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Monthly Archives: July 2015
Dives in Misericordiae 13c: Word and Sacraments
Some traditional language here about the Church being entrusted with and dispensing the sacraments. But in essence it is believers who encounter the Lord’s mercy through the preaching of the Word (not just when mercy is explicitly proclaimed) and the Sacraments. St … Continue reading
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San Ignacio de Loyola, the Opera
Until a few years ago, I had not been aware Jesuits were known for drama, even opera. But here is a link to a chamber opera by Domenico Zipoli, one of the first composed in Latin America. Celebrate the saint … Continue reading
Laudato Si 47: The Internet
The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. 47. Furthermore, when media and the digital world become omnipresent, their influence can stop people from learning how to live wisely, to think deeply and to love generously. … Continue reading
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Dives in Misericordiae 13b: Centered on Christ
The heart of the Lord is more than a metaphor for love and mercy. It is an invitation to go deeply into the very mission of Christ: “He who has seen me has seen the Father.”(Jn. 14:9) The Church professes … Continue reading
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St Francis Xavier
I captured that image, right, two summers ago and blogged on it two years ago today. I pause whenever I see it on my phone. This work of art has great meaning to me. What a world we live in, … Continue reading
Laudato Si 46: Social Aspects of Global Change
The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. Here, a brief discussion of the effects of change on a large scale–not just climate. 46. The social dimensions of global change include the effects of technological innovations … Continue reading
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Worthy Is The Lamb
What do you make of this song? When I borrowed the SLJ’s massive four-lp set from the Newman Community and got to Jesuit Bob Dufford’s effort here, it sure got my attention. I’ve always thought of it as absolutely crazy song, … Continue reading
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Dives in Misericordiae 13a: Profess and Proclaim Mercy
“The Church Professes the Mercy of God and Proclaims It.” So we head into section 13 with this title. St John Paul begins a final summary, having cited a number of Scriptural references, especially the parable of the two sons. … Continue reading
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Montana
Only three US states cover a larger geographical area. While I’ve visited two of them, I’ve never driven across an expanse quite like the state of Montana. We picked up US route 212 in South Dakota yesterday morning, then cut … Continue reading
Open Thread on Credibility
(Hint: this is a new open thread for Max, and others who would like to engage him or be entertained by him.) I could ask a New York Yankee fan for info, input, and knowledge on the Boston Red Sox. … Continue reading
Laudato Si 45: Where Do We Find Natural Beauty?
The encyclical letter Laudato Si is available here on the Vatican website. The privileged do appreciate natural beauty, but often wish for an exclusive space for enjoying it: 45. In some places, rural and urban alike, the privatization of certain … Continue reading
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Upper Plains Travelogue
As expected, our excitement was high for the drive out of Iowa yesterday. About an hour out from Sioux City, we hit the edge of a vicious thunderstorm. Amazing, but as we crossed the Missouri River into South Dakota, skies … Continue reading
Dives in Misericordiae VII: An Incarnate Mercy
St John Paul has an unnumbered heading to Chapter VII. Here we move to the topic of “The Mercy of God in the Mission of the Church.” This constitutes the penultimate theme as we approach two of the final three … Continue reading
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Indifference and Desire
Indifference is not the same as apathy. Not at all. Section 23 of the Spiritual Exercises on the Principle and Foundation: (O)ne must use other created things in so far as they help towards one’s end, and free oneself from … Continue reading
Catholic Sensibility 
Ah! Wilderness
A thoughtful post on “de-screening” made me think a bit about our cross-country trek. Night one was spent in a cabin. While cell phone reception was spotty and there was no wi-fi, the television did have cable channels. So on … Continue reading →