Be not much concerned who is for thee
or against thee, but let it be thy business
and thy care that God may be with thee in
everything thou dost.
~ROM. VIII. 31.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Our Sunday Drive
My husband and I drive about 40 minutes to Mass and 40 minutes back home every Sunday. I really like our time in the car together, I get to talk about anything I want, as much as I want, and he has to listen. LOL! But most of all I enjoy our conversations, we have some of the best on our way to Mass. I really learn a lot from him, and I think he's sometimes amazed at what I already know and how I look at things.
The part I must say I enjoy most is the reading time. I drive and Paul reads. Right now we are reading Mother Angelica, and so far it's been a wonderful journey. Reading this book together is great because it gives us things to talk about (not that we/I need help with that) that may not have come up other wise. We do read other books on our own, but we always have something we read together, which helps bring us closer to each other. I highly recommend this for any married couple. And I highly recommend reading the story of Mother Angelica.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
On Protestants and Catholicism
I found this article on one of the blogs I like to visit (click here to view), and I'd like to share it with you.
On Protestants and Catholicism
I’ve been corresponding lately with Gina, a former Baptist presently belonging to the Anglican mission, who recently has taken an interest in Catholicism. She’s not at the point of converting, has only recently begun looking into Catholicism, but I am struck by the intelligence and intellectual honesty of her inquiry. It’s very refreshing.
She wrote to me,
The accusations I've seen hurled against the RCC or the Orthodox churches have come up unfounded in the course of my research thus far. I feel as though I've been deceived. Friends, who are concerned about my research, are finding poorly managed website addresses to link me to with a fair amount of unfounded anti-Catholic rhetoric.
I'm not close to conversion, but this does perturb me, since the foundation of this prejudice is the promotion and maintenance of ignorance.
“I feel as though I've been deceived.” “The promotion and maintenance of ignorance.” Boy, can I relate. I went through this exact same process during my own conversion process. I remember at one point a pastor of mine at my old church gave me two supposedly excellent textbooks on Catholicism, written by Protestants. At that point I had already studied Catholicism extensively on my own, using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Magisterial documents, and respected Catholic authors, and was at the point of converting.
But I read the books anyway – and found them to be full of errors, inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and hearsay stories presented almost as official Church teaching. In short, they were hatchet jobs – and academic travesties. Another book I read on my own, written by a very respected Protestant author, went so far as to quote parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church out of context (parts I had already studied, so knew what they meant), and make them look like they meant the opposite of what the Church teaches - which tells me the author is either really dim, or intellectually dishonest.
When I returned them to my pastor, I told him what I had found, and asked him, “How could these authors have gotten it so completely wrong about Catholicism?” He replied, “Well, most Protestant authors don’t actually study Catholicism. They just repeat what other Protestant authors say. There’s very little actual original research out there.”
They just repeat what other Protestant authors say. Wow. How totally unoriginal – and irresponsible. But in retrospect, I suppose the reason why there’s not much actual research out there in the Protestant world is that those who actually honestly research and learn what Catholicism actually teaches wind up converting! After thorough study, regardless of their views at the beginning of the process (and I've heard of some who actually set out intending to disprove Catholicism), they were left with no objections to write about, and only reasons for becoming Catholics – more, strong desire to become a Catholic, once they really understand what it is all about. As happened to me, a contented Evangelical at the beginning of my own process.
Gina wrote a post about her process on her own blog, in which she recounts some of the controversy she’s encountered with her friends. From her blog post:
The life of Christ reflects an attitude of submission, community and faithfulness in the midst of turmoil, rather than ceaseless divisions, and that's a fact I can't avoid as I research and meditate on these matters.
That was also one of the things that led to my study of Catholicism – the ceaseless, biblically unsound divisions within the Protestant world that supposedly “takes the bible literally.” She then recounts several different objections raised by her friends, and her responses. My favorite is the first:
1) Unity is all well and good, but Catholics have reprehensible doctrine
It's fine with me if someone holds this position, if it's well researched beyond a few clicks at a anti-Catholic website or a side comment a pastor made once. The reason why I've chosen to give Catholicism a second glance, besides the influence of a former roommate who is also grappling with these issues, is because many who have impacted my faith the most were Catholic or related in some fashion. Flannery O'Connor, JRR Tolkien, Peter Kreeft, Brennan Manning (excommunicated, I think, so I suppose he doesn't count), Rich Mullins (very close to officially joining the Roman Catholic Church before his untimely death in '97), St. Augustine, St. Aquinas, and Mother Theresa are just a few that spring to mind.
If these people, who I credit with having a deep, correct understanding of depravity, grace, salvation, faith, and the Scriptures, can unequivocally align themself with a church that Protestants claim teaches an unbiblical perspective on the aforementioned issues, then who is amiss? These spiritual and intellectual giants, or my limited exposure to the fullness of church history and teaching? Certainly these "reprehensible" teachings deserve a thorough second glance, to be handled charitably, as I handle the views of Protestants charitably, seeking to understand instead of further dividing in my ignorance. An in-depth study of church history and theology is a daunting journey, but one that I believe is necessary at this juncture. The church wasn't dead from Pentecost to the Reformation. Things were happening, and I find my roots in the church of that time whether I wish to admit it or not.
Wow. Impressive. Honest. Clear-eyed. Rising above prejudice to look at the actual facts of history, and the actual facts of Church teaching. As she says, “An in-depth study of church history and theology is a daunting journey, but one that I believe is necessary at this juncture.” That was exactly where I found myself standing, all those years ago, as I realized that I needed to understand what really happened in history, what really happened during the Protestant Reformation, and where my own Evangelical theology really came from. It was the history of the Body of Christ, and I realized that since I was a member of the Body, it was my history, personally. So I needed to know it, and know where I stood in relation to it. And in the process of studying I found, through no fault of my own, that I was standing in the wrong place, and needed to change where I stood.
So I did. I became a Catholic. A change I have not regretted to this day, and do not believe I ever will. I thank God for making me a Catholic. It is the greatest blessing of my life, second only to knowing Christ my Lord Himself personally – and bringing me ever so much more deeply into Him, and Him into me, in and through the Church, because of receiving all that the Church has to give, more than I ever could have imagined when outside the Church.
So, I pray that God will bless Gina in the same way, as she makes this journey of discovery, that He will bless her for her faithfulness and honesty and willingness to find out the truth for herself, regardless of the cost – for to do so truly is to give up our all, and follow Christ Himself, wherever He leads.
On Protestants and Catholicism
I’ve been corresponding lately with Gina, a former Baptist presently belonging to the Anglican mission, who recently has taken an interest in Catholicism. She’s not at the point of converting, has only recently begun looking into Catholicism, but I am struck by the intelligence and intellectual honesty of her inquiry. It’s very refreshing.
She wrote to me,
The accusations I've seen hurled against the RCC or the Orthodox churches have come up unfounded in the course of my research thus far. I feel as though I've been deceived. Friends, who are concerned about my research, are finding poorly managed website addresses to link me to with a fair amount of unfounded anti-Catholic rhetoric.
I'm not close to conversion, but this does perturb me, since the foundation of this prejudice is the promotion and maintenance of ignorance.
“I feel as though I've been deceived.” “The promotion and maintenance of ignorance.” Boy, can I relate. I went through this exact same process during my own conversion process. I remember at one point a pastor of mine at my old church gave me two supposedly excellent textbooks on Catholicism, written by Protestants. At that point I had already studied Catholicism extensively on my own, using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Magisterial documents, and respected Catholic authors, and was at the point of converting.
But I read the books anyway – and found them to be full of errors, inaccuracies, misunderstandings, and hearsay stories presented almost as official Church teaching. In short, they were hatchet jobs – and academic travesties. Another book I read on my own, written by a very respected Protestant author, went so far as to quote parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church out of context (parts I had already studied, so knew what they meant), and make them look like they meant the opposite of what the Church teaches - which tells me the author is either really dim, or intellectually dishonest.
When I returned them to my pastor, I told him what I had found, and asked him, “How could these authors have gotten it so completely wrong about Catholicism?” He replied, “Well, most Protestant authors don’t actually study Catholicism. They just repeat what other Protestant authors say. There’s very little actual original research out there.”
They just repeat what other Protestant authors say. Wow. How totally unoriginal – and irresponsible. But in retrospect, I suppose the reason why there’s not much actual research out there in the Protestant world is that those who actually honestly research and learn what Catholicism actually teaches wind up converting! After thorough study, regardless of their views at the beginning of the process (and I've heard of some who actually set out intending to disprove Catholicism), they were left with no objections to write about, and only reasons for becoming Catholics – more, strong desire to become a Catholic, once they really understand what it is all about. As happened to me, a contented Evangelical at the beginning of my own process.
Gina wrote a post about her process on her own blog, in which she recounts some of the controversy she’s encountered with her friends. From her blog post:
The life of Christ reflects an attitude of submission, community and faithfulness in the midst of turmoil, rather than ceaseless divisions, and that's a fact I can't avoid as I research and meditate on these matters.
That was also one of the things that led to my study of Catholicism – the ceaseless, biblically unsound divisions within the Protestant world that supposedly “takes the bible literally.” She then recounts several different objections raised by her friends, and her responses. My favorite is the first:
1) Unity is all well and good, but Catholics have reprehensible doctrine
It's fine with me if someone holds this position, if it's well researched beyond a few clicks at a anti-Catholic website or a side comment a pastor made once. The reason why I've chosen to give Catholicism a second glance, besides the influence of a former roommate who is also grappling with these issues, is because many who have impacted my faith the most were Catholic or related in some fashion. Flannery O'Connor, JRR Tolkien, Peter Kreeft, Brennan Manning (excommunicated, I think, so I suppose he doesn't count), Rich Mullins (very close to officially joining the Roman Catholic Church before his untimely death in '97), St. Augustine, St. Aquinas, and Mother Theresa are just a few that spring to mind.
If these people, who I credit with having a deep, correct understanding of depravity, grace, salvation, faith, and the Scriptures, can unequivocally align themself with a church that Protestants claim teaches an unbiblical perspective on the aforementioned issues, then who is amiss? These spiritual and intellectual giants, or my limited exposure to the fullness of church history and teaching? Certainly these "reprehensible" teachings deserve a thorough second glance, to be handled charitably, as I handle the views of Protestants charitably, seeking to understand instead of further dividing in my ignorance. An in-depth study of church history and theology is a daunting journey, but one that I believe is necessary at this juncture. The church wasn't dead from Pentecost to the Reformation. Things were happening, and I find my roots in the church of that time whether I wish to admit it or not.
Wow. Impressive. Honest. Clear-eyed. Rising above prejudice to look at the actual facts of history, and the actual facts of Church teaching. As she says, “An in-depth study of church history and theology is a daunting journey, but one that I believe is necessary at this juncture.” That was exactly where I found myself standing, all those years ago, as I realized that I needed to understand what really happened in history, what really happened during the Protestant Reformation, and where my own Evangelical theology really came from. It was the history of the Body of Christ, and I realized that since I was a member of the Body, it was my history, personally. So I needed to know it, and know where I stood in relation to it. And in the process of studying I found, through no fault of my own, that I was standing in the wrong place, and needed to change where I stood.
So I did. I became a Catholic. A change I have not regretted to this day, and do not believe I ever will. I thank God for making me a Catholic. It is the greatest blessing of my life, second only to knowing Christ my Lord Himself personally – and bringing me ever so much more deeply into Him, and Him into me, in and through the Church, because of receiving all that the Church has to give, more than I ever could have imagined when outside the Church.
So, I pray that God will bless Gina in the same way, as she makes this journey of discovery, that He will bless her for her faithfulness and honesty and willingness to find out the truth for herself, regardless of the cost – for to do so truly is to give up our all, and follow Christ Himself, wherever He leads.
Answer
Monday's Riddle:
I have holes in my top and bottom, my left and right, and in the middle. But I still hold water. What am I?
The Answer:
A Sponge
I have holes in my top and bottom, my left and right, and in the middle. But I still hold water. What am I?
The Answer:
A Sponge
Friday, August 15, 2008
The African Lion
Lions are the only cats that live in groups, which are called prides. Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females, and their young. All of a pride's lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male.Only male lions boast manes, the impressive fringe of long hair that encircles their heads. Males defend the pride's territory, which may include some 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) of grasslands, scrub, or open woodlands. These intimidating animals mark the area with urine, roar menacingly to warn intruders, and chase off animals that encroach on their turf.Female lions are the pride's primary hunters. They often work together to prey upon antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and other large animals of the open grasslands. Many of these animals are faster than lions, so teamwork pays off.After the hunt, the group effort often degenerates to squabbling over the sharing of the kill, with cubs at the bottom of the pecking order. Young lions do not help to hunt until they are about a year old. Lions will hunt alone if the opportunity presents itself, and they also steal kills from hyenas or wild dogs.Lions have been celebrated throughout history for their courage and strength. They once roamed most of Africa and parts of Asia and Europe. Today they are found only in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except for one very small population of Asian lions that survives in India's Gir Forest.
Mmmmmm!!!
This morning I woke up early and made blueberry muffins. I'm sure my hubby was really shocked to see me in the kitchen so early, since he hardly sees me at all in the morning.
It's not often I try baking anything no matter how simple because it usually doesn't turn out so good, but today they were pretty tasty. I wish I would have taken a picture (I borrowed this one), I'll have to make them again so I can do that. I only made four. I sent three of them with Paul to work and kept one for myself. The batter probably could have made 6 but I chose to make really big muffins.
I think I'll make some cookies next, or maybe a cake, I feel a sudden urge to make a cake. Maybe I'll just make both!
A Question For You!!!
Christ:
"I am the living bread that has come down from Heaven. If anyone eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is mu flesh for the life of the world."
"Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you... For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed... He who eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, abides in me, and I in him..."
My question is this:
Can you help me to explain the TRUE PRESENCE of Christ like you're speaking to an 8 year old? And how do you argue the point with someone who believes that Christ was speaking symbolically and not literally?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Angel Guardian
Angel of God,
My Guardian dear,
To whom God's love
Commits me here,
Ever this day (or night)
Be at my side,
To light and guard,
To rule and guide.
Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
From the Baltimore Catechism (1-7)
1. Who made us?
God made us.
2. Who is God?
God is the Supreme Being who made all things.
3. Why did God make us?
God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness
in heaven.
4. What must we do to gain happiness in heaven?
To gain the happiness in heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.
5. From who do we learn to know , love and serve God?
We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the son of God, who teaches us
through the Catholic Church.
(The Church is the flock of Christ. In this flock we follow the Good Shepherd. We listen to Him teaching us what to do)
6. Where do we findthe cheif truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church?
We find the cheif truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles' Creed.
(It is called the "Apostles' Creed" because in it are all the chief truths which Christ taught His Apostles.)
7. Say the Apostles' Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, His only Son, Our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the
dead; He ascended into heaven, from sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the
Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and life everlasting. Amen.
God made us.
2. Who is God?
God is the Supreme Being who made all things.
3. Why did God make us?
God made us to show forth His goodness and to share with us His everlasting happiness
in heaven.
4. What must we do to gain happiness in heaven?
To gain the happiness in heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world.
5. From who do we learn to know , love and serve God?
We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the son of God, who teaches us
through the Catholic Church.
(The Church is the flock of Christ. In this flock we follow the Good Shepherd. We listen to Him teaching us what to do)
6. Where do we findthe cheif truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church?
We find the cheif truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles' Creed.
(It is called the "Apostles' Creed" because in it are all the chief truths which Christ taught His Apostles.)
7. Say the Apostles' Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, His only Son, Our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the
dead; He ascended into heaven, from sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the
Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Food For Thought
A fervant religious man bears and takes all things well that are commanded him.
A negligent and lukewarm religious man has trouble upon trouble and on every side suffers anguish; because he has no comfort within and is hindered from seeking any without.
A religious man that lives not in discipline lies open to dreadful ruin.
~ Thomas `a Kempis
fervent: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.
hindered: to interfere with action or progress.
A negligent and lukewarm religious man has trouble upon trouble and on every side suffers anguish; because he has no comfort within and is hindered from seeking any without.
A religious man that lives not in discipline lies open to dreadful ruin.
~ Thomas `a Kempis
fervent: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.
hindered: to interfere with action or progress.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Verse of the Week
If thou continue on My way thou
shalt know the truth, and the truth
shall deliver thee.
~John VIII. 32.
shalt know the truth, and the truth
shall deliver thee.
~John VIII. 32.
St. Clare
St. Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who became the Foundress of an order of nuns now called "Poor Clares." When she heard St. Francis of Assisi preach, her heart burned with a great desire to imitate Francis and to live a poor humble life for Jesus. So one evening, she ran away from home, and in a little chapel outside Assisi, gave herself to God. St. Francis cut off her hair and gave her a rough brown habit to wear, tied with a plain cord around her waist. Her parents tried in every way to make her return home, but Clare would not. Soon her sister, St. Agnes joined her, as well as other young women who wanted to be brides of Jesus, and live without any money. St. Clare and her sisters wore no shoes, ate no meat, lived in a poor house, and kept silent most of the time. Yet they were very happy, because Our Lord was close to them all the time. Once, He saved them from a great danger in answer to St. Clare's prayer. An army of rough soldiers came to attack Assisi and they planned to raid the convent first. Although very sick, St. Clare had herself carried to the wall and right there, where the enemies could see it, she had the Blessed Sacrament placed. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. "O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed. A voice seemed to answer: "I will keep them always in My care." At the same time a sudden fright struck the attackers and they fled as fast as they could. St. Clare was sick and suffered great pains for many years, but she said that no pain could trouble her. So great was her joy in serving the Lord that she once exclaimed: "They say that we are too poor, but can a heart which possesses the infinite God be truly called poor?" We should remember this miracle of the Blessed Sacrament when in Church. Then we will pray with great Faith to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist: "Save me, O Lord, from every evil - of soul and body."
Her feast day is August 11.
Riddle
I have holes in my top and bottom, my left
and right, and in the middle. But I still hold
water. What am I?
and right, and in the middle. But I still hold
water. What am I?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
By Fr. Daren J. Zehnle
I was reading Fr. Daren J. Zehnle's blog and thought I should share this.
http://dzehnle.blogspot.com/
And with your what?
By now you have probably heard that when the new translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal is approved for use in the English-speaking world, the response of the people that currently is rendered, “And also with you,” will more accurately be, “And with your spirit.”Many are confused about this new translation and do not quite understand what it means. To our modern ears it may sound a bit esoteric. As you might well expect, though, there is a good reason for the change.The primary reason for the change of translation is simply because “And with your spirit” is an accurate and faithful translation of the Latin, et cum spiritu tuo.The Most Rev. Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds (England) and Chairman of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) noted that the response, et cum spiritu tuo
cannot be understood without reference to Saint Paul, who will often address a person, for example Timothy, by referring to “your spirit” rather than simply to “you”. … [H]e is addressing someone close to God who has God’s spirit. So when we reply, ‘and with your spirit,’ we are indicating that we are part of a spiritual community, it is God’s spirit that has gathered us together.Bishop Roche memorably called the new translation, “speak[ing] bible.” What does he mean?Saint Paul concludes his second letter to Saint Timothy, his “beloved child” (II Timothy 1:2), with these words: “The Lord be with your spirit” (II Timothy 4:22; see also Galatians 6:18 and Philippians 4:23).To our modern ears this greeting sounds rather odd, given that we only rarely use the word “spirit.” When we do use the word we either refer to the third Person of the Blessed Trinity, or we refer to something like a geist or a ghost (as in the spooky kind most associated with Halloween).This response is first found in use in the Liturgy in Hippolytus’ Apostolic Tradition, written around a.d. 215. Its use has continued in the Liturgy to the present day, being used when the Liturgy is celebrated in the vernacular in every language except English (for example, in Spanish the people respond Y con tu espiritu; in German, Und mit deinim Geiste; etc.) Every vernacular translation has been faithful to the Latin except for – so far as I know - the English translation.For this reason alone I am happy to see the response properly translated in English. It allows us to pray in greater unity with the Church Universal by using the very same response.But why this literal response instead of “and also with you”? The theological reasons run deep for the use of “and with your spirit.” When the faithful respond in this manner they refer to the priest’s (or, in some instances, the deacon’s) spirit of ordination. In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (now the Committee for Divine Worship) explained the change in translation thus:
The expression et cum spiritu tuo is only addressed to an ordained minister. Some scholars have suggested that spiritu refers to the gift of the spirit he received at ordination. In their response, the people assure the priest of the same divine assistance of God’s spirit and, more specifically, help for the priest to use the charismatic gifts given to him in ordination and in so doing to fulfill his prophetic function in the Church.It is not so much a greeting of the man, but of the office he holds. The response, "And also with you," simply does not capture this aspect of the greeting.This response of the faithful, then, is no mere kind acknowledgment of the priest’s greeting; it is not simply a mindless response, as we so often give in normal conversation. It is, rather, a prayer that the priest celebrate worthily and well the mysteries entrusted to him.
http://dzehnle.blogspot.com/
And with your what?
By now you have probably heard that when the new translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal is approved for use in the English-speaking world, the response of the people that currently is rendered, “And also with you,” will more accurately be, “And with your spirit.”Many are confused about this new translation and do not quite understand what it means. To our modern ears it may sound a bit esoteric. As you might well expect, though, there is a good reason for the change.The primary reason for the change of translation is simply because “And with your spirit” is an accurate and faithful translation of the Latin, et cum spiritu tuo.The Most Rev. Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds (England) and Chairman of the International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) noted that the response, et cum spiritu tuo
cannot be understood without reference to Saint Paul, who will often address a person, for example Timothy, by referring to “your spirit” rather than simply to “you”. … [H]e is addressing someone close to God who has God’s spirit. So when we reply, ‘and with your spirit,’ we are indicating that we are part of a spiritual community, it is God’s spirit that has gathered us together.Bishop Roche memorably called the new translation, “speak[ing] bible.” What does he mean?Saint Paul concludes his second letter to Saint Timothy, his “beloved child” (II Timothy 1:2), with these words: “The Lord be with your spirit” (II Timothy 4:22; see also Galatians 6:18 and Philippians 4:23).To our modern ears this greeting sounds rather odd, given that we only rarely use the word “spirit.” When we do use the word we either refer to the third Person of the Blessed Trinity, or we refer to something like a geist or a ghost (as in the spooky kind most associated with Halloween).This response is first found in use in the Liturgy in Hippolytus’ Apostolic Tradition, written around a.d. 215. Its use has continued in the Liturgy to the present day, being used when the Liturgy is celebrated in the vernacular in every language except English (for example, in Spanish the people respond Y con tu espiritu; in German, Und mit deinim Geiste; etc.) Every vernacular translation has been faithful to the Latin except for – so far as I know - the English translation.For this reason alone I am happy to see the response properly translated in English. It allows us to pray in greater unity with the Church Universal by using the very same response.But why this literal response instead of “and also with you”? The theological reasons run deep for the use of “and with your spirit.” When the faithful respond in this manner they refer to the priest’s (or, in some instances, the deacon’s) spirit of ordination. In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (now the Committee for Divine Worship) explained the change in translation thus:
The expression et cum spiritu tuo is only addressed to an ordained minister. Some scholars have suggested that spiritu refers to the gift of the spirit he received at ordination. In their response, the people assure the priest of the same divine assistance of God’s spirit and, more specifically, help for the priest to use the charismatic gifts given to him in ordination and in so doing to fulfill his prophetic function in the Church.It is not so much a greeting of the man, but of the office he holds. The response, "And also with you," simply does not capture this aspect of the greeting.This response of the faithful, then, is no mere kind acknowledgment of the priest’s greeting; it is not simply a mindless response, as we so often give in normal conversation. It is, rather, a prayer that the priest celebrate worthily and well the mysteries entrusted to him.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Why I'm voting Democrat
Why I'm voting Democrat:
I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.
I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.
I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four pointy headed elitist liberals need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that when the terrorists don't have to hide from us over there, when they come over here I don't want to have any guns in the house to fight them off with.
I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.
~ This was sent to me by e-mail and I found it to be so amusing I just had to share it.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.
I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.
I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four pointy headed elitist liberals need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe that when the terrorists don't have to hide from us over there, when they come over here I don't want to have any guns in the house to fight them off with.
I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.
~ This was sent to me by e-mail and I found it to be so amusing I just had to share it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Food For Thought
Be still, my soul, be still!
what you are going through is God's will.
You are in His hands and under His care,
so be still, my soul, be still!
Hush, oh my heart, just hush!
for there is no reason to rush.
Just follow His will, belong to Him still,
and hush, dear heart, just hush!
Forget it, my mind, forget it!
your old ways can never be fit.
For you now live His way, remember this pray,
Must forget it, old ways --forget it!
Obey, now my body, obey!
see you can't rule me now away.
For Jesus is Lord, oh lips speak His word,
and obey, now my body, obey!
Be giving, now whole self, be giving!
to Jesus who Lords over the living.
With Him you have died, in Him cricified,
Be giving, now whole self, be giving!
~ Monica Davis
what you are going through is God's will.
You are in His hands and under His care,
so be still, my soul, be still!
Hush, oh my heart, just hush!
for there is no reason to rush.
Just follow His will, belong to Him still,
and hush, dear heart, just hush!
Forget it, my mind, forget it!
your old ways can never be fit.
For you now live His way, remember this pray,
Must forget it, old ways --forget it!
Obey, now my body, obey!
see you can't rule me now away.
For Jesus is Lord, oh lips speak His word,
and obey, now my body, obey!
Be giving, now whole self, be giving!
to Jesus who Lords over the living.
With Him you have died, in Him cricified,
Be giving, now whole self, be giving!
~ Monica Davis
A Question For You!
Today I drove by a church, and the sign out front said "Coptic Orthodox Church".
Can anyone tell me what this means?
Can anyone tell me what this means?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Good for John McCain!
Searching the web I found this statement about McCain on a site that was bashing him and worshiping Obama, now I have no idea how old this is but I am going to share my opinion anyhow.
"John McCain voted against legislation that would have prevented unintended pregnancy by investing in insurance coverage for prescription birth control, promoting family-planning services, implementing teen-pregnancy prevention programs, and developing programs to increase awareness about emergency contraception"
What exactly are teen-pregnancy prevention programs? What do they involve? Is it basically a way for these young girls to receive free birth control, condoms, or be given more information on abortion? Does anyone ever just say "OK, today we're going to talk about abstinence, and about how the right thing to do is wait until your married".? Although I don't know for sure (and I plan on looking into it) I highly doubt that these topics are ever discussed.
Good for John McCain! Until the teen-pregnancy prevention programs are only being implemented to teach and promote abstinence and waiting for marriage without also telling these young girls "but if you choose not to wait here are some other options birth control, condoms, abortion, etc..." they should not be covered by insurance companies or the government.
"John McCain voted against legislation that would have prevented unintended pregnancy by investing in insurance coverage for prescription birth control, promoting family-planning services, implementing teen-pregnancy prevention programs, and developing programs to increase awareness about emergency contraception"
What exactly are teen-pregnancy prevention programs? What do they involve? Is it basically a way for these young girls to receive free birth control, condoms, or be given more information on abortion? Does anyone ever just say "OK, today we're going to talk about abstinence, and about how the right thing to do is wait until your married".? Although I don't know for sure (and I plan on looking into it) I highly doubt that these topics are ever discussed.
Good for John McCain! Until the teen-pregnancy prevention programs are only being implemented to teach and promote abstinence and waiting for marriage without also telling these young girls "but if you choose not to wait here are some other options birth control, condoms, abortion, etc..." they should not be covered by insurance companies or the government.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
St. Alphonsus
St. Alphonsus was born in the village of Marianella near Naples, Italy, September 27, 1696. At a tender age his pious mother inspired him with the deepest sentiments of piety. The education he received under the auspices of his father, aided by his own intellect, produced in him such results that at the early age of sixteen, he graduated in law. Shortly after, he was admitted to the Neopolitan bar. In 1723, he lost a case, and God made use of his disappointment to wean his heart from the world. In spite of all opposition he now entered the ecclesiastical state. In 1726, he was ordained a priest. He exercised the ministry at various places with great fruit, zealously laboring for his own sanctification. In 1732, God called him to found the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, with the object of laboring for the salvation of the most abandoned souls. Amid untold difficulties and innumerable trials, St. Alphonsus succeeded in establishing his Congregation, which became his glory and crown, but also his cross. The holy founder labored incessantly at the work of the missions until, about 1756, he was appointed Bishop of St. Agatha, a diocese he governed until 1775, when broken by age and infirmity, he resigned this office to retire to his convent where he died. Few saints have labored as much, either by word or by writing, as St. Alphonsus. He was a prolific and popular author, the utility of whose works will never cease. His last years were characterized by intense suffering, which he bore with resignation, adding voluntary mortifications to his other pains. His happy death occurred at Nocera de Pagani, August 1, 1787.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
St. Martha
"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus." This unique statement in John's gospel tells us of the special relationship Jesus had with Martha, her sister, and her brother.
Apparently Jesus was a frequent guest at Martha's home in Bethany, a small village two miles from Jerusalem. We read of three visits in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53, and John 12:1-9.
Many of us find it easy to identify with Martha in the story Luke tells. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her home and immediately goes to work to serve them. Hospitality is paramount in the Middle East and Martha believed in its importance. Imagine her frustration when her sister Mary ignores the rule of hospitality and Martha's work in order to sit and listen to Jesus. Instead of speaking to her sister, she asks Jesus to intervene. Jesus' response is not unkind, which gives us an idea of his affection for her. He observes that Martha is worried about many things that distract her from really being present to him. He reminds her that there is only one thing that is truly important -- listening to him. And that is what Mary has done. In Martha we see ourselves -- worried and distracted by all we have to do in the world and forgetting to spend time with Jesus. It is, however, comforting to note that Jesus loved her just the same.
The next visit shows how well Martha learned this lesson. She is grieving the death of her brother with a house full of mourners when she hears that Jesus has just come to the area. She gets up immediately and leaves the guests, leaves her mourning, and goes to meet him.
Her conversation with Jesus shows her faith and courage. In this dialogue she states clearly without doubt that she believes in Jesus' power, in the resurrection, and most of all that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life and then goes on to raise her brother from the dead. Our final picture of Martha in Scripture is the one that sums up who she was. Jesus has returned to Bethany some time later to share a meal with his good friends. In this home were three extraordinary people. We hear how brother Lazarus caused a stir when was brought back to life. We hear how Mary causes a commotion at dinner by annointing Jesus with expensive perfume. But all we hear about Martha is the simple statement: "Martha served." She isn't in the spotlight, she doesn't do showy things, she doesn't receive spectacular miracles. She simply serves Jesus.
But wouldn't it be wonderful if the most important thing that could be said about us is "They served"?
Prayer:
Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day.
Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day.
Amen
For The Courtyard
After months of looking & looking we finally found a set of patio furniture that we both really liked.
The pillows are much brighter in person!! Oh, there's a second chair too, but it wouldn't fit in the picture.
I know, I know, the plastic cover is still on the table. We'll take it off eventually.
The pillows are much brighter in person!! Oh, there's a second chair too, but it wouldn't fit in the picture.
I know, I know, the plastic cover is still on the table. We'll take it off eventually.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Food For Thought
"We might have much peace if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others and things which belong not to us."
~ Thomas `a Kempis
~ Thomas `a Kempis
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Ooops!!!
Well so much for all of the great picture's of the kids playing at the beach. I went to the store to get film (yes I use film) and I forgot about batteries, which would have been fine if the camera took AA's, but it doesn't. I have a digital camera also, but it's still full of honey moon pictures from 5 months ago. I like my Pentax more though, (not digital) it takes better pictures.
Anyhow, when Holly said she brought her camera I was relieved, until we got to the beach and her camera didn't even have enough battery to take one picture.
Thank goodness for Cassidy, I just hope she actually sends them to me this time.
Anyhow, when Holly said she brought her camera I was relieved, until we got to the beach and her camera didn't even have enough battery to take one picture.
Thank goodness for Cassidy, I just hope she actually sends them to me this time.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A Day In The Sun
I've never been the type that likes to hang out in the sun, in fact the joke with my family is how I'm as white as a ghost, and I'm okay with that. My usual response to their comments is "I would rather be as white as a ghost than look older sooner than I have to".
But, today I'm going down to the beach with Holly, (my brother's wife & good friend) Cierra, Sean, (my niece & nephew ) and Cassidy (my Little sister) I'm really excited!!! Of course I have tons of sun screen on, so I don't get fried.
I've lived near the beach for a couple of years now and I've only been on the sand about 3 times, isn't that sad? Most people would love to live half a mile away from the beach! This year is going to be different though, even if I just go by myself to read a book I plan on going more often. I plan on taking lots of pic today, hopefully they turn out alright.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Just A Little Change
I hope everyone likes what I did with my blog--I just felt it needed a bit of a softer look. I know I haven't made very many posts lately, but I'm back!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Please help me answer this question!
I'm hoping that someone can help me to give the best answer to the this question. And in the most simple way possible.
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