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Monthly Archives: September 2019
Pope Envy
I read Fr James Martin had a half-hour meeting with the world’s most famous Jesuit. Though I don’t want to go there, I can imagine the spinning in some Catholic circles. Why wasn’t time made available for the dubi-cardinals? Was … Continue reading
Christus Vivit 157: A Dream
Continuing “In friendship with Christ,” tying this theme into the Trinity. 157. Jesus can bring all the young people of the Church together in a single dream, “a great dream, a dream with a place for everyone. The dream for … Continue reading
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Sunday of the Word of God
Oh look, a liturgical motu proprio from the pope. This is the second Sunday set aside by Pope Francis for some special observance. No readings changed or will change. Most parishes will probably stick with the tried and true: Catechetical … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 156: Constant Closeness
156. In this way, we can experience a constant closeness to him, greater than anything we can experience with another person: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Do not … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 155: Prayer As Conversation
Continuing on the theme, “In friendship with Christ” we read a bit about prayer. Obviously, we have many ways to pray, but conversation can be daunting. We hear one side, and in order to hear the other, we have to … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 154: Unbreakable Friendship
154. Friendship with Jesus cannot be broken. He never leaves us, even though at times it appears that he keeps silent. Sometimes, when a friend keeps silent, it is a good thing. Not every friend is ready for advice, challenge, … Continue reading
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More Seminary Problems?
Whispered here, a notice of a CARA study on seminarians, finding that three-fourths of them report little of no problems in seminary experience. But with half of seminary rectors and/or bishops declining to let their men respond to the survey, … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 153: Grace Elevates Us To Friendship
The notion of friendship is rooted in the Last Supper account of Saint John. Jesus initiates the friendship, and that makes it a matter of grace: 153. Friendship is so important that Jesus calls himself a friend: “I do not … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 152: Permanent Friendship
152. Friendship is no fleeting or temporary relationship, but one that is stable, firm and faithful, and matures with the passage of time. A relationship of affection that brings us together and a generous love that makes us seek the … Continue reading
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ILP v OCP
I note that Vince Ambrosetti, after twenty-six years, noticed that one of his early songs was supposedly copied into “Christ Be Our Light.” Legal proceedings have been initiated. I met Mr Ambrosetti, musician/composer turned businessman, some years ago when he … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 150-151: In Friendship With Christ
A new theme today, “In friendship with Christ.” It’s another Jesuit theme, and one attached to this rendition of the Spiritual Exercises. 150. No matter how much you live the experience of these years of your youth, you will never … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 148-149: The Effort To Live Fully
Let’s wrap up “A thirst for life and experience.” Remember that we are discussing living in the moment–not living for the moment. There’s a difference: 148. Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyên Van Thuân, when imprisoned in a concentration camp, refused to … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 146-147: The Present Moment
More on “A thirst for life and experience.” 146. How could God take pleasure in someone incapable of enjoying his small everyday blessings, someone blind to the simple pleasures we find all around us? “No one is worse than one … Continue reading
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The 67% Tithe, And Other Employment Matters
Not to belabor connections with the CMAA’s forum, I did find this thread on which I’m in total agreement, sympathy, etc. with the viewpoints expressed there. Regarding the need to support a young family, this comment: Usually priests have no … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Ministry, The Blogosphere
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Catholic Sensibility 
Greta Is Great
Greta Thunberg sure has the powers-that-be on the run. Fox News blunders then admits it. This week she suggests UN world leaders are immature. Last week she said little in the US Congress, but it was enough: I am submitting … Continue reading →