A friend informed me, today, that Jay Leno is a "devout Catholic who is very outspoken in his Faith".
With all due respect to Mr. Leno, this really surprised me.
I was stunned that someone who has spent their entire career "talking trash" and "feeding the depraved desires of the flesh" of the millions of "voyeurs" who wish to "get a little piece of the action" of Hollywood, sex, drugs, gossips, and politically-correctness, would be a "devout Catholic".
This caused me to wonder something; which is why I am posting it here...in the hopes that you will share your thoughts with me.
It caused me to wonder how a person could justify a career that is so wrought with outward sinfulness and sometimes base and offensive words and/or actions that clearly contradict God's ways.
It caused me to wonder, further, if people, "in general", consider God and their career as co-existing. By this, I mean, doesn't everyone (at least all Christians and most especially "devout" Catholics) ask themselves if the job they are accepting is going to "jive" with their beliefs, convictions, and faith?
Or, is it just me?
Have I taken for granted that we should always make sure the employment we choose is not offensive to God; or, does not have a tendency to lead people astray?
I have been confronted with topics before where the answer was "less than clear" for me; such as:
I have a friend whose husband is a driver for a delivery service. He is a Christian. Well, very often, the packages he delivers to people's doorsteps contain their monthly subscriptions or bulk orders of pornography. My friend's husband needs his livelihood; obviously. They have family to support.
He is the driver. He does not read the materials. Yet, he feels AWFUL every time he leaves this garbage on someone's front porch. Usually, the way he has been able to deal with it, is that he prays for the resident of the home; that he/she will be convicted to stop using pornography and turn their hearts toward the Lord.
I honestly think I'd have to find another job. But, I speak out of turn because I've never been the sole bread-winner for a growing family; so, I don't really know WHAT I'd do in that situation.
Anyway, that's a bit of a divergence from Mr. Leno; however, not really, because it's sort of all lumped together under "What is our obligation, as Catholics, when it comes to the careers we choose...and/or do we HAVE any obligation, to begin with"?
What say you?
Showing posts with label spiritual life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual life. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Melting Down Our Idols
The following is an excerpt from a post I wrote this morning. It is based on the passage from Exodus 32:7~8. You can read the rest by clicking the "read more" link.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Donning the Mantilla
Much controversy surrounds this beautiful act of humility before the Lord; this age-old custom/tradition of our faith. Many claim that the Church mandates the covering of a woman's head when entering the presence of God in His Tabernacle. They say that "Vatican II" did not "do away with" the teaching...the "mandate" and that all who do not wear the mantilla (veil) are in disobedience to the Church.
This post is not about the validity or lack thereof of such argument/debate/opinion/accusations.
This post is about another topic: Pride.
I've been pondering this whole thing lately because a dear friend of mine, whose family DOES wear the mantilla, has started her own online business where she is selling lovely handmade ones in a personal effort to restore this humble devotion in the Church community.
When I was a child (and, having been born in 1964, I am a *post* Vatican II child, but nonetheless) the mantilla was still commonly worn at Mass. I LOVED it. What little girl doesn't enjoy placing a veil atop her head?
In fact, when we were young and played "Church" or "Nun" as we often did, we used anything we could get our hands on to become a veil...bath towels, dish towels, sheets, blankets...you name it, we tried it.
I have been asking myself why I haven't encouraged my girls to return to this custom?
I have shamefully decided that the answer is "pride" (and a tad bit of a lack of courage).
My "good" motivation in raising godly children has always been to try to inculcate the idea that we are not to attract attention to "ourselves" but rather, to CHRIST, within us...mainly through our example of godly-living and Christian JOY. This has always been my answer to "But what exactly is WRONG with blue hair, Mom?"
It is "wrong" because it draws attention to "us" instead of to CHRIST, within us. (That was a general example to make a general point...not meant to evoke a debate on hair style choices and/or color).
Continuing in that line of thought...I have hesitated to return to donning a mantilla because we have been without one for so long (none of my girls have ever worn it) that I fear that if we suddenly start showing up at Mass with veils on our heads...it WILL draw attention...and I don't want that! (Several families in our parish DO wear the mantilla).
However, I hang my head as I type this...because I realize that even THIS is "pride". It is a lack of courage, as well...
Should I not be willing to have a few looks thrown our way...a few whispers here or there...a few questions or comments after Mass...if, in my heart, I feel that this truly is a lovely act of humility and devotion to bow before the Lord and "cover" ourselves in His presence?
My pride always makes me worry about "what others think". I wouldn't want someone to think we were just wearing veils to be "part of a holy crowd". Believe me, I have heard MANY awful things said (EVEN BY CLERGY) about those who don the mantilla; and have, on several occasions, risen to the defense of people who choose to show their humble devotion to the Lord in this way.
Do I fear such backlash?
Do I worry that some would "think" that I am trying to be "holier than thou".
(Although, as my friend has said...better *holier than thou* than *worldlier than thou*!)
My thoughts reach out to the wider congregation...as a whole.
Why won't ALL of us women return to this beautiful tradition/custom if we, in our hearts, believe that restoration is in order if we are to combat the ways of the world and rise up for Christ in an anti and post Christian society?
Why would we NOT want to take part in something so good, so lovely, so humble?
I am asking myself these things.
Part of my own, personal answer, I know...is that I don't wish to associate myself with that certain "sect" of people who actually DO claim that we are sinning NOT to wear a veil...that the NO Mass is not valid...that the current Pope and many Popes back to whomever are not valid, etc...Though this group is a minority in the Church...it DOES exist...and many of those who subscribe to these mindsets DO wear a mantilla...
So, again...PRIDE/LACK OF COURAGE...I, who do not wish to associate with that type of person, fear participation in this lovely act of devotion because someone "MIGHT THINK" that I "am ONE OF THEM".
Pride and lack of courage.
My girls would readily, eagerly, and wholeheartedly don a mantilla tomorrow if I handed them out and said, "Let's wear these as a sign of our humility and devotion before Christ's presence in the Tabernacle".
Perhaps, I will learn from my children...and do the same.
This post is not about the validity or lack thereof of such argument/debate/opinion/accusations.
This post is about another topic: Pride.
I've been pondering this whole thing lately because a dear friend of mine, whose family DOES wear the mantilla, has started her own online business where she is selling lovely handmade ones in a personal effort to restore this humble devotion in the Church community.
When I was a child (and, having been born in 1964, I am a *post* Vatican II child, but nonetheless) the mantilla was still commonly worn at Mass. I LOVED it. What little girl doesn't enjoy placing a veil atop her head?
In fact, when we were young and played "Church" or "Nun" as we often did, we used anything we could get our hands on to become a veil...bath towels, dish towels, sheets, blankets...you name it, we tried it.
I have been asking myself why I haven't encouraged my girls to return to this custom?
I have shamefully decided that the answer is "pride" (and a tad bit of a lack of courage).
My "good" motivation in raising godly children has always been to try to inculcate the idea that we are not to attract attention to "ourselves" but rather, to CHRIST, within us...mainly through our example of godly-living and Christian JOY. This has always been my answer to "But what exactly is WRONG with blue hair, Mom?"
It is "wrong" because it draws attention to "us" instead of to CHRIST, within us. (That was a general example to make a general point...not meant to evoke a debate on hair style choices and/or color).
Continuing in that line of thought...I have hesitated to return to donning a mantilla because we have been without one for so long (none of my girls have ever worn it) that I fear that if we suddenly start showing up at Mass with veils on our heads...it WILL draw attention...and I don't want that! (Several families in our parish DO wear the mantilla).
However, I hang my head as I type this...because I realize that even THIS is "pride". It is a lack of courage, as well...
Should I not be willing to have a few looks thrown our way...a few whispers here or there...a few questions or comments after Mass...if, in my heart, I feel that this truly is a lovely act of humility and devotion to bow before the Lord and "cover" ourselves in His presence?
My pride always makes me worry about "what others think". I wouldn't want someone to think we were just wearing veils to be "part of a holy crowd". Believe me, I have heard MANY awful things said (EVEN BY CLERGY) about those who don the mantilla; and have, on several occasions, risen to the defense of people who choose to show their humble devotion to the Lord in this way.
Do I fear such backlash?
Do I worry that some would "think" that I am trying to be "holier than thou".
(Although, as my friend has said...better *holier than thou* than *worldlier than thou*!)
My thoughts reach out to the wider congregation...as a whole.
Why won't ALL of us women return to this beautiful tradition/custom if we, in our hearts, believe that restoration is in order if we are to combat the ways of the world and rise up for Christ in an anti and post Christian society?
Why would we NOT want to take part in something so good, so lovely, so humble?
I am asking myself these things.
Part of my own, personal answer, I know...is that I don't wish to associate myself with that certain "sect" of people who actually DO claim that we are sinning NOT to wear a veil...that the NO Mass is not valid...that the current Pope and many Popes back to whomever are not valid, etc...Though this group is a minority in the Church...it DOES exist...and many of those who subscribe to these mindsets DO wear a mantilla...
So, again...PRIDE/LACK OF COURAGE...I, who do not wish to associate with that type of person, fear participation in this lovely act of devotion because someone "MIGHT THINK" that I "am ONE OF THEM".
Pride and lack of courage.
My girls would readily, eagerly, and wholeheartedly don a mantilla tomorrow if I handed them out and said, "Let's wear these as a sign of our humility and devotion before Christ's presence in the Tabernacle".
Perhaps, I will learn from my children...and do the same.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Justice
This post comes to us from guest author, Isaac
Justice
The four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and courage are wonderful gifts which bring us closer to attaining eternal happiness. These great virtues, if practiced, will bring us into a more honest, holy, and intimate relationship with God.
These virtues are considered the cardinal virtues. The word cardinal, derived from the Latin cardo, or hinge, means that they are, so to speak, the hinges of the Catholic and Christian life.
Justice, my personal favorite, is a great virtue and one that can especially be used as a hinge to open the doors of Heaven.
Justice is the third cardinal virtue; it is the knowledge of moderation between our needs and the needs and rights of others. It is more than just proving someone wrong and making sure they get what they deserve. In fact that isn’t justice at all. True justice only wants what is right for the sake of the truth, not just getting revenge. The Holy Spirit helps us to seek the truth by guiding us to Christ in the Eucharist, for Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. His almighty truth helps us to better know the Father, His Mother, Mary and the saints. Justice is truly a great virtue to practice because it brings those who live by it into a deeper realization of the love, compassion, and truth of the Father.
Ways to Grow in Justice
- Receive Holy Communion often
- Pray to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment in the truth that Christ loves us
- Go to confession monthly- it keeps you honest and your soul clean.
Monday, July 25, 2011
ALL Things
Romans 8:28 ~ We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according his purpose. (NAB St. Joseph Edition)
During his homily yesterday, my pastor offered a commentary regarding this passage that was a true "epiphany" for me.
Often, I think this passage is misinterpreted to mean that "good things happen to us when we love God".
Some relate this verse to "All things happen for a reason".
What my pastor stressed, in sharing his thoughts, and what I had NOT paid much attention to before now, is the word "ALL". "We know that ALL things..."
"This means", said my pastor, "the joys AND the sufferings...the good times AND the trials....the feel-good days AND the sorrows and challenges....ALL things work together for good".
Perhaps it's just me, small, imperfect, finite, and not always the sharpest tack in the tool shed...but I had never considered it quite that way.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
It goes right along with the "Redemptive Suffering" that we discussed last week on this blog.
ALL things work for good for those who love God.
Without Christ, without His Sacrifice, without His Redeeming Grace, our bad days are just that: BAD DAYS.
But Romans 8:28 offers a whole new outlook on that, doesn't it?
Trusting in God's Word means that even our "bad days" are, for those of us who love God, "good days".
Each challenge, each trial, each sorrow, each test, each suffering, is working WITH each joy, each success, each adventure, each happy moment, and each celebration...ALL things...together...work for the GOOD.
I hope this thought brings you comfort, as it did me.
During his homily yesterday, my pastor offered a commentary regarding this passage that was a true "epiphany" for me.
Often, I think this passage is misinterpreted to mean that "good things happen to us when we love God".
Some relate this verse to "All things happen for a reason".
What my pastor stressed, in sharing his thoughts, and what I had NOT paid much attention to before now, is the word "ALL". "We know that ALL things..."
"This means", said my pastor, "the joys AND the sufferings...the good times AND the trials....the feel-good days AND the sorrows and challenges....ALL things work together for good".
Perhaps it's just me, small, imperfect, finite, and not always the sharpest tack in the tool shed...but I had never considered it quite that way.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
It goes right along with the "Redemptive Suffering" that we discussed last week on this blog.
ALL things work for good for those who love God.
Without Christ, without His Sacrifice, without His Redeeming Grace, our bad days are just that: BAD DAYS.
But Romans 8:28 offers a whole new outlook on that, doesn't it?
Trusting in God's Word means that even our "bad days" are, for those of us who love God, "good days".
Each challenge, each trial, each sorrow, each test, each suffering, is working WITH each joy, each success, each adventure, each happy moment, and each celebration...ALL things...together...work for the GOOD.
I hope this thought brings you comfort, as it did me.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Purpose of Human Existence
Picture source Sophia Institute Press. The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur can be ordered from them.
I am currently reading a book I have looked forward to reading for a very long time. This secret diary of Elisabeth Leseur is indeed a spiritual treasure. The following is an excerpt:
"To do each day, humbly, and so that God alone may see it, all the good that one can do; always to seek out all the misery and grief within reach in order to relieve them; to cultivate in oneself a lively sympathy for everyone; and to do all this for God alone - that is the goal of all human existence."
page 10 of the diary.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Temporal Suffering: Punishment or Gift?
As I sat, knelt, and laid by my father's deathbed just two weeks ago, the Lord taught me many things; and showered me in such graces and blessings and mercy that I was left in awe of His kindness and humbled at His generosity.
If you have never experienced it before, it is REALLY difficult to watch someone slowly die. Of course, when that "someone" is a person you love, cherish, rely on, and NEED in your life, it becomes a heart-wrenching challenge to accept and embrace the events that are unfolding before your eyes.
My Dad was a hard-working man. Even in high school, he had to drop out a year to go to work and help his family; returning later to finish school with my mother's graduating class. (That's how God brought them together and went on to bless them with 64 years of marriage!)
During my father's last 3 days, he had long periods of AGONY. At times, I didn't think I could bear a single moment more...it was especially traumatic to see a look of "FEAR" on his fragile, and suffering face. (I would sing hymns to him and comfort him with the Divine Mercy Chaplet...stroking his hair and telling him it was OK to let go and reach out for Christ's welcoming arms).
At one point, I begged God out loud, "Dear Lord...he has done nothing but work and work HARD for You his whole, entire life...does he also have to 'WORK" now to DIE????? PLEASE spare him of this agony".
I can not adequately articulate what next transpired. Thus, I hope you will forgive my rudimentary attempt.
Somehow...(and for those who are accustomed to the quiet way in which God sometimes speaks to our hearts, you might relate)...God spoke to my heart in that instant...in silence...and yet SO clearly and lovingly...and...I think...sternly.
He asked, "Oh Judy...don't you see? Why can't you understand? THIS is his Purgatory; which I am allowing him to serve on EARTH so that He may join me in Heaven today".
All at once, each and every moment that my father moaned, cried out, choked, or gasped for air, became, not a punishment or aimless trial or suffering IN VAIN...but rather...a BEAUTIFUL, MERCIFUL, WONDERFUL GIFT from his own LOVING FATHER in HEAVEN.
"I am SO SORRY, Lord", I cried. "Yes...NOW I see".
And, I realize too, that in some way...WATCHING my Dad in his hour of agony...though it caused ME great suffering...was also a gift...because I was able to offer up each moment of my own pain and grief for the reparation of my sins and for so many intentions. (YOU were all a part of those prayers, as well!)
During the last five years of my father's life...he suffered greatly. Actually, all THROUGH my father's life...he was never a stranger to suffering. But, during those last years, when he was in and out of hospitals almost weekly, at times...he said to me, "I'm hoping that I can take care of all of this suffering so that you kids won't have to".
I believe that God hears and answers prayers like these. I believe that He would, indeed, allow my Dad to "suffer for His children's sake".
I believe He DID allow it.
And, I believe, that because the Lord offered "Purgatory" to my father on earth...he was able to join the Saints in Paradise when he released his final breath on June 27th, 2011.
Suffering the temporal punishments for our sins, and enduring trials and sufferings while we are on earth, is not some form of a curse, dished out by a cruel and thoughtless God.
It is a GIFT. It is a means for Jesus to allow us to take part in the Cup of His Passion, so that united with Him, and made worthy by His merits and grace, we are able to be cleansed, healed, and prepared to enter into His heavenly kingdom when our time comes that He will call us HOME.
If you have never experienced it before, it is REALLY difficult to watch someone slowly die. Of course, when that "someone" is a person you love, cherish, rely on, and NEED in your life, it becomes a heart-wrenching challenge to accept and embrace the events that are unfolding before your eyes.
My Dad was a hard-working man. Even in high school, he had to drop out a year to go to work and help his family; returning later to finish school with my mother's graduating class. (That's how God brought them together and went on to bless them with 64 years of marriage!)
During my father's last 3 days, he had long periods of AGONY. At times, I didn't think I could bear a single moment more...it was especially traumatic to see a look of "FEAR" on his fragile, and suffering face. (I would sing hymns to him and comfort him with the Divine Mercy Chaplet...stroking his hair and telling him it was OK to let go and reach out for Christ's welcoming arms).
At one point, I begged God out loud, "Dear Lord...he has done nothing but work and work HARD for You his whole, entire life...does he also have to 'WORK" now to DIE????? PLEASE spare him of this agony".
I can not adequately articulate what next transpired. Thus, I hope you will forgive my rudimentary attempt.
Somehow...(and for those who are accustomed to the quiet way in which God sometimes speaks to our hearts, you might relate)...God spoke to my heart in that instant...in silence...and yet SO clearly and lovingly...and...I think...sternly.
He asked, "Oh Judy...don't you see? Why can't you understand? THIS is his Purgatory; which I am allowing him to serve on EARTH so that He may join me in Heaven today".
All at once, each and every moment that my father moaned, cried out, choked, or gasped for air, became, not a punishment or aimless trial or suffering IN VAIN...but rather...a BEAUTIFUL, MERCIFUL, WONDERFUL GIFT from his own LOVING FATHER in HEAVEN.
"I am SO SORRY, Lord", I cried. "Yes...NOW I see".
And, I realize too, that in some way...WATCHING my Dad in his hour of agony...though it caused ME great suffering...was also a gift...because I was able to offer up each moment of my own pain and grief for the reparation of my sins and for so many intentions. (YOU were all a part of those prayers, as well!)
During the last five years of my father's life...he suffered greatly. Actually, all THROUGH my father's life...he was never a stranger to suffering. But, during those last years, when he was in and out of hospitals almost weekly, at times...he said to me, "I'm hoping that I can take care of all of this suffering so that you kids won't have to".
I believe that God hears and answers prayers like these. I believe that He would, indeed, allow my Dad to "suffer for His children's sake".
I believe He DID allow it.
And, I believe, that because the Lord offered "Purgatory" to my father on earth...he was able to join the Saints in Paradise when he released his final breath on June 27th, 2011.
Suffering the temporal punishments for our sins, and enduring trials and sufferings while we are on earth, is not some form of a curse, dished out by a cruel and thoughtless God.
It is a GIFT. It is a means for Jesus to allow us to take part in the Cup of His Passion, so that united with Him, and made worthy by His merits and grace, we are able to be cleansed, healed, and prepared to enter into His heavenly kingdom when our time comes that He will call us HOME.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Easier With Jesus And Each Other
The title of this blog begins with community. It has been said that we were created to live in relationship. I went back in the archives of my own blog to see if I had written anything on community. I haven't thus far, but I did come across a post that spoke about everything being easier with Jesus.
For much of my life I felt that I had to do everything on my own; I didn't need God or anyone else. It was only in my return to my faith that I saw how wrong this mindset was. As I grew and continue to grow in my faith, I see more and more that I am completely dependent on God. Not only do I need Him, but I need others at times as well.
Everything is easier with Jesus. Putting my faith and trust in Him for everything brings great freedom. Sometimes though, He sends us certain people who we can trust. We need to go to those trusted friends or family when we need help. Asking for help is not something I have been very good at. I have gotten better since by return to God, but I still fight the temptation to try and go it alone. That's false humility and it doesn't please God.
Through prayer and discernment we can better see those times when we need to do something on our own, and those times when we need to ask for help. But even in those things we may need to do ourselves, we are not alone; God is there to guide.
We are made for relationship, for community~ here on this earth, but it extends past earth heavenward. We have our spiritual friends in the Communion of Saints to pray for us and with us.
God knows what and who we need in order to live the abundant life He came to bring each of us; we just need to ask His help.
The original post that spurred this one is titled Everything Is Easier With Jesus.
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