The word "cult" conjures up images of people with shaved heads, weird tattoos, robes and sandals panhandling in the airport. But there can be cults and cult-like factions even within the boundaries of more mainstream groups. It can be easy to be taken off guard if we are not looking for the warning signs.
Two big warning signs of a possible cult or cult-like group are isolation and apocalyptic paranoia. Isolation can be easy to spot if it is "traditional" physical isolation. More insidious is the psychological isolation that is common with the advent of the internet. A person could possibly have a job, get out of the house each day and still be bombarded with cultic e-mails that they are expected to read. These diatribes are often circular and illogical with black and white thinking that the reader is expected to believe without question.
Another form of isolation can be hyper group activity. After an initial "love bombing" in which the perspective group member is surrounded by unprecedented expressions of love and friendship, he or she is pressured to do things with the group almost every day, to the exclusion of family and friends who are not members. Any attempt to deviate from this required schedule is seen as proof that the person is spiritually "doomed". Continued lack of attendance will often result in a sort of extreme "shunning." "Friendship" is based on group membership only.
Apocalyptic paranoia is another means that cult like groups use to control their members. Certain prescribed activities pending the near end of the world take up increasing amounts of the group members' time. Again, any deviation from this is highly frowned upon. The implication is that those who don't prepare, will not only be sorry when these horrible things come to pass, but that if the person in question doubts the authenticity of these dire predictions, they are not in the "special" inner circle that the group represents. This inner circle is seen as having unique information (often from God) that no one else can have.
These dire predictions often turn out to be either so muddy as to be impossible to prove, or conversely, always possible to be able to believe. When the predictions are specific (often a date is given) and nothing happens, the group must backpedal and come up with an alternative prediction.
The sad thing is that very often, these groups exist within, or on the fringes of, a mainstream spirituality. Sometimes groups that are not religious at all in nature can have cult like behaviors. It is even possible for an individual to have a cult-like hold on another person in an abusive relationship.
Many of us today are searching for a spirituality that will take us to a higher power. It is prudent to keep your eyes open when searching. There should always be some legitimate way to get your questions or concerns answered.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Some thoughts on cults
The word "cult" conjures up images of people with shaved heads, weird tattoos, robes and sandals panhandling in the airport. But there can be cults and cult-like factions even within the boundaries of more mainstream groups. It can be easy to be taken off guard if we are not looking for the warning signs.
Two big warning signs of a possible cult or cult-like group are isolation and apocalyptic paranoia. Isolation can be easy to spot if it is "traditional" physical isolation. More insidious is the psychological isolation that is common with the advent of the internet. A person could possibly have a job, get out of the house each day and still be bombarded with cultic e-mails that they are expected to read. These diatribes are often circular and illogical with black and white thinking that the reader is expected to believe without question.
Another form of isolation can be hyper group activity. After an initial "love bombing" in which the perspective group member is surrounded by unprecedented expressions of love and friendship, he or she is pressured to do things with the group almost every day, to the exclusion of family and friends who are not members. Any attempt to deviate from this required schedule is seen as proof that the person is spiritually "doomed". Continued lack of attendance will often result in a sort of extreme "shunning." "Friendship" is based on group membership only.
Apocalyptic paranoia is another means that cult like groups use to control their members. Certain prescribed activities pending the near end of the world take up increasing amounts of the group members' time. Again, any deviation from this is highly frowned upon. The implication is that those who don't prepare, will not only be sorry when these horrible things come to pass, but that if the person in question doubts the authenticity of these dire predictions, they are not in the "special" inner circle that the group represents. This inner circle is seen as having unique information (often from God) that no one else can have.
These dire predictions often turn out to be either so muddy as to be impossible to prove, or conversely, always possible to be able to believe. When the predictions are specific (often a date is given) and nothing happens, the group must backpedal and come up with an alternative prediction.
The sad thing is that very often, these groups exist within, or on the fringes of, a mainstream spirituality. Sometimes groups that are not religious at all in nature can have cult like behaviors. It is even possible for an individual to have a cult-like hold on another person in an abusive relationship.
Many of us today are searching for a spirituality that will take us to a higher power. It is prudent to keep your eyes open when searching. There should always be some legitimate way to get your questions or concerns answered.
Two big warning signs of a possible cult or cult-like group are isolation and apocalyptic paranoia. Isolation can be easy to spot if it is "traditional" physical isolation. More insidious is the psychological isolation that is common with the advent of the internet. A person could possibly have a job, get out of the house each day and still be bombarded with cultic e-mails that they are expected to read. These diatribes are often circular and illogical with black and white thinking that the reader is expected to believe without question.
Another form of isolation can be hyper group activity. After an initial "love bombing" in which the perspective group member is surrounded by unprecedented expressions of love and friendship, he or she is pressured to do things with the group almost every day, to the exclusion of family and friends who are not members. Any attempt to deviate from this required schedule is seen as proof that the person is spiritually "doomed". Continued lack of attendance will often result in a sort of extreme "shunning." "Friendship" is based on group membership only.
Apocalyptic paranoia is another means that cult like groups use to control their members. Certain prescribed activities pending the near end of the world take up increasing amounts of the group members' time. Again, any deviation from this is highly frowned upon. The implication is that those who don't prepare, will not only be sorry when these horrible things come to pass, but that if the person in question doubts the authenticity of these dire predictions, they are not in the "special" inner circle that the group represents. This inner circle is seen as having unique information (often from God) that no one else can have.
These dire predictions often turn out to be either so muddy as to be impossible to prove, or conversely, always possible to be able to believe. When the predictions are specific (often a date is given) and nothing happens, the group must backpedal and come up with an alternative prediction.
The sad thing is that very often, these groups exist within, or on the fringes of, a mainstream spirituality. Sometimes groups that are not religious at all in nature can have cult like behaviors. It is even possible for an individual to have a cult-like hold on another person in an abusive relationship.
Many of us today are searching for a spirituality that will take us to a higher power. It is prudent to keep your eyes open when searching. There should always be some legitimate way to get your questions or concerns answered.
Victims of Katrina
I wanted to post something about the devastation that Hurricane Katrina has left in her wake. About 15,000 people have taken refuge in and around the Louisiana Superdome and even they will soon have to be evacuated.
There is no usable drinking water and gas lines have been broken and are leaking. The destruction has been likened to the recent tsunami in scale.
For the rest of us, the effect of Katrina falls under the category of daily annoyances as gas prices hit $3 a gallon and beyond.
A Penitent Blogger has a helpful and informative post outlining specific organizations who are organizing relief efforts, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities and, of course, The Red Cross.
Please keep all the victims and relief workers in your prayers.
There is no usable drinking water and gas lines have been broken and are leaking. The destruction has been likened to the recent tsunami in scale.
For the rest of us, the effect of Katrina falls under the category of daily annoyances as gas prices hit $3 a gallon and beyond.
A Penitent Blogger has a helpful and informative post outlining specific organizations who are organizing relief efforts, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities and, of course, The Red Cross.
Please keep all the victims and relief workers in your prayers.
Victims of Katrina
I wanted to post something about the devastation that Hurricane Katrina has left in her wake. About 15,000 people have taken refuge in and around the Louisiana Superdome and even they will soon have to be evacuated.
There is no usable drinking water and gas lines have been broken and are leaking. The destruction has been likened to the recent tsunami in scale.
For the rest of us, the effect of Katrina falls under the category of daily annoyances as gas prices hit $3 a gallon and beyond.
A Penitent Blogger has a helpful and informative post outlining specific organizations who are organizing relief efforts, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities and, of course, The Red Cross.
Please keep all the victims and relief workers in your prayers.
There is no usable drinking water and gas lines have been broken and are leaking. The destruction has been likened to the recent tsunami in scale.
For the rest of us, the effect of Katrina falls under the category of daily annoyances as gas prices hit $3 a gallon and beyond.
A Penitent Blogger has a helpful and informative post outlining specific organizations who are organizing relief efforts, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities and, of course, The Red Cross.
Please keep all the victims and relief workers in your prayers.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Is Christianity OK on today's campus?
In another Catholic Review article, David A. French, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) says that
In spite of it all, though, I do believe that things are improving somewhat, at least in some universities across the country. There are issues that were not even touched upon 20 years ago that enjoy a great deal of publicity on campus now, such as drunk driving.
Let's add religious tolerance to the mix!
"American universities are on the leading edge of censorship of religious individuals in this country."I don't doubt it, despite the fact that I graduated from a secular college more than 20 years ago. Religion, especially Christianity is seen as nothing more than institutionalized hate crime, and not as a spiritual path that people are allowed the freedom to follow by our Bill of Rights.
In spite of it all, though, I do believe that things are improving somewhat, at least in some universities across the country. There are issues that were not even touched upon 20 years ago that enjoy a great deal of publicity on campus now, such as drunk driving.
Let's add religious tolerance to the mix!
Is Christianity OK on today's campus?
In another Catholic Review article, David A. French, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) says that
In spite of it all, though, I do believe that things are improving somewhat, at least in some universities across the country. There are issues that were not even touched upon 20 years ago that enjoy a great deal of publicity on campus now, such as drunk driving.
Let's add religious tolerance to the mix!
"American universities are on the leading edge of censorship of religious individuals in this country."I don't doubt it, despite the fact that I graduated from a secular college more than 20 years ago. Religion, especially Christianity is seen as nothing more than institutionalized hate crime, and not as a spiritual path that people are allowed the freedom to follow by our Bill of Rights.
In spite of it all, though, I do believe that things are improving somewhat, at least in some universities across the country. There are issues that were not even touched upon 20 years ago that enjoy a great deal of publicity on campus now, such as drunk driving.
Let's add religious tolerance to the mix!
Bats in the belfry!
My family and I are apparently in good company having a bat in the house.
The Catholic Review reports that Monsignor Richard E. Cramblitt, pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Mount Washington, had a bat sleeping under the presider's chair during Mass recently. He said he hoped the large black snake he encountered in the rectory garage would take care of it.
Good luck to him!
The Catholic Review reports that Monsignor Richard E. Cramblitt, pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Mount Washington, had a bat sleeping under the presider's chair during Mass recently. He said he hoped the large black snake he encountered in the rectory garage would take care of it.
Good luck to him!
Bats in the belfry!
My family and I are apparently in good company having a bat in the house.
The Catholic Review reports that Monsignor Richard E. Cramblitt, pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Mount Washington, had a bat sleeping under the presider's chair during Mass recently. He said he hoped the large black snake he encountered in the rectory garage would take care of it.
Good luck to him!
The Catholic Review reports that Monsignor Richard E. Cramblitt, pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Mount Washington, had a bat sleeping under the presider's chair during Mass recently. He said he hoped the large black snake he encountered in the rectory garage would take care of it.
Good luck to him!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Depression and negative feedback
Self Help Magazine has a very informative article on clinical depression. People who are clinically depressed tend to seek out negative feedback by their behavior, thus pushing away people who would otherwise be able to help them.
How true this is! I have personally seen this in myself and others who have a history of depression. It can be so hard to get or receive help when a person is stuck in this negative mode. The article points out that it is normal for everyone to seek feedback consistent with their self-image. For those who are not depressed and have high self-esteem, this naturally ends up being positive feedback.
This is why therapy/counseling/spiritual advising can be such a help, and also why building trust between the service provider and client is so important. Slowly, those barriers to self esteem can be knocked down.
Those behaviors, which tend to alienate people who might otherwise try to help, include excessive self-disclosure, hostile speech, negative self-evaluation, lack of responsiveness, reduced eye contact, negative facial displays and slowed or monotonic speech.
How true this is! I have personally seen this in myself and others who have a history of depression. It can be so hard to get or receive help when a person is stuck in this negative mode. The article points out that it is normal for everyone to seek feedback consistent with their self-image. For those who are not depressed and have high self-esteem, this naturally ends up being positive feedback.
This is why therapy/counseling/spiritual advising can be such a help, and also why building trust between the service provider and client is so important. Slowly, those barriers to self esteem can be knocked down.
Depression and negative feedback
Self Help Magazine has a very informative article on clinical depression. People who are clinically depressed tend to seek out negative feedback by their behavior, thus pushing away people who would otherwise be able to help them.
How true this is! I have personally seen this in myself and others who have a history of depression. It can be so hard to get or receive help when a person is stuck in this negative mode. The article points out that it is normal for everyone to seek feedback consistent with their self-image. For those who are not depressed and have high self-esteem, this naturally ends up being positive feedback.
This is why therapy/counseling/spiritual advising can be such a help, and also why building trust between the service provider and client is so important. Slowly, those barriers to self esteem can be knocked down.
Those behaviors, which tend to alienate people who might otherwise try to help, include excessive self-disclosure, hostile speech, negative self-evaluation, lack of responsiveness, reduced eye contact, negative facial displays and slowed or monotonic speech.
How true this is! I have personally seen this in myself and others who have a history of depression. It can be so hard to get or receive help when a person is stuck in this negative mode. The article points out that it is normal for everyone to seek feedback consistent with their self-image. For those who are not depressed and have high self-esteem, this naturally ends up being positive feedback.
This is why therapy/counseling/spiritual advising can be such a help, and also why building trust between the service provider and client is so important. Slowly, those barriers to self esteem can be knocked down.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Thanks God for the seasons!
I am sitting here loving the fact that its 65 degrees outside and I'm in a sweater! Fall is coming!
To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Thanks God for the seasons!
I am sitting here loving the fact that its 65 degrees outside and I'm in a sweater! Fall is coming!
To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
More on immodest dress
Not to belabor the point, but I found a very informative article over at Catholic Exchange. Karen Lynn Ford, the author of the article tells how she went to Disney world 12 years ago dressed provocatively, and a Disney employee asked her to put on a t-shirt over her bikini top because Disney World was a family park. Bravo to that Disney employee!!
These days, in fear of offending people, many who are in a position to educate young women on the appropriate dress for occasions such as work or church functions will not impose anything like a dress code in the places they have authority over.
This is ironic because in many public schools, even as young as elementary age children are under a dress code of sorts, not allowing such things as midriff baring tops or tshirts with offensive slogans on them. Its time for work places and churches to follow suit.
These days, in fear of offending people, many who are in a position to educate young women on the appropriate dress for occasions such as work or church functions will not impose anything like a dress code in the places they have authority over.
This is ironic because in many public schools, even as young as elementary age children are under a dress code of sorts, not allowing such things as midriff baring tops or tshirts with offensive slogans on them. Its time for work places and churches to follow suit.
More on immodest dress
Not to belabor the point, but I found a very informative article over at Catholic Exchange. Karen Lynn Ford, the author of the article tells how she went to Disney world 12 years ago dressed provocatively, and a Disney employee asked her to put on a t-shirt over her bikini top because Disney World was a family park. Bravo to that Disney employee!!
These days, in fear of offending people, many who are in a position to educate young women on the appropriate dress for occasions such as work or church functions will not impose anything like a dress code in the places they have authority over.
This is ironic because in many public schools, even as young as elementary age children are under a dress code of sorts, not allowing such things as midriff baring tops or tshirts with offensive slogans on them. Its time for work places and churches to follow suit.
These days, in fear of offending people, many who are in a position to educate young women on the appropriate dress for occasions such as work or church functions will not impose anything like a dress code in the places they have authority over.
This is ironic because in many public schools, even as young as elementary age children are under a dress code of sorts, not allowing such things as midriff baring tops or tshirts with offensive slogans on them. Its time for work places and churches to follow suit.
New Bug
Dh just bought a 2000 New VW Bug. In spite of the opinion of some that the New Bug is a woman's car, this one screams masculine, IMO. It is silver with black leather interior. I, the wife who rolls her eyes at dh's car fanaticism, am drooling over the prospect of one day owning a new bug myself.
New Bug
Dh just bought a 2000 New VW Bug. In spite of the opinion of some that the New Bug is a woman's car, this one screams masculine, IMO. It is silver with black leather interior. I, the wife who rolls her eyes at dh's car fanaticism, am drooling over the prospect of one day owning a new bug myself.
Friday, August 26, 2005
You've come a long way, baby!?!?
I was recently present at an orientation meeting for new professionals in a particular field. The "look" of the day seemed to be...cleavage. One woman, who knew she would literally be on stage, dressed in a very tight fitting tank top with nothing left to the imagination, a very short skirt, and high healed sandals. There was another woman in a tiny, spaghetti strapped top telling the participants how to win respect as a professional.
These were highly educated, well-qualified people. I don't understand what these women were thinking when they dressed, literally, like street walkers, to a business function.
Have we made progress towards equal treatment under the law only to announce that we have no clue how to act like anything other than the sex objects we purport to abhor? How in the world are our colleagues supposed to take us seriously when we show up with next to nothing on at a business meeting?!?! Somehow no one is supposed to notice?!!!
The treatment of women as objects to be used is common enough in the music and television industries. For smart young women to further that attitude by the way they dress to go to a job related function is just plain counter productive.
These were highly educated, well-qualified people. I don't understand what these women were thinking when they dressed, literally, like street walkers, to a business function.
Have we made progress towards equal treatment under the law only to announce that we have no clue how to act like anything other than the sex objects we purport to abhor? How in the world are our colleagues supposed to take us seriously when we show up with next to nothing on at a business meeting?!?! Somehow no one is supposed to notice?!!!
The treatment of women as objects to be used is common enough in the music and television industries. For smart young women to further that attitude by the way they dress to go to a job related function is just plain counter productive.
You've come a long way, baby!?!?
I was recently present at an orientation meeting for new professionals in a particular field. The "look" of the day seemed to be...cleavage. One woman, who knew she would literally be on stage, dressed in a very tight fitting tank top with nothing left to the imagination, a very short skirt, and high healed sandals. There was another woman in a tiny, spaghetti strapped top telling the participants how to win respect as a professional.
These were highly educated, well-qualified people. I don't understand what these women were thinking when they dressed, literally, like street walkers, to a business function.
Have we made progress towards equal treatment under the law only to announce that we have no clue how to act like anything other than the sex objects we purport to abhor? How in the world are our colleagues supposed to take us seriously when we show up with next to nothing on at a business meeting?!?! Somehow no one is supposed to notice?!!!
The treatment of women as objects to be used is common enough in the music and television industries. For smart young women to further that attitude by the way they dress to go to a job related function is just plain counter productive.
These were highly educated, well-qualified people. I don't understand what these women were thinking when they dressed, literally, like street walkers, to a business function.
Have we made progress towards equal treatment under the law only to announce that we have no clue how to act like anything other than the sex objects we purport to abhor? How in the world are our colleagues supposed to take us seriously when we show up with next to nothing on at a business meeting?!?! Somehow no one is supposed to notice?!!!
The treatment of women as objects to be used is common enough in the music and television industries. For smart young women to further that attitude by the way they dress to go to a job related function is just plain counter productive.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
St. Rose of Lima
Today is the feast of one of my favorite saints--Saint Rose of Lima. She was born Isabella de Flores Y Del Oliva to Spanish immigrant parents in Lima, Peru. She was so beautiful, she was called Rose and took the name as a confirmation name.
She lived as a Dominican at home, praying and meditating in her garden and making embroidered items to sell and help her family. She offered up her many sufferings to God. Her life of poverty, chastity and penance was lived in direct contrast to the greed present all around her.
She is the first person living in the Americas to be made a saint. May we all pray for the courage to imitate her holiness!
St. Rose of Lima
Today is the feast of one of my favorite saints--Saint Rose of Lima. She was born Isabella de Flores Y Del Oliva to Spanish immigrant parents in Lima, Peru. She was so beautiful, she was called Rose and took the name as a confirmation name.
She lived as a Dominican at home, praying and meditating in her garden and making embroidered items to sell and help her family. She offered up her many sufferings to God. Her life of poverty, chastity and penance was lived in direct contrast to the greed present all around her.
She is the first person living in the Americas to be made a saint. May we all pray for the courage to imitate her holiness!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wisdom from Pope Benedict
BBC reports that in a speech to youth in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI told the crowd that
I think this is an almost prophetic perspective he has on the state of religion in the world today. So many people are making a profit off of self-styled religion that is either organized to suit its adherents, or promulgated in a cult-like way to discourage questioning. Either way, the profits roll in.
True spirituality is based on Truth, not entertainment or mindless control of others.
Perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' words in the Gospel of Saint Matthew:
"If it is pushed too far, religion becomes almost a consumer product," he said.
"People choose what they like, and some are even able to make a profit from it."
I think this is an almost prophetic perspective he has on the state of religion in the world today. So many people are making a profit off of self-styled religion that is either organized to suit its adherents, or promulgated in a cult-like way to discourage questioning. Either way, the profits roll in.
True spirituality is based on Truth, not entertainment or mindless control of others.
Perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' words in the Gospel of Saint Matthew:
*Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
*Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
*Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
*Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
*Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
*Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God.
*Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
*Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Wisdom from Pope Benedict
BBC reports that in a speech to youth in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI told the crowd that
I think this is an almost prophetic perspective he has on the state of religion in the world today. So many people are making a profit off of self-styled religion that is either organized to suit its adherents, or promulgated in a cult-like way to discourage questioning. Either way, the profits roll in.
True spirituality is based on Truth, not entertainment or mindless control of others.
Perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' words in the Gospel of Saint Matthew:
"If it is pushed too far, religion becomes almost a consumer product," he said.
"People choose what they like, and some are even able to make a profit from it."
I think this is an almost prophetic perspective he has on the state of religion in the world today. So many people are making a profit off of self-styled religion that is either organized to suit its adherents, or promulgated in a cult-like way to discourage questioning. Either way, the profits roll in.
True spirituality is based on Truth, not entertainment or mindless control of others.
Perhaps we should keep in mind Jesus' words in the Gospel of Saint Matthew:
*Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
*Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
*Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
*Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
*Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
*Blessed are the clean of heart: they shall see God.
*Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
*Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Robert Moog, Inventor of the Moog Synthesizer dies
Those of you of a certain age, or those into the music scene might want to know that Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog Synthesizer died Sunday at the age of 71 of a brain tumor.
Moog (rhymes with "vogue") changed the music scene in the 60's and 70's with his synthesizer. Bands like Yes, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer used Moog's made extensive use of Moog's sound. Although the term is often used to be synonymous with all electronic music sound, that is an incorrect usage.
Does anyone have any memories of the early synthesizer sound? I remember hearing a recording of "Bicycle built for two "sung" entirely by a synthesizer, in the early 70's. It was quite eerie, actually.
May he rest in peace.
Robert Moog, Inventor of the Moog Synthesizer dies
Those of you of a certain age, or those into the music scene might want to know that Robert Moog, inventor of the Moog Synthesizer died Sunday at the age of 71 of a brain tumor.
Moog (rhymes with "vogue") changed the music scene in the 60's and 70's with his synthesizer. Bands like Yes, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer used Moog's made extensive use of Moog's sound. Although the term is often used to be synonymous with all electronic music sound, that is an incorrect usage.
Does anyone have any memories of the early synthesizer sound? I remember hearing a recording of "Bicycle built for two "sung" entirely by a synthesizer, in the early 70's. It was quite eerie, actually.
May he rest in peace.
Today is the Feast of Mary our Queen. In ancient cultures, the Queen was not the wife of a king, since kings could have many wives. The Queen was the mother of the King and was treated accordingly. Think of the Queen Mum in England.
And a great sign appeared in heaven:
a woman clothed with the sun,
and the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars
(Rev 12:1)
Today is the Feast of Mary our Queen. In ancient cultures, the Queen was not the wife of a king, since kings could have many wives. The Queen was the mother of the King and was treated accordingly. Think of the Queen Mum in England.
And a great sign appeared in heaven:
a woman clothed with the sun,
and the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars
(Rev 12:1)
Friday, August 19, 2005
The Contemplative
I've discovered another wonderful site--The Contemplative. It seems to be based on Benedictine spirituality. The Journal section is a compelling, yet easy to read section of short meditations on Scripture and the Rule of St. Benedict.
I found the following very inspiring:
One by one I turned the sound off.
First the car radio.
Then I turned off the home music system.
home radio
television viewing
junk magazines
newspaper
internet surfing
senseless chat on forums
long senseless conversations
senseless places
The more I turn off the hyper-media
The more I hear God
The better I understand that God demands my attention
I see how much I really want to listen
I need to listen
The more I hunger to hear
My heart strains to hear.
I don't want to miss a sound.
not even the smallest sound
I want to devour
I yearn to taste and hear God only.
August 3, 2005
The Contemplative
I've discovered another wonderful site--The Contemplative. It seems to be based on Benedictine spirituality. The Journal section is a compelling, yet easy to read section of short meditations on Scripture and the Rule of St. Benedict.
I found the following very inspiring:
One by one I turned the sound off.
First the car radio.
Then I turned off the home music system.
home radio
television viewing
junk magazines
newspaper
internet surfing
senseless chat on forums
long senseless conversations
senseless places
The more I turn off the hyper-media
The more I hear God
The better I understand that God demands my attention
I see how much I really want to listen
I need to listen
The more I hunger to hear
My heart strains to hear.
I don't want to miss a sound.
not even the smallest sound
I want to devour
I yearn to taste and hear God only.
August 3, 2005
Personal retreats--what do you do?
Sometimes the stress of daily life can get to us. It is in times like these when we need to consciously turn to God, but we may not have the resources to physically get away to an organized retreat.
When I feel the need to become more in tune with the Presence of God, I burn incense, play CDs of Sacred Choral works and read the prayers of the Day from Magnificat Magazine. It really helps remind me that there is a life beyond this earthly one and that God is there to lean on. It helps get things into perspective.
What do you do during your personal retreat times? What helps you feel closer to God?
Personal retreats--what do you do?
Sometimes the stress of daily life can get to us. It is in times like these when we need to consciously turn to God, but we may not have the resources to physically get away to an organized retreat.
When I feel the need to become more in tune with the Presence of God, I burn incense, play CDs of Sacred Choral works and read the prayers of the Day from Magnificat Magazine. It really helps remind me that there is a life beyond this earthly one and that God is there to lean on. It helps get things into perspective.
What do you do during your personal retreat times? What helps you feel closer to God?
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Where are OUR "civil liberties"?
ACLU head, Joe Cook recently had this to say about most of us in the U.S.:
"They believe that they answer to a higher power, in my opinion. Which is the kind of thinking that you had with the people who flew the airplanes into the buildings in this country, and the people who did the kind of things in London."
Actually, he was speaking to the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in Louisiana. But people who "believe that they answer to a higher power" covers a lot of ground, don't you think? That covers Christians, Jews, Muslims, anyone who attends any 12 step meeting and even many agnostics. How can this guy sleep at night saying that anyone with a belief system has the same mentality as the 9/11 terrorists?
Do I really want the so called "Civil Liberties Union" looking after my rights if this is what they believe? Where is the media outrage on this?
A thank you goes out to Crosses Across America for alerting me to this story.
Where are OUR "civil liberties"?
ACLU head, Joe Cook recently had this to say about most of us in the U.S.:
"They believe that they answer to a higher power, in my opinion. Which is the kind of thinking that you had with the people who flew the airplanes into the buildings in this country, and the people who did the kind of things in London."
Actually, he was speaking to the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in Louisiana. But people who "believe that they answer to a higher power" covers a lot of ground, don't you think? That covers Christians, Jews, Muslims, anyone who attends any 12 step meeting and even many agnostics. How can this guy sleep at night saying that anyone with a belief system has the same mentality as the 9/11 terrorists?
Do I really want the so called "Civil Liberties Union" looking after my rights if this is what they believe? Where is the media outrage on this?
A thank you goes out to Crosses Across America for alerting me to this story.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Bat Man!!
Last night I was happily typing away on my computer when I noticed a shadowy object just inside my peripheral vision. I thought I was seeing things until I realized it was a bat. I screamed and ran out of the room, briefly contemplating leaving the house, but decided against it. It was the bat who did not belong.
I ended up in my bedroom with the door closed. It was late enough to go to bed anyway but I certainly didn't fall asleep right away.
Next morning, I didn't see it and was relieved. Eventually, I noticed that it had taken up residence on the brick wall above the mantle in my living room. I decided I didn't mind it being up there as long as it was asleep. It passed the day very peacefully sleeping upside down attached to the brick wall above my fireplace.
When dh woke up (he sleeps during the day too!) I asked him to be a hero and kindly remove the bat from the premises. He put on my gardening gloves, got a chair and assessed the situation. I watched from behind the closed door of our sun room, expecting pandemonium.
He calmly plucked the bat from the bricks and placed it outside on an evergreen tree. It seemed thankfully groggy although it did squeak a protest as dh carried it outside.
Thank goodness that is over!
I ended up in my bedroom with the door closed. It was late enough to go to bed anyway but I certainly didn't fall asleep right away.
Next morning, I didn't see it and was relieved. Eventually, I noticed that it had taken up residence on the brick wall above the mantle in my living room. I decided I didn't mind it being up there as long as it was asleep. It passed the day very peacefully sleeping upside down attached to the brick wall above my fireplace.
When dh woke up (he sleeps during the day too!) I asked him to be a hero and kindly remove the bat from the premises. He put on my gardening gloves, got a chair and assessed the situation. I watched from behind the closed door of our sun room, expecting pandemonium.
He calmly plucked the bat from the bricks and placed it outside on an evergreen tree. It seemed thankfully groggy although it did squeak a protest as dh carried it outside.
Thank goodness that is over!
Bat Man!!
Last night I was happily typing away on my computer when I noticed a shadowy object just inside my peripheral vision. I thought I was seeing things until I realized it was a bat. I screamed and ran out of the room, briefly contemplating leaving the house, but decided against it. It was the bat who did not belong.
I ended up in my bedroom with the door closed. It was late enough to go to bed anyway but I certainly didn't fall asleep right away.
Next morning, I didn't see it and was relieved. Eventually, I noticed that it had taken up residence on the brick wall above the mantle in my living room. I decided I didn't mind it being up there as long as it was asleep. It passed the day very peacefully sleeping upside down attached to the brick wall above my fireplace.
When dh woke up (he sleeps during the day too!) I asked him to be a hero and kindly remove the bat from the premises. He put on my gardening gloves, got a chair and assessed the situation. I watched from behind the closed door of our sun room, expecting pandemonium.
He calmly plucked the bat from the bricks and placed it outside on an evergreen tree. It seemed thankfully groggy although it did squeak a protest as dh carried it outside.
Thank goodness that is over!
I ended up in my bedroom with the door closed. It was late enough to go to bed anyway but I certainly didn't fall asleep right away.
Next morning, I didn't see it and was relieved. Eventually, I noticed that it had taken up residence on the brick wall above the mantle in my living room. I decided I didn't mind it being up there as long as it was asleep. It passed the day very peacefully sleeping upside down attached to the brick wall above my fireplace.
When dh woke up (he sleeps during the day too!) I asked him to be a hero and kindly remove the bat from the premises. He put on my gardening gloves, got a chair and assessed the situation. I watched from behind the closed door of our sun room, expecting pandemonium.
He calmly plucked the bat from the bricks and placed it outside on an evergreen tree. It seemed thankfully groggy although it did squeak a protest as dh carried it outside.
Thank goodness that is over!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Liturgical Christian Spirituality
I have come across an incredible website on Eastern Christianity. In a paper published in the Encyclopedia of Monasticism, the author describes perfectly the cornerstone of Christian Mysticism--the dichotomy between the inner "poverty" of spirit of the individual Christian and the outward opulence of the liturgy.
Perhaps no polarity in Eastern Christian spirituality is more striking and more apparently contradictory than that of the hermit's stark poverty and simplicity, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the gorgeous splendor of the late Byzantine liturgy, dripping gold and conducted in the presence of mosaics and murals fabricated with all the expense and subtlety available to a millenial civilization. Yet, neither the hermit nor the episcopal celebrant would at all accept this as a paradox, let alone a contradiction. The former would -- and does -- understand the magnificence of the earthly church's liturgy as a mirror, both of the angels' worship in the heavenly temple before the throne of God, and of the divine presence within the purified heart.The bishop and, perhaps even more so, the devout laity see in their turn the Kingdom of God reflected equally in the glory of the Church's common worship...bright and fragrant already with presence of the world to come.
That, my friends, is the purpose of a liturgical spirituality--to transport us to God. To bring God, in a sense, to us.
The picture above is of the high altar in Saint Alphonsus Church in Baltimore, MD, USA. It gives you a little taste of what liturgy is meant to do. I think we sadly shortchange the glory of God when we turn our altars into kitchen tables and our hymns into praises of ourselves. At least during the season of Easter, we should strive to illustrate the incomprehensible beauty of the Divine Presence.
Liturgical Christian Spirituality
I have come across an incredible website on Eastern Christianity. In a paper published in the Encyclopedia of Monasticism, the author describes perfectly the cornerstone of Christian Mysticism--the dichotomy between the inner "poverty" of spirit of the individual Christian and the outward opulence of the liturgy.
Perhaps no polarity in Eastern Christian spirituality is more striking and more apparently contradictory than that of the hermit's stark poverty and simplicity, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the gorgeous splendor of the late Byzantine liturgy, dripping gold and conducted in the presence of mosaics and murals fabricated with all the expense and subtlety available to a millenial civilization. Yet, neither the hermit nor the episcopal celebrant would at all accept this as a paradox, let alone a contradiction. The former would -- and does -- understand the magnificence of the earthly church's liturgy as a mirror, both of the angels' worship in the heavenly temple before the throne of God, and of the divine presence within the purified heart.The bishop and, perhaps even more so, the devout laity see in their turn the Kingdom of God reflected equally in the glory of the Church's common worship...bright and fragrant already with presence of the world to come.
That, my friends, is the purpose of a liturgical spirituality--to transport us to God. To bring God, in a sense, to us.
The picture above is of the high altar in Saint Alphonsus Church in Baltimore, MD, USA. It gives you a little taste of what liturgy is meant to do. I think we sadly shortchange the glory of God when we turn our altars into kitchen tables and our hymns into praises of ourselves. At least during the season of Easter, we should strive to illustrate the incomprehensible beauty of the Divine Presence.
World Youth Day in Germany
The Curt Jester says he is still waiting for a World Middle Age Day or a World Misspent Youth Day. Sounds great!
Why should the youth have all the fun!?
World Youth Day in Germany
The Curt Jester says he is still waiting for a World Middle Age Day or a World Misspent Youth Day. Sounds great!
Why should the youth have all the fun!?
Feast of the Assumption/Dormition
August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption, in the Catholic Church and the Feast of the Dormition in the Orthodox Church. Both churches celebrate the day Mary enters into Heaven on August 15th each year. Dormition means "falling asleep" and refers to Mary dying or as the bible puts it "falling asleep in Christ" and entering into Heaven.
The Assumption refers to the beleif that Mary was "assumed" body and soul into Heaven. This beleif does not presuppose that Mary did not die, however. But a beleif in her bodily assumption dates back centuries. There is no credible tradition in ancient Christianity of Mary's permanent burial place like we have with some of the original Apostles, or of her relics, which would be her bodily remains or objects touched to them.
August 15th is still a holiday in France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Unfortunately, it is not even a Holy Day of Obligation this year in many U.S. Diocese because its vigil falls on a Sunday.
The University of Dayton has some fascinating information on the Assumption and customs associated with the feast. This one from Germany was especially interesting:
In Germany, a custom developed which continues today in many parishes. People gather large bouquets of herbs and wildflowers, especially those associated with healing properties. These are brought to the Assumption Vigil or Holy Day Mass, are blessed, and are taken home to be dried and kept for the various purposes of seasoning, healing, and for fragrant decoration of the home.
How wonderful to use God's earthly bounty and His kindness to His mother to gather healing herbs to use year long. What a wonderful way to praise Him!
Feast of the Assumption/Dormition
August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption, in the Catholic Church and the Feast of the Dormition in the Orthodox Church. Both churches celebrate the day Mary enters into Heaven on August 15th each year. Dormition means "falling asleep" and refers to Mary dying or as the bible puts it "falling asleep in Christ" and entering into Heaven.
The Assumption refers to the beleif that Mary was "assumed" body and soul into Heaven. This beleif does not presuppose that Mary did not die, however. But a beleif in her bodily assumption dates back centuries. There is no credible tradition in ancient Christianity of Mary's permanent burial place like we have with some of the original Apostles, or of her relics, which would be her bodily remains or objects touched to them.
August 15th is still a holiday in France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Unfortunately, it is not even a Holy Day of Obligation this year in many U.S. Diocese because its vigil falls on a Sunday.
The University of Dayton has some fascinating information on the Assumption and customs associated with the feast. This one from Germany was especially interesting:
In Germany, a custom developed which continues today in many parishes. People gather large bouquets of herbs and wildflowers, especially those associated with healing properties. These are brought to the Assumption Vigil or Holy Day Mass, are blessed, and are taken home to be dried and kept for the various purposes of seasoning, healing, and for fragrant decoration of the home.
How wonderful to use God's earthly bounty and His kindness to His mother to gather healing herbs to use year long. What a wonderful way to praise Him!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Crunching cereal, ringing telephone
I've been noticing a trend towards advertisements whose apparent goal is to try to get the watcher/listener to turn off the commercial.
There is that television commercial where you hear someone crunching cereal into the microphone throughout the entire ad. I can't bear to listen to it for more than about 10 seconds before I hit the mute button.
Many radio commercials seem to utilize the ever-annoying ringing telephone as a means to get your attention. Bascially I treat this as I do an unsolicited sales call. Radio commericals also like to use the crunching technique for various snack food items. Again, I turn down the sound until its over.
The logic of annoying prospective customers as a means of convincing them to purchase one's products completely escapes me.
There is that television commercial where you hear someone crunching cereal into the microphone throughout the entire ad. I can't bear to listen to it for more than about 10 seconds before I hit the mute button.
Many radio commercials seem to utilize the ever-annoying ringing telephone as a means to get your attention. Bascially I treat this as I do an unsolicited sales call. Radio commericals also like to use the crunching technique for various snack food items. Again, I turn down the sound until its over.
The logic of annoying prospective customers as a means of convincing them to purchase one's products completely escapes me.
Crunching cereal, ringing telephone
I've been noticing a trend towards advertisements whose apparent goal is to try to get the watcher/listener to turn off the commercial.
There is that television commercial where you hear someone crunching cereal into the microphone throughout the entire ad. I can't bear to listen to it for more than about 10 seconds before I hit the mute button.
Many radio commercials seem to utilize the ever-annoying ringing telephone as a means to get your attention. Bascially I treat this as I do an unsolicited sales call. Radio commericals also like to use the crunching technique for various snack food items. Again, I turn down the sound until its over.
The logic of annoying prospective customers as a means of convincing them to purchase one's products completely escapes me.
There is that television commercial where you hear someone crunching cereal into the microphone throughout the entire ad. I can't bear to listen to it for more than about 10 seconds before I hit the mute button.
Many radio commercials seem to utilize the ever-annoying ringing telephone as a means to get your attention. Bascially I treat this as I do an unsolicited sales call. Radio commericals also like to use the crunching technique for various snack food items. Again, I turn down the sound until its over.
The logic of annoying prospective customers as a means of convincing them to purchase one's products completely escapes me.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Daily living
We're in the midst of another heat advisory for the next 24 hours. This time, I'm not praying for rain. If it rains, the septic truck can't get into our back yard to do what it is septic trucks do. Ah, the joys of home ownership.
I am trying to make an effort to get my house looking like the humans outnumber the animals. Actually, we're dead even at this point, but its nice to maintain the illusion.
After relaying a dream I had about a red daschund, my husband said, "You deserve a daschund." In spite of the odd nature of that sentence, it was a very sweet compliment because I have a soft spot in my heart for the little wiener dogs, having grown up with one. But I do love our current sweetie, Sweetie, and wouldn't trade her for the world.
I am trying to make an effort to get my house looking like the humans outnumber the animals. Actually, we're dead even at this point, but its nice to maintain the illusion.
After relaying a dream I had about a red daschund, my husband said, "You deserve a daschund." In spite of the odd nature of that sentence, it was a very sweet compliment because I have a soft spot in my heart for the little wiener dogs, having grown up with one. But I do love our current sweetie, Sweetie, and wouldn't trade her for the world.
Daily living
We're in the midst of another heat advisory for the next 24 hours. This time, I'm not praying for rain. If it rains, the septic truck can't get into our back yard to do what it is septic trucks do. Ah, the joys of home ownership.
I am trying to make an effort to get my house looking like the humans outnumber the animals. Actually, we're dead even at this point, but its nice to maintain the illusion.
After relaying a dream I had about a red daschund, my husband said, "You deserve a daschund." In spite of the odd nature of that sentence, it was a very sweet compliment because I have a soft spot in my heart for the little wiener dogs, having grown up with one. But I do love our current sweetie, Sweetie, and wouldn't trade her for the world.
I am trying to make an effort to get my house looking like the humans outnumber the animals. Actually, we're dead even at this point, but its nice to maintain the illusion.
After relaying a dream I had about a red daschund, my husband said, "You deserve a daschund." In spite of the odd nature of that sentence, it was a very sweet compliment because I have a soft spot in my heart for the little wiener dogs, having grown up with one. But I do love our current sweetie, Sweetie, and wouldn't trade her for the world.
Monday, August 8, 2005
Michael Schiavo named Guardian of the Year...!
Michael Schiavo was the husband and legal guardian of Terri Schiavo, and fought a 12 year battle to take Terri off nutrition and hydration, thus, ending her life on March 31st of this year.
According to LifeNews, Schiavo was given "Guardian of the Year Award by the Florida State Guardianship Association" for "keeping Terri's wishes" which were never written down in any way and were disputed by a friend who quoted Terri's response to a similar case as being, "Where there is life, there is hope."
Pro-life groups are rightly horrified by this decision. If Michael Schiavo is Guardian of the Year, what are the people who labor day in and day out, year in and year out, caring for family members with varying degrees of disability?! Unsung heros, in my opinion.
There is so much wrong with this decision. Local chapters instructed those interested in nominating award recipients to nominate those guardians "who represented their wards 'with service that improves the wards' quality of life.'"
Did Michael Schiavo improve Terri's quality of life by refusing to turn over guardianship to her parents who offered to fully finance her care? What about fighting in the courts to have her nutrition tube removed? Did that improve her quality of life?
Has the world turned completely upside down?
According to LifeNews, Schiavo was given "Guardian of the Year Award by the Florida State Guardianship Association" for "keeping Terri's wishes" which were never written down in any way and were disputed by a friend who quoted Terri's response to a similar case as being, "Where there is life, there is hope."
Pro-life groups are rightly horrified by this decision. If Michael Schiavo is Guardian of the Year, what are the people who labor day in and day out, year in and year out, caring for family members with varying degrees of disability?! Unsung heros, in my opinion.
There is so much wrong with this decision. Local chapters instructed those interested in nominating award recipients to nominate those guardians "who represented their wards 'with service that improves the wards' quality of life.'"
Did Michael Schiavo improve Terri's quality of life by refusing to turn over guardianship to her parents who offered to fully finance her care? What about fighting in the courts to have her nutrition tube removed? Did that improve her quality of life?
Has the world turned completely upside down?
Michael Schiavo named Guardian of the Year...!
Michael Schiavo was the husband and legal guardian of Terri Schiavo, and fought a 12 year battle to take Terri off nutrition and hydration, thus, ending her life on March 31st of this year.
According to LifeNews, Schiavo was given "Guardian of the Year Award by the Florida State Guardianship Association" for "keeping Terri's wishes" which were never written down in any way and were disputed by a friend who quoted Terri's response to a similar case as being, "Where there is life, there is hope."
Pro-life groups are rightly horrified by this decision. If Michael Schiavo is Guardian of the Year, what are the people who labor day in and day out, year in and year out, caring for family members with varying degrees of disability?! Unsung heros, in my opinion.
There is so much wrong with this decision. Local chapters instructed those interested in nominating award recipients to nominate those guardians "who represented their wards 'with service that improves the wards' quality of life.'"
Did Michael Schiavo improve Terri's quality of life by refusing to turn over guardianship to her parents who offered to fully finance her care? What about fighting in the courts to have her nutrition tube removed? Did that improve her quality of life?
Has the world turned completely upside down?
According to LifeNews, Schiavo was given "Guardian of the Year Award by the Florida State Guardianship Association" for "keeping Terri's wishes" which were never written down in any way and were disputed by a friend who quoted Terri's response to a similar case as being, "Where there is life, there is hope."
Pro-life groups are rightly horrified by this decision. If Michael Schiavo is Guardian of the Year, what are the people who labor day in and day out, year in and year out, caring for family members with varying degrees of disability?! Unsung heros, in my opinion.
There is so much wrong with this decision. Local chapters instructed those interested in nominating award recipients to nominate those guardians "who represented their wards 'with service that improves the wards' quality of life.'"
Did Michael Schiavo improve Terri's quality of life by refusing to turn over guardianship to her parents who offered to fully finance her care? What about fighting in the courts to have her nutrition tube removed? Did that improve her quality of life?
Has the world turned completely upside down?
"Studeo" blog post about turning people from the faith
Someone on the NFP board had a link to this Catholic blog (Studeo) July 28th post about 15 Ways to Turn Your Friends & Family Away from the Faith. Food for thought, and something to watch out for when we get overzealous.
Kindness and humility is something we are all called to and few, if any, of us achieve perfectly in this life. It is so hard to have a belief system judged by the people who proport to follow it, when they by definition, do not follow it perfectly.
I hope and pray that if I have ever been the source of spiritual pain to anyone, that either I can rectify the situation, or that God sends someone in their life who can.
The spirituality behind the 12 steps is a help to me in situations like this. We, as humans, have tried to control our lives and failed. Therefore, we must turn our lives over to a Higher Power who has our good at heart. When humanity disappoints, God does not.
1. Defend your favorite politician or public figure for doing the same thing you criticized their opponents for.
2. NEVER let your children associate with anyone that you don't totally match up with in religion, ethnicity, economic background and opinions about modern culture.
3. Make major life decisions based on "end times" scenarios.
4. Ask a pregnant woman to offer up her labor for a special intention.
5. Assume a childless couple is deliberately avoiding pregnancy and lecture them on the evils of birth control.
6. Assume that you can do no wrong provided that you attend Daily mass, wear your scapular and say the Rosary every day.
7. Assume that other people who do the above mentioned things are infallible.
8. Insist that Science has no bearing whatsoever on how we understand the book of Genesis.
9. If you homeschool your children, let people know that "your children don't need to be rocket scientists" and that "they're better off doing nothing at home than going to public school."
10. Give religious books you've never read to fallen-away Catholics as an evangelization tool.
11. Be more Catholic than the Pope.
12. At church, glare at people who have noisy children or who aren't "properly" dressed.
13. Superstitiously believe that every little coincidence relating to a possible decision is a sign from God - and be sure to share these "signs" when explaining your decision to others.
14. Forward all the chain letters, urban legends and dire warnings that come into your e-mail box.
15. Be sure to ignore Christ's teachings in the Gospels - especially "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Kindness and humility is something we are all called to and few, if any, of us achieve perfectly in this life. It is so hard to have a belief system judged by the people who proport to follow it, when they by definition, do not follow it perfectly.
I hope and pray that if I have ever been the source of spiritual pain to anyone, that either I can rectify the situation, or that God sends someone in their life who can.
The spirituality behind the 12 steps is a help to me in situations like this. We, as humans, have tried to control our lives and failed. Therefore, we must turn our lives over to a Higher Power who has our good at heart. When humanity disappoints, God does not.
"Studeo" blog post about turning people from the faith
Someone on the NFP board had a link to this Catholic blog (Studeo) July 28th post about 15 Ways to Turn Your Friends & Family Away from the Faith. Food for thought, and something to watch out for when we get overzealous.
Kindness and humility is something we are all called to and few, if any, of us achieve perfectly in this life. It is so hard to have a belief system judged by the people who proport to follow it, when they by definition, do not follow it perfectly.
I hope and pray that if I have ever been the source of spiritual pain to anyone, that either I can rectify the situation, or that God sends someone in their life who can.
The spirituality behind the 12 steps is a help to me in situations like this. We, as humans, have tried to control our lives and failed. Therefore, we must turn our lives over to a Higher Power who has our good at heart. When humanity disappoints, God does not.
1. Defend your favorite politician or public figure for doing the same thing you criticized their opponents for.
2. NEVER let your children associate with anyone that you don't totally match up with in religion, ethnicity, economic background and opinions about modern culture.
3. Make major life decisions based on "end times" scenarios.
4. Ask a pregnant woman to offer up her labor for a special intention.
5. Assume a childless couple is deliberately avoiding pregnancy and lecture them on the evils of birth control.
6. Assume that you can do no wrong provided that you attend Daily mass, wear your scapular and say the Rosary every day.
7. Assume that other people who do the above mentioned things are infallible.
8. Insist that Science has no bearing whatsoever on how we understand the book of Genesis.
9. If you homeschool your children, let people know that "your children don't need to be rocket scientists" and that "they're better off doing nothing at home than going to public school."
10. Give religious books you've never read to fallen-away Catholics as an evangelization tool.
11. Be more Catholic than the Pope.
12. At church, glare at people who have noisy children or who aren't "properly" dressed.
13. Superstitiously believe that every little coincidence relating to a possible decision is a sign from God - and be sure to share these "signs" when explaining your decision to others.
14. Forward all the chain letters, urban legends and dire warnings that come into your e-mail box.
15. Be sure to ignore Christ's teachings in the Gospels - especially "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Kindness and humility is something we are all called to and few, if any, of us achieve perfectly in this life. It is so hard to have a belief system judged by the people who proport to follow it, when they by definition, do not follow it perfectly.
I hope and pray that if I have ever been the source of spiritual pain to anyone, that either I can rectify the situation, or that God sends someone in their life who can.
The spirituality behind the 12 steps is a help to me in situations like this. We, as humans, have tried to control our lives and failed. Therefore, we must turn our lives over to a Higher Power who has our good at heart. When humanity disappoints, God does not.
Transportation costs--a necessary evil?
Well, its time for what is sure to be the occasional post ranting about transportation costs. More and more cars these days are upwards of $20,000 to buy new. That is quite a chunk of change. Gasoline prices are inching up frighteningly close to $3.00 a gallon. And, for some incomprehensible reason, SUVs and the like are still out there blocking everyone's view of the road and keeping the oil companies in business.
Did we learn nothing from the 1970's...or even the 1940's for that matter? Does no one "of a certain age" remember gasoline lines or gas rationing? Isn't anyone else tired of paying for oil that we increasingly import from abroad? What about the great disparity in gas prices? I make a point to buy my gas in rural PA whenever I can and avoid the upper class MD neighborhoods where I work, because gas is sometimes 20-50 cents a gallon more expensive in the higher-end neighborhoods.
I have always envied other countries who have good, reliable public transit systems. While I would still love to see that happen here, the recent terrorism in England makes me turn my thoughts once again to alternative methods of powering our cars.
America is a geographically large nation. We love our independence and we love our automobiles. Unfortunately, we seemed addicted to gasoline to power them. Perhaps we need to put the entire country on a 12 step program to address this unnatural obsession with fossil fuels. We need a renewable, cheap power source--one that doesn't depend on mortaging our future just to get from here to work and back each day.
Or, are high transportation costs, as the title of this post suggests, a necessary evil?
Did we learn nothing from the 1970's...or even the 1940's for that matter? Does no one "of a certain age" remember gasoline lines or gas rationing? Isn't anyone else tired of paying for oil that we increasingly import from abroad? What about the great disparity in gas prices? I make a point to buy my gas in rural PA whenever I can and avoid the upper class MD neighborhoods where I work, because gas is sometimes 20-50 cents a gallon more expensive in the higher-end neighborhoods.
I have always envied other countries who have good, reliable public transit systems. While I would still love to see that happen here, the recent terrorism in England makes me turn my thoughts once again to alternative methods of powering our cars.
America is a geographically large nation. We love our independence and we love our automobiles. Unfortunately, we seemed addicted to gasoline to power them. Perhaps we need to put the entire country on a 12 step program to address this unnatural obsession with fossil fuels. We need a renewable, cheap power source--one that doesn't depend on mortaging our future just to get from here to work and back each day.
Or, are high transportation costs, as the title of this post suggests, a necessary evil?
Transportation costs--a necessary evil?
Well, its time for what is sure to be the occasional post ranting about transportation costs. More and more cars these days are upwards of $20,000 to buy new. That is quite a chunk of change. Gasoline prices are inching up frighteningly close to $3.00 a gallon. And, for some incomprehensible reason, SUVs and the like are still out there blocking everyone's view of the road and keeping the oil companies in business.
Did we learn nothing from the 1970's...or even the 1940's for that matter? Does no one "of a certain age" remember gasoline lines or gas rationing? Isn't anyone else tired of paying for oil that we increasingly import from abroad? What about the great disparity in gas prices? I make a point to buy my gas in rural PA whenever I can and avoid the upper class MD neighborhoods where I work, because gas is sometimes 20-50 cents a gallon more expensive in the higher-end neighborhoods.
I have always envied other countries who have good, reliable public transit systems. While I would still love to see that happen here, the recent terrorism in England makes me turn my thoughts once again to alternative methods of powering our cars.
America is a geographically large nation. We love our independence and we love our automobiles. Unfortunately, we seemed addicted to gasoline to power them. Perhaps we need to put the entire country on a 12 step program to address this unnatural obsession with fossil fuels. We need a renewable, cheap power source--one that doesn't depend on mortaging our future just to get from here to work and back each day.
Or, are high transportation costs, as the title of this post suggests, a necessary evil?
Did we learn nothing from the 1970's...or even the 1940's for that matter? Does no one "of a certain age" remember gasoline lines or gas rationing? Isn't anyone else tired of paying for oil that we increasingly import from abroad? What about the great disparity in gas prices? I make a point to buy my gas in rural PA whenever I can and avoid the upper class MD neighborhoods where I work, because gas is sometimes 20-50 cents a gallon more expensive in the higher-end neighborhoods.
I have always envied other countries who have good, reliable public transit systems. While I would still love to see that happen here, the recent terrorism in England makes me turn my thoughts once again to alternative methods of powering our cars.
America is a geographically large nation. We love our independence and we love our automobiles. Unfortunately, we seemed addicted to gasoline to power them. Perhaps we need to put the entire country on a 12 step program to address this unnatural obsession with fossil fuels. We need a renewable, cheap power source--one that doesn't depend on mortaging our future just to get from here to work and back each day.
Or, are high transportation costs, as the title of this post suggests, a necessary evil?
Friday, August 5, 2005
The New Liturgical Movement blog
I was delighted to come across a new blog whose focus is on The New Liturgical Movement called for by Pope Benedict. They speak about "The reform of the reform -- Classical Roman Rite, Eastern Christianity, Sacred art, architecture and music." A cause after my own heart!! IMO, there is so much lacking liturgically in many American parishes today. We have stripped the physical church of much that used to remind us of and transport us to the sacred. Worship in many churches is little different than worshiping in one's living room. While that is necessary in parts of the world where Christianity is severely persecuted, we in the United States are thankfully not at that point yet.
While we still have freedom of religion and can worship God in all His glory, let's do it! Let's show the Lord, and the world, what God means to us, as much as our poor human ability allows.
Music, art and incense can almost literally transport us to the heavens and express our union with the Divine. The biblical Book of Revelations expresses Heaven in just these liturgical terms.
And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God.
And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel. Revelation 8:3-4
We are before the throne of God when we are before His Blessed Sacrament. This is a unique gift that God has given us while we are on this Earth away from our Heavenly home. God is literally with us on earth. Bells, candles, incense and the like, are God's gifts to help us worship Him while we wait on earth until we can see Him face to face.
The New Liturgical Movement blog
I was delighted to come across a new blog whose focus is on The New Liturgical Movement called for by Pope Benedict. They speak about "The reform of the reform -- Classical Roman Rite, Eastern Christianity, Sacred art, architecture and music." A cause after my own heart!! IMO, there is so much lacking liturgically in many American parishes today. We have stripped the physical church of much that used to remind us of and transport us to the sacred. Worship in many churches is little different than worshiping in one's living room. While that is necessary in parts of the world where Christianity is severely persecuted, we in the United States are thankfully not at that point yet.
While we still have freedom of religion and can worship God in all His glory, let's do it! Let's show the Lord, and the world, what God means to us, as much as our poor human ability allows.
Music, art and incense can almost literally transport us to the heavens and express our union with the Divine. The biblical Book of Revelations expresses Heaven in just these liturgical terms.
And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer: and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints, upon the golden altar which is before the throne of God.
And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel. Revelation 8:3-4
We are before the throne of God when we are before His Blessed Sacrament. This is a unique gift that God has given us while we are on this Earth away from our Heavenly home. God is literally with us on earth. Bells, candles, incense and the like, are God's gifts to help us worship Him while we wait on earth until we can see Him face to face.
Woman in 20 year coma speaks out
Sarah Scantlin was hit by a car in 1984 and went into a coma lasting 20 years. Recently she came out of the coma and began to speak, shocking family members with her apparent awareness of events going on around her during the 20 years she was comatose. Asked what "9/11" was she said, "Bad…fire…airplanes…building…hurt people."
Amazing. She has undergone surgery to assist with range of motion in her unused limbs and speech therapy to help her improve her ability to communicate.
More proof that the severely ill are still people and in some cases, still aware of what goes on around them.
Amazing. She has undergone surgery to assist with range of motion in her unused limbs and speech therapy to help her improve her ability to communicate.
More proof that the severely ill are still people and in some cases, still aware of what goes on around them.
Woman in 20 year coma speaks out
Sarah Scantlin was hit by a car in 1984 and went into a coma lasting 20 years. Recently she came out of the coma and began to speak, shocking family members with her apparent awareness of events going on around her during the 20 years she was comatose. Asked what "9/11" was she said, "Bad…fire…airplanes…building…hurt people."
Amazing. She has undergone surgery to assist with range of motion in her unused limbs and speech therapy to help her improve her ability to communicate.
More proof that the severely ill are still people and in some cases, still aware of what goes on around them.
Amazing. She has undergone surgery to assist with range of motion in her unused limbs and speech therapy to help her improve her ability to communicate.
More proof that the severely ill are still people and in some cases, still aware of what goes on around them.
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Sadly, this month is also the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan during the second world war.
Please pray for the souls of those who perished and for those who survive.
Now that more and more nations of the world have the atomic bomb, pray every day that it never happens again.
Please pray for the souls of those who perished and for those who survive.
Now that more and more nations of the world have the atomic bomb, pray every day that it never happens again.
Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Sadly, this month is also the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan during the second world war.
Please pray for the souls of those who perished and for those who survive.
Now that more and more nations of the world have the atomic bomb, pray every day that it never happens again.
Please pray for the souls of those who perished and for those who survive.
Now that more and more nations of the world have the atomic bomb, pray every day that it never happens again.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Devotion for August: Immaculate Heart of Mary
Pious tradition in the Catholic Church assigns a special devotion for each month of the year. The devotion for August is the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart has its origin in Christian scripture.
"Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. " ( Lk 2: 19 ) and " His mother meanwhile kept all these things in her heart. " (Lk 2:51 ) We are told in Deuteronomy that "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength." ( Dt. 6:5 )
Mary certainly followed that commandment all her life through great trials and uncertainty, even when she was very confused about what was happening to her.
Any time we are afraid, let's ask Mary to pray with us. Her advice to us is the same as it was to the servants at the wedding in Cana: "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2: 5)
Devotion for August: Immaculate Heart of Mary
Pious tradition in the Catholic Church assigns a special devotion for each month of the year. The devotion for August is the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart has its origin in Christian scripture.
"Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. " ( Lk 2: 19 ) and " His mother meanwhile kept all these things in her heart. " (Lk 2:51 ) We are told in Deuteronomy that "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength." ( Dt. 6:5 )
Mary certainly followed that commandment all her life through great trials and uncertainty, even when she was very confused about what was happening to her.
Any time we are afraid, let's ask Mary to pray with us. Her advice to us is the same as it was to the servants at the wedding in Cana: "Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2: 5)
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