The Outsiders

You know who they are. They’re not like us. They offend us.

We, on the other hand, are good people and we feel - we know - we are in a wonderful place.

The Outsiders disturb us: not only because they offend us, not only because they do not think or act as we do, but - most insidiously - they disturb us because of one nagging thought in the back of our brain:

What if we do not have the monopoly on goodness and blessedness? What if God also somehow blesses those Outsiders?

Both of today’s readings refer to both to Outsiders who are blessed by God and to some “insiders” who are violently resentful.

We ourselves can sometimes develop a "fortress mentality:" feeling very superior to Outsiders and feeling angry and defensive when that mentality is threatened.

The truth is that God can and does work beyond the “Circle of the Blessed” among which we number ourselves. Rather than become resentful or defensive, we should rejoice in the wondrous goodness of God whenever it is manifested. Indeed we can sometimes even learn a thing or two from Outsiders.

That being said, truth is truth and full membership has its privileges.

Throughout salvation history we see consistently that God’s loving relationship with humanity is focused through the instrumentality of a chosen people, even when the people are imperfect. Moreover, learning from those outside the faith must never be allowed to dilute or diminish the truths of the faith.

We have a responsibility to be faithful instruments for the good of the world according to the will of God, not according to the way of the world.

Even in today’s first reading, which our Lord in today’s Gospel points to as a great example of God’s blessings being bestowed outside the chosen people, two of the most critical instruments of those blessings are indeed two members of the chosen people.

The prophet Elisha gives the instructions for the healing of Naaman, even while deliberately maintaining a certain distance. While blessed by God in some ways, Naaman is not quite yet part of the people of God. To act as if that distinction did not exist would be to diminish the people of God as that most special instrument of God’s grace in the world.

The other “insider” who is most crucial in facilitating Naaman’s healing, and perhaps the best example for us, is perhaps the little Israelite slave girl: a child, a slave, a female, part of a conquered people – as much of an outsider as one could get in those days!

In a real sense, we are the Outsiders: we are the people in the world who hold onto something precious that comes from beyond the world and extends infinitely beyond it.

Yet we should not be arrogant and defensive like the "insiders" of Christ’s hometown. Nor should we be paranoid and suspicious like the King of Israel (the ultimate insider) who chased Naaman away. Nor should we cast away the truth and the grace we have received (and the distinctiveness that comes with it).

Rather, we should be more like the little slave girl: humble, yet faithful instruments of God’s grace and truth... even to Them.

Hungry?

I always feel sad when the short form of readings is chosen at parish Liturgies, especially when the readings are as beautiful and rich with meaning as today’s Gospel (John 4:5-42).

Of the many gems within this passage, two in particular leap out for me today:

"Everyone who drinks this water
will be thirsty again;
but whoever drinks the water I shall give
will never thirst;
the water I shall give
will become in him
a spring of water
welling up to eternal life."

You and I feel many earthly needs: not only the need for water, but also the need for food, the need to feel good, even the need to be loved.

Sometimes these needs and these feelings may get out of hand, pushing us to excess or to do things and tolerate things that are harmful and wrong.

We may eat and drink until we're full, but we will be hungry and thirsty again. We may experience great pleasure, but the cravings return. We may think we’ve found love, but feelings of loneliness and insecurity still lurk within us.

What we really need (and need to pray for) is the living water of Christ.

The love of God “welling up” within us is what we really need and if we don’t have that, no comfort food, no relationship, nor any other earthly thing can make up for that emptiness.

How do we obtain this infinitely satisfying and lasting sustenance from Christ?

We obtain it from the wonders of his grace by asking for it in prayer and by doing God's will

"I have food to eat
of which you do not know....
My food
is to do the will of the one who sent me
and to finish his work."

Come and get it.

Who and when

Today’s Gospel presents the wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15).

Who are we more like?

Are we like the young man?

• When he is running away from his father?
• When he is immersing himself in hedonism?
• When he experiences emptiness, regret, and despair?
• When he resolves to make the hard, long journey back?
• When he throws himself at his father’s feet in deepest penitence?

Are we like the father?

• When he is on the lookout for his wayward loved one?
• When he embraces his repentant son with forgiveness and love?

Are like the older son?

• When he is working diligently and faithfully in his father’s fields?
• When he is angry and resentful of repentant sinners enjoying forgiveness?
• When he (I presume) enters into the feast of joy with his father and brother?

As the first reading says (Micah 7:18-19a):

...the God who removes guilt
and pardons sin
for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever,
but delights rather in clemency,
And will again have compassion on us…

To Communicate with the Power of the Holy Spirit

13. "The great challenge of our time for believers and for all people of good will is that of maintaining truthful and free communication which will help consolidate integral progress in the world.


"Everyone should know how to foster an attentive discernment and constant vigilance, developing a healthy critical capacity regarding the persuasive force of the communications media.


"Also in this field, believers in Christ know that they can count upon the help of the Holy Spirit. Such help is all the more necessary when one considers how greatly the obstacles intrinsic to communication can be increased by ideologies, by the desire for profit or for power, and by rivalries and conflicts between individuals and groups, and also because of human weakness and social troubles.


"The modern technologies increase to a remarkable extent the speed, quantity and accessibility of communication, but they above all do not favor that delicate exchange which takes place between mind and mind, between heart and heart, and which should characterize any communication at the service of solidarity and love.


"Throughout the history of salvation, Christ presents himself to us as the 'communicator' of the Father: 'God, in these last days, has spoken to us through his Son' (Heb 1:2).

"The eternal Word made flesh, in communicating Himself, always shows respect for those who listen, teaches understanding of their situation and needs, is moved to compassion for their suffering and to a resolute determination to say to them only what they need to hear without imposition or compromise, deceit or manipulation.


"Jesus teaches that communication is a moral act:

"'A good person brings forth good
out of a store of goodness,
but an evil person brings forth evil
out of a store of evil.

"'I tell you,
on the Day of Judgment
people will render an account
for every careless word they speak.

"'By your words you will be acquitted,
and by your words you will be condemned.'
(Mt 12: 35-37)


14. "The apostle Paul has a clear message for those engaged in communications (politicians, professional communicators, spectators):

"'Therefore, putting away falsehood,
speak the truth,
each one to his neighbor,
for we are members one of another…

"No foul language should come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for needed edification,
that it may impart grace to those who hear.'
(Eph 4: 25, 29)


"To those working in communication, especially to believers involved in this important field of society, I extend the invitation which, from the beginning of my ministry as Pastor of the Universal Church, I have wished to express to the entire world:

"'Do not be afraid!'


"Do not be afraid of new technologies! These rank "among the marvelous things" – inter mirifica – which God has placed at our disposal to discover, to use and to make known the truth, also the truth about our dignity and about our destiny as his children, heirs of his eternal Kingdom.

"Do not be afraid of being opposed by the world! Jesus has assured us, 'I have conquered the world!' (Jn 16:33)

"Do not be afraid even of your own weakness and inadequacy! The Divine Master has said, 'I am with you always, until the end of the world' (Mt 28:20).

"Communicate the message of Christ’s hope, grace and love, keeping always alive, in this passing world, the eternal perspective of heaven, a perspective which no communications medium can ever directly communicate:

“What eye has not seen,
and ear has not heard,
and what has not entered the human heart,
what God has prepared
for those who love him”
(1Cor 2:9).

"To Mary, who gave us the Word of life, and who kept his unchanging words in her heart, do I entrust the journey of the Church in today’s world. May the Blessed Virgin help us to communicate by every means the beauty and joy of life in Christ our Savior.

"To all I give my Apostolic Blessing!

"From the Vatican, 24 January 2005, the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of Journalists."

IOANNES PAULUS II

from an Apostolic Letter
to those responsible for communications (nn.13-14)
published February 21, 2005

Oscar film reviews

Here are evaluations of this year's contenders for Best Picture

The MPAA designations are listed by the film name.
The USCCB indicates morally appropriate audience.
DecentFilms.com indicates (inter alia) moral and spiritual value

The Aviator (PG-13)
USCCB - A-III (adults)
DecentFilms.com - -0.5 (somewhat problematic)

Finding Neverland (PG)
USCCB - A-II (adults and adolescents)
DecentFilms.com - -0.5 (somewhat problematic)

Million Dollar Baby (PG-13)
USCCB - O (nobody - morally offensive)
DecentFilms.com - -2 (poison)

Ray (PG-13)
USCCB - A-III (adults)
DecentFilms.com - no review (?!)

Sideways (R)
USCCB - L (limited adult audience, problematic content)
DecentFilms.com - no review (?!)


(The USCCB also has an online poll)

Schiavo deadline extended to March 18

Have you experienced...?

"...God's loving action within your heart?

"Do you have an increasing desire to be in relationship with God through prayer?

"Do you sometimes experience God's invitation to risk reaching out to others and believe that you can make a difference?

"Have you considered that God may be calling you to become a sister?

"If your answer is 'yes' to the above questions, we encourage you to consider that you may be gifted with the great grace of a religious vocation out of God's love for you, for the good of the Church and the world.

"When God calls someone to surrender her life totally to Him as a religious Sister, the grace is there for that person to sacrifice everything to follow His call.

"Give yourself the opportunity to explore what this might mean for you. You will find it helpful to share with others who are similarly searching and with sisters who have made this journey in faith. Enjoy doing this in a reflective atmosphere at one of our weekend retreats. By contacting our Vocation Director, you can receive information and guidance that will help you explore your questions and to eventually make a decision about religious life.

"We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, participate in the mission of the Roman Catholic Church by living the Gospel in imitation of St. Francis and our foundress, Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel.

"As consecrated women faithful to our vows, we strive in community to combine the contemplative life with the active through perpetual adoration and works of mercy in education, healthcare, and other ecclesial ministries.

"We respond gratefully to our call in the Church to adoration and evangelization by:

• "Fidelity to our charism of Eucharistic and lived adoration
• "Dependence upon Divine Providence
• "Loving concern for one another
• "Authentic witness of our Franciscan values
• "Joyful service to all in need of Christ's presence, especially the poor."

from the Vocations website of
the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration

Blogger on the air

Earl Appleby passes on the following on his blog Times Against Humanity:

"Tomorrow, i.e., Friday, morning at 7:30 a.m. ET, I will be a guest on the Steve Kane Show, which airs on WNN at 1470 on your AM dial in South Florida.

"We will be discussing the fight for Terri (Schiavo) and the fight against euthanasia. You may also listen online at either of the two preceding links. I ask, no, I beg your prayers that the Holy Ghost may guide my poor words in defense of God's great gift of life—Terri's and her brothers' and sisters'—threatened by the increasingly insidious danger of epivalothanasia (imposed death). I also invite our readers to call the show's nationwide toll-free call-in number 877-275-2326 to join me in defending the defenseless.

"And as always, pray and act for Terri!"

(hat tip to Joshua LeBlanc)

“Come, let us kill him”

These words are spoken in both of today’s readings: in the story of Joseph and his brothers (Gen 37) and the parable of the vineyard (Matt 21).

These stories are harsh reminders of the ferocity of the opposition we may experience as people of faith in this world.

People of faith have confident assurance of things unseen and unacknowledged by the world. The world resents this confidence: this confidence in truth, this confidence in a salvation that the world cannot overcome or grasp.

It is good for us to remember the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 16:33b):

In the world
ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.

Crossroads of the Great Social Questions

"The Mass Media:
the Crossroads of the Great Social Questions

10. "The Church, which in light of the message of salvation entrusted to it by the Lord is also a teacher of humanity, recognizes the duty to offer its own contribution for a better understanding of outlooks and responsibilities connected with current developments in communications.

"Especially because these influence the consciences of individuals, form their mentality and determine their view of things, it is important to stress in a forceful and clear way that the mass media constitute a patrimony to safeguard and promote.

"The communications media must enter into the framework of organically structured rights and duties, be it from the point of view of formation and ethical responsibility, or from reference to laws and institutional codes.


"The positive development of the media at the service of the common good is a responsibility of each and every one.

"Because of the close connections the media have with economics, politics and culture, there is required a management system capable of safeguarding the centrality and dignity of the person, the primacy of the family as the basic unit of society and the proper relationship among them.


11. "We are faced with three fundamental options: formation, participation and dialogue.

"In the first place, a vast work of formation is needed to assure that the mass media be known and used intelligently and appropriately.

"The new vocabulary they introduce into society modifies both learning processes and the quality of human relations, so that, without proper formation, these media run the risk of manipulating and heavily conditioning, rather than serving people.

"This is especially true for young people, who show a natural propensity towards technological innovations, and as such are in even greater need of education in the responsible and critical use of the media.


"In the second place, I would like to recall our attention to the subject of media access, and of co-responsible participation in their administration.

"If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found – including recourse to opportune legislative measures – to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured.


"Finally, there cannot be forgotten the great possibilities of mass media in promoting dialogue, becoming vehicles for reciprocal knowledge, of solidarity and of peace.

"They become a powerful resource for good if used to foster understanding between peoples; a destructive 'weapon' if used to foster injustice and conflicts.

"My venerable predecessor, Blessed John XXIII, already prophetically warned humanity of such potential risks in the Encyclical, Pacem in Terris.


12. "The reflection upon the role 'of public opinion in the Church,' and 'of the Church in public opinion' aroused great interest.

"In a meeting with the editors of Catholic publications, my venerable predecessor, Pius XII, stated that something would be missing from the life of the Church were it not for public opinion. This same idea has since been repeated on other occasions, and in the Code of Canon Law there is recognized, under certain conditions, the right to the expression of one’s own opinion.

"While it is true that the truths of the faith are not open to arbitrary interpretations, and that respect for the rights of others places intrinsic limits upon the expression of one’s judgments, it is no less true that there is still room among Catholics for an exchange of opinions in a dialogue which is respectful of justice and prudence.


"Communication both within the Church community, and between the Church and the world at large, requires openness and a new approach towards facing questions regarding the world of media.

"This communication must tend towards a constructive dialogue, so as to promote a correctly-informed and discerning public opinion within the Christian community.

"The Church, like other institutions and groups, has the need and the right to make its activities known. However, when circumstances require, it must be able to guarantee an adequate confidentiality, without thereby prejudicing a timely and sufficient communication about Church events.

"This is one of the areas in which collaboration between the lay faithful and Pastors is most needed, as the Council appropriately emphasized:

"'A great many wonderful things are to be hoped for from this familiar dialogue between the laity and their spiritual leaders: in the laity a strengthened sense of personal responsibility; a renewed enthusiasm; a more ready application of their talents to the projects of their spiritual leaders.

"'The latter, on the other hand, aided by the experience of the laity, can more clearly and more incisively come to decisions regarding both spiritual and temporal matters.

"'In this way, the whole Church, strengthened by each one of its members, may more effectively fulfill its mission for the life of the world.'"

from an Apostolic Letter
to those responsible for communications (nn.10-12)
Pope John Paul II
published February 21, 2005 (emphases added)

Reality check

Today's first reading from the book of the Jeremiah (17:5-10) includes a reality check for all of us (most especially those who exalt a false conception of 'conscience').

The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately corrupt;
who can understand it?

"I the LORD search the mind
and try the heart,
to give to every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his doings."

We can fool ourselves, but we can't fool God.

Miserere mei, Domine

"Poor man Laz'rus, sick and disabled"

"Dip your finger in the water,
Come and cool my tongue,
'Cause I'm tormented in the flame.

"He had to eat crumbs from the rich man's table

"Dip your finger in the water,
Come and cool my tongue,
'Cause I'm tormented in the flame.

"Rich man Dives, he lived so well

"Dip your finger in the water,
Come and cool my tongue,
'Cause I'm tormented in the flame.

"And when he died, he went straight to Hell

"Dip your finger in the water,
Come and cool my tongue,
'Cause I'm tormented in the flame."

(from an old spiritual)

Why did the rich man in today's Gospel (Lk 16:19-31) go to Hell? Mostly for ignoring Lazarus in his need, but also for the reasons given through Jeremiah in today's first reading (Jer 17:5-10):

Cursed is the man
who trusts in human beings,
who seeks his strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.

He is like a barren bush in the desert
that enjoys no change of season,
But stands in a lava waste,
a salt and empty earth.

Do we ignore those in need?
Do we put all our trust in human efforts or in ourselves alone?
Do we have our hearts set on things other than God?

If so,
we can look forward to excruciating nothingness,
for all that is not of God will pass away.

On the other hand...

Blessed is the man
who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.

He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.

If we trust in God,
we may suffer,
but we will endure and prosper forever.

Change of Mentality and Pastoral Renewal

7. "In the communications media the Church finds a precious aid for spreading the Gospel and religious values, for promoting dialogue, ecumenical and inter-religious cooperation, and also for defending those solid principles which are indispensable for building a society which respects the dignity of the human person and is attentive to the common good.


"The Church willingly employs these media to furnish information about itself and to expand the boundaries of evangelization, of catechesis and of formation, considering their use as a response to the command of the Lord: 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature' (Mk 16:15).


"This is certainly not an easy mission in an age such as ours, in which there exists the conviction that the time of certainties is irretrievably past. Many people, in fact, believe that humanity must learn to live in a climate governed by an absence of meaning, by the provisional and by the fleeting.


"In this context, the communications media can be used 'to proclaim the Gospel or to reduce it to silence within men’s hearts.' This poses a serious challenge for believers, especially for parents, families and all those responsible for the formation of children and young people.


"Those individuals in the Church community particularly gifted with talent to work in the media should be encouraged with pastoral prudence and wisdom, so that they may become professionals capable of dialoguing with the vast world of the mass media.

8. "The appreciation of the media is not reserved only to those already adept in the field, but to the entire Church Community.

"If, as has already been noted, the communications media take into account different aspects of the expression of faith, Christians must take into account the media culture in which they live: from the Liturgy, the fullest and fundamental expression of communication with God and with one another, to Catechesis, which cannot prescind from the fact of being directed to people immersed in the language and the culture of the day.

"The current phenomenon of communications impels the Church towards a sort of pastoral and cultural revision, so as to deal adequately with the times in which we live.

"Pastors, above all, must assume this responsibility. Everything possible must be done so that the Gospel might permeate society, stimulating people to listen to and embrace its message.

"Consecrated persons belonging to institutions having the charism of using the mass media have a particular responsibility in this regard. Spiritually and professionally formed towards this end, these institutions, 'should willingly lend their help, wherever pastorally appropriate […] in order to offset the inappropriate use of the media and to promote higher quality programmes, the contents of which will be respectful of the moral law and rich in human and Christian values.'

9. "Such is the importance of the mass media that fifteen years ago I considered it inopportune to leave their use completely up to the initiatives of individuals or small groups, and suggested that they be decisively inserted into pastoral programs.

"New technologies, in particular, create further opportunities for communication understood as a service to the pastoral government and organization of the different tasks of the Christian community.

"One clear example today is how the Internet not only provides resources for more information, but habituates persons to interactive communication.

"Many Christians are already creatively using this instrument, exploring its potential to assist in the tasks of evangelization and education, as well as of internal communication, administration and governance.

"However, alongside the Internet, other new means of communication, as well as traditional ones, should be used. Daily and weekly newspapers, publications of all types, and Catholic television and radio still remain highly useful means within a complete panorama of Church communications.

"While the content being communicated must obviously be adapted to the needs of different groups, the goal must always be to make people aware of the ethical and moral dimension of the information.

"In the same way, it is important to assure that media professionals receive the necessary formation and pastoral attention to confront the particular tensions and ethical dilemmas that arise in their daily work.

"Often these men and women 'sincerely desire to know and practice what is ethically and morally just,' and look to the Church for guidance and support."

from an Apostolic Letter to those responsible for communications (nn.7-9)
Pope John Paul II
published February 21, 2005 (emphases added)

Pope returns to hospital (THREE updates)

Wire services report that the Pope has been taken back to the hospital.

UPDATE #1 - Vatican Spokesman Dr. Joaquín Navarro-Valls told journalists this morning that yesterday afternoon the Holy Father had had a relapse of the flu and has been taken back to the Gemelli polyclinic this morning for attention by specialists and further tests.

UPDATE #2 - ANSA and other news services report that the Pope may undergo a tracheotomy to aid his breathing.

UPDATE #3 - The Vatican confirms that a tracheotomy was successfully performed on the Pope in a 30 minute operation.

Christian Carnival

This week's Christian Carnival - a collection of posts from Christian blogs of various types - is online at walloworld.com.

Anything you say may be used

In today’s first reading (Jer 18:18-20), the prophet Jeremiah faces opposition that is particularly insidious:

"Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah….
let us destroy him by his own tongue;
let us carefully note his every word."

This is a good reminder for us to exercise due care in the words we use.

On the other hand, it is also a good reminder that if we choose to do and say what is right, we will be opposed, even to the point of being ridiculed and our words twisted against us.

And yet we must act, we must speak,
for our own salvation,
for the good of those around us (even those who oppose us),
for the love of Jesus
and for the greater glory of God.

Statement on Vocations

"I want to ask you, dear sisters and brothers, to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in a very particular way.

"I am not asking you to pray for vocations in general, for example,

“Dear God, please choose someone, like the person next door.'

"Rather, I am inviting you to pray this way:

'Dear God, if you will, please choose someone from my family – my family – to be a priest, sister or brother. And if you do, I will support that person with my prayers and encouragement.'

"Admittedly, this is a more difficult prayer because it reaches the heart of each family. But it is also a more generous prayer and God responds to generosity!"

Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington
from the Vocations website of the Diocese of Arlington

He was over eighty years old

yet still physically agile and mentally sharp.

What made him interesting, however, was not so much how had aged well, but how much he had experienced and how much good he had done for so many decades.

The young people could only marvel as he spoke of things that seemed to them ancient history but that he himself had lived through. He was a living link to the past.

And the link reached back even further than his lifespan, as great as it was, for when the old man was young, he had learned much from the old men of that day, especially one old man they said had lived to be ninety.

Thus when young people now gathered around the old man, he could tell them of things that had happened more than a century before and that he had heard from someone who had actually been there, someone who spoke of amazing events with simple, wonderful words:

This is what we proclaim to you:
what was from the beginning,
what we have heard,
what we have seen with our eyes,
what we have looked upon,
and our hands have touched

-- we speak of the word of life.
(1 John 1:1)

St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and disciple of St. John the Apostle, was martyred for the faith on this day in the year 155 at the age of 86.

Gospel Reflection and Missionary Commitment

"4. The world of mass media also has need of Christ’s redemption.

"To analyze with the eyes of faith the processes and value of communications, the deeper appreciation of Sacred Scripture can undoubtedly help as a 'great code' of communication of a message which is not ephemeral, but fundamental for its saving value.

"Salvation History recounts and documents the communication of God with man, a communication which uses all forms and ways of communicating.

"The human being is created in the image and likeness of God in order to embrace divine revelation and to enter into loving dialogue with Him. Because of sin, this capacity for dialogue at both the personal and social level has been altered, and humanity has had to suffer, and will continue to suffer, the bitter experience of incomprehension and separation.

"God, however, did not abandon the human race, but sent his own Son (Cf. Mk 12:1-11).

"In the Word made flesh communication itself takes on its most profound saving meaning: thus, in the Holy Spirit, the human being is given the capacity to receive salvation, and to proclaim and give witness to it before the world.

"5. The communication between God and humanity has thus reached its perfection in the Word made flesh. The act of love by which God reveals himself, united to the response of faith by humanity, generates a fruitful dialogue.

"Precisely for this reason, making our own in a certain sense the request of the disciples, 'teach us to pray' (Lk11:1), we can ask the Lord to help us to understand how to communicate with God and with other human beings through the marvelous communications media.

"In light of so decisive and definitive a communication, the media provide a providential opportunity to reach people everywhere, overcoming barriers of time, of space and of language; presenting the content of faith in the most varied ways imaginable; and offering to all who search the possibility of entering into dialogue with the mystery of God, revealed fully in Christ Jesus.

"The Incarnate Word has left us an example of how to communicate with the Father and with humanity, whether in moments of silence and recollection, or in preaching in every place and in every way.

"He explains the Scriptures, expresses himself in parables, dialogues within the intimacy of the home, speaks in the squares, along the streets, on the shores of the lake and on the mountaintops.

"The personal encounter with him does not leave one indifferent, but stimulates imitation:

“'What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops,' (Mt 10:27).

"There is, however, a culminating moment in which communication becomes full communion: the Eucharistic encounter. By recognizing Jesus in the 'breaking of the bread,' (cf. Lk 24: 30-31), believers feel themselves urged on to announce his death and resurrection, and to become joyful and courageous witnesses of his Kingdom (cf. Lk 24:35).

"6. Thanks to the Redemption, the communicative capacity of believers is healed and renewed. The encounter with Christ makes them new creatures, and permits them to become part of that people which he, dying on the Cross, has won through his blood, and introduces them into the intimate life of the Trinity, which is continuous and circular communication of perfect and infinite love among the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

"Communication permeates the essential dimensions of the Church which is called to announce to all the joyful message of salvation.

"For this reason, the Church takes advantage of the opportunities offered by the communications media as pathways providentially given by God to intensify communion and to render more penetrating the proclamation of His word.

"The media permit the manifestation of the universal character of the People of God, favoring a more intense and immediate exchange among local Churches, and nourishing mutual awareness and cooperation.

"We give thanks to God for the presence of these powerful media which, if used by believers with the genius of faith and in docility to the light of the Holy Spirit, can facilitate the communication of the Gospel and render the bonds of communion among ecclesial communities more effective."

from an Apostolic Letter to those responsible for communications (nn.4-6)
Pope John Paul II
published February 21, 2005

The rapid development of technology

"in the area of the media is surely one of the signs of progress in today’s society. In view of these innovations in continuous evolution, the words found in the Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Inter Mirifica, promulgated by my venerable predecessor, the servant of God Paul VI, December 4, 1963, appear even more pertinent:

"'Man’s genius has with God’s help produced marvelous technical inventions from creation, especially in our times. The Church, our mother, is particularly interested in those which directly touch man’s spirit and which have opened up new avenues of easy communication of all kinds of news, of ideas and orientations.'

"2. More than forty years after the publication of that document, it appears appropriate to reflect on the 'challenges which the communications media constitute for the Church, which Paul VI said 'would feel guilty before the Lord if she did not utilize these powerful means.'

"In fact, the Church is not only called upon to use the mass media to spread the Gospel but, today more than ever, to integrate the message of salvation into the 'new culture' that these powerful means of communication create and amplify.

"It tells us that the use of the techniques and the technologies of contemporary communications is an integral part of its mission in the third millennium.
"Moved by this awareness, the Christian community has taken significant steps in the use of the means of communication for religious information, for evangelization and catechesis, for the formation of pastoral workers in this area, and for the education to a mature responsibility of the users and the recipients of the various communications media.

"3. Many challenges face the new evangelization in a world rich with communicative potential like our own.

"Because of this, I wanted to underline in the Encyclical Redemptoris Missio that the first Areopagus of modern times is the world of communications, which is capable of unifying humanity and transforming it into – as it is commonly referred to – 'a global village.'

"The communications media have acquired such importance as to be the principal means of guidance and inspiration for many people in their personal, familial, and social behavior.

"We are dealing with a complex problem, because the culture itself, prescinding from its content, arises from the very existence of new ways to communicate with hitherto unknown techniques and vocabulary."

from an Apostolic Letter to those responsible for communications (nn.1-3)
by Pope John Paul II
published February 21, 2005

The best of Bloggers Best for Terri Schiavo

Earl Appleby has most kindly and graciously included my post among what he considers the best of the "Bloggers Best for Terri" posted Sunday at the blog Wittenberg Gate. His list appears on the blogs Catholics in the Public Square, Life Matters, and Times Against Humanity.

Catholic Carnival XVIII

This week's Catholic Carnival, a collection of posts from various Catholic blogs, is online at DeoOmniGloria.com.

The Chair of Peter

"Today is the Feast of the Cathedra or Chair of St. Peter: a recurrence dating back to the fourth century that honors and celebrates the primacy and authority of St. Peter....

"Last year, on this day, in reflections made during the Angelus, Pope John Paul remarked that 'the liturgical feast of the Chair of Peter underscores the singular mystery, entrusted by the Lord to the leader of the Apostles, of confirming and guiding the Church in the unity of faith. This is what the ministerium petrinum is, that particular service that the Bishop of Rome is called to render to all Christians. An indispensable mission that is not based on human prerogatives but on Christ Himself as the cornerstone of the ecclesial community.

"'Let us pray that the Church, in the variety of cultures, languages and traditions, will be unanimous in believing and professing the truth of faith and morals transmitted by the Apostles.'"

from the Vatican Information Service

Servant

Today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 16:13-19) consists of Peter’s profession of faith in Christ and our Lord’s multifaceted response. To this day, Christians disagree among themselves about the implications of Christ’s words in this passage, particularly as they have been applied to the Bishop of Rome.

What fuels this disagreement primarily is an argument about power in the Church: who has it and how it is to be used.

The real problem, however, is having an argument about power in the Church in the first place.

In a later passage (Matthew 20:25-28), our Lord warns against power struggles within the body of believers:

But Jesus called them unto him, and said,
Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles
exercise dominion over them,
and they that are great
exercise authority upon them.

But it shall not be so among you:
but whosoever will be great among you,
let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you,
let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came
not to be ministered unto,
but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.

Peter got the point (eventually), as he says in today’s first reading (1 Peter 5:2-4):

Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint,
but willingly;
not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God's heritage,
but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,
ye shall receive a crown of glory
that fadeth not away.

Sadly, just like other people, Christians often entangle themselves in power games: explicitly or implicitly, as part of a formal structure or just within one’s web of relationships, imposing oneself on others or rebelling against others.

But, as both our Lord and Saint Peter warn us, it should not be so. Our primary focus should not be on power, but on service.

These readings invite us to consider first of all how we as individuals relate to others within the body of believers, the body of Christ.

Are we focused primarily on power (ours or others’) rather than on our being servants? Also, is our service toward others done grudgingly or with ulterior motives?

Our Lord calls each of us to serve and to do it willingly and gladly in imitation of him who “did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Thin lines

There is sometimes a thin line between being merciful and being an accomplice.

There is also sometimes a thin line between being morally evaluative and being damnably judgmental.

Today’s Gospel challenges us along these very lines:

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together,
shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.

It is important for us to be clear about what is right and what is wrong. It is important for us to speak the truth and to act in the interests of justice.

But it is critical that we be always explicitly clear about our personal sinfulness, our need for God’s mercy for ourselves, and our obligation to be instruments of God’s mercy for others.

It is a challenge to do all this, but we are called to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect, in and through the wonders of his grace.

Before all else, God loves us

"each and every one of us, and He calls us to love Him in return for all eternity. What an unspeakable privilege is ours!

"As religious, we are called in a particular way to give our lives to Him, letting our lives, our very beings, be transformed by Him so all that we do will witness His love to the world....

"The apostolate of the Religious Sisters of Mercy is in the areas of Health Care and Education. The charism is that of Mercy under the patronage of Our Lady of Mercy.

"In addition to the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, the Religious Sisters of Mercy take a fourth vow of service to the poor, sick, and ignorant. Our unique charism is embodied in this fourth vow of service.

"We wear a full length habit, veil and mercy cross in order to visibly represent the Church to those whom we serve and to manifest our consecration....

"We have convents in: Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Connecticut, Maryland, Italy, and Germany."

from the Vocations web page of
the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma

The unwanted baby was left to starve

The family was already large and poor. The last thing they needed was another mouth to feed, so after some arguments, the mother decided to let the baby starve.

Someone who worked with the family, however, saw what was happening and fed the newborn, pulling him back from the brink of death.

The family was then shamed into taking care of the infant (now named Peter) themselves. A few years later, both parents were dead and one of Peter’s elder brothers was forced to take responsibility for him. He abused him, malnourished him, and overworked him. Still, Peter grew to be a bright lad, with a devout spirit.

One of Peter’s other brothers, Damian, came to the boy’s rescue and put him through school. He succeeded brilliantly at academics and by the time he was 25 he was already a famous university professor.

But Peter felt the call of the monastic vocation and a few years later withdrew from the world.

Once again, Peter succeeded brilliantly, rising not only to run his own monastery but become an advocate of reform in monasticism and in the Church at large. So great was his reputation that he was forced to become a bishop and cardinal. He proved instrumental in helping resolve many crises in the church.

St. Peter Damian (he had added his brother’s name) died on this very day in 1072.

Transfiguration

Bloggers' Best for Terri Schiavo

A collection of posts from Christian blogs of various types in support of Terri Schiavo is online at Wittenberg Gate.

Bear your share of hardship for the gospel

with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace
bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death
and brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Wait for the gifts

Sunday’s Gospel tells of the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Tabor: the quintessential image of Christian glory.

This Gospel is a bright light, literally a mountaintop experience, in the midst of our Lenten journey, but this journey also presents us with images not so glorious.

As we journey through Lent and as we journey through life we encounter images of sin, suffering and affliction. Sometimes they are more than images: sometimes they are concrete, painful realities in our own lives and in the lives of those we love.

For many people, the greatest personal affliction would be catastrophic illness – especially one that took everything away except the breath of life itself. Our imagination shudders in terror at the claustrophobic purgatory of being trapped in a lifeless body.

We know people in that dreadful state. In particular, most people know about a young woman in Florida, Terri Schiavo, whose estranged husband may try to starve her to death this coming week.

The legal and political twists and turns of that particular situation as well as the histories and agendas of all the people involved are complex in the extreme, not to mention the natural emotions of such a situation and the frustration of medical science, like all forms of human knowledge, being far short of absolute certainty.

As we consider this soul-churning situation, we look again to Sunday’s readings and these verses from the Responsorial Psalm catch our eye:

Behold, the eye of the LORD
is upon them that fear him,
upon them that hope in his mercy;
To deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:18-19

It is easy to imagine Terri praying these words, somewhere deep beneath the shadows of her injured brain.

None of us can hear her, of course. In her prayer, she is totally alone with God.

Does she also ask God for death? Perhaps, but the answer must come from God, for not only is God the Creator but God is also the Redeemer.

Life is God’s gift – for God alone to take back – and so too is the ultimate end, purpose, and meaning of life a gift from God – to be found in eternal life, which comes from God alone. To try to snatch that gift away – either by force or by neglect – is a mistake that can have eternally deadly consequences.

As difficult and as painful as life can sometimes be, it is better to wait for the Lord’s time - for the eternal gifts he prepares for us are greater than any temporary darkness.

We await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will change our lowly body
to be like his glorious body,
by the power which enables him
even to subject all things to himself.
Phillipians 3:20:b-21

And that leads us back to the Transfiguration:

And he led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun…

You are so peculiar!

Or at least you should be (and so should I).

In today’s first reading, the Lord tells the people of Israel that they “are to be a people peculiarly his own” and ties that to their keeping of his commandments.

In today’s Gospel, our Lord is continuing to kick these commandments up another notch, holding us to an especially high standard, one that distinguishes us from the pagans.

"You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

For if you love those who love you,
what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?

So be perfect,
just as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Are we striving to meet this standard?

Are we unusual? Peculiar? Or do we blend in with the pagans?

Our heavenly Father is calling us to enjoy his perfection.

This priest could really paint!

His name was John and it was an understatement to say he was a gifted painter, but what he really wanted to do is become a Dominican and devote himself to God.

He indeed became a Dominican, a priest, and one of the great painters of history. Even in his own day, he was called "Angelic."

Fra Angelico died on this very day in 1455. He was beatified in 1982.

(A tip of the head covering to Cyntr, Moniales, Disputations, et al.)