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Monthly Archives: May 2021
Fratelli Tutti 184: Pope Benedict Schools Us In Charity
The pope emeritus gives a class in the role of caritas in secular society. People focus too much on his criticism of their favorite boogeymen, and neglect to absorb what he has to say about that act of will we often label … Continue reading
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Populorum Progressio 20: A New Humanism Needed
20. If development calls for an ever-growing number of technical experts, even more necessary still is the deep thought and reflection of wise (women and) men in search of a new humanism, one which will enable our contemporaries to enjoy … Continue reading
Posted in Populorum Progressio, social justice
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Fratelli Tutti 183: Effective Love
The Holy Father devotes three paragraphs to “Effective love.” He cites popes John Paul II and Paul VI: 183. “Social love” [Redemptor Hominis 15] makes it possible to advance towards a civilization of love, to which all of us can … Continue reading
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Populorum Progressio 19: Latent Dangers
A brief thought on progress. Do we see it in collecting material wealth? Sometimes yes. A couple is able to buy a bigger home to house a growing family. Sometimes not: the family size is the same, but the mansion … Continue reading
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Fratelli Tutti 182: Community
Let’s finish political love/charity: 182. This political charity is born of a social awareness that transcends every individualistic mindset: “‘Social charity makes us love the common good’, it makes us effectively seek the good of all people, considered not only … Continue reading
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Scripture for the Sick or Dying: Psalm 23
In considering care for people who are dying, the twenty-third Psalm may offer one of the best options. This would surely be true for private prayer–it might be one of the most memorized* passages in all of the Bible. Neil’s … Continue reading
Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, Scripture
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Populorum Progressio 18: Development In Proper Perspective
18. (Our) personal and collective fulfillment could be jeopardized if the proper scale of values were not maintained. The pursuit of life’s necessities is quite legitimate; hence we are duty-bound to do the work which enables us to obtain them: … Continue reading
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Fratelli Tutti 181: The Synthesis of the Law
Today, Pope Benedict is in the lead-off position: 181. Every commitment inspired by the Church’s social doctrine is “derived from charity, which according to the teaching of Jesus is the synthesis of the entire Law (cf. Mt 22:36-40)”. [Caritas in … Continue reading
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Populorum Progressio 17: Ties With All People
When Pope Paul VI wrote of ties with all, he wasn’t thinking only of human beings who live in the world now, but people who came before us as well as those who will follow. 17. Each man (or woman) … Continue reading
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Holy Ghost Hole
Anybody ever notice such a hole in the ceiling? Or plan to put one in a new church building? According to the wiki: In the Middle Ages, cathedrals and great churches throughout Western Europe were fitted with a peculiar architectural feature … Continue reading
Fratelli Tutti 180: Political Love
This section and the two that follow fall under the heading of “Political love.” What on earth does that mean? 180. Recognizing that all people are our brothers and sisters, and seeking forms of social friendship that include everyone, is … Continue reading
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Populorum Progressio 16: Supernatural Destiny
Let’s have a look at (Woman’s and) Man’s Supernatural Destiny. 16. Self-development, however, is not left up to (our) option. Just as the whole of creation is ordered toward its Creator, so too the rational creature should of (their) own … Continue reading
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More Maturity
In my real life as a citizen, I listen to good advice from people who want to control a pandemic. I began wearing a mask outside of my home and car when I was advised to do so late last … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Politics
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Fratelli Tutti 179: Deficiencies
Piecemeal changes in the modern world will not be enough: 179. Global society is suffering from grave structural deficiencies that cannot be resolved by piecemeal solutions or quick fixes. Much needs to change, through fundamental reform and major renewal. Only … Continue reading
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Catholic Sensibility 
Guilt Tripping? Must Do Better
I’ve noticed that Sunday obligations are popping back up around the US. Personally irrelevant because I’ve been one of those people providing livestreams, then limited worship, then gradual opening up over these past months. In my current parish, attendance has … Continue reading →