St. Valentine's Day Reminder

"Saint Valentine passed a note to his jailer's daughter, whose sight he is thought to have cured," says Clare Ward, spokeswoman for the Catholic Enquiry Office, the official body providing information on Catholic life in England, "The note had no romantic content, but it's from this story that the tradition of sending notes of appreciation has come from.

"If tomorrow you are still looking for your soul mate, the actual patron saint is St Raphael. He's the person you should dedicate your day or pray to if you are looking for Mr or Mrs right."

St Raphael, helped Tobias enter into marriage with Sarah, who had seen seven previous bridegrooms perish on the eve of their weddings. It is he within the canon of Catholic saints who is properly associated with helping to forge partnerships.

The entire BBC article can be found HERE

Dragon Slayers Welcome

Today I went for a drive with my parents on a stretch of road called "The Tail of the Dragon". It's very popular with motorcycle riders who challenge themselves on the 300+ curves that wind along an 11 mile stretch of US-129 in Tennessee.

I don't know if Fr. Ed Fride, the Harley ridin' priest of Christ the King in Ann Arbor, has ever been on it. I could see him with an icon of St. George on the back of his leather jacket!

While musing about the construction of the road I realized that some obstacles had to be avoided, while others they blasted through. Overall, though, the builders followed the terrain to create a way through the mountains.

The road is so analogous to my life right now. There are twists and turns, surprises around the corner. Hardly anywhere to turn off. Plenty of beautiful scenery. Some curves require slowing down.

This is the route God is taking me. I can be fearful and ride the brakes, put the top down to enjoy the sunshine and the scenery, or feel the rush as I lean into the curves. I think I'll just let Him drive while I enjoy the ride.

Christian Sympathy

In the last year, God showed me the healing power of vulnerability. By being honest about my dark feelings, my brokenness, my pain, He used others to help me recover from some deep wounds. In the process, those I've been open to have also found comfort, knowing that they are not the only ones who struggle, doubt, and hurt. Honesty builds community and draws Christians closer together.

Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman, when he was still an Anglican priest, delivered a homily titled "Christian Sympathy" at the Feast of the Nativity. In it, he explained that hiding our wounds makes our religious beliefs unreal. That fear of facing our shadows results in shallowness. And that just as our Lord lowered Himself to embrace the woundedness of humanity, we too must lower our defenses to each other.

Here are some excerpts from his sermon:

Christians can sympathise with each other, even as by the power of Christ sympathising in and with each of them.

I consider that Christians, certainly those who are in the same outward circumstances, are very much more like each other in their temptations, inward diseases, and methods of cure, than they at all imagine. Persons think themselves isolated in the world; they think no one ever felt as they feel. They do not dare to expose their feelings, lest they should find that no one understands them.

Christians, though they really differ much, yet as regards the power of sympathising with each other will be found to be on a level. The one is not too high or the other too low. They have common ground; and as they have one faith and hope, and one Spirit, so also they have one and the same circle of temptations, and one and the same confession.

Perhaps the reason why the standard of holiness among us is so low, why our attainments are so poor, our view of the truth so dim, our belief so unreal, our general notions so artificial and external is this, that we dare not trust each other with the secret of our hearts. We have each the same secret, and we keep it to ourselves, and we fear that, as a cause of estrangement, which really would be a bond of union. We do not probe the wounds of our nature thoroughly; we do not lay the foundation of our religious profession in the ground of our inner man; we make clean the outside of things; we are amiable and friendly to each other in words and deeds, but our love is not enlarged, our bowels of affection are straitened, and we fear to let the intercourse begin at the root; and, in consequence, our religion, viewed as a social system, is hollow. The presence of Christ is not in it.

Notre Dame de Lourdes

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, celebrating the first appearance of the Blessed Virgin to St. Bernadette in 1858.

To you, our Champion Leader and Mother of Christ our God, do we, your children, sing a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for your appearance and miracles that you continue to send down on us as showers of Divine Grace at Lourdes. As through the waters of Baptism we were made new in Christ, so through the waters that gushed forth from the grotto of your appearance we are enlivened by the Grace of God, as we sing:

Rejoice, O Radiant Fountain All Immaculate, bedewing our souls with Life-giving Springs!

~First Kontakion from the Akathist to Our Lady of Lourdes by Dr. Alexander Roman.

St. Bernadette was disappointed with the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes when it was finished. It was taller and older than the apparition she saw. When Bernadette visited the shrine of Our Lady of Grace in northern France and saw the icon venerated there she exclaimed, "That is how Our Lady appeared to me! Exactly like that!"

So, the Mother of God at Lourdes resembled the Theotokos as depicted on Eastern icons. That explains why you will often see pilgrims to Lourdes carrying the Byzantine icon of Our Lady of Grace in procession.

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

As we move closer to Great Lent, this Sunday in the Eastern Rite reminds us of the Prodigal Son.

Kontakion, Tone 3 (Metropolitan Cantor's Institute)

Heavenly Father, and God of truth, Who sent Your beloved Son to seek the sheep that was lost, I have sinned against heaven and in Your sight, recieve me back like the prodigal son, and put on me the first robe of innocence which I lost by sin. And have mercy on me a great sinner. Amen.

**According to the Eastern custom this is the last week that meat is allowed on non-fasting days. Next Sunday is the Sunday of the Last Judgment, also known as Meatfare Sunday. It will be the last day that meat can be eaten prior to the fast of Great Lent.

Embracing Simplicity

Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have; for He has said "I will never fail you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Being content with what you have can be a difficult thing to accomplish. Even those with abundance can lack contentment, especially if their identity depends on their material possessions. Right now I'm on the other end--I have just enough to survive and am learning to do what I can with what I have.

Having a tight budget makes me think twice before I buy something. It makes me more conscious of what food I get at the grocery store. It narrows the perception of needs and wants. But I am learning contentment.

Embracing simplicity is the best course of action during these challenging times. But I'm not just referring to limiting material possessions. To simplify means to cut away the excess and find the essentials. To rise above the noise and the clutter; to embrace what is pure.

Giving up all material possessions and living off the land will not necessarily simplify life. It could complicate things. What I'm recommending is a change in attitude and action. Encounter life more directly, immediately, and first-hand. If you are directly in touch with life, you will discover how little you actually need.

As you come to appreciate the wonders in the world that God made and the people He put in your life, you will discover that luxuries don't truly enhance your life, but can also complicate it. Wouldn't you rather have a life that is clearer, more direct, less pretentious, and less complicated?

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Simplification helps remove anxiety. I've found that I pray less and less for things and more for people and situations. In other words, my spiritual life is less cluttered. I spend more time thanking God for simple things like beautiful sunsets and new friends.

But I say, walk in the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Our Lord admonished us to deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him. When the clutter and distractions are removed you will see what that cross is: the mission that only you can accomplish. Once we turn off the noise, we can hear that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to us.

Found at Peace

Are you zealous to be found by Christ to be without spot or blemish and at peace? St. Peter said that as we wait for the return of Christ and the final judgement of the world this should be our attitude (2 Peter 3).

Do you endure trials as "discipline" from the Lord? Strive for peace and holiness as the writer of Hebrews directs (12:11-15).

Peace. That word has been warped and twisted and hits our ears with so much baggage. But it is what we must strive for. Peace with others, peace with God, and peace with ourselves.

In both of these passages peace is joined to holiness. It takes effort to be holy, but the fruit of holiness is peace. In Monday's feast of the Presentation we heard the elder Symeon declare, "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace... for my eyes have seen Your salvation..."

If Christ came riding on the clouds in judgement today, would you be at peace? Would you stand and cheer or hide from His wrath?

Even in the middle of the world's turmoil we can be peacemakers. Surrounded by sickness we can be healers. Amid disaster we can bring relief. But the key is active holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

"Last Judgement" by Kandinsky

Candlemass / Jesus Presented in the Temple

Receive, O Simeon, Him whom Moses once beheld in darkness granting the Law on Sinai, and who has now become a babe subject to the Law. This is He who spoke through the Law: this is He whose voice was heard in the prophets, who for our sakes has taken flesh and has saved man. Let us worship Him.

Come, and with divine songs let us go to meet Christ and let us receive Him whose salvation Simeon saw. This is He whom David announced: this is He whose words the prophets uttered, who for our sakes has taken flesh and speaks to us in the Law. Let us worship Him.

~Vesper Stichera by Patriarch Germanos (Eastern Rite)

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine,
secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium,
et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

(Luke 2:29–32)

February Arrives

February is dedicated to the Holy Trinity

TE DEUM, Patrem ingenitum, te Filium unigenitum, te Spiritum Sanctum Paraclitum, sanctam et individuam Trinitatem, toto corde et ore confitemur, laudamus, atque benedicimus: tibi gloria in saecula.

O GOD, unbegotten Father, only-begotten Son, Holy Spirit and Comforter, holy and undivided Trinity, with our whole heart and lips we confess Thee, we praise Thee, and we bless Thee. To Thee be glory forever.

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for this month are:

Church Pastors -- That the Church's pastors may be ever more docile to the action of the Holy Spirit as they teach and serve the people of God.

Peace in Africa -- Guided by the 2nd Special Assembly of the African Synod of Bishops, may the local Church find effective ways to promote reconciliation, justice, and peace.

Some feast days include:

The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple (Feb 2)
St. Agatha (Feb. 5)
St. Scholastica (Feb 10)
Our Lady of Lourdes (Feb 11)
Sts. Cyril & Methodius (Feb 14)
St. Leo the Great (Feb 18)
St. Polycarp (Feb 23)

**Lent Begins this month! For Eastern Catholics it starts on Feb 23 while on the Western calendar Ash Wednesday is Feb 25. Keep it a time of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving as we prepare for the glorious feast of Christ's Resurrection.

No Lasting City

I just moved to Maryville, Tennesee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Just around the corner is a used book store and coffee shop. Having lived in San Francisco, Denver, and Ann Arbor a place like this is familiar territory.

While enjoying a great cup of coffee yesterday I had to tolerate jubilant gushing over the "new attitude" sweeping the country being attributed to the new President. It's as if all the hopes and dreams of the sixties have become incarnate in the new Messiah, I mean, President.

I think that the kindness and goodness was always there. Look at the recent catastrophes and how people came out to assist total strangers. What I think has happened is that the usually pessimistic and fault-finding left is finally able to see the positive in society. They are finding that it's not all doom and gloom. If anything, at least the hallucinogenic kool-aid they're drinking has altered their perception in that respect.

Hopefully the euphoria will result in a loss of the victim mentality that plagues segments of our American society. The staunch pro-death position of our President does concern me. His socialist ideas seem compassionate, but I know that socialism never works and results in a dependent nanny-state.

Christian hospitals will close down rather than be forced to perform abortions if policies like the "Freedom of Choice Act" go through. It bugs me that my tax dollars once again fund abortions in the Third world whether I like it or not.

But I am comforted by this fact: "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come." (Hebrews 13:14) A man made Theocracy is just as bad as a Socialist Utopia. I'm just as weary of the fundamentalist culture warriors as I am the kum-bah-yah kool-aid drinkers.

So what am I to do during my brief journey through this world? "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16) And as Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Regardless of the political climate and the current regime, I still must do what I can to help my neighbor. My identity as a follower of Christ and my responsibility to be His hands and feet does not change. Even during times of persecution Christians throughout history continued their acts of kindness and love.

Government will not solve all our problems. Sorry to burst your bubble America. But in this world I know there will always be problems, but the true Messiah will guide me safely through them.

Entrusted with Gifts

"Lord, if you let me win the lottery, I will do so much to help people and build your kingdom!"

Have you ever bargained with God this way?

I was thinking about the incident in the Gospel of Mark (12:41-44) when the widow gave her last two coins to God. Jesus said that she gave more than the others because she gave out of her poverty, not out of her surplus.

"As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters the oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:10-11)

God wants us to give what we can from what we have. Consider your talents, abilities, and resources then pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where these gifts can be given. If you are gifted with your mouth: encourage, teach, and testify. If you are gifted with your hands: build, feed, and heal. Be a good steward of God's varied grace.

No one else can do what you do, can give what you give. That's why God made you. That's why He put you where you are. That's why the people in your life are there. Give generously of the treasure God entrusted you with for His glory.

January 2009

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, which is celebrated on January 3.

Prayer for a Blessing on the New Year O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church; convert heretics and unbelievers; soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat. May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee. Amen.

The Holy Father's prayer intentions for the month are:

Family: That the family may increasingly be a place of formation in charity, personal growth, and the transmission of the faith.

Christian Unity: That Christian denominations may strive for full unity so as to be more credible witnesses of the Gospel to a world in need of a "new evangelization."