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Monthly Archives: March 2020
Querida Amazonia 66: Inculturation
One might think that inculturation shouldn’t be this hard. Clearly, it wasn’t an issue for Saint Paul, who stood firmly with one foot in his Jewish heritage and another in the Greek-influenced Empire. Over the centuries, the Church has suffered … Continue reading
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OCM 71, 202-204: Eucharistic Prayer
If the wedding is at Mass, there is a directive in the rite for the priest: 71. A commmemoration of the husband and wife in the Eucharistic prayer is made with a formula provided in nos 202-204. I’m not sure … Continue reading
Posted in Rite of Marriage
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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: 1 Kings 19:1-8
One reading for the care of people who are sick and dying is a favorite Old Testament story. It comes after Elijah inflicted a humiliating defeat on the prophets of Baal, much to the dismay of the evil queen Jezebel. … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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Susanna’s Day
The fifth Monday in Lent is a favorite day of mine. I remember fifty years ago when I first heard the story of Susanna at daily Mass. It thrilled me then and still gets a goosebump out of me today. … Continue reading
Querida Amazonia 64-65: On Message With The Kerygma
In his post-synodal exhortation Pope Francis asks if we are on message. Speaking about the “poor and the abandoned,” he states … They have a right to hear the Gospel, and above all that first proclamation, the kerygma, which is … Continue reading
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Donating During Exile
Before the alarm went off this morning, I got a buzz on my bedside phone. It was from Bloodworks. Were they cancelling? I was actually hoping to be able to donate today, and not just an excuse to get out … Continue reading
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Querida Amazonia 62-63: The Message that Needs to Be Heard in the Amazon Region
Pope Francis looks at the challenges of church ministry in his post-synodal exhortation. The first topic in his Ecclesial Dream is “the message that needs to be heard in the Amazon region.” There are many possible messages: 62. Recognizing the many problems … Continue reading
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OCM 70: Preparation of the Gifts
The impulse to be part of the Mass is as old as the celebration itself, Peter’s protests about foot-washing notwithstanding. One small but interesting rubric: 70. If appropriate, at the Preparation of the Gifts the bride and bridegroom may bring … Continue reading
Posted in Rite of Marriage
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A List Of Pandemic Opportunities
The discussion on other social media outlets is more vigorous than it was here on “Whose Sin?” A friend suggested a right response is to repent. I think that can be right. For some people, it may be most right. … Continue reading
Querida Amazonia 61: An Ecclesial Dream
Pope Francis turns to An Ecclesial Dream in his post-synodal exhortation. Chapter four addresses “church stuff.” It seems to me that this addresses the church situation for the particulars of the Amazon region. People outside of this river basin might … Continue reading
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Whose Sin?
Do you see these viruses carrying swords of judgment? Hope not. I’ve seen a few alarmists on social media wondering if the pandemic is God’s punishment for something. Same-sex attraction. Global warming. Something bad, and it usually seems stuff other … Continue reading
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Querida Amazonia 58-60: Ecological Education and Habits
Count me a skeptic on putting too much hope in “education.” Without internal motivation and curiosity, information often goes in one ear and out the other. Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation discusses “ecological education and habits” in the three paragraphs that … Continue reading
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Hint of Sun
Whoa! Hint of sunshine in the neighborhood today. I was up early, did some morning yoga–still a bit sore from yesterday’s workout which was mildly vigorous for an out-of-shape body. Continued with my morning routine of small breakfast, teeth, shower, … Continue reading
Scripture for the Sick or Dying: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
There is a popular saying that Jesus does not give us a cross that is beyond our ability to bear. Serious illness can certainly test that notion. We might be the sick person, or even a helpless caregiver or bystander. … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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Catholic Sensibility 
Post-Pandemic Loyalty
I can understand the impulse to support local business as much as possible during the pandemic. As I was reading stories of worker laments this morning–things a bit beyond the expected furloughs–it got me thinking. On some fronts, it won’t … Continue reading →