Archive for April, 2010
From Where Comes Our Help?
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
The Servant of God, Pope John Paul II, once remarked that the greatest tragedy that could befall humanity is not a nuclear holocaust, but rather the loss of the freedom of conscience. If somehow humanity forgot how to be human, and to have the freedom of conscience to do good, then we would truly enter a wasteland, a true age of barbarism.
The conscience of the person is precisely what allows us to be open to God, and to seek his help in all things (sinful habits, an annoying loved one, difficult work, etc.), and, through these, to work out our salvation.
Just a quick thought on a Tuesday…
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Monday Church Jeopardy
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
All right, our church for the week, is one of the smaller churches, but a highly favored one in Rome. Pictured above, it’s in the block next to Santa Susanna, the American parish in Rome (and a previous church jeopardy question). The church is named after a great military battle.
Inside the church is Bernini’s Teresa in Ecstasy (pictured below), which is considered one of the greatest works in the Baroque period:
This past Friday, I helped with Confessions in this church, and I was able to have an awesome view of this statue. It’s beauty and intrigue have a way of grabbing the viewer and leading them into deeper prayer.
The church is the titular of American Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston:
OK, so, here’s the challenge: identify the church, and tell me one thing about its history. Have fun!
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Chapter Three
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
I saw this image above, and just had to use it. I really can understand this guy: he’s got some work ahead of him, but he’s loving it! That’s my story right now with Chapter Three of the thesis. It’s a lot of work, but I love it, and it’s great to be able to apply the principles and show how they can play out in our civil discourse and legal process. The chapter is going to take some more attention, but the end is in sight!
Please keep your prayers coming.
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Back in Action
Friday, April 9th, 2010
I arrived back to Rome today after a few days retreat in Austria. I was at a large monastery outside of Vienna (pictured above). There are several Americans who are canon priests there, and so the conversation and fellowship was edifying and enjoyable.
I was able to spend a morning in Vienna, but otherwise spent the time praying, reading, and visiting with the canons.
It’s amazing how pleasant Rome can be after you’ve been away for a few days!
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He is Risen!
Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightening; and his clothes white as snow.
And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid: for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Behold, I have told you.”
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:1-8
Now, we must go with fear and great joy, and we must share the Good News: the Lord is Risen from the dead. He has destroyed the kingdoms of sin and death. The children of God are free! Rejoice! Alleluia!
Share the Good News!
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Words from the Bishop
Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Today, the “Post and Courier” in Charleston, SC, ran a Question-and-Answer with Bishop Guglielmone. It’s worth reading! Check it out.
Along with the Q-and-A, the newspaper ran a brief story on Becoming Father Bob. It can also be worth a read. Check it out.
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The Empty Tomb – He is Risen!
Saturday, April 3rd, 2010
During this Holy Saturday, the Church stands in anticipation of the Resurrection. She keeps the altar stripped reminding her of the starkness of the dead Jesus.
At sunset, the Church begins her Easter Vigil. The Lord Jesus is Risen! Alleluia!!! Originally this was the principal time in which baptisms and confirmations occurred.
The Easter Vigil, marking the celebration on the Resurrection, has four main parts: the blessing of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Liturgy of the Word, the Initiation of New Christians and Confirmation of new Catholics, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Vigil marks the beginning of the Easter celebration. Brothers and Sisters, Rejoice, He is Risen!
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Behold the Wood of the Cross…
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Today, the Lord Jesus gives up his life out of love for God the Father and in service to humanity. So great a Gift calls for tremendous gratitude and docility. Behold the Wood of the Cross! Come, let us worship!
Our worship today is unique. Good Friday is the only day of the year in which Mass is not permitted to be celebrated. In honor of the Passion and Death, the Church restricts the celebration of the Mass on Good Friday.
Instead, the Church observes a sacred service at 3:00 PM, the historical time in which Jesus died on the Cross (according to the accounts of St. John, the Lord Jesus was given the Cross at 9:00 to carry; he reached Calvary and was suspended on the Cross at 12 Noon; he surrendered his spirit and expired at 3:00).
At 3:00 PM, the service begins with the priest entering the sanctuary possibly barefoot or in sandals. This recalls Jesus’ humility and debasement. The priest prostrates before the altar and all kneel. The Passion is read and intercessions are offered for everyone (reminding everyone that the effects of the Cross are for all people).
Then the Cross is venerated. The Cross is unveiled and the people are invited to come forward and kiss it. This is the opportunity of the people to show their gratitude and devotion to the Lord Jesus’ suffering and death for us. Afterwards, Holy Communion (consecrated at the Mass the day before), is brought out from the “hiding place” and distributed. After this the service ends.
The Stations of the Cross, recounting the actual carrying of the Cross, can be celebrated at 12 Noon.
The “Tenebrae” (Darkness) Service can be celebrated in the evening. This is the solemn chanting of the penitential psalms and the recounting of the darkness which covers the earth with the death and burial of the Lord Jesus.
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A Night Unlike All Others
Thursday, April 1st, 2010
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the last meal of the Lord Jesus with the Apostles. It observes the institution of the priesthood, the Eucharist, and the new commandment (“mandatum”) to love. The readings of the Mass recall the Jewish Passover (Exodus 12:1-18; 11-14), and St. Paul’s Last Supper account (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Interestingly, the Gospel reading is not an institution narrative of the Last Supper. Instead, it is the account of the Lord Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles (John 13:1-15). St. John’s Gospel does not give an institution narrative of the Eucharist, and the Church follows the same practice. The Church only gives the account of the washing of the feet. Immediately after the Gospel, the priest is encouraged in the Mass to wash the feet of twelve male parishioners. Here the priest actually recalls to the people the witness of the Lord Jesus to serve others.
The Mass follows its normal order, until after Holy Communion. After concluding the Communion Rite, the priest solemnly carries the Blessed Sacrament to an Altar of Repose (away from the Main Altar). This recalls the movement of Jesus from the Upper Room to the Garden. After the procession ends and the Blessed Sacrament is placed on the altar of repose, the altar and sanctuary is stripped. This recalls the stripping of Jesus’ dignity and his humility to endure his Passion. It further represents the utter starkness of Jesus in the Garden. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of repose is permitted until midnight, when adoration ends. This recalls the arrest of Jesus in the Garden. The Blessed Sacrament is removed and “hidden.” This recalls that Jesus was taken prisoner and was not available.
This is the night unlike all others. This is the beginning of the new an eternal Passover. Now, humanity is being freed. Now, humanity can know again the love of God our heavenly Father.
We wait with Jesus.
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