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Monthly Archives: July 2018
Under The Starry Heavens
Two years ago, I blogged here with another image of Ignatius and his beloved stars. One of my favorite images of today’s saint, Ignatius of Loyola, is above. I wish I could locate a credit and artist; the best I … Continue reading
GeE 122: Joy And A Sense Of Humor
No surprise that Pope Francis would write extensively about “Joy And A Sense Of Humor,” the topic of the next several paragraphs. 122. Far from being timid, morose, acerbic or melancholy, or putting on a dreary face, the saints are … Continue reading
Aparecida 500: Art In Liturgy
It’s interesting that the Aparecida bishops turn their attention to art in liturgy: 500. It is crucial that liturgical celebrations incorporate into their expressions artistic elements that can transform and prepare the assembly for the encounter with Christ. Appreciating the … Continue reading
GeE 121: Humiliations That Lead To Peace And Grace
121. To act in this way presumes a heart set at peace by Christ, freed from the aggressiveness born of overweening egotism. Just to reinforce my own commentary: humiliation as imposed by a powerful person on a vulnerable person is … Continue reading
Aparecida 499: Art For Catechesis
499. The churches of Latin America and the Caribbean should also create opportunities for the use of art in the catechesis of children, adolescents and adults, and in the Church’s different ministries. The Church’s action in this field must also … Continue reading
GeE 120: Humiliation Like Jesus
I’m relieved to see Pope Francis suggest that looking to humiliation as a pleasant thing is unhealthy. The truth is: we don’t need to seek it out. It will come, and when it does, do we imitate Christ or do … Continue reading
Aparecida 498: Dialogue Groups
Dialogue groups? What are these? 498. Taking advantage of the experiences of Faith and Culture Centers or Catholic Cultural Centers, we will try to create or energize dialogue groups between the Church and opinion makers in various fields. We invite … Continue reading
GeE 119: Daily Faithfulness
119. Here I am not speaking only about stark situations of martyrdom, but about the daily humiliations of those who keep silent to save their families, who prefer to praise others rather than boast about themselves, or who choose the … Continue reading
Aparecida 497: Pastoral Plan For Communications
Today, we look at some possible initiatives in modern communications media. Before we get to them, a dose of reality: 497. The gospel values must be communicated in a positive and forward looking manner. Many say they are unhappy not … Continue reading
GeE 118: On Humiliations
118. Humility can only take root in the heart through humiliations. Without them, there is no humility or holiness. If you are unable to suffer and offer up a few humiliations, you are not humble and you are not on … Continue reading
Aparecida 496: The Need For Artists
Pope John Paul II had the measure on one of the greatest needs for human culture–not just the world, but also the Church: 496. God is not only the highest Truth. He is also highest Goodness and supreme Beauty. Hence, … Continue reading
GeE 117: Rejoice In The Good Of Others
Leaning to ever more difficult advice, where learning is concerned: 117. It is not good when we look down on others like heartless judges, lording it over them and always trying to teach them lessons. That is itself a subtle … Continue reading
Aparecida 494-495: Faith and Science
As a science-trained citizen, I appreciate this reminder: 494. In the face of the false impression so widespread in our time, that faith and science are incompatible, the Church proclaims that faith is not irrational. “Faith and reason are like … Continue reading
GeE 116: Considering Others Better Than Ourselves
Here’s a point of advice for those who aspire to holiness: 116. Inner strength, as the work of grace, prevents us from becoming carried away by the violence that is so much a part of life today, because grace defuses … Continue reading
Leftovers
Many St Blog’s Catholics were preparing to duck, or plug in the headphones during yesterday’s homily, in case it touched on the so-called “miracle of sharing.” If this theme is anywhere near as common as reported, perhaps it rivals another … Continue reading →