Amy in the Dallas Morning News today. Just as an aside when we entered the church there was a long line that I thought was for communion. I was wrong it turned out to be a line of people taking turns reverencing a very worn statued of St. Francis (Xavier) lying in repose. Also the homily while simple was suberb the priest (a Franciscan) preached on Divine Mercy pointing out that Jesus appeared to his sinful (rejecting God is sin and they had abandoned the Son of God) disciples and forgave them immediately and sent them on a mission to extend that forgiveness. We only will get the good news when we can internalize the message that we are forgiven sinners who need to extend that forgiveness to everyone we meet. We'll continue to be mired in our own business as long as we sit in judgment of others...
From DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Points:
"The day after John Paul II died, I attended Mass at the San Xavier del Bac mission south of Tucson, Ariz.
The 'White Dove of the Desert' rises out of scrubby earth ringed by mountains. Sunday morning Masses at the mission are back-to-back and all crowded, busy affairs. In the gorgeous, rococo setting, angels dance on the ceiling in charming 18th-century garb and stare down at the living body of Christ, as they have for centuries.
In a film on a recent restoration of the church, one expert remarks that the Franciscans who built the church 'would have used neon if it had existed.' He meant simply that the missioners knew the importance of making a splash, in a way that would simply get the curious through the door so that then the story --the good news-- could be preached and perhaps even heard. "
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Saturday, April 9, 2005
Seminarian from Alabama Read the Second Reading at Funeral
From For a Young U.S. Seminarian, the Reading of His Life (washingtonpost.com):
"It would be an exaggeration to say that John G. McDonald is a nobody in the Roman Catholic Church.
After all, among his 150 fellow students at the Pontifical North American College, the biggest U.S. seminary in Rome, McDonald is well-known for his shrimp gumbo, which everyone agrees is delicious, and for his colorful stories about growing up in the small town of Citronelle, Ala. But as a second-year theology student, still two years away from ordination as a priest, McDonald, 28, is not exactly a household name here. "
"It would be an exaggeration to say that John G. McDonald is a nobody in the Roman Catholic Church.
After all, among his 150 fellow students at the Pontifical North American College, the biggest U.S. seminary in Rome, McDonald is well-known for his shrimp gumbo, which everyone agrees is delicious, and for his colorful stories about growing up in the small town of Citronelle, Ala. But as a second-year theology student, still two years away from ordination as a priest, McDonald, 28, is not exactly a household name here. "
Friday, April 8, 2005
The Next Pope "From the glory of the olive"
This blogger lays it out thus:
"The next pope is de gloria olivae ("from the glory of the olive"). You can view the odds on who this might be. Symbolically, the olive could be a reference to any (or none) of the following:
"The next pope is de gloria olivae ("from the glory of the olive"). You can view the odds on who this might be. Symbolically, the olive could be a reference to any (or none) of the following:
the Jewish race (for which the olive branch is an ancient symbol)
Jesus' prophecy on the Mount of Olives
Peace-making
Dark skin
Italy, Greece and/or Spain"
Make John Paul a Saint Immediately!
Cries the crowd at his funeral (someday someone may read this and chalk it up to hagiography--but we have witnessed it ourselves!)
From Yahoo! News - Poor and Powerful Mourn Pope at Emotional Funeral:
"'We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father's house, that he sees us and blesses us,' Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger told hundreds of thousands of people packed into a windswept St. Peter's Square.
'Santo subito' (Make him a saint immediately), the crowds chanted in Italian, holding up the Mass for more than 5 minutes in an outpouring of emotion for a giant of the 20th century who ruled his Church for more than 26 years. "
From Yahoo! News - Poor and Powerful Mourn Pope at Emotional Funeral:
"'We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father's house, that he sees us and blesses us,' Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger told hundreds of thousands of people packed into a windswept St. Peter's Square.
'Santo subito' (Make him a saint immediately), the crowds chanted in Italian, holding up the Mass for more than 5 minutes in an outpouring of emotion for a giant of the 20th century who ruled his Church for more than 26 years. "
Cardinal Ratzinger's Homily
A Gospel that evolved in meaning over the pope's life, from the Vatican Information Service:
"Follow me! Together with the command to feed his flock, Christ proclaimed to Peter that he would die a martyr's death. With those words, which conclude and sum up the dialogue on love and on the mandate of the universal shepherd, the Lord recalls another dialogue, which took place during the Last Supper. There Jesus had said: 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Peter said to him, 'Lord, where are you going?' Jesus replied: 'Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow me afterward.' (Jn 13:33,36). Jesus from the Supper went towards the Cross, went towards his resurrection - he entered into the paschal mystery; and Peter could not yet follow him. Now - after the resurrection - comes the time, comes this 'afterward.' By shepherding the flock of Christ, Peter enters into the paschal mystery, he goes towards the cross and the resurrection. The Lord says this in these words: '... when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go' (Jn 21:18). In the first years of his pontificate, still young and full of energy, the Holy Father went to the very ends of the earth, guided by Christ. But afterwards, he increasingly entered into the communion of Christ's sufferings; increasingly he understood the truth of the words: 'Someone else will fasten a belt around you.' And in this very communion with the suffering Lord, tirelessly and with renewed intensity, he proclaimed the Gospel, the mystery of that love which goes to the end (cf. Jn 13:1).
"Follow me! Together with the command to feed his flock, Christ proclaimed to Peter that he would die a martyr's death. With those words, which conclude and sum up the dialogue on love and on the mandate of the universal shepherd, the Lord recalls another dialogue, which took place during the Last Supper. There Jesus had said: 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Peter said to him, 'Lord, where are you going?' Jesus replied: 'Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow me afterward.' (Jn 13:33,36). Jesus from the Supper went towards the Cross, went towards his resurrection - he entered into the paschal mystery; and Peter could not yet follow him. Now - after the resurrection - comes the time, comes this 'afterward.' By shepherding the flock of Christ, Peter enters into the paschal mystery, he goes towards the cross and the resurrection. The Lord says this in these words: '... when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go' (Jn 21:18). In the first years of his pontificate, still young and full of energy, the Holy Father went to the very ends of the earth, guided by Christ. But afterwards, he increasingly entered into the communion of Christ's sufferings; increasingly he understood the truth of the words: 'Someone else will fasten a belt around you.' And in this very communion with the suffering Lord, tirelessly and with renewed intensity, he proclaimed the Gospel, the mystery of that love which goes to the end (cf. Jn 13:1).
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Eerie--The Vacant Holy See
The Vatican Web Site without the Papal Coat of Arms of Pope John Paul II, reality sets in.
Pope's Last Will and Testament Totus Tuus ego sum
From Yahoo News:
Totus Tuus ego sum
In the Name of the Holiest Trinity. Amen.
"Keep watch, because you do not know which day when the Lord will come" — These words remind me of the final call, which will come the moment that the Lord will choose. I desire to follow Him and desire that all that is part of my earthly life shall prepare me for this moment. I do not know when it will come, but, like all else, this moment too I place into the hands of the Mother of My Master: Totus Tuus.
Totus Tuus ego sum
In the Name of the Holiest Trinity. Amen.
"Keep watch, because you do not know which day when the Lord will come" — These words remind me of the final call, which will come the moment that the Lord will choose. I desire to follow Him and desire that all that is part of my earthly life shall prepare me for this moment. I do not know when it will come, but, like all else, this moment too I place into the hands of the Mother of My Master: Totus Tuus.
Tuesday, April 5, 2005
Based on Pope John Paul's Encyclical on the Eucharist
My newest book was inspired and is directly related to the Pope's last Encyclical on the Eucharist:
Monday, April 4, 2005
Feast of the Annunciation
Today is the transferred Solemnity of the Annunciation. One thinks of the pope's motto "Totus Tuus" referring to his total devotion to Mary as his body is displayed for the public to view in St. Peter's on this day. One also thinks of this day being the feast of the annunciation of the Lord's first coming and as the entire world focuses on the Church today...is this a universal manifestation...an annunciation of the second coming...."to prepare the world for my final coming"?
There are plenty of atheist sites that can detail how many times people have announced the Lord's coming and been wrong. One of the things these sites detail is how the linkage of Good Friday with the Annunciation was thought to signal the end, but we know that Our Lord said "you know neither the day nor the hour," therefore "keep watch, be ready." It isn't something to predict but it is something to be prepared for....and I do think that the death of John Paul will lead to many people being prepared...at least for a few weeks.
I wonder how many, like myself are already asking the intercession of John Paul?
There are plenty of atheist sites that can detail how many times people have announced the Lord's coming and been wrong. One of the things these sites detail is how the linkage of Good Friday with the Annunciation was thought to signal the end, but we know that Our Lord said "you know neither the day nor the hour," therefore "keep watch, be ready." It isn't something to predict but it is something to be prepared for....and I do think that the death of John Paul will lead to many people being prepared...at least for a few weeks.
I wonder how many, like myself are already asking the intercession of John Paul?
Rite of Committal on Friday, Burial at St. Peter's
There had been some speculation that he would be buried in Poland...
From Tampa Bay Online:
Pope John Paul II's funeral will be held Friday morning, and his remains will be interred in the grotto of St. Peter's Basilica where pontiffs throughout the ages have been laid to rest, the Vatican said Monday.
Chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the announcement after the College of Cardinals met for 2 1/2 hours in its first gathering since the pope's death and ahead of a secret vote later this month to elect a successor to John Paul.
Navarro-Valls said the basilica would remain open overnight except for three hours for cleaning every night this week to accommodate the thousands of mourners.
From Tampa Bay Online:
Pope John Paul II's funeral will be held Friday morning, and his remains will be interred in the grotto of St. Peter's Basilica where pontiffs throughout the ages have been laid to rest, the Vatican said Monday.
Chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the announcement after the College of Cardinals met for 2 1/2 hours in its first gathering since the pope's death and ahead of a secret vote later this month to elect a successor to John Paul.
Navarro-Valls said the basilica would remain open overnight except for three hours for cleaning every night this week to accommodate the thousands of mourners.
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Saturday, April 2, 2005
Pope's Final Words
From Catholic News Agency:
"Pope John Paul II, before entering into the state of diminished consciousness, whispered to his personal secretary the eloquent phrase: "I am happy, be it yourselves as well."
According to the Saturday issue of the Italian daily Il Secolo XIX, the Pope pronounced these moving words to Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, his personal secretary and right hand from his days as Archbishop of Krakow (Poland.)
The message was mainly addressed to the priests and religious who have been serving the Pontiff in the last months.
Nevertheless, the phrase, according to the Italian daily, has become a "testament" for all the faithful around the world."
"Pope John Paul II, before entering into the state of diminished consciousness, whispered to his personal secretary the eloquent phrase: "I am happy, be it yourselves as well."
According to the Saturday issue of the Italian daily Il Secolo XIX, the Pope pronounced these moving words to Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, his personal secretary and right hand from his days as Archbishop of Krakow (Poland.)
The message was mainly addressed to the priests and religious who have been serving the Pontiff in the last months.
Nevertheless, the phrase, according to the Italian daily, has become a "testament" for all the faithful around the world."
Saint John Paul the Great
It is beyond reason what this pope accomplished in his pontificate. I told Amy I believe he will be canonized by his successor within five years. Like Bl. Mother Teresa God has blessed us with two great witnesses of his power.
I also predict many will be converted or return to the faith because of his entry into Heaven. All as Evening Prayer I begins the Feast of Mercy.
Jesus we trust in you and ask the John Paul to intercede for us that your church may be a light to the world in these days of mourning and thanksgiving!
I also predict many will be converted or return to the faith because of his entry into Heaven. All as Evening Prayer I begins the Feast of Mercy.
Jesus we trust in you and ask the John Paul to intercede for us that your church may be a light to the world in these days of mourning and thanksgiving!
Friday, April 1, 2005
"From Poland will Come a the Spark that will Prepare the World for My Final Coming"
I read these words from St. Faustina's diary that were spoken to her by Jesus back in 1978. They were published before anyone had even thought of a Polish pope, but somehow one knew that Jesus was referring to this pope and twenty six years later the spark has spread it's fire throughout the world and the devotion to the Divine Mercy is one of the most popular.
I wrote to the pope back in those early days and received the standard reply from a Monsignor that the Holy Father had received my message and sent his blessings. Enclosed in the letter was a small crucifix. What I had written the pope was the following message from teh Gospel of John in Polish:
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young,
you girded yourself and walked where you would;
but when you are old,
you will stretch out your hands,
and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go."
(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.)
And after this he said to him, "Follow me."
John 21:18-19
It is Our Lord's message to St. Peter. I was reminded of this today at Mass when the Gospel reading was from John and the verses immediately preceding this passage. When I sent it to the Holy Father those many years ago I did so because I thought of how his embracing of the Petrine office was taking him away from his beloved Poland. But in these last years it has seemed even more prophetic as he is wheeled out and put around.
If indeed he is the spark that was to prepare the world for the Lord's coming what awaits us after his entrance into the Father's Kingdom?
I wrote to the pope back in those early days and received the standard reply from a Monsignor that the Holy Father had received my message and sent his blessings. Enclosed in the letter was a small crucifix. What I had written the pope was the following message from teh Gospel of John in Polish:
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young,
you girded yourself and walked where you would;
but when you are old,
you will stretch out your hands,
and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go."
(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.)
And after this he said to him, "Follow me."
John 21:18-19
It is Our Lord's message to St. Peter. I was reminded of this today at Mass when the Gospel reading was from John and the verses immediately preceding this passage. When I sent it to the Holy Father those many years ago I did so because I thought of how his embracing of the Petrine office was taking him away from his beloved Poland. But in these last years it has seemed even more prophetic as he is wheeled out and put around.
If indeed he is the spark that was to prepare the world for the Lord's coming what awaits us after his entrance into the Father's Kingdom?
Cardinals Summoned to Rome
From Bloomberg.com: Europe:
"The world's cardinals, who will select John Paul II's successor, have been summoned to Rome, a sign that preparations are under way for a conclave, the secretive election procedure that must begin within three weeks of the pope's death.
Another sign of the gravity of the pope's condition was a decision by the Vatican to keep open its press office, which normally closes at 3 p.m. "
"The world's cardinals, who will select John Paul II's successor, have been summoned to Rome, a sign that preparations are under way for a conclave, the secretive election procedure that must begin within three weeks of the pope's death.
Another sign of the gravity of the pope's condition was a decision by the Vatican to keep open its press office, which normally closes at 3 p.m. "
Divine Mercy and Pope John Paul II
I've heard several reports that the Pope has known all along the day that he would die. The fact that he asked not to be taken to the hospital is probably a sign that day approaches or is here. Yesterday in the novena of divine mercy said between Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (declared by this pope) the intention was:
"Today bring to me those souls who especially glorify and venerate my mercy."
Fitting.
All along Pope John Paul has been the pope that has transcended his office. Like St. Francis, in our own day Mother Teresa, he has been venerated by people of all faiths. One of his staunchest defenders in this country is a Jewish woman I befriended several years ago. He has been an Apostle of God's mercy and his pontificate has been a time of grace, of preparation.
At the same time that the pope may be entering into his final hours the very public and international specticle of a woman not being shown mercy and armed guards keeping anyone from extending that mercy to her against the wishes of the President of the United States and the Congress of the United States in the United States makes one wonder if we have entered into a battle of an evil force that defies any rational explanation.
This pope has steered the barque of Peter between the pilars of devotion to Mary and the Eucharist...may we who now must go on in this culture of death hold on dearly to these gifts of our faith and trust in God's mercy to bring us to his kingdom.
Pray for the pope.
"Today bring to me those souls who especially glorify and venerate my mercy."
Fitting.
All along Pope John Paul has been the pope that has transcended his office. Like St. Francis, in our own day Mother Teresa, he has been venerated by people of all faiths. One of his staunchest defenders in this country is a Jewish woman I befriended several years ago. He has been an Apostle of God's mercy and his pontificate has been a time of grace, of preparation.
At the same time that the pope may be entering into his final hours the very public and international specticle of a woman not being shown mercy and armed guards keeping anyone from extending that mercy to her against the wishes of the President of the United States and the Congress of the United States in the United States makes one wonder if we have entered into a battle of an evil force that defies any rational explanation.
This pope has steered the barque of Peter between the pilars of devotion to Mary and the Eucharist...may we who now must go on in this culture of death hold on dearly to these gifts of our faith and trust in God's mercy to bring us to his kingdom.
Pray for the pope.
Pope's condition 'very serious'
From Pope's condition 'very serious':
"The pope suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection on Thursday, the Vatican said earlier Friday, but it denied an Italian news report that he was in a coma."
"The pope suffered heart failure during treatment for a urinary tract infection on Thursday, the Vatican said earlier Friday, but it denied an Italian news report that he was in a coma."
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Pope Given Last Rites
This is being reported, but as usual the reporters have no understanding of what they are reporting saying that it refers to the "annointing of the sick." If the Vatican is saying that the Pope has been given the Last Rites they are referring to a series of "rites" that are performed for a dying person including:
If this is truly what the Vatican is reporting then the condition of the Pope must be very grave and I would ask all to pray for this saint who God has blessed us with these past twenty-six years.
Confession and Absolution
Annointing of the Sick...this was referred to
in the old days as "extreme unction"
and...
Viaticum...Holy
Communion given to accompany the dying person on their way, their "via" to God.
If this is truly what the Vatican is reporting then the condition of the Pope must be very grave and I would ask all to pray for this saint who God has blessed us with these past twenty-six years.
From the Front Lines
Outside of Terri Schiavo's "cell":
From Sacred Miscellany:
"Better late than never - we went down to the hospice in Pinellas Park where Terri Schiavo is being starved to death. It was a wretched day with heavy downpours on the Interstate. When we got there, the weather had cleared and we found ourselves in a surreal universe of people keeping vigil, encamped media, and an overwhelming police presence. Was it worth the four-hour drive? Yes. You very clearly have a sense of being present at a turning point in American life. There were Catholics, Protestants, disabled and able-bodied, adults and children. Not the numbers we would have hoped, but maybe crowds don't turn out for these moments in history.
What did I hear from the people around me? Why were they there? Because they cared. Because they were scandalized that no one else was there. Over and over I heard, 'Where are the bishops?' Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was there, and we know that where He is, His mother is never far behind."
From Sacred Miscellany:
"Better late than never - we went down to the hospice in Pinellas Park where Terri Schiavo is being starved to death. It was a wretched day with heavy downpours on the Interstate. When we got there, the weather had cleared and we found ourselves in a surreal universe of people keeping vigil, encamped media, and an overwhelming police presence. Was it worth the four-hour drive? Yes. You very clearly have a sense of being present at a turning point in American life. There were Catholics, Protestants, disabled and able-bodied, adults and children. Not the numbers we would have hoped, but maybe crowds don't turn out for these moments in history.
What did I hear from the people around me? Why were they there? Because they cared. Because they were scandalized that no one else was there. Over and over I heard, 'Where are the bishops?' Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was there, and we know that where He is, His mother is never far behind."
Michael Brown and the Scientology Connection
In the Terri Schiavo horror...
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"Scientologists in Clearwater faced a major lawsuit a while ago over the death of a member named Lisa McPherson, who, the suit alleged, was isolated, starved, and dehydrated as part of an attempt to make her fall back into line. The lawsuit asserted that 'Scientologists are ordered to and have been successful in infiltrating other organizations and government agencies, newspapers, medical associations, psychological associations, and psychiatric associations throughout the world.' Scientology's 'mecca' is Clearwater, says the literature."
From Spirit Daily - Daily spiritual news from around the world:
"Scientologists in Clearwater faced a major lawsuit a while ago over the death of a member named Lisa McPherson, who, the suit alleged, was isolated, starved, and dehydrated as part of an attempt to make her fall back into line. The lawsuit asserted that 'Scientologists are ordered to and have been successful in infiltrating other organizations and government agencies, newspapers, medical associations, psychological associations, and psychiatric associations throughout the world.' Scientology's 'mecca' is Clearwater, says the literature."
Providence Gets the Bishop of Youngstown
From the Vatican Information Service:
The Holy Father appointed Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Youngstown, U.S.A., as bishop of Providence (area 3,143, population 1,063,200, Catholics 649,188, priests 407, permanent deacons 107, religious 895), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop Robert E. Mulvee whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted by the Holy Father, upon having reached the age limit.
The Holy Father appointed Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Youngstown, U.S.A., as bishop of Providence (area 3,143, population 1,063,200, Catholics 649,188, priests 407, permanent deacons 107, religious 895), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop Robert E. Mulvee whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted by the Holy Father, upon having reached the age limit.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Pope Being Fed Through a Tube
Appears at window but once again an attempt to speak is muted.
From CNN.com - Pope being fed through a tube - Mar 30, 2005:
"Pope John Paul II is being fed through a nasal tube in an effort to boost his calorie intake, the Vatican says.
'To improve his calorific intake and promote an efficient recovery of his strength, nutrition via the positioning of a nasal-gastric tube has begun,' Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement released Wednesday.
The pope underwent a tracheotomy on February 24 and still has a tube inserted in his windpipe to help his breathing.
Earlier Wednesday the pope appeared at his studio window and blessed the thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square."
From CNN.com - Pope being fed through a tube - Mar 30, 2005:
"Pope John Paul II is being fed through a nasal tube in an effort to boost his calorie intake, the Vatican says.
'To improve his calorific intake and promote an efficient recovery of his strength, nutrition via the positioning of a nasal-gastric tube has begun,' Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement released Wednesday.
The pope underwent a tracheotomy on February 24 and still has a tube inserted in his windpipe to help his breathing.
Earlier Wednesday the pope appeared at his studio window and blessed the thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square."
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Pope May Return to Hospital
From EiTB24.com:
"Pope John Paul II may have to return to the hospital for tests on the tube inserted in his throat to help him breathe, Corriere della Sera newspaper reads today. The report says doctors are considering a new hospitalization next week both to check the tube and to adjust his diet because of problems swallowing.
There is no comment from the Vatican and Nicola Cerbino; a spokesman at Polyclinic Gemelli hospital where John Paul was rushed twice last month, called it media speculation."
"Pope John Paul II may have to return to the hospital for tests on the tube inserted in his throat to help him breathe, Corriere della Sera newspaper reads today. The report says doctors are considering a new hospitalization next week both to check the tube and to adjust his diet because of problems swallowing.
There is no comment from the Vatican and Nicola Cerbino; a spokesman at Polyclinic Gemelli hospital where John Paul was rushed twice last month, called it media speculation."
Easter Sernon of St. John Chrysostom
Byzantine Matins for the Feast of Pascha:
PASCHAL SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Archbishop of Constantinople
Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Is there anyone who is a grateful servant?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary with fasting?
Let them now receive their wages!
If any have toiled from the first hour,
let them receive their due reward;
If any have come after the third hour,
let him with gratitude join in the Feast!
And he that arrived after the sixth hour,
let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss.
And if any delayed until the ninth hour,
let him not hesitate; but let him come too.
And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour,
let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.
For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,
as well as to him that toiled from the first.
To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows.
He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor.
The deed He honors and the intention He commends.
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
First and last alike receive your reward;
rich and poor, rejoice together!
Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!
You that have kept the fast, and you that have not,
rejoice today for the Table is richly laden!
Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one.
Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith.
Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!
Let no one grieve at his poverty,
for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He destroyed Hades when He descended into it.
He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he said,
"You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below."
Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.
It was in an uproar because it is mocked.
It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.
It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.
It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.
Hell took a body, and discovered God.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.
O death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?
Christ is Risen, and you, O death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!
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 Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!
PASCHAL SERMON OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Archbishop of Constantinople
Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God?
Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival!
Is there anyone who is a grateful servant?
Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!
Are there any weary with fasting?
Let them now receive their wages!
If any have toiled from the first hour,
let them receive their due reward;
If any have come after the third hour,
let him with gratitude join in the Feast!
And he that arrived after the sixth hour,
let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss.
And if any delayed until the ninth hour,
let him not hesitate; but let him come too.
And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour,
let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.
For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first.
He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,
as well as to him that toiled from the first.
To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows.
He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor.
The deed He honors and the intention He commends.
Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord!
First and last alike receive your reward;
rich and poor, rejoice together!
Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!
You that have kept the fast, and you that have not,
rejoice today for the Table is richly laden!
Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one.
Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith.
Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!
Let no one grieve at his poverty,
for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;
for forgiveness has risen from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.
He has destroyed it by enduring it.
He destroyed Hades when He descended into it.
He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh.
Isaiah foretold this when he said,
"You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below."
Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.
It was in an uproar because it is mocked.
It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed.
It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated.
It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive.
Hell took a body, and discovered God.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.
O death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?
Christ is Risen, and you, O death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!
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 Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!
Monday, March 28, 2005
Earthquake the Day After Easter
In the same place one hit the day after Christmas...a sign?
From My Way News:
" A massive 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra Monday close to where a quake triggered a tsunami that left nearly 300,000 people dead or missing across Asia, residents and officials said.
The latest quake had the potential to cause a 'widely destructive tsunami' and authorities should take 'immediate action,' including evacuating coastlines within 600 miles of the epicenter, the Pacific tsunami warning center said.
One official said any possible tsunami could be headed toward the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius."
From My Way News:
" A massive 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra Monday close to where a quake triggered a tsunami that left nearly 300,000 people dead or missing across Asia, residents and officials said.
The latest quake had the potential to cause a 'widely destructive tsunami' and authorities should take 'immediate action,' including evacuating coastlines within 600 miles of the epicenter, the Pacific tsunami warning center said.
One official said any possible tsunami could be headed toward the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius."
Divine Mercy Novena
Continues...
From Divine Mercy Novena:
"Fourth Day
'Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.'"
From Divine Mercy Novena:
"Fourth Day
'Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.'"
Generation Life
Versus the Culture of Death...Generation Life and the witness of Brandi Swindell, 28, of Boise, Idaho, who has been on a hunger strike since the feeding tube was removed from Terri Schiavo 12 days ago.
Pope Skips Appearance at His Window
You would think that the Vatican would know that he wasn't going to show, (in reference to the Vatican cameras below):
From Yahoo! News - Pope Skips Appearance at His Window:
" Pope John Paul II skipped his traditional appearance at his window overlooking St. Peter's Square the day after Easter, following a Holy Week during which he was unable to speak.
An appearance Monday -- a national holiday in Italy -- had not been confirmed because of John Paul's convalescence from throat surgery to ease a breathing crisis, although he had kept the appointment to bless pilgrims throughout his 26-year papacy.
Vatican TV cameras zoomed in on the pope's window at noontime, but the curtains remained closed."
From Yahoo! News - Pope Skips Appearance at His Window:
" Pope John Paul II skipped his traditional appearance at his window overlooking St. Peter's Square the day after Easter, following a Holy Week during which he was unable to speak.
An appearance Monday -- a national holiday in Italy -- had not been confirmed because of John Paul's convalescence from throat surgery to ease a breathing crisis, although he had kept the appointment to bless pilgrims throughout his 26-year papacy.
Vatican TV cameras zoomed in on the pope's window at noontime, but the curtains remained closed."
A Helper to Accused Priests
From MSNBC - Tending to Wayward Shepherds:
"Joe Maher never knows what to expect when he picks up the phone. Sometimes there's a trembling pause before a priest, choking back tears, tells him a disturbingly familiar tale: an accusation of sexual abuse, exile from his community. Other times, there's a caller screaming obscenities, furious that Maher would even speak to these 'sinners.' A mild-mannered, devout Roman Catholic, Maher is the founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii--Latin for 'Work for the Good of the Priesthood'--the only lay advocacy group for priests accused of sexual misconduct. Some of the priests seeking help are likely innocent, others are not. But Maher believes in supporting them all. 'Priests are out there destitute, abandoned and desperate,' he says. 'And they need help.'"
"Joe Maher never knows what to expect when he picks up the phone. Sometimes there's a trembling pause before a priest, choking back tears, tells him a disturbingly familiar tale: an accusation of sexual abuse, exile from his community. Other times, there's a caller screaming obscenities, furious that Maher would even speak to these 'sinners.' A mild-mannered, devout Roman Catholic, Maher is the founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii--Latin for 'Work for the Good of the Priesthood'--the only lay advocacy group for priests accused of sexual misconduct. Some of the priests seeking help are likely innocent, others are not. But Maher believes in supporting them all. 'Priests are out there destitute, abandoned and desperate,' he says. 'And they need help.'"
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Easter
Wishing you a joyful experience of Easter, today and everyday!
From Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann: Easter in the Liturgical Year:
In the center of our liturgical life, in the very center of that time which we measure as year, we find the feast of Christ’s Resurrection. What is Resurrection? Resurrection is the appearance in this world, completely dominated by time and therefore by death, of a life that will have no end. The one who rose again from the dead does not die anymore. In this world of ours, not somewhere else, not in a world that we do not know at all, but in our world, there appeared one morning Someone who is beyond death and yet in our time. This meaning of Christ’s Resurrection, this great joy, is the central theme of Christianity and it has been preserved in its purity by the Orthodox Church. There is much truth expressed by those who say that the real central theme of Orthodoxy, the center of all its experience, the frame of reference of everything else, is the Resurrection of Christ.
The center, the day, that gives meaning to all days and therefore to all time, is that yearly commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. This is always the end and the beginning. We are always living after Easter, and we are always going toward Easter. Easter is the earliest Christian feast. The whole tone and meaning of the liturgical life of the Church is contained in Easter, together with the subsequent fifty-day period, which culminates in the feast of the Pentecost, the coming down of Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. This unique Easter celebration is reflected every week in the Christian Sunday, which we call in Russian "Voskresenie" (Resurrection Day). If only you would take some time to read the texts of Sunday Matins you would realize, though it may seem strange to you, that every Sunday we have a little Easter. I say "Little Easter," but it is really "Great Easter." Every week the Church comes to the same central experience: "Having seen Thy Resurrection..." Every Saturday night when the priest carries the Gospel from the altar to the center of the church, after he has read the Gospel of the Resurrection, the same fundamental fact of our Christian faith is proclaimed: Christ is risen! St. Paul says: "If Christ is not risen, then your faith is in vain." There is nothing else to believe. This is the real center, and it is only in reference to Easter as the end of all natural time and the beginning of the new time in which we as Christians have to live that we can understand the whole liturgical year. If you open a calendar, you will find all our Sundays are called Sundays after Pentecost, and Pentecost itself is fifty days after Easter. Pentecost is the fulfillment of Easter. Christ ascended into heaven and sent down His Holy Spirit. When He sent down His Holy Spirit into the world, a new society was instituted, a body of people, whose life, though it remained of this world and was shared in its life, took on a new meaning. This new meaning comes directly from Christ’s Resurrection. We are no longer people who are living in time as in a meaningless process, which makes us first old and then ends in our disappearance. We are given not only a new meaning in life, but even death itself has acquired a new significance. In the Troparion at Easter we say, "He trampled down death by death." We do not say that He trampled down death by the Resurrection, but by death. A Christian still faces death as a decomposition of the body, as an end; yet in Christ, in the Church, because of Easter, because of Pentecost, death is no longer just the end but it is the beginning also. It is not something meaningless which therefore gives a meaningless taste to all of life. Death means entering into the Easter of the Lord. This is the basic tone, the basic melody of the liturgical year of the Christian Church. Christianity is, first of all, the proclamation in this world of Christ’s Resurrection. Orthodox spirituality is paschal in its inner content, and the real content of the Church life is joy. We speak of feasts; the feast is the expression of joyfulness of Christianity.
From Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann: Easter in the Liturgical Year:
In the center of our liturgical life, in the very center of that time which we measure as year, we find the feast of Christ’s Resurrection. What is Resurrection? Resurrection is the appearance in this world, completely dominated by time and therefore by death, of a life that will have no end. The one who rose again from the dead does not die anymore. In this world of ours, not somewhere else, not in a world that we do not know at all, but in our world, there appeared one morning Someone who is beyond death and yet in our time. This meaning of Christ’s Resurrection, this great joy, is the central theme of Christianity and it has been preserved in its purity by the Orthodox Church. There is much truth expressed by those who say that the real central theme of Orthodoxy, the center of all its experience, the frame of reference of everything else, is the Resurrection of Christ.
The center, the day, that gives meaning to all days and therefore to all time, is that yearly commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. This is always the end and the beginning. We are always living after Easter, and we are always going toward Easter. Easter is the earliest Christian feast. The whole tone and meaning of the liturgical life of the Church is contained in Easter, together with the subsequent fifty-day period, which culminates in the feast of the Pentecost, the coming down of Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. This unique Easter celebration is reflected every week in the Christian Sunday, which we call in Russian "Voskresenie" (Resurrection Day). If only you would take some time to read the texts of Sunday Matins you would realize, though it may seem strange to you, that every Sunday we have a little Easter. I say "Little Easter," but it is really "Great Easter." Every week the Church comes to the same central experience: "Having seen Thy Resurrection..." Every Saturday night when the priest carries the Gospel from the altar to the center of the church, after he has read the Gospel of the Resurrection, the same fundamental fact of our Christian faith is proclaimed: Christ is risen! St. Paul says: "If Christ is not risen, then your faith is in vain." There is nothing else to believe. This is the real center, and it is only in reference to Easter as the end of all natural time and the beginning of the new time in which we as Christians have to live that we can understand the whole liturgical year. If you open a calendar, you will find all our Sundays are called Sundays after Pentecost, and Pentecost itself is fifty days after Easter. Pentecost is the fulfillment of Easter. Christ ascended into heaven and sent down His Holy Spirit. When He sent down His Holy Spirit into the world, a new society was instituted, a body of people, whose life, though it remained of this world and was shared in its life, took on a new meaning. This new meaning comes directly from Christ’s Resurrection. We are no longer people who are living in time as in a meaningless process, which makes us first old and then ends in our disappearance. We are given not only a new meaning in life, but even death itself has acquired a new significance. In the Troparion at Easter we say, "He trampled down death by death." We do not say that He trampled down death by the Resurrection, but by death. A Christian still faces death as a decomposition of the body, as an end; yet in Christ, in the Church, because of Easter, because of Pentecost, death is no longer just the end but it is the beginning also. It is not something meaningless which therefore gives a meaningless taste to all of life. Death means entering into the Easter of the Lord. This is the basic tone, the basic melody of the liturgical year of the Christian Church. Christianity is, first of all, the proclamation in this world of Christ’s Resurrection. Orthodox spirituality is paschal in its inner content, and the real content of the Church life is joy. We speak of feasts; the feast is the expression of joyfulness of Christianity.
Weak Pope Unable to Speak
I watched this live this morning on EWTN. When the microphone was placed to him, he made a breathing sound but no words. The attendant moved the microphone away quickly.
The message given was one related to his Apostolic Letter "Stay with us Lord" tying the Eucharist to Easter.
From Reuters AlertNet - Weak Pope unable to speak on Easter Sunday:
"An ailing Pope John Paul appeared at his window to bless the faithful on Easter Sunday but in a dramatic episode that brought tears to the eyes of many people, he failed in his attempt to speak.
Aides had brought a microphone to the Pope's mouth. He made a few sounds and breathed heavily but was unable to pronounce any words. Aides then removed the microphone.
The Pope sat at his window for about 15 minutes listening to the end of an Easter Sunday service before he tried to speak. He looked uncomfortable and put both hands to his face."
The message given was one related to his Apostolic Letter "Stay with us Lord" tying the Eucharist to Easter.
From Reuters AlertNet - Weak Pope unable to speak on Easter Sunday:
"An ailing Pope John Paul appeared at his window to bless the faithful on Easter Sunday but in a dramatic episode that brought tears to the eyes of many people, he failed in his attempt to speak.
Aides had brought a microphone to the Pope's mouth. He made a few sounds and breathed heavily but was unable to pronounce any words. Aides then removed the microphone.
The Pope sat at his window for about 15 minutes listening to the end of an Easter Sunday service before he tried to speak. He looked uncomfortable and put both hands to his face."
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Holy Saturday
Always a cogent thought...
From Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann: Great and Holy Saturday:
From Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann: Great and Holy Saturday:
THE TRANSITION
Holy Saturday is a neglected day in parish life. Few people attend the Services. Popular piety usually reduces Holy Week to one day — Holy Friday. This day is quickly replaced by another — Easter Sunday. Christ is dead and then suddenly alive. Great sorrow is suddenly replaced by great joy. In such a scheme Holy Saturday is lost.
In the understanding of the Church, sorrow is not replaced by joy; it is transformed into joy. This distinction indicates that it is precisely within death the Christ continues to effect triumph.
TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH
We sing that Christ is ". . . trampling down death by death" in the troparion of Easter. This phrase gives great meaning to Holy Saturday. Christ’s repose in the tomb is an "active" repose. He comes in search of His fallen friend, Adam, who represents all men. Not finding him on earth, He descends to the realm of death, known as Hades in the Old Testament. There He finds him and brings him life once again. This is the victory: the dead are given life. The tomb is no longer a forsaken, lifeless place. By His death Christ tramples down death.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Sad News
I've blogged about this before. I know Father Minder from my Crieghton days when we were good friends.
From The Seattle Times: Local News: Bothell ex-pastor who alleges abuse is leaving the priesthood:
"The Rev. Lawrence Minder, who stunned his parishioners at Bothell's St. Brendan Church last year when he told them he was a victim of the Roman Catholic Church's sex-abuse scandal, is resigning from the priesthood.
Saying he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his abuse, Minder stated yesterday that counselors at an Arizona treatment facility told him recently he needed to separate from the priesthood to work through the issues underlying the disorder. "
From The Seattle Times: Local News: Bothell ex-pastor who alleges abuse is leaving the priesthood:
"The Rev. Lawrence Minder, who stunned his parishioners at Bothell's St. Brendan Church last year when he told them he was a victim of the Roman Catholic Church's sex-abuse scandal, is resigning from the priesthood.
Saying he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his abuse, Minder stated yesterday that counselors at an Arizona treatment facility told him recently he needed to separate from the priesthood to work through the issues underlying the disorder. "
Christ's steps are retraced in 14 stations
From Christ's steps are retraced in 14 stations:
"The following is a Scriptural synopsis of each of the 14 stations of the cross Jesus is believed to have taken before being crucified, according to a booklet, 'The Biblical Way of the Cross,' by Michael A. Dubruiel and Amy Welborn:
Station 1: Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Luke 22:41-46.
Station 2: Jesus is betrayed and arrested.
Immediately, while (Jesus) was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. Mark 14:43-46.
Station 3: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.
The high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Song of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves death." Matthew 26:62-66.
Station 4: Peter denies knowing Jesus.
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before all of them, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know the man!" At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75.
Station 5: Jesus is condemned by Pilate.
Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he has sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death."
But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. Luke 23:13-15, 23-24.
Station 6: Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. Mark 15:16-19.
Station 7: Jesus takes up His cross.
The (Pilate) handed (Jesus) over to (the Jews) to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. John 19:16b-17.
Station 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus.
As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26.
Station 9: Jesus meets the weeping women.
A great number of people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Luke 23:27-31.
Station 10: Jesus is crucified.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Luke 23:33-38.
Station 11: Jesus promises paradise to the crucified thief.
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding (Jesus) saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:39-43.
Station 12: Jesus cares for his mother.
Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. John 19:25-27.
Station 13: Jesus dies.
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, unto your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent." Luke 23:44-47.
Station 14: Jesus is buried.
Then (Joseph of Arimathea) took (the body of Jesus) down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:53-56.
"The following is a Scriptural synopsis of each of the 14 stations of the cross Jesus is believed to have taken before being crucified, according to a booklet, 'The Biblical Way of the Cross,' by Michael A. Dubruiel and Amy Welborn:
Station 1: Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial." Luke 22:41-46.
Station 2: Jesus is betrayed and arrested.
Immediately, while (Jesus) was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. Mark 14:43-46.
Station 3: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.
The high priest stood up and said, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Song of God." Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" They answered, "He deserves death." Matthew 26:62-66.
Station 4: Peter denies knowing Jesus.
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before all of them, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know the man!" At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75.
Station 5: Jesus is condemned by Pilate.
Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he has sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death."
But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. Luke 23:13-15, 23-24.
Station 6: Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is the governor's headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. Mark 15:16-19.
Station 7: Jesus takes up His cross.
The (Pilate) handed (Jesus) over to (the Jews) to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. John 19:16b-17.
Station 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus.
As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26.
Station 9: Jesus meets the weeping women.
A great number of people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Luke 23:27-31.
Station 10: Jesus is crucified.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Luke 23:33-38.
Station 11: Jesus promises paradise to the crucified thief.
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding (Jesus) saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:39-43.
Station 12: Jesus cares for his mother.
Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. John 19:25-27.
Station 13: Jesus dies.
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, unto your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, "Certainly this man was innocent." Luke 23:44-47.
Station 14: Jesus is buried.
Then (Joseph of Arimathea) took (the body of Jesus) down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:53-56.
The Passion of Christ Continues
And the crowd cried out "Crucify him"....
Today the majority cries out "pull the tube"
From Peggy NoonanOpinionJournal - Peggy Noonan:
"I do not understand the emotionalism of the pull-the-tube people. What is driving their engagement? Is it because they are compassionate, and their hearts bleed at the thought that Mrs. Schiavo suffers? But throughout this case no one has testified that she is in persistent pain, as those with terminal cancer are.
If they care so much about her pain, why are they unconcerned at the suffering caused her by the denial of food and water? And why do those who argue for Mrs. Schiavo's death employ language and imagery that is so violent and aggressive? The chairman of the Democratic National Committee calls Republicans 'brain dead.' Michael Schiavo, the husband, calls House Majority Leader Tom DeLay 'a slithering snake.' "
Today the majority cries out "pull the tube"
From Peggy NoonanOpinionJournal - Peggy Noonan:
"I do not understand the emotionalism of the pull-the-tube people. What is driving their engagement? Is it because they are compassionate, and their hearts bleed at the thought that Mrs. Schiavo suffers? But throughout this case no one has testified that she is in persistent pain, as those with terminal cancer are.
If they care so much about her pain, why are they unconcerned at the suffering caused her by the denial of food and water? And why do those who argue for Mrs. Schiavo's death employ language and imagery that is so violent and aggressive? The chairman of the Democratic National Committee calls Republicans 'brain dead.' Michael Schiavo, the husband, calls House Majority Leader Tom DeLay 'a slithering snake.' "
Divine Mercy Novena
Begins today. This site will instruct you on how to pray it...Divine Mercy Novena
The Ninth Station
I thought this deserved it's own entry. From Cardinal Ratizinger's stations to be used today in Rome (link in Good Friday post below)
NINTH STATION
Jesus falls for the third time
V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.
R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.
From the Book of Lamentations. 3:27-32
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him; let him put his mouth in the dust - there may yet be hope; let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
What can the third fall of Jesus under the Cross say to us? We have considered the fall of man in general, and the falling of many Christians away from Christ and into a godless secularism. Should we not also think of how much Christ suffers in his own Church? How often is the holy sacrament of his Presence abused, how often must he enter empty and evil hearts! How often do we celebrate only ourselves, without even realizing that he is there! How often is his Word twisted and misused! What little faith is present behind so many theories, so many empty words! How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to him! How much pride, how much self-complacency! What little respect we pay to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where he waits for us, ready to raise us up whenever we fall! All this is present in his Passion. His betrayal by his disciples, their unworthy reception of his Body and Blood, is certainly the greatest suffering endured by the Redeemer; it pierces his heart. We can only call to him from the depths of our hearts: Kyrie eleison – Lord, save us (cf. Mt 8: 25).
PRAYER
Lord, your Church often seems like a boat about to sink, a boat taking in water on every side. In your field we see more weeds than wheat. The soiled garments and face of your Church throw us into confusion. Yet it is we ourselves who have soiled them! It is we who betray you time and time again, after all our lofty words and grand gestures. Have mercy on your Church; within her too, Adam continues to fall. When we fall, we drag you down to earth, and Satan laughs, for he hopes that you will not be able to rise from that fall; he hopes that being dragged down in the fall of your Church, you will remain prostrate and overpowered. But you will rise again. You stood up, you arose and you can also raise us up. Save and sanctify your Church. Save and sanctify us all.
NINTH STATION
Jesus falls for the third time
V/. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.
R/. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum.
From the Book of Lamentations. 3:27-32
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when he has laid it on him; let him put his mouth in the dust - there may yet be hope; let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
What can the third fall of Jesus under the Cross say to us? We have considered the fall of man in general, and the falling of many Christians away from Christ and into a godless secularism. Should we not also think of how much Christ suffers in his own Church? How often is the holy sacrament of his Presence abused, how often must he enter empty and evil hearts! How often do we celebrate only ourselves, without even realizing that he is there! How often is his Word twisted and misused! What little faith is present behind so many theories, so many empty words! How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to him! How much pride, how much self-complacency! What little respect we pay to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where he waits for us, ready to raise us up whenever we fall! All this is present in his Passion. His betrayal by his disciples, their unworthy reception of his Body and Blood, is certainly the greatest suffering endured by the Redeemer; it pierces his heart. We can only call to him from the depths of our hearts: Kyrie eleison – Lord, save us (cf. Mt 8: 25).
PRAYER
Lord, your Church often seems like a boat about to sink, a boat taking in water on every side. In your field we see more weeds than wheat. The soiled garments and face of your Church throw us into confusion. Yet it is we ourselves who have soiled them! It is we who betray you time and time again, after all our lofty words and grand gestures. Have mercy on your Church; within her too, Adam continues to fall. When we fall, we drag you down to earth, and Satan laughs, for he hopes that you will not be able to rise from that fall; he hopes that being dragged down in the fall of your Church, you will remain prostrate and overpowered. But you will rise again. You stood up, you arose and you can also raise us up. Save and sanctify your Church. Save and sanctify us all.
Good Friday
Meditations by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to be used in the Colosseum in Rome today...Colosseum - Way of the Cross 2005
From the Seventh Station:
The tradition that Jesus fell three times beneath the weight of the Cross evokes the fall of Adam – the state of fallen humanity – and the mystery of Jesus’ own sharing in our fall. Throughout history the fall of man constantly takes on new forms. In his First Letter, Saint John speaks of a threefold fall: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. He thus interprets the fall of man and humanity against the backdrop of the vices of his own time, with all its excesses and perversions. But we can also think, in more recent times, of how a Christianity which has grown weary of faith has abandoned the Lord: the great ideologies, and the banal existence of those who, no longer believing in anything, simply drift through life, have built a new and worse paganism, which in its attempt to do away with God once and for all, have ended up doing away with man. And so man lies fallen in the dust. The Lord bears this burden and falls, over and over again, in order to meet us. He gazes on us, he touches our hearts; he falls in order to raise us up.
From the Eighth Station:
Hearing Jesus reproach the women of Jerusalem who follow him and weep for him ought to make us reflect. How should we understand his words? Are they not directed at a piety which is purely sentimental, one which fails to lead to conversion and living faith? It is no use to lament the sufferings of this world if our life goes on as usual. And so the Lord warns us of the danger in which we find ourselves. He shows us both the seriousness of sin and the seriousness of judgement. Can it be that, despite all our expressions of consternation in the face of evil and innocent suffering, we are all too prepared to trivialize the mystery of evil? Have we accepted only the gentleness and love of God and Jesus, and quietly set aside the word of judgement? “How can God be so concerned with our weaknesses?”, we say. “We are only human!” Yet as we contemplate the sufferings of the Son, we see more clearly the seriousness of sin, and how it needs to be fully atoned if it is to be overcome. Before the image of the suffering Lord, evil can no longer be trivialized. To us too, he says: “Do not weep for me, weep for yourselves... if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”.
From the Seventh Station:
The tradition that Jesus fell three times beneath the weight of the Cross evokes the fall of Adam – the state of fallen humanity – and the mystery of Jesus’ own sharing in our fall. Throughout history the fall of man constantly takes on new forms. In his First Letter, Saint John speaks of a threefold fall: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. He thus interprets the fall of man and humanity against the backdrop of the vices of his own time, with all its excesses and perversions. But we can also think, in more recent times, of how a Christianity which has grown weary of faith has abandoned the Lord: the great ideologies, and the banal existence of those who, no longer believing in anything, simply drift through life, have built a new and worse paganism, which in its attempt to do away with God once and for all, have ended up doing away with man. And so man lies fallen in the dust. The Lord bears this burden and falls, over and over again, in order to meet us. He gazes on us, he touches our hearts; he falls in order to raise us up.
From the Eighth Station:
Hearing Jesus reproach the women of Jerusalem who follow him and weep for him ought to make us reflect. How should we understand his words? Are they not directed at a piety which is purely sentimental, one which fails to lead to conversion and living faith? It is no use to lament the sufferings of this world if our life goes on as usual. And so the Lord warns us of the danger in which we find ourselves. He shows us both the seriousness of sin and the seriousness of judgement. Can it be that, despite all our expressions of consternation in the face of evil and innocent suffering, we are all too prepared to trivialize the mystery of evil? Have we accepted only the gentleness and love of God and Jesus, and quietly set aside the word of judgement? “How can God be so concerned with our weaknesses?”, we say. “We are only human!” Yet as we contemplate the sufferings of the Son, we see more clearly the seriousness of sin, and how it needs to be fully atoned if it is to be overcome. Before the image of the suffering Lord, evil can no longer be trivialized. To us too, he says: “Do not weep for me, weep for yourselves... if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Italy to Name Mountain After Pope
From BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope to get 'own' mountain peak:
"A region in central Italy has announced it will name a mountain peak after Pope John Paul II, who has enjoyed hiking in the area in the past.
The ceremony is due to be held on the Pope's 85th birthday on 18 May.
The 2,424 metre (7,900 feet) peak is in the Gran Sasso, the highest mountain range in the Appennines.
The nature-loving Pope once told pilgrims in St Peter's Square that in the Bible, mountains 'were considered a special place to meet God'. "
"A region in central Italy has announced it will name a mountain peak after Pope John Paul II, who has enjoyed hiking in the area in the past.
The ceremony is due to be held on the Pope's 85th birthday on 18 May.
The 2,424 metre (7,900 feet) peak is in the Gran Sasso, the highest mountain range in the Appennines.
The nature-loving Pope once told pilgrims in St Peter's Square that in the Bible, mountains 'were considered a special place to meet God'. "
Rejected
Supreme Court refuses...
From My Way News:
"The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to order Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted, rejecting a desperate appeal by her parents to keep their severely brain-damaged daughter alive.
The decision, announced in a terse one-page order, marked the end of a dramatic and disheartening four-day dash through the federal court system by Bob and Mary Schindler.
Justices did not explain their decision, which was at least the fifth time they have declined to get involved in the Schiavo case."
From My Way News:
"The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to order Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted, rejecting a desperate appeal by her parents to keep their severely brain-damaged daughter alive.
The decision, announced in a terse one-page order, marked the end of a dramatic and disheartening four-day dash through the federal court system by Bob and Mary Schindler.
Justices did not explain their decision, which was at least the fifth time they have declined to get involved in the Schiavo case."
The Holy Eucharist
I've written two books on this most precious gift that Our Lord gave us on this Holy day and yet I know that I have only shined a flashlight on some remote corner of this vast mystery.
Spend the day reflecting on this mystery and how you handle it in your life. Think about the Liturgy tonight that focuses us on Service and Adoration in light of this mystery.
Spend the day reflecting on this mystery and how you handle it in your life. Think about the Liturgy tonight that focuses us on Service and Adoration in light of this mystery.
Ailing Pope John Paul II Skips Mass
From Yahoo! News - Ailing Pope John Paul II Skips Mass:
"He had not been expected to preside at the Holy Thursday Mass, and his stand-in, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, read a brief greeting from the pope containing assurances he was following the service on television.
In his homily, the Italian cardinal thanked the pope 'for the testimony that he continues to give us with his example of serene abandonment to God.' "
"He had not been expected to preside at the Holy Thursday Mass, and his stand-in, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, read a brief greeting from the pope containing assurances he was following the service on television.
In his homily, the Italian cardinal thanked the pope 'for the testimony that he continues to give us with his example of serene abandonment to God.' "
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
2016 Feast of the Annunciation and Good Friday
This year...
From Feast of the Annunciation (Lady Day):
"When Lady Day falls on Good Friday, it is transferred to the Monday following Low Sunday (the Sunday after Easter). Folk belief is that it is a bad sign when Lady Day falls on Good Friday; bad luck is said to follow. The English say, 'If Our Lord falls in Our Lady's lap, England will meet with a great mishap.' "
From Feast of the Annunciation (Lady Day):
"When Lady Day falls on Good Friday, it is transferred to the Monday following Low Sunday (the Sunday after Easter). Folk belief is that it is a bad sign when Lady Day falls on Good Friday; bad luck is said to follow. The English say, 'If Our Lord falls in Our Lady's lap, England will meet with a great mishap.' "
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