Pray for Haiti

Hurricane Tomas Strikes Haiti

Take some time to pray for the people of Haiti, who have suffered so much and who now must face a devastating new challenge.

New Saints in Roman Missal 3

The USCCB has an article on their website regarding propers for saints added to the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Check it out at the link below.

USCCB - Roman Missal New Kids on the Block

A New Enthusiasm

What is needed at the present time is a new enthusiasm, a new joy and serenity of mind in the unreserved acceptance by all of the entire Christian faith, without forfeiting that accuracy and precision in its presentation which characterized the proceedings of the Council of Trent and the First Vatican Council. What is needed, and what everyone imbued with a truly Christian, Catholic and apostolic spirit craves today, is that this doctrine shall be more widely known, more deeply understood, and more penetrating in its effects on men's moral lives. What is needed is that this certain and immutable doctrine, to which the faithful owe obedience, be studied afresh and reformulated in contemporary terms. For this deposit of faith, or truths which are contained in our time-honored teaching is one thing; the manner in which these truths are set forth (with their meaning preserved intact) is something else.

These words sound as if they could have bee written today. Instead, they were proclaimed forty-eight years ago today, as Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council.

For people of my generation and older, Vatican II is part of our living history. For people in their 30's and younger, it is a thing of the past, something they read and hear about but have not really experienced. Still, Vatican II seems to be part of the collective Catholic lexicon, often cited with little real knowledge of why the Council was called, what the Council said, and what all of this means to the life of the Church and to each human person.

We argue about what the Second Vatican Council said about the Church Universal, the liturgy, the laity, the clergy, and many other important matters. But have we achieved the "new enthusiasm," called for by Pope John? Do we crave "that this doctrine shall be more widely known, more deeply understood, and more penetrating in its effects on men's moral lives?"

Today may be a good day to read Pope John's opening address to the Council. Towards its conclusion he reminded the gathered prelates of the importance of the Council saying,

The eyes of the world are upon you; and all its hopes.

Let us give thanks to God for his servant, Pope John XXIII and for all of those who so faithfully sought the counsel of the Holy Spirit during that important time in history. May we show our thanks by honoring their work and seeking the Spirit with the same fervor, charity and patience.

Workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Added

The Office of Worship has added an additional workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at St. Mary Parish in Pardeeville this fall. The remaining workshops are listed below.

Sacred Hearts Parish in Sun Prairie
Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m.

Nativity of Mary Parish in Janesville
Saturday, September 25 at 9 a.m.

St. Peter in Madison
Wednesday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.
for Madison east side parishes

St. Mary Parish in Pardeeville
Saturday, October 23 at 9 a.m.

For more information or to register, go to www.madisondiocese.org/emhc.

Over 5800 people have attended these workshops since September 2007.

(Artwork: La multiplication des pains by Corrine Vonaesch)

Pastoral Companion to the Roman Missal

World Library Publications is preparing to publish a Pastoral Companion to the Roman Missal by popular scholar/author Fr. Paul Turner. While I have not yet seen it, the description looks like this will be a very useful tool as we begin to pray with the newly translated texts. Here is the information from the publisher:

This is the essential companion to the new English translation of the Roman Missal. Father Paul Turner walks you through the newly translated Entrance and Communion Songs, Collects, Prayers over the Gifts, and Postcommunion Prayers for Sundays and Solemnities. Helpful pastoral suggestions and historical background are provided in a clear, concise, accessible manner. This eminently pastoral book is packed with helpful scholarship, making connections between the texts of the Missal and the Lectionary. Special bonus: introductions and conclusions to the Prayer of the Faithful for each Sunday and Solemnity, written in new Missal "style." A must-have!

Click here for more information.

I'll be placing other resources on the blog as time moves forward. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

A Cause for "Great Concern"

The Vatican released a communique from the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue concerning current events in our country and around the world.

VATICAN CITY, 8 SEP 2010 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue today released an English-language communique describing its "great concern at the news of the proposed 'Koran Burning Day' on the occasion of the anniversary of the 11 September tragic terrorist attacks in 2001 which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and considerable material damage.

"These deplorable acts of violence, in fact, cannot be counteracted by an outrageous and grave gesture against a book considered sacred by a religious community. Each religion, with its respective sacred books, places of worship and symbols, has the right to respect and protection. We are speaking about the respect to be accorded the dignity of the person who is an adherent of that religion and his/her free choice in religious matters.

"The reflection which necessarily should be fostered on the occasion of the remembrance of 11 September would be, first of all, to offer our deep sentiments of solidarity with those who were struck by these horrendous terrorist attacks. To this feeling of solidarity we join our prayers for them and their loved ones who lost their lives.

"Each religious leader and believer is also called to renew the firm condemnation of all forms of violence, in particular those committed in the name of religion. Pope John Paul II affirmed: 'Recourse to violence in the name of religious belief is a perversion of the very teachings of the major religions' (address to the new ambassador of Pakistan, 16 December 1999). His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI similarly expressed, 'violence as a response to offences can never be justified, for this type of response is incompatible with the sacred principles of religion' (address of His Holiness Benedict XVI, to the new ambassador of Morocco, 6 February 2006)".

Lord, Give Success to the Work of Our Hands

As we approach Labor Day, I think that it is good to reflect upon and to re-orient ourselves toward the role of work in God's mysterious plan.

Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth, both with and for one another. Hence work is a duty: "If any one will not work, let him not eat (2 Thess 3:10, cf. 1 Thess 4:11)." Work honors the Creator's gifts and the talents received from him. It can also be redemptive. By enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth and the one crucified on Calvary, man collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in his redemptive work. He shows himself to be a disciple of Christ by carrying the cross, daily, in the work he is called to accomplish. Work can be a means of sanctification and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2427

Our faith calls us to value work, to desire to work, and to put in an honest day's work. At the same time our faith requires employers to provide a just wage and to allow full access to employment without unjust discrimination (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2426-2436).

There is so much talk about work these days, especially since so many people are unemployed and many, many more are underemployed. To make enough money to pay the bills or to have health insurance, many work long hours which impact the quality of their family lives. "Work is for man, not man for work," the Catechism reminds us (2428).

I think that Labor Day provides a chance for all of us to first thank God for the gift of work along with the many other gifts that he freely and generously gives us (life, faith, family, Church, creation, food, etc). It is also a time to pray for those who are in need of work.

Finally, I think it provides an opportunity to examine our own consciences about our view of human labor within the context of our faith:

• If I have a job, do I put in an honest day's work? Am I honest and truthful? Am I respectful of other's property or do I feel entitled to take things from work that aren't mine? Do I treat coworkers with respect? Am I charitable? Do I put work ahead of family? Do I rest from work on Sundays?
  
• If I do not have a job, have I done all that I can to search for a job? Have I tried to improve my skills or study a new field? Have I given up hope? Do I seek God's guidance and sustenance? Am I angry with God? Do I use the time that I now have doing something positive? Do I still seek to help others as best as I can?
  
• Whether or not we have a job, all of us can ask ourselves, Do I respect all people regardless of whether or not they have a job? Do I respect all people or do I judge people based on status or job? Do I have compassion for people who work in difficult conditions? Do I value companies that provide fair and just labor standards when I consider a purchase? Do I begrudge someone who gets government or other assistance when unemployed or underemployed? Have I reflected upon the Catholic position regarding immigration?

Labor Day gives us the opportunity to thank God for the gift of work and to pray for people who want to work but do not have employment or are unable to work. I know that this year I will pray for those who have dangerous jobs, especially the trapped Chilean minors (and for their families).

A number of years ago I was asked by our Office for Justice and Peace to compose a litany to be used on Labor Day. I try to review it each year around Labor Day to remind myself of the dignity God has bestowed upon work and worker alike. I wrote about it last year and it can be found by clicking here.

Below is a prayer (slightly adapted, for personal prayer) from the Sacramentary (Masses for Various Needs and Occasions: For the Blessing of Human Labor):

God our Father,
by the labor of men and women you govern and guide to perfection
the work of creation.
Hear the prayers of your people
and give all men and women work
that enhances their human dignity
and draws them closer to each other
in the service of their brothers and sisters.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Here Come the Irish

The University of Notre Dame's Center for Liturgy has an impressive site dedicated to web catechesis on the Roman Missal.

The site includes video presentations from Msgr. Bruce Harbert (the former Executive Director of ICEL who was in charge of the new translation), Fr. Michael Joncas, Fr. Douglas Martis, Msgr. James Moroney (a consultant to the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments), Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, Fr. Paul Turner and Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S. The videos vary in length and include solid catechesis.

Topics vary from the theoretical to the practical and address all aspects of the Roman Missal, including the theology, explanation of translation changes and issues surrounding music. This definitely is a site to bookmark.

Roman Missal Workshop Added in Montello

We have added one more location to our diocesan introductory workshops on the Roman Missal. It will be on Wednesday, October 6 at St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello. Go to the Office of Worship's Roman Missal page for more information.

One workshop already has been held in Madison and another will be offered today in Sun Prairie. Future workshops will be held in Lancaster (September 1), Madison (September 1), Beloit (September 8), Spring Green (September 23), and now in Montello (October 6).

More Questions Than Answers

NOTE: After posting the text below on the Roman Missal I noticed that the "art of the day" was a 16th-century depiction of the Tower of Babel. Someone has a sense of humor! I thought that I would include it with the post.

The U. S. Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship has really gotten out ahead of the third edition of the Roman Missal and their website has a lot of good information. Today they issued an updated version of FAQs.

In our own diocese we began our series of introductory workshops today. This morning about 70 pastors, liturgists, musicians, catechists and other parish leaders met at the O'Connor Center to discuss the Roman Missal. We had a lively meeting with some good suggestions and many questions raised. We have a lot of corporate wisdom among the priests, deacons and lay leaders of the diocese. The longer I am here the more I have grown to respect that!

Perhaps the most insightful question was this: What do I say to the parishioner who asks me how this will make him/her a better Catholic?

That's really the heart of the matter. How do we become better Catholics, more Christlike, through our participation in the Sunday Eucharist?

It reminded me a bit of one of my own family stories. Several years ago, when my oldest child was three, we attended Easter Sunday Mass at our (pro)cathedral. The bishop likes to chant the Pater Noster in Latin on many major feasts and we did so that day.

Later that afternoon, while coming off a sugar buzz, my daughter said, "Daddy! We didn't pray the Our Father this morning at church."

"We did," I said and explained that we chanted it in Latin. "Why?" she asked.

I was caught off guard a bit (I am embarrassed to say). I couldn't really say, "Well, dear, article 36.1 of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says that Latin is to be preserved in the liturgy." Or even, "Pope Benedict encouraged the use of Latin in the liturgy in his apostolic exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis (no. 62)."

So I sought, and found, the perfect answer: "Ask your mother."

Anyway, while our congregations are made of adults (who deserve to be treated as adults), it won't fly with too many Americans to say that our translation is changing because of Liturgiam Authenticam, or because we wish to capture the unique structure of the beauty of the Latin or any other such answer. The translation will change...will our hearts? How will this new translation help all of us worship God with a fuller heart, mind and voice?

I have my ideas on the matter and will share as time goes on. Any ideas from you? Post a comment.

An Educational Journey: The Roman Missal and Love

Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, Director of Media Relations for the USCCB, wrote an interesting blog entry regarding the Roman Missal. "We Catholics are about to embark on an educational journey," she writes. The brief entry includes some thoughtful reflections on the use of less common-place words in the new translation. Click here to view her article.

The entry has also sparked a heated exchange on the USCCB Facebook page, with all of the usual accusations being thrown about. There are a lot of angry people out there who either love the new translation or love the old one. Unfortunately, they appear not to love each other.

I keep coming across the phrase that real charity doesn't mean being "nice" but sharing the truth. I heartily disagree! Saint Paul said (I Corinthians 13) that love is, among other things, kind, humble and not rude. The Truth is Love. God is Love. Name-calling and attributing motives to others with whom we differ is neither Truth nor Love. The First Letter of Saint John says: "Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love" (I John 4:8). Therefore it is important for us always to examine our hearts (and our words and actions) for the presence or absence of love.

Teaching others requires a great deal of love and discipline. Without this, I believe that we are on a slippery slope whereby we become a counter-witness, turning others away. We can plant the seed and live it ourselves, with God's grace. We can nurture it in others through prayer and example, through love and encouragement. As St. Francis of Assisi is said to have instructed others, "Preach the Gospel without ceasing. Use words when necessary."

Love does not require silence, acquiescence, timidity or capitulation. In fact, the opposite is true. Love is bold, zealous and all-conquering. Love makes one vulnerable and yet tenacious. It appears weak but is strong.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. (I John 4:7-12)

Roman Missal is Now Approved

Cardinal Francis George, OMI, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], announced today the United States Bishops have received the final text of the Roman Missal. While the Order of Mass was approved in 2008, this marks the completion of the entire Roman Missal for the dioceses of the United States.

The approved text, previously available online, has some slight changes, according to a letter from the Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship Secretariat. These changes are:

• the words of absolution in the Penitential Act have been modified (so that the text of the current Sacramentary is maintained);
• the addition of "I believe" at three points in the Profession of faith;
• several slight modifications to the texts of the Eucharistic Prayers;
• the final doxology of the Eucharistic Prayer has been slightly altered.

In addition, it has been announced that the popular Memorial Acclamation, "Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again," is no longer an option in the Order of Mass. This had been an American adaptation to the 1985 Roman Missal and the inclusion of this acclamation had been in doubt since it was not in the Latin typical edition.

The Missal will be available for use in Advent 2011. The study text will be posted on the USCCB website soon at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

A more complete article from Catholic News Service is available here.

Our own diocesan workshops for priests and parish leaders will begin next week and discuss the Roman Missal in detail. Go to www.madisondiocese.org/romanmissal for more information.

Altar Servers

Catholic News Service reported yesterday that the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, included a story which praised the Vatican's 1994 decision, during the pontifcate of Pope John Paul II, to allow girls to serve as altar servers. The article appeared shortly after Pope Benedict XVI met with 25,000 altar servers in St. Peter's Square, of which 60% were girls and young women.

The report from CNS said,

Assisting the priest during Mass is both a service and a privilege and represents "a deep and responsible way to live one's Christian identity," said an article published Aug. 7 in L'Osservatore Romano.

"The exclusion of girls from all of this, for the sole reason of their being female, has always weighed heavily and represented a deep inequality within Catholic education," it said.

The CNS article concludes mentioning the 2001 clarification which stated that priests could not be required by their bishop to use girls and women as altar servers.

The full text of the article is available here.

Parishes provide Communion options to those with gluten intolerance

Parishes provide Communion options to those with gluten intolerance National Catholic Reporter

Concert Season

There are several choral concerts in our diocese during these next few weeks. Here are a few (click on the links for more information):

Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center
Madison Diocesan Choir Spring Concert

Monday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.
St. Andrew in Verona
The University of Notre Dame Liturgical Choir (pictured above)

Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Beloit
The OLA Parish Choir Concert

All of these concerts are free.

Incoming Missal

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a press release today announcing that the revised Roman Missal has received the required recognitio from the Holy See.

A timeline for implementation has not yet been announced.

Publication of Roman Missal is "Imminent"

The National Catholic Register published an article today saying that the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments would issue the recognitio (approval) of the English-language Roman Missal today. While no official word has been given, Vatican radio reported on the meeting of Pope Benedict XVI and the Vox Clara working group of bishops preparing the final version of the Missal. Vatican Radio referred to the publication as "imminent."

As of noon CT, there is no official report acknowledging the recognitio.

In the Name of Jesus

The first reading for today's Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles (4:1-12) and is one which visitors to the O'Connor Center may find familiar. The artistic highlight of the chapel is floor-to-ceiling mosaic depicting the scene from this Scripture.

The 30-foot mosaic is original to the chapel, which was dedicated in 1964. It was designed by a German-born artisan in Milwaukee, Felix G. Senger, and assembled in Berlin. Many people involved in the project remember its installation because it first was laid out in the lobby of the seminary and then assembled--piece by piece--on the chapel wall. The mosaic is composed of glass and marble and is made up of over 360,000 pieces.

The Risen Christ stands radiantly as the focal point of the artwork, showing the glorified wounds on his hands in the familiar orans position.

On the lower third of the mosaic is depicted the climax of the account of Peter and John healing a disabled man outside of the temple (previous portions of this were read on Wednesday and Thursday of this week).

Peter and John were going to the temple for prayer, and this man, disabled from birth, was begging for alms at the "Beautiful Gate" of the temple. Upon hearing him, Peter looked him in the eye and said, "I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, (rise and) walk" (Acts 3:6). The man did just that, amazing all who were familiar with him.

Peter and John began preaching to all who had witnessed the miracle, but they were arrested on orders from the temple leaders. Jailed over night, they were questioned the following day. When asked on what authority they had healed this man, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and his testimony is inscribed in the mosaic:

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
whom you crucified,
whom God has raised from the dead,
even in this name
does he stand before you sound. (Acts 4:10)

This inscription highlighted the original name of the building, "Holy Name Seminary." The building was built by the first Bishop of Madison, Bishop William P. O'Connor (1886-1973). His episcopal motto, In Nomine Jesu (In the Name of Jesus), gave rise to both the building's name and the mosaic's image. Bishop O'Connor was a "Council Father," having attended the first two sessions of the Second Vatican Council.

The Seminary was formally closed in 1995 and was renovated in 1998. The building was renamed to honor that first bishop and is now the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center. The Chapel was renamed the Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel. The chapel was beautifully renovated at that time and magnificent stained glass windows were installed depicting Christ, the saints (including one of the first depictions of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta--Mother Teresa--in the world), and the works of mercy that we are called to perform as the Body of Christ.

On a side note, I have always felt that mosaics shed some light on the nature of the Church. Hundreds of thousands of pieces of glass and marble are used in this particularly mosaic, and each one is important. Some are made in brilliant colors--gold, maroon and red. Some are less brilliant and in muted tones. Some make up important figures--the face of Christ or the hand of Peter--while others are relegated to seemingly less important areas--an apostolic toe or perhaps a simple piece of the background far from where the eye is drawn.

Yet each uniquely shaped and colored piece is important and adds to the beauty of the whole. Each has a place and a job. If even one piece of glass was removed from the least significant portion of this mosaic, we would notice. The beauty of the whole would be diminished. If one piece was too brilliant it, too, would diminish the whole, detracting from the overall beauty and calling attention to itself.

Like a mosaic, we can't all be the most beautiful, eloquent, or influential in the Church. But each one is needed or the entire Body is diminished.

Enjoy this Festival!

My favorite Easter homily comes from the great Eastern saint, John Chrysostom (347-407). As priest and later Archbishop of Constantinople he was known for the eloquence of his preaching, earning the title Chrysostom (golden-mouthed).

The homily (below) is followed by a clip from J. S. Bach's (1685-1750) great Easter Cantata, Christ lag in Todesbanden (Christ lay in the bonds of death). This cantata's text and melody are based upon the Easter Sequence Victimae Paschali laudes (Praise the Paschal Victim). The homily and music...written 1300 years apart by the greatest Orthodox preacher and the most gifted Lutheran musician, seem to make a nice combination.

Happy Easter!

An Easter Homily by Saint John Chrysostom

Are there any who are devout lovers of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!

Are there any who are grateful servants? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

Are there any weary from fasting? Let them now receive their due!

If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their reward.

If any have come after the third hour, let them with gratitude join in the feast!

Those who arrived after the sixth hour,let them not doubt; for they shall not be short-changed.

Those who have tarried until the ninth hour, let them not hesitate; but let them come too.

And those who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let them not be afraid by reason of their delay.

For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. The Lord gives rest to those who come at the eleventh hour, even as to those who toiled from the beginning. To one and all the Lord gives generously. The Lord accepts the offering of every work. The Lord honors every deed and commends their intention.

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!

First and last alike, receive your reward.

Rich and poor, rejoice together!

Conscientious and lazy, celebrate the day!

You who have kept the fast, and you who have not, rejoice, this day, for the table is bountifully spread!

Feast royally, for the calf is fatted.

Let no one go away hungry.

Partake, all, of the banquet of faith.

Enjoy the bounty of the Lord's goodness!


Let no one grieve being poor, for the universal reign has been revealed.

Let no one lament persistent failings, for forgiveness has risen from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free.

The Lord has destroyed death by enduring it. The Lord vanquished hell when he descended into it. The Lord put hell in turmoil even as it tasted of his flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he said, “You, O Hell, were placed in turmoil when he encountering you below.”

Hell was in turmoil having been eclipsed.

Hell was in turmoil having been mocked.

Hell was in turmoil having been destroyed.

Hell was in turmoil having been abolished.

Hell was in turmoil having been made captive.

Hell grasped a corpse, and met God.

Hell seized earth, and encountered heaven.

Hell took what it saw, and was overcome by what it could not see.

O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory?

Christ is risen, and you are cast down!

Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!

Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is risen, and life is set free!

Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead.

For Christ, having risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Christ be glory and power forever and ever. Amen!

Below is the fifth movement of Christ lag in Todesbanden as sung by the gifted ensemble Cantus Cölln.

It was a strange battle where death and life struggled. Life won the victory, it has swallowed up death. Scripture has proclaimed how one death ate the other, death has become a mockery. Alleluia! (English translation for the fifth movement from www.bach-cantatas.com)

And, because it is such a wonderful piece of music, here is the first half of the cantata.

Christ lay in death's bonds handed over for our sins, he is risen again and has brought us life For this we should be joyful, praise God and be thankful to him and sing alleluia, Alleluia

EMHC Workshop on May 1

The Office of Worship is presenting a workshop for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at St. Bernard Church in Madison on Saturday, May 1 (9-10:30 a.m.). Contact the Office of Worship for more details.

The Oil of Mercy

"In the lamp of our lives, the oil of mercy should never run dry."
Pope Benedict XVI, Chrism Mass Homily (April 1, 2010)

Earlier today the Chrism Mass was celebrated in Saint Peter's Basilica for the Diocese of Rome. In his homily, the Holy Father spoke very eloquently about the sacramental signs of the Church and the special symbolism of oil. The phrase above is certainly one that will remain with me for awhile (I hope!).

But more impressive (to me at least) was his discourse on love, joy and suffering.

In the early Church, the consecrated oil was considered a special sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit, who communicates himself to us as a gift from Christ. He is the oil of gladness. This gladness is different from entertainment and from the outward happiness that modern society seeks for itself. Entertainment, in its proper place, is certainly good and enjoyable. It is good to be able to laugh. But entertainment is not everything. It is only a small part of our lives, and when it tries to be the whole, it becomes a mask behind which despair lurks, or at least doubt over whether life is really good, or whether non-existence might perhaps be better than existence. The gladness that comes to us from Christ is different. It does indeed make us happy, but it can also perfectly well coexist with suffering. It gives us the capacity to suffer and, in suffering, to remain nevertheless profoundly glad. It gives us the capacity to share the suffering of others and thus by placing ourselves at one another’s disposal, to express tangibly the light and the goodness of God. I am always struck by the passage in the Acts of the Apostles which recounts that after the Apostles had been whipped by order of the Sanhedrin, they “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41). Anyone who loves is ready to suffer for the beloved and for the sake of his love, and in this way he experiences a deeper joy. The joy of the martyrs was stronger than the torments inflicted on them. This joy was ultimately victorious and opened the gates of history for Christ.

I have always been impressed by Pope Benedict's homilies and writings on love. We often say that it is misunderstood by "the world." I would argue that it also is misunderstood by many in the Church. I hope that a careful reading of, and deep reflection on, Pope Benedict's wise words will help remedy this.

We should glory in the cross

"We should glory in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for he is our salvation,
our life and our resurrection;
through him we are saved and made free."
(Galatians 6:14)

These words--the text of the introit or introduction of the Holy Thursday mass—start off these wonderful Three Days of prayer that we call the Easter Triduum. Lent ends sometime today without any fanfare. By the time we gather this evening for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Lent has ended. At the same time, Easter has not yet begun. It is as if we are standing in a threshold between rooms—we are in neither and both at the same time.

As the Triduum begins on Holy Thursday we savor the sweetness of the Eucharist in its fullest sense. We explore both the treasure and the cost. We eat and drink with “loins girt” as the Old Testament reading says—celebrating our Passover. We listen once again to Saint John's account of the Last Supper in which Jesus washed the feet of his disciples saying, "As I have done, you should also do."

On Holy Thursday we are reminded that Eucharist is both verb and noun…something received and given. It is something that we enter into. It is something that transforms our lives.

Below is a recording of the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos singing the introit for the day (the text is from Galatians, quoted above).

"Let us resolve to make this week holy"

Catholic News Service (CNS) published a brief story yesterday marking the twentieth anniversary of the death of Sr. Thea Bowman. She spent much of her life helping African-Americans through her ministry of education and music.

Weeks before her untimely death from cancer at age 52, she dictated a text about Holy Week for publication in the Jackson (MS) diocesan newspaper. Here is the text below as published by CNS.

Let us resolve to make this week holy by claiming Christ's redemptive grace and by living holy lives. The Word became flesh and redeemed us by his holy life and holy death. This week especially, let us accept redemption by living grateful, faithful, prayerful, generous, just and holy lives.

Let us resolve to make this week holy by reading and meditating (on) holy Scripture. So often, we get caught up in the hurry of daily living. As individuals and as families, reserve prime time to be with Jesus, to hear the cries of the children waving palm
branches, to see the Son of Man riding on an ass' colt, to feel the press of the crowd, to be caught up in the "Hosannas" and to realize how the cries of acclamation will yield to the garden of suffering, to be there and watch as Jesus is sentenced by Pilate to Calvary, to see him rejected, mocked, spat upon, beaten and forced to carry a heavy cross, to hear the echo of the hammer, to feel the agony of the torn flesh and strained muscles, to know Mary's anguish as he hung three hours before he died.

We recoil before the atrocities of war, gang crime, domestic violence and catastrophic illness. Unless we personally and immediately are touched by suffering, it is easy to read Scripture and to walk away without contacting the redemptive suffering that makes us holy. The reality of the Word falls on deaf ears.

Let us take time this week to be present to someone who suffers. Sharing the pain of a fellow human will enliven Scripture and help us enter into the holy mystery of the redemptive suffering of Christ.

Let us resolve to make this week holy by participating in the Holy Week services of the church, not just by attending, but also by preparing, by studying the readings, entering into the spirit, offering our services as ministers of the Word or Eucharist, decorating the church or preparing the environment for worship.

Let us sing, "Lord, have mercy," and "Hosanna." Let us praise the Lord with our whole heart and soul and mind and strength, uniting with the suffering church throughout the world -- in Rome and Northern Ireland, in Syria and Lebanon, in South Africa and Angola, India and China, Nicaragua and El Salvador, in Washington and Jackson.

Let us break bread together; let us relive the holy and redemptive mystery. Let us do it in memory of him, acknowledging in faith his real presence upon our altars.

Let us resolve to make this week holy by sharing holy peace and joy within our families, sharing family prayer on a regular basis, making every meal a holy meal where loving conversations bond family members in unity, sharing family work without grumbling, making love not war, asking forgiveness for past hurts and forgiving one another from the heart, seeking to go all the way for love as Jesus went all the way for love.

Let us resolve to make this week holy by sharing holy peace and joy with the needy, the alienated, the lonely, the sick and afflicted, the untouchable.

Let us unite our sufferings, inconveniences and annoyances with the suffering of Jesus. Let us stretch ourselves, going beyond our comfort zones to unite ourselves with Christ's redemptive work.

We unite ourselves with Christ's redemptive work when we reconcile, when we make peace, when we share the good news that God is in our lives, when we reflect to our brothers and sisters God's healing, God's forgiveness, God's unconditional love.

Let us be practical, reaching out across the boundaries of race and class and status to
help somebody, to encourage and affirm somebody, offering to the young an incentive to learn and grow, offering to the downtrodden resources to help themselves.

May our fasting be the kind that saves and shares with the poor, that actually contacts the needy, that gives heart to heart, that touches and nourishes and heals.

During this Holy Week when Jesus gave his life for love, let us truly love one another.

This is what the liturgy teaches us!

I was going to post this famous setting of Ubi caritas by French composer Maurice Durufle (1902-86) tomorrow, but since Sr. Thea signed off with those words, it seems fitting today. The English text is below the video.




Where charity and love are, there God is.

The love of Christ has gathered us into one flock.
Let us exult, and in Him be joyful.
Let us fear and let us love the living God.
And from a sincere heart let us love each other.

Therefore, whensoever we are gathered as one:
Lest we in mind be divided, let us beware.
Let cease malicious quarrels, let strife give way.
And in the midst of us be Christ our God.

Together also with the blessed may we see,
Gloriously, Thy countenance, O Christ our God:
A joy which is immense, and also approved:
Through infinite ages of ages.Amen.

"You anoint my head with oil"

Tonight we will celebrate the Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Madison. The Chrism Mass is proper to Holy Thursday but may be moved to another day near Easter "if it is difficult for the clergy and the people to assemble with their bishop on Holy Thursday morning" (Ceremonial of Bishops, 275).

The liturgy takes its name from the Chrism that is consecrated at the Mass. The Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens are blessed as well. These oils are taken directly to each parish from the Mass and by week's end, many of them will have seen their first use.

The word "Chrism" comes from "Christ." This olive oil, perfumed with balsam and other scents, is anointed on the hands of priests at their ordination, poured onto altars and rubbed into walls of new churches at their dedication, traced in the form of a cross on people being confirmed as well as on the heads of babies at their baptism. It is yet another sign of Christ, reminding us that the priest stands "in the person of Christ;" that the altar--where the Sacrifice of Christ is re-presented--is itself a reminder of Christ; and that the church building itself stands as a witness to Christ in the community. It is used in baptism and confirmation to remind us all that we are "priests, prophets and kings" and that we are anointed in the Spirit preparing for a life of strenuous witness to God.

The Chrism Mass itself, "manifests the communion of the presbyters with their bishop...[and is] a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, which continue to be present in the Church" (Ceremonial of Bishops, 274).

Unity is vital to the Church ("the essence of the Church" according to the Catechism). It is of such importance that it was on the mind of Jesus as he prayed in the Garden.

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)

Unfortunately, unity clearly is lacking in many aspects of Church life. Unity, like much of our faith, is difficult because God is the granter of unity (we can't make it happen on our own) but he wills our participation in this great work (he doesn't do it without us). He continuously provides us with models, most especially in the sending of his Son to become like us in all things but sin and to suffer, die and rise for us.

In my opinion unity today often takes on the form of "if you come to me we will be united." For Christians, we must always be willing to take the initiative (again and again, if necessary). It doesn't mean we compromise the Truths of our faith. It simply means that we follow Christ's example.

He is the Word that brings salvation.
He is the hand you stretch out to sinners.
He is the way that leads to your peace. (Eucharistic Prayer, Mass of Reconciliation II)

Following up on the oil theme, I have selected an excerpt from Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms as today's Holy Week choral selection. In this movement he combines a lush setting of Psalm 23 with a frenetic setting of Psalm 2. (The entire work is set in Hebrew.) I have often thought that the solo for boy soprano at the beginning of this music is one of the most sublime pieces ever written.

Behold and See

I am sorry for the lack of posts these past few weeks, but I figure that most of the people who view this blog (and your numbers are over a dozen, if you count my family!) are also pretty busy this Lent.

Now we come to our high holy days. The mysteries that we celebrate have inspired some of the greatest choral music throughout history. I hope to find time this week to highlight some of these compositions (some old favorites, some that may be new to you). You can play them on your desktop while you're furiously finishing all of the other things that you need to do during Holy Week. I hope it helps all of us stay focused!

Below is a recording of cellist and composer Pablo Casals' O vos omnes. Casals (1876-1973) had a strong personality and, one story goes, that when asked at age 93 why he still practices the cello he responded, "Because I am beginning to see some improvement."

His sacred choral music is on the fringe of the standard repertoire--you hear it performed, but not often. This piece is probably the most popular and is sung by some larger and more proficient church choirs. The translation is:

O you people who pass by, behold and see:
if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.
Behold, all people, and see my sorrow
if there is any sorrow like my sorrow.

The video below is not much to look at, but it is well sung.

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

Today, March 14, 2010, marks the fifth anniversary of the early-morning fire at Saint Raphael Cathedral in Madison. Thankfully no one was hurt but the Cathedral eventually had to be demolished. (The picture above shows the firefighters who removed the Blessed Sacrament from the locked tabernacle even as the fire burned.)





Several liturgical items, including the ciborium shown above, remain in use today. The wooden crucifix with the ivory corpus which hung above the cathedra was discovered in the rubble a few days after the fire and, even though one arm of Christ is broken, it has been used by the Cathedral Parish ever since for the veneration of the cross on Good Friday. The processional cross, blackened by smoke, was used by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass that was held just days after the fire. A silver statue of Mary was thought to be lost but eventually was found in the rubble and has since been refurbished. The statue is now enshrined at Saint Patrick Church on the other side of the square.





The prayer below was composed the day of the fire for distribution by the Diocese of Madison.

O God,
whose word is like a fire,
who spoke to your servant Moses in the burning bush
and who led your people Israel out of bondage
with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night:
hear your people as we call upon you both in gratitude and sorrow.

We thank you for the safety of the Cathedral staff and parishioners,
for those who fought the fire and for all who live and work in nearby buildings.

May this fire purify your Church in the Diocese of Madison
so that our hearts may burn with the knowledge
that your Church is built upon the bedrock of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Through the intercession of Saint Raphael,
your messenger of healing,
may we find comfort in our affliction
and the courage to continue proclaiming
the Good News of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

Saint Raphael, pray for us!

Richard Proulx (1937-2010)

We have received news that Richard Proulx was born into eternal life last night, February 18, 2010. Dr. Proulx was arguably the most influential church musician in the United States over the past several decades. While he himself was a gifted conductor and organist, his most important contributions to the Church were his numerous compositions. It would be difficult to compile even a list of highlights, but many of his pieces are known by heart throughout the United States. In addition to original compositions he harmonized hundreds of chants and hymns and was influential in the editorial decisions of several hymnals.

He was a great proponent of traditional Catholic Church music in its best sense--drawing from the past and adding the best of current music by gifted composers. He promoted congregational singing and composed quality music that will enrich our Church for many, many years to come.

May the angels lead him into paradise,
may the martyrs come to welcome him
and take him to the Holy City,
the New and Eternal Jerusalem.

May he have eternal rest.

Following a different path

At his General Audience today (Ash Wednesday), the Holy Father based his reflections on the two texts which may be used during the imposition of ashes.

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Church’s Lenten journey towards Easter. Lent reminds us, as Saint Paul exhorts, “not to accept the grace of God in vain” (cf. 2 Cor 6:1), but to recognize that today the Lord calls us to penance and spiritual renewal. This call to conversion is expressed in the two formulae used in the rite of the imposition of ashes. The first formula – “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” – echoes Jesus’s words at the beginning of his public ministry (cf. Mk 1:15). It reminds us that conversion is meant to be a deep and lasting abandonment of our sinful ways in order to enter into a living relationship with Christ, who alone offers true freedom, happiness and fulfilment. The second, older formula – “Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return” – recalls the poverty and death which are the legacy of Adam’s sin, while pointing us to the resurrection, the new life and the freedom brought by Christ, the Second Adam.

He added that "conversion means changing the direction of the path of our lives."

As we enter this holy season, I hope to consider my own path...is Christ at the end of the path as its goal? Do I take the most direct route? the easiest route? am I even on the right road?

This also reminds us that the goal of Lent is not simply self-denial, but rather dying to self and rising in Christ. Our Lenten disciplines teach and express our dependence on God and our willingness to leave all behind to follow him. We don't simply "give up" something for forty days...we seek to condition ourselves so that when Easter arrives we may rejoice in the Savior--Risen and Radiant--renewed in our baptism into Christ, carrying his light, clothed in his glory and waiting eagerly for his return in glory!

A Last Alleluia Before Lent

Lent: A Time of Justice

What is justice? Pope Benedict XVI's Lenten message for 2010 focuses on the justice of God, reminding us through the title, “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:21-22).


The pope writes,

Injustice, the fruit of evil, does not have exclusively external roots; its origin lies in the human heart, where the seeds are found of a mysterious cooperation with evil.

God created us in his image and gave us a natural inclination for love and charity. God, says the Holy Father, intended that we should trust in love and in receiving what is needed from God, rather than seeking to rely solely on self. This self-centeredness becomes the root of injustice.

At the heart of the wisdom of Israel, we find a profound link between faith in God who “lifts the needy from the ash heap” (Ps 113,7) and justice towards one’s neighbor. The Hebrew word itself that indicates the virtue of justice, sedaqah, expresses this well. Sedaqah, in fact, signifies on the one hand full acceptance of the will of the God of Israel; on the other hand, equity in relation to one’s neighbour (cf. Ex 20, 12-17), especially the poor, the stranger, the orphan and the widow (cf. Dt 10, 18-19). But the two meanings are linked because giving to the poor for the Israelite is none other than restoring what is owed to God, who had pity on the misery of His people. It was not by chance that the gift to Moses of the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai took place after the crossing of the Red Sea. Listening to the Law presupposes faith in God who first “heard the cry” of His people and “came down to deliver them out of hand of the Egyptians” (cf. Ex 3,8). God is attentive to the cry of the poor and in return asks to be listened to: He asks for justice towards the poor (cf. Sir 4,4-5, 8-9), the stranger (cf. Ex 22,20), the slave (cf. Dt 15, 12-18). In order to enter into justice, it is thus necessary to leave that illusion of self-sufficiency, the profound state of closure, which is the very origin of injustice. In other words, what is needed is an even deeper “exodus” than that accomplished by God with Moses, a liberation of the heart, which the Law on its own is powerless to realize. Does man have any hope of justice then?

The answer for Christians is, of course, a resounding yes! Our justice is in Jesus Christ.

Conversion to Christ, believing in the Gospel, ultimately means this: to exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one’s own need – the need of others and God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship. So we understand how faith is altogether different from a natural, good-feeling, obvious fact: humility is required to accept that I need Another to free me from “what is mine,” to give me gratuitously “what is His.” This happens especially in the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Thanks to Christ’s action, we may enter into the “greatest” justice, which is that of love (cf. Rm 13, 8-10), the justice that recognises itself in every case more a debtor than a creditor, because it has received more than could ever have been expected. Strengthened by this very experience, the Christian is moved to contribute to creating just societies, where all receive what is necessary to live according to the dignity proper to the human person and where justice is enlivened by love.

Expanding upon this at the Angelus this past Sunday (February 14, 2010), he related the days' Gospel reading (the Beatitudes) with his Lenten message.

...the Beatitudes are rooted in the fact that divine justice exists, exalting those who have been wrongly humiliated and humbling those who have exalted themselves. ... This justice, this Beatitude, will be realised in the Kingdom or Heaven, the Kingdom of God, which comes at the end of time but which is already present in history... Christ's Gospel responds positively to man's thirst for justice, but in an unexpected and surprising way. Christ does not propose a social or political revolution, but a revolution of love which he has already achieved with His cross and His resurrection. It is upon these that the Beatitudes rest, opening a new horizon of justice.

The pope's message is an invitation of sorts. He is letting us in on his own "program" for Lenten reflections. We, too, may reflect upon the Lenten Scriptures and our prayers, fasting and almsgiving through this lens to help more fully live a life of justice in Christ Jesus.

The Roman Missal & Hymnals

Bob Batastini, the long-time managing editor for GIA Publications in Chicago, was recently interviewed by a new blog (Pray Tell) regarding liturgical music resources and the new Roman Missal. It's worth reading (click here to see the full text).

Bob gave an impressive talk in Madison regarding the state of Catholic Church music several years ago. He always maintained a position in parish ministry throughout his many years at GIA. He is an excellent church musician and remains a welcome voice!

"Love is God's Very Essence"

At yesterday's Angelus, the Holy Father spent some time speaking about the day's Second Reading for Mass (I Corinthians 12:31-13:13), Saint Paul's wonderful description of love. Pope Benedict XVI himself described this as one of the most beautiful passages of the entire Bible.

The following comes from the Vatican News Service report of his remarks.

"Charity", the Pope explained, "is the 'greatest' gift, which gives value to all the others. ... In the end, when we find ourselves face to face with God, all other gifts will fail and all that will be left to last for eternity is love, because God is love and we will be like unto Him, in perfect communion with Him.

"For now", he added, "as long as we are in this world, charity is the distinctive mark of Christians. It is the synthesis of all their lives, of what they believe and what they do..."

The Holy Father went on: "Love is God's very essence, it is the meaning of creation and history, it is the light that gives goodness and beauty to the existence of each man and woman. At the same time love is, so to say, the 'style' of God and of believers, it is the behaviour of those who, responding to the love of God, order their lives as a gift of self to God and to neighbour."

Conversion

Today (January 25) is the Feast of the Conversion of Paul the Apostle. One of the optional readings for the day recalls the dramatic story of Paul's conversion, knocked from his horse by the Lord himself (depicted in the painting to the left by the Renaissance master Caravaggio). Saul's conversion, which took place even as he was going to Damascus to persecute Christians, is yet another example of God's generous mercy and his tireless patience with imperfect men and women.

Conversion is an interesting word. In Church-speak it involves more than just embracing a new life. It also involves turning away from the things that interfere with the new life as well. In ancient times those to be baptized would face the west (the place where the sun set and from where darkness comes) to reject satan; they would then turn to face the east (the place of the rising sun / Son) to profess their faith, turning their backs on their former lives. Today, our baptismal profession still requires us to reject satan and all his empty promises and to profess our belief in the Triune God (although we no longer physically turn).

I often speak with liturgists about conversion. When planning liturgies people often approach from the angle of "I don't like (or understand or appreciate) this aspect of the liturgy...how can it be changed?" Instead, I think that the question should be, "I don't like (or understand or appreciate) this aspect of the liturgy...how can I change?" We don't change things to suit our vision. We allow our hearts to be changed to live in Christ.

Resources for Lent

It's not too early to start thinking about resources to help parishioners fully celebrate Lent, Triduum and Easter.

I've listed some excellent Lenten resources below. Some are new, some are proven favorites from the past. Some are for everyone, some might just be for you. Feel free to suggest your own through the comments form.

From Liturgy Training Publications:

• Bible Stories for the Forty Days, by Melissa Musick Nussbaum. A story book for children.
• Forty Days and Forty Nights: A Lenten Ark, by Judy Jarrett and Peter Mazar. This is a Lenten version of an Advent calendar.
• Introduction to Lent and Eastertime, by Gabe Huck. A wonderful booklet at a low price that can be used with small groups.
• Keeping Lent, Triduum and Easter. A classic.
• Keeping the Seasons. Reproducible resources (English and Spanish) for Lent, Triduum and Easter 2010.
• What am I doing for Lent this year? (2nd edition), by Paul Turner. Also available in Spanish and in an edition for teens.

From the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC):

• Bulletin Inserts for Lent, Triduum and Easter, by Thomas A. Dente.

From the Liturgical Press:

• A Crucified Christ in Holy Week, by Raymond Brown.
• Lent with Bishop Morneau.
• Living Liturgy Lent Bulletin Inserts.
• Not by Bread Alone: Daily Reflections for Lent 2010, by Jay Cormier. Also available as an e-book and in a large-print version.

Obviously, this list could go on and on. I hope that this is useful to you and, as I said above, share your own suggestions via the comment page.

The graphic is Jésus et la femme samaritaine ("Jesus and the Samaritan woman") from a series of works based upon the Gospel of Saint John by contemporary artist Corinne Vonaesch.

More on Haiti

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have added a page to their website featuring news about Haiti. It is estimated that 1/3 of the population will need emergency assistance.

In addition to the extreme misery for the entire population, there has been an impact on this Catholic country's Church. The archbishop, along with many clergy and ministers, are among the casualties and Port-au-Prince's Cathedral and many parish churches were destroyed. According to a press release on the USCCB website:

The impact of the earthquake in Haiti will be felt for years, especially in the life of the Catholic Church. The cathedral, many parishes, Catholic schools and other church buildings have been destroyed. Pastoral programs will also need to be rebuilt so that the Church in Haiti will continue to be a place of sacramental life.

That they may be one

This week (January 18-25, 2010) is the annual world-wide commemoration called the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In this country it is embraced by some communities and, sadly, ignored by others.

The Pontifical Council for Christian Unity co-publishes prayer and study guides each year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops teams up with the Graymore Institute for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue to make these resources available in our country.

The centerpiece of this year's Week of Prayer is the 24th Chapter of Saint Luke's Gospel. According to the resources posted on the Vatican's website:

During the 2010 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we will reflect each day on chapter 24 of Luke's gospel stopping at the questions which it asks: Jesus' questions to his disciples; the questions the apostles ask of Christ.

Each of these questions allows us to highlight a particular way of witnessing to the Risen One. Each of them invites us to think about our situation of church division and about how, concretely, we can remedy that. We are already witnesses and we need to become better witnesses. How?

by praising the One who gives us the gift of life and resurrection (Day 1)
by knowing how to share the story of our faith with others (Day 2)
by recognizing that God is at work in our lives (Day 3)
by giving thanks for the faith we have received (Day 4)
by confessing Christ's victory over all suffering (Day 5)
by seeking to always be more faithful to the Word of God (Day 6)
by growing in faith, hope and love (Day 7)
by offering hospitality and knowing how to receive it when it is offered to us (Day 8)

Would our witness not be more faithful to the gospel of Christ in each of these eight aspects if we witnessed together?

Source: Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Out of the depths

Out of the depths I call to you, LORD;
LORD, hear my cry!

May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Ps. 130:2)

Photo by Frederic Dupoux/Getty Images

Merciful and loving God,

you set the earth on its foundations

and covered it with the oceans.

Look with your great compassion on the people of Haiti:

welcome those who died into your heavenly kindgdom,

comfort those who still suffer amidst the rubble,

strengthen those who seek to help,

reunite those who are separated,

and console those who mourn their dead.

Grant that the people of Haiti

may rise from the depths of this great tragedy

trusting in your Divine Mercy and Providence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

*****

UPDATE (Jan. 13 at 1 p.m.)

Click here for a link to another prayer

composed by Diana Macalintal,

Director of the Office of Worship of the Diocese of San Jose.

Her blog, The Work of the People, is a very thoughtful and well-informed addition to the blogosphere.

*****
UPDATE (Jan. 13 at 1:25 p.m.)

The Diocese of Madison announces plans for a collection to assist the people of Haiti (click here for Diocesan press release).

Many Have Seen the Star

While the liturgical celebration of Epiphany has been transferred to a Sunday in the Dioceses of the United States, it is celebrated on the traditional date of January 6 in the Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI has eloquently preached and written about the personal encounter of individuals with God--an encounter that God himself desires. The pope stresses the Church's desire that the listener recognize himself or herself in the people and events of Scripture (see Liturgiam Authenticam, 42). Thus, the Scriptures are not just about something that has already happened many centuries ago, but rather they are about how God is acting in the world today.

The Holy Father's Epiphany homily at Saint Peter's Basilica yesterday broke open the Scriptures in this very way. The Magi, he said,

were not the last but the first of the great procession of people who, through all ages of history, were able to recognise the message of the star, to follow the paths indicated by Sacred Scripture, and thus to find Him Who is apparently weak and fragile but Who, in fact, has the power to bring the greatest and most profound joy to the human heart.

He went on to say,

Many have seen the star but only a few have understood its message.

We can, then, ask ourselves why is it that some seek and find, while others do not? What is it that opens their eyes and hearts? What is lacking in those who remain indifferent, in those who show the way but do not move themselves? And we may answer that too much self-confidence, the belief they possess a perfect knowledge of reality, and the presumption of having already formulated a definitive judgement about things makes their hearts closed and insensitive to the novelty of God. They are sure of the idea they have of the world and do not allow themselves to be intimately moved by the adventure of a God Who wants to meet them. They place their trust more in themselves than in Him, and do not believe it possible that God is so great that He can become small, that he can truly draw close to us.

In the end what they lack is the authentic humility capable of submitting itself to that which is greater, but also the authentic courage which brings us to believe in that which is truly great, even if it shows itself in a defenceless Child. What they lack is the evangelical capacity to become children at heart, to be amazed and to abandon the self so as to start down the path indicated by the star, the path of God. (Translation from the Vatican News Service)

Humility is a word not often used--and even less often understood--in our culture. The word itself comes from Latin (humus, meaning earth). My personal definition, for what it is worth, comes from Saint Paul's letter to the Philippians (2:3-4).

humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.

Humility isn't groveling and it doesn't mean you are invisible. In fact, most of the time being humble is hard work, sacrificing one's own interests for the good of others because of love. As the Holy Father was suggesting, if we are humble enough to dim our own light so that we may see the star and approach it as children, in wonder, awe and joy, we will see the face of God not simply lying in a manger, but in the faces of all whom he has created and redeemed.

On a lighter note, take a minute to enjoy the wonderful Epiphany hymn, "As with gladness men of old." You'll notice that, like the Holy Father's homily, it reminds us that we too are hurrying to the manger.

God is Love

The First Letter of Saint John, which is assigned as the first reading for these days of the Christmas, is one of my favorites. Written towards the end of the first century, it is thought that this letter and the Gospel of Saint John come from the same school of Christian thought).

According to the introduction from the New American Bible, the author "insists that the concrete Christian life brings to life the deeper realities of the Gospel." In other words, we have to walk the talk.

The portions on love are most compelling to me. Love is not a by-product of faith...God is love! Four years ago this past Christmas Day, Pope Benedict XVI released his first encyclical which began with this famous Truth from 1 John 4:16:

God is love,
and he who abides in love abides in God,
and God abides in him.

This love, the author reminds us, comes first from God to each human being.

In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

The letter continues the discourse on love and the importance of loving neighbor and keeping the Lord's commandments.

These passages of Scripture are part of why I began this blog. Love, according to Saint Paul (I Cor. 13) is patient and kind, not jealous, pompous, inflated or rude, it forgives, it doesn't look out for self first, it is not quick-tempered and always rejoices in the truth. These are concrete manifestations of love, and for me they have also help to discern when I am truly expressing love and when I am not.

If "love is of God" (I John 4:7), then when we experience impatience, unkindness, hate, jealousy, rudeness or arrogance, these are not of God, because they are not love.

Pope Benedict's Encyclical, "God is Love," reminds us,

In a world in which the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others (1).