Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Now you don't have to get up as early as I do.
Finally the technical squirrels have gotten around to posting achives online for Relevant Radio. That means, you guessed it, you can now listen to my broadcasts (and other stuff as well). So enjoy and if you think of it, you might send an email to the folks at RR and let them know what you think of the shows.
Finally the technical squirrels have gotten around to posting achives online for Relevant Radio. That means, you guessed it, you can now listen to my broadcasts (and other stuff as well). So enjoy and if you think of it, you might send an email to the folks at RR and let them know what you think of the shows.
Throw this into the debate and it gets more interesting.
I can't say anything for the validity of the study because there is no data on how the study was conducted. In other words, take that for what it is worth.
I do have one qualm with the article. I mean, think about it. If you don't have sexual relations with anyone, aren't your chances of contracting AIDS essentially reduced to accidental blood-born infection? So, I wonder what the article is getting at when it says that "abstinence isn't effective." Maybe what's intended is "abstinence is pretty tricky and most people can't do it( catch the pun, folks ), so just be faithful and cross your fingers." I'll have to re-read and re-think.
I can't say anything for the validity of the study because there is no data on how the study was conducted. In other words, take that for what it is worth.
I do have one qualm with the article. I mean, think about it. If you don't have sexual relations with anyone, aren't your chances of contracting AIDS essentially reduced to accidental blood-born infection? So, I wonder what the article is getting at when it says that "abstinence isn't effective." Maybe what's intended is "abstinence is pretty tricky and most people can't do it( catch the pun, folks ), so just be faithful and cross your fingers." I'll have to re-read and re-think.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Bad Historian. No More Publishing Contracts For You!
Pagels has been a major player in the attempted legitimization of the Gnostic Christian worldview. We tip our biretta to the good Jesuit (see, there's at least one) for doing all that heavy lifting.
Pagels has been a major player in the attempted legitimization of the Gnostic Christian worldview. We tip our biretta to the good Jesuit (see, there's at least one) for doing all that heavy lifting.
For even more of your debunking needs check out Olson and Miesel's action packed run up to the screaming hysterical waste of time that is the product of Dan Brown's fevered imagination. The only question is what is being done in the Hispanic community to address this?
Hey, them's the breaks when you work for a Catholic institution...
I find these stories so aggrevating because they come down to "The culture promotes tolerance; therefore if you don't go along with us even if it directly contradicts your teaching and values then you are subject to public scorn." In essence, it is intolerance toward the Church's public witness for the sake of tolerance. Ah, what did these people think they were in for when they joined a Catholic institution?
I find these stories so aggrevating because they come down to "The culture promotes tolerance; therefore if you don't go along with us even if it directly contradicts your teaching and values then you are subject to public scorn." In essence, it is intolerance toward the Church's public witness for the sake of tolerance. Ah, what did these people think they were in for when they joined a Catholic institution?
More to the story than it first appeared
(Note: this post might be a bit much for younger readers as it deals with genital sexuality and other related matters. You might shoo the kidlets away before continuing.)
Thanks to everyone who sent messages and called asking my input on this subject. Of course, until I see the document I will keep my comments general and try to see both sides of the issue. I know, it is out of character for me, but roll with it.
The whole issue settles around how the principle of double effect plays into this. Stated simply, the principle of double effect means that when a good is intended but the means to achieve that end includes an unintended evil effect, that evil can be tolerated. For example, you are a police officer: you pull your weapon to defend yourself against an assailant and end up killing the man. The good here is self-defense, the evil consequence which was foreseeable but not intended is the death of the assailant.
Contrary to popular perception, the priniciple of double effect is not a rubber stamp to do whatever you want. It is a limited permission so to speak. In the example above, the police officer would not be justified in starting from the death of the assailant even if the outcome would be the same, namely the good of self-defense is promoted. Rather, you must always start from the good in question and then see if you can prevent the evil consequence.
In the question of condom use by AIDS victims, you would have automatically a limited field of consideration. It would have to be a married couple (since genital behavior outside of marriage would be excluded) in which only one of whom had AIDS. If both had AIDS, then protecting the partner from the disease becomes a moot point. Further, you could not make the claim, I think, that you would be justified in preventing pregnancy in light of the potential future suffering of the offspring who might contract the disease from the infected mother. Ultimately the fate of the child falls into God's hands and I would think that a limited existence is still better than frustrating existence all together. An interesting consideration would include what are the chances of infection from mother to child.
To apply the principle then, the good in question is the prevention of disease between a married couple one of whom has a life threatening disease. The evil is the prevention of the conception of a child. Into this calculation then, we must introduce a question of risk: how reliable are condoms in preventing the spread of AIDS? Quite frankly, I can't answer that. The research I have heard of second hand is not all that promising. It has something to do with the microscopic holes present in latex due to the way the material is made. Compounding this would be the incidences of condom failure. In the case of condom failure, it would be a catestrophic and potentially deadly infective exposure. So, in my personal opinion, I think theoretically you could make a case but the potential risks outweigh any possible benefit from genital sexual activity. Continence might be the best way to say "I Love You."
As another interesting side note, the guys over at Hands and Feet Podcast (let Google find it for you) had some comparitive stats about AIDS in Africa. I don't have them in front of me, and I suggest you harass them for those numbers, but in effect as the Catholic population figure rose, the number of AIDS cases dropped. They suggested this had to do with obedience to the Church's teaching concerning human sexuality and I would be inclined to agree. After all, initially, scientists were going to call the disease "Kinshasa Highway Syndrome" because it migrated along a major highway system in Africa, mainly due to the presence of infected prostitutes. If those gentlemen had not frequently prostitutes, and all the accompying behavior, the figures might work remarkably differently.
Also, the MSM has not been telling the whole story (no, no, I'll pause while that shock passes...) about Cardinal Martini's comments. Apparently the first half was correctly related: the retired Cardinal thought it was a case of the lesser evil for a couple facing this difficulty with AIDS to use a condom. However, the news hasn't mentioned this: "Cardinal Martini questioned whether religious leaders should promote anti-AIDS condom campaigns, because he said they risk promoting sexual irresponsibility. That has been the primary argument of other church leaders, who have also said – as Pope Benedict did last June in a message to African bishops – that chastity and fidelity are the only fail-safe ways to prevent the spread of the disease." Why this part hasn't been bandied about is up in the air. I could uncharitibly suspect it has something to do with the fact that Western culture has been so sexually irresponible for the last several decades that any mention of responsibility and sexuality comes across like the pops and clicks of Flipper on speed. But that's just me.
So, keep your ears and eyes posted and we'll see what shakes out.
(Note: this post might be a bit much for younger readers as it deals with genital sexuality and other related matters. You might shoo the kidlets away before continuing.)
Thanks to everyone who sent messages and called asking my input on this subject. Of course, until I see the document I will keep my comments general and try to see both sides of the issue. I know, it is out of character for me, but roll with it.
The whole issue settles around how the principle of double effect plays into this. Stated simply, the principle of double effect means that when a good is intended but the means to achieve that end includes an unintended evil effect, that evil can be tolerated. For example, you are a police officer: you pull your weapon to defend yourself against an assailant and end up killing the man. The good here is self-defense, the evil consequence which was foreseeable but not intended is the death of the assailant.
Contrary to popular perception, the priniciple of double effect is not a rubber stamp to do whatever you want. It is a limited permission so to speak. In the example above, the police officer would not be justified in starting from the death of the assailant even if the outcome would be the same, namely the good of self-defense is promoted. Rather, you must always start from the good in question and then see if you can prevent the evil consequence.
In the question of condom use by AIDS victims, you would have automatically a limited field of consideration. It would have to be a married couple (since genital behavior outside of marriage would be excluded) in which only one of whom had AIDS. If both had AIDS, then protecting the partner from the disease becomes a moot point. Further, you could not make the claim, I think, that you would be justified in preventing pregnancy in light of the potential future suffering of the offspring who might contract the disease from the infected mother. Ultimately the fate of the child falls into God's hands and I would think that a limited existence is still better than frustrating existence all together. An interesting consideration would include what are the chances of infection from mother to child.
To apply the principle then, the good in question is the prevention of disease between a married couple one of whom has a life threatening disease. The evil is the prevention of the conception of a child. Into this calculation then, we must introduce a question of risk: how reliable are condoms in preventing the spread of AIDS? Quite frankly, I can't answer that. The research I have heard of second hand is not all that promising. It has something to do with the microscopic holes present in latex due to the way the material is made. Compounding this would be the incidences of condom failure. In the case of condom failure, it would be a catestrophic and potentially deadly infective exposure. So, in my personal opinion, I think theoretically you could make a case but the potential risks outweigh any possible benefit from genital sexual activity. Continence might be the best way to say "I Love You."
As another interesting side note, the guys over at Hands and Feet Podcast (let Google find it for you) had some comparitive stats about AIDS in Africa. I don't have them in front of me, and I suggest you harass them for those numbers, but in effect as the Catholic population figure rose, the number of AIDS cases dropped. They suggested this had to do with obedience to the Church's teaching concerning human sexuality and I would be inclined to agree. After all, initially, scientists were going to call the disease "Kinshasa Highway Syndrome" because it migrated along a major highway system in Africa, mainly due to the presence of infected prostitutes. If those gentlemen had not frequently prostitutes, and all the accompying behavior, the figures might work remarkably differently.
Also, the MSM has not been telling the whole story (no, no, I'll pause while that shock passes...) about Cardinal Martini's comments. Apparently the first half was correctly related: the retired Cardinal thought it was a case of the lesser evil for a couple facing this difficulty with AIDS to use a condom. However, the news hasn't mentioned this: "Cardinal Martini questioned whether religious leaders should promote anti-AIDS condom campaigns, because he said they risk promoting sexual irresponsibility. That has been the primary argument of other church leaders, who have also said – as Pope Benedict did last June in a message to African bishops – that chastity and fidelity are the only fail-safe ways to prevent the spread of the disease." Why this part hasn't been bandied about is up in the air. I could uncharitibly suspect it has something to do with the fact that Western culture has been so sexually irresponible for the last several decades that any mention of responsibility and sexuality comes across like the pops and clicks of Flipper on speed. But that's just me.
So, keep your ears and eyes posted and we'll see what shakes out.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
They certainly have guts to try again after the debacle of "Nemesis"
But with a good director anything is possible. Maybe I should whip out my script on the U.S.S. Tieconderoga and see if I can score a subplot.
But with a good director anything is possible. Maybe I should whip out my script on the U.S.S. Tieconderoga and see if I can score a subplot.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Would the Totalitarian Regime like a wollypop?
Dear China:
So dreadfully sorry that someone disagreeing with policy in your country was heard on air. It must have been upseting to come to a country where you don't have absolute control over public opinion, citizen's lives, and the economy. If you are willing to overlook this little misunderstanding, we would accept happily any and all products which you mass-produce so that we Americans may buy in bulk.
As a modest proposal for good will between your people and ours, we would like to participate in your society's tactics by arresting and silencing this person. While we want this good will, we'll pass on torture and coersion, unless that will get a better price on manufactured goods.
Yours Truly,
J. Swift.
(In case you didn't catch it, this was intended as satire. Make of it as you will.)
Dear China:
So dreadfully sorry that someone disagreeing with policy in your country was heard on air. It must have been upseting to come to a country where you don't have absolute control over public opinion, citizen's lives, and the economy. If you are willing to overlook this little misunderstanding, we would accept happily any and all products which you mass-produce so that we Americans may buy in bulk.
As a modest proposal for good will between your people and ours, we would like to participate in your society's tactics by arresting and silencing this person. While we want this good will, we'll pass on torture and coersion, unless that will get a better price on manufactured goods.
Yours Truly,
J. Swift.
(In case you didn't catch it, this was intended as satire. Make of it as you will.)
Okay, now I have officially had it!
I cannot believe I didn't see this coming. Well, since everyone else has written rebuttals to the book and to the movie, I guess I will take the hit and write the rebuttal of the video game. Anyone want to send me a free copy to test and to debug.
Also, please pray for me as I put together a lecture about the DVC. I am going to "enemy" territory as I will be giving the lecture on the campus of UCO in Edmond on Sunday. I think the lecture starts at 7:50 p.m. and in what room I know not. If you are interested in going, contact St. John's in Edmond, 405-340-0691 for more information.
I cannot believe I didn't see this coming. Well, since everyone else has written rebuttals to the book and to the movie, I guess I will take the hit and write the rebuttal of the video game. Anyone want to send me a free copy to test and to debug.
Also, please pray for me as I put together a lecture about the DVC. I am going to "enemy" territory as I will be giving the lecture on the campus of UCO in Edmond on Sunday. I think the lecture starts at 7:50 p.m. and in what room I know not. If you are interested in going, contact St. John's in Edmond, 405-340-0691 for more information.
Unfortunately, I think the MP is correct.
The tendency of goverments is to treat everyone and everything as though they were exactly the same. Therefore, in the mind of government, religion is religion. So, if you are a Catholic or a Satanist, you both get an equal stand.
Also, Fr. Dobson's comment: "Christianity should not survive if it means excluding all else," seems hinky. Well, that is the nature of truth. Eventually, you have to choose, and if you choose not to decide, then you still have made a choice. Either A, B, or C, but it is intellectual schizophrenia (a splitting of mind) to try to reconcile contradictory notions. I guess the comment could stand if it meant, Christianity doesn't need to issue fatwas to get ahead and to be convincing.
The tendency of goverments is to treat everyone and everything as though they were exactly the same. Therefore, in the mind of government, religion is religion. So, if you are a Catholic or a Satanist, you both get an equal stand.
Also, Fr. Dobson's comment: "Christianity should not survive if it means excluding all else," seems hinky. Well, that is the nature of truth. Eventually, you have to choose, and if you choose not to decide, then you still have made a choice. Either A, B, or C, but it is intellectual schizophrenia (a splitting of mind) to try to reconcile contradictory notions. I guess the comment could stand if it meant, Christianity doesn't need to issue fatwas to get ahead and to be convincing.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Not an Ape-Cot, just exhaustion
I have received a passle of emails (okay, three) asking about what I thought about the A&E show, God or the Girl. One reader even asked if I were boycotting the show because I hated it so much. Now, faithful reader, when I get upset, when have you ever known me to be silent?
First, I haven't seen it, I don't know if I am going to see it. Quite frankly, this Lent's penance of No TV has opened my eyes to how completely addicted I am to television. It is becoming clear to me that I might have to stop watching TV not just because it is junk but also because I love that junk and can't stop once I start.
Second, without seeing it, I must confess that I am leery and expecting bad things. I guess I am a little gun shy when it comes to the MSM's take on any thing religious (can you say "Gospel of Judas"). Even the way the question, God or the Girl, is phrased makes me hesitate. It sounds as though either you become a priest and go for God or go for the Girl and lose God. The title alone makes me skeptical that anybody on the air understands that Priesthood and Marriage are VOCATIONS to which GOD CALLS YOU! (There. See, that was anger.) It is a false dichtomy to suggest that somehow choosing one or the other option excludes them. Come on, married folk out there. Isn't that how your marriage is sustained, by completely forgetting God and focusing on your partner?
Third, I hate reality television. I know I am being snotty but I always feel used and manipulated by reality tv. If it showed the struggles in the seminary I might have been more on board but as is I will probably pass.
However, Fr. H has seen it and I insist that you flood the combox asking, nay, demanding, his thoughts when he gets back from vacation. Ooooh, and pictures, we all want pictures posted.
I have received a passle of emails (okay, three) asking about what I thought about the A&E show, God or the Girl. One reader even asked if I were boycotting the show because I hated it so much. Now, faithful reader, when I get upset, when have you ever known me to be silent?
First, I haven't seen it, I don't know if I am going to see it. Quite frankly, this Lent's penance of No TV has opened my eyes to how completely addicted I am to television. It is becoming clear to me that I might have to stop watching TV not just because it is junk but also because I love that junk and can't stop once I start.
Second, without seeing it, I must confess that I am leery and expecting bad things. I guess I am a little gun shy when it comes to the MSM's take on any thing religious (can you say "Gospel of Judas"). Even the way the question, God or the Girl, is phrased makes me hesitate. It sounds as though either you become a priest and go for God or go for the Girl and lose God. The title alone makes me skeptical that anybody on the air understands that Priesthood and Marriage are VOCATIONS to which GOD CALLS YOU! (There. See, that was anger.) It is a false dichtomy to suggest that somehow choosing one or the other option excludes them. Come on, married folk out there. Isn't that how your marriage is sustained, by completely forgetting God and focusing on your partner?
Third, I hate reality television. I know I am being snotty but I always feel used and manipulated by reality tv. If it showed the struggles in the seminary I might have been more on board but as is I will probably pass.
However, Fr. H has seen it and I insist that you flood the combox asking, nay, demanding, his thoughts when he gets back from vacation. Ooooh, and pictures, we all want pictures posted.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
There's no place like blog...
Can you guess where I am writing to you from? I am in Wichita, KS, exulting in the joy of spiritual direction, decent sleep, reflection, and proper personal caffination. I am in the Starbucks at 29th and Rock Road. And I am headed off to do a couple of things like shopping at a great grocery store in the area (We heart Dillon's) and the local bookstore of joy (although I am still under the book moritorium).
The contract for the Borromeo Project is in my hands and I am reading it over. I will keep you all posted as I get more information. I am looking forward to announcing the actual publication dates as well as my first appearance as TBP Trainer Extrordinare. If you can track me while in Wichita, you are more than welcome to try to intercept me.
Talk to you all soon.
Can you guess where I am writing to you from? I am in Wichita, KS, exulting in the joy of spiritual direction, decent sleep, reflection, and proper personal caffination. I am in the Starbucks at 29th and Rock Road. And I am headed off to do a couple of things like shopping at a great grocery store in the area (We heart Dillon's) and the local bookstore of joy (although I am still under the book moritorium).
The contract for the Borromeo Project is in my hands and I am reading it over. I will keep you all posted as I get more information. I am looking forward to announcing the actual publication dates as well as my first appearance as TBP Trainer Extrordinare. If you can track me while in Wichita, you are more than welcome to try to intercept me.
Talk to you all soon.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Off to Atlanta!
I have barely gotten any rest from the Sacred Triduum marathon of Masses/services and I am leaving with our school's principal in a matter of minutes to go to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) conference in Atlanta. It will be good to get away for a bit, even if for a conference. While in Atlanta I am going to see a priest-friend who is a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, so that will be good. And, hopefully, I won't have too many wacky/disturbing conference stories to recount. I admit, I am a bit nervous about the conference sponsored Masses -- these often descend into bizarre liturgical stories. We shall see! Happy Easter to you all! The Triduum was spectacular and I leave for the NCEA conference with a good sense of accomplishment for what my parish did in these last days, not least of which is that six new people were brought into the Catholic Church! God's blessing on you all for Easter joy!
I have barely gotten any rest from the Sacred Triduum marathon of Masses/services and I am leaving with our school's principal in a matter of minutes to go to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) conference in Atlanta. It will be good to get away for a bit, even if for a conference. While in Atlanta I am going to see a priest-friend who is a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, so that will be good. And, hopefully, I won't have too many wacky/disturbing conference stories to recount. I admit, I am a bit nervous about the conference sponsored Masses -- these often descend into bizarre liturgical stories. We shall see! Happy Easter to you all! The Triduum was spectacular and I leave for the NCEA conference with a good sense of accomplishment for what my parish did in these last days, not least of which is that six new people were brought into the Catholic Church! God's blessing on you all for Easter joy!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Vigil Homily
April 16, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
The medicine man poked carefully at the chest of the reclining man. The man laid out did not move nor breathe. To all appearances, the reclining man was dead. However, the medicine man had a different interpretation. The wizened man looked and proclaimed, “He’s only mostly dead.” This of course elicited looks of shock, “Mostly dead? That isn’t possible.” The medicine man had to disagree, “There is a big difference between ‘mostly dead’ and ‘all dead.’ Mostly dead means that he’s a little alive. But all dead, there’s only one thing to do for ‘all dead.’ Go through the pockets and look for loose change.”
We don’t have that luxury. If Good Friday showed us anything that it showed us that by the time the Passion was over, we are dealing with a dead man. Or at least, we were. Easter is the celebration of a sacrifice accepted. Without the Resurrection, the death of Jesus, no matter how noble or glorious, is just another death. Certainly, history contains the records of many dead men and women. Many of these may have died in the service of God. Without the Resurrection, Jesus Christ’s death joins the long funeral list of history. With the Resurrection, we realize that not only was the death of Christ beautiful, it was acceptable to the Father. It is confirmation for us that despair never befits the works of Christians. If death cannot hold sway for ever, then nothing in this life may conquer our hope.
The Resurrection holds a unique place in all the events of our history. In the same moment in which Christ rises to the fullness of life in His Human Nature, a fullness deprived even from the goodness of Adam and Eve before the Fall, we behold the moment which is verified historically by a discarded stone and intensely transcendental as no one see this mystery happen. It is simply witnessed to by the Apostles and the Angelic Witnesses. It is a mystery of faith; it leads us in hope; because it is a deed rooted in eternal love.
This is the apocalyptic hour! All the secrets of creation are revealed and we must fall silent. We fall silent but for the moment. Burbling to our lips come the words, “He is risen, He is risen indeed!”
Let us pray: (sing in Latin)
Regina Caeli, laetare, alleluia!
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia!
Resurrexit Sicut Dixit!, alleluia!
Ora Pro Nobis Deum, alleluia!
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia!
The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia!
He has risen as He said, alleluia!
Pray for us to God, alleluia!
April 16, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
The medicine man poked carefully at the chest of the reclining man. The man laid out did not move nor breathe. To all appearances, the reclining man was dead. However, the medicine man had a different interpretation. The wizened man looked and proclaimed, “He’s only mostly dead.” This of course elicited looks of shock, “Mostly dead? That isn’t possible.” The medicine man had to disagree, “There is a big difference between ‘mostly dead’ and ‘all dead.’ Mostly dead means that he’s a little alive. But all dead, there’s only one thing to do for ‘all dead.’ Go through the pockets and look for loose change.”
We don’t have that luxury. If Good Friday showed us anything that it showed us that by the time the Passion was over, we are dealing with a dead man. Or at least, we were. Easter is the celebration of a sacrifice accepted. Without the Resurrection, the death of Jesus, no matter how noble or glorious, is just another death. Certainly, history contains the records of many dead men and women. Many of these may have died in the service of God. Without the Resurrection, Jesus Christ’s death joins the long funeral list of history. With the Resurrection, we realize that not only was the death of Christ beautiful, it was acceptable to the Father. It is confirmation for us that despair never befits the works of Christians. If death cannot hold sway for ever, then nothing in this life may conquer our hope.
The Resurrection holds a unique place in all the events of our history. In the same moment in which Christ rises to the fullness of life in His Human Nature, a fullness deprived even from the goodness of Adam and Eve before the Fall, we behold the moment which is verified historically by a discarded stone and intensely transcendental as no one see this mystery happen. It is simply witnessed to by the Apostles and the Angelic Witnesses. It is a mystery of faith; it leads us in hope; because it is a deed rooted in eternal love.
This is the apocalyptic hour! All the secrets of creation are revealed and we must fall silent. We fall silent but for the moment. Burbling to our lips come the words, “He is risen, He is risen indeed!”
Let us pray: (sing in Latin)
Regina Caeli, laetare, alleluia!
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia!
Resurrexit Sicut Dixit!, alleluia!
Ora Pro Nobis Deum, alleluia!
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia!
The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia!
He has risen as He said, alleluia!
Pray for us to God, alleluia!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday 2006
Since the last one had some benefit, I thought you might find tonight's homily equally useful. Enjoy!
Good Friday Homily
April 14, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
We come tonight to the foot of hardest things we experience: humiliation, futility, sin, suffering, and death. We walk the hard pack road and just when we think it will be only light and happiness, filled with ease of travel, we fall into the pit. Tonight, we stand in the light of sacrifice realized.
On Sunday, the Church’s liturgy drew us to the Cross to bask in the victory of God. This sacrifice merits a new covenant, a new alliance between God and man. We saw the hints of that last night in the institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Holy Priesthood. Primarily, in both reflections, we are focused upon what God is doing, but this is an alliance. An alliance requires two parties: we have considered how God looks at this. We now need to see how Christ restores fallen humanity.
It was fashionable at one time to rail about the depravity of sin. I find depravity hard to make real given that the 20th century specialized in depravity. You can count rank after rank of offenses against the human person, represented in its worse form by the stacks of corpses, piled up like cordwood, by the works of the culture of death. So depravity is not the way to go. To find salvation we must recognize the foulness of sin. To recognize of the foulness of sin requires gazing deeply into the wounds of the Savior. Etched in tattoos of agony and remorse, the innocent flesh speaks far more eloquently of the real depravity of my sin.
Along the way of the Cross, there are five stages we must rest and reflect at. In Christ’s agony in the garden, we see the anguish sin ought to cause. In the Scourging of the Pillar, where the Flesh of Christ is whipped, we see the abasement sin elicits. In the Crowning of Thorns, we see the humiliation sin brings. In Christ carrying His Cross, we see the burden sin creates. In the Death of Our Lord, the saddest truth comes to the fore: to live in sin is to live in the shallows of death. To live mired in sin is to exist as no better than a zombie, shambling and croaking, grasping with ragged claws for something, anything, which will bestow life beyond this pale simulation.
There is only one motive I can derive for this work of Christ: love. He must love us, poor things. He must see a remnant of the image He planted within us at our creation and he will not abide its remaining marred by sin, suffering, and death. Christ preaches the most eloquent of homilies about our dignity and our depravity with satiny ribbons of half-dried blood and gasping breaths. In love then He plunges His hands to perform the most radical heart surgery: He takes away our leaden hearts and replaces it with His. His pierced side calls to us – Let our two hearts be melded in the marital bliss of the Church so they may beat as one.
To change from a life of sin to a life of grace requires something we don’t possess of our own power, namely sanctifying grace. However, once sanctifying grace has been bestowed, and then we are obliged to live by that grace. The wounded side of Christ issues forth blood and water -- Signs of the Power of Baptism and Holy Communion. At its most essential, that is the fount of living water Christ had promised the woman at the well, the water of grace flowing from his wounded side. After the reception of the Grace of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, we ought to live by grace and by adherence to the moral life which keeps us in God’s good graces in the same way our body lusts for the air it breathes.
Let us pray: Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally.
Jesus and Mary, I love you! Save souls!
Since the last one had some benefit, I thought you might find tonight's homily equally useful. Enjoy!
Good Friday Homily
April 14, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
We come tonight to the foot of hardest things we experience: humiliation, futility, sin, suffering, and death. We walk the hard pack road and just when we think it will be only light and happiness, filled with ease of travel, we fall into the pit. Tonight, we stand in the light of sacrifice realized.
On Sunday, the Church’s liturgy drew us to the Cross to bask in the victory of God. This sacrifice merits a new covenant, a new alliance between God and man. We saw the hints of that last night in the institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Holy Priesthood. Primarily, in both reflections, we are focused upon what God is doing, but this is an alliance. An alliance requires two parties: we have considered how God looks at this. We now need to see how Christ restores fallen humanity.
It was fashionable at one time to rail about the depravity of sin. I find depravity hard to make real given that the 20th century specialized in depravity. You can count rank after rank of offenses against the human person, represented in its worse form by the stacks of corpses, piled up like cordwood, by the works of the culture of death. So depravity is not the way to go. To find salvation we must recognize the foulness of sin. To recognize of the foulness of sin requires gazing deeply into the wounds of the Savior. Etched in tattoos of agony and remorse, the innocent flesh speaks far more eloquently of the real depravity of my sin.
Along the way of the Cross, there are five stages we must rest and reflect at. In Christ’s agony in the garden, we see the anguish sin ought to cause. In the Scourging of the Pillar, where the Flesh of Christ is whipped, we see the abasement sin elicits. In the Crowning of Thorns, we see the humiliation sin brings. In Christ carrying His Cross, we see the burden sin creates. In the Death of Our Lord, the saddest truth comes to the fore: to live in sin is to live in the shallows of death. To live mired in sin is to exist as no better than a zombie, shambling and croaking, grasping with ragged claws for something, anything, which will bestow life beyond this pale simulation.
There is only one motive I can derive for this work of Christ: love. He must love us, poor things. He must see a remnant of the image He planted within us at our creation and he will not abide its remaining marred by sin, suffering, and death. Christ preaches the most eloquent of homilies about our dignity and our depravity with satiny ribbons of half-dried blood and gasping breaths. In love then He plunges His hands to perform the most radical heart surgery: He takes away our leaden hearts and replaces it with His. His pierced side calls to us – Let our two hearts be melded in the marital bliss of the Church so they may beat as one.
To change from a life of sin to a life of grace requires something we don’t possess of our own power, namely sanctifying grace. However, once sanctifying grace has been bestowed, and then we are obliged to live by that grace. The wounded side of Christ issues forth blood and water -- Signs of the Power of Baptism and Holy Communion. At its most essential, that is the fount of living water Christ had promised the woman at the well, the water of grace flowing from his wounded side. After the reception of the Grace of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, we ought to live by grace and by adherence to the moral life which keeps us in God’s good graces in the same way our body lusts for the air it breathes.
Let us pray: Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.
While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally.
Jesus and Mary, I love you! Save souls!
Please don't act surprised...
...but the temptation is just like the first parents, "Be Like God (but on your own terms)." It certainly cheers me to see how in tune the Holy Father is with all sorts of modern bioethical concerns.
...but the temptation is just like the first parents, "Be Like God (but on your own terms)." It certainly cheers me to see how in tune the Holy Father is with all sorts of modern bioethical concerns.
Two Obvious Points: 1.) Nourishment isn't a sin and 2.) Nourishment of man is one of the purposes for animals.
The problem here, it seems to me, rests on how one uses the animal. If PETA is upset because animals are not slaughtered or tended in a humane way, then I would say they have a point. However, if PETA is upset merely because people eats animals, then they are barking up the wrong tree. Animals cannot have rights because they cannot fulfill attendant duties which come with those rights. In short, groups like PETA want to suggest that somehow man is simply more than a trousered ape. I beg to differ.
When was the last time you read a profound philosophical reflection from your cat about the angst of his existence? Or are you planning to put up the copy of the Mona Lisa painted by the dog on Ebay? Animals may deserve respectful treatment, but that is a long way from saying they are "just like us." The reason animals should get proper moral use comes from humanity's creation as co-creators, or more accurately, sub-creators with God.
Further, do the folks at PETA really expect me to take them serious because of their blasphemy? It is the peak of irony for them to hold a protest about meat eating on a day of abstinence in the Catholic Church. What this little protest suggests is that before they will respect the religious beliefs of Catholics and all Christians, we must bend the knee to their political ideology. Sorry, but I'll pass. One crown of thorns is more than enough in a lifetime.
As it goes whenever I see these articles, I think of our Lord's words from the Cross: "Pray for them for they know not what they do." Remember the members of PETA during your prayers today.
The problem here, it seems to me, rests on how one uses the animal. If PETA is upset because animals are not slaughtered or tended in a humane way, then I would say they have a point. However, if PETA is upset merely because people eats animals, then they are barking up the wrong tree. Animals cannot have rights because they cannot fulfill attendant duties which come with those rights. In short, groups like PETA want to suggest that somehow man is simply more than a trousered ape. I beg to differ.
When was the last time you read a profound philosophical reflection from your cat about the angst of his existence? Or are you planning to put up the copy of the Mona Lisa painted by the dog on Ebay? Animals may deserve respectful treatment, but that is a long way from saying they are "just like us." The reason animals should get proper moral use comes from humanity's creation as co-creators, or more accurately, sub-creators with God.
Further, do the folks at PETA really expect me to take them serious because of their blasphemy? It is the peak of irony for them to hold a protest about meat eating on a day of abstinence in the Catholic Church. What this little protest suggests is that before they will respect the religious beliefs of Catholics and all Christians, we must bend the knee to their political ideology. Sorry, but I'll pass. One crown of thorns is more than enough in a lifetime.
As it goes whenever I see these articles, I think of our Lord's words from the Cross: "Pray for them for they know not what they do." Remember the members of PETA during your prayers today.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Holy Thursday 2006
(This, more or less, was the homily from tonight. It's a little bit of a mess and I admit that I added things here and there and forgot equal much. I hope you find it edifying.)
Homily – Holy Thursday
April 13, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
It is not a popular word in today’s speech. It is a word, however, indispensable to the next three days. The entire Triduum revolves around this one word: sacrifice. Each of these nights, the Church solemnly comes together to pray, to re-live, to experience sacrifice in its rawest and most real form via her sacred liturgy. Tonight, let us consider how sacrifice is both anticipated and re-presented for our sakes.
When we think of the sacrifice of our Lord, our minds naturally turn to the cross, and certainly, that is a proper religious instinct. To limit it to this however, grossly understates what the sacrifice of our Lord looks like. The Sacrifice of Christ culminates in the Cross; it began in the manager of Bethlehem. As we heard on Sunday, Jesus didn’t deem equality with God something to be grasped at; rather he, who is Master of Creation and the Universe, became a slave. Given that none of us are particularly keen on losing any signs and emblems of status we might have, we can only pause before how tremendous this emptying must have been. Like pouring the ocean into a china tea cup was the Incarnation; eternal tides and depths of being poured into the cracked and finite nature of man. The incarnation is only the beginning.
Looking at the scope of his life, we discover our Lord and Savior picking up the pieces of His own people. Starting with the temptation in the desert, Jesus Christ sought to bring all of Israel back to the Lord. St. Melito of Sardis says it better: “It is he (Christ) who endured every kind of suffering in all those who foreshadowed him. In Abel, he was slain, in Isaac bound, in Jacob exiled, in Joseph sold, in Moses exposed to die. He was sacrificed in the Passover Lamb, persecuted in David, dishonored in the prophets.” Even tonight, as he washes the disciples’ feet, he sacrifices himself. Washing of feet was considered so awful a task that not even slaves were obliged to do it. I guess in a largely barefoot, livestock on the street sort of world, we can sympathize. We come here tonight to witness a sacrifice; We come tonight because the Lamb is about to be offered.
Now a brief word on the Passover is needed here. Of all the sacrifices of Israel, this Passover was the key. Contained within the lamb was a double meaning. For the Israelites, the lamb meant life and freedom as they fled Egypt. For the Egyptians, the lamb presaged death in their land. But both effects, life and death, were achieved when the Lamb died. The lamb’s blood marked out the Israelites and they were spared. The lamb’s blood marked separation from Egypt and they suffered death wandering in their lanes. And Israelites didn’t just sacrifice the lamb; they ate. By this, they shared a meal of God’s own choosing which couldn’t exist without a sacrifice.
In Christ, this is now perfected. All of us are slaves; let’s just get over it. You and I are slaves to our sins, our passions, our vices. Now, the blood of the True Lamb marks not doorpost and lintel, but our very souls as we are immersed into the Passover of the Lord. In this last Passover and First Eucharist, the Lord anticipates the Cross: it is why he consecrates the bread and wine separately. He anticipates how his own body and blood will fall into the hands of Godless men and how that blood will fall, drop after precious drop upon the dust of the earth. The old bows its head to receive what it was preparing for: the Death of Our Savior. I'll do you one better: he not only anticipates it, he acheives the work of the Cross in this moment in the upper room. In essence, for the words, "This is my body, this is my blood," to make any sense requires this moment to be a real sacrifice, albeit unbloody. It's that curious move that God sometimes takes to allow the effect to precede the cause. In this case, they feast on a real sacrifice before the sacrifice becomes painfully clear. To be anything less is to consign one's self to shadows again. If the sacrifice of the Mass isn't real, then we haven't really progressed beyond a sign pointing to something greater.
As the Passover was then, so the Passover is now. The first Passover freed the Israelites and permitted them to enter the Promised Land. The second Passover frees us from sin, suffering, and death, and permits us to see and to have a foretaste of the true Promised Land. And like the first, we taste this liberation by eating the flesh of the Sacrifice. We taste it by eating and drinking the Body and Blood of the Lord which is given to us under appearances. Who could choke down a cold chunk of human flesh so as to have life? Mercifully, God has seen us in our weakness; He gives us real food and real drink and presents it to us in a way we can receive it for our benefit. What the Holy Eucharist is nothing less that what St. Thomas Aquinas said of it: “How holy this feast in which Christ is our food; his passion is recalled; grace fills our hearts; and we receive a pledge of the glory to come.” This is the mystery of Christ’s words: “This is my body, this is my blood.”
Speaking of our weakness, we, humans suffer another basic weakness: time. We are only here but for the briefest of moments. We are here; then we are not. Nothing remains but a corpse and food for the worms. What is to happen to us unhappy men consigned to never seeing Christ face to face as his disciples did? The Holy Eucharist is the re-presentation of this night. Every Mass we come face to face with Jesus Christ our redeemer, and tonight we come to worship Christ and to thank him for this first Eucharist. But I said, face to face. Where do you see him face to face? Unfortunately, you have to see it in mine. Mine is a face made for radio but it is the face of one who lives in the person of Christ the Head. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is intimately tied to the Holy Eucharist. You can’t have one without the other. But when both are present, then ah!, that changes everything. Then because a priest, serving as Christ’s hands, using Christ’s words, wielding God’s grace and power, he can make others reflect the life of Christ. And so we see him face to face tonight; thanks to the Priest and the sacrament he confers, we see Christ in one another.
This last observation brings me to a sad fact. Priesthood is not honored as a vocation, perhaps because marriage is not particularly honored as well. And unfortunately, with the shortage of priests, people suggest silly things like, “maybe we could hire one.” It doesn’t work that way. The priest comes not on the authority of the community. He comes with the authority of Christ who speaks through the Bishop. And frankly I think we don’t have as many priests as we did in the past because we don’t pray for them as we ought. Perhaps, we have grown too cold toward our Lord and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to recall that we need a priest for that to happen. After all, no priest means no Eucharist: no Eucharist means no church. Without the sacrifice of the Cross represented to us, how could we even dare claim to be one with the covenant in His Blood? The Eucharist is what we do in memory of Christ, at His command. Let us always be conscious of the preciousness of these twin gifts: priesthood and the Holy Eucharist.
(This, more or less, was the homily from tonight. It's a little bit of a mess and I admit that I added things here and there and forgot equal much. I hope you find it edifying.)
Homily – Holy Thursday
April 13, 2006
Sacred Heart, Alva
It is not a popular word in today’s speech. It is a word, however, indispensable to the next three days. The entire Triduum revolves around this one word: sacrifice. Each of these nights, the Church solemnly comes together to pray, to re-live, to experience sacrifice in its rawest and most real form via her sacred liturgy. Tonight, let us consider how sacrifice is both anticipated and re-presented for our sakes.
When we think of the sacrifice of our Lord, our minds naturally turn to the cross, and certainly, that is a proper religious instinct. To limit it to this however, grossly understates what the sacrifice of our Lord looks like. The Sacrifice of Christ culminates in the Cross; it began in the manager of Bethlehem. As we heard on Sunday, Jesus didn’t deem equality with God something to be grasped at; rather he, who is Master of Creation and the Universe, became a slave. Given that none of us are particularly keen on losing any signs and emblems of status we might have, we can only pause before how tremendous this emptying must have been. Like pouring the ocean into a china tea cup was the Incarnation; eternal tides and depths of being poured into the cracked and finite nature of man. The incarnation is only the beginning.
Looking at the scope of his life, we discover our Lord and Savior picking up the pieces of His own people. Starting with the temptation in the desert, Jesus Christ sought to bring all of Israel back to the Lord. St. Melito of Sardis says it better: “It is he (Christ) who endured every kind of suffering in all those who foreshadowed him. In Abel, he was slain, in Isaac bound, in Jacob exiled, in Joseph sold, in Moses exposed to die. He was sacrificed in the Passover Lamb, persecuted in David, dishonored in the prophets.” Even tonight, as he washes the disciples’ feet, he sacrifices himself. Washing of feet was considered so awful a task that not even slaves were obliged to do it. I guess in a largely barefoot, livestock on the street sort of world, we can sympathize. We come here tonight to witness a sacrifice; We come tonight because the Lamb is about to be offered.
Now a brief word on the Passover is needed here. Of all the sacrifices of Israel, this Passover was the key. Contained within the lamb was a double meaning. For the Israelites, the lamb meant life and freedom as they fled Egypt. For the Egyptians, the lamb presaged death in their land. But both effects, life and death, were achieved when the Lamb died. The lamb’s blood marked out the Israelites and they were spared. The lamb’s blood marked separation from Egypt and they suffered death wandering in their lanes. And Israelites didn’t just sacrifice the lamb; they ate. By this, they shared a meal of God’s own choosing which couldn’t exist without a sacrifice.
In Christ, this is now perfected. All of us are slaves; let’s just get over it. You and I are slaves to our sins, our passions, our vices. Now, the blood of the True Lamb marks not doorpost and lintel, but our very souls as we are immersed into the Passover of the Lord. In this last Passover and First Eucharist, the Lord anticipates the Cross: it is why he consecrates the bread and wine separately. He anticipates how his own body and blood will fall into the hands of Godless men and how that blood will fall, drop after precious drop upon the dust of the earth. The old bows its head to receive what it was preparing for: the Death of Our Savior. I'll do you one better: he not only anticipates it, he acheives the work of the Cross in this moment in the upper room. In essence, for the words, "This is my body, this is my blood," to make any sense requires this moment to be a real sacrifice, albeit unbloody. It's that curious move that God sometimes takes to allow the effect to precede the cause. In this case, they feast on a real sacrifice before the sacrifice becomes painfully clear. To be anything less is to consign one's self to shadows again. If the sacrifice of the Mass isn't real, then we haven't really progressed beyond a sign pointing to something greater.
As the Passover was then, so the Passover is now. The first Passover freed the Israelites and permitted them to enter the Promised Land. The second Passover frees us from sin, suffering, and death, and permits us to see and to have a foretaste of the true Promised Land. And like the first, we taste this liberation by eating the flesh of the Sacrifice. We taste it by eating and drinking the Body and Blood of the Lord which is given to us under appearances. Who could choke down a cold chunk of human flesh so as to have life? Mercifully, God has seen us in our weakness; He gives us real food and real drink and presents it to us in a way we can receive it for our benefit. What the Holy Eucharist is nothing less that what St. Thomas Aquinas said of it: “How holy this feast in which Christ is our food; his passion is recalled; grace fills our hearts; and we receive a pledge of the glory to come.” This is the mystery of Christ’s words: “This is my body, this is my blood.”
Speaking of our weakness, we, humans suffer another basic weakness: time. We are only here but for the briefest of moments. We are here; then we are not. Nothing remains but a corpse and food for the worms. What is to happen to us unhappy men consigned to never seeing Christ face to face as his disciples did? The Holy Eucharist is the re-presentation of this night. Every Mass we come face to face with Jesus Christ our redeemer, and tonight we come to worship Christ and to thank him for this first Eucharist. But I said, face to face. Where do you see him face to face? Unfortunately, you have to see it in mine. Mine is a face made for radio but it is the face of one who lives in the person of Christ the Head. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is intimately tied to the Holy Eucharist. You can’t have one without the other. But when both are present, then ah!, that changes everything. Then because a priest, serving as Christ’s hands, using Christ’s words, wielding God’s grace and power, he can make others reflect the life of Christ. And so we see him face to face tonight; thanks to the Priest and the sacrament he confers, we see Christ in one another.
This last observation brings me to a sad fact. Priesthood is not honored as a vocation, perhaps because marriage is not particularly honored as well. And unfortunately, with the shortage of priests, people suggest silly things like, “maybe we could hire one.” It doesn’t work that way. The priest comes not on the authority of the community. He comes with the authority of Christ who speaks through the Bishop. And frankly I think we don’t have as many priests as we did in the past because we don’t pray for them as we ought. Perhaps, we have grown too cold toward our Lord and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to recall that we need a priest for that to happen. After all, no priest means no Eucharist: no Eucharist means no church. Without the sacrifice of the Cross represented to us, how could we even dare claim to be one with the covenant in His Blood? The Eucharist is what we do in memory of Christ, at His command. Let us always be conscious of the preciousness of these twin gifts: priesthood and the Holy Eucharist.
More On Relevant Radio:
You can find this on your radio dial or failing there, you can check the internet.
Holy Thursday, April 13
o 6:00 p.m. Triduum Reflections with Father John Grigus, a Franciscan Friar at Marytown in Illinois
o 7:00 p.m. The Passion by Radix, an acclaimed, dramatic one-man performance of the Passion and death of Our Lord
Good Friday, April 14
o 9:00 a.m. A special Good Friday edition of Life is Worth Living.
o 6:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross featuring Father Kevin Scallon and Irish recording artist Dana
o 7:00 p.m. Music for the Triduum is a musical narrative featuring the Triduum story in sacred song from various artists
o 8:30 p.m. Way of the Cross with Bishop Donald Wuerl of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Holy Saturday, April 15
o 1:00 p.m. Best of Vatican Radio Holy Week Edition
o 1:30 p.m. Word on Fire featuring Holy Week Homilies from Father Robert Barron
o 2:00 p.m. Music for the Triduum is a musical narrative featuring the Triduum story in sacred song from various artists
o 6-8pm central: Easter Vigil Mass from St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
Easter Sunday, April 16
o 8:30 a.m. Word on Fire featuring Holy Week Homilies from Father Robert Barron
o 9:00 a.m. Easter Mass from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, with Bishop David Zubik
You can find this on your radio dial or failing there, you can check the internet.
Holy Thursday, April 13
o 6:00 p.m. Triduum Reflections with Father John Grigus, a Franciscan Friar at Marytown in Illinois
o 7:00 p.m. The Passion by Radix, an acclaimed, dramatic one-man performance of the Passion and death of Our Lord
Good Friday, April 14
o 9:00 a.m. A special Good Friday edition of Life is Worth Living.
o 6:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross featuring Father Kevin Scallon and Irish recording artist Dana
o 7:00 p.m. Music for the Triduum is a musical narrative featuring the Triduum story in sacred song from various artists
o 8:30 p.m. Way of the Cross with Bishop Donald Wuerl of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Holy Saturday, April 15
o 1:00 p.m. Best of Vatican Radio Holy Week Edition
o 1:30 p.m. Word on Fire featuring Holy Week Homilies from Father Robert Barron
o 2:00 p.m. Music for the Triduum is a musical narrative featuring the Triduum story in sacred song from various artists
o 6-8pm central: Easter Vigil Mass from St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
Easter Sunday, April 16
o 8:30 a.m. Word on Fire featuring Holy Week Homilies from Father Robert Barron
o 9:00 a.m. Easter Mass from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, with Bishop David Zubik
For some, it qualifies as a near miss...
I haven't seen it, although I haven't looked for it either, but I don't think the universal indult to celebrate the Tridentine Mass came through. Let's see, if Rome is about 7 hours ahead, then even if the Holy Father promulgated the indult at the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which is what it takes for it to become law, then we should have heard something by now. Am I in the dark? Did I miss the announcement?
Also, in other near miss news, the MSM has completely missed one of the most interesting news stories concerning Catholic publishing. The first printing of the Compendium sold out. That's right, all 50,000 copies have flown out the door. Now, why would that be? Certainly, I didn't buy more than the requisite one for my use (when RCIA starts up, that will change, however), so where did they go? Could it be that we are finally on course for -gasp- a revival of authentic catechesis and formation? This of course bodes sooooo well for my book as it allows pastors to have a ready made resource when their parishioners say, "Hey, we want more and we want it NOW!" (By the way, a little tip of the biretta to Greg Willits at Rosary Army; apparently, Quest for the Compendium resulted in a new podcast featuring Captain Catechism. Surf over there and hear what I am talking about.)
I haven't seen it, although I haven't looked for it either, but I don't think the universal indult to celebrate the Tridentine Mass came through. Let's see, if Rome is about 7 hours ahead, then even if the Holy Father promulgated the indult at the Mass of the Lord's Supper, which is what it takes for it to become law, then we should have heard something by now. Am I in the dark? Did I miss the announcement?
Also, in other near miss news, the MSM has completely missed one of the most interesting news stories concerning Catholic publishing. The first printing of the Compendium sold out. That's right, all 50,000 copies have flown out the door. Now, why would that be? Certainly, I didn't buy more than the requisite one for my use (when RCIA starts up, that will change, however), so where did they go? Could it be that we are finally on course for -gasp- a revival of authentic catechesis and formation? This of course bodes sooooo well for my book as it allows pastors to have a ready made resource when their parishioners say, "Hey, we want more and we want it NOW!" (By the way, a little tip of the biretta to Greg Willits at Rosary Army; apparently, Quest for the Compendium resulted in a new podcast featuring Captain Catechism. Surf over there and hear what I am talking about.)
Fresh hot scoop!
Is it still gossip if it is about religious events?
I was on IM with the producer for "Morning Air," the radio show I appear on each Friay a.m., namely six a.m. Anyway, he tipped me off to something that I wanted to let our faithful reader base know about.
Tomorrow, after the broadcast, Relevant Radio is simply going to dedicate the air waves to the Stations of the Cross. Imagine if you will listeners all over the U.S. and the internet, tuning in to find themselves, dragged, kicking and screaming, into reflecting on our Lord's glorious Passion. Even though it means losing that extra sleep I was looking forward to, for this it's worth it.
Okay, so make plans to join me for Morning Air and the RR crew as we observe Good Friday.
Is it still gossip if it is about religious events?
I was on IM with the producer for "Morning Air," the radio show I appear on each Friay a.m., namely six a.m. Anyway, he tipped me off to something that I wanted to let our faithful reader base know about.
Tomorrow, after the broadcast, Relevant Radio is simply going to dedicate the air waves to the Stations of the Cross. Imagine if you will listeners all over the U.S. and the internet, tuning in to find themselves, dragged, kicking and screaming, into reflecting on our Lord's glorious Passion. Even though it means losing that extra sleep I was looking forward to, for this it's worth it.
Okay, so make plans to join me for Morning Air and the RR crew as we observe Good Friday.
Before I dash away...
I wanted you to have a little something to offer for your parish priest while he is washing feet tonight. Just print it off or if you have a copy of the Holy Week Magnificat, pray the following prayer for all priests throughout the world, especially for those who are struggling or have difficulties in their various ministries or apostolates. Also, if you live in Oklahoma, call the parish and remind them to turn on the A/C for tonight; the weather forecast was off by about 30 degrees!
Divine Savior Jesus Christ, who has entrusted the whole work of your redemption, the welfare, and salvation of the world to priests as your representatives, through the hands of your most holy Mother and for the sanctification of your priests and candidates for the priesthood, I offer you this present day wholly and entirely, with all its prayers, works, joys, sacrifices, and sorrows. Give us truly holy priests who, inflamed with the fire of your divine love, seek nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of our souls.
And you, Mary, good Mother of priests, protect all priests in the dangers of their holy vocation and, with the loving hand of a mother, also lead back to the Good Shepherd those poor priests who have become unfaithful to their exalted vocation and have gone astray. Amen.
I wanted you to have a little something to offer for your parish priest while he is washing feet tonight. Just print it off or if you have a copy of the Holy Week Magnificat, pray the following prayer for all priests throughout the world, especially for those who are struggling or have difficulties in their various ministries or apostolates. Also, if you live in Oklahoma, call the parish and remind them to turn on the A/C for tonight; the weather forecast was off by about 30 degrees!
Divine Savior Jesus Christ, who has entrusted the whole work of your redemption, the welfare, and salvation of the world to priests as your representatives, through the hands of your most holy Mother and for the sanctification of your priests and candidates for the priesthood, I offer you this present day wholly and entirely, with all its prayers, works, joys, sacrifices, and sorrows. Give us truly holy priests who, inflamed with the fire of your divine love, seek nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of our souls.
And you, Mary, good Mother of priests, protect all priests in the dangers of their holy vocation and, with the loving hand of a mother, also lead back to the Good Shepherd those poor priests who have become unfaithful to their exalted vocation and have gone astray. Amen.
Congratulations, girl! I knew you had it in you!
Don't forget to pray in thanksgiving for all the people of the world who will enter into the fullness of communion which is the Catholic Church.
Don't forget to pray in thanksgiving for all the people of the world who will enter into the fullness of communion which is the Catholic Church.
Just in time for Easter...
...and people wonder why I think that persecution is the next step for the Church.
...and people wonder why I think that persecution is the next step for the Church.
Blog Comes to the University!
In another exciting adventure in mobile blogging, I am writing to you from NWOSU's library. I became of a Friend of the Library (as I am a friend of all libraries), and therefore that gave me access to the whole array of materials and technology at the center. So, I decided to get out of the rectory and work on my notes for the Triduum in a quiet secluded space -- that and I enjoy the strange stares I get, being a priest in a secular enviroment.
I am notably calmer than I have been in past years coming into this Triduum. There are some small matters to be worked out with music and such, key of these issues being my singing of the Exsultet (the Easter Proclamation). The choir director went ahead and rehearsed something without asking me if I would be doing the chant. Unfortunately, I think it has become the purview of musicians to do more of the music because many priests don't have the basic musical training to handle it. So, I think it was just an oversight and not anything more. It will be unpleasant and perhaps this year I will give the congregation a break from my yowling.
I can't tell you how awesome I find this wi-fi thing. It is exciting to be able to keep up with work, keep up with my various projects, and access the internet all at the same time.
Well, there's not much else to tell. I have about two hours of charge on my battery so I had best move toward wrapping it up. I will try to remember to post a few of my comments and/or homilies just for your reading fun.
In another exciting adventure in mobile blogging, I am writing to you from NWOSU's library. I became of a Friend of the Library (as I am a friend of all libraries), and therefore that gave me access to the whole array of materials and technology at the center. So, I decided to get out of the rectory and work on my notes for the Triduum in a quiet secluded space -- that and I enjoy the strange stares I get, being a priest in a secular enviroment.
I am notably calmer than I have been in past years coming into this Triduum. There are some small matters to be worked out with music and such, key of these issues being my singing of the Exsultet (the Easter Proclamation). The choir director went ahead and rehearsed something without asking me if I would be doing the chant. Unfortunately, I think it has become the purview of musicians to do more of the music because many priests don't have the basic musical training to handle it. So, I think it was just an oversight and not anything more. It will be unpleasant and perhaps this year I will give the congregation a break from my yowling.
I can't tell you how awesome I find this wi-fi thing. It is exciting to be able to keep up with work, keep up with my various projects, and access the internet all at the same time.
Well, there's not much else to tell. I have about two hours of charge on my battery so I had best move toward wrapping it up. I will try to remember to post a few of my comments and/or homilies just for your reading fun.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
When to turn church lights on at Easter Vigil?
Does anyone have any insight into what seems to be a custom (at least around Oklahoma) at the Easter Vigil to leave the church lights off or largely off throughout almost the entire Liturgy of the Word, turning the lights on finally during the singing of the Gloria as the sanctuary candles are lit? I ask this because growing up I remember that the lights remained off until the Gloria was sung (that comes after all of the Old Testament readings). However, now as a priest responsible for organizing the Vigil in my parish, I have found the direction from the Roman Missal indicates that the church lights are put on much earlier, after the Easter Candle is placed in its stand and before the Easter Proclamation (the Exultet) is sung. That directive would have the lights on in the church much earlier than the practice of which I am accustomed.
Does this extended time of darkness happen in your experience of the Easter Vigil (say in other parts of the USA or the world)? Or does your local practice follow the actual directive more closely?
Does anyone have any insights into why some places leave the lights out longer? Any kind suggestions for what I should do? Is there any harm in following the custom and the expectation from the people that the lights will be out during the readings? Just curious.
Does anyone have any insight into what seems to be a custom (at least around Oklahoma) at the Easter Vigil to leave the church lights off or largely off throughout almost the entire Liturgy of the Word, turning the lights on finally during the singing of the Gloria as the sanctuary candles are lit? I ask this because growing up I remember that the lights remained off until the Gloria was sung (that comes after all of the Old Testament readings). However, now as a priest responsible for organizing the Vigil in my parish, I have found the direction from the Roman Missal indicates that the church lights are put on much earlier, after the Easter Candle is placed in its stand and before the Easter Proclamation (the Exultet) is sung. That directive would have the lights on in the church much earlier than the practice of which I am accustomed.
Does this extended time of darkness happen in your experience of the Easter Vigil (say in other parts of the USA or the world)? Or does your local practice follow the actual directive more closely?
Does anyone have any insights into why some places leave the lights out longer? Any kind suggestions for what I should do? Is there any harm in following the custom and the expectation from the people that the lights will be out during the readings? Just curious.
Theoretically good news; Theoretically highly complicated
Don't get me wrong. I really like the idea of broader permission to celebrate other rites of the Church's liturgy. However, I do have some hesitation about this idea.
First, I am not sure that merely multiplication of rites is healthy for liturgical life. Like it or not, liturgy is rooted in ritual, and ritual is rooted in repetition. If a parish may offer multiple rites within its doors, is it not setting the stage for confusion?
Second, it seems to me that the multiplication of rites can set the stage for "Burger King Liturgical Practice," namely "Go get it your way." Worship at its heart is a question about rendering to God what is His proper due. Therefore, it is possible that having a two rites active in the parish could lead to having duelling rites in the parish. As the fruit of the Liturgy is the realization of the unity of the Body of Christ, it seems potentially counterproductive.
Third, there is that training side. Like it or not, it would be yet another moment where we (read the priest) would have to teach two rites and to form two ritual atmospheres. Before someone saying that they should have the same atmosphere, I would ask, "If the atmospheres of both rites are the same, why duplicate the rites celebrated?"
Granted, if the Holy Father gives access to the rite, I will probably try to find a way for the diocese to teach us who are interested how to celebrate it. I also have a buddy in Wichita whom I can tap. We will see if it materializes...
Don't get me wrong. I really like the idea of broader permission to celebrate other rites of the Church's liturgy. However, I do have some hesitation about this idea.
First, I am not sure that merely multiplication of rites is healthy for liturgical life. Like it or not, liturgy is rooted in ritual, and ritual is rooted in repetition. If a parish may offer multiple rites within its doors, is it not setting the stage for confusion?
Second, it seems to me that the multiplication of rites can set the stage for "Burger King Liturgical Practice," namely "Go get it your way." Worship at its heart is a question about rendering to God what is His proper due. Therefore, it is possible that having a two rites active in the parish could lead to having duelling rites in the parish. As the fruit of the Liturgy is the realization of the unity of the Body of Christ, it seems potentially counterproductive.
Third, there is that training side. Like it or not, it would be yet another moment where we (read the priest) would have to teach two rites and to form two ritual atmospheres. Before someone saying that they should have the same atmosphere, I would ask, "If the atmospheres of both rites are the same, why duplicate the rites celebrated?"
Granted, if the Holy Father gives access to the rite, I will probably try to find a way for the diocese to teach us who are interested how to celebrate it. I also have a buddy in Wichita whom I can tap. We will see if it materializes...
It's worth repeating...
From time to time, I get embroiled in liturgical controversies not of my own making, at least, not all the time. The most common one has to do with holding hands during the Our Father. I stopped the practice in my parishes as soon as it was feasible for a couple of reasons, the most essential being that it undercuts the actual source of our unity, the Holy Eucharist.
To that end, I thought I would follow up with this comment from my Catholic Answers e-letter from Karl Keating:
"ORIGINS OF HAND-HOLDING
The current issue of the "Adoremus Bulletin" says this in response to a query from a priest in the Bronx: "No gesture for the people during the Lord's Prayer is mentioned in the official documents. The late liturgist Fr. Robert Hovda promoted holding hands during this prayer, a practice he said originated in Alcoholics Anonymous. Some 'charismatic' groups took up the practice."My long-time sense had been that hand-holding at the Our Father was an intrusion from charismaticism, but I had not been aware of the possible connection with AA. If this is the real origin of the practice, it makes it doubly odd: first, because hand-holding intrudes a false air of chumminess into the Mass (and undercuts the immediately-following sign of peace), and second, because modifications to liturgical rites ought to arise organically and not be borrowed from secular self-help groups.Periodically, on "Catholic Answers Live" I am asked about hand-holding during Mass and explain that it is contrary to the rubrics. Usually I get follow-up e-mails from people who say, "But it's my favorite part of the Mass" or "We hold hands as a family, and it makes us feel closer."About the latter I think, "It's good to feel close as a family, but you can hold hands at home or at the mall. The Mass has a formal structure that should be respected. That means you forgo certain things that you might do on the outside."About the former comment I think, "If this is the high point of the Mass for you, you need to take Remedial Mass 101. The Mass is not a social event. It is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary, and it is the loftiest form of prayer. It should be attended with appropriate solemnity.""
From time to time, I get embroiled in liturgical controversies not of my own making, at least, not all the time. The most common one has to do with holding hands during the Our Father. I stopped the practice in my parishes as soon as it was feasible for a couple of reasons, the most essential being that it undercuts the actual source of our unity, the Holy Eucharist.
To that end, I thought I would follow up with this comment from my Catholic Answers e-letter from Karl Keating:
"ORIGINS OF HAND-HOLDING
The current issue of the "Adoremus Bulletin" says this in response to a query from a priest in the Bronx: "No gesture for the people during the Lord's Prayer is mentioned in the official documents. The late liturgist Fr. Robert Hovda promoted holding hands during this prayer, a practice he said originated in Alcoholics Anonymous. Some 'charismatic' groups took up the practice."My long-time sense had been that hand-holding at the Our Father was an intrusion from charismaticism, but I had not been aware of the possible connection with AA. If this is the real origin of the practice, it makes it doubly odd: first, because hand-holding intrudes a false air of chumminess into the Mass (and undercuts the immediately-following sign of peace), and second, because modifications to liturgical rites ought to arise organically and not be borrowed from secular self-help groups.Periodically, on "Catholic Answers Live" I am asked about hand-holding during Mass and explain that it is contrary to the rubrics. Usually I get follow-up e-mails from people who say, "But it's my favorite part of the Mass" or "We hold hands as a family, and it makes us feel closer."About the latter I think, "It's good to feel close as a family, but you can hold hands at home or at the mall. The Mass has a formal structure that should be respected. That means you forgo certain things that you might do on the outside."About the former comment I think, "If this is the high point of the Mass for you, you need to take Remedial Mass 101. The Mass is not a social event. It is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary, and it is the loftiest form of prayer. It should be attended with appropriate solemnity.""
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Blog on the Run!
In a continuing effort to intimidate Fr. H with my technical expertise, I have moved the blog to a mobile location. Yes, using the power of a new wireless enabled laptop, I am blogging to you live (well, somewhat live) from the Starbucks on Western and 63rd in OKC. I am sipping a latte, looking like the ultimate yuppie priest. (When in Rome...)
At any rate, I am keeping my car from Fr. H so that we will not have a repeat of last year's shoe polish inspired madness. I came into the bustling city for a combination of events. On Sunday, I sped into town for my sister's birthday party, only to arrive too late. That's what they get for holidng something on my busiest work day. Instead, I went to the local pub for a couple of beers and to commiserate with a fellow cleric about the day-to-day efforts of priestly ministry. A funny sidebar to this story: when I walked into the bar, another guy walked up to me and said, "Don't I know you?" He was one of the guys who had been in my regular Tuesday night trivia team that met at the local Buffalo Wild Wings. I hadn't seen any of them for a couple years, essentially from the time I moved to Woodward. He was one of the highlights of that group, being witty and engaging and strangely, bearing a striking resemblance to Paul Giamatti. After we chatted, I sat down at the bar and placed my order. He came back and said, "That collar of yours frightens people. My friends are so freaked out." Apparently, the local parish priest knocking back a few pints is outside of most folks' experience. Go figure. At any rate, it was a good time.
Yesterday, I hung around the city, had lunch with another priest of the diocese and ran errands. Key to yesterday's full excitement, I picked up issue six of DC Comics "Infinite Crisis." I also milled around the Books a Million rather than my usual B&N stop. It's a good little company although probably doomed to be crushed under the corporate jack boot of the above mentioned company. Then I took my sister out to dinner for her birthday.
That brings us to today. Today is the Chrism Mass. For those outside the Catholic sphere, the Chrism Mass is one of the solemn events of Holy Week. Traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, it is the Mass in which the holy oils are blessed by the bishop. At the same Mass, the priests of the diocese re-commit themselves to their promise to respect and obey the bishop. In all it is a very moving Mass and despite the travel and other things, I look forward to this Mass. For those who are wondering why it is being celebrated today, when a diocese is very spread out and it is too difficult for the priests to attend because of the distance, permission is given for the Chrism Mass to be celebrated at another time. For those in the OKC area, I highly recommend that you come and kick off your Holy Week the right way. And you might even get a little face time with the Ragemonkeys for the effort.
Okay, it is almost time to run off to my lunch appointment. Let us pray for each other and we'll see each other in the light of the Resurrection.
In a continuing effort to intimidate Fr. H with my technical expertise, I have moved the blog to a mobile location. Yes, using the power of a new wireless enabled laptop, I am blogging to you live (well, somewhat live) from the Starbucks on Western and 63rd in OKC. I am sipping a latte, looking like the ultimate yuppie priest. (When in Rome...)
At any rate, I am keeping my car from Fr. H so that we will not have a repeat of last year's shoe polish inspired madness. I came into the bustling city for a combination of events. On Sunday, I sped into town for my sister's birthday party, only to arrive too late. That's what they get for holidng something on my busiest work day. Instead, I went to the local pub for a couple of beers and to commiserate with a fellow cleric about the day-to-day efforts of priestly ministry. A funny sidebar to this story: when I walked into the bar, another guy walked up to me and said, "Don't I know you?" He was one of the guys who had been in my regular Tuesday night trivia team that met at the local Buffalo Wild Wings. I hadn't seen any of them for a couple years, essentially from the time I moved to Woodward. He was one of the highlights of that group, being witty and engaging and strangely, bearing a striking resemblance to Paul Giamatti. After we chatted, I sat down at the bar and placed my order. He came back and said, "That collar of yours frightens people. My friends are so freaked out." Apparently, the local parish priest knocking back a few pints is outside of most folks' experience. Go figure. At any rate, it was a good time.
Yesterday, I hung around the city, had lunch with another priest of the diocese and ran errands. Key to yesterday's full excitement, I picked up issue six of DC Comics "Infinite Crisis." I also milled around the Books a Million rather than my usual B&N stop. It's a good little company although probably doomed to be crushed under the corporate jack boot of the above mentioned company. Then I took my sister out to dinner for her birthday.
That brings us to today. Today is the Chrism Mass. For those outside the Catholic sphere, the Chrism Mass is one of the solemn events of Holy Week. Traditionally celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, it is the Mass in which the holy oils are blessed by the bishop. At the same Mass, the priests of the diocese re-commit themselves to their promise to respect and obey the bishop. In all it is a very moving Mass and despite the travel and other things, I look forward to this Mass. For those who are wondering why it is being celebrated today, when a diocese is very spread out and it is too difficult for the priests to attend because of the distance, permission is given for the Chrism Mass to be celebrated at another time. For those in the OKC area, I highly recommend that you come and kick off your Holy Week the right way. And you might even get a little face time with the Ragemonkeys for the effort.
Okay, it is almost time to run off to my lunch appointment. Let us pray for each other and we'll see each other in the light of the Resurrection.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Easter Vigil Fire is a go!
It has been quite some time since I have (a) had anything I felt like posting and/or (b) the time to dedicate to posting. Today's post is simply a report that Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, has been given official permission from the Fire Chief to build the Easter Fire so long as it is on a non-combustable surface. So, no need to worry about the parish being cited and fined for its rituals.
It has been quite some time since I have (a) had anything I felt like posting and/or (b) the time to dedicate to posting. Today's post is simply a report that Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, has been given official permission from the Fire Chief to build the Easter Fire so long as it is on a non-combustable surface. So, no need to worry about the parish being cited and fined for its rituals.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Growing Up Musical
In my house, my mother, when home, would gush about the musicals she loved as a girl. I guess it has something to do with my Welsh blood. It means that everywhere I go, music is usually burbling at my lips and constantly accompanying my daily life. It is the refrain from a song that comes to mind at the right moment, thus providing a smart response or an apt observation. Notably, it can be a conversation starter, although there are those folks who hate musicals, but we will leave them be, for the moment.
Back to the story: my mother would love to recall Gordon McRae, singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.” And there was the very pleasant evening spent watching Robert Preston burn up the screen, while set on high simmer, in The Music Man, singing to his love, “Marion, Madam Librarian.” Thus it was that my little brain was exposed to the notion of big, Broadway story telling. Story telling that would catch you when you least expected, only to discover tears in your eyes because you had started to care about the characters and the plight. And the music, oh, the music is so key; the right chord not only suggests artistry but also tone in a dramatic or comic moment. After high school music indoctrination, I learned to recognize things like deliberate dissonance and holding the resolution out as long as humanly possible to create drama and suspense. (By the way, the term “indoctrination” is not to suggest that I didn’t enjoy it and wasn’t enriched by the experience of singing in high school; I am just suggesting that like Chinese Water Torture, the key to learning a piece of music is plain old consistent repetition.)
I guess you could say that I have grown up “Musical.” Not musically inclined, mind you; I think I am one of those people who have skill but not talent. I mean that I have grown up with the phrases, the characters accompanying me as I moved through life, akin to the transparent Greek chorus for yours truly alone. It has largely been an asset; like all elements of cultural literacy, being able to make a connecting reference moves conversations along and conflicts more swiftly to resolution. However, there are times when the musical accompaniment is not helpful. Just think tracks from Sweeney Todd while trying to celebrate the Holy Mass and you’ll see where that could lead.
How do you grow up “Musical”? It starts by cutting your teeth on good music, good lyrics and good structure in all music to which you listen. My sister did that by giving me a good healthy dose of Bread and Alan Parson Project, not to mention, the Beatles. Those artists paved the way to They Might Be Giants and 10,000 Maniacs. (That’s for another post.) But as a youngster, you start with the classics, mainly Rogers and Hammerstein. Just as you are ready to transition to more mature stuff, the attentive parent whips out a copy of “Carousel” just to seal the deal. However, if you ever want the child to appreciate a musical, never, never, never show Bye, Bye Birdie or South Pacific. Trust me. Those two almost did me in.
Okay, now on to Musical adolescence. You want to feel grown-up but without all that blasted work which goes with it. So, whose works am I thinking of? Give up? Andrew Lloyd Webber. Excuse me, that’s Sir Andrew to the groundlings. Not to say that everything from the piano of Webber lacks merit; it’s just that most of it does. And that goes double and same for Schwartz, recently of “Wicked” and infamously of “Godspell.” To Webber’s credit, both “Evita” and “Sunset Boulevard” have and continue to hold up, respectably. A good revival of “Evita” is just what Broadway could use right now. When the adolescent is ready to move up, there is only one man to visit: Cole Potter. Now you are breaking into some lyrical challenges not to mention some musical texture which still surprises me when listened to. Don’t believe me? Drag out your copy of “Kiss Me, Kate,” and spin up “Wunderbar” and follow it with “So in Love.” The fact that the same vocalists are expected to handle the varying material should tell you something.
Now, we move to adult musicals. How to describe it? The adult Musical lover discovers complexity not only in music but also in theme and characterization. I remember the first time I saw Hair on A&E. I remember thinking how interesting but average the piece was until I saw the tombstone at the end and the company sings “Let the Sun Shine In.” Right or wrong, for a second, I think I understood the Sixties, beyond the stereotypes. I could see how they, the young people of that time, might have experienced their world and sensed a fundamental shift happening around them, a ground swell and tectonic adjustment which they could barely manage to stay atop off. Further, sometimes, the sense of humor plays a part. Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd currently has my attention. The story of revenge and fine dining and misguided love brought together with real empathy and pathos, a pathos which transcends the actors because it is present in the composer’s work. Also, an adult musical is willing to challenge with spareness of structure. To bring Sondheim back for further praise, the 1978 recording of Company illustrates how to drive an audience nuts and leave them clamoring for more. In Company, a man tries to decide his future: married or single? The key is the looseness of time, for the main character is standing outside his apartment door, but for how long. Is it a moment or is it an actual party? Is he playing this out in his mind in a moment? The show doesn’t tell you. Further, you don’t know if you should really like these characters all that much. (The ‘70s era pessimism toward institutions like marriage is radioactively present; “The Little Things You Do Together” makes that abundantly clear.)
So, now you know why I break into song parodies whenever I am amused or angry or any old time I feel it coming on. The musical is simply put a great piece of art; not as high brow as opera but not as pedestrian as other forms of art.
Back to the story: my mother would love to recall Gordon McRae, singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.” And there was the very pleasant evening spent watching Robert Preston burn up the screen, while set on high simmer, in The Music Man, singing to his love, “Marion, Madam Librarian.” Thus it was that my little brain was exposed to the notion of big, Broadway story telling. Story telling that would catch you when you least expected, only to discover tears in your eyes because you had started to care about the characters and the plight. And the music, oh, the music is so key; the right chord not only suggests artistry but also tone in a dramatic or comic moment. After high school music indoctrination, I learned to recognize things like deliberate dissonance and holding the resolution out as long as humanly possible to create drama and suspense. (By the way, the term “indoctrination” is not to suggest that I didn’t enjoy it and wasn’t enriched by the experience of singing in high school; I am just suggesting that like Chinese Water Torture, the key to learning a piece of music is plain old consistent repetition.)
I guess you could say that I have grown up “Musical.” Not musically inclined, mind you; I think I am one of those people who have skill but not talent. I mean that I have grown up with the phrases, the characters accompanying me as I moved through life, akin to the transparent Greek chorus for yours truly alone. It has largely been an asset; like all elements of cultural literacy, being able to make a connecting reference moves conversations along and conflicts more swiftly to resolution. However, there are times when the musical accompaniment is not helpful. Just think tracks from Sweeney Todd while trying to celebrate the Holy Mass and you’ll see where that could lead.
How do you grow up “Musical”? It starts by cutting your teeth on good music, good lyrics and good structure in all music to which you listen. My sister did that by giving me a good healthy dose of Bread and Alan Parson Project, not to mention, the Beatles. Those artists paved the way to They Might Be Giants and 10,000 Maniacs. (That’s for another post.) But as a youngster, you start with the classics, mainly Rogers and Hammerstein. Just as you are ready to transition to more mature stuff, the attentive parent whips out a copy of “Carousel” just to seal the deal. However, if you ever want the child to appreciate a musical, never, never, never show Bye, Bye Birdie or South Pacific. Trust me. Those two almost did me in.
Okay, now on to Musical adolescence. You want to feel grown-up but without all that blasted work which goes with it. So, whose works am I thinking of? Give up? Andrew Lloyd Webber. Excuse me, that’s Sir Andrew to the groundlings. Not to say that everything from the piano of Webber lacks merit; it’s just that most of it does. And that goes double and same for Schwartz, recently of “Wicked” and infamously of “Godspell.” To Webber’s credit, both “Evita” and “Sunset Boulevard” have and continue to hold up, respectably. A good revival of “Evita” is just what Broadway could use right now. When the adolescent is ready to move up, there is only one man to visit: Cole Potter. Now you are breaking into some lyrical challenges not to mention some musical texture which still surprises me when listened to. Don’t believe me? Drag out your copy of “Kiss Me, Kate,” and spin up “Wunderbar” and follow it with “So in Love.” The fact that the same vocalists are expected to handle the varying material should tell you something.
Now, we move to adult musicals. How to describe it? The adult Musical lover discovers complexity not only in music but also in theme and characterization. I remember the first time I saw Hair on A&E. I remember thinking how interesting but average the piece was until I saw the tombstone at the end and the company sings “Let the Sun Shine In.” Right or wrong, for a second, I think I understood the Sixties, beyond the stereotypes. I could see how they, the young people of that time, might have experienced their world and sensed a fundamental shift happening around them, a ground swell and tectonic adjustment which they could barely manage to stay atop off. Further, sometimes, the sense of humor plays a part. Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd currently has my attention. The story of revenge and fine dining and misguided love brought together with real empathy and pathos, a pathos which transcends the actors because it is present in the composer’s work. Also, an adult musical is willing to challenge with spareness of structure. To bring Sondheim back for further praise, the 1978 recording of Company illustrates how to drive an audience nuts and leave them clamoring for more. In Company, a man tries to decide his future: married or single? The key is the looseness of time, for the main character is standing outside his apartment door, but for how long. Is it a moment or is it an actual party? Is he playing this out in his mind in a moment? The show doesn’t tell you. Further, you don’t know if you should really like these characters all that much. (The ‘70s era pessimism toward institutions like marriage is radioactively present; “The Little Things You Do Together” makes that abundantly clear.)
So, now you know why I break into song parodies whenever I am amused or angry or any old time I feel it coming on. The musical is simply put a great piece of art; not as high brow as opera but not as pedestrian as other forms of art.
Things Are Looking Up!
If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you have heard about the Borromeo Project, my adult formation series. The first year focuses on reading the Catechism and learning the prayers of the Church as well as the Liturgy of the Hours. It is a group study: in the introduction, I wrote, “If you are tempted to take this home and use it by yourself, take my advice. Don’t.” I intend to use quotes from the folks who have gone through the program to back up my points.
Well, I got a new email from the publisher. I think we are a go. There are some negotiations ahead, but I think all things being equal, we have it. I would suspect some revision is coming and I have had some ideas on the side as well. So, if you could remember the Borromeo Project during your prayers today, I would appreciate.
Hey, I had a cool idea: The Borromeo Project Podcast in which I treat questions and clarifications needed for groups as well as forums.
UPDATE: Confirmed! I got off the phone a couple of hours ago with the publisher and it is a GO! I cannot wait to receive my first professional writing contract! The rollout, for those interested parties, is slated for April 2007. I think we could get it done earlier, perhaps in time for Lent 2007, but that remains to be seen. Anyway, thanks to all readers and supporters who have tracked the madness. It is over; someone pop open the champagne!
Well, I got a new email from the publisher. I think we are a go. There are some negotiations ahead, but I think all things being equal, we have it. I would suspect some revision is coming and I have had some ideas on the side as well. So, if you could remember the Borromeo Project during your prayers today, I would appreciate.
Hey, I had a cool idea: The Borromeo Project Podcast in which I treat questions and clarifications needed for groups as well as forums.
UPDATE: Confirmed! I got off the phone a couple of hours ago with the publisher and it is a GO! I cannot wait to receive my first professional writing contract! The rollout, for those interested parties, is slated for April 2007. I think we could get it done earlier, perhaps in time for Lent 2007, but that remains to be seen. Anyway, thanks to all readers and supporters who have tracked the madness. It is over; someone pop open the champagne!
Live Simul=Blogcasting
Okay, so it's 6:03 a.m. on a Friday and I am getting ready to talk on Relevant Radio. With congestion and a full cup of coffee, I am going to tackle some, hopefully interesting ideas. Literally, I am listening live to RR via my home phone. And now I am reaching for a Kleenex so that I can be reasonably clear sinus-wise.
Okay, so it's 6:03 a.m. on a Friday and I am getting ready to talk on Relevant Radio. With congestion and a full cup of coffee, I am going to tackle some, hopefully interesting ideas. Literally, I am listening live to RR via my home phone. And now I am reaching for a Kleenex so that I can be reasonably clear sinus-wise.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
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