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Monthly Archives: October 2019
Christus Vivit 189-190: Listening
Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. Today we continue with a look across the generations: 189. The Bible also tells us: “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your … Continue reading
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Minecraft Church
I posted this on facebook some months ago when I designed a church in the sandbox game Minecraft. My wife thinks I need to do more churches. I rather like universities, gardens, and exploring in a land that stretches as … Continue reading
Christus Vivit 187-188: A Relationship With The Elderly
In Chapter Six, Pope Francis delves into the theme, Young people with roots. Today, a look across the generations with “Your relationship with the elderly.” 187. At the Synod, we heard that “the young are focused on the future and … Continue reading
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An Amazonian Rite
Interesting comment from Pope Francis related on PrayTell. There was talk of a ritual reform, to open to rites. This is within the competence of the Congregation for Divine Worship, and it can do so following the criteria, and I … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 186: Blurring Distinctions In People
In Chapter Six here, Pope Francis continues with the theme, Young people with roots. His Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. A simple caution for those who have any interest at all in young people: … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 184-185: False Cults
Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. As I read his criticism of the deceptions of culture, it strikes me as an offshoot of the call for rights without attention to the responsibility involved. … Continue reading
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Aperuit Illis 15: Finishing With Mary
15. Along our path of welcoming God’s word into our hearts, the Mother of the Lord accompanies us. Accompaniment, you may remember, is a favorite theme of Pope Francis. We go a bit deeper with a preliminary beatitude to the … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 183: Finding Beauty In One’s Roots
More today on “Young people with roots.” Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. First, resist exploitation that emphasizes appearances: 183. Dear young friends, do not let them exploit your youth to promote a shallow … Continue reading
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Aperuit Illis 14: The Transfiguration
On occasion, Pope Francis offers a thought from off the beaten path. I wouldn’t have expected the Transfiguration to be tied closely with the Word, but here it is–the witness of Moses and Elijah: 14. One of the most significant … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 180-182: Don’t Allow Uprooting
In Chapter Six, Pope Francis offers advice: “Don’t allow yourselves to be uprooted.” His Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. Let’s begin with a caution against manipulation: 180. This is an important issue, and I want … Continue reading
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Aperuit Illis 13: Love And Mercy
13. Yet another challenge raised by sacred Scripture has to do with love. God’s word constantly reminds us of the merciful love of the Father who calls his children to live in love. The life of Jesus is the full … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 179: Young People With Roots
In Chapter Six, Pope Francis delves into the theme, Young people with roots. His Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation is on this link at the Vatican site. Let’s begin with a metaphor: 179. I have sometimes seen young and beautiful trees, their … Continue reading
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Aperuit Illis 12: The Prophetic Dimension of Scripture
To be clear, the headline and Pope Francis are not talking about soothsaying the future, but the traditional Judeo-Christian understanding of prophetic witness. Put simply: God speaks to people today–he speaks to all of us, really. Do we draw sustenance … Continue reading
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Christus Vivit 178: Final Thoughts On Courageous Missionaries
Final thoughts on “Courageous missionaries“: 178. Don’t think that this mission is soft and easy. Some young people have given their lives for the sake of missionary outreach. As the Korean bishops put it: “we hope that we can be … Continue reading
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Catholic Sensibility 
Theological Inculturation
I know that church authorities gave Thomas Aquinas a hard time. At first. But it didn’t take long in the vast sweep of ecclesiastical history for the inculturation of a pagan Greek philosopher into Western theology. It’s been amusing to … Continue reading →