HOW DOES "IT" HURT YOU?

One of the most persistent and off-putting questions in the same-sex marriage debate is "How does it (same-sex marriage) hurt you?"

Traditional marriage defenders usually find themselves scrambling for some sane answer but usually end up stumbling, and for good reason. Marriage is so fundamental that its nature has never been questioned...until now. In short, it has never required an explanation or a defense, thus most don't have one.

The best answer to the question is the return question: "How do you know it won't?" For the real answer is we don't know. Sociological change may take a generation or two before there is measurable impact on the larger society.

Meanwhile, the gay agenda folks are very self-assured with their "how does it hurt you" question, and putting the burden of proof back on them is something they are not ready for.

Here's an article on the subject: "Yes, Marriage will change--and here's how"

THE FAILURE OF PARISH-BASED CATECHESIS

Responding to:

Repenting of the Failure of Parish-Based Catechesis: Time for An Old Idea

In the end, the author succumbs to a solution that contributes to the problem. She thinks that better catechesis will come from better teachers. It will not. Better catechesis will come from better, and better informed, parents. The church's duty is to "assist the parent in the education of the child". Get that? "Assist the parent." Not take the child from the parent. The problem is systemic and the medium is the message.

AN ALTERNATIVE CONFESSION MEDITATION

The sacrament of Confession has made a comeback in recent years. And it is becoming more common to hear of conversion-like stories of Catholics who have rediscovered the sacrament after years - and even decades - away from it.

The hiatus from the confessional was perpetrated by a post-Vatican II positivism which diminished sin - a fact made manifest in the disappearance of the once ever-present (and ever-in-use) confessional booth in most churches.

The re-emergence of the sacrament is due much to its promotion by Pope John Paul II and his personal example of weekly confession, and to a rediscovery of it by a new generation of Catholics to whom John Paul II was a personal hero.

Today, there are many books and audio programs featuring warm stories of how people feel re-born, washed clean, renewed, like a weight had fallen from them, etc. And of course, it's all true, and it's all good.

However, there is a need for a post-confession catechesis. With so many now returning to or discovering the sacrament - often encouraged by the stories of others - there is the potential for great spiritual danger.

The "born-again" experience is powerful, a high, and with highs come lows. The truth is that the warm feelings of that first return to the confessional will be diminished when the penitent finds him or herself back in the confessional needing to confess the same sin in a week or two. With the loss of feeling will come doubt about true contrition, and, without catechesis, the potential for despair and a departure from the sacrament once again.

What the penitent needs to know is that we go to confession to confess our sins not because we feel sorry for them or because we "feel" anything, but because, first and foremost, we have offended God. Personal sorrow is a grace which we pray for and is sometimes granted, but feeling sorry is not a prerequisite for confession.

This is important because the new "hype"- the born-again like confession stories - are, as expected, filled with good feelings. And the business of maturely confessing ones sins must necessarily transcend the initial romance and get on with the business of routinely dealing with a dirty soul.

In fact, contrary to what is so often perpetrated in the new pop-Catholic culture found in books, audios, and seminars, one is probably more prone to an attack of the devil immediately after confession. What is more delicious to Satan than felling a fresh soul? What a delight to make a penitent, fresh from the confessional, fall within hours to the same sin he or she just confessed! What quicker way to despair than this?

As always, knowledge of the enemy is critical in battle, and in spiritual warfare, the battle never ends. In fact, it intensifies as a soul grows in personal holiness. This is a fact often left out in the education of the JPII generation - a generation brought into or back to the Church largely via the soaring personality of the pope and the surrounding resurgence of things Catholic.

But, as with any romance, it serves only to bring one into a relationship which must necessarily mature and get on with the real business which that relationship is designed to serve, and often without feeling, for truth is beyond feeling - which is why so few go there.

Go to confession....and come out ready for war. For there it starts.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

For the Nine Days of the Novena to St. Joseph, March 11-19...or any time.

To You, blessed Joseph, we come with confidence in this hour of need, trusting in your powerful protection. Your loving service to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and your fatherly affection for the Child Jesus inspire us with faith in the power of your intercession before the throne of God.

  

We pray, first of all, for the Church: that it may be free from error and corruption, and be a shining light of universal love and justice.

We ask your intercession for our loved ones in their trial and adversities, that they may be inspired by the love, obedience and affection of the Holy FAmily and be to each other a mutual source of consolation and Christian fidelity.

     

We ask your intercession also for our special need (here mention the grace desired).

     

Keep us one and all under your protection so that, strengthened by your example and assistance  we may lead a holy life, die a happy death, and come to the possession of everlasting happiness in Heaven. 

Amen

FIND INFORMATION BY INVESTIGATING ABORTIONS

Printed in the Pacific Daily News, May 26,  2013 

"Rendering a female consistently infertile for the purposes of commercial sex through traditional birth control is tedious and fraught with forgetfulness and mistakes, and often result in costly abortions. Abortifacients like Plan B will make it much easier to use and abuse girls and women by making it easier for sex traffickers and their customers to destroy the evidence."

Read the full article here or here if the link is no longer active.

JUNE 1: FEAST OF ST. PAMPHILUS, MARTYR

From Butler's "Lives of the Saints"

ST. PAMPHILUS was of a rich and honorable family, and a native of Berytus (Beirut), in which city, at that time famous for its schools, he in his youth ran through the whole circle of the sciences, and was afterward honored with the first employments of the magistracy. 

After he began to know Christ, he could relish no other study but that of salvation, and renounced everything else that he might apply himself wholly to the exercise of virtue and the studies of the Holy Scriptures. 

This accomplished master in profane sciences, and this renowned magistrate, was not ashamed to become the humble scholar of Pierius, the successor of Origen, in the great catechetical school of Alexandria. He afterward made Caesarea, in Palestine, his residence, where, at his private expense, he collected a great library, which he bestowed on the church of that city. 

The Saint established there also a public school of sacred literature, and to his labors the Church was indebted for a most correct edition of the Holy Bible, which, with infinite care, he transcribed himself. 

But nothing was more remarkable in this Saint than his extraordinary humility. His paternal estate heat length distributed among the poor: towards his slaves and domestics his behavior was always that of a brother or a tender father. He led a most austere life, sequestered from the world and its company, and was indefatigable in labor. Such a  virtue was his apprenticeship to the race of martyrdom. 

In the year 307, Urbanus, the cruel governor of Palestine, caused him to be apprehended, and commanded him to be most inhumanely tormented. But the iron hooks which tore the martyr's sides served only to cover the judge with confusion. After this, the Saint remained almost two years in prison. 

Urbanus, the governor, was himself beheaded by an order of the Emperor Maximinus, but was succeeded by Firmilian, a man no less barbarous, bigoted and superstitious. 

After several butcheries, he caused St. Pamphilus to be brought before him, and passed sentence of death upon him. His flesh was torn off to the very bones, and his bowels exposed to view, and the torments were continued a long time without intermission, but he never once opened his mouth so much as to groan. He finished his martyrdom by a slow fire, and died invoking Jesus, the Son of God. 

Reflection. - A cloud of witnesses, a noble army of martyrs, teach us by their constancy to suffer wrong with patience, and strenuously to resist evil. The daily trials we meet with from others or from ourselves are always sent us by God. Who sometimes throws difficulties in our way on purpose to reward our conquest. And sometimes, like a wise physician, restores us to our health by bitter potions.

NOT SURE HOW REPLACING A METAL CHAIR WITH A WOODEN ONE HELPS ANYBODY EAT BETTER

I RECENTLY RECEIVED AN EMAIL WITH THIS PICTURE AND TEXT

This truly a man of God and a pope for the people.
In this photo there are 6 differences

1. Changed the golden throne to a wooden chair ...
something more appropriate for the disciple of a carpenter.

2. Did not want the gold-embroidered red stole,
heir of the Roman Empire, nor the red cape...

3. Uses same old black shoes, not the classic red.

4. Uses a metal cross, not of rubies and diamonds.

5. His papal ring is silver, not gold.

6. Uses the same black pants under the cassock, to remember that he is another priest.

Have you discovered the 7th?

Removed the red carpet ..  He is not interested in fame and applause ...
Every day I like Pope Francis more!

FOLLOWING IS MY RESPONSE TO THE SENDER

I am not excited about the so-called "simplicity" of our new pope. I do not doubt that Francis is sincere, but to suppose that his show of simplicity makes him any less simple of heart or humble than was Benedict or John Paul II or any of the pontiffs of the modern era, would be an error.

In fact, accepting the "trappings" of the office when one personally prefers a less ostentatious public personna can in fact require an even greater humility - as was the case with Benedict, who several times tried to retire to a parish in Bavaria before succeeding to the chair; AND had the ultimate humility to step aside for the greater good of the Church.

On a personal note, it brings back embarrassing memories of my Loyola days when I practiced - with similar fools  - a  false-poverty marked by pre-faded, mall-purchased jeans, Birkenstocks that cost more than a decent pair of shoes, and a careful, self-conscious, disheveled appearance.

(In my case it was even more ridiculous because I actually was poor - or at least much poorer than my upper middle class friends - so purchasing the poor looking clothing actually made me truly poorer.)

And on a practical note, I am not yet sure how replacing a metal chair with a wooden one helps anyone eat better. I will certainly grant the pope his druthers, but I would question any attempt on our part to make something of it.

MAY 29 - FEAST OF ST. CYRIL MARTYR

From BUTLER’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS

ST. CYRIL suffered while still a boy at Caesarea in Cappadocia, during the persecutions of the third century.  He used to repeat the name of Christ at all times, and confessed that the mere utterance of this name moved him strangely.

He was beaten and reviled by his heathen father. But he bore all this with joy, increasing in the strength of Christ, Who dwelt within him, and drawing many of his own age to the imitation of his heavenly life.  When his father in his fury turned him out of doors, he said he had lost little, and wold receive a great recompense instead.

Soon after, he was brought before the magistrate on account of his faith. No threats could make him show a sign of fear, and the judge, pitying perhaps his tender years, offered him his freedom, assured him of his father’s forgiveness, and besought him to return to his home and inheritance. 

But the blessed youth replied, “I left my home gladly, for I have a greater and a better which is waiting for me.” He was filled with the same heavenly desires to the end. 

He was taken to the fires as if for execution, and was then brought back and re-examined, but he only protested against the cruel delay. Led out to die, he hurried on the executioners, gazed unmoved at the flames which were kindled for him, and expired, hastening, as he said, to his home.

REFLECTION. - Ask Our Lord to make all earthly joy insipid, and to fill you with the constant desire of heaven. This desire will make labor easy and suffering light. It will make you fervent and detached, and bring you even here a foretasted of that eternal joy and peace to which you are hastening.

MAY 22 - ST. YVO, CONFESSOR

From Butler's "Lives of the Saints"

ST. YVO HELORI, descended from a noble and virtuous family near Treguier, in Brittany, was born in 1253. At fourteen years of age he went to Paris, and afterwards to Orleans, to pursue his studies. His mother was won frequently to say to him that he ought so to live as became a Saint, to which he is answer always was, that he hoped to be one.

This resolution took deep root in his soul, and was continual spur to virtue, and a check against the least shadow of any dangerous course. His time was chiefly divided between study and prayer; for his recreation he visited the hospitals, where he attended the sick with great charity, and comforted them under the severe trials of their suffering condition.

He made a private vow of perpetual chastity; but this not being known, many honorable matches were proposed to him which he modestly rejected as incompatible with his studious life. He long deliberated whether to embrace a religious or a clerical state; but the desire of serving his neighbor determined him at length in favor of the latter.

He wished, out of humility, to remain in the lesser orders; but his bishop compelled him to receive the priesthood, - a step which cost him many tears, though he had qualified himself for that sacred dignity by the most perfect purity of mind and body, and by a long and fervent preparation.

He was appointed ecclesiastical judge for the diocese of Rennes. St. Yvo protected the orphans and widows, defended the poor, and administered justice to all with an impartiality, application, and tenderness which gained him the good-will even of those who lost their causes. He was surnamed the advocate and lawyer of the poor.

He built a house near his own for a hospital of the poor and sick; he washed their feet, cleansed their ulcers, served them at table, and ate himself only the scraps which they had left. He distributed his corn, or the price for which he sold it, among the poor immediately after the harvest. When a certain person endeavored to persuade him to keep it some months, that he might sell it at a better price, he answered, "I know not whether I shall be then alive to give it."

Another time the same person said to him, "I have gained a fifth by keeping my corn." "But I," replied the Saint, "a hundredfold by giving it immediately away."

During the Lent of 1303 he felt his strength failing him; yet, far from abating anything in his austerities, he thought himself obliged to redouble his fervor in proportion as he advanced nearer to eternity.

On the eve of the Ascension he preached to his people, said Mass, being upheld by two persons, and gave advice to all who address themselves to him. After this he lay down on his bed, which was a hurdle of twigs plaited together, and received the last sacraments. From that moment he entertained himself with God alone, till his soul went ot possess Him in His glory. His death happened on the 19th of May, 1303, in the fiftieth year of his age.

REFLECTION -  St. Yvo was a Saint amidst the dangers of the world; but he preserved his virtue untainted only by arming himself carefully against them, by conversing assiduously with God in prayer and holy meditation, and by most watchfully shunning the snares of bad company. Without this precaution all the instructions of parents and all other means of virtue are ineffectual; and the soul is sure to split against this rock which does not steer wide of it.

MAY 16 - ST. JOHN NEPOMUCEN (Saint of the confessional seal)

(From Butler's LIVES OF THE SAINTS)

Martyrdom of St. John Nepomuk bySzymon Czechowicz, c. 1750.

ST. JOHN was born, in answer to prayer, 1330, of poor parents, at Nepomuc in Bohemia. In gratitude they consecrated him to God; and his holy life as a priest led to his appointment as chaplain to the court of the Emperor Wenceslas, where he converted numbers by his preaching and example.

Amongst those who sought his advice was the empress, who suffered much from her husband's unfounded jealousy. St. John taught her to bear her cross with joy; but her piety only incensed the emperor, and he tried to extort her confessions from the Saint.

He threw St. John into a dungeon, but gained nothing; then, inviting him to his palace, he promised him riches if he would yield, and threatened death if he refused. The Saint was silent. He was racked and burnt with torches; but no words, save Jesus and Mary, fell from his lips. At last set free, he spent his time in preaching, and preparing for the death he knew to be at hand.

On Ascension Eve, May 16, Wenceslas, after a final and fruitless attempt to move his constancy, ordered him to be cast into the river, and that night the martyr's hands and feet were bound, and he was thrown from the bridge of Prague. As he died, a heavenly light shining on the water discovered the body, which was buried with the honors due to a Saint. A few years later, Wenceslas was deposed by his own subjects, and died an impenitent and miserable death.

In 1618, the Calvinist and Hussite soldiers of the Protestant Elector Frederick tried repeatedly to demolish the shrine of St. John at Prague. Each attempt was miraculously frustrated; and once the persons engaged in the sacrilege, among whom was an Englishman, were killed on the spot.

In 1620, the imperial troops recovered the town by a victory which was ascribed to the Saint's intercession, as he was seen on the eve of the battle, radiant with glory, guarding the cathedral. When his shrine was opened, three hundred and thirty years after his decease, the flesh had disappeared, and one member alone remained incorrupt, the tongue; thus still, in silence giving glory to God.

Reflection - St. John, who by his invincible sacramental silence won his crown, teaches us to prefer torture and death to offending the Creator with our tongue. How many times each day do we forfeit grace and strength by sins of speech!

(More at Wikipedia)

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS: PUBLICIZE FAILURE RATE OF CONDOMS

The following was my submission to the Pacific Daily News (Guam) Sunday Forum in response to the questions: What can be done to increase HIV/AIDS testing?

Perhaps the most effective thing our Department of Public Health and Social Services can do to encourage HIV/AIDS testing is to work just as hard at increasing awareness of condom effectiveness as they do at condom distribution. (Read more here or if link is no longer working here.)

WHY OUR BISHOPS ARE SO INEFFECTUAL IN STOPPING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Rhode Island has legalized same-sex marriage and Archbishop of Providence has issued a letter:

Letter to Catholics on the Approval of “Same-Sex Marriage” in RI

The letter is an excellent example of why our bishops are so ineffectual in slowing the march to same-sex marriage. Here is a sample paragraph:

And because “same-sex marriages” are clearly contrary to God’s plan for the human family, and therefore objectively sinful, Catholics should examine their consciences very carefully before deciding whether or not to endorse same-sex relationships or attend same-sex ceremonies, realizing that to do so might harm their relationship with God and cause significant scandal to others.

After stating that ssm's are objectively sinful, he tells Catholics to consult their consciences and that supporting ssm's MIGHT (!!!) harm their relationship with God. Well then I guess it's 50/50.