Saturday, June 01, 2013

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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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.
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