Catholicism
- Man Leaps at Pope
- Father's Day
- Don't Go To Mass
- Holy Days
- St. Joseph the Worker
- Pope Wants Safe Drivers
- Pope to Visit UN
- World Day of Prayer
- Suffering for Jesus
- Pope John Paul the Saint?
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
Today a man leapt over the barricade at Pope Benedict XVI.
On his way to his weekly papal address, Pope Benedict XVI was riding in what has become known as the pope mobile, in a circle through the thousands that had gathered. Amid the cheering one man, whose intentions are unknown at this time, leapt over the barricade and attempted to jump into the pope mobile with Pope Benedict XVI.
Although security officers subdued the man rather quickly, it was reminicent of that fateful day when another man breached security and shot Pope John Paul II, also in the pope mobile.
It appeared from footage shown that Pope Benedict XVI may not have been aware of the breach. It must be pretty noisy in the midst of such a crowd.
It also calls into question whether a Pope's wishes should be ignored in light of increasing security concerns.
It's an interesting dichotomy that most Popes like to be close to the people who have come to see him in an audience, but that he may be removed from situations like that due to concerns for his safety.
How will a Pope be a voice for the people if it becomes too dangerous for the Pope to visit the people?
Although security officers subdued the man rather quickly, it was reminicent of that fateful day when another man breached security and shot Pope John Paul II, also in the pope mobile.
It appeared from footage shown that Pope Benedict XVI may not have been aware of the breach. It must be pretty noisy in the midst of such a crowd.
It also calls into question whether a Pope's wishes should be ignored in light of increasing security concerns.
It's an interesting dichotomy that most Popes like to be close to the people who have come to see him in an audience, but that he may be removed from situations like that due to concerns for his safety.
How will a Pope be a voice for the people if it becomes too dangerous for the Pope to visit the people?
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
What roll do fathers play?
Well, Father's Day is just around the corner and I have to admit, over the years I haven't exactly given Dad the same treatment that Mom received on her day. Why? Because she's a woman maybe and Dad is tough to buy for.
I don't know the real reason, maybe it's because my Dad goes about his job quietly, without calling attention to himself. He's kind of a stealth Dad. He's always there when it counts. It's too bad though that it took me this long to recognize his contributions to my rearing. Following is a minor list of all that he contributed:
I don't know the real reason, maybe it's because my Dad goes about his job quietly, without calling attention to himself. He's kind of a stealth Dad. He's always there when it counts. It's too bad though that it took me this long to recognize his contributions to my rearing. Following is a minor list of all that he contributed:
- Money of course. Going to work every day, putting aside dreams to fund my whims and not to mention those new jeans I just had to have
- Moral strength. I don't remember him ever acting the fool, getting unjustly upset or being a jerk to anyone
- Treating me with respect. I may have been just a kid, but I always felt he respected my opinions, even when he said no
- Taking us everywhere. My parents exposed us to a lot of culture on those arduous family trips - the true value of which I didn't understand until much later
- Spirituality and faith. He isn't a bible thumper or one of those hallelujah folks but I don't know anyone more devoted to living a Christ-like life
- Showing me what a marriage should be. To my consternation I could not, as a kid, divide and conquer. It was maddening but they always agreed with each other, at least in front of me. Actually, he still brings my mother flowers quite often
- Talk radio. We didn't go anywhere without some kind of talk in the background instead of constant music. I was introduced at a young age to a Prarie Home Companion, public radio and a plethora of "boring" talk. I still listen to NPR daily
- Always being Dad. I may have a family of my own but if he sees a need, he shows up (I can't believe you actually come to the house at 6:00 a.m. during a blizzard to clear the drive so I can get to work)
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
A Catholic writer suggests non-catholic ways to become a better Catholic.
This summer many people will venture out and about on vacations. Some will enjoy lavish jaunts to the far east or wherever the "it" people jet to. Others will enjoy more traditional vacations to camp sites, amusement parks or grandmother's home on the lake/ocean/river. Still others won't get those vacations, instead, you'll try to take the kids on whatever two days you may have off and do everything possible.
Whatever your choice, let me offer one suggestion, especially if you are away from home. Often if traveling a long way, a Catholic church is not available for Mass, especially if you travel to an area that is not well-populated. Take this opportunity to attend a different religious ceremony. Whether it's something similar, such as Greek Orthodox, or something completely different, Temple for example, you can gain a great deal of understanding and new found respect for both your religion and someone elses.
If you do plan to venture into unchartered territory, however, do be mindful of practices and traditions. For example, what kind of clothes do most women and men wear to Temple? What do Pentacostals wear to services? A call to the pastor or Rabbi can avoid embarrassing situations for you and help you to not unintentionally insult the members of the congregation.
Whether the service is conducted in a language you understand or not, you can gain a great deal by just being fully present in respectful silence.
It's a great reminder of all we have in common.
Whatever your choice, let me offer one suggestion, especially if you are away from home. Often if traveling a long way, a Catholic church is not available for Mass, especially if you travel to an area that is not well-populated. Take this opportunity to attend a different religious ceremony. Whether it's something similar, such as Greek Orthodox, or something completely different, Temple for example, you can gain a great deal of understanding and new found respect for both your religion and someone elses.
If you do plan to venture into unchartered territory, however, do be mindful of practices and traditions. For example, what kind of clothes do most women and men wear to Temple? What do Pentacostals wear to services? A call to the pastor or Rabbi can avoid embarrassing situations for you and help you to not unintentionally insult the members of the congregation.
Whether the service is conducted in a language you understand or not, you can gain a great deal by just being fully present in respectful silence.
It's a great reminder of all we have in common.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
A general discussion of Holy Days of Obligation.
This Thursday is Ascension Thursday. It is another Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. In case you've forgotten, a Holy Day of Obligation is a day that we must attend church. Will you go?
I remember when I was young Holy Days seemed like such a big deal. What do you mean we have to go to church in the middle of the week? Are they crazy? Don't they know what an inconvenience it is to me, in all my teenage and preteen angst? How dare they?
I always used to try to come up with excuses why I couldn't go. These excuses ranged from "I'm sick," to "I have way too much homework." Of course my parents never bought it. I HAD to go. I remember looking around and thinking none of my other Catholic friends seemed to be there. Why didn't their parents make them go? They must have cool parents. Not like mine, they're zealots.
Flash forward to grown up land. I have to admit a lot of these Holy Days of Obligation seem to sneak up on me despite my having a Catholic calendar in not one but two places in my house. When the priest makes his announcements at the end of Sunday Mass about the various Mass times for the Holy Day, I've invariably made an appointment outside of my work schedule for that day. But now, instead of thinking what an inconvenience the Mass will be, I think of how great it will be that the Church will be full.
It's another time I can go and worship. What's best about it is it is mandatory. Daily Mass is great but I have to admit I don't practice daily Mass. But I'm happy the Church compels me to go to Holy Days. It's another reminder that I should be worshipping God throughout my week and not just at Sunday Mass.
I remember when I was young Holy Days seemed like such a big deal. What do you mean we have to go to church in the middle of the week? Are they crazy? Don't they know what an inconvenience it is to me, in all my teenage and preteen angst? How dare they?
I always used to try to come up with excuses why I couldn't go. These excuses ranged from "I'm sick," to "I have way too much homework." Of course my parents never bought it. I HAD to go. I remember looking around and thinking none of my other Catholic friends seemed to be there. Why didn't their parents make them go? They must have cool parents. Not like mine, they're zealots.
Flash forward to grown up land. I have to admit a lot of these Holy Days of Obligation seem to sneak up on me despite my having a Catholic calendar in not one but two places in my house. When the priest makes his announcements at the end of Sunday Mass about the various Mass times for the Holy Day, I've invariably made an appointment outside of my work schedule for that day. But now, instead of thinking what an inconvenience the Mass will be, I think of how great it will be that the Church will be full.
It's another time I can go and worship. What's best about it is it is mandatory. Daily Mass is great but I have to admit I don't practice daily Mass. But I'm happy the Church compels me to go to Holy Days. It's another reminder that I should be worshipping God throughout my week and not just at Sunday Mass.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
Can your work be holy?
May 1 we celebrated the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. That got me thinking, what does work mean to us in our secular lives? Can it be holy?
We can look to biblical examples of work as a tool to holiness. Of course we need only remember Joseph. He was a carpenter, afterall. We can imagine he took pride in his work without being prideful. He most likely gave the best work he could and charged a fair price for it. It's hard to imagine that he over charged.
But what can we do to make our own pursuits holy? We can seek to do our best each day. We can conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful before the Lord. No gossiping, no ill will. We can seek to understand and to be perfect in our work. Of course, being human, it's pretty hard to measure up to this, but we can aspire to it.
Furthermore, during mass, when we give our tithe, we are giving of ourselves. Long ago, people used to give the work of their hands as an offering to God. These days, it's pretty hard to give the paperwork that is the result of the work of our hands. Instead, we give a portion of what we have earned from the work of our hands, or minds as it were. We give in thanksgiving to God for all our blessings. We give to help those less fortunate.
Giving and working hard and honestly are two ways we can make our work holy.
We can look to biblical examples of work as a tool to holiness. Of course we need only remember Joseph. He was a carpenter, afterall. We can imagine he took pride in his work without being prideful. He most likely gave the best work he could and charged a fair price for it. It's hard to imagine that he over charged.
But what can we do to make our own pursuits holy? We can seek to do our best each day. We can conduct ourselves in a manner that is respectful before the Lord. No gossiping, no ill will. We can seek to understand and to be perfect in our work. Of course, being human, it's pretty hard to measure up to this, but we can aspire to it.
Furthermore, during mass, when we give our tithe, we are giving of ourselves. Long ago, people used to give the work of their hands as an offering to God. These days, it's pretty hard to give the paperwork that is the result of the work of our hands. Instead, we give a portion of what we have earned from the work of our hands, or minds as it were. We give in thanksgiving to God for all our blessings. We give to help those less fortunate.
Giving and working hard and honestly are two ways we can make our work holy.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
In today's audience, Pope Benedict the XVI asked for people the world over to pray for driving safety.
In his closing remarks during his audience today, Pope Benedict XVI asked for people to pray for safe driving around the world.
This week is safety week, initiated by the United Nations. The pope said he would like to give "a word of encouragement to the public institutions that seek to maintain highways safe and to protect human life with appropriate means, and to the people who dedicate themselves to research into new technologies and strategies to reduce the many accidents on the road," all over the world.
He also urged young people to practice prudence and show respect for highway codes.
It just goes to show, there's always something to pray for. If you start listing all the things in this world that could benefit from prayer, well, you’d understand why some religious never stop praying. That is their mission in fact, continual prayer for the souls in purgatory, the humans on earth, peace, justice, those suffering in poverty, from disease. You name it. But the pope’s remarks also highlight another fact. You can pray for the heavies: famine, war, disease, but you can also pray for daily needs. What’s important is you pray and speak with God every day.
Don’t forget to listen either. That’s the hardest part for me, trying to quiet my mind and become open to the presence of Jesus. I’ll sit with every intention of listening, then something will happen. It’s at that precise moment I usually remember where I put that item that’s been lost for a month. I’ll remember a bill I forgot to pay. All these things that seemingly need to be done right now before I forget again. It’s hard to not just take a second to write it down and go back to prayer.
This week is safety week, initiated by the United Nations. The pope said he would like to give "a word of encouragement to the public institutions that seek to maintain highways safe and to protect human life with appropriate means, and to the people who dedicate themselves to research into new technologies and strategies to reduce the many accidents on the road," all over the world.
He also urged young people to practice prudence and show respect for highway codes.
It just goes to show, there's always something to pray for. If you start listing all the things in this world that could benefit from prayer, well, you’d understand why some religious never stop praying. That is their mission in fact, continual prayer for the souls in purgatory, the humans on earth, peace, justice, those suffering in poverty, from disease. You name it. But the pope’s remarks also highlight another fact. You can pray for the heavies: famine, war, disease, but you can also pray for daily needs. What’s important is you pray and speak with God every day.
Don’t forget to listen either. That’s the hardest part for me, trying to quiet my mind and become open to the presence of Jesus. I’ll sit with every intention of listening, then something will happen. It’s at that precise moment I usually remember where I put that item that’s been lost for a month. I’ll remember a bill I forgot to pay. All these things that seemingly need to be done right now before I forget again. It’s hard to not just take a second to write it down and go back to prayer.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
The pope has been invited to visit the United Nations. What does this signify?
Recently the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit the UN in New York. It was announced today that the Pope has accepted the invitation, although no date has been set.
The invitation perhaps acknowledges the Popes recent efforts to bring peace to the world. Although the comparisons to Pope John Paul II are inevitable, this pope is making his own mark on the world.
John Paul II visited the UN twice. He visited once in 1979 and again in 1995. His more recent visit was to help celebrate the UN's 50th anniversary.
Hopefully, we'll see that Pope Benedict will be just as welcome in the world community. These are difficult times for religious leaders. As John Paul faced challenges with freedom and communism, the current pope faces freedom and human rights issues as well. Let's hope God will guide him and the world will hear another voice crying out for justice and the dignity of all humans.
The invitation perhaps acknowledges the Popes recent efforts to bring peace to the world. Although the comparisons to Pope John Paul II are inevitable, this pope is making his own mark on the world.
John Paul II visited the UN twice. He visited once in 1979 and again in 1995. His more recent visit was to help celebrate the UN's 50th anniversary.
Hopefully, we'll see that Pope Benedict will be just as welcome in the world community. These are difficult times for religious leaders. As John Paul faced challenges with freedom and communism, the current pope faces freedom and human rights issues as well. Let's hope God will guide him and the world will hear another voice crying out for justice and the dignity of all humans.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
The World Day of Prayer is coming up on April 29. Pope Benedict XVI said the theme for this year is Vocations.
On April 29 Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the 44th World Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "The vocation to the Church as communion."
Certainly, the topic of vocations is something which the church must focus on. Just look at the number of dwindling priests. In other areas of the world there seems to be a lot of success at getting people to answer the call to vocations. So why is it so difficult here in the good old USA?
In his remarks on the theme, the Pope asks us to recall the first members of the church and their actions.
"The first Christian community was built, in its original core, when some fishermen of Galilee, having met Jesus, . . . accepted His pressing initiaion: 'Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men!'" That sounds pretty darn good to me.
Why then, is it so difficult for us to answer that call? Perhaps its because we feel in our hearts that serving Jesus means giving up the things that we love. But is loving Jesus about sacrifice? I guess not in a ture sense of suffering. Loving Jesus with our whole hearts, minds and souls means recognizing what truly matters. Ask any person in a vocation and they will probably tell you they don't miss those "things" they gave up, not really.
Certainly, the topic of vocations is something which the church must focus on. Just look at the number of dwindling priests. In other areas of the world there seems to be a lot of success at getting people to answer the call to vocations. So why is it so difficult here in the good old USA?
In his remarks on the theme, the Pope asks us to recall the first members of the church and their actions.
"The first Christian community was built, in its original core, when some fishermen of Galilee, having met Jesus, . . . accepted His pressing initiaion: 'Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men!'" That sounds pretty darn good to me.
Why then, is it so difficult for us to answer that call? Perhaps its because we feel in our hearts that serving Jesus means giving up the things that we love. But is loving Jesus about sacrifice? I guess not in a ture sense of suffering. Loving Jesus with our whole hearts, minds and souls means recognizing what truly matters. Ask any person in a vocation and they will probably tell you they don't miss those "things" they gave up, not really.
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
A group of Catholics in South America have chosen to show their dedication by crucifying themselves. Is that what God wants?
I've heard of suffering for one's sins but what a group of Catholics is doing in South America is just plain wrong. I recently watched footage of a group of Catholics who were voluntarily nailed to crosses to atone for their sins and to show their dedication to Jesus.
They are wrong. God doesn't want us to punish ourselves and to physically torment ourselves in the name of worshiping Him.
Long ago, self-flagellating was viewed as a way to discipline the body and the mind, atone for sins, etc. This practice is no longer condoned by the Church. One can make up for sins through prayer, true reconciliation, penance and good works. If you are truly sorry, God will forgive you your sins.
I can't help but wonder how seeing His children hurting themselves affects God. Imagine this, you have a young child who is fresh, or who even steals something or some other act you disapprove of. Now, after the tears and the punishment (no TV maybe?) your child takes it a step farther. You think the matter is resolved but he decides to show you just how sorry he is. You discover him in his room repeatedly bashing himself on the head with a bat. How would that affect you? Would you say - oh now I know he's really sorry? Probably not. As a parent you knew he was really sorry before all this. Instead, you are incredulous and incredibly alarmed. Your first reaction is to stop the child. You never want the child to hurt himself.
Now, if we look to God as our heavenly Father, how could we possibly think that hurting ourselves would be pleasing to Him?
They are wrong. God doesn't want us to punish ourselves and to physically torment ourselves in the name of worshiping Him.
Long ago, self-flagellating was viewed as a way to discipline the body and the mind, atone for sins, etc. This practice is no longer condoned by the Church. One can make up for sins through prayer, true reconciliation, penance and good works. If you are truly sorry, God will forgive you your sins.
I can't help but wonder how seeing His children hurting themselves affects God. Imagine this, you have a young child who is fresh, or who even steals something or some other act you disapprove of. Now, after the tears and the punishment (no TV maybe?) your child takes it a step farther. You think the matter is resolved but he decides to show you just how sorry he is. You discover him in his room repeatedly bashing himself on the head with a bat. How would that affect you? Would you say - oh now I know he's really sorry? Probably not. As a parent you knew he was really sorry before all this. Instead, you are incredulous and incredibly alarmed. Your first reaction is to stop the child. You never want the child to hurt himself.
Now, if we look to God as our heavenly Father, how could we possibly think that hurting ourselves would be pleasing to Him?
Posted by
Michelle Anderson
Pope John Paul may be on his way to becoming the people's saint.
John Paul was known as the people's pope. Now he may well be on his way to becoming the people's saint.
If you're thinking that's awful quick, you're right. Normally there is a five-year waiting period after a person dies before he or she can be considered for beatification, a step on the way to sainthood. But Pope Benedict waived that time after the crowd shouted "Sainthood Now," at John Paul's funeral.
In order to be beatified, then canonized, the church must study the writings and deeds of the person for purity. But that isn't enough. A miracle must be attributed to that person's intercession. Here's where it gets tricky. Although we refer in our vernacular to miracles all the time, the church takes this term very seriously. An investigation that would make Watergate look like a grade-school project needs to take place.
That investigation is underway in the case of Pope John Paul. You see, a nun from The Little Sisters of the Maternity has come forward stating that it was she who was granted a miracle by praying to John Paul. She had suffered from Parkinson's disease. The sisters of her community prayed for her and two months after John Paul's death, she was cured.
So far there has been testimony, blood tests, physical exams, X-rays and every conceivable investigation into the woman's claim - all carried out by the church.
If it concludes that John Paul's intercession is the reason for her recovery, he will no doubt become a saint. I for one look forward to the fast tracking of this Pope into sainthood. He was a beacon of light, hope and understanding. He revived much of the church and brought many into it. He was a peacemaker who was unafraid to stand up to tyranny. I look forward to praying to Saint John Paul.
If you're thinking that's awful quick, you're right. Normally there is a five-year waiting period after a person dies before he or she can be considered for beatification, a step on the way to sainthood. But Pope Benedict waived that time after the crowd shouted "Sainthood Now," at John Paul's funeral.
In order to be beatified, then canonized, the church must study the writings and deeds of the person for purity. But that isn't enough. A miracle must be attributed to that person's intercession. Here's where it gets tricky. Although we refer in our vernacular to miracles all the time, the church takes this term very seriously. An investigation that would make Watergate look like a grade-school project needs to take place.
That investigation is underway in the case of Pope John Paul. You see, a nun from The Little Sisters of the Maternity has come forward stating that it was she who was granted a miracle by praying to John Paul. She had suffered from Parkinson's disease. The sisters of her community prayed for her and two months after John Paul's death, she was cured.
So far there has been testimony, blood tests, physical exams, X-rays and every conceivable investigation into the woman's claim - all carried out by the church.
If it concludes that John Paul's intercession is the reason for her recovery, he will no doubt become a saint. I for one look forward to the fast tracking of this Pope into sainthood. He was a beacon of light, hope and understanding. He revived much of the church and brought many into it. He was a peacemaker who was unafraid to stand up to tyranny. I look forward to praying to Saint John Paul.