I think is the beauty and challenge of our obedience to the Holy Father. On the one hand, we must heed his direction if we are going to be fed most fruitfully. On the other, we must also challenge ourselves to understand where we are being led in his directives.

Let us realize, then, that our faith restores us to the Garden of Eden, and then takes us even further. This is the reason why for centuries theologians suggested that the "Tree of Life" which Adam and Eve rejected is symbolized by the Crucifix. For from the crucifix, that tree of death, we receive life and life more abundantly.

"...others have labored..."

Each of us has so many things to do in our lives. I am often struck by how much I find to do each day here at the parish, amidst phone calls each day which I try to return as soon as possible (but which seems to always turn into 2 to 3 days), preparing for next year's Elementary Religious Education, or trying to respond to letters and concerns people have, not to mention trying to review and build up the Children's program and RCIA process with various videos and other resources. In the midst of all this, it is awesome how merciful God is. Working for the Church often can be a job where many people assume you know you are affecting them, and so they never mention comment to you about what you are doing or whether it is affecting them!

To this end, I am surprised how low our response to parent surveys are this year. Nevertheless, I am not employed by Holy Mother Church to be patted on the back, I am employed to help others learn their Catholic Faith. It is pretty amazing to me that God sends people who come to this parish feeling called to it specifically.

But while it is amazing, it is by no means surprising. I am often thankful I had the inspiration to put above my door in my office at the Community Center this scripture:

"I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor (Jn 4:36)."

Whenever I look at this scripture it reminds me how the Holy Spirit of God is offering actual grace to each of us. Each of us is given the chance to respond to God so many times throughout the day. He is never forcing himself upon us, only inviting and proposing.

It strikes me how so many people, unwittingly even, can be instruments in the hands of God for the distribution of grace. They can be conduits for grace in our lives to finally strike just that right note that makes our soul listen to the loving whisper of the Holy Spirit. Sort of like hearing an awesome Operatic work, which you can't help but stop and listen for a few minutes.

Yet, God is even more gracious still! Do you not realize, my dear reader, that God is calling you to be the "other who has labored" mentioned above my door? He is calling you to be the conduit of grace that will allow someone to consider the reality of the presence of God in their lives. You have the ability to make someone stop and hear God's symphony in their own lives. And even little ole me, I have that opportunity here at the parish, amongst the parish staff.

God is asking each of us, for the sake of the salvation of the world, to come to know our Catholic Faith so that all mankind will come to know the joy of the Holy Catholic Faith through each of us. Thus, we must know that we cannot give what we don't have! I was reading something the other day, where a Protestant minister was asking someone if they knew Jesus Christ? Do you? And if we do, should we not come to understand him more fully through the Catholic Church He himself established on the planet earth? This is the means God has given the world to know Him most fully - especially in the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments.

If each of us parishioners at St. Jude could comprehend this reality of being one who labors for the Lord, by our Christian witness and actions, then the RCIA at St. Jude would be overflowing. I cannot make RCIA happen all by myself, nor can I really make it happen at all! For it is Christ himself who, by faith I know, called me to head this ministry at St. Jude to assist Fr. Darrell. Please pray for me that I can explain and teach the Faith in such a way that other can understand and accept it, while I pray for you that you will also labor out there in the world by your Christian witness and actions which allow God's grace to begin to enter into people's lives.

On the bandwagon...

I have not posted anything for a few days in the hope that whoever the commenter was on my previous post might have had the opportunity to check the blog and see he/she was taken seriously enough, not just to be published on this blog, but to be responded to. It appears he/she either has not checked the blog, has not felt moved to respond, or is still formulating a response. At any rate, I shall move forward.

My blog today will be short so as to give you, dear reader, more time to check out this link of a certain priest known cyberally as "Fr. Z." I have read his blog a few times, but he has posted a response to an unorthodox and extreme feminist nun named Sr. Joan Chittister. Sr. Joan has written a scathing doubt about the usefulness of restoring the Missal of Bl. Pope John XXIII. I will leave it to you to read (and possibly enjoy) his (albeit sarcastic) response which is found at his blog here.

On second thought, on a more serious note, a friend of mine sent me this article which is perhaps more interesting for those of us who do attend the Novus Ordo Mass. The article is entitled "Could the Latin Mass save Western Civilization?" A shocking claim? Perhaps, before you make a decision you might consider the article... and as always, comments are always welcome!

Regarding a comment on "Who's to say?"

I often wonder about what to write each day. There are many things with which I am busy trying to prepare for the upcoming year. I do my best to make sure every aspect of the Elementary Religious Education (ERE) program and RCIA are well prepared, to the best of my ability. Each day I find myself turning to our Blessed Lord for something to write about on this blog.

Thankfully, for today, I received a response to my post "Who's to say?" which allows me my thought for today. The comment was written to point out that Religious Education has become "autocratic" and "dogmatic" at St. Jude. I am unsure to what this refers. On the one hand, I am not running an autocracy, but nor am I running a democracy or an oligarchy either. Rather, if I had to classify it, I would hope all could recognize that I am doing my best to run a monarchy - though I am certainly NOT the one to whom all pledge obedience. Believe you me, I am very well aware of this monarchical structure to which I too must obey and which we celebrate each year on the Sunday just before Advent on the Feast of Christ the King. I am very aware, and I try to make very sure that each of my catechists are aware, of the Sacred Scripture which directs me as the Director of Elementary Religious Education: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come! (Mt 18:6-7)"

I am further unsure what the commenter means when he or she says that St. Jude is busy "counting the angels on the head of a pin." There has been no forum for theological discussion, rather all Catechesis at St. Jude is directed towards the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which the Holy Father John Paul II called "the sure norm for teaching the faith." In fact, the textbooks we use are the same books that, then, Cardinal Ratzinger - Head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said upon its translation into German that it is "the best catechetical series in the German Language." I would argue that it is also among the best of the English speaking series as well.

Further, the commenter goes on to say, that "the faithful are flooding the parishes that are welcoming and loving and which offer meaningful worship, education, and Christian service." I am not in the business of comparing parishes, as everyone must answer to Christ at the Last Judgment for what they do, as must I. However, I would like to know what is meant by "meaningful worship" and "education?" It is clear from our Holy Catholic Faith that Jesus acts in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass no matter who the priest happens to be. This is the reason why for almost two centuries the Church insisted that priest and people face the Tabernacle. This action reminded us that it is Jesus who acts in the Holy Sacrifice, if only through his instrument - the priest. What is more meaningful than that? Jesus, always and everywhere, offers the Holy Sacrifice in every priest. Certainly, some priests are more gifted than others in homilies, some are more personable, some are more calm, some are more excited, some are more sinful, and some are more holy. Regardless of all of these human traits in the priesthood, Jesus Christ still acts in the Holy Eucharist to bring us Sanctifying Grace.

The commenter goes on to cite recent examples from the parish bulletin from the "Did you Know?" section which I was asked to begin writing. It would appear that the commenter is deriding the focus of educating Catholics about their own faith in minor articles which present well-documented traditions. If the parish is going to begin "meeting people where they are at" shouldn't the parish first know where we are at? We have needlessly lost so much of the Sacred Tradition of our Catholic Faith, and yet parishioners are expected to go out and convert people to it?

As to "whether Jesus would feel this way" I think St. Paul says it best when he says, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions [i.e. how people should pray, including bishops and deacons] to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth (1Tim 3:14-15)." I do hope to discuss these things individually, if it will be at a meal, I do not know. However, as I have implied, it is important that we have a sense of the appropriateness of our behavior and actions at Mass. And this is why I have put these articles in the "Did you know?" section of the bulletin: for the sake of education.

As suggested, I don't deny I could use more empathy with people, as I am certainly as sinful as anyone else - a work in progress, one might say. Nevertheless, I don't know why I wouldn't publish your response, dear commenter? If someone is willing to present a serious comment, then I am more than willing to post it. I have already received some nutty responses from internet surfers, which I will not publish, but if a parishoner (or at least coherent internet surfer) is willing to offer some critique, some observation or some suggestion I am more than willing to listen, post and respond to them.

Next, the commenter asks me to call sorrounding parishes to find out about adult confirmations and baptisms, apparently, to gauge my efforts of success. However, I think it is clear to one who would think about it, when it comes to conversions to Jesus Christ and His established Church one should certainly not focus on numbers, rather on substance - especially as one begins this ministry (as I did only 3 years ago). I am very aware that statistically 50% of all Catholics nationwide give up the practice of their faith after one year in the RCIA - that is a staggering number. Some have also pointed out to me that they did not have a good experience in their own RCIA processes in certain parishes - why? Not because they didn't feel welcomed, not because there wasn't nice people to chit chat with, but because there was little substance about why they should stick around after having received their Sacraments.

Finally, the commenter states that we must "approach children and teens at their level." Yes, I agree with this to some degree, however one must also remember that we are teaching Elementary Religious Education. This means that we are supposed to take the children from their level to the next level. It cannot mean that we should merely allow them to be met and stay with them at that level.

Now, I am not sure if the commenter is aware that I do not primarily teach the teens at St. Jude - that is Anthony Gallegos. I am certainly aware of Anthony being involved in many various activities which show teens that "their Catholic faith does not have to exclude healthy teen activities in school, sports, etc." However, I also admire Anthony's understanding that teens are also being formed at the same time in Religious Education (or as it is known "Youth Ministry"). I have experienced the "fruits of his labors" in one teen in particular who has chosen to teach for me and I have seen that this teen CERTAINLY is a witness. The balance that must be struck is recognizing that while teens must have fun, and learn to be witnesses, they must know that to follow Jesus means to be willing to give The Witness, which is Martyrdom for the sake of love (- and just as challenging is the so-called unbloodied martyrdom of living one's Catholic Faith). Knowing the incredible job Anthony is doing with those teens who have accepted the challenge of taking the faith seriously, I can't doubt that people are not "feeling" welcomed. However, I wonder if it could possibly be that some (parents or teens) just aren't willing to take the Catholic Faith seriously?

I should know, because when I went to receive my confirmation I wasn't taking my faith very seriously, only my mom - God Bless her - did! I know that a parent's persistent witness, no matter how modest, can sometimes make or break whether a child takes his or her faith seriously or not (regardless of how welcome they think they "feel" at youth group).

Which leads me back to my original point in my post: "My only sorrow is knowing that others may never be challenged to fully take on the essentially radical Catholic lifestyle. And, as well, my greatest joy is knowing that Christ continues to call others to the radical holiness and obedience of being a Catholic. The only question that remains is where do you, my dear reader, stand?" Because the children, teens, parents and adults of our modern world are dying, literally, to know the fullness of what Jesus came to establish in the world through the Holy Catholic Faith.

More on the Chapel Veil

I had recently seen a little book on the Chapel Veil from a store in Colorado Springs. It was written by two young female college students who are in the practice of wearing the Chapel Veil. Recently, a website/blogsite one of my friends established for "Catholic Restorationists" has an article on there from a young lady by the name of Lorraine (or at least I presume it is a lady, I suppose one can't be too careful these days on the internet!) . In addition, this same Lorraine presents yet another beautifully written defense of the venerable tradition of Holy Mother Church.

Why have we lost this venerable tradition? I am not entirely sure, but it would appear to be "on the mend" and hopefully more so with the soon to be released Motu Propio. I think the theological symbolism is much needed in our society, for Holy Mother Church is not meant to submit to secular society, rather to lead society into the knowledge and the depth of love of the Glorious Plan of Salvation of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, the Holy Catholic Faith should form society, and we should not let societal norms form the Church. It would appear Pope John Paul II's so-called Theology of the Body could very much help us to regain the depth of theological symbolism in this tradition. It only remains for someone to draw that out.

As always, comments and/or discussion are definitely welcome on this and all posts!

Eagles and St. Paul

It's quite interesting what has happened in the last few days. Last Friday, the Bald Eagle was removed from the endangered species list. As, apparently, President Bush said, "What a great way to celebrate the 4th of July." Too true! It is great that our national bird has been revived from nearly becoming extinct. But, even in the NBC video news report, Brian Watts - a so-called "environmentalist" - pointed out that "urban sprawl is the new DDT" which had previously threatened the majestic symbol of America.

This begs the question: Which is more important - Americans or the symbols of America? Unfortunately, the presumed answer is not something we need to think too deeply about when we consider the holocaust of abortion that continues in our country. More unborn Americans have been murdered every year since the 1974 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision than in all of the US wars combined. And yet, we are worried because we may lose a species of bird. Does this not concern anyone? Are we more willing to allow innocent unborn humans to be murdered than to lose one symbol of those same childrens' right to "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" If you saw a wounded bird or a wounded child which would take priority?

Which leads me to the second point: As of last Saturday we are now in the "Year of St. Paul" as declared by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. I think most humans who are honest with their instincts would recognize that a child is of infinitely more value than an eagle - though some prefer birds to their own species to be sure. However, who among us wouldn't comment when someone sounds the alarm because an animal is threatened or wounded? Who wouldn't speak up because someone places more emphasis on a creature than on a human soul? Well, it appears many. St. Paul saw that we are of much more value than any animal. He saw that the whole world is being called by Christ to know the freedom of becoming children of God (vis-a-vis yesterday's 2nd reading at mass). No matter how great the animals, no one of them is able to receive the breath of God in the re-birth of Baptism. No matter how wondrous or majestic an animal is, no one of them has an immortal soul that can show love for other humans or other species as a human baby can.

It is high time that we Christians come to recognize the dignity which the Almighty and Triune God has given us as his children through our baptism. It is high time we protest against this world's impending preference for animals over our own species. We must love and pray for all those who would prefer to see this atrocity of abortion propogated in our country and yet place money and time in saving an animal. What a creature is man! We can be so diluted with our own perceptions of "conservation" that we entirely miss the fact that we spend millions of dollars on fighting birth defects and still we accept the horror of abortion.

We think we are a minority for believing in the sanctity of life, and yet we forget that literally milliions of other Christians in America, and non-Christians as well, are also for preserving innocent human life unharmed in the womb. We have the power of the Love of God on our side, for, so says the scripture, "He will bear you up as on eagle's wings (Ex 19:4)." And so in this Year of St. Paul, let us take up the standard of Christ. Let us never cease to fight the good fight along with this apostle to the Gentiles. For only as much as we allow ourselves to be placed in the service of Jesus Christ and His Gospel of life will this world change its priorities. This was summed up in the life and martyrdom of the two Apostles upon whom the Catholic Faith is built: Sts. Peter and St. Paul, whose feast day was celebrated last Friday.

As St. Paul reminds us, "It is not that I have already taken hold of it (the prize of eternal life) or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus). Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 3:12-14)."