Some Wear Clerics

On Fr. Arrupe's 102nd

I thought it worth reposting this "Golden Oldie."

AMDG,

-J.

Fr. Kenneth J. Baker, SJ on "The Year of the Priest"

As usual, we reprint Father's H&PR editorial, as the links thereto go dead over time.

AMDG,

-J.
==============


St. Paul's Gospel | Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J. | Homiletic & Pastoral Review | November 2009

On June 29 we concluded the year in honor of St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles and author of half of the books in the New Testament. Earlier this year, having noticed that Pope Benedict XVI was preaching regularly on St. Paul, I decided to do that same thing. So for seventeen weeks I preached on the letters of St. Paul.

I spent many hours preparing each sermon, in imitation of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, who said that he spent one hour of preparation for every minute of preaching. That study was most rewarding and gave me a few valuable insights into the thinking and theology of St. Paul.

It is clear that St. Paul is the most important theologian in the history of the Church, since he first gave expression to many truths that are the basis of the Creed and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The key to the theology of St. Paul is his personal encounter with the glorified Christ on his way to Damascus. That revelation, in which he was blinded for three days, changed Paul into a new man. The persecutor of Christ was changed into a zealous apostle to proclaim that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Christ, that he is Lord (Kyrios), and the Son of God. Because he saw the glorified Christ and listened to him he was transformed from a Jewish rabbi to a Christian rabbi. Paul saw Christ, he heard him, he was called by him and he was sent by him to convert the world. In carrying out his calling he was destined to suffer much for the sake of Christ—rejection, hatred, scourging, shipwreck, imprisonment and finally beheading by the Romans.

Christ is the key to St. Paul. His theology is Christocentric. The Gospel according to St. Paul is that the Son of God became man in Jesus Christ in order to reconcile all mankind to God the Father by his life, passion, death and resurrection. For Paul, Christ is the glorified Christ, now reigning gloriously in heaven and seated at the right hand of the Father.

Here are some of the main points in the theology of St. Paul: 1) Because of the sin of Adam and each one’s personal sins, all men are sinners and in need of redemption (Rom. 3:23; 5:12-21). 2) In order to save mankind, God sent his Son into the world, born of a woman (Rom. 4:4), to make a fitting satisfaction for sin. 3) That Son is Jesus Christ, who communicates his grace and justifies all who believe in him and are baptized. 4) The grace of Christ includes the sending of the Holy Spirit, which constitutes the believer as an adopted child of God, a member of the body of Christ, and an heir of eternal life. 5) Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Old Testament and has established a New Covenant to replace that of Moses; therefore Christians are not bound by the ceremonial and dietary laws and circumcision of the Law of Moses. This means that one does not have to become a Jew in order to be a Christian. This insight of Paul made Christianity into a religion open to all peoples (see 1 Tim. 2:4).

A recent author said that ideas have consequences. That certainly applies to the Christian faith. St. Paul argues in most of his letters, towards the end, that faith in Christ demands a moral way of life based on the Ten Commandments, the law of nature, and the commandment of love of God and neighbor (Rom. 13:9-10). Here he mentions regulations for bishops, elders, old men, old women, husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and slaves. Christians are to avoid sexual immorality, idolatry and other vices of the pagans. They are to give good example in word and deed to all. He often insists on purity of doctrine, preaching and defending the deposit of faith from the Apostles, and refuting the errors of false teachers (1 & 2 Tim.; Titus).

St. Paul is a giant among Christians. In most of his letters he is thinking of the Second Coming of Christ; he urges all to be prepared for it and to hope for it because it means that all those who share in the life of Christ will enter into the heavenly Jerusalem and be happy with Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever when Christ comes again in glory.

Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ

From Insight Scoop

In a letter from prison, Father Alfred Delp penned the words, "...all of life is Advent." In Advent of the Heart, Ignatius Press made available Father Delp's Advent writings for the first time in one volume. Most of the texts had never before been translated into English, and this is the first translation that faithfully follows the original wording of the texts. The book is designed to be used as spiritual reading for the Advent season, with two sermons and one meditation for each of the four weeks of Advent. The relevant liturgical readings and prayers introduce each week's texts. A biographical introduction and a historical chronology provide additional material, making the book ideal for parish reading in an adult religious education setting.

But who was Father Delp and what makes his message about Advent unique?

First of all, the danger of the time and place in which he lived gave Father Delp a unique perspective about Advent. Not only did he live and work in an area of Munich that was being bombed regularly, his life was also in constant danger because of his resistance activities as an opponent of the Nazi regime. That sense that the "end" was imminent--whether that meant the end of his own life, the lives of loved ones, or the longed for end of the war--inspired Father Delp to ponder the true meaning of Advent.

He would spend the last Advent of his earthly life in a Nazi prison, and become perhaps the only Jesuit to have made his final vows to the Order secretly, while imprisoned and awaiting trial for a capital crime. Father Franz von Tattenbach, S.J. was able to travel from Munich to Tegel Prison in Berlin, with the necessary documents and permission from superiors, so that Father Delp could make his vows prior to facing trial. Just one month later, in January 1945, a government tribunal would convict Alfred Delp of high treason, condemn him to death, and declare his name to be forever dishonored.

Continue reading...

From Insight Scoop

In a letter from prison, Father Alfred Delp penned the words, "...all of life is Advent." In Advent of the Heart, Ignatius Press made available Father Delp's Advent writings for the first time in one volume. Most of the texts had never before been translated into English, and this is the first translation that faithfully follows the original wording of the texts. The book is designed to be used as spiritual reading for the Advent season, with two sermons and one meditation for each of the four weeks of Advent. The relevant liturgical readings and prayers introduce each week's texts. A biographical introduction and a historical chronology provide additional material, making the book ideal for parish reading in an adult religious education setting.

But who was Father Delp and what makes his message about Advent unique?

First of all, the danger of the time and place in which he lived gave Father Delp a unique perspective about Advent. Not only did he live and work in an area of Munich that was being bombed regularly, his life was also in constant danger because of his resistance activities as an opponent of the Nazi regime. That sense that the "end" was imminent--whether that meant the end of his own life, the lives of loved ones, or the longed for end of the war--inspired Father Delp to ponder the true meaning of Advent.

He would spend the last Advent of his earthly life in a Nazi prison, and become perhaps the only Jesuit to have made his final vows to the Order secretly, while imprisoned and awaiting trial for a capital crime. Father Franz von Tattenbach, S.J. was able to travel from Munich to Tegel Prison in Berlin, with the necessary documents and permission from superiors, so that Father Delp could make his vows prior to facing trial. Just one month later, in January 1945, a government tribunal would convict Alfred Delp of high treason, condemn him to death, and declare his name to be forever dishonored.

Continue reading...

Today is Veterans Day.

And we salute all those who served and fell, and especially all those Jesuit chaplains and in particular, Fr. Willie Doyle, SJ who died serving the souls under his care during "the war to end all wars."

Cool.

http://jceao.net/content/first-jesuit-ordination-cambodia

AMDG!

-J.

You heard, er, read it here first.

"There is more to come. Hang on to your liturgical history hat."

Thus spake Action Jesuit® Rev. Brian Van Hove, SJ in the combox of my previous post. Since I am under the impression that between Father's synapses groweth no moss, I expect much Jesuity goodness therefrom.

Still, to properly know where we are going, and for what purpose we ought to establish a firm grip upon our liturgical history hat, it helps to see whence we have come.

That's what today's entry is all about. It deals with Father's piece To Trace All Souls Day.

One of my greatest spiritual worries is that once I shuffle off this mortal coil, nobody will pray for me. There is a reason why praying for the living and the dead is a Spiritual Work of Mercy. One of the most difficult things to express about our faith is the concept of Purgatory. If we look assiduously, we find reference to it in Holy Writ, and that helps. But the entire temporal punishment/Purgatory thing is hard to wrap you brain around, especially for those of us who sadly belong to the catechesis-free generation.

So Father's essay is worthy of reading if, for no other reason, the money quote:

All who have been baptized into Christ and have chosen him will continue to live in Him. The grave does not impede progress toward a closer union with Him. It is only this degree of closeness to Him which we consider when we celebrate All Saints one day, and All Souls the next. Purgatory is a great blessing because it shows those who love God how they failed in love, and heals their ensuing shame. Most of us have neither fulfilled the commandments nor failed to fulfill them. Our very mediocrity shames us. Purgatory fills in the void. We learn finally what to fulfill all of them means. Most of us neither hate nor fail completely in love. Purgatory teaches us what radical love means, when God remakes our failure to love in this world into the perfection of love in the next. (Emphasis mine.)

AMDG,

-J.

Action Jesuits® and Anglicanism

OK.

As a blogger on SWC, I freely acknowledge there is much with which one ought catch up here. In fact Action Jesuit® Fr. Brian Van Hove, SJ and Action Jesuit® Fr. James V. Schall, SJ have both been writing up the proverbial storm, and Action Jesuit® Fr. Kenneth J. Baker, SJ's latest H&PR editorial is now up.

Busy, busy, busy.

But before I get to those in the next couple of days -- assuming our brigade of Action Jesuits® gives me a break in the action -- I want to follow up my previous missive (i.e. Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ commenting on the Anglican developments) with this.

1) The Apostolic Constitution is now up online.
2) Action Jesuit® Abp. Luis F. Ladaria, SJ,  Secretary of the CDF had significant input thereinto.
3) Action Jesuit® Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University (i.e. "the Greg") has written a magnificent reflection on this whole matter titled Significance of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Cœtibus which is WELL worth your time.

Now let's see how Jesuitness manifests itself in the discussions between the Holy See and the SSPX.

AMDG,

-J.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ speaks on the Traditional Anglicans

Check it out.

AMDG,

-J.

More news.

This newsy burst comes courtesy of Fr. Willie at Belen Jesuit, presented here with some slight edits for brevity. I include this, even if it's not all that momentous because:

1- The lovely and gracious Karen has met Fr. Frank (when she came down for a luncheon for "Fr. Fessio's Carmelites" early last year)
2- Fr. Frank is a Gator (for which the lovely and gracious Karen rejoices and I forgive him)
3- Fr. Frank is a GREAT guy and a spectacular Jesuit, and we blogged about his ordination a couple of years ago. (The link is now dead, alas.)

AMDG,

-J.

*******************

Have you noticed that a very important fixture of our school has been missing this year? I am sure that at one point you noticed the absence, maybe even asked why or where? This fixture would walk the hallways dressed in black (and occasionally in white) and would stop you to ask how you were doing, how your family was, and express concern over any loss suffered. This fixture was responsible for the spiritual welfare of the seventh graders and also taught them theology, but was never constrained by one grade, always addressing the needs of any student and their families.

Have you figured it out yet? Of course, Fr. Frank Permuy, S.J.: proud alumnus of the class of 1985, former center for the varsity football team, University of Florida alumnus, former junior high football coach, spiritual director extraordinaire. Fr. Frank was reassigned, temporarily, to tertianship, his last stage of formation as a Jesuit. Tertianship requires Fr. Frank to step away from his work for a few months to deepen his understanding of the Society of Jesus and of his relationship with the Lord. It is almost like a return to the first years of seminary life.

Normally, tertianship takes about six months to complete. St. Ignatius intended that after a few years of ordination to the priesthood, the Jesuit would spend a few months being reacquainted with some of the most important aspects of the order. Most importantly, the Jesuit does for the second time the 30-day silent retreat that is the trademark of our life. This retreat is called the Spiritual Exercises. This powerful experience really defines who we are as Jesuits and helps create that very strong bond between all Jesuits around the world (all 19,000 of us). Fr. Frank began his silent retreat yesterday and specifically asked for our prayers; I assured him that we would.

So where is Fr. Frank doing his tertianship? Of all places, he is in Salamanca, Spain along with seven other Jesuits. Wow, Spain! How awesome to spend some time in the land of St. Ignatius of Loyola, our founder. Ignatius himself spent some time studying there. And now Fr. Frank is walking the same streets that St. Ignatius walked, sitting in the same parks that St. Ignatius sat in, and eating at the same McDonald's that St. Ignatius ate at (okay, maybe not McDonald's). I really miss Fr. Frank: watching and talking about football, going out to the movies, playing practical jokes on the other Jesuits…the list goes on and on. But I know that he is immersing himself in an experience that is going to polish him up so that he can return to Belen reenergized and ready to fight the good fight.

God bless,
Fr. Willie ‘87

Jesuits & President Obama, Pt. 3

The most seen Jesuit alive, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, waxes on the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the President. (If the rumors that at many Jesuit residences there are more pictures of the President than of Jesus are true, Fr. Pacwa had better not catch them. A whip of cords might be the mildest reaction to be expected.

AMDG,

-J.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Friends of Ignatius Productions,

Peace, Peace (Jeremiah 6:13)

A variety of arguments have been made about President Barak Obama's surprise reception of the Nobel Peace Prize. Arguments, both from the conservative and liberal sides of the political spectrum, mostly concern themselves with the small amount of time he has been president and the prestigious quality of the award.

I, for my part, strongly object to his being awarded the Peace prize because of his policies to spread violence to the most peaceful places on earth.

Remember that Mr. Obama was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in early February, about two weeks after his inauguration as president. What has he actually done in those two weeks that might make him unworthy of this peace prize? Among his very first executive orders was his decision to allow the federal government to fund abortions and abortion counseling on January 23, 2009, the day after the thirty-sixth anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision to decriminalize abortions. In fact, on the actual anniversary of Roe v. Wade Mr. Obama wrote, "We are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose."

He highlighted that commitment while a member of the Illinois State Senate, when he refused to vote for a law protecting children who survive an abortion; even though Roe v. Wade recognized that once a child is outside the womb, he or she is a person and deserves the protection of the law. We would do well to remember that on March 9, 2009, one month after his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr. Obama signed another executive order permitting embryonic stem cell research. Not only does he support the killing of children in the womb but also the use of their bodies for research.

In a normal world, the womb is one of the most peaceful places on earth. The child within the womb is not hungry, thirsty, or in need of any other shelter. Life exists without conflicts and an amazing unfolding of incredibly complex growth and development takes place. The only conflict comes from outside that safe haven, as when an abortionist wields a knife to dismember the otherwise peaceful and defenseless child.

As far as I am concerned, the last award I would bestow on someone who signs orders to spread an inevitable deadly violence against content, safe, and defenseless children in wombs throughout the world is a peace award. I cannot help but take to heart the words of Jeremiah the Prophet: "For from the least to the greatest of them, every one is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, every one deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the Lord. (Jer. 6:13-15)

In Christ Jesus,

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Today's Saints of the Day for today are...

When you consider the author AND the subjects, this is a quadruple -- at least -- whammy.

AMDG,

-J.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The North American Martyrs
 
by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

Our reflections for this afternoon are on the North American Martyrs. There were eight of them and they were all members of the Society of Jesus. It might be well to know who they were, or in Heaven, who they are. They were Saints Jean de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, Antoine Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, Noel Chabanel, René Goupil and Jean Lalande. The last two were what we call, Oblates, they were not yet accepted and had not pronounced their vows, but the Society has always considered them members and surely martyrs of the Society of Jesus. All eight were canonized in 1930. They lived in the 17th century and the eight of them were killed for the faith between 1642 and 1649.

Isaac Jogues was first taken as a slave by the Mohawks in doing the most humiliating tasks among the Indians. He was tortured, in the process had his fingers chewed [!] off. He managed to escape, went back to France and the question was -- would he be able to say Mass. Pope Urban the 8th gave him permission. The Holy Father declared it would be unjust for a martyr of Christ not to drink the blood of Christ. So Isaac Jogues was, when he came back to the New World, was tomahawked to death. Antoine Daniel was offering Mass when the Iroquois attacked a Huron village. The Hurons were interested in the faith and Daniel was preaching among them and most of the people were interested in being received into the Church, but the Iroquois attacked. Daniel during the attack, ran around baptizing everybody in sight. Well, he baptized quite a few, but, he still saw a crowd that he had not reached so he took some wet rags and squeezed the water on these people while pronouncing the words of baptism. He himself did not try to escape. He was pierced with arrows and then all the people were huddled into a Church, the Church was set afire and the pierced body of Daniel, still breathing, was thrown into the Church where he had been offering Mass.

From all accounts the worst tortures were reserved for Brebeuf and Lalemant. Among other excruciating pain which they had to suffer, they had their hands lopped off, had red hot hatchets applied to their bodies, then the Indians made belts of bark, soaked these belts in tar, bound their bodies with this resin dipped bark and set the bark and tar on fire. They were still not dead so pieces of their flesh were cut off with huge knives and miraculously they stayed alive so then the Indians to finish them off had cauldrons of boiling water poured on their bodies. It is no wonder given the circumstances of their martyrdom that the Indians were so impressed by the courage of these two men that after they died, the Indians drank their blood in order to acquire some of their courage. 

Chabanel, who was one of the last martyrs, he vowed under the most excruciating pain and this went on for a long time, he vowed to remain among the Indians until he died, took a vow of perseverance until death. Finally, Garnier. He, too, like one of his conferees, died while he was teaching, in this case, already converted Indians. As you know the Indians, one tribe was always warring against another. Garnier, therefore, died while his Christians were being attacked and in order to make sure that they were all prepared for death, he went about, ran about actually, giving them absolution and then, he himself was killed with a blow of an Indian hatchet. So much for the description. All I know is that when I was a novice, you can't imagine with what delight I read these stories and thought to myself, "what a wonderful order I was joining."

I can tell you their martyrdom has given me courage many times over the years. It's why I'm absolutely sure, although we've lost ten thousand Jesuits throughout the world, since the second Vatican Council, and the Pope as you know, is bound to reform [and] I'm sure he's going to succeed and in my own little thimble way I'm trying to help the cause. I'm sure a reformation will take place and we'll get back to the spirit of Ignatius. We don't have men like this interceding for you in Heaven without assured success. So much for the collective biography. 

(emphasis mine -J.)

Ya Gotta Have Heart

Today's entry, in honor of St. Margaret Mary, comes -- with slight edits -- from Fr. Willie García Tuñón, S.J., who is the Principal at Belén Jesuit Prep.

AMDG,

-J.

********************

Five years ago, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that adorns our central patio arrived at Belén, shipped directly from Italy. The image is one of only two copies of the original located in the French village of Paray-le-Monial, where the convent of the Visitation sisters is located. Why there? Because it is the convent of St. Marguerite Marie Alacoque (1647-1690), the religious sister who throughout her life received several visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and whose feast day we celebrate today, October 16. It was through these visions Jesus expressed to St. Marguerite Marie that His heart was filled with love for her and the world and that He wanted her to promote the devotion to His Sacred Heart. Well, by this time in the blog entry you are wondering where the connection with the Jesuits or Belén comes in. Here it is: When St. Margaret Marie began her mission to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, her biggest advocate whom she enlisted to help her was her spiritual director St. Claude de la Colombière, S.J. (did you notice the S.J. behind his name?). The work of this dynamic religious duo help to spread a devotion so widespread that, to this day, you can find its remnants hanging in the homes of any good Catholic family. Furthermore, when Pope Pius XII promulgated the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the encyclical Haurietis Aquas (1956), what religious congregation do you think he particularly commends with the spread of the devotion? If you guessed the Jesuits, you are correct (and what lovely prize do we have for today's winner?)! Because of our brother Jesuit, Claude de la Colombière, and because of the Pope's commendation, Belén has always had a special place for the Sacred Heart. It is for this reason that Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. '54 rightfully got the ball rolling to get the beautiful image. I remember that shortly after we put up the statue, one of our students, who will remain nameless and grade-less, complained that, with the Sacred Heart of Jesus watching over the central patio, he would no longer feel comfortable dancing like he normally did at school dances. My response to that was simple: "Duh, that's why He's there." But I also fondly remember seeing Fr. Jorge Sardiña, S.J. '45 coming out of the elevator at the end of the day and pausing for a few seconds in silent prayer while he gazed at the face of Jesus. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is simply a constant reminder of the unconditional and proven love that Jesus has had for us. At Belén it is a constant reminder we are loved and what we do and why we do it is out of love. The heart of Jesus should be our heart and ya gotta have heart. God bless, Fr. Willie '87

Policy change. UPDATED

UPDATE: The America Magazine blog comment policy has been amended again. Commenters needn't be subscriber, but they MUST register. This strikes us as eminently fair. We will not take credit for this change, nor will be start swanning about smugly, because God hates it when we do that, and often makes His displeasure felt. Commenters here from said magazine will not be required to sign the Mandatum in order to comment. Only those with S.J. appended to their name.

=================================================

For wildly unexplored reasons, America Magazine's blog now only allows comments from paid subscribers. A cynical person -- not SWC, naturally...but a cynical person -- might say this is a subtle but exceedingly effective way to sharply curtail dissenting* opinions in the combox discussions appended to each post. America Magazine and its blog has a clear ideological slant, and ideological slant is likely to be subsidized by those whose jib is similarly cut, and therefore, by excluding those whose ideological tilt would preclude them from financially supporting America Magazine with subscription dollars, the cynics might say, America Magazine has managed to institute a chilling effect on commenters who might bring an unwelcome viewpoint to online discussions.

In unrelated news, any commenter on this blog from America Magazine will be required to sign the Mandatum before the comment is posted.

AMDG,

-J.

* No, the irony is not lost on me.

In the tradition of...who, again?

Oy.

Just...oy.

More from those wacky funsters at Georgetown.

BUT...let the record show, Your Honor -- and the lovely and gracious Karen will verify this -- that I was WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY ahead of the curve calling this.

And I mean WAY.

AMDG,

-J.

Fr. Kenneth J. Baker, SJ on "The paradox of Christian freedom"

We reprint Father's editorials, as links thereto go inactive after a while.

AMDG,

-J.

=======================

“For freedom Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1). St. Paul tells us that faith in Christ makes us free. In the contemporary world there is a universal demand for more freedom—personal, political and economic. Freedom, however, is a slogan word that has many different meanings. Today freedom is often understood in the sense of a lack of restraint, so that one is free to do whatever one wishes to do. That is a form of licentiousness, not true freedom.

Freedom understood as licentiousness is a false freedom. Actually, it is not freedom at all, but rather it is slavery to one’s selfishness, passions and pride.

Christian freedom is something totally different. The Christian who submits himself to the law of love in Christ Jesus is the one who is truly free. Only God has absolute freedom because His will is identified with His being or substance. So God is essential freedom — He can do whatever He wills because He has absolute power over all things. But since God is also absolute truth and goodness, He can do only what is in accordance with His essence — everything He does is good. So God cannot deceive and He cannot do anything that is evil since that is contrary to His nature.

On the other hand, created freedom is limited and relative. But the more a created person (man or angel) approaches the goodness of God, the more he shares in the freedom of God. We have here what seems to be a paradox. Man wishes to be free, but the only way he can become truly free is by submitting himself to Christ by faith, hope and charity. St. Paul calls it the “obedience of faith” (Rom. 1:5). The saints who strive mightily to serve God in all things, whose whole being is centered on God, are human persons who are supremely free. Submission to the truth is what makes one free.

Sin is slavery because it is rooted in falsity, while the obedience of faith in love is based on truth and results in freedom. Sin is rebellion against God and glorification of self. Jesus expresses this truth in St. John’s Gospel (8:31-32), a text often quoted by Pope John Paul II: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” So the saint is free and the sinner is a slave.

There you have it from the mouth of God Himself: it is the truth that makes one truly free. The ultimate reason for this is that we are creatures made in the image and likeness of God. Why did God make us? What is our destiny? God made us to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this life and to be happy with him forever in the next life. So since we were made for God and for truth and for goodness, nothing short of God will really satisfy us. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). That is also why the eye is not filled with seeing and the ear is not filled with hearing. In other words, no created thing can satisfy the human heart. St. Augustine put his finger on it when he said that our hearts are restless until they rest in God.

I am reminding you of the nature of Christian freedom because we are bombarded daily with the false notion of freedom in matters such as “freedom of choice” regarding abortion, contraception, same-sex marriage, assisted suicide and other moral issues. The assumptions of the secular humanists, who deny the existence of God and see man as descended from the apes with no immortal soul, have taken a commanding position in our culture and are proclaimed incessantly in the media and in the public schools and universities.

In order not to be infected with these false ideas, it is essential that we know our faith well, that we know the truth, and that we recognize and reject error and falsehoods when we encounter them. This is another reason why every family should have handy a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It offers a detailed index, and there you will find the truth if you spend a little time looking for it.

Audio Jesuitness

Much goodness from Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, download his homily...free! (Dunno how long it'll stay up, so hurry.)

http://ignatiusproductions.com/audio/10%2003%202009%20Kalamazoo%20Michigan.mp3

AMDG,

-J.

P.S. If that link is down try: http://ignatiusproductions.com/audio/HOMILY10032009 Kalamazoo Michigan.mp3

Jesuits STILL giddy with Motu-mania

On the Feast of the Holy Archangels, Fr. Agustin Anda said a Traditional Latin Mass according to the 1962 Missal. This Mass was sponsored by the Thomas More Society of Boston College and the Boston College Observer.The whole effort was spearheaded by Michael Williams and Philip Micele, who were also Altar servers. Also assisting Fr. Anda was the advisor to the Thomas More Society, Fr. Gary Gurtler.

Gregorian Ordinary, Propers and supplementary sequences, hymns and responses were sung by the Cathedral of the Holy Cross Schola Amicorum.

Check out the (so-called) Tridentine goodness leaping forth from Boston College.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mil_tridentine/sets/72157622491616052/

AMDG,

-J.

h/t to Fr. Z.

Telling it like it is.

You can always count on Fr. Schall for that.

Looky.

AMDG,

-J.

It had to happen sometime.

Over at America Magazine, Fr. James Martin, SJ addresses, analyzes, amplifies and agrees with a column by Fr. Tom Reese, SJ.

That's not surprising. What is surprising is that I agree with both of them.

Go check it out.

AMDG,

-J.               

Excellentness!

WAY too cool.

Trust me.

AMDG,

-J.