From the Christian point of view material necessities are to be kept at a minimum, and material superfluities as far as possible to be dispensed with altogether. The Christian is a soldier and a pilgrim who requires material things only as a means to fitness and nothing more. In this he has the example of Christ Himself, Who came to earth with a minimum of material advantages and persisted thus even to the Cross. The Christian, then, not only from the individual but also from the social standpoint, has chosen the better part. He does not despise this life, but, just because his material desires are subordinate to his spiritual ones, he lives it much more reasonably, much more unselfishly, much more beneficially to his neighbours. The point, too, which he makes against the Socialist is this. The Socialist wishes to distribute material goods in such a way as to establish a substantial equality, and in order to do this he requires the State to make and keep this distribution compulsory. The Christian replies to him: "You cannot maintain this widespread distribution, for the simple reason that you have no machinery for inducing men to desire it. On the contrary, you do all you can to increase the selfish and accumulative desires of men: you centre and concentrate all their interest on material accumulation, and then expect them to distribute their goods." This ultimate difference between Christian and Socialist teaching must be clearly understood. Socialism appropriates all human desires and centres them on the here-and-now, on material benefit and prosperity. But material goods are so limited in quality, in quantity, and in duration that they are incapable of satisfying human desires, which will ever covet more and more and never feel satisfaction. In this Socialism and Capitalism are at one, for their only quarrel is over the bone upon which is the meat that perisheth. Socialism, of itself and by itself, can do nothing to diminish or discipline the immediate and materialistic lust of men, because Socialism is itself the most exaggerated and universalized expression of this lust yet known to history. Christianity, on the other hand, teaches and practices unselfish distribution of material goods, both according to the law of justice and according to the law of charity.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Food for thought.
This link was sent to me by a friend this morning, and I decided to share it. At this point I have no idea who produced the clip, so if anyone can enlighten me, please do.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Monday, September 06, 2010
The Vortex
Hi Folks
I am passing along a link (in the title) to one in an ongoing series of teachings on the Catholic Faith.
Real Catholic TV, so far, has covered many topics of various interest, including current events. None of these episodes are shy about proclaiming Church teaching as it really is.
Watch and be edified.
I am passing along a link (in the title) to one in an ongoing series of teachings on the Catholic Faith.
Real Catholic TV, so far, has covered many topics of various interest, including current events. None of these episodes are shy about proclaiming Church teaching as it really is.
Watch and be edified.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Comparison of Masses
I am borrowing another's (Mary's Anawim) blog today. Please view the link embedded in the title. You will see a Mass celebrated by a newly ordained priest in Montreal. While I don't much like the background music, it looks like a gorgeous Mass and procession in honour of The Assumption. Way to go, Fr. Greg!
The second...well...it is the stuff which could foster nightmares. Liturgical nightmares at the very leasts. I'm glad there did not seem to be any children in the congregation. They might have been scarred for life.
The second...well...it is the stuff which could foster nightmares. Liturgical nightmares at the very leasts. I'm glad there did not seem to be any children in the congregation. They might have been scarred for life.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Page Turner
I have at times come across people who rankle at reading the Bible because it 'jumps around'.
A non-Christian I know will not read Scripture until someone comes up with a version that has no repetition and is chronological.
I suspect the problem these people have is with the Gospels, which do have topics repeated.
Thing is...we can't remove the repetition in the Gospels, and then provide a totally chronological rendering of the writings therein, and still refer to it as the Bible.
And why can't we?
The New Testament was written by several different authors (as was Hebrew Scripture) and is actually a collection of books. The Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each wrote the events in Jesus' life slightly differently, in ways which seemed to target different audiences.
The Gospel of John is actually very different from the other three Gospels in its approach to the events and teachings of Christ. It is not one of the 'synoptic' (same eye) Gospels.
To try to make the four Gospels into one book, would be something like taking four different biographies of one famous person and forcing them together into one, chronologically laid-out book.
Imagine if four biographies of, say, Martin Luther King Junior, variously written by an African American man, a British man, a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and another Christian clergyman, existed. Would they tell the same story? Hardly likely. Putting them together into one tale would create an entirely new book.
So it is with the Gospels. Each writer had a different background. They wrote explained and emphasised the Gospel events according to their backgrounds the backgrounds of those they were addressing...Jews, gentiles, pagans, etc.
The bible as we know it was originally written as separate books. We still refer to the sections of the bible as 'books'. There was much discussion, in the early Church, as to which of these many many books were actually intended by God ('inspired') to be in a collected bible.
Depending on where you were, the canon of Hebrew Scripture varied. Christians had to figure out which of their books were intended for Christians. The New Testament also had to be chosen from a variety of books in circulation.
The Christian canon of Scripture in use since the fourth century, experienced a serious challenge in the West when Martin Luther spurred a revolt against the Church and its teaching. He removed seven books, or parts of books, from what had come to be called the Old Testament. He was acting on his own will with this one. He also wanted to remove some books out of the New Testament. Apparently even other Protestants didn't agree with him on that one...
Both Catholics and Protestants have the same New Testament. We accept the same Gospels and Epistles (letters) although there is a wild divergence on what these writings mean.
And I am not aware of any scholarly effort to meld these books into one continuous book.
A non-Christian I know will not read Scripture until someone comes up with a version that has no repetition and is chronological.
I suspect the problem these people have is with the Gospels, which do have topics repeated.
Thing is...we can't remove the repetition in the Gospels, and then provide a totally chronological rendering of the writings therein, and still refer to it as the Bible.
And why can't we?
The New Testament was written by several different authors (as was Hebrew Scripture) and is actually a collection of books. The Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each wrote the events in Jesus' life slightly differently, in ways which seemed to target different audiences.
The Gospel of John is actually very different from the other three Gospels in its approach to the events and teachings of Christ. It is not one of the 'synoptic' (same eye) Gospels.
To try to make the four Gospels into one book, would be something like taking four different biographies of one famous person and forcing them together into one, chronologically laid-out book.
Imagine if four biographies of, say, Martin Luther King Junior, variously written by an African American man, a British man, a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and another Christian clergyman, existed. Would they tell the same story? Hardly likely. Putting them together into one tale would create an entirely new book.
So it is with the Gospels. Each writer had a different background. They wrote explained and emphasised the Gospel events according to their backgrounds the backgrounds of those they were addressing...Jews, gentiles, pagans, etc.
The bible as we know it was originally written as separate books. We still refer to the sections of the bible as 'books'. There was much discussion, in the early Church, as to which of these many many books were actually intended by God ('inspired') to be in a collected bible.
Depending on where you were, the canon of Hebrew Scripture varied. Christians had to figure out which of their books were intended for Christians. The New Testament also had to be chosen from a variety of books in circulation.
The Christian canon of Scripture in use since the fourth century, experienced a serious challenge in the West when Martin Luther spurred a revolt against the Church and its teaching. He removed seven books, or parts of books, from what had come to be called the Old Testament. He was acting on his own will with this one. He also wanted to remove some books out of the New Testament. Apparently even other Protestants didn't agree with him on that one...
Both Catholics and Protestants have the same New Testament. We accept the same Gospels and Epistles (letters) although there is a wild divergence on what these writings mean.
And I am not aware of any scholarly effort to meld these books into one continuous book.
Great Big C
Hi Folks
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a concert by Great Big Sea, who hails from Eastern Canada.
I wouldn't call myself a huge fan, but I did enjoy their music a few years back. This concert was good.
It would seem that their songwriters have some issues with Catholic upbringing.
"Consequence Free" states:
"I could really stand to lose my Catholic conscience. 'Cuz I'm getting sick of feeling guilty all the time"
"When I am King" says this:
"Wake up, without a care. Your head's not heavy, conscience clear
Sins are all forgiven here, yours and mine
Fear has gone without a trace
It's the perfect time, it's the perfect place
Nothing hurting. Nothing sore. No one suffers anymore,
The doctor's found a simple cure.
Just in time"
To me, the aforementioned verse, up until the mention of 'the doctor' sounds like someone is describing Heaven. Nah.
While the lyrics are about the same things that most popular music sings about, I find the mention of conscience and forgiven sin interesting. It's a bit difficult to find mention of sin anywhere else in popular culture!
So, what is the 'Catholic conscience' that GBS is singing about?
It sounds like what we hear so often...big Church inflicting guilt on its pathetic group of adherents by making everything fun a sin.
A few years back my daughter and I were a captive audience to a local merchant. Finding out that my children had gone to the local Catholic high school, the merchant bluntly stated "I used to be Catholic, but I left. Too much guilt!"
My daughter later quipped to me that he really should just stop doing things that make him guilty!
That's my girl.
Guilt isn't what the Church teaches. We do guilt to ourselves.
[As to using guilt as an excuse to leave the Church, please see here]
Catholics are expected to have a well-formed conscience. Forming one's conscience is not an easy task! The Church takes it way beyond the little voice in the head going "unh-uh".
To form ones conscience, one is required to learn what the Church teaches on moral matters. Ideally, this begins in infancy in the Domestic Church...the home. This is where we begin to learn right from wrong.
We often hear, sometimes even from within the Church, that we are to follow our consciences in all matters. This would be fine, if we had well-formed consciences. We are, however, a fallen people. Left to our own devices, we incline toward sin.
When we aren't sure, we have the Church to guide us. That is the Catholic conscience. If your conscience is giving you permission to act against Church teaching, you have work to do. You're part of all humanity on that one.
Guilt is a way of knowing that we're messing up. Getting rid of that involves correcting what we're doing wrong, and confessing our sins.
So where are sins forgiven? Some can be forgiven through prayer, attending Mass, blessing oneself with Holy Water. The mortal, or serious sins require confession to a Priest, who acts in Christ's place to absolve us (assuming we're of the correct disposition...feeling genuinely sorry for what we have done and wishing not to sin again). Sins are all forgiven here.
Whether or not the Church makes everything fun a sin...that is for another day.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Getting older
Hi Folks
Recently, I was told I needed more work at figuring things out. I was then summarily launched into a project with very few tools. I had to 'figure things out'.
It was a huge challenge for me. The project involved several things which are almost entirely new to me, including learning from the user guides provided for computer programs.
I quickly realized that computer program user guides are not always particularly well written, or well indexed.
After losing a major part of my work because I did not properly save a file (due to my inattention and my difficulty with program interface), the trial work I finally submitted was not very good.
I then had a few days away, so I mulled some things over.
Being told that I needed work on figuring things out carried a little sting. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the words were very true.
I have a Blackberry on which I send and receive calls and the rare, awkward text message. I also play Sudoku. I haven't figured out anything else.
I have a nearly new computer purchased for my work purposes (like the aforementioned project) for which I have not made recovery disks. Didn't figure that out, either.
For many reasons, I've become much too good at either delegating challenges I face, or just ignoring them.
So it's true. I need more work at figuring things out.
In the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, we hear the Ethiopian Eunuch ask "How can I (learn) unless someone teaches me?" He was referring to Scripture, but the same could be applied to nearly anything else.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told "Ask and we shall receive, knock and it shall be opened."
One thing I am very glad to not have to figure out, is Catholicism. Despite destructive action from within and without for two millennia, it is still leading us to a deeper knowledge of God through His Son, Jesus. Not having to figure out just what the Church expects, leaves us with the spiritual energy to go deeper. We don't have to be our own Pope!
Whew. If I have trouble figuring out a computer program, how on earth could I expect to figure out God?
Recently, I was told I needed more work at figuring things out. I was then summarily launched into a project with very few tools. I had to 'figure things out'.
It was a huge challenge for me. The project involved several things which are almost entirely new to me, including learning from the user guides provided for computer programs.
I quickly realized that computer program user guides are not always particularly well written, or well indexed.
After losing a major part of my work because I did not properly save a file (due to my inattention and my difficulty with program interface), the trial work I finally submitted was not very good.
I then had a few days away, so I mulled some things over.
Being told that I needed work on figuring things out carried a little sting. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the words were very true.
I have a Blackberry on which I send and receive calls and the rare, awkward text message. I also play Sudoku. I haven't figured out anything else.
I have a nearly new computer purchased for my work purposes (like the aforementioned project) for which I have not made recovery disks. Didn't figure that out, either.
For many reasons, I've become much too good at either delegating challenges I face, or just ignoring them.
So it's true. I need more work at figuring things out.
In the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, we hear the Ethiopian Eunuch ask "How can I (learn) unless someone teaches me?" He was referring to Scripture, but the same could be applied to nearly anything else.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told "Ask and we shall receive, knock and it shall be opened."
One thing I am very glad to not have to figure out, is Catholicism. Despite destructive action from within and without for two millennia, it is still leading us to a deeper knowledge of God through His Son, Jesus. Not having to figure out just what the Church expects, leaves us with the spiritual energy to go deeper. We don't have to be our own Pope!
Whew. If I have trouble figuring out a computer program, how on earth could I expect to figure out God?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
It's a Strange Strange World
I was recently captive on a 5 hour jet flight. Our young son, who was accompanying me, quickly discovered that he could get programmes here that he cannot get at home. Being a long flight, I let him watch.
Something occurred to me as we watched a well-intended children's music programme which is hosted by some very silly looking adults.
The world of children seems almost designed to create confusion. We see examples of sexualized childhood all over the place. No attempt seems to be made to respect a child's latent period (regarding sexual development).
We have kids who are growing up with silly adults...adults dressed up as children, or in strange costumes which don't actually attempt to hide that there is a person inside...as role models.
So, to summarize: our kids are being forced to behave like adults before they're ready, but which adults are they supposed to emulate? The ones dressed up as bananas?
I can't think, off the top of my head, of a children's program in which adults look and behave as adults. I'm sure there must be one somewhere.
This caused me to think back to when I was a child, in the early days of children's television.
Mr. Dressup. Captain Kangaroo. Friendly Giant, Romper Room...Adults dressed, and for the most part behaved, as adults. And children appeared as children.
I'm not sure where I"m going with this, except to suggest that people be aware of what your children are watching. I know that's been said before. But if some thought that children's programming was unhealthy 40 years ago, I can only imagine what they'd say now.
Something occurred to me as we watched a well-intended children's music programme which is hosted by some very silly looking adults.
The world of children seems almost designed to create confusion. We see examples of sexualized childhood all over the place. No attempt seems to be made to respect a child's latent period (regarding sexual development).
We have kids who are growing up with silly adults...adults dressed up as children, or in strange costumes which don't actually attempt to hide that there is a person inside...as role models.
So, to summarize: our kids are being forced to behave like adults before they're ready, but which adults are they supposed to emulate? The ones dressed up as bananas?
I can't think, off the top of my head, of a children's program in which adults look and behave as adults. I'm sure there must be one somewhere.
This caused me to think back to when I was a child, in the early days of children's television.
Mr. Dressup. Captain Kangaroo. Friendly Giant, Romper Room...Adults dressed, and for the most part behaved, as adults. And children appeared as children.
I'm not sure where I"m going with this, except to suggest that people be aware of what your children are watching. I know that's been said before. But if some thought that children's programming was unhealthy 40 years ago, I can only imagine what they'd say now.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sweet Violets
Hi
I was just out spending a few minutes weeding my fledgling flower garden. Violets have become the bane of my existence.
They are spoken of poetically, and I suppose for the two and a half hours (per blossom...) in which they are actually in bloom, they are pretty, nicely scented (although you need quite a handful to catch that scent) and delicate looking, they are worthy of poetry.
The rest of the time they are a nuisance! They spread both by seed and by tuber. I have spent two seasons now trying to get them out of my flower bed, where left to themselves over the past ?? years they have done their best to choke out everything else.
Today, I recalled something my grandmother once said. She commented on the irony that girls named Violet tended to be, well, strongly built. Not at all delicate.
As I continue to roust the purple peril from my flower bed, I think having strong girls named Violet is perfectly appropriate.
But I would rather consider the lilies...
I was just out spending a few minutes weeding my fledgling flower garden. Violets have become the bane of my existence.
They are spoken of poetically, and I suppose for the two and a half hours (per blossom...) in which they are actually in bloom, they are pretty, nicely scented (although you need quite a handful to catch that scent) and delicate looking, they are worthy of poetry.
The rest of the time they are a nuisance! They spread both by seed and by tuber. I have spent two seasons now trying to get them out of my flower bed, where left to themselves over the past ?? years they have done their best to choke out everything else.
Today, I recalled something my grandmother once said. She commented on the irony that girls named Violet tended to be, well, strongly built. Not at all delicate.
As I continue to roust the purple peril from my flower bed, I think having strong girls named Violet is perfectly appropriate.
But I would rather consider the lilies...
Prayer request
Hi Folks
My friend Greg is being ordained to the priesthood today. As you know, the vocation for which he has been chosen is not an easy one.
Please pray for him, and for all priests!
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Laughter, the Best Medicine?
Happy Wednesday!
We had a busy weekend last weekend. Still recovering!
On Saturday, I sold my Catholic books at a women's conference. I sold some great books. I also heard some good speakers.
And then there was the 'Laughter Yoga" lady. Yikes.
It was a Catholic Conference. Yoga is considered 'New Age' and Catholics are not to dabble in any New Age activities.
Laughter Yoga is a form of Yoga (hasyayoga) in which the practitioner induces laughter in himself, not necessarily at the stimulus of humour.
The effect of being in a room full of people forcing themselves to laugh (under the tutelage of a certified teacher) was rather creepy. It reminded me of those scenes in some old movies were a person is having a dream sequence or a memory where a group of people is pointing at the dreamer and laughing.
It claims to have many health benefits. It can reduce high blood pressure, relieve stress, improve diabetes, reduces depression, increases oxygenation of the blood, releases endorphins...
As Catholics, we are to give pride of place to Gregorian Chant during liturgy. We can chant at home, too.
Guess what? Health benefits will ensue...lower stress, increased oxygen in the blood, increased muscle tone, reduced depression...and we're praying at the same time!
I hope it was ignorance, and not will, that had someone invite a yoga practitioner to a Catholic women's conference. Why would someone assume they had to look elsewhere for health benefits.
It annoys me that something as basic as laughter could be associated with spiritual practices. It's a bit like what's happened to rainbows.
We had a busy weekend last weekend. Still recovering!
On Saturday, I sold my Catholic books at a women's conference. I sold some great books. I also heard some good speakers.
And then there was the 'Laughter Yoga" lady. Yikes.
It was a Catholic Conference. Yoga is considered 'New Age' and Catholics are not to dabble in any New Age activities.
Laughter Yoga is a form of Yoga (hasyayoga) in which the practitioner induces laughter in himself, not necessarily at the stimulus of humour.
The effect of being in a room full of people forcing themselves to laugh (under the tutelage of a certified teacher) was rather creepy. It reminded me of those scenes in some old movies were a person is having a dream sequence or a memory where a group of people is pointing at the dreamer and laughing.
It claims to have many health benefits. It can reduce high blood pressure, relieve stress, improve diabetes, reduces depression, increases oxygenation of the blood, releases endorphins...
As Catholics, we are to give pride of place to Gregorian Chant during liturgy. We can chant at home, too.
Guess what? Health benefits will ensue...lower stress, increased oxygen in the blood, increased muscle tone, reduced depression...and we're praying at the same time!
I hope it was ignorance, and not will, that had someone invite a yoga practitioner to a Catholic women's conference. Why would someone assume they had to look elsewhere for health benefits.
It annoys me that something as basic as laughter could be associated with spiritual practices. It's a bit like what's happened to rainbows.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
I think I Caught a Live One...
Hi Folks
Blessed Trinity Sunday!
I found this in my com box today. Aside from my excitement of having a comment, I see it could provide me with months of blog-worthy material.
Sadly, I need to eat and sleep:
Sorry, Anders. All this website proves is that the writers knew/know very little of Christian History.
The "core message" of the Netzarim says this:
Included on the website is a book quoted called "The Da Vinci Code: A Jewish Perspective". It is written by Rabbi Michael Skobac.
Where to begin?
At the top of page 15 of the excerpt, we are told that the real title of the 'Book of Acts' is "The Acts of the Apostles". No! Really? Any legitimate, English Catholic Lectionary would have told you the same thing.
Rabbi Skobac says:
First, a little tangent. The Gospel writer Luke did not meet Jesus either.
History is written by the victors. Should we be surprised? As Protestantism increased its hold on the Christian world, anti-Catholicism became rampant.
Denying St. Paul's teachings is just 'Historical Jesus'-speak. Jesus was most definitely a practicing Jew, as 'revealed' on another part of this website. Paul was Pharisee. God's salvation plan was for all people, and in order to get the message out (Some Jews will credit Christianity for spreading the Torah. The Jews were not doing it) there would have to be some assistance given once Jesus had ascended. Saul/Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman Citizen. His conversion to Christianity gave him a certain authority which made him able to reach the Gentiles.
The excerpt supplied effectively ignores the presence and teaching of Roman Catholic, and later Orthodox, Church during the first 1500 or so years of Christianity's existence. The excerpt (pg 17) says that Martin Luther did not wish the Epistle of James to be included in the Christian Canon. Is the writer unaware that the Epistle of James HAD been included in the Christan Canon since the Canon itself was settled (the full Christian Canon) about 1000 years earlier? This was sanctioned by the Catholic Church! Martin Luther was an unfortunate and unsettling presence in Christian History, and many Christian have been limping along with a shorter Bible ever since (although not without the Epistle of James!).
The Epistle of James includes teaching very clearly present in the teaching of the Catholic Church. So who, other than Luther, was trying to mute James?
Besides, what is this to the Netzarim if they believe that Salvation is written completely and exclusively in the Torah, as stated in their core message?
In another part of the core Netzarim message:
This is not a "doctrine" I have ever encountered in the Catholic Church. In fact, The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
Also in the 'core message' is a link to the glossary entry "Displacement Theology".
This is also new to me. Reading the glossary entry, I am linked to "misojudaism". We are told here that Christianity is antinomian. Wrong again! Catholicism actually considers antinomianism to be a heresy.
This is all I can deal with for now. If anyone cares to look at the site, please feel free, but be warned!
PS The spacing of the lines you are seeing is NOT what is in my compose box. Sorry for the spaciness...
Blessed Trinity Sunday!
I found this in my com box today. Aside from my excitement of having a comment, I see it could provide me with months of blog-worthy material.
Sadly, I need to eat and sleep:
"Anders Branderud has left a new comment on your post "The Roots of Christianity"
Quote: “ if we have not drifted to far from the Jewish moorings of the Christian faith.”
I want to comment on this.
Le-havdil, A logical analysis (found in www.netzarim.co.il (Netzarim.co.il is the website of the only legitimate Netzarim-group)) of all extant source documents and archeology proves that the historical Ribi Yehosuha from Nazareth and his talmidim (apprentice-students), called the Netzarim, taught and lived Torah all of their lives; and that Netzarim and Christianity were always antithetical.
The original words of the pro-Torah teacher Ribi Yehoshua were redacted by Roman Hellenists, and the redaction is found in the “gospels”. J…. is described in the “gospels”, and le-havdil the teachings of the historical Torah-teacher Ribi Yehoshua from Nazareth are found in the reconstruction (using a logical and scientific methodology to create the reconstruction), Netzarim Hebrew Reconstruction of Hebrew Matityahu (NHM).
The historical Jew Ribi Yehoshua is not the same as the Christian Jzus The historical Ribi Yehoshua was a human.
The above website proofs that the roots of Christianity are Hellenism, not Judaism".
Sorry, Anders. All this website proves is that the writers knew/know very little of Christian History.
The "core message" of the Netzarim says this:
"The original—and only authentic—plan of salvation is found only in Tor•âh′ . Everything subsequent is a supersessionist "pretend salvation" of Displacement Theology."
Included on the website is a book quoted called "The Da Vinci Code: A Jewish Perspective". It is written by Rabbi Michael Skobac.
Where to begin?
At the top of page 15 of the excerpt, we are told that the real title of the 'Book of Acts' is "The Acts of the Apostles". No! Really? Any legitimate, English Catholic Lectionary would have told you the same thing.
Rabbi Skobac says:
First, a little tangent. The Gospel writer Luke did not meet Jesus either.
History is written by the victors. Should we be surprised? As Protestantism increased its hold on the Christian world, anti-Catholicism became rampant.
Denying St. Paul's teachings is just 'Historical Jesus'-speak. Jesus was most definitely a practicing Jew, as 'revealed' on another part of this website. Paul was Pharisee. God's salvation plan was for all people, and in order to get the message out (Some Jews will credit Christianity for spreading the Torah. The Jews were not doing it) there would have to be some assistance given once Jesus had ascended. Saul/Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman Citizen. His conversion to Christianity gave him a certain authority which made him able to reach the Gentiles.
The excerpt supplied effectively ignores the presence and teaching of Roman Catholic, and later Orthodox, Church during the first 1500 or so years of Christianity's existence. The excerpt (pg 17) says that Martin Luther did not wish the Epistle of James to be included in the Christian Canon. Is the writer unaware that the Epistle of James HAD been included in the Christan Canon since the Canon itself was settled (the full Christian Canon) about 1000 years earlier? This was sanctioned by the Catholic Church! Martin Luther was an unfortunate and unsettling presence in Christian History, and many Christian have been limping along with a shorter Bible ever since (although not without the Epistle of James!).
The Epistle of James includes teaching very clearly present in the teaching of the Catholic Church. So who, other than Luther, was trying to mute James?
Besides, what is this to the Netzarim if they believe that Salvation is written completely and exclusively in the Torah, as stated in their core message?
In another part of the core Netzarim message:
"The doctrine that Tor•âh′ is the "law of sin and death" is a Christian canard, the epitome of misojudaism"
This is not a "doctrine" I have ever encountered in the Catholic Church. In fact, The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:
121 The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture. Its books are divinely inspired and retain a permanent value, for the Old Covenant has never been revoked.
Also in the 'core message' is a link to the glossary entry "Displacement Theology".
This is also new to me. Reading the glossary entry, I am linked to "misojudaism". We are told here that Christianity is antinomian. Wrong again! Catholicism actually considers antinomianism to be a heresy.
This is all I can deal with for now. If anyone cares to look at the site, please feel free, but be warned!
PS The spacing of the lines you are seeing is NOT what is in my compose box. Sorry for the spaciness...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Rabbi David Aaron: Isn't Humbleness Just Low Self-Esteem?
Hi
I am borrowing this article. I think it is an excellent explanation of self-esteem and humility for a Godly person.
It is written from a Jewish perspective, but I think it fits perfectly well into the Christian life.
In fact, it seems to give us the root of the Catholic belief of the Communion of Saints.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Well, it would seem that the turbo booster has been applied to the New Evangelization.
http://http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1343399?eng=y
Okay, Europe, time to smarten up.
When will be North America's turn?
http://http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/1343399?eng=y
Okay, Europe, time to smarten up.
When will be North America's turn?
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Big Picture
We recently returned from a brief trip East, which meant that we spent a good deal of our travel time in Quebec.
I think I have mentioned Quebec before. For hundreds of years it was a bastion of Catholicism in Canada. The remnants of that can till be seen nearly everywhere you go in the province. I am not going to dwell upon what I've said before.
I did have another thought though, as we drove past so many old stone churches in tiny little communities.
The big picture. Perserverence.
Driving along Highway 20 in Spring is lovely. Windy, but lovely. You drive along the St. Lawrence River, which is impressive in its length and breadth.
I was thinking about how cold it must be in the winter. The wind...and all the old houses that would at one time have been heated with wood, without fancy argon filled double paned windows or fiberglass insulation. Cold! Yet for several hundred years, people have lived here.
And they built churches.
Not the modern, spare barns we so often see, but stone churches with bell towers (with real bells). They are often graced on the inside with many pieces of lovingly carved wood (I'm specifically thinking of the church at St. Jean Port Joli. Amazing carvings throughout, and added over many years), paintings and real gold.
Even when they were built, these churches were not cheap. But they arose from the labour and sacrifice of the people who would use them. And often, it would take more than a generation to complete the work.
Why did relatively few people, with little money, contribute vigourously to the building of Churches they might not see completed? Why would they not spend their money and efforts on their own homes and families?
I think they had a better vision of the 'big picture' than we tend to have today. We want to see return for our time and money. We want to see it quickly and we want to see it in an earthly sense. Eternity takes too long.
In times when infant mortality was higher than it is today, and when diseases we barely think about today could kill you, earthly existence was seen as fleeting. People had a greater grasp of Eternity.
Besides all that, they had a greater sense of these church buildings being the resting place of the Body of Christ. The King of Kings. It was worth it to make it the Church the very best that it could be, even if it took years, and sacrifice.
A slight aside: A few years back, one of my children brought a book home from school about great Canadians. One listed was Paul Emile Cardinal Leger. I will not argue one way or another on his greatness, as I do not know much about him. I do know that one of the attributes they mentioned which attested to his greatness was that he stopped building elaborate churches, so that the money could be used for purposes which would better suit the here and now.
This distressed me. I would hope that a man of the cloth, and a Cardinal no less, would be able to see that building worthy, beautiful churches is not wasteful or extravagant, and that it is certainly not exclusive of using money for other purposes such as supporting schools or charity. If the book I read was correct, Cardinal Leger did not think as I do.
Aside completed
I also think that the Quebecois of earlier generations may have had a better grasp on perseverance. They got through those winters AND managed to continue building lovely churches...They didn't all move to British Columbia. I think of how often I complain, who am not very near wintry winds blowing off a large body of water, when the snow plow takes too long to clear the street.
I think that these lovely buildings in tiny little towns and villages are something we can look to in admiration.
I think I have mentioned Quebec before. For hundreds of years it was a bastion of Catholicism in Canada. The remnants of that can till be seen nearly everywhere you go in the province. I am not going to dwell upon what I've said before.
I did have another thought though, as we drove past so many old stone churches in tiny little communities.
The big picture. Perserverence.
Driving along Highway 20 in Spring is lovely. Windy, but lovely. You drive along the St. Lawrence River, which is impressive in its length and breadth.
I was thinking about how cold it must be in the winter. The wind...and all the old houses that would at one time have been heated with wood, without fancy argon filled double paned windows or fiberglass insulation. Cold! Yet for several hundred years, people have lived here.
And they built churches.
Not the modern, spare barns we so often see, but stone churches with bell towers (with real bells). They are often graced on the inside with many pieces of lovingly carved wood (I'm specifically thinking of the church at St. Jean Port Joli. Amazing carvings throughout, and added over many years), paintings and real gold.
Even when they were built, these churches were not cheap. But they arose from the labour and sacrifice of the people who would use them. And often, it would take more than a generation to complete the work.
Why did relatively few people, with little money, contribute vigourously to the building of Churches they might not see completed? Why would they not spend their money and efforts on their own homes and families?
I think they had a better vision of the 'big picture' than we tend to have today. We want to see return for our time and money. We want to see it quickly and we want to see it in an earthly sense. Eternity takes too long.
In times when infant mortality was higher than it is today, and when diseases we barely think about today could kill you, earthly existence was seen as fleeting. People had a greater grasp of Eternity.
Besides all that, they had a greater sense of these church buildings being the resting place of the Body of Christ. The King of Kings. It was worth it to make it the Church the very best that it could be, even if it took years, and sacrifice.
A slight aside: A few years back, one of my children brought a book home from school about great Canadians. One listed was Paul Emile Cardinal Leger. I will not argue one way or another on his greatness, as I do not know much about him. I do know that one of the attributes they mentioned which attested to his greatness was that he stopped building elaborate churches, so that the money could be used for purposes which would better suit the here and now.
This distressed me. I would hope that a man of the cloth, and a Cardinal no less, would be able to see that building worthy, beautiful churches is not wasteful or extravagant, and that it is certainly not exclusive of using money for other purposes such as supporting schools or charity. If the book I read was correct, Cardinal Leger did not think as I do.
Aside completed
I also think that the Quebecois of earlier generations may have had a better grasp on perseverance. They got through those winters AND managed to continue building lovely churches...They didn't all move to British Columbia. I think of how often I complain, who am not very near wintry winds blowing off a large body of water, when the snow plow takes too long to clear the street.
I think that these lovely buildings in tiny little towns and villages are something we can look to in admiration.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Manhattan Project
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Piux XII, Jews and Catholics
Borrowing from Zenit this morning! God Bless
Catholics and Jews Renew Dialogue on Pius XII
Affirm Solidarity With Benedict XVI
By Jesús Colina
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Catholic and Jewish representatives have re-launched a dialogue, interrupted in 2001, on the figure of Pope Pius XII and his relationship with the people of Israel, particularly during the Holocaust.
At the end of Wednesday's general audience Benedict XVI greeted representatives who are in Rome for a meeting organized by the Pave the Way Foundation.
The founder of this organization, New York Jew Gary Krupp, explained to ZENIT that the audience with the Pope was attended by rabbis and representatives of Jewish communities from the United States, Israel, Australia and Switzerland "who wished to stand in solidarity shoulder to shoulder with the Catholic Church and the Holy Father" during "the attacks against the Church and His Holiness by an over-zealous media."
The meeting, which continued with the questions that the International Catholic-Jewish Historical intended to address in 2001, had an academic character with the participation of several rabbis, but was not an official representation.
The commission was originally appointed in 1999 by the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, and consisted of three Jewish and three Catholic scholars.
They reviewed the Vatican documents concerning Pope Pius XII and submitted a report in 2000 with 47 questions regarding the Holy See's response to the Holocaust.
However, due to disagreement and conflicting viewpoints, the group was disbanded in 2001.
Now, in a two-day debate session that began April 23, answers were given to those 47 questions posed in 2000.
Those who responded to the questions were Jesuit Father Peter Gumpel, historian and relator to the cause of beatification of Pius XII; Matteo Napolitano, professor of the history of international relations (University of Molise, Italy); Andrea Tornielli, Vatican expert from the daily "Il Giornale;" Ronald Rychlak, law professor at Mississippi State University; and Michael Hesemann, German historian and writer.
All the answers were fully recorded by H2O News and will be given to the Yad Vashem Commission, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, and will be available on the Pave the Way Foundation Web site.
Initiatives
Krupp reported to ZENIT: "We also discussed the Holy See endorsing a family-based initiative of dedicating Friday night dinner with the family. Here two hours will be dedicated to the children. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Pave the Way Foundation are promoting this initiative dedicated to the family."
Moreover, the group met with Monsignor Peter Wells, assessor for the Secretariat of State's Section for General Affairs, and discussed with him the Vatican's efforts to aid victims of abuses.
Krupp acknowledged that "the media has not reported the efforts of the Church to repair these terrible past events."
"Even one is too much," he said, "but this tragedy is not as widespread as the media has led all to believe."
"Monsignor Wells stated that the Holy See considers the original breaking news of these terrible events as a blessing," Krupp reported, because "the Church was alerted then to act quickly to root out these criminals and the errors by some bishops."
"He said that there was too much reliance on outdated psychological and inept legal advisors who advised some bishops that these offenders could be cured," said Krupp.
At the Papal audience David Victor, the chairman of AIPAC, an American Israeli organization, spoke to the Holy Father and asked him to issue remarks condemning the Iranian regime's denial of the Holocaust and its efforts to develop an atomic bomb. The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, declared, during a 2005 speech, that Israel must be "wiped off the map."
The representatives also met with Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, which oversees the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews.
In that meeting, Krupp spoke about the loud and dedicated condemnation of Adolf Hitler and National Socialism by Pope Pius XII from the very beginning, noting that it should serve as an example of how the Holy See can respond to a modern day Hitler.
Krupp concluded, "This was a very important day in Rome for our group."
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Pave the Way Foundation: http://www.ptwf.org
email this article
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 29, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Catholic and Jewish representatives have re-launched a dialogue, interrupted in 2001, on the figure of Pope Pius XII and his relationship with the people of Israel, particularly during the Holocaust.
At the end of Wednesday's general audience Benedict XVI greeted representatives who are in Rome for a meeting organized by the Pave the Way Foundation.
The founder of this organization, New York Jew Gary Krupp, explained to ZENIT that the audience with the Pope was attended by rabbis and representatives of Jewish communities from the United States, Israel, Australia and Switzerland "who wished to stand in solidarity shoulder to shoulder with the Catholic Church and the Holy Father" during "the attacks against the Church and His Holiness by an over-zealous media."
The meeting, which continued with the questions that the International Catholic-Jewish Historical intended to address in 2001, had an academic character with the participation of several rabbis, but was not an official representation.
The commission was originally appointed in 1999 by the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, and consisted of three Jewish and three Catholic scholars.
They reviewed the Vatican documents concerning Pope Pius XII and submitted a report in 2000 with 47 questions regarding the Holy See's response to the Holocaust.
However, due to disagreement and conflicting viewpoints, the group was disbanded in 2001.
Now, in a two-day debate session that began April 23, answers were given to those 47 questions posed in 2000.
Those who responded to the questions were Jesuit Father Peter Gumpel, historian and relator to the cause of beatification of Pius XII; Matteo Napolitano, professor of the history of international relations (University of Molise, Italy); Andrea Tornielli, Vatican expert from the daily "Il Giornale;" Ronald Rychlak, law professor at Mississippi State University; and Michael Hesemann, German historian and writer.
All the answers were fully recorded by H2O News and will be given to the Yad Vashem Commission, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, and will be available on the Pave the Way Foundation Web site.
Initiatives
Krupp reported to ZENIT: "We also discussed the Holy See endorsing a family-based initiative of dedicating Friday night dinner with the family. Here two hours will be dedicated to the children. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Pave the Way Foundation are promoting this initiative dedicated to the family."
Moreover, the group met with Monsignor Peter Wells, assessor for the Secretariat of State's Section for General Affairs, and discussed with him the Vatican's efforts to aid victims of abuses.
Krupp acknowledged that "the media has not reported the efforts of the Church to repair these terrible past events."
"Even one is too much," he said, "but this tragedy is not as widespread as the media has led all to believe."
"Monsignor Wells stated that the Holy See considers the original breaking news of these terrible events as a blessing," Krupp reported, because "the Church was alerted then to act quickly to root out these criminals and the errors by some bishops."
"He said that there was too much reliance on outdated psychological and inept legal advisors who advised some bishops that these offenders could be cured," said Krupp.
At the Papal audience David Victor, the chairman of AIPAC, an American Israeli organization, spoke to the Holy Father and asked him to issue remarks condemning the Iranian regime's denial of the Holocaust and its efforts to develop an atomic bomb. The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, declared, during a 2005 speech, that Israel must be "wiped off the map."
The representatives also met with Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, which oversees the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews.
In that meeting, Krupp spoke about the loud and dedicated condemnation of Adolf Hitler and National Socialism by Pope Pius XII from the very beginning, noting that it should serve as an example of how the Holy See can respond to a modern day Hitler.
Krupp concluded, "This was a very important day in Rome for our group."
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Pave the Way Foundation: http://www.ptwf.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Praise Be!
Good Evening;
(Just a note that this is an older post that I just finished. The liturgical reference is out of date!)
Today at Mass, I cantored the psalm, which was part of psalm 19.
After Mass, a member of our clergy came up to me and clasped my hand and told me I'd made his day.
"How?" I asked.
He told me that the psalm was well done and what he needed to hear.
I thanked him. Later I realized that God had ministered to this man through me, and I was totally unaware.
My lack of awareness would prevent my interference, no doubt.
Wow. What a gift this was! Something rather mundane (I have cantored a lot over the past 10 years) had been turned into something very special for at least one person.
I wonder how often we effortlessly and unwittingly extend God's touch?
Is it not wonderful that God can use people this way?
Now I must remember that God can work whenever and however and through whichever means He desires.
The story of Balaam's Ass is humbling. I like the way singer Don Francisco put it in his song Balaam:
" When the Lord starts usin' you, don't you pay it any mind. He could have used the dog next door if He'd been so inclined."
I'm still thankful that I was there...
(Just a note that this is an older post that I just finished. The liturgical reference is out of date!)
Today at Mass, I cantored the psalm, which was part of psalm 19.
After Mass, a member of our clergy came up to me and clasped my hand and told me I'd made his day.
"How?" I asked.
He told me that the psalm was well done and what he needed to hear.
I thanked him. Later I realized that God had ministered to this man through me, and I was totally unaware.
My lack of awareness would prevent my interference, no doubt.
Wow. What a gift this was! Something rather mundane (I have cantored a lot over the past 10 years) had been turned into something very special for at least one person.
I wonder how often we effortlessly and unwittingly extend God's touch?
Is it not wonderful that God can use people this way?
Now I must remember that God can work whenever and however and through whichever means He desires.
The story of Balaam's Ass is humbling. I like the way singer Don Francisco put it in his song Balaam:
" When the Lord starts usin' you, don't you pay it any mind. He could have used the dog next door if He'd been so inclined."
I'm still thankful that I was there...
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Importance of the Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil can quite safely be called THE Mass of the Christian Liturgical year. It is the Vigil which is the main Mass of Easter. Easter Sunday Mass seems to be the one that most attend, particularly in places where the congregation has not been catechized as to the importance of the Vigil.
If people know anything about the Vigil, it is usually that it is a long Mass. If all the readings are proclaimed, there are seven Old Testament readings, seven psalms and seven corresponding prayers. Then, we have an Epistle reading and the Gospel reading. These readings trace out our salvation history, culminating in Jesus' resurrection. The liturgy of the Mass is not layed out willy-nilly. Each of those readings is there for a reason. Often though, the Vigil is shortened by eliminating some of the Old Testament readings.
At the Vigil Mass the water that will be used throughout the rest of the year is blessed to become Holy Water. Those who have been going through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults are received into the Church at this time. There may also be other baptisms and confirmations.
The Vigil can be three hours long.
What is three hours in the course of eternity? People will spend three hours shopping, at a hockey game, or even viewing a movie. A priest I know would tell people at the beginning of Mass to take off their watches. He would remind them that they were moving from chronos time to kairos time. They were taking a peek at eternity.
He had no problem with the long Mass.
Some will complain about the length. I think they need to be reminded of perspective. When I say this, I am assuming a healthy priest and a healthy congregation. Of course allowances must be made for infirmity. But if a person can sit at a hockey game for three hours? I think that blaming the length of the Mass for a small congregation is wrong-headed. We share the Mass with myriads of myriads each and every time we attend.
In a sense, the Vigil is a family reunion. At any Mass, we gather together with the Body of Christ, with Christ at the head. We join with Christians around the world, and throughout eternity. Those who have gone before us are there.
Removing readings (and the corresponding psalms and prayers) from the Vigil is like telling someone that we don't want to hear their family story. Sorry Uncle Isaiah, or Auntie Miriam, we don't want to hear from you this year.
And really, just how much time is saved by taking readings out?
Through this Mass, we are not spectators. There are Psalms and hymns to sing and prayers and a litany (assuming there is someone being baptized) to join in with, along with the responses common to any Mass. The Mass may actually start outdoors, so there is a procession into the church.
Hearing a Bishop complain about the length of the Vigil reminded me of two very enthusiastic members of the congregation one year; two small children aged 6 and about 4. They sang, they danced, they took turns 'directing' the choir, and had a lovely time. Their enthusiasm was quite an example. Over the years, I've seen many children at the Vigil. Rarely have they been disruptive or complaining.
All that said, I fully believe that people should be encouraged to be comfortable at what really is a long Mass. Dress nicely and modestly, but don't wear clothing that scratches or shoes that pinch. Bring a cushion or back support and a lap blanket if you think you'll need it (I know personally what a chill can do to arthritic knees and backs). Bring books or quiet toys for them, but expect children to fall asleep.
And a point of etiquette. When a parish has been assisting in an Easter Vigil Mass that uses all the readings provided, and has been doing so for several years, I would be very very cautious about suggesting change. While no one, not even the Bishop or the Pope 'owns' the Mass, people can become accustomed to practices. When these practices are in line with what the liturgy spells out, I believe that reducing the Mass is a poor choice.
God Bless
If people know anything about the Vigil, it is usually that it is a long Mass. If all the readings are proclaimed, there are seven Old Testament readings, seven psalms and seven corresponding prayers. Then, we have an Epistle reading and the Gospel reading. These readings trace out our salvation history, culminating in Jesus' resurrection. The liturgy of the Mass is not layed out willy-nilly. Each of those readings is there for a reason. Often though, the Vigil is shortened by eliminating some of the Old Testament readings.
At the Vigil Mass the water that will be used throughout the rest of the year is blessed to become Holy Water. Those who have been going through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults are received into the Church at this time. There may also be other baptisms and confirmations.
The Vigil can be three hours long.
What is three hours in the course of eternity? People will spend three hours shopping, at a hockey game, or even viewing a movie. A priest I know would tell people at the beginning of Mass to take off their watches. He would remind them that they were moving from chronos time to kairos time. They were taking a peek at eternity.
He had no problem with the long Mass.
Some will complain about the length. I think they need to be reminded of perspective. When I say this, I am assuming a healthy priest and a healthy congregation. Of course allowances must be made for infirmity. But if a person can sit at a hockey game for three hours? I think that blaming the length of the Mass for a small congregation is wrong-headed. We share the Mass with myriads of myriads each and every time we attend.
In a sense, the Vigil is a family reunion. At any Mass, we gather together with the Body of Christ, with Christ at the head. We join with Christians around the world, and throughout eternity. Those who have gone before us are there.
Removing readings (and the corresponding psalms and prayers) from the Vigil is like telling someone that we don't want to hear their family story. Sorry Uncle Isaiah, or Auntie Miriam, we don't want to hear from you this year.
And really, just how much time is saved by taking readings out?
Through this Mass, we are not spectators. There are Psalms and hymns to sing and prayers and a litany (assuming there is someone being baptized) to join in with, along with the responses common to any Mass. The Mass may actually start outdoors, so there is a procession into the church.
Hearing a Bishop complain about the length of the Vigil reminded me of two very enthusiastic members of the congregation one year; two small children aged 6 and about 4. They sang, they danced, they took turns 'directing' the choir, and had a lovely time. Their enthusiasm was quite an example. Over the years, I've seen many children at the Vigil. Rarely have they been disruptive or complaining.
All that said, I fully believe that people should be encouraged to be comfortable at what really is a long Mass. Dress nicely and modestly, but don't wear clothing that scratches or shoes that pinch. Bring a cushion or back support and a lap blanket if you think you'll need it (I know personally what a chill can do to arthritic knees and backs). Bring books or quiet toys for them, but expect children to fall asleep.
And a point of etiquette. When a parish has been assisting in an Easter Vigil Mass that uses all the readings provided, and has been doing so for several years, I would be very very cautious about suggesting change. While no one, not even the Bishop or the Pope 'owns' the Mass, people can become accustomed to practices. When these practices are in line with what the liturgy spells out, I believe that reducing the Mass is a poor choice.
God Bless
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