Life of the Church ala Pope St. Clement

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The following is from Pope St. Clement’s letter to the Corinthians:

“The strong should take care of the weak, the weak should respect the strong.  The rich help the poor, the poor praise God for have given them help in their neediness. The wise should show their wisdom not with words, but with good works. The lowly ought not give witness to themselves, but let others witness in their behalf.  He who is chaste in body should not boast, but recall the merit of him that has given him the gift of continence.

“Therefore, having received every thing from him, we ought to give thanks to him for everything. To him the glory in every age. Amen.” — excerpt from St. Clement, Capp.36, 1-2; 37-38; Funk, 1, 145-149. My translation from the Italian copy.

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Quote for the Day

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Give praise to Him because He is good; exalt Him by your deeds, for He has sent you into the whole world for this reason: that in word and deed you may bear witness to His voice and bring everyone to know that there is no one who is all powerful except Him.”  — St. Francis of Assissi

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Another Interesting Article on Notre Dame

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Thanks to a good friend, I read another article related to this debacle.  This one is written by Rev. Robert A. Sirico in the National Review Online.  It is listed as appearing on April 17, 2009.  Fr. Sirico is president and co-founder of the Action Institute.

You can read it at: www.nationalreview.com   Search for the article entitled, “The Catholic Identity Crisis”.

Again, it is well-written.  It speaks not only of Notre Dame, but also of Georgetown University, and the recent presidential visit there.

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Notre Dame — Our Lady — Embarrassed?

Posted on May 7, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Take a look at a great article written by Bishop David A. Zubik Pittsburgh Catholic.

www.pittsburghcatholic.org/newsarticles_more.phtml?id=2466

Just a few quotes:

“Notre Dame — Our Lady — is a title and devotion that every Catholic holds close to heart.  Which is why it is so painful that the current leadership of the university has been so sadly forgetful of its responsibility to its sacred name, and to all the faithful, by deciding to give and honorary degree to our president, who has made so clear his opposition to the church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life. It must leave Our Lady — Notre Dame- embarrassed.

“To give an honorary degree, to confer such an honor, makes the statement that the recipient of the honor reflects the mind and heart of the giver. That certainly can’t be true in this instance!…It must, indeed, embarrass Our Lady.

“The action of Notre Dame has embarrassed Our Lady and embarrassed our church.”

Please take a look at the article for yourselves.  It is well-written, and contains a real challenge for each and every one of us!

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More From Pope John Paul I

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Deacon Bob

If you are a frequent visitor to this blog, then you are aware of my fondness for Papa Luciani. I was reading his address to the College of Cardinals on August 30, 1978 and would like to share the following excerpts.

“This unity [of the Church] transcends space, ignores racial difference and enriches us with the true values present in diverse cultures.  Though peoples differ in geographical location, in language and mentality, through this one communion, they become a single great family.  How could one but feel a wave of a brightening hope in face of the marvellous spectacle your presence offers to a reflective spirit?…

“Your presence places before us an eloquent image of the Church of Christ….

“We would only wish to confirm in this moment together with you all, the commitment of our total availability to the guidance of the Spirit for the good of the Church. It was this that each of you promised on the day of your elevation to the Cardinalate, to serve ‘even to the shedding of your blood’. Venerable Brothers, last Saturday we found ourselves faced with that momentous decision of saying ‘yes’.  We knew that this would place on our shoulders the formidable weight of the Apostolic ministry. One of you whispered in my ear encouraging words of trust and confidence.  It is fitting then for us, having now been made the Vicar of the One who commanded Peter to ‘confirm your brothers’ (Lk. 22:32), it is fitting for us to remind you that you ar now to take up your respective ecclesiastical responsibilities with courage, with firm trust. Even in the difficulty of the present hour, we have the ever-present assistance of Christ. He repeats again to us today the words spoken when the darkness of the passion gathered over him, words spoken to that first group of believers, “Remember, I have overcome the world’ (Jn. 16:33)” Taken from: www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_i/speeches/documents/hf_jp-i_spe_30081978_cardinals_en.html

It seems this is another example of the pope’s premonition of the shortness of his papacy and his sense of personal inadequacy, relying on Christ’s assistance and the support of others.

As you know, I think Papa Luciani is a saint. I saw him face to face. I served Mass for him, saw him elected and buried. His canonization process continues.

Perhaps within my lifetime, I will see him canonized.

Pope John Paul I, pray for us!

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Quote for the Day – St. Peter Christologus

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“May you be, O man, may you be both sacrifice and priest of God; do not lose that which divine will has given and conferred onto you. Clothe yourself with the stole of holiness…. May Christ be the protection of your head.  May the cross be the defense of your forehead…. Grab the sword of the Spirit, make of your heart an altar…. God searches for faith, not death. He thirsts for your prayers, not your blood. He is pleased by your will, not your death.” — St. Peter Christologus

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Equality in the Marriage Liturgy

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I was looking at the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org) and I see they are recommending both the bride and the groom be escorted down the aisle by their parents, as this expresses equality of the man and woman. This is the suggestion of the Catholic Rite of Marriage also.

I am all for equality.  But traditions like this are hard to break. Perhaps no need to do so either.

Oh, well.  I doubt the secular press will pick up on this aspect of the Catholic rite and hold it forth as another expression of the the Church’s respect for the equality of women. If anything, the Church in so many ways honors women and elevates them far beyond that of men. At least in her teaching.

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Sacraments | 2 Comments

The Notre Dame Debacle

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I received an email from a friend recently.  He forwarded an article from www.LifeSiteNews.com in which are listed 57 bishops from all areas of the country who have sent letters to Father Jenkins at Notre Dame protesting providing President Obama a platform and honoring him in the upcoming graduation ceremonies.  It mentions Bishop Michael W. Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings as the latest to send a letter.

I am glad this is not going to occur without a continued strong protest from the leadership of our Church.

I do not think we can in any way directly or indirectly make ourselves participants in the sin of abortion. Silence alone is not sufficient. Or rationalizing away the seriousness of the killing of innocent unborn life.

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Thoughts Before a Black Belt Test

Posted on May 2, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I am about an hour from watching one of my students test for his black belt in the martial arts.  I began teaching him over 11 years ago, and with the changes that life has brought him over that time, he is finally prepared to take the big test.  This past year I have turned almost all of his training over to another black belt student of mine.  I have been so busy with diaconate things, career and family that I have scarcely had time for much else.

I also am thinking today about St. Athanasius.  We all read his writing today in the Office of Readings.  Athanasius and his defense of the divinity of Jesus against the Arians.  How much I wish I could talk face to face with some of these Church Fathers, and listen to what they would have to say about our contemporary challenges in the field of Christology.  We have another set of misunderstandings which teachers of the faith need to address.

Anyway, black belt tests and St. Anthanasius.  Amazing how one can hold in consciousness two very divergent trains of thought at the same time.

Got to go to the test!

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Quote for the Day – Papa Luciani

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Deacon Bob

(I am taking this quote out of a letter Papa Luciani (John Paul I) wrote to Bishop Hugh Aufderbeck who was the Apostolic Administrator of Erfurt-Meiningen in 1978.  The letter was sent in recognition of the 700th anniversary of the Church of St. Severus in Erfurt. I think his quoted words offer us a good meditation on the Church.)

“…let those who frequent this holy place strive to be themselves ‘spiritual houses’ (cf. 1 Peter 2:5) in which God dwells by his grace….this church instills into one’s mind the desire for that heavenly home, where one may enjoy for all eternity the gifts, which the eye cannot see, about which the ear cannot hear, nor can they be adequately represented by any thought; indeed, ‘the building we have from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heaavens’ (2 Cor 5:1). This certainly gives true meaning and real importance to this short and often arduous life on earth. In times of adversity let us long for that blessed life which will never fail, and let us not forget it in times of prosperity.”

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St. John Chrysostom and Marital Fidelity

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Some studies show up to 70% of all marriages will experience infidelity. This figure I believe is a bit inflated, but I know the rate to be higher than most would think.

I happened to be reading the Catechism today on the Sixth Commandment (“You shall not commit adultery.”) and I read this quote from St. John Chrysostom.  It is quoted in #2365 of the Catechism.

(Husband saying to wife:) “I have taken you in my arms, and I love you, and I prefer you to my life itself.  For the present life is nothing, and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us…I place your love above all things, and nothing would be more bitter or painful for than to be a different mind than you.” – John Chrysostom, Hom. in Eph. 20, 8: PG 62, 146-147.

Perhaps we men would do well to keep this in our wallet and read it daily, then live this out in our vocations.

Posted in Sacraments, Saints and Prophets | 1 Comment

Quote for the Day

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“It is my strong conviction that we can work together to bring about a transformation of our culture and our world, drawing on the way of the Gospel as seen in the ….. great witnesses of nonviolence.” –Louis Vitale, OFM

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More on Notre Dame

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I checked Notre Dame’s website today.  I see they acknowledge that Mary Ann Glendon did decline the Laetare Medal.

There is a brief statement by Fr. John Jenkins, ND president.  He expresses his sorrow Professor Glendon has decided to decline the medal, and says another worthy recipient will be chosen, notice of whom will be forthcoming.

Read for yourself at: http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news

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More on Notre Dame, Obama and the Fallout

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The Catholic blogs are now reporting that Mary Ann Glendon is declining the prestigious Laetare Medal which Notre Dame was to have been given her at the commencment exercises next month.  She declines, reportedly, because the University invited President Obama to give the commencement address and honor him with a law degree.

Mary Ann Glendon is a former US Ambassador to the Vatican and a Harvard law professor.  She is reported to be well-respected by the Holy See.

The blog “Whispers in the Loggia” has provided what it purports to be the full text letter of Glendon to ND president Rev. John Jenkins.  You can read that post at:  http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com  for today’s,  April 27 post.

If the letter is accurate, it is well-written.

I say:  Bravo, Ms. Glendon.  Thank you for standing up for your Church and your principles.  I hope Notre Dame is finally getting the message.

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Who is a Deacon? – Part Three

Posted on April 26, 2009 by Deacon Bob

A deacon is tries to address the needs of the poor, the marginalized and the voiceless of our communities. Most deacons receive not only an assignment to serve in a parish, but they also develop a ministry within the broader community. Deacons serve in jails, nursing homes, immigrant camps, Catholic Worker houses, medical institutions, educational facilities and many other areas.  A deacon is actually ordained to diocesan service. In many ways, they are the bishop’s eyes and ears, making known to him and his priests the needs of the poor among us. A deacon does not do social work; rather he brings Christ and the Church to these various places through his presence and by witnessing to the Gospel as he is able. All three diaconal ministries must go together.  A deacon is always to preach the Word of God, show God’s love by works of charity, and then bring all of this each Sunday to the altar and offer it at Mass and in the other sacraments and liturgies of the Church.

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