The Christmas Scale

The best "Good News" in the world, from a simple musical scale.  Enjoy!

Home, Radio Preachers, and Habakkuk

Ah... Home!  There's nothing like being able to rest in a place of comfort and love after a long and hard semester. 

As I was driving back to the Sooner State after my finals, I decided to listen to the radio instead of my CD's.  I pressed the scan button, and found a Christian radio station that was in the Bott Radio network (BRN), a nation-wide evangelical Protestant radio ministry.  When I drive the I-44 corridor, I am usually able to find a number of stations that carry this network, and I enjoy getting to listen to the preachers discuss various Scripture passages.  It's oftentimes very enlightening, and I am always impressed by their knowledge of the Word of God.  I may disagree with them at times, especially when the eschatological sermons come on the air, but you've got to respect their abilities and their genuine love for Christ.

One of the sermons was on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, namely the final chapter (3).  I enjoyed listening to the preacher preach about this minor prophet, relating him to our own times.  This made me want to share with you this wonderful book -- short, but so pertinant to us, especially in the times when we struggle with seemingly hopeless situations.

Habakkuk lived just prior to, and possibly during, the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.  The book is rather short, but it speaks of oppression and a shaken faith; a faith that has been tested by the onslaught of the enemies of the People of Israel, and yet has not failed.

The book begins with the lament of the prophet: "O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?  Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save?" (1:2)  This plea speaks of human frailty and, I think beautifully, implies the firm faith of the prophet in the never-failing assistance of God.  Think about it; why would Habakkuk have even bothered to cry out to the LORD if he had no precedent, no trust in the abilities of the God of Jacob?  Indeed, he makes this point in verse 12 of the same chapter: "Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One?  We shall not die."

This lament is followed by God's reply to the prophet.  It is a reply of consolation, but not the consolation that is necessarily desired.  "... the righteous shall live by his faith(fulness)." (2:4)  The rest of the prophecy speaks of the evil of those who do not follow God's commands, how they will be "sated with contempt instead of glory," (2:16) yet it only ends with one real consolation:"But the LORD is in his holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before him." (2:20)  While this is a showing of God's fidelity to Israel -- that He remains in his temple, and therefore with His people -- it appears almost superficial and a even shallow, like the depths of a reflection pool.  It does not speak much of God's Righteous wrath, but rather of the self-imposed struggles that come with a life that is not upright in the Eyes of God.

This hollow answer shakes Habakkuk, and his anxiety is expressed in his prayer to God in the final chapter.  In desperation, he pleas to God: "In the midst of the years renew (your work); in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy." (3:2) It is as if Habakkuk is trying to entice the LORD to work great wonders, and make His Presence felt as He had so magnificently in ages passed.  Habakkuk is fearful for the future of his country, for the future of his race.  Yet he shows faith inspite of this.

Habakkuk knows that God's wrath is not made manifest in His Presence, but rather in His absence. By this, he is acknowledging the necessity of God's Presence in all things.  He realizes that God's prophecy in the previous chapter speaks of how God's absence is a direct result of our own choice to reject him, not His own choice.  Habakkuk is afraid of the judgement we bring upon ourselves and that is found in in the hearts of Men, not God.  He knows that salvation and reconciliation to God can only be found in God.

With this in mind, Habakkuk finishes his work, in chapter 3, with some of the most profoundly faith-filled words I have prayed upon:

(17)Though the fig tree does not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flocks be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

(18)Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

(19)God, the LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like deer's feet, 

he makes me tread upon high places.

I get the chance to pray with these words in the Liturgy of the Hours, during Morning Prayer (Lauds) of Friday in Week II of the psalter.  They are words that speak of complete surrender to God.  God will not always choose to bless us with material comfort and solace, but if we remain faithful, He never fails to bless us with His Presence, even in spite of our failings through sin.  If we can hold on to this insight into God's Love for us, we will come to realize that He is all we need.  Then, we will be saints.

Archbishop Sheen and Our Lady

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the death of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, arguably one of the most important American clerics of the past century.  As I was reading about his life, I stumbled upon a poem by Mary Dixon Thayer that the archbishop was known to recite from time to time, and which I present to you now.  Read it, and as Archbishop Sheen would always say at the end of a speech: "God love you!"

Lovely Lady dressed in blue -------
Teach me how to pray!
God was just your little boy,
Tell me what to say!

 

Did you lift Him up, sometimes,
Gently on your knee?
Did you sing to Him the way
Mother does to me?

 

Did you hold His hand at night?
Did you ever try
Telling stories of the world?
O! And did He cry?

 

Do you really think He cares
If I tell Him things -------
Little things that happen? And
Do the Angels' wings

 

Make a noise? And can He hear
Me if I speak low?
Does He understand me now?
Tell me -------for you know.

 

Lovely Lady dressed in blue -------

Teach me how to pray!

God was just your little boy,

And you know the way.

"Drop Down Ye Heavens" -- A. Cusworth

Tonight, a musical ensemble, under the guidance of Brian Wideman, seminarian from the diocese of Greenbay WI, participated in a traditional Lessons and Carols program at St. Meinrad Archabbey.  This is a YouTube video of one of the pieces we performed: "Drop Down Ye Heavens," an arrangement of Isaiah 45:8 composed by Andrew Cusworth.  Unfortunately, I don't believe that there is a recording of us, but this SATB choir does a marvelous job.  Enjoy, and Happy Advent!

Faith of Our Fathers = "True Catholic Obedience"

 The following quote is from a sermon by Fr. Frederick William Faber, author and composer of the famous hymn "Faith of Our Fathers," and a convert to the Catholic Faith from Anglicanism in the 19th Century:

"To enthrone a past age in our affections above the one which God has given us in His Church is, implicitly at least, to adopt the formula of heresy and schism. To do so explicitly is incompatible with an orthodox belief, as well as with true Catholic obedience. The past has a thousand uses to us; it loses every one of them as soon as we begin to idolize it."

St. Meinrad Schola Sings Biebl's Ave Maria

This semester, the schola of St. Meinrad Seminary were given the opportunity to record a few pieces.  My sincere thanks to Sr. Bernardone Rock for her leadership in bringing out such a beautiful sound.  Enjoy!

Bishop Sheen on Contraception

This is a great way of talking about the Church's teachings on the frustration of life (aka birth control).  I will always remember what Bishop Sheen said regarding the term birth control: "The words are not very proper, first of all because those who believe in it, actually believe in neither birth, nor in control."  It's a bit long, but it's worth the listen.

"How Else?"

The following is a poem I wrote recently for a meeting of St. Meinrad's "Inklings Society": a group of seminarians who share various personal works of creative writing while enjoying the homey environs of a local pub.  It's entitled "How Else?" I'll let you figure out who's speaking:

 How Else?

In the Dark I walk in stillness.

A low, deep hush;

I grasp for light.

In the Din I search for closeness;

For some small touch;

A truth-filled sense of near.

“Why do I go mourning?”

Why do I sigh amidst walking,

Searching?

 God is my portion and my cup.

Indeed, a rush -

This quenching tide.

And yet He has given Me up.

With this is such

A drenching, drowning tear.

I watch as I’m dying.

Time passing by and yet nothing;

Nothing.

But I trust, though waters be black,

And thousands crushed;

I am held high.

In Me, there is nothing I lack.

For God is hunched,

Holding, calling Me dear.

So, in the Dark I wade.

In the Din I seek.

With a sigh I mourn.

On my path I die.

Yet I undo the hate,

And embrace the meek.

As I rise at Morn,

Messengers on High

Greet Me.

Greet you.

You,

 Yes you,

Are here in this with Me.

No,

Not two;

You now share Divinity.

How else?

The Commercial and the Parody

There has been an add recently put out there for President Obama from a college-age student, named Lena Dunham.  I thought I'd share her commercial along with a witty parody.  Watch them and be amused and disappointed with our culture today.

Roger Scruton's "Argument's for Conservatism"

I highly recommend this book.  It is an approachable commentary on modern Western philosophy, and its consequences.  Here's a quote from the chapter entitled "Meaningful Marriage":

"[Gay marriage] resembles Hennry VIII's move to gain eccleslastical endorsement for his divorce, by making himself head of the Church.  The Church that endorsed his divorce thereby ceased to be the Church whose endorsement he was seeking."

Christian Bale presents award to blind pro-life activist from China :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

I knew there was another reason besides his brilliant personality why Christian Bale was my favorite Batman... :-)

Christian Bale presents award to blind pro-life activist from China :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Catholic chapel to open near Okla. abortion clinic :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Catholic chapel to open near Okla. abortion clinic :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

I miss my dog, George...

Pro-Abortion Attacks and Vandalism in Argentina

This is a very sad presentation of the vehemence of the pro-abortion/sexual liberation community in Argentina.  The Catholic Cathedral in Posadas, Argentina was the focus of pro-abortion vandals a few weeks ago.  The mob defaced the exterior walls of the church with graffiti while also physically assaulting people standing as barriers to the entrance of the church.  Please pray for conversion of heart for those responsible, as well as the continued fortitude and perseverance of those standing in protection of the Church and the Right to Life throughout the world.

Uruguay bishops say lawmakers who support abortion are excommunicated :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

This is a bold step taken by a bishop... and I think one that authentically takes into account the rights and responsibilities we have as Catholics.  Pray for perseverence and fortitude for every one of the shepherds of the Church.

Uruguay bishops say lawmakers who support abortion are excommunicated :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Happy Feast of Blessed John Paul II

Holy Father, pray for your sons and daughters.

Down Syndrome and Perfection

Please take the time to watch this.  It speaks volumes to the dignity of each and every human person.

USCCB Responds to Inaccurate Statement Made in VP Debate

The following is taken from the USCCB Website:

 

October 12, 2012

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the following statement, October 12. Full text follows:
Last night, the following statement was made during the Vice Presidential debate regarding the decision of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to force virtually all employers to include sterilization and contraception, including drugs that may cause abortion, in the health insurance coverage they provide their employees:

"With regard to the assault on the Catholic Church, let me make it absolutely clear. No religious institution—Catholic or otherwise, including Catholic social services, Georgetown hospital, Mercy hospital, any hospital—none has to either refer contraception, none has to pay for contraception, none has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any insurance policy they provide. That is a fact. That is a fact."

This is not a fact. The HHS mandate contains a narrow, four-part exemption for certain "religious employers." That exemption was made final in February and does not extend to "Catholic social services, Georgetown hospital, Mercy hospital, any hospital," or any other religious charity that offers its services to all, regardless of the faith of those served.

HHS has proposed an additional "accommodation" for religious organizations like these, which HHS itself describes as "non-exempt." That proposal does not even potentially relieve these organizations from the obligation "to pay for contraception" and "to be a vehicle to get contraception." They will have to serve as a vehicle, because they will still be forced to provide their employees with health coverage, and that coverage will still have to include sterilization, contraception, and abortifacients. They will have to pay for these things, because the premiums that the organizations (and their employees) are required to pay will still be applied, along with other funds, to cover the cost of these drugs and surgeries.

USCCB continues to urge HHS, in the strongest possible terms, actually to eliminate the various infringements on religious freedom imposed by the mandate.

For more details, please see USCCB's regulatory comments filed on May 15 regarding the proposed "accommodation": www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/comments-on-advance-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-on-preventive-services-12-05-15.pdf

Feast of the Gaurdian Angels

Angel of God, My Gaurdian dear,

To whom His Love commits me hear,

Every this day, be at my side,

To Light, to Guard, to Rule, and to Guide.

Amen.

Why Marriage Matters: Reaffirmation of DOMA

St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael: Pray for Us!

Today is the Feast of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.  As patronal feast day for my dad, who took the name of Raphael as his confirmation name, I am often reminded of the power of these holy beings, who stand before God, and reflect as "mirrors," his Power and Love to us.

In this particularly stress-filled time, when school work rages, the political monster is rearing its ugly head, and gloom is incroaching upon the remnants of summer, the words of the powerful Prayer to St. Michael come to mind:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle;

Be our safeguard against the wikedness and snairs of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,

By the Power of God

Cast into hell Satan, and all the evil Spirits,

who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

With confidence we can look to the angels for guidance and aid.  Let us remember this today, and thank God for giving us the archangels as a means by which to come to know His Glory even more.

"The New Normal: Redefining Traditional"

"The New Normal:" a show on prime-time television that is "redefining traditional," as it regards the traditional family.  This show is based on the story of a gay couple in a commited relationship who has decided to have a child from a surrogate mother.  I won't even get into how this show debases women by seeing them simply as breeders, and children as nothing but a commodity.  No, I'm just sticking to the racial issue.

One of the lines here says: "I know somebody else from a non-tradtional family:a 'halfrican' American who was raised by a grandma... your definition of 'traditional' might need a refresh."

This line is meant to imply that the term "non-traditional family" should include gay couples.  As one who comes from a "non-traditional family" -- black step-father and white mother -- I resent this comparison.  This clip equates race with sexual orientation.

I am not a scientist, so I have no opinion on the "nature/nurture" debate; but to say that one's sexual orientation -- a characteristic that connotes action, in other words, one must choose to act upon one's sexual preference-- is the same in kind as the color of one's skin -- a thing that is unalterable by the act of the will -- cheapens the human understanding of sexuality and ethnicity. 

Sexuality must be actualized by the will, and because of this, is one of the most humanized actions we are capable of doing.  In other animals, it is simply instinct.  Whether or not one is born with homosexual tendencies does not take from him the ability to choose to act upon his sexuality.  He can choose to reject it, accept it, flaunt it, suppress it... etc.  Choice defines this aspect of our lives. 

But a person born of a certain ethnicity does not have the ability to choose anything about his race.  He simply is black, white, latino, asian... etc.  Sure, you can try to change things -- the way you dress, how you act, even cosmetic changes.  But you can't act upon your ethnicity.

On his blog, the Tall Seminarian recently posted about a great opportunity for the Catholic faithful to grow in the upcoming Year of Faith:

"DAILY YEAR OF FAITH READING:  By the end of the Year of Faith would you like to say you’ve read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church?  A simple, effective say to do that is to receive a snippet of the Catechism in your email inbox each day from the beginning of the Year of Faith to its conclusion.  If that’s one way you’d like to participate in the Year of Faith, then you can register for the daily reading of the Catechism at:  www.flocknote.com/catechism."

Join us as we learn about the teachings of the Church!

"Living Jesus" Final Review Question

Question #3: Why must there be many gospel witnesses to Jesus?

There must be multiple witnesses to the person of Jesus so that there will be multiple “vantage points” (119) by which to capture the truth of Him.  This allows the Church to develop an interpretation of Jesus without being fettered by strictly biographical narration, thereby speaking to the holistic reality of Jesus (125).

When many are interested in “the facts” of Jesus, looking for points of congruency and rationales for discrepancy, the most important reality of Jesus is lost, namely the plural nature of the truth of Jesus (125).  By this is meant that the diversity or “multiplicity” of the Gospels speaks to more than a simply historical narrative.  It speaks of the living memory of the community that believes in Him (122) and, in so doing, speaks of the enduring experience of the nature of Jesus throughout history (127).  “Truth” in the Gospels is not simply factual information, but the witness of faith given by the evangelists that point to the incomprehensible reality of Jesus as God and Man (128).

Oklahoma Business Sues over HHS Mandate

Hobby Lobby is a national arts and crafts chain, headquartered in Oklahoma.  If the HHS mandate is not repealed, their business will be fined over $1,000,000 a day.  This is more than a Catholic issue, folks -- Hobby Lobby's founder, David Green, is an evangelical Protestant.  Follow this link to see the story: Hobby Lobby Sues over HHS Mandate

Widor: Organ Symphony No.6 -- Finale

THIS is what I want for the recessional for my ordination!! 

My Bishop and the Camino

Follow this link to CNA: Bishops recall 'Way of St. James' as chance to trust in God :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

"Living Jesus" Review Question 2

· 

      Question 2: Johnson evidently thinks that things named in the four subsections of this chapter, in addition to the Bible, are necessary in order to know Jesus.  Explain why he is right about this.

Johnson states that the Christian tradition can only be understood and expounded upon in the context of these fundamental aspects: a community of disciples, scripture, the creed, and the teaching authority of the Church (pg 26, 29).

The Church was established as an “ongoing community of disciples” who perpetuated the belief in Jesus by means of a union of belief and practice.  This union defined the community as being a living testimony to real relationship with Jesus (pg 27), and through the witness of each member, the community grew in its discernment of His teachings (pg 28).  This witness and discernment led to the development of three principle frameworks through which the tradition of Christianity was to be defined, preserved, and promoted. 

The Canon of Scripture was the first aspect to give cohesion to the Christian community.  Through the dissemination of various letters and manuscripts, Christians gave evidence of the “universal and normative nature” required in her holy writing (pg 29).  This gave the community a special continuity among its believers, not only in that time, but throughout history.  As Johnson states: “… through [Scripture], God could continue to speak to the church in every age and every place.” (Ibid)

The creed, or “rule of faith” has also played an integral part for the definition and maintenance of the Christian community.  Through the rule of the Church, specifically in its creedal formulas, the perpetuation of orthodoxy was assured (pg 33).  This creedal rule has come to be a means by which the reality of the Faith, as experienced by the community of believers, is safeguarded from distortion of interpretation by those within the community (Ibid.).  The creed identifies the nature of Christianity by being an “expression of conviction about God’s work in Jesus” (pg 34).

The linchpin for the definition, preservation and promotion of Christian tradition is the teaching authority of the Church. It is what gives both scripture and the rule of faith credence because it is the institutional testimony required to propel them forward.  As Johnson states: “… there can scarcely be tradition without institutional leadership” (pg 37).  It is this particular framework that gives cohesion and interpretation to scripture and creed.  And since it utilizes them to deliver itself to the body of believers, the teaching authority of the Church cannot be seen to exist without scripture or creed (pg 38).  Together, these three aspects form a framework by which the tradition of Christianity excels.